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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDraft EIR for TDPUD SOI UpdateNEVADA COUNTY LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION SPHERE OF INFLUENCE UPDATE FOR TRUCKEE DONNER PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT State Clearinghouse No. 2012062081 Prepared for: NEVADA COUNTY LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION 950 MAIDU AVENUE NEVADA CITY, CA 95959 Prepared by: PMG" 2729 PROSPECT PARK DRIVE, SUITE 220 RANCHO CORDOVA, CA 95670 FEBRUARY 2013 NEVADA COUNTY LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION SPHERE OF INFLUENCE UPDATE FOR TRUCKEE DONNER PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT Prepared for: NEVADA COUNTY LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION 950 MAIDU AVENUE NEVADA CITY, CA 95959 Prepared by: PMC 2729 PROSPECT PARK DRIVE, SUITE 220 RANCHO CORDOVA, CA 95670 FEBRUARY 2013 Nevada County Local Agency Formation Commission Richard Anderson County Jeff Bender Districts Robert Bergman Cities Kurt Grundel Districts Paul Norsell, Vice -Chair Public Lisa Swarthout Cities Hank Weston, Chair County Patrick Flora Cities Alternate Nate Beason County Alternate Ed Beckenbach Districts Alternate Josh Susman Cities Alternate SR Jones Executive Officer P. Scott Browne Legal Counsel Deborah Gilcrest Clerk/Analyst Kate Duroux Assistant Clerk LAFCo 950 Maidu Avenue Nevada City, CA 95959-8617 Phone 530 265 7180 Toll Free 888 846 7180 Fax 530 265 9862 E mail lafcokco.nevada.ca.us �17 the IIWh.' 1711'17CI'(/&/C011nfV.00171/11(111(J C0 NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY TRUCKEE DONNER PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT SPHERE OF INFLUENCE UPDATE DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT STATE CLEARINGHOUSE NO 2012062081 FEBRUARY 6, 2013 LEAD AGENCY:Nevada County LAFCo PROJECT TITLE: Truckee Donner Public Utility District (TDPUD) Sphere of Influence (SOI) Update PROJECT LOCATION: TDPUD Sphere of Influence (SOI) area for electric and water services includes areas in the eastern portions of Sierra, Nevada and Placer counties, and the Town of Truckee in the Martis Valley area. PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The proposed project consists of the update of the TDPUD's SOI for electric and water services. This EIR will review two potential SOI boundary options supporting LAFCo's mandated five-year review of the TDPUD SOI and service plan. The first option is identified as the LAFCo-recommended SOI option for both electric and water services, and the second is identified as the District -preferred SOI options for electric and water service. SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS: Nevada County LAFCo has prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) to address the specific environmental effects of establishing the new SOI under both the LAFCo-recommended SOI option and the District -preferred SOI options. The Draft EIR consists of an analysis of the following environmental issue areas that may be impacted by the project: • Land Use • Climate Change and Greenhouse Gases • Secondary Environmental Effects of the Project PUBLIC REVIEW PERIOD/STATUS: A 45-day public review period will be provided to receive written comments on the adequacy of the Draft EIR. The comment period will start on February 6, 2013, and end on March 25, 2013. Written comments should be sent to the following address: SR Jones, LAFCo Executive Officer Nevada County LAFCo 950 Maidu Avenue Nevada City, CA 95959-8617 Phone: 530-265-7180 Email: SR.Jones@co.nevada.ca.us PUBLIC MEETING: A public meeting to receive comments on the adequacy of the Draft EIR will be held on March 21, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. at Truckee Town Council Chambers at 10183 Truckee Airport Road, Truckee, CA 96161 before the Nevada County LAFCo. AVAILABILITY OF THE DRAFT EIR: Copies of the Draft EIR are available for review at the following location as well as on-line at http://www.mynevadacounty.com/nc/lafco/Pages/Home.aspx Nevada County LAFCo 950 Maidu Avenue Nevada City, CA 95959-8617 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Purpose of the EIR......................................................................................................................... 1.0-1 1.2 Intended Uses of the EIR.............................................................................................................. 1.0-1 1.3 Relationship to Municipal General Plans................................................................................. 1.0-1 1.4 Trustee and Responsible Agencies........................................................................................... 1.0-2 1.5 Organization and Scope............................................................................................................ 1.0-2 1.6 Environmental Review Process................................................................................................... 1.0-4 1.7 Comments Received on the Notice of Preparation............................................................. 1.0-5 1.8 Impact Terminology..................................................................................................................... 1.0-5 2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION 2.1 Regional Location........................................................................................................................ 2.0-1 2.2 Project Setting............................................................................................................................... 2.0-1 2.3 Project Objectives........................................................................................................................ 2.0-2 2.4 Project Characteristics................................................................................................................. 2.0-2 2.5 Project Description....................................................................................................................... 2.0-5 2.6 Intended uses of the EIR and Approval Process..................................................................... 2.0-9 3.0 INTRODUCTION TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS AND ASSUMPTIONS USED 3.1 Land Use and Population............................................................................................................3.1-1 3.2 Climate Change and Greenhouse Gases.............................................................................. 3.2-1 3.3 Secondary Environmental Effects of the Project....................................................................3.3-1 4.0 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES 4.1 Introduction...................................................................................................................................4.0-1 4.2 Alternatives Under Consideration............................................................................................. 4.0-1 4.3 Alternative 1 - No Project........................................................................................................... 4.0-2 4.4 Alternative 2 - Combined Sphere of Influence Area............................................................ 4.0-4 4.5 Alternative 3 - Northstar Only..................................................................................................... 4.0-6 4.6 Alternative 4 - Reduced Stampede Reservoir Area............................................................. 4.0-8 4.7 Environmentally Superior Alternative......................................................................................4.0-10 5.0 LONG-TERM IMPLICATIONS OF THE PROJECT 5.1 Significant and Unavoidable Environmental Effects............................................................. 5.0-1 6.0 REPORT PREPARERS Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF TABLES 3.1-1 General Plan Designations and Acreage for the Proposed SOls....................................3.1-5 3.2-1 Greenhouse Gases................................................................................................................... 3.2-2 3.2-2 Global Warming Potential for Greenhouse Gases.............................................................3.2-3 3.2-3 Potential Statewide Impacts from Climate Change.........................................................3.2-4 3.2-4 Estimated Greenhouse Gas Emissions - Maximum Growth Potential in LAFCo- Recommended TDPUD Sphere of Influence (Metric Tons per Year)............................3.2-13 3.2-5 LAFCo-Recommended TDPUD Sphere of Influence Greenhouse Gas Emissions per ServicePopulation.................................................................................................................. 3.2-13 3.2-6 Estimated Greenhouse Gas Emissions - Maximum Growth Potential in District -Preferred Sphere of Influence (Metric Tons per Year).......................................................................3.2-14 3.2-7 District -Preferred Sphere of Influence Greenhouse Gas Emissions per Service Population......................................................... 3.2-15 3.2-8 Recommended Actions of Climate Change Scoping Plan...........................................3.2-16 3.2-9 AB 32 Compliance..................................................................................................................3.2-18 3.2-10 Maximum Growth Potentail in District -Preferred SOI Electrical Energy Demand and Greenhouse Gas Emissions (Metric Tons per Year) - Liberty Utilities as ServiceProvider.......................................................................................................................3.2-22 3.2-1 1 Maximum Growth Potentail in District -Preferred SOI Electrical Energy Demand and Greenhouse Gas Emissions (Metric Tons per Year) - Truckee Donner Public Utility District asService Provider..................................................................................................................3.2-22 3.2-12 Total Electric Energy Demand and Renewable Energy Mix - Liberty Utilities and Truckee Donner Public Utility District.................................................3.2-23 3.3-1 Summary of Select Criteria Air Pollutants' Common Sources and Effects .....................3.3-2 3.3-2 Vegetation Community Types in Project Area....................................................................3.3-4 3.3-3 Development Potential of LAFCo-Recommended SOI (Near Term and Long Term).................................................................................................. 3.3-26 3.3-4 Development Potential of District -Preferred SOI for Electric Service ............................ 3.3-29 3.3-5 Development Potential of District -Preferred SOI for Water Service ............................... 3.3-34 4.0-1 Comparison of Alternatives to the Proposed Project......................................................4.0-10 LIST OF FIGURES 2.0-1 TDPUD Existing SOI.....................................................................................................................2.0-3 2.0-2 Nevada LAFCo-Recommended SOI.....................................................................................2.0-7 2.0-3 District -Preferred Electric SOI.................................................................................................2.0-1 1 2.0-4 District -Preferred Water SOI................................................................................................... 2.0-13 APPENDICES Appendix 1.0 Nop/Initial Study/Comments Appendix 3.2-A CalEEmod Modeling Results Appendix 3.3-A Mitigating Policies and Measures Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 ES EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ES EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This section provides an overview of the project and the environmental analysis. For additional detail regarding specific issues, please consult the appropriate section of the environmental analysis (i.e., Sections 3.1 through 3.3). ES1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT This Environmental Impact Report (EIR) has been prepared by the Nevada County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) to analyze the potential environmental effects associated with implementation of the proposed Sphere of Influence Update for the Truckee Donner Public Utility District (TDPUD; District) in Nevada, Placer, and Sierra counties, California. This EIR evaluates environmental impacts within the TDPUD service area for both the LAFCo-recommended Sphere of Influence (SOI) and the District -preferred SOL The current TDPUD SOI boundary, which was established in 1983 and updated in 1998, encompasses the Town of Truckee and unincorporated areas of Nevada and Placer counties adjacent to the town. ES2 PROJECT SUMMARY The TDPUD is a multicounty special district that provides water and electric utility services. The District currently serves approximately 12,500 water customers and 13,000 electricity customers. The electricity department owns and operates approximately 133 miles of primary overhead and 82 miles of primary underground electrical distribution circuits. Power is provided through 4 electrical substations and 15 distribution circuits throughout Truckee. The TDPUD provides electricity to residential, commercial, and other uses within the boundaries of the district. The TDPUD water system includes 216 miles of pipeline, 16 active wells, and 33 storage reservoirs. Groundwater comes from the Martis Valley Groundwater Basin. The proposed project consists of the update of the TDPUD's SOL This EIR will review two potential SOI boundary options supporting LAFCo's mandated five-year review of the TDPUD SOI and service plan. The first option is identified as the LAFCo-recommended SOI option, and the second is identified as the District -preferred SOI option. ES3 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES SUMMARY CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.6 requires that an EIR describe a range of reasonable alternatives to the project that could feasibly attain the basic objectives of the project and reduce the degree of environmental impact. Section 4.0, Project Alternatives, provides a qualitative analysis of four scenarios: • Alternative 1 - No Project Alternative • Alternative 2 - Combined Sphere of Influence Area • Alternative 3 - Northstar Only • Alternative 4 - Reduced Stampede Reservoir Area Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report ES-1 ES EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ES4 AREAS OF CONTROVERSYASSUES TO BE RESOLVED Nevada County LAFCo was identified as the lead agency for the proposed project. In accordance with Section 15082 of the CEQA Guidelines, Nevada County LAFCo prepared and distributed a Notice of Preparation (NOP) of an EIR on June 29, 2012. See Section 1.0, Introduction, for an expanded discussion of the NOP process and project -related comments from interested parties. ES5 SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS Table ES-1 displays a summary of project impacts and proposed mitigation measures that would avoid or minimize potential impacts. In the table, the level of significance is indicated both before and after the implementation of each mitigation measure. For detailed discussions of all mitigation measures and policies that would provide mitigation for each type of environmental impact addressed in this Draft EIR, refer to the appropriate environmental topic section (i.e., Sections 3.1 through 3.3). Implementation of the proposed project is anticipated to result in an updated TDPUD Sphere of Influence (either LAFCo-recommended or District -preferred). Neither of the proposed SOI updates (LAFCo-recommended or TDPUD-preferred) would specifically implement or directly result in the construction of any new facilities at this time. Neither Nevada County LAFCo nor the TDPUD has any land use regulatory authority within the Sphere of Influence area. The jurisdiction for land use matters for all of the land areas within the proposed SOI would remain with either Nevada County, Sierra County, Placer County, or the Town of Truckee, and neither Nevada County LAFCo nor the TDPUD has the authority to facilitate future development in a manner different than is currently outlined by these jurisdictions in their applicable general plans. However, the establishment of a new SOI is the first step in a series of actions that could provide water and electrical service to land areas within the Town of Truckee, Placer County, Sierra County and Nevada County that could support growth and development consistent with these agencies' general plans and any development approvals currently in place. CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.2(b) requires an EIR to discuss unavoidable significant environmental effects, including those that can be mitigated but not reduced to a level of insignificance. Of the potential environmental impacts discussed in the DER, three are considered significant and unavoidable. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 ES-2 ES EXECUTIVE SUMMARY TABLE ES-1 SUMMARY OF IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES Level of Impact' ` Significance Mitigation Measure Resulting Level Without of Significance Mitigation Land Use Impact 3.1.1 The LAFCo-recommended and TDPUD- LS (LAFCo- MM 3.1.1 Should Nevada County LAFCo wish to adopt LS preferred update of the Sphere of Influence recommended the TDPUD-preferred Sphere of Influence for for the TDPUD would not conflict with only) electric and water services, the sphere of local agency land use policies or PS (TDPUD- influence plan shall include a policy that regulations. However, the TDPUD- preferred SOI annexations will be approved only when the preferred SOI update (electric and water) electric and land use designation of the subject territory would conflict with Nevada County LAFCo water) indicates development potential that requires policies related to the extent of the SOI the support of water and/or electrical service. boundaries. This impact is potentially significant for the TDPUD-preferred SOI update for both electric and water service. Impact 3.1.2 The proposed update of the Sphere of LCC None required. LCC Influence for the TDPUD would not conflict with local agency land use policies or regulations. The proposed project would also not contribute to any consistency issues associated with applicable land use policies and regulations (except for the project -specific effect identified and addressed under Impact 3.1.1). Climate Change and Greenhouse Gases Impact 3.2.1 The proposed project could result in a net CC None available. SU increase in greenhouse gas emissions and could result in a significant impact on the environment. Impact 3.2.2 Implementation of the proposed project LCC None required. LCC could result in a net increase in greenhouse gas emissions, yet would not conflict with S — Significant CC — Cumulatively Considerable LS — Less Than Significant SU — Significant and Unavoidable NI — No Impact PS — Potentially Significant LCC — Less than Cumulatively Considerable CS — Cumulatively Significant SM — Significant but Mitigatable Sphere of Influence Update — Truckee Donner Public Utility District Draft Environmental Impact Report ES-3 Nevada County LAFCo February 2013 ES EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Level of Impact Significance Mitigation Measure Resulting Level Without of Significance Mitigation the goals of AB 32, and thus would not result in a significant impact on the environment. Secondary Environmental Effects of the Project Impact 3.3.1 The proposed update of the Spheres of S None available. SU Influence for the TDPUD would establish land areas eligible for future annexation into the District and the provision of water and electric service. The potential future annexation and service provision by the TDPUD set forth by the establishment of the new SOls could induce growth or a concentration of population that may result in physical environmental impacts. Impact 3.3.2 The proposed project, along with all CC None available. SU existing, approved, proposed, and reasonably foreseeable development in Nevada County, could induce growth or a concentration of population that may result in physical environmental impacts. S — Significant CC — Cumulatively Considerable LS — Less Than Significant SU — Significant and Unavoidable NI — No Impact PS — Potentially Significant LCC — Less than Cumulatively Considerable CS — Cumulatively Significant SM — Significant but Mitigatable Sphere of Influence Update — Truckee Donner Public Utility District Draft Environmental Impact Report ES-4 Nevada County LAFCo February 2013 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.0 INTRODUCTION This Draft Environmental Impact Report (Draft EIR; DEIR) was prepared in accordance with and in fulfillment of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines. An environmental impact report (EIR) is described in CEQA Guidelines Section 15121 (a) as a public informational document that analyzes the significant environmental effects of a project, identifies ways to minimize the significant impacts, and describes reasonable alternatives to the project. Public agencies are charged with the duty to consider and minimize environmental impacts of proposed development where feasible, and obligated to balance a variety of public objectives including economic, environmental, and social factors. CEQA requires that an EIR be prepared by the agency with primary responsibility over the project (the lead agency). 1.1 PURPOSE OF THE EIR CEQA requires the preparation of an EIR prior to approving any project that may have a significant effect on the environment. Therefore, pursuant to CEQA, the Nevada County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo), acting as the lead agency, has prepared this Draft EIR to provide the public with information about the potential environmental effects of the proposed scenarios of the Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update for the Truckee Donner Public Utility District (proposed project; project). For the purposes of CEQA, the term "project" refers to the whole of an action which has the potential for resulting in a direct physical change or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378[a]). With respect to the proposed project, Nevada County LAFCo has determined that adoption and implementation of the proposed project is a project within the definition of CEQA. 1.2 INTENDED USES OF THE EIR The Cortese -Knox -Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000 requires Nevada County LAFCo to adopt and routinely update the Sphere of Influence (SOI) for all applicable jurisdictions in the county. An SOI is defined by Government Code Section 56076 as "a plan for the probable physical boundary and service area of a local agency as determined by the commission." As part of the decision -making process, Nevada County LAFCo is required to review and consider the potential environmental effects that could result from the proposed project. This EIR has been prepared in a manner that provides complete and adequate CEQA coverage for all actions and approvals associated with the proposed project. These actions include approval of one of the two proposed SOI update options proposed for the Truckee Donner Public Utility District (described in detail in Section 2.0, Project Description). This Draft EIR is intended to evaluate the environmental impacts of implementation of the proposed project and to serve as an informational document for the public agency decision - makers and the public regarding the proposed project. This Draft EIR, in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15126, should be used as the primary environmental document to evaluate all actions associated with the project. 1.3 RELATIONSHIP TO MUNICIPAL GENERAL PLANS The Truckee Donner Public Utility District (TDPUD; District) is a multicounty special district that provides water and electric utility services. The current TDPUD Sphere of Influence boundary, which was established in 1983, with the Nevada County portion updated in 1998, encompasses most of the lands within the Town of Truckee and adjacent unincorporated areas of Nevada Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 1.0-1 1.0 INTRODUCTION and Placer counties. The lands involved in the SOI update are within the Town of Truckee, Nevada County, Sierra County, and Placer County, which are areas regulated by the Town of Truckee General Plan (2005), the Nevada County General Plan (1994), the Sierra County General Plan (1996), and the Martis Valley Community Plan (Placer County 2003a). (The Placer County General Plan defers to the Martis Valley Community Plan Land Use Diagram to provide the specific land use designations for the areas of Placer County (Martis Valley) affected by the proposed project.) Pursuant to Sections 15168 and 15161 of the CEQA Guidelines which address project and program environmental impact reports, respectively, and utilizing the provisions established via CEQA Guidelines Section 15150, Incorporation by Reference, this Draft EIR will utilize and draw upon the analysis and conclusions of previously completed environmental impact reports completed for programs and projects within the proposed project area. Existing environmental documents which are intended to be utilized and relied upon for this project include program EIRs prepared and certified for the Town of Truckee General Plan, Nevada County General Plan, and Martis Valley Community Plan. 1.4 TRUSTEE AND RESPONSIBLE AGENCIES For the purpose of CEQA, the term "trustee agency" means a state agency having jurisdiction by law over natural resources affected by a project which are held in trust for the people of the State of California. The term "responsible agency" includes all public agencies other than the lead agency that may have discretionary actions associated with the proposed project. For this action, the Nevada County Local Agency Formation Commission has been identified as the CEQA lead agency. While portions of the project area could be located outside of Nevada County and inside both Sierra and Placer counties, Nevada LAFCo is the sole determiner of the TDPUD's SOI. The proposed project would not specifically implement or directly result in the construction of any new facilities. Neither Nevada County LAFCo nor the TDPUD has any land use regulatory authority within the SOI area. The jurisdiction for land use matters for all of the land areas within the proposed SOls would remain with either the Town of Truckee, Nevada County, Sierra County, or Placer County, and neither Nevada County LAFCo nor the TDPUD has the authority to facilitate future development in a manner different than is currently outlined by these jurisdictions in their applicable general plans. As a result, there are no interests that concern trustee agencies or responsible agencies in the proposed project. 1.5 ORGANIZATION AND SCOPE Sections 15122 through 15132 of the CEQA Guidelines identify the content requirements for Draft and Final EIRs. An EIR must include a description of the environmental setting, an environmental impact analysis, mitigation measures, alternatives, identification of significant irreversible environmental impacts, and growth -inducing and cumulative impacts. The environmental issues addressed in the Draft EIR were established through review of environmental documentation developed for the site, environmental documentation for nearby projects, and responses to the Notice of Preparation (NOP). Based upon these comments, agency consultation, and review of the project application, Nevada County LAFCo determined the scope for this Draft EIR. This Draft EIR is organized in the following manner: Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 1.0-2 1.0 INTRODUCTION EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This section provides a project narrative and identifies environmental impacts and mitigation measures through a summary matrix consistent with CEQA Guidelines Section 15123. SECTION 1.0 - INTRODUCTION Section 1.0 provides an introduction and overview of the EIR. SECTION 2.0 - PROJECT DESCRIPTION This section provides a detailed description of the proposed project, including intended objectives, background information, and physical and technical characteristics. SECTION 3.0 - ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING, IMPACTS, AND MITIGATION MEASURES Section 3.0 contains an analysis of environmental topic areas as identified below. Each subsection contains a description of the existing setting of the project area and of the regulatory environment, identifies standards of significance, identifies project -related impacts, and recommends mitigation measures. The following major environmental topics are addressed in this section: • 3.1 - Land Use and Population • 3.2 - Climate Change and Greenhouse Gases • 3.3 - Secondary Environmental Effects of the Project SECTION 4.0 - PROJECT ALTERNATIVES CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.6 requires that an EIR describe a range of reasonable alternatives to the project which could feasibly attain the basic objectives of the project and avoid and/or substantially lessen the any of the significant effects of the project. This section discusses alternatives to the proposed project, including the CEQA mandatory "No Project" alternative, that are intended to avoid or reduce significant environmental impacts of the proposed project. SECTION 5.0 - LONG-TERM IMPLICATIONS OF THE PROJECT This section contains discussions and analysis of significant environmental effects that cannot be avoided if the project is implemented. SECTION 6.0 - REPORT PREPARERS This section lists all authors and agencies that assisted in the preparation of the EIR by name, title, and company or agency affiliation. Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 1.0-3 1.0 INTRODUCTION APPENDICES This section includes all notices and other procedural documents pertinent to the EIR, as well as all technical material prepared to support the analysis. 1.6 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW PROCESS The review and certification process for the EIR will involve the following procedural steps: NOTICE OF PREPARATION AND INITIAL STUDY In accordance with Section 15082 of the CEQA Guidelines, Nevada County LAFCo prepared a Notice of Preparation (NOP) of an EIR for the project on June 29, 2012. The NOP was circulated to the public, local, state, and federal agencies, and other interested parties to solicit comments on the proposed project. The 30-day comment period closed on July 30, 2012. The NOP and comments from interested parties are presented in Appendix 1.0-A. DRAFT EIR This document constitutes the Draft EIR. The Draft EIR contains a description of the project, description of the environmental setting, identification of project impacts, and mitigation measures for impacts found to be significant, as well as an analysis of project alternatives. Upon completion of the Draft EIR, Nevada County LAFCo will file the Notice of Completion (NOC) with the California Office of Planning and Research to begin the public review period (Public Resources Code Section 21161). PUBLIC NOTICE/PUBLIC REVIEW Concurrent with the NOC, Nevada County LAFCo will provide public notice of the availability of the Draft EIR for public review and invite comment from the general public, agencies, organizations, and other interested parties. Public comment on the Draft EIR will be accepted in written form via common carrier or in electronic mail (e-mail) form. Public comment will also be accepted orally at public hearings. Notice of the time and location of the hearing will be published prior to the hearing. All comments or questions regarding the Draft EIR should be addressed to: SR Jones, LAFCo Executive Officer NEVADA COUNTY LAFCo 950 Maidu Avenue Nevada City, CA 95959-8617 RESPONSE TO COMMENTS/FINAL EIR Following the public review period, a Final EIR will be prepared. The Final EIR will respond to written comments received during the public review period and contain any revisions to the Draft EIR. CERTIFICATION OF THE EIR/PROJECT CONSIDERATION Nevada County LAFCo will review and consider the Final EIR and may certify the Final EIR if it also finds that the Final EIR is adequate and complete. The rule of adequacy generally holds Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 1.0-4 1.0 INTRODUCTION that the EIR can be certified if it shows a good faith effort at full disclosure of environmental information and provides sufficient analysis to allow decisions to be made regarding the project in contemplation of its environmental consequences. Upon review and consideration of the Final EIR, Nevada County LAFCo may take action to recommend approval, revise, or reject either of the two separate TDPUD Sphere of Influence scenarios. A decision to approve either scenario (LAFCo-recommended or District -preferred) would be accompanied by written findings in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15091. If applicable, Nevada County LAFCo may approve one of the project scenarios even with significant and unavoidable environmental impacts by making a finding of overriding considerations as outlined in Section 15093. 1.7 COMMENTS RECEIVED ON THE NOTICE OF PREPARATION Nevada County LAFCo received six comment letters on the NOP for the Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update for the Truckee Donner Public Utility District project Draft EIR. The NOP and comments from interested parties, which included Placer County, the TDPUD, Liberty Energy, and Placer LAFCo, are presented in Appendix 1.0-A. Major issues addressed in the project comments are summarized below. PLANNING The Nevada County LAFCo-recommended scenario that results in the Truckee Donner Public Utility District providing water and electricity services within a SOI where it has been determined that infill development would most likely occur, mainly in Nevada County, is preferred. • A Truckee Donner Public Utility District SOI that does not include lands within the Placer County Water Agency service area is preferred. OTHER Any work or traffic control that encroaches onto a state right-of-way will require an encroachment permit that is issued by Caltrans. 1.8 IMPACT TERMINOLOGY This Draft EIR uses the following terminology to describe environmental effects of the proposed project: Standards of Significance: A set of criteria used by the lead agency to determine at what level or "threshold" an impact would be considered significant. Significance criteria used in this EIR include the CEQA Guidelines; factual or scientific information; regulatory performance standards of local, state, and federal agencies; and jurisdictional goals, objectives, and policies. Less Than Significant Impact: A less than significant impact would cause no substantial change in the environment. No mitigation is required. Significant Impact: A significant impact would cause, or would potentially cause, a substantial adverse change in the physical conditions of the environment. Significant impacts are identified by the evaluation of project effects using specified standards of Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 1.0-5 1.0 INTRODUCTION significance. Mitigation measures and/or project alternatives are identified to reduce project effects to the environment. Cumulatively Significant Impact: A cumulatively significant impact would result in a new substantial change in the environment from effects of the project when evaluated in the context of reasonably foreseeable development in the surrounding area. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 1.0-6 1.0 INTRODUCTION REFERENCES Nevada County. 1994. Nevada County General Plan (amended through 2010). 1995. Nevada County General Plan Draft Environmental Impact Report. Placer County. 1994. Placer County General Plan. 2003a. Mortis Valley Community Plan. 2003b. Mortis Valley Community Plan Final Environmental Impact Report. Sierra County. 1996. Sierra County General Plan. Truckee, Town of. 2005. Town of Truckee 2025 General Plan. 2006. Town of Truckee 2025 General Plan Draft Environmental Impact Report. Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 1.0-7 Z.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION 2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION This section of the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR; Draft EIR) is the project description for the proposed Sphere of Influence Update for the Truckee Donner Public Utility District (TDPUD; District) (proposed project; project). The purpose of the project description is to describe the project in a way that will be meaningful to the public, reviewing agencies, and decision -makers. As described in Section 15124 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, a complete project description must contain the following information but is not required to supply extensive details beyond that needed for evaluation and review of the environmental impact: • The location of the proposed project; • A statement of project objectives; • A general description of the project's technical, economic, and environmental characteristics; and • A statement briefly describing the intended uses of the EIR. 2.1 REGIONAL LOCATION This EIR evaluates potential environmental impacts within the TDPUD Sphere of Influence (SOI). This area encompasses two identifiable population centers, the Town of Truckee and the Martis Valley, as well as sparsely populated surrounding territories. The current TDPUD SOI also extends south of Truckee into Placer County in Martis Valley. Martis Valley includes the Northstar community and the territory served by the Northstar Community Services District (NCSD). 2.2 PROJECT SETTING The TDPUD is a multicounty special district that provides water and electric utility services to the Town of Truckee and to unincorporated areas of Nevada and Placer counties adjacent to the town. The TDPUD boundary area also includes much of the western and northern portions of the Town's Sphere of Influence. The District currently serves approximately 13,000 electricity customers and 12,500 water customers. The electricity department owns and operates approximately 133 miles of primary overhead and 82 miles of primary underground electrical distribution circuits. Power is provided through 4 electrical substations and 15 distribution circuits throughout Truckee. The TDPUD also provides power to the western portion of the Glenshire community through a distribution feed that is shared with NV Energy (also known as California Pacific Electric Company, LLC (CalPeco) dba Liberty Utilities). The TDPUD is a transmission -dependent utility (TDU) of NV Energy and has a Network Integrated Transmission Service (NITS) agreement with NV Energy that enables the TDPUD to utilize the NV Energy transmission system for delivery of electricity to the District's electric distribution system. The TDPUD has an ownership interest in the Nebo Natural Gas Generation facility and has several contracts with differing terms and durations by which it purchases electricity. The TDPUD provides electricity to residential, commercial, and other uses within the boundaries of the district, which include portions of Martis Valley adjacent to the Town of Truckee. The TDPUD purchases its energy through bilateral contracts with entities outside the Truckee area. Power is brought to the District's four substations and one metering point over NV Energy's transmission system. It is then distributed over the District's 15 individual circuits to approximately 13,000 electric customers. The TDPUD provides electric service within both Nevada and Placer counties, and it serves customers in the downtown Truckee area, Gateway, Meadow Park, the Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 2.0-1 2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION Armstrong and Blitz tracts, Donner Lake, Tahoe Donner, Sierra Meadows, Ponderosa Palisades, Ponderosa Ranchos, Prosser Heights, Prosser Lakeview, Sugar Pine Estates, Olympic Heights, and portions of Glenshire. Liberty Utilities and Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) serve surrounding areas. The TDPUD water system includes 216 miles of pipeline, 16 active wells, and 33 storage reservoirs. Groundwater comes from the Martis Valley Groundwater Basin. The quality of the water taken from this area is considered excellent for drinking water. The Martis Valley Groundwater Basin can sustain groundwater extraction of 24,700 acre-feet per year (AFY) without adversely affecting the long-term storage of the basin, and current groundwater usage is estimated at approximately 9,151.7 AFY. This means approximately 15,500 AFY of groundwater are currently available for extraction on a long-term sustainable basis. Total water demand for the Truckee and Martis Valley area under buildout conditions is estimated to be 22,224 acre-feet per year. The current SOI for the TDPUD was established in 1983, and the Nevada County portion was updated in 1998. The TDPUD electric service SOI was determined to be almost conterminous with the TDPUD's electric service area; thus, the electrical service area is somewhat smaller than the District's boundaries as it does not include the eastern portion of Glenshire. Since that time, the District has annexed territory at the request of landowners, primarily within the boundaries of the Town of Truckee. In Placer County, the SOI consists of two areas bisected by State Route (SR) 89. To the east of the highway, the short-term SOI around Sierra Meadows extends all the way to the Northstar community. The western portion, identified as the 20-year or long-term SOI, includes approximately 30 sections, or 4,800 acres, extending all the way to the base of the Sierra Nevada range. Figure 2.0-1 shows the current SOI boundary for the TDPUD for both electric and water service. 2.3 PROJECT OBJECTIVES The objectives of the proposed project are to: Update the TDPUD SOI as required by the Cortese -Knox -Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000 Sections 56425 and 56430, consistent with public service conditions present or reasonably foreseeable in the proposed SOI amendment area. 2.4 PROJECT CHARACTERISTICS The Cortese -Knox -Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000 requires local agency formation commissions to adopt a sphere of influence for each agency in its jurisdiction; the act also requires LAFCo to review and update each agency's sphere of influence at least every five years. An SOI is defined by Government Code 56076 as "a plan for the probable physical boundary and service area of a local agency, as determined by the commission [LAFCo]." All LAFCo actions must be consistent with the relevant sphere plan. Section 56076 of the Government Code defines a sphere of influence as "a plan for the probable physical boundary and service area of a local agency or municipality as determined by the Commission." Nevada County LAFCo's policies require a sphere of influence plan to include a sphere map and phased plan for annexation of the depicted territory defining the probable boundary of the agency's service area 20 years hence (the long-term horizon) and identifying a near -term development horizon defining the agency's logical boundary for lands likely to be annexed prior to the next sphere review or update (typically within five years). The phased annexation plan may include specific conditions for particular areas that must be satisfied before annexations may occur. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 2.0-2 o 1 Figure 2.0-1 MILES N Existing Sphere of Influence PMC` -ft--- 2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION As a public agency subject to the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act, LAFCo is required to review and consider the potential environmental effects that could result from the proposed project. The proposed project consists of the update of the District's SOI. This EIR will review two potential SOI boundary alternatives associated with Nevada County LAFCo's mandated five-year review of the TDPUD Sphere of Influence. The first alternative is identified as the LAFCo-recommended SOI alternative, and the second is identified as the District -preferred SOI alternative. It is noted that both alternatives establish separate electrical and water service sphere boundaries. It is again noted that neither of the proposed scenarios —the LAFCo-recommended or the District -preferred scenarios —would specifically implement or directly result in the construction of any new facilities. The action of Nevada County LAFCo on this matter is the first action in a series of actions and approvals that would need to occur prior to any physical development activity. Neither Nevada County LAFCo nor the TDPUD has any land use regulatory authority or land use approval authority. The jurisdiction for land use matters for all of the land areas within the proposed SOI would remain with either the Town of Truckee, Nevada County, Sierra County, or Placer County, and neither Nevada County LAFCo nor the TDPUD has the authority to facilitate future development in a manner different than is currently outlined by these jurisdictions in their applicable general plans. 2.5 PROJECT DESCRIPTION As stated in Section 1.0, Introduction, upon review and consideration of the Final EIR, Nevada County LAFCo may take action to approve, revise, or reject either of the two separate TDPUD SOI scenarios evaluated in the EIR. These two scenarios are described below. NEVADA COUNTY LAFCo-RECOMMENDED SPHERE OF INFLUENCE BOUNDARY The LAFCo-recommended SOI for the TDPUD is described below and includes distinct sphere boundaries for each of the District's services. In general, the LAFCo-recommended SOI does not include areas that are not expected or anticipated to require District services. As required by Commission policy, the LAFCo-recommended SOI defines the probable boundary of the agency's service area 20 years hence (the long-term horizon) as well as a near -term development horizon for lands likely to be annexed prior to the next sphere review or update (typically within five years). The SOI also designates an area of concern to indicate an area in which the land use actions of one agency may have impact on another. Electric Service: Includes the TDPUD's current electric service area as well as developed areas within and adjacent to the Town of Truckee, including some lands in Placer County. Figure 2.0-2 presents the LAFCo-recommended SOI boundary for the TDPUD. Water Service: As shown in Figure 2.0-2, the LAFCo-recommended SOI boundary for water service includes lands within the Town of Truckee and adjacent to the town. Near -Term Sphere for Water Service Area 1: Includes properties within the northern -most quadrant of the Town of Truckee in the Stampede Meadows area, south of Interstate 80. Most of these parcels are developed for residential use. Area 2: Includes residential properties in unincorporated Placer County along Pine Cone Drive. Most of these properties are already connected to the District's Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 2.0-5 2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION water distribution system. In 2012, the District applied to Placer LAFCo for annexation of these properties. o Area 3: Includes several residentially developed properties in unincorporated Placer County adjacent to the northern border of the county along Martis Road. In 2012, the District applied to Placer LAFCo for annexation of these properties. o Area 4: Includes several parcels developed for professional use in unincorporated Placer County adjacent to the northern border of the county at Northshore Boulevard along State Route 89. In 2012, the District applied to Placer LAFCo for annexation of these properties. • Near -Term Sphere for Electric Service o Area 6: Includes properties owned by Union Pacific Railroad in Placer County south of Donner Lake following the route of the rail line. Union Pacific Railroad (UPR) has requested service, Liberty Utilities has agreed to allow the District to provide service, and the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has given Liberty Utilities its approval. In 2012, the District applied to Placer LAFCo for annexation of these properties. o Area 7: Includes several properties in Placer County owned by the Truckee Tahoe Airport District. In 2012, the District applied to Placer LAFCo for annexation of these properties. • Near -Term Sphere for Electrical and Water Service o Area 5: Includes several residentially developed properties in unincorporated Placer County around the intersection of State Route 89 and West River Street. In 2012, the District applied to Placer LAFCo for annexation of these properties. Long -Term Sphere for Water Service o Area 8: Includes the Hobart Mills area in unincorporated Nevada County. This area, designated for Planned Development, is the site of a soil and bark processing operation. o Area 9: Includes several properties within the Town of Truckee Sphere of Influence designated by the Town's General Plan for Planned Residential Development. o Area 10: Includes several properties within the Town of Truckee and east of Glenshire Drive that have been considered for development formerly known as Tahoe Boca Estates and now called Canyon Springs. The Town of Truckee is processing an application but is waiting for the environmental impact report to be completed; the schedule for development and the need for services is uncertain. o Area 11: Includes a single property within the Town of Truckee's Sphere of Influence designated for Planned Residential Development by the Town's General Plan. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 2.0-6 KV , W. - R Nevada County a I I I � 1 '1 89 Prosser E Creek Reservoir de j r \ � O O O SEE INSET sh a 91vr 1 O IThe spun O r15 ng Maps, 2012; County of Nevada, 2012: Truckee Sanitation District, 2012 1 0 1 MILES N Tahoe National z I Boca 4eservarr I 894I Fla-istvn I I ® Hinton lcelanc I � I 5 ©L s O _ 5 I I ru. I I I I I Dry I i take I � Placer County Legend ® Truckee Donner Public Utility District QTruckee Town Limit Sphere of Influence Near -term SOI Long-term SOI I_ _I Area of Concern Figure 2.0-2 LAFCo Recommended Sphere of Influence PMC® 2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION • Long -Term Sphere for Electric Service: Because areas outside the District's current electrical service area are currently served by other providers and due to the constraints on expansion of the electric utility service territory, no long-term sphere is proposed at this time. • Areas of Concern: The area of concern includes portions of Nevada County that are within the existing Sphere of Influence (last updated in 1998). The areas to the west and north are designated forestlands. It is unlikely that the area will be developed, but it may affect the District if Nevada County were to entertain a development proposal. TRUCKEE DONNER PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT -PREFERRED SPHERE OF INFLUENCE BOUNDARY The District -preferred SOI boundary includes separate boundaries for electrical and water service. The District -preferred SOI boundary (Figures 2.0-3 and 2.0-4) proposes to maintain most of the area of the current TDPUD SOI for both water and electric services; however, it would expand the electrical sphere to include certain areas as described below. • Northstar Area: Addition of 3 square miles encompassing the Northstar area. Hobart Mills and Russell Valley Area: Addition of 25.5 square miles, including Hobart Mills, Russell Valley, and north to the Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility. This area extends into Sierra County. The District is currently under contract with the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) for hydroelectric generation located at the Stampede Reservoir dam. The District also indicates the potential for a renewable generation project in the Hobart Mills area. The District's preferred water sphere includes the territory included in the existing SOI, including: • West: Includes lands north and south of Interstate 80 adjacent to the District's western boundary. This area is primarily designated Forest by the Nevada County General Plan. • North: Includes several sections north of the District's boundaries adjacent to State Route 89, including Prosser Lake. This area is primarily designated Forest by the Nevada County General Plan; most lands are in public ownership. • East: Includes lands east of the District's boundaries, including lands designated by the Nevada County General Plan for Forest, Open Space, and Planned Development use. Also includes the Juniper Hills area, an area that has been developed residentially with private wells and septic systems, including four large parcels in the Juniper Hills subdivision which have District -owned facilities located on the property. • Placer Martis Valley: Includes a large area south of the District's boundaries extending to the Northstar Community Services District's northern boundary. This area includes the Lahontan and Martis Camp subdivisions. • Placer south of Donner Lake: Includes a large area south of Donner Lake. Lands are designated by the Placer County General Plan for Forest use. 2.6 INTENDED USES OF THE EIR AND APPROVAL PROCESS Nevada County LAFCo will review and consider the Final EIR and may certify the Final EIR if it also finds that the Final EIR is adequate and complete. Upon review and consideration of the Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 2.0-9 2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION Final EIR, Nevada County LAFCo may take action to recommend approval, revise, or reject either of the two separate TDPUD Sphere of Influence scenarios. A decision to approve either scenario (LAFCo-recommended or District -preferred) would be accompanied by written findings in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Sections 15091 and 15093. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 2.0-10 SYampetle ftererron d � 25.5 Square Miles add added to Sphere if � ' of Influence ^J ierra Count Nevada County r— r /+ 4 ti fl • Tahoe Donner J � — Mil s Nevada County Placer County Donner Lake r /r IF Legend Electric Preferred Sphere of Influence L• �.� f � 2002 Electric Sphere of Influence ISource: Truckee Donner Public Utilities District JOT TO SCALE / N z ' m dN S 0 0 C O 3 � Hobart Mills Prosser Lake i • - d N o� z- Prosser Lakeview v. o m schdalP = Y` m w GlenshireAdt6 j� 8 Square Miles removed from Sphere of Influence Juniper Hills nos take••\\��\\L111-- Airport r n N Sierra Meadows , - m Lahontan 0 0 Martis Camp 67 3 Square Miles added to Sphere of Influence i Figure 2.0-3 TDPUD Preferred Electric SOI Vmco SYampetle fte j' Terra Count . _ - _ — Nevada CountyZoe �� z ' Rus A• f 0 .—,f Hobart Mills �T _ R JI es ` F Prosser Lake . y � N r �\ 0 --- Prosser Lakeview J i — schdale fl• Tahoe Donner d Glenshire Armstrong Gateway ` / mans take Donn —ke Airport Nevada County -0 - — m Placer County Donner Lake s 0 r Sierra Meadows t7 m Lahontan o 0 ? o `d Shaded Area is NOT included in 2011 ' Ho star Water Spere of Influence s � fY'A •�• Martis Camp �• �.. _ 88 67 Legend r; Water Preferred Sphere of Influence . J 2002 Water Sphere of Influence _ Northstar Community Services _ ISource: Truckee Donner Public Utilities District NOT TO SCALE / N Figure 2.0-4 TDPUD Preferred Water SOI PMG' 3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS 3.0 INTRODUCTION TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS AND ASSUMPTIONS USED The following is an introduction to the environmental analysis for the proposed project, including a discussion of general assumptions used in the analysis and a discussion regarding the cumulative analysis. The reader is referred to the individual technical sections of this Draft EIR (Sections 3.1 through 3.3) for further information on the specific assumptions and methodologies used in the analysis for each particular technical subject. ANALYSIS ASSUMPTIONS USED TO EVALUATE THE IMPACTS OF THE PROJECT As stated in Section 2.0, Project Description, the Cortese -Knox -Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000 requires the Nevada County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) to update the sphere of influence (SOI) for all applicable jurisdictions in the county. An SOI is defined by Government Code 56076 as "a plan for the probable physical boundary and service area of a local agency as determined by the commission." LAFCo's future actions relative to the District (e.g., annexation of lands requiring the District's services) must be consistent with the SOL As part of the decision -making process, Nevada County LAFCo is required to review and consider the potential environmental effects that could result from the proposed Truckee Donner Public Utility District (TDPUD; District) Sphere of Influence Update. The proposed project consists of the update of the District's SOI. This EIR will review two potential SOI boundary alternatives. The first is identified as the LAFCo-recommended SOI alternative, and the second is identified as the District -preferred SOI alternative. Neither scenario proposes the change of any existing land use designations or directly facilitates the construction of any physical infrastructure. Although local agency formation commissions are prohibited from requiring changes in land use or zoning, the LAFCo must consider land use and related service needs when determining the appropriate SOI for an agency. While the proposed project would not specifically implement or directly result in the construction of any new facilities, the SOI determines the areas the district may annex and serve, and may therefore indirectly facilitate the future development of these areas. Neither Nevada County LAFCo nor the TDPUD has any land use regulatory authority within the SOI area. The jurisdiction for land use matters for all of the land areas within the proposed SOI would remain with either the Town of Truckee, Nevada County, Sierra County, or Placer County, and neither Nevada County LAFCo nor the TDPUD has the authority to facilitate future development in a manner different than is currently outlined by these jurisdictions in their applicable general plans. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORTS USED IN THIS EIR Pursuant to Sections 15168 and 15161 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, which address project and program environmental impact reports, respectively, and utilizing the provisions established via CEQA Guidelines Section 15150, Incorporation by Reference, this Draft EIR will utilize and draw upon the analysis and conclusions of previously completed environmental impact reports completed for programs and projects within the proposed project area. Existing environmental documents which are intended to be utilized and relied upon for this project include the program EIRs and/or other environmental documentation prepared and certified for the Town of Truckee General Plan (2006), Nevada County General Plan (1995), Sierra County General Plan (1996), Placer County General Plan (1994) and Martis Valley Community Plan (Placer County 2003). (The Placer County General Plan defers to the Martis Valley Community Plan Land Use Diagram to provide the specific land use designations for the areas of Martis Valley affected by the proposed project.) These environmental documents, along with various other adopted and/or certified environmental documents, will be employed and relied upon for this effort because the geography of their analysis is consistent with the area of the proposed SOI options being considered for this effort (see analysis in Section 3.3). Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.0-1 3.0 INTRODUCTION TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS AND ASSUMPTIONS USED STRUCTURE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS Sections 3.1 through 3.3 of this Draft EIR contain a detailed description of current setting conditions (including applicable regulatory setting) and an evaluation of the direct and indirect environmental effects resulting from implementation of the proposed project. The individual technical sections of the Draft EIR include the following information: Existing Setting This subsection includes a description of the physical setting associated with the technical area of discussion, consistent with CEQA Guidelines Section 15125. The existing setting is based on conditions as they existed when the Notice of Preparation for the proposed project was released on June 29, 2012. Regulatory Framework This subsection identifies applicable federal, state, regional, and local plans, policies, laws, and regulations that apply to the technical area of discussion. Impacts and Mitigation Measures Numerous mitigations have been adopted by the land use agencies (Town of Truckee and Sierra, Nevada, and Placer counties) relative to impacts resulting from growth and development within the project area (see Section 3.1). This section identifies impacts of both of the proposed SOI scenarios, the significance of the impact, and whether feasible mitigation is available to LAFCo to address the impact. APPROACH TO THE CUMULATIVE IMPACT ANALYSIS Definition of Cumulative Setting CEQA Guidelines Section 15130 requires that EIRs include an analysis of the cumulative impacts of a project when the project's effect is considered cumulatively considerable. Cumulative environmental effects of the proposed project are generally based on information provided in the Town of Truckee General Plan (2005) and Town of Truckee General Plan EIR (2006), the Nevada County General Plan (1994) and Nevada County General Plan EIR (1995), the Sierra County General Plan (1996), Placer County General Plan (1994) and the Martis Valley Community Plan (Placer County 2003a) and Martis Valley Community Plan EIR (Placer County 2003b), with identification of the project's contribution to the cumulative condition and updated information on the cumulative setting based on currently approved and proposed development projects in the Town of Truckee and/or in the counties. (See Section 3.1 for a discussion of proposed and approved development projects in the proposed SOI areas.) Consideration of Cumulative Impacts Each technical section in the Draft EIR considers whether the project's effect on anticipated cumulative setting conditions is cumulatively considerable (i.e., a significant effect). The determination of whether the project's impact on cumulative conditions is considerable is based on applicable public agency standards, consultation with public agencies, and/or expert opinion. In addition, as described above, the environmental effects of potential development of the proposed project are considered in the cumulative impact analysis. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 3.0-2 3.0 INTRODUCTION TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS AND ASSUMPTIONS USED REFERENCES Nevada County. 1994. Nevada County General Plan (amended through 2010). 1995. Nevada County General Plan Draft Environmental Impact Report. Placer County. 1994. Placer County General Plan. 2003a. Mortis Valley Community Plan. 2003b. Mortis Valley Community Plan Final Environmental Impact Report. Sierra County. 1996. Sierra County General Plan. Truckee, Town of. 2005. Town of Truckee 2025 General Plan. 2006. Town of Truckee 2025 General Plan Draft Environmental Impact Report. Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.0-3 3.1 LAND USE 3.1 LAND USE This section of the Draft EIR addresses the potential environmental impacts of the project associated with land use. Existing land uses in the project area are characterized in the context of the Nevada County, Sierra County, Placer County, and Town of Truckee general plans and zoning ordinances, as well as other adopted plans and policies. 3.1.1 EXISTING SETTING PROJECT AREA The Truckee Donner Public Utility District (TDPUD; District) is a multicounty special district that provides water and electric utility services to areas within the Town of Truckee and to unincorporated areas of Nevada and Placer counties adjacent to the town. The TDPUD Sphere of Influence (SOI) encompasses two identifiable population centers, the Town of Truckee and Martis Valley, as well as sparsely populated surrounding territories. The TDPUD Sphere of Influence also extends south of Truckee into Placer County in Martis Valley. Martis Valley includes the Northstar community and the territory served by the Northstar Community Services District (NCSD). EXISTING LAND USES Regional Land Use Conditions The Truckee -Tahoe region is composed of areas of Nevada and Placer counties, the Town of Truckee, and part of the State of Nevada's Washoe County. Land use in the region is primarily associated with leisure, tourism, and outdoor recreational activities. The region is dominated by national forests, Lake Tahoe, and several large state parks, although regional attractions also include the Town of Truckee, the Truckee River, the Truckee -Tahoe Airport, Donner Lake, Squaw Valley, and Alpine Meadows. The Town of Truckee, with the highest density of historic sites in California, initially developed around the emigrant trail, served soon after as a station for the Transcontinental Railroad and was later known for logging and winter sports. Lake Tahoe, often referred to as the Jewel of the Sierra, attracts visitors from around the world. World -class ski resorts in the area, including Northstar-at-Tahoe, Heavenly Valley, Boreal Ridge, Squaw Valley, and Alpine Meadows, offer a variety of winter recreational activities. In addition, a wide variety of summer activities can be found in the region, including golf, water sports, hiking, fishing, and mountain biking. The region also contains many residential developments, a large concentration of secondary or recreational homes, public and private recreational areas and facilities, and commercial and industrial areas. Project Area Land Use Conditions A wide range of existing land uses characterize the project area, consisting of the urban areas (residential, commercial, industrial, and public uses) of the Town of Truckee and adjoining areas, rural residential uses, and forested and open space along the perimeter of the project area. The California Department of Finance estimates that the Nevada County unincorporated area has a current (2012) population of 65,564 and 31,738 dwelling units, while the Town of Truckee is estimated at a population of 15,918 and 12,845 dwelling units. Placer County's unincorporated area in 2012 had a population of 245,872 and 98,331 dwelling units. Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.1-1 3.1 LAND USE Based on a review of geographic information system (GIS) data for the project area, the LAFCo- recommended SOI area currently contains 129 dwelling units and an estimated population of 297, while the TDPUD-preferred electric SOI area currently contains 2,408 dwelling units and an estimated population of 5,538 and the TDPUD-preferred water SOI area contains 756 dwelling units and an estimated population of 1,739. Significant transportation features in the project area include Interstate 80, State Route 89, State Route 267, and the Truckee -Tahoe Airport. Significant natural resources in the project area include the forests, the Truckee River, Donner Lake, Martis Creek, Martis Reservoir, Dry Lake, Prosser Creek Reservoir, Stampede Reservoir, and Boca Reservoir. 3.1.2 REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FEDERAL AND STATE There are no applicable federal or state regulations. REGIONAL Nevada County LAFCo Policies for Spheres of Influence The Cortese -Knox -Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000 requires Nevada County LAFCo to update the SOI for all applicable jurisdictions in the county. An SOI is defined by Government Code Section 56076 as "a plan for the probable physical boundary and service area of a local agency determined by the commission." LAFCo must consider and prepare a written statement of its determinations regarding the SOI with respect to the following four factors, as stated in Section 56425(e) of the Government Code: 1) The present and planned land use in the area, including agricultural and open -space lands. 2) The present and probable need for public facilities and services in the area. 3) The present capacity of public facilities and adequacy of public services provided by the agency. 4) Any social or economic communities of interest in the area that the commission determines are relevant to the agency. General policies regarding the boundaries of proposed and updated SOls include the following: 1. Consistency Reguirement. Every Sphere of Influence Plan must be consistent with LAFCo's policies and procedures, the State Legislature's policy direction to LAFCo, the sphere plans of all other agencies in the area, the commission's statement of written determinations with respect to its review of municipal services in the area, and with the long-range planning goals for the area. 2. Sphere Boundaries. When establishing the boundaries of a sphere of influence for an agency, LAFCo will consider the factors listed in Section 56425(e) of the Government Code as noted above. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 3.1-2 3.1 LAND USE With respect to Factor 2), above, LAFCo will not include lands that are unlikely to require the services provided by the agency —for example, lands not designated for development by the applicable general plan, territory where development is constrained by topographical factors, or areas where the projected and historical growth rates do not indicate a need for service within the time frame of the sphere plan. With respect to Factor 3), above, LAFCo will not include areas in an agency's sphere of influence which cannot feasibly be served by the agency within a time frame consistent with the sphere plan. Policy 8 of Subsection D (Amendments and Updates of Spheres) also prohibits the expansion of SOls to include open space or prime agricultural land if there is sufficient alternative land available for annexation within the existing SOI. LOCAL Town of Truckee Gp.nPral Plan The General Plan is a legal document that serves as the "constitution" for the community's land use and development activities. California Government Code Section 65300 requires that the General Plan be a comprehensive, long-term document for the physical development of the town. As part of this development, future growth must be examined. The Truckee General Plan (2005) addresses many issues that are directly related to and influence land use decisions. In addition to land use, state law requires general plans to address circulation, housing, conservation of natural resources, preservation of open space, the noise environment, and protection of public safety (California Government Code Section 65302). These issues are discussed in the General Plan to the extent that they apply to Truckee. The Truckee General Plan also addresses community character and economic development as topics of special interest. Related to land use, the Truckee General Plan identifies specific goals, policies, and actions. Zoning Regulations The Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map of the Town of Truckee, found in the Town's Development Code (Title 18), provide specific development and land use regulations for Truckee. The Zoning Ordinance is designed to implement the General Plan and promote, protect, and preserve the general public health, safety, and welfare of the Town of Truckee. Nevada County General Plan The Nevada County General Plan was adopted in 1995 and amended in 2010. The General Plan encompasses all unincorporated areas of the county and serves as the overall guiding policy document for land use, development, and environmental quality for Nevada County. The Land Use Map of the General Plan designates the general distribution and intensity of all uses of land in the area through the land use designations. As part of the General Plan, the Land Use Map is the site -specific map that illustrates the desired arrangement and location of land uses. The Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.1-3 3.1 LAND USE Land Use Element of the General Plan identifies land use goals, objectives, and policies designed to balance growth between rural and urban areas, as well as providing a balance between housing, employment, natural resources, and services in the county. Zoning Ordinance The Nevada County Zoning Ordinance (Chapter II of the Land Use and Development Code) provides specific development and land use standards for all unincorporated areas of the county with the intent of implementing and ensuring consistency with the goals, objectives, and policies of the Nevada County General Plan. The Zoning Ordinance sets forth zoning districts for the unincorporated areas of the county, with regulations for each district governing the uses of land and structures and comprehensive site development standards. Sierra County ranaral Plan The Sierra County General Plan was adopted in 1996. The General Plan encompasses all unincorporated areas of the county and serves as the overall guiding policy document for land use, development, and environmental quality for Sierra County. The Land Use Map of the General Plan designates the general distribution and intensity of all uses of land in the area through land use designations. As part of the General Plan, the General Plan Land Use Map is the site -specific map that illustrates the desired arrangement and location of land uses. The Land Use Element of the General Plan identifies land use policies designed to balance growth between rural and Community Core Areas or Community Influence Areas. County Code The County Code regulates land use and zoning (Part 14 and 15). Part 15 sets forth zoning provisions and districts for the unincorporated areas of the county, with regulations for each district governing the uses of land and structures and comprehensive site development standards. Placer County General Plan (Martis Valley Community Plan) The Placer County General Plan was adopted in 1994. The General Plan encompasses all unincorporated areas of the county and serves as the overall guiding policy document for land use, development, and environmental quality for Placer County. The Placer County General Plan consists of two types of documents: the Countywide General Plan and a set of more detailed community plans covering specific areas of the unincorporated county. The Countywide General Plan provides an overall framework for development of the county and protection of its natural and cultural resources. The goals and policies contained in the Countywide General Plan are applicable throughout Placer County, except to the extent that County authority is preempted by cities within their corporate limits. Community plans, such as the Martis Valley Community Plan, provide a more detailed focus on specific geographic areas within the unincorporated county. The goals and policies contained in the community plans supplement and elaborate upon, but do not supersede, the goals and policies of the Countywide General Plan. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 3.1-4 3.1 LAND USE General Plan (Martis Valley Community Plan) The Placer County General Plan was adopted in 1994. The General Plan encompasses all unincorporated areas of the county and serves as the overall guiding policy document for land use, development, and environmental quality for Placer County. The Placer County General Plan consists of two types of documents: the Countywide General Plan and a set of more detailed community plans covering specific areas of the unincorporated county. Placer Countv Zoning Code The Placer County Zoning Ordinance is Chapter 17 of the Placer County Code. It is currently in its ninth edition and was printed in February 2005. The primary purposes of the Zoning Ordinance are to carry out the goals and objectives of the County General Plan and community plans, manage land use in a manner that will assure the orderly development and beneficial use of the unincorporated areas of the county, manage the distribution of population, protect and preserve important features of the county's natural environment, and reduce public hazards resulting from the inappropriate location, use, or design of buildings and land uses. Summary of Truckee and Nevada County General Plan Designations Table 3.1-1 identifies the acreage and land use designation of the proposed SOls. TABLE 3.1-1 GENERAL PLAN DESIGNATIONS AND ACREAGE FOR THE PROPOSED SOIS Land Use Designation Acreage Development Potential Nevada County General Plan Open Space 12.9 LAFCo-Recommended No development potential. This designation allows only recreation or very low -intensity limited uses, such as, but not limited to, visual corridor preservation, interconnecting wildlife corridors, slope protection, preservation of ditches, railroad rights -of -way, historic trails, agriculture, and timber production. 174.1 TDPUD-Preferred Electric 564.8 TDPUD-Preferred Water Recreation 9.0 LAFCo-Recom mended Designation provides for a wide range of recreation uses and supporting services. Such uses may include destination resorts, including country clubs, ski resorts, golf clubs and golf courses, marinas, campgrounds providing a full range of services, and other similar uses. 9.0 TDPUD-Preferred Electric 9.0 TDPUD-Preferred Water Forest-640 14.8 LAFCo-Recommended Designation provides for production and management (including timber harvesting and related operations) of timber resources and for compatible recreational and low -density residential uses. 6,826.8 TDPUD-Preferred Electric 6,826.8 TDPUD-Preferred Water Forest-160 5.7 LAFCo-Recommended Designation provides for production and management (including timber harvesting and related operations) of timber resources and for compatible recreational and low -density residential uses. 2,233.2 TDPUD-Preferred Electric 4,013.7 TDPUD-Preferred Water Forest-80 0 LAFCo-Recommended Designation provides for production and management (including timber harvesting and related operations) of timber resources and for compatible recreational and low -density residential uses. 133.5 TDPUD-Preferred Electric 133.5 TDPUD-Preferred Water Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.1-5 3.1 LAND USE Land Use Designation Acreage Development Potential Forest-40 0 LAFCo-Recom mended Designation provides for production and management (including timber harvesting and related operations) of timber resources and for compatible recreational and 567.5 TDPUD-Preferred Electric 808.9 TDPUD-Preferred Water low -density residential uses. Rural-30 14.9 LAFCo-Recommended Designation provides for development of compatible uses within a rural setting. Such uses may include rural residential (depending on the specific development 158.0 TDPUD-Preferred Electric pattern and character of an area, availability of public facilities and services, and environmental constraints), agricultural operations and supporting agricultural production, natural resource production and 158.0TDPUD-Preferred Water management, and low -intensity recreation. Rural-20 0 LAFCo-Recom mended Designation provides for development of compatible uses within a rural setting. Such uses may include rural residential (depending on the specific development 1,444.6 TDPUD-Preferred Electric pattern and character of an area, availability of public facilities and services, and environmental constraints), agricultural operations and supporting agricultural production, natural resource production and 2,607.2 TDPUD-Preferred Water management, and low -intensity recreation. Rural-10 0 LAFCo-Recom mended Designation provides for development of compatible uses within a rural setting. Such uses may include rural residential (depending on the specific development 3.4 TDPUD-Preferred Electric pattern and character of an area, availability of public facilities and services, and environmental constraints), agricultural operations and supporting agricultural production, natural resource production and 3.4 TDPUD-Preferred Water management, and low -intensity recreation. Rural-5 5.9 LAFCo-Recommended Designation provides for development of compatible uses within a rural setting. Such uses may include rural residential (depending on the specific development 5.9 TDPUD-Preferred Electric pattern and character of an area, availability of public facilities and services, and environmental constraints), agricultural operations and supporting agricultural production, natural resource production and 5.9 TDPUD-Preferred Water management, and low -intensity recreation. Estate 3.1 LAFCo-Recom mended Designation provides for low -density residential development at a minimum lot size of 3 acres per dwelling unit in areas which are essentially rural in 7.6 TDPUD-Preferred Electric 7.6 TDPUD-Preferred Water character. High Density 3.4 LAFCo-Recom mended Designation provides for high -density residential Residential development (up to 20 dwelling units per acre). This 3.4 TDPUD-Preferred Electric acreage includes a Mobile Home combining zoning district that is consistent with the current development of the site. 3.4 TDPUD-Preferred Water Planned 976.0 LAFCo-Recom mended The Hobart Mills Master Plan is located in this designation Development and is approved for a 30-acre industrial park, 40 acres of 1,782.5 TDPUD-Preferred Electric recreation, and 63 acres of open space. The remaining land area is zoned as an Interim Development Reserve that holds the land for future development proposals. 3,435.5 TDPUD-Preferred Water Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 3.1-6 3.1 LAND USE Land Use Designation Acreage Development Potential Neighborhood 12.9 LAFCo-Recommended Designation is intended to provide a wide variety of Commercial commercial uses to support the local geographic area. 12.9 TDPUD-Preferred Electric 12.9 TDPUD-Preferred Water Sierra County General Plan Forest (Federal 0 LAFCo-Recom mended Designation is applied to areas containing significant Ownership) natural resources, including forestland and recreation opportunities. No development or lot splits are allowed 1,431 TDPUD-Preferred Electric 0 TDPUD-Preferred Water in this designation. Rural Land 0 LAFCo-Recommended Designation consists of forestland and rangeland with limited residential development. 153 TDPUD-Preferred Electric 0 TDPUD-Preferred Water Rural Residential 0 LAFCo-Recom mended Designation provides for low -density residential development. 11 TDPUD-Preferred Electric 0 TDPUD-Preferred Water Town of Truckee General Plan Resource 268.9 LAFCo-Recom mended Designation is applied to areas containing significant Conservation/Open natural resources, including forestland and rangeland, Space open space uses such as bikeways, trails, and other public areas, lands with environmentally sensitive 268.9 TDPUD-Preferred Electric features such as important wildlife habitat, wetlands, and 268.9 TDPUD-Preferred Water wildlife movement corridors, areas containing significant scenic vistas, and areas containing important mineral resources. Residential 1 171.0 LAFCo-Recom mended Designation applies to areas of existing residential land dwelling unit/10 uses and to areas which, based on their proximity to acres 171.0 TDPUD-Preferred Electric existing residential areas, are determined appropriate for new clustered residential development. 171.0 TDPUD-Preferred Water Residential 0.5-1 248.5 LAFCo-Recom mended Designation applies to areas of existing residential land dwelling unitlacre uses and to areas which, based on their proximity to existing residential areas, are determined appropriate for new clustered residential development. 251.4 TDPUD-Preferred Electric 251.4 TDPUD-Preferred Water Placer County General Plan/Martis Valley Community Plan Open Space/Water 253.1 LAFCo-Recom mended Designation is intended to identify and protect important greenbelt and open space lands, including national forest lands or other public lands specifically reserved or 3,975.5 TDPUD-Preferred Electric proposed for watershed preservation, outdoor recreation, wilderness or wildlife/environmental preserves, scenic corridors, planned greenbelts within major residential developments, and sites or portions of sites with natural 3,521.6 TDPUD-Preferred Water features such as unique topography, vegetation, habitat, or stream courses. Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update — Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.1-7 3.1 LAND USE Land Use Designation Acreage Development Potential Forest/Timberland 2,758.2 LAFCo-Recommended Designation is applied to mountainous areas of the 80-acre minimum county where the primary land uses relate to the growing and harvesting of timber and other forest products, 18,381.6 TDPUD-Preferred together with limited, low -intensity public and Electric commercial recreational uses. Allowable residential development in areas designated Timberland includes one principal dwelling and one secondary dwelling per 18,381.6 TDPUD-Preferred Water lot and caretaker/employee housing. Forest/Timberland 40 606.9 LAFCo-Recom mended Designation is applied to mountainous areas of the -acre minimum county where the primary land uses relate to the growing and harvesting of timber and other forest products, 2,609.5 TDPUD-Preferred Electric together with limited, low -intensity public and commercial recreational uses. Allowable residential development in areas designated Timberland includes one principal dwelling and one secondary dwelling per 2,061.5 TDPUD-Preferred Water lot and caretaker/employee housing. Forest/Timberland 0 LAFCo-Recom mended Designation is applied to mountainous areas of the 20-acre minimum county where the primary land uses relate to the growing and harvesting of timber and other forest products, 157.4 TDPUD-Preferred Electric together with limited, low -intensity public and commercial recreational uses. Allowable residential development in areas designated Timberland includes one principal dwelling and one secondary dwelling per 157.4 TDPUD-Preferred Water lot and caretaker/employee housing. Forest/Timberland 2.3 LAFCo-Recom mended Designation is applied to mountainous areas of the 10-acre minimum county where the primary land uses relate to the growing and harvesting of timber and other forest products, 2.3 TDPUD-Preferred Electric together with limited, low -intensity public and commercial recreational uses. Allowable residential development in areas designated Timberland includes one principal dwelling and one secondary dwelling per 2.3 TDPUD-Preferred Water lot and caretaker/employee housing. Public 17.1 LAFCo-Recommended Designation provides for government or special district owned and operated facilities, including quasi -public 20.3 TDPUD-Preferred Electric facilities that may be found in a variety of urban and rural settings. The designation is applied to areas with existing 17.1 TDPUD-Preferred Water public or quasi -public facilities and land uses or to publicly owned (or proposed) lands intended for development with public facilities. Low Density 41.5 LAFCo-Recommended Designation is applied to areas suitable for single-family Residential 0.1-1.0 residential development. 1,422.3 TDPUD-Preferred Electric dwelling units/acre 1,421.2 TDPUD-Preferred Water Low Density 23.8 LAFCo-Recommended Designation is applied to areas suitable for single-family Residential 3.1-5.0 residential development. 1,284.0 TDPUD-Preferred Electric dwelling units/acre 866.7 TDPUD-Preferred Water Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 3.1-8 3.1 LAND USE Land Use Designation Acreage Development Potential Medium Density Residential 7.1-10.0 dwelling units/acre 10.1 LAFCo-Recommended Designation is applied to areas suitable for single-family residential development as well as for some multi -family units. 413.6 TDPUD-Preferred Electric 86.4 TDPUD-Preferred Water High Density Residential 20.0+ dwelling units/acre 3.7 LAFCo-Recommended Designation provides for residential neighborhoods of grouped or clustered duplexes, apartments, and other multiple -family attached dwellings such as condominiums. 12.7 TDPUD-Preferred Electric 3.7 TDPUD-Preferred Water Commercial (General, Tourist/Resort) 1.0 LAFCo-Recommended Designation identifies a variety of commercial uses. With the exception of mountain ski resorts, residential development is also allowed at a density of 15 dwelling units per acre. 63.2 TDPUD-Preferred Electric 6.3 TDPUD-Preferred Water Professional Office 0 LAFCo-Recommended Designation is applied for office uses. 6.4 TDPUD-Preferred Electric 5.4 TDPUD-Preferred Water Source: Placer County, Nevada County, and Town of Truckee GIS mapping data 2012, Placer County 1994, Nevada County 1994, Sierra County 1996; Town of Truckee 2005 3.1.3 IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES STANDARDS OF SIGNIFICANCE The impact analysis provided below is based on the CEQA Guidelines Appendix G thresholds of significance as adopted by Nevada County LAFCo. These thresholds indicate that a project would have a significant impact if it would: 1) Physically divide an established community. 2) 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 mitigation an environmental effect. 3) Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan. The Initial Study prepared for the proposed project determined that the approval of either of the proposed SOls would not place structures and/or land uses incompatible with existing land use or otherwise disrupt or divide the physical arrangement of an established community and would not conflict with an applicable land use plan. There are also no habitat conservation plans or natural community conservation plans in the proposed SOI areas. Thus, standards of significance 1 and 3 are not addressed in this EIR. Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update — Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.1-9 3.1 LAND USE The establishment of new SOls is the first step in a series of actions that could provide TDPUD water and electric service to land areas within the Town of Truckee and Sierra, Nevada, and Placer counties which could support growth and development consistent with these agencies' general plans and any development approvals that are currently in place. The secondary environmental effects of supported growth include land use impacts, which are addressed in Section 3.3, Secondary Environmental Effects of the Project, of this Draft EIR. METHODOLOGY Evaluation of potential land use impacts of the proposed project was based on review of planning documents pertaining to the proposed project areas of each of the separate SOI scenarios, respectively (LAFCo-recommended and District -preferred), including the Sierra County General Plan, Town of Truckee General Plan, Nevada County General Plan, Placer County General Plan, and Martis Valley Community Plan. IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES Consistency with Applicable Plans and Policies (Standard of Significance 2) Impact 3.1.1 The LAFCo-recommended and TDPUD-preferred update of the Sphere of Influence for the TDPUD would not conflict with local agency land use policies or regulations. However, the TDPUD-preferred SOI update (electric and water) would conflict with Nevada County LAFCo policies related to the extent of the SOI boundaries. This impact is potentially significant for the TDPUD- preferred SOI update for both electric and water service. Local A�!encv Land Use Policv and Rep-ulation Consistenc The establishment of the new Sphere of Influence for the TDPUD under the proposed scenarios would not change or conflict with Sierra County, Town of Truckee, Nevada County, or Placer County general plan and zoning designations, as the SOI is associated with the future provision of water and electric service. The future provision of electric and water service would assist the project area in attaining the extent of development anticipated in the general plans (see Tables 3.3-3 through 3.3-5 regarding extent of development potential). It should be noted that some of this growth (rural development) could occur without the proposed update of the SOI given that electric and water service can also be provided through wells or the Placer County Water Agency (Placer County only) and electrical service by private company service providers. Thus, the proposed project under the proposed SOI scenarios would not result in any conflicts with land use policies and standards of the local land use agencies. Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Policies The proposed new Sphere of Influence under the LAFCo-recommended TDPUD SOI would consist of land areas designated for development, with most of these areas located within or adjacent to the Truckee town limit. Some of these land areas within the near -term SOI are currently developed with residential uses (e.g., portions of area 4; see Figure 2.0-2). Long-term SOI land areas are largely undeveloped but have land use designations that provide for development and are adjacent to the Town of Truckee (with the exception of area 7, Hobart Mills —an approved industrial project). Thus, the LAFCo-recommended TDPUD SOI is consistent with general policies 1 (Consistency Requirement) and 2 (Sphere Boundaries), as well as with Policy 8 (Open Space and Prime Agricultural Land) of Subsection D (Amendments and Updates of Spheres). Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 3.1-10 3.1 LAND USE As noted in Section 2.0, Project Description, the TDPUD-preferred SOI boundary includes separate boundaries for electrical and water service. The District -preferred SOI boundary (Figures 2.0-3 and 2.0-4) proposes to maintain most of the area of the current TDPUD SOI for both water and electric service; however, it would expand the electrical sphere to include certain areas as described below. • Northstar Area: Addition of 3 square miles encompassing the Northstar area. Hobart Mills and Russell Valley Area: Addition of 25.5 square miles, including Hobart Mills, Russell Valley, and north to the Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility. This area extends into Sierra County. The District is currently under contract with the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) for hydroelectric generation located at the Stampede Reservoir dam. The District also indicates the potential for a renewable generation project in the Hobart Mills area. The District's preferred water sphere includes the territory included in the existing SOI, including: • West: Includes lands north and south of Interstate 80 adjacent to the District's western boundary. This area is primarily designated Forest by the Nevada County General Plan. • North: Includes several sections north of the District's boundaries adjacent to State Route 89, including Prosser Lake. This area is primarily designated Forest by the Nevada County General Plan; most lands are in public ownership. • East: Includes lands east of the District's boundaries, including lands designated by the Nevada County General Plan for Forest, Open Space, and Planned Development use. Also includes the Juniper Hills area, an area that has been developed residentially with private wells and septic systems, including four large parcels in the Juniper Hills subdivision which have District -owned facilities located on the property. • Placer Martis Valley: Includes a large area south of the District's boundaries extending to the Northstar Community Services District's northern boundary. This area includes the Lahontan and Martis Camp subdivisions. • Placer south of Donner Lake: Includes a large area south of Donner Lake. Lands are designated by the Placer County General Plan for Forest use. While the TDPUD-preferred SOI for electric and water service would include land areas that could utilize these services, the SOI update includes a substantial amount of designated open space in Nevada and Placer (Martis Valley Community Plan area) counties beyond what is proposed under the LAFCo-recommended SOI update (see Table 3.1-1). This would conflict with LAFCo general policy 2 (Sphere Boundaries). Mitigation Measures MM 3.1.1 Should Nevada County LAFCo wish to adopt the TDPUD-preferred Sphere of Influence for electric and water service, the sphere of influence plan shall include a policy that annexations will be approved only when the land use designation of the subject territory indicates development potential that requires the support of water and/or electrical service. Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.1-11 3.1 LAND USE Implementation of the above mitigation measure would ensure that if the TDPUD-preferred Sphere of Influence for electric and water service is approved, large land areas that are designated as open space will not be included. This impact would be reduced to less than significant. 3.1.4 CUMULATIVE SETTING, IMPACTS, AND MITIGATION MEASURES CUMULATIVE SETTING The cumulative setting for potential population growth inducement with the proposed project includes approved and proposed development in the Town of Truckee as well as in the surrounding areas of Nevada County. For the purposes of evaluating the potential cumulative impacts of the proposed project, all foreseeable development within and adjacent to the proposed project area is considered. As such, the cumulative development analysis includes consideration of planned projects in both TDPUD Sphere of Influence proposal scenarios as well as the Truckee Sanitary District Sphere of Influence update. Cumulative Consistency with Applicable Plans and Policies (Standard of Significance 2) Impact 3.1.2 The proposed update of the Sphere of Influence for the TDPUD would not conflict with local agency land use policies or regulations. The proposed project would also not contribute to any consistency issues associated with applicable land use policies and regulations (except for the project -specific effect identified and addressed under Impact 3.1.1). This impact is less than cumulatively considerable for both scenarios. As stated under Impact 3.1.1, there no conflicts with Town of Truckee, Nevada County, Sierra County, or Placer County land use policies or regulations. The proposed project (under the proposed scenarios) is consistent with these agencies' land use provisions and would not contribute to any conflicts under cumulative conditions. Thus, this impact is less than cumulatively considerable. Implementation of mitigation measure MM 3.1.1 would mitigate project impacts associated with the TDPUD-preferred SOI for electric and water service. Mitigation Measures None required. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 3.1-12 3.1 LAND USE REFERENCES Nevada County. 1994. Nevada County General Plan (amended through 2010). 1995a. Nevada County General Plan Draft Environmental Impact Report. 1995b. Nevada County Resolution No. 95530. Placer County. 1994. Placer County General Plan. 2003a. Mortis Valley Community Plan. 2003b. Mortis Valley Community Plan Final Environmental Impact Report. Sierra County. 1996. Sierra County General Plan. Truckee, Town of. 2005. Town of Truckee 2025 General Plan. 2006. Town of Truckee 2025 General Plan Draft Environmental Impact Report. Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.1-13 3.2 CLIMATE CHANGE AND GREENHOUSE GASES 3.2 CLIMATE CHANGE AND GREENHOUSE GASES This section of the Draft EIR provides a discussion of the proposed project's effect on greenhouse gas emissions and the associated effects of climate change. The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires that lead agencies consider the reasonably foreseeable adverse environmental effects of projects they are considering for approval. 3.2.1 EXISTING SETTING EXISTING CLIMATE SETTING Since the early 1990s, scientific consensus holds that the world's population is releasing greenhouse gases faster than the earth's natural systems can absorb them. These gases are released as byproducts of fossil fuel combustion, waste disposal, energy use, land -use changes, and other human activities. This release of gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N20), creates a blanket around the earth that allows light to pass through but traps heat at the surface preventing its escape into space. While this is a naturally occurring process known as the greenhouse effect, human activities have accelerated the generation of greenhouse gases beyond natural levels. The overabundance of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has led to an unexpected warming of the earth and has the potential to severely impact the earth's climate system. While often used interchangeably, there is a difference between the terms "climate change" and "global warming." According to the National Academy of Sciences, climate change refers to any significant, measurable change of climate lasting for an extended period of time that can be caused by both natural factors and human activities. Global warming, on the other hand, is an average increase in the temperature of the atmosphere caused by increased greenhouse gas emissions. The use of the term climate change is becoming more prevalent because it encompasses all changes to the climate, not just temperature. To fully understand global climate change, it is important to recognize the naturally occurring greenhouse effect and to define the greenhouse gases that contribute to this phenomenon. Various gases in the earth's atmosphere, classified as atmospheric greenhouse gases (GHGs), play a critical role in determining the earth's surface temperature. Solar radiation enters the earth's atmosphere from space and a portion of the radiation is absorbed by the earth's surface. The earth emits this radiation back toward space, but the properties of the radiation change from high -frequency solar radiation to lower -frequency infrared radiation. Greenhouse gases, which are transparent to solar radiation, are effective in absorbing infrared radiation. As a result, this radiation that otherwise would have escaped back into space is now retained, resulting in a warming of the atmosphere. This phenomenon is known as the greenhouse effect. Among the prominent GHGs contributing to the greenhouse effect are CO2, CHa, N20, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). Table 3.2-1 provides descriptions of the primary greenhouse gases attributed to global climate change, including a description of their physical properties, primary sources, and contribution to the greenhouse effect. Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.2-1 3.2 CLIMATE CHANGE AND GREENHOUSE GASES TABLE 3.2-1 GREENHOUSE GASES Greenhouse Gas Description Carbon dioxide is a colorless, odorless gas. CO2 is emitted in a number of ways, both naturally and through human activities. The largest source of CO2 emissions globally is Carbon dioxide (CO2) the combustion of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas in power plants, automobiles, industrial facilities, and other sources. The atmospheric lifetime of CO2 is variable because it is so readily exchanged in the atmosphere.' Methane is a colorless, odorless gas that is not flammable under most circumstances. CH4 is the major component of natural gas, about 87 percent by volume. It is also formed and released to the atmosphere by biological processes occurring in anaerobic environments. Methane is emitted from a variety of both human -related and natural Methane (CH4) sources. Human -related sources include fossil fuel production, animal husbandry (intestinal fermentation in livestock and manure management), rice cultivation, biomass burning, and waste management. These activities release significant quantities of methane to the atmosphere. Natural sources of methane include wetlands, gas hydrates, permafrost, termites, oceans, freshwater bodies, non -wetland soils, and other sources such as wildfires. Methane's atmospheric lifetime is about 12 years.2 Nitrous oxide is a clear, colorless gas with a slightly sweet odor. N20 is produced by both natural and human -related sources. Primary human -related sources of N20 are agricultural soil management, animal manure management, sewage treatment, mobile Nitrous oxide (N20) and stationary combustion of fossil fuels, adipic acid production, and nitric acid production. N20 is also produced naturally from a wide variety of biological sources in soil and water, particularly microbial action in wet tropical forests. The atmospheric lifetime of N20 is approximately 120 years.' Hydrofluorocarbons are man-made chemicals, many of which have been developed as alternatives to ozone -depleting substances for industrial, commercial, and consumer Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) products. The atmospheric lifetime for HFCs varies from just over a year for HFC-152a to 260 years for HFC-23. Most of the commercially used HFCs have atmospheric lifetimes less than 15 years (e.g., HFC-134a, which is used in automobile air conditioning and refrigeration, has an atmospheric life of 14 years) .4 Perfluorocarbons are colorless, highly dense, chemically inert, and nontoxic. There are seven PFC gases: perfluoromethane (CF4), perfluoroethane (C2F6), perfluoropropane (C31`6), perfluorobutane (C4171o), perfluorocyclobutane (C4F8), perfluoropentane (C51`12), Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and perfluorohexane (C61`14). Natural geological emissions have been responsible for the PFCs that have accumulated in the atmosphere in the past; however, the largest current source is aluminum production, which releases CF4and C2F6 as byproducts. The estimated atmospheric lifetimes for CF4 and C2F6 are 50,000 and 10,000 years, respective Iy.4,5 Sulfur hexafluoride is an inorganic compound that is colorless, odorless, nontoxic, and generally nonflammable. SF6 is primarily used as an electrical insulator in high voltage Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) equipment. The electric power industry uses roughly 80 percent of all SF6 produced worldwide. Significant leaks occur from aging equipment and during equipment maintenance and servicing. SF6 has an atmospheric life of 3,200 years.4 Sources: 'EPA 201 ]a , 2EPA 2011 b, 'EPA 2010a, 4EPA 2010b, 5EFCTC 2003 Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 3.2-2 3.2 CLIMATE CHANGE AND GREENHOUSE GASES Each GHG differs in its ability to absorb heat in the atmosphere based on the lifetime, or persistence, of the gas molecule in the atmosphere. Gases with high global warming potential, such as HFCs, PFCs, and SF6, are the most heat -absorbent. Methane traps over 21 times more heat per molecule than CO2, and N20 absorbs 310 times more heat per molecule than CO2. Often, estimates of GHG emissions are presented in carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e), which weight each gas by its global warming potential (GWP). Expressing GHG emissions in carbon dioxide equivalents takes the contribution of all GHG emissions to the greenhouse effect and converts them to a single unit equivalent to the effect that would occur if only CO2 were being emitted. Table 3.2-2 shows the GWPs for different greenhouse gases for a 100-year time horizon. TABLE 3.2-2 GLOBAL WARMING POTENTIAL FOR GREENHOUSE GASES Greenhouse Gas Global Warming Potential Carbon dioxide (CO2) 1 Methane (CH4) 21 Nitrous oxide (N20) 310 Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) 6,500 Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) 23,900 Source: California Climate Action Registry 2009 As the name implies, global climate change is a global problem. GHGs are global pollutants, unlike criteria air pollutants and toxic air contaminants, which are pollutants of regional and local concern, respectively. California is a significant emitter of CO2 in the world and produced 477 million gross metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2008 (CARB 2010). Consumption of fossil fuels in the transportation sector was the single largest source of California's GHG emissions in 2008, accounting for 36.4 percent of total GHG emissions in the state (CARB 2010). This category was followed by the electric power sector (including both in -state and out-of-state sources) (24.3 percent) and the industrial sector (19.3 percent) (CARB 2010). EFFECTS OF GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE California can draw on substantial scientific research conducted by experts at various state universities and research institutions. With more than a decade of concerted research, scientists have established that the early signs of climate change are already evident in the state —as shown, for example, in increased average temperatures, changes in temperature extremes, reduced snowpack in the Sierra Nevada, sea level rise, and ecological shifts. Many of these changes are accelerating —locally, across the country, and around the globe. As a result of emissions already released into the atmosphere, California is anticipated to face intensifying climate changes in coming decades (CNRA 2009). Generally, research indicates that California should expect overall hotter and drier conditions with a continued reduction in winter snow (with concurrent increases in winter rains), as well as increased average temperatures, and accelerating sea -level rise. In addition to changes in average temperatures, sea level, and precipitation patterns, the intensity of extreme weather events is also changing (CNRA 2009). Climate change temperature projections identified in the 2009 California Climate Adaptation Strategy suggest the following (CNRA 2009): Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update — Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.2-3 3.2 CLIMATE CHANGE AND GREENHOUSE GASES • Average temperature increase is expected to be more pronounced in the summer than in the winter season. • Inland areas are likely to experience more pronounced warming than coastal regions. • Heat waves are expected to increase in frequency, with individual heat waves also showing a tendency toward becoming longer, and extending over a larger area, thus more likely to encompass multiple population centers in California at the same time. • As GHGs remain in the atmosphere for decades, temperature changes over the next 30 to 40 years are already largely determined by past emissions. By 2050, temperatures are projected to increase by an additional 1.8 to 5.4°F (an increase one to three times as large as that which occurred over the entire 20'h century). • By 2100, the models project temperature increases between 3.6 and 9°F. Precipitation levels are expected to change over the 215r century, though models differ in determining where and how much rain and snowfall patterns may change (CNRA 2009). Eleven out of 12 precipitation models run by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography suggest a small to significant (12-35 percent) overall decrease in precipitation levels by mid-century (CNRA 2009). In addition, higher temperatures increase evaporation and make for a generally drier climate, as higher temperatures hasten snowmelt. Moreover, the 2009 California Climate Adaptation Strategy concludes that more precipitation may fall as rain rather than as snow, with important implications for water management in the state. California communities have largely depended on runoff from yearly established snowpack to provide the water supplies during the warmer, drier months of late spring, summer, and early autumn. With rainfall and meltwater running off earlier in the year, the state may face increasing challenges of storing the water for the dry season while protecting Californians downstream from floodwaters during the wet season. According to the 2009 California Climate Adaptation Strategy, the impacts of climate change in California have the potential to include, but are not limited to, the areas discussed in Table 3.2-3. TABLE 3.2-3 POTENTIAL STATEWIDE IMPACTS FROM CLIMATE CHANGE Potential Statewide Impact Description Climate change is expected to lead to an increase in ambient (i.e., outdoor) average air temperature, with greater increases expected in summer than in winter months. Larger temperature increases are anticipated in inland communities as compared to the California coast. The potential health impacts from sustained and significantly higher than average temperatures include heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and the exacerbation of Public Health existing medical conditions such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, diabetes, nervous system disorders, emphysema, and epilepsy. Numerous studies have indicated that there are generally more deaths during periods of sustained higher temperatures, and these are due to cardiovascular causes and other chronic diseases. The elderly, infants, and socially isolated people with pre-existing illnesses who lack access to air conditioning or cooling spaces are among the most at risk during heat waves. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 3.2-4 3.2 CLIMATE CHANGE AND GREENHOUSE GASES Potential Statewide Impact Description The impacts of flooding can be significant. Results may include population displacement, severe psychosocial stress with resulting mental health impacts, exacerbation of pre-existing chronic conditions, and infectious disease. Additionally, impacts can range from a loss of personal belongings, and the emotional ramifications from such loss, to direct injury and/or mortality. Drinking water contamination outbreaks in the United States are associated with extreme precipitation events. Runoff from rainfall is also associated with coastal contamination that can lead to contamination of shellfish and contribute to food -borne illness. Floodwaters may contain household, industrial, and agricultural chemicals as well as sewage and animal waste. Flooding and heavy rainfall events can wash pathogens and chemicals from contaminated soils, farms, and streets into drinking water supplies. Flooding may also overload storm and wastewater systems, or flood septic Floods and Droughts systems, also leading to possible contamination of drinking water systems. Drought impacts develop more slowly over time. Risks to public health that Californians may face from drought include impacts on water supply and quality, food production (both agricultural and commercial fisheries), and risks of waterborne illness. As surface water supplies are reduced as a result of drought conditions, the amount of groundwater pumping is expected to increase to make up for the water shortfall. The increase in groundwater pumping has the potential to lower the water tables and cause land subsidence. Communities that utilize well water will be adversely affected by drops in water tables or through changes in water quality. Groundwater supplies have higher levels of total dissolved solids compared to surface waters. This introduces a set of effects for consumers, such as repair and maintenance costs associated with mineral deposits in water heaters and other plumbing fixtures, and on public water system infrastructure designed for lower salinity surface water supplies. Drought may also lead to increased concentration of contaminants in drinking water supplies. The state's water supply system already faces challenges to provide water for California's growing population. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these challenges through increased temperatures and possible changes in precipitation patterns. The trends of the last century —especially increases in hydrologic variability — Water Resources will likely intensify in this century. The state can expect to experience more frequent and larger floods and deeper droughts. Rising sea level will threaten the Delta water conveyance system and increase salinity in near -coastal groundwater supplies. Planning for and adapting to these simultaneous changes, particularly their impacts on public safety and long-term water supply reliability, will be among the most significant challenges facing water and flood managers this century. Global climate change has the potential to intensify the current threat to forests and landscapes by increasing the risk of wildfire and altering the distribution and character of natural vegetation. If temperatures rise into the medium warming range, wildfire Forests and Landscapes occurrence statewide could increase from 57 percent to 169 percent by 2085. However, since wildfire risk is determined by a combination of factors, including precipitation, winds, temperature, and landscape and vegetation conditions, future risks will not be uniform throughout the state. Source: CNRA 2009 3.2.2 REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FEDERAL REGULATION AND THE CLEAN AIR ACT In the past, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has not regulated greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act (CAA) because it asserted that the act did not authorize the EPA to issue mandatory regulations to address global climate change and that such regulation would be unwise without an unequivocally established causal link between GHGs and the increase in Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update — Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.2-5 3.2 CLIMATE CHANGE AND GREENHOUSE GASES global surface air temperatures. However, the US Supreme Court held that the EPA must consider regulation of motor vehicle GHG emissions. In Massachusetts v. Environmental Protection Agency et al., twelve states and cities, including California, together with several environmental organizations, sued to require the EPA to regulate GHGs as pollutants under the Clean Air Act (127 S. Ct. 1438 [2007]). The Court ruled that GHGs fit within the Clean Air Act's definition of a pollutant and that the EPA did not have a valid rationale for not regulating GHGs. In response to this ruling, the EPA made an endangerment finding that greenhouse gases pose a threat to the public health and welfare. This is the first step necessary for the establishment of federal GHG regulations under the Clean Air Act. In April 2010, the EPA issued the final rule on new standards for GHG emissions and fuel economy for light -duty vehicles in model years 2017-2025. In November 2010, the EPA published the PSD [Prevention of Significant Deterioration] and Title V Permitting Guidance for Greenhouse Gases, which provides the basic information that permit writers and applicants need to address GHG emissions regulated under the Clean Air Act. In that document, the EPA described the Tailoring Rule in the regulation of GHG emissions. With the Tailoring Rule, the EPA established a phased schedule in the regulation of stationary sources. The first phase of the Tailoring Rule began January 2, 2011, and focuses the GHG permitting programs on the largest sources with the most Clean Air Act permitting experience. In step two, which began June 1, 2011, the rule expands to cover large sources of GHGs that may not have been previously covered by the Clean Air Act for other pollutants. The rule also describes the EPA's commitment to future rulemaking that will describe subsequent steps of the Tailoring Rule for GHG permitting (EPA 2010d). FEDERAL HEAVY-DUTY NATIONAL PROGRAM In August 2011, the EPA and the Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the first -ever program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve fuel efficiency of heavy-duty trucks and buses. The EPA and the NHTSA have each adopted complementary standards under their respective authorities covering model years 2014-2018, which together form a comprehensive Heavy -Duty National Program. The goal of the joint rulemakings is to present coordinated federal standards that help manufacturers to build a single fleet of vehicles and engines that are able to comply with both. The EPA and the NHTSA have adopted standards for CO2 emissions and fuel consumption, respectively, tailored to each of three main regulatory categories: (1) combination tractors; (2) heavy-duty pickup trucks and vans; and (3) vocational vehicles. The EPA has additionally adopted standards to control HFC leakage from air conditioning systems in pickups and vans and combination tractors. Also exclusive to the EPA program are the EPA's N20 and CH4 standards that will apply to all heavy- duty engines, pickups, and vans. For purposes of this program, the heavy-duty fleet incorporates all on -road vehicles rated at a gross vehicle weight at or above 8,500 pounds, and the engines that power them, except those covered by the current GHG emissions and Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards for model year 2012-2016 passenger vehicles. The Heavy -Duty National Program is projected to reduce fuel use and GHG emissions from medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, from semi trucks to the largest pickup trucks and vans, as well as all types and sizes of work trucks and buses in between. Vehicles covered by this program make up the transportation segment's second largest contributor to oil consumption and GHG emissions. This comprehensive program is designed to address the urgent and closely intertwined challenges of dependence on oil, energy security, and global climate change. The EPA and the NHTSA estimate that the combined standards will reduce CO2 emissions by about 270 million metric tons and save about 530 million barrels of oil over the life of vehicles built for the 2014 to 2018 model years, providing $49 billion in net program benefits. A second phase of regulations is planned for model years beyond 2018. The goals would include spurring innovation as well as Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 3.2-6 3.2 CLIMATE CHANGE AND GREENHOUSE GASES updating the assessment of actual emissions and fuel use from this sector. Such future regulation would also be designed to align with similar programs developed outside the United States. STATE Executive Order S-3-05 Executive Order S-3-05 (State of California) proclaims that California is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. It declares that increased temperatures could reduce the Sierra's snowpack, further exacerbate California's air quality problems, and potentially cause a rise in sea levels. To combat those concerns, the Executive Order established total greenhouse gas emission targets. Specifically, emissions are to be reduced to the 2000 level by 2010, to the 1990 level by 2020, and to 80 percent below the 1990 level by 2050. The Executive Order directed the Secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency (CaIEPA) to coordinate a multi -agency effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to the target levels. The Secretary will also submit biannual reports to the governor and state legislature describing (1) progress made toward reaching the emission targets, (2) impacts of global warming on California's resources, and (3) mitigation and adaptation plans to combat these impacts. To comply with the Executive Order, the Secretary of CaIEPA created a Climate Action Team made up of members from various state agencies and commissions. The Climate Action Team released its first report in March 2006 and continues to release periodic reports on progress. The report proposed to achieve the targets by building on voluntary actions of California businesses, local government and community actions, as well as through state incentive and regulatory programs. Assembly Bill 32, the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 Assembly Bill (AB) 32 (Health and Safety Code Sections 38500, 38501, 28510, 38530, 38550, 38560, 38561-38565, 38570, 38571, 38574, 38580, 38590, 38592-38599) requires that statewide GHG emissions be reduced to 1990 levels by the year 2020. The gases that are regulated by AB 32 include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, nitrogen trifluoride, and sulfur hexafluoride. The reduction to 1990 levels will be accomplished through an enforceable statewide cap on GHG emissions that will be phased in starting in 2012. To effectively implement the cap, AB 32 directs CARB to develop and implement regulations to reduce statewide GHG emissions from stationary sources. AB 32 specifies that regulations adopted in response to AB 1493 should be used to address GHG emissions from vehicles. However, AB 32 also includes language stating that if the AB 1493 regulations cannot be implemented, then CARB should develop new regulations to control vehicle GHG emissions under the authorization of AB 32. AB 32 requires that CARB adopt a quantified cap on GHG emissions representing 1990 emissions levels and disclose how it arrives at the cap, institute a schedule to meet the emissions cap, and develop tracking, reporting, and enforcement mechanisms to ensure that the state achieves reductions in GHG emissions necessary to meet the cap. CARB is implementing this program. The CARB Board adopted a draft resolution for formal cap -and -trade rulemaking on December 16, 2010, and is developing offset protocols and compliance requirements. AB 32 also includes guidance to institute emissions reductions in an economically efficient manner and conditions to ensure that businesses and consumers are not unfairly affected by the reductions. Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.2-7 3.2 CLIMATE CHANGE AND GREENHOUSE GASES Climate Change Scoping Plan In October of 2008, CARB published its Climate Change Proposed Scoping Plan, which is the State's plan to achieve GHG reductions in California required by AB 32. The Scoping Plan contains the main strategies California will implement to achieve reduction of 169 million metric tons (MMT) of CO2e, or approximately 30 percent from the state's projected 2020 emission level of 596 MMT of CO2e under a business -as -usual scenario (this is a reduction of 42 MMT CO2e, or almost 10 percent, from 2002-2004 average emissions). The Scoping Plan also includes CARB- recommended GHG reductions for each emissions sector of the state's GHG inventory. The largest proposed GHG reduction recommendations are from improving emission standards for light -duty vehicles (estimated reductions of 31.7 MMT CO2e), implementation of the Low -Carbon Fuel Standard (15.0 MMT CO2e), energy efficiency measures in buildings and appliances and the widespread development of combined heat and power systems (26.3 MMT CO2e), and a renewable portfolio standard for electricity production (21.3 MMT CO2e). The Scoping Plan identifies the local equivalent of AB 32 targets as a 15 percent reduction below baseline greenhouse gas emissions level, with baseline interpreted as greenhouse gas emissions levels between 2003 and 2008. The Scoping Plan states that land use planning and urban growth decisions will play an important role in the state's GHG reductions because local governments have primary authority to plan, zone, approve, and permit how land is developed to accommodate population growth and the changing needs of their jurisdictions. (Meanwhile, CARB is also developing an additional protocol for community emissions.) CARB further acknowledges that decisions on how land is used will have large impacts on the GHG emissions that will result from the transportation, housing, industry, forestry, water, agriculture, electricity, and natural gas emission sectors. The Scoping Plan states that the ultimate GHG reduction assignment to local government operations is to be determined. With regard to land use planning, the Scoping Plan expects approximately 5.0 MMT CO2e will be achieved associated with implementation of Senate Bill 375, which is discussed further below. The Climate Change Proposed Scoping Plan was approved by CARB on December 11, 2008. The status of the Scoping Plan had been uncertain as a result of a court decision in the case of Association of Irritated Residents v. California Air Resources Board (San Francisco Superior Court Case No. CPF-09-509562). The court found that CARB, in its CEQA review, had not adequately explained why it selected a scoping plan that included a cap -and -trade program rather than an alternative plan. While CARB disagrees with the trial court finding and has appealed the decision, in order to remove any doubt about the matter and in keeping with CARB's interest in public participation and informed decision -making, CARB revisited the alternatives. The revised analysis includes the five alternatives included in the original environmental analysis: a "no project" alternative (that is, taking no action at all); a plan relying on a cap -and -trade program for the sectors included in a cap; a plan relying more on source -specific regulatory requirements with no cap -and -trade component; a plan relying on a carbon fee or tax; and a plan relying on a variety of proposed strategies and measures. The revised analysis relies on emissions projections updated in light of current economic forecasts, accounting for the economic downturn since 2008 and reduction measures already approved and put in place. The public hearing to consider approval of the AB 32 Scoping Plan Functional Equivalent Document (including the Supplement) and the AB 32 Scoping Plan was held on August 24, 2011. On this date, the Scoping Plan was re -approved by the Board. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 3.2-8 3.2 CLIMATE CHANGE AND GREENHOUSE GASES Senate Bill 1368 Senate Bill (SB) 1368 (codified at Public Utilities Code Chapter 3) is the companion bill of AB 32. SB 1368 required the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to establish a greenhouse gas emission performance standard for baseload generation from investor -owned utilities by February 1, 2007. The bill also required the California Energy Commission (CEC) to establish a similar standard for local publicly owned utilities by June 30, 2007. These standards cannot exceed the greenhouse gas emission rate from a baseload combined -cycle natural -gas -fired plant. The legislation further requires that all electricity provided to California, including imported electricity, must be generated from plants that meet the standards set by the CPUC and the CEC. Senate Bill 1078, Governor's Order S-14-08, and Senate Bill 2 (1X) (California Renewables Portfolio Standards) Senate Bill 1078 (Public Utilities Code Sections 387, 390.1, and 399.25 and Article 16) addresses electricity supply and requires that retail sellers of electricity, including investor -owned utilities electric service providers, and community choice aggregators, provide a minimum 20 percent of their supply from renewable sources by 2017. This Senate Bill will affect statewide GHG emissions associated with electricity generation. In 2008, Governor Schwarzenegger signed Executive Order S-14-08, which set the renewable portfolio standard target to 33 percent by 2020. It directed state government agencies and retail sellers of electricity to take all appropriate actions to implement this target. Prior to the Executive Order, the CPUC and the CEC were responsible for implementing and overseeing the Renewables Portfolio Standards. The Executive Order shifted that responsibility to the California Air Resources Board (CARB), requiring them to adopt regulations by July 31, 2010. CARB is required by current law, AB 32 of 2006, to regulate sources of greenhouse gases to meet a state goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 and an 80 percent reduction of 1990 levels by 2050. In March 2011, Senate Bill 2 (1X) establishing S-14-08 as law passed the state's legislature. While Senate Bill 2 (1 X) contains the same targets as Governor's Order S-14-08 (33 percent of supply from renewable sources by 2020), as an executive order it did not have the force of law (Governor's Orders can be reversed by future governors). The Renewables Portfolio Standard program under Senate Bill 2 (1 X) specifically excludes local publicly owned electric utilities like the Truckee Donner Public Utility District (TDPUD; District)) from the definition of "retail seller" (CEC 2008). Instead, local publicly owned electric utilities, such as the TDPUD, are required to implement a Renewables Portfolio Standard, but are given flexibility in developing utility -specific targets, timelines, and resource eligibility rules (CEC 2008). LOCAL Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District The project is under jurisdiction of the Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District (NSAQMD), which regulates air quality according to the standards established in the federal and state Clean Air Acts and amendments to those acts. The NSAQMD comprises three contiguous, mountainous, rural counties in northeastern California (Nevada, Sierra, and Plumas counties) and regulates air quality through its permitting authority and through air quality -related planning and review activities over most types of stationary emission sources. Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.2-9 3.2 CLIMATE CHANGE AND GREENHOUSE GASES The NSAQMD has not yet established significance thresholds for greenhouse gas emissions from project operations. 3.2.3 IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES STANDARDS OF SIGNIFICANCE Per Appendix G of the State CEQA Guidelines, impacts related to climate change are considered significant if implementation of the proposed project would result in any of the following: 1) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment. 2) Conflict with any applicable plan, policy, or regulation of an agency adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases. To meet the GHG emission targets of AB 32, California would need to generate less GHG emissions in the future than current levels. It is recognized, however, that for most projects there is no simple metric available to determine if a single project would substantially increase or decrease overall GHG emission levels or conflict with the goals of AB 32. Moreover, emitting GHG emissions into the atmosphere is not itself an adverse environmental effect. It is the increased concentration of GHG emissions in the atmosphere resulting in global climate change and the associated consequences of climate change that results in adverse environmental effects (e.g., sea level rise, loss of snowpack, severe weather events). Although it is possible to generally estimate a project's incremental contribution of GHGs into the atmosphere, it is typically not possible to determine whether or how an individual project's relatively small incremental contribution might translate into physical effects on the environment. Given the complex interactions between various global and regional -scale physical, chemical, atmospheric, terrestrial, and aquatic systems that result in the physical expressions of global climate change, it is impossible to discern whether the presence or absence of GHGs emitted by the project would result in any altered conditions. However, the State of California has established GHG reduction targets and has determined that GHG emissions as they relate to global climate change are a source of adverse environmental impacts in California that should be addressed under CEQA. Although AB 32 did not amend CEQA, it identifies the myriad environmental problems in California caused by global warming (Health and Safety Code Section 38501 [a]). In response to the relative lack of guidance on addressing GHGs and climate change, SB 97 was passed in order to amend CEQA by directing the Office of Planning and Research to prepare revisions to the State CEQA Guidelines addressing the mitigation of GHGs or their consequences. These revisions to the State CEQA Guidelines went into effect in January 2010. Thresholds of significance illustrate the extent of an impact and are a basis from which to apply mitigation measures. Significance thresholds for GHG emissions resulting from land use development projects have not been established in Nevada County. In June 2010, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) published its GHG thresholds.' Utilization of the 'The thresholds the BAAQMD adopted were called into question by a minute order issued January 9, 2012, in California Building Industry Associated v. BAAQMD, Alameda Superior Court Case No RG10548693. On March 5, 2012, the Alameda County Superior Court issued a judgment finding that the BAAQMD had failed to comply with CEQA when it adopted the thresholds. The court did not determine whether the thresholds were valid on the merits, but found that the adoption of the thresholds was a project under CEQA. The court issued a writ of mandate ordering the BAAQMD to set aside the thresholds and cease dissemination of them until the BAAQMD had complied with CEQA. The claim made in the case concerned the CEQA impacts of adopting the thresholds; that is, how the thresholds would affect land use development patterns. Those issues are not relevant to the scientific soundness of the BAAQMD's analysis of what levels of Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 3.2-10 3.2 CLIMATE CHANGE AND GREENHOUSE GASES BAAQMD's GHG threshold has been considered reasonable and appropriate by NSAQMD staff in the cases of recent environmental impact reports published in Nevada County, such as the Coldstream Specific Plan DEIR (Town of Truckee 201 1) and the Rincon Del Rio DEIR (Nevada County 2012). If the proposed project would generate GHG emissions above the threshold level, it would be considered to contribute substantially to a cumulative impact and the impact would be considered significant. The proposed project would also be considered to have a significant impact if it would be in conflict with the AB 32 goals for reducing GHG emissions. This DEIR assesses the project's potential to result in a significant GHG impact by determining its consistency with the AB 32 Scoping Plan and Senate Bill 2X (Renewables Portfolio Standard), which both require 33 percent of supply from renewable energy sources by 2020. As stated previously, the AB 32 Scoping Plan contains the main strategies California is implementing to achieve reduction of 169 MMT of CO2e, or approximately 30 percent from the State's projected 2020 emissions level of 596 MMT of CO2e under a business -as -usual scenario. METHODOLOGY As stated above, the NSAQMD does not currently have an adopted threshold of significance for GHG emissions. In June 2010, the BAAQMD published its GHG thresholds in which projects resulting in more than 4.6 metric tons of CO2e per service population (residents plus employees) per year are considered to result in a significant impact (BAAQMD 2011). The BAAQMD thresholds were chosen based on the substantial evidence that such thresholds represent quantitative and/or qualitative levels of GHG emissions, compliance with which means that the environmental impact of the GHG emissions will normally not be cumulatively considerable under CEQA (BAAQMD 2011). Compliance with such thresholds will be part of the solution to the cumulative GHG emissions problem, rather than hinder the State's ability to meet its goals of reduced statewide GHG emissions under AB 32. For the purposes of evaluating the proposed project's GHG impacts, emissions resulting from the potential extent of growth that could be supported upon future annexation of the two different SOls proposed will be quantified and compared to the BAAQMD threshold of 4.6 metric tons of CO2e per service population annually. The project itself will also be compared with the strategies identified in the AB 32 Scoping Plan for a determination of consistency. This DEIR assesses the project's potential to result in a significant GHG impact by determining its consistency with the strategies contained with the AB 32 Scoping Plan and Renewables Portfolio Standard, which both require 33 percent of supply from renewable energy sources by 2020. In terms of electric service, since the proposed lands in the proposed SOI expansion under the District -preferred SOI scenario are currently within the service area of the energy provider Liberty Utilities, electrical use demand and electrical use -related GHG emissions are quantified for the maximum growth development potential of all proposed lands in the SOI expansion accounting for geographic location and the emission intensity factor for both Liberty Utilities and the TDPUD. In other words, for the purposes of projecting electrical energy demand and related GHG emissions that would result from the District -preferred SOI boundary, energy -source -derived emissions generated from the maximum growth development potential of the proposed SOI expansion under the District -preferred SOI scenario are quantified in consideration of both Liberty Utilities as the service provider and the TDPUD as the service provider. The resultant GHG emissions of proposed project implementation were calculated using the California Emissions Estimator Model (CalEEMod), version 201 1.1.1, computer program (see Appendix 3.2-A). The electrical service of the TDPUD will be compared with the strategies pollutants should be deemed significant, or the threshold to use in assessing any air quality -related impact the project would have on the existing environment. These thresholds are based on substantial evidence identified in Appendix D of the Guidelines and are therefore used in this analysis. Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.2-11 3.2 CLIMATE CHANGE AND GREENHOUSE GASES identified in the AB 32 Scoping Plan for a determination of consistency, specifically Strategy E-3, Renewables Portfolio Standard (33 percent by 2020), which as previously stated requires 33 percent of supply from renewable energy sources by 2020. Specifically, the TDPUD's ability to comply with Strategy E-3 is evaluated in consideration of accommodating buildout of the proposed lands in the SOI expansion. IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES GHG Emissions (Standard of Significance 1) Impact 3.2.1 The proposed project could result in a net increase in greenhouse gas emissions and could result in a significant impact on the environment. This impact is cumulatively considerable. GHG emissions contribute, on a cumulative basis, to the significant adverse environmental impacts of global climate change. The combination of GHG emissions from past, present, and future projects contributes substantially to the phenomenon of global climate change and its associated environmental impacts and as such is addressed only as a cumulative impact. It is important to note that neither of the proposed scenarios—LAFCo-recommended or District - preferred —would specifically implement or directly result in the construction of any new facilities. Neither Nevada County LAFCo nor the TDPUD has any land use regulatory authority. The jurisdiction for land use matters for all of the land areas within the proposed SOls would remain with either the Town of Truckee, Nevada County, Sierra County, or Placer County, and neither Nevada County LAFCo nor the TDPUD has the authority to facilitate future development in a manner different than is currently outlined by these jurisdictions in their applicable general plans. Furthermore, GHG emissions are already being generated by current land use activities. LAFCo-Recommended Truckee Donner Public Utility District Sphere of Influence Electric and Water Service Table 3.3-3 in Section 3.3 of this DEIR identifies the extent of growth potential in the LAFCo- recommended SOI (near term and long term). The total development potential shown in Table 3.3-3 does not factor existing development. It should be noted that some of this growth (rural development) could occur without the proposed update of the SOls given that electric and water service can also be provided through wells or the Placer County Water Agency (Placer County only) and electrical service by private company service providers. For the purposes of projecting GHG emissions that could result from the LAFCo-recommended SOI boundary, emissions generated from the maximum growth potential in the LAFCo- recommended SOI (near term and long term) are quantified.2 Estimated GHG emissions resulting from these activities are summarized in Table 3.2-4. 2 No aspect of the proposed project would specifically implement or directly result in the construction of any new facilities. Neither Nevada County LAFCo nor the TDPUD has any land use regulatory authority. The jurisdiction for land use matters for all of the land areas within the proposed SOIs would remain with either the Town of Truckee, Nevada County, Sierra County, or Placer County, and neither Nevada County LAFCo nor the TDPUD has the authority to facilitate future development in a manner different than is currently outlined by these jurisdictions in their applicable general plans. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 3.2-12 3.2 CLIMATE CHANGE AND GREENHOUSE GASES TABLE 3.2-4 ESTIMATED GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS — MAXIMUM GROWTH POTENTIAL IN LAFCO-RECOMMENDED SPHERE OF INFLUENCE (METRIC TONS PER YEAR) Emissions Source Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Methane (CH4) Nitrous Oxide (N20) COze Area Source (landscaping, hearth) 1,967 0.82 0.08 2,010 Energy 4,803 0.13 0.06 4,825 Mobile 20,957 1.31 0.00 20,985 Waste 2,611 154 0.00 5,851 Water 2,634 33 0.85 3,599 Total 32,972 190 0.99 37,270 Source: CalEEMod version 2011.1.1. The extent of growth potential in the LAFCo-recommended SOI (near term and long term) is projected at 839 residential units, 209,000 square feet of industrial building space, and 97,000 square feet of commercial building space per Table 3.3-3 in Section 3.3. See Appendix 3.2-1 for emission model outputs. Table 3.2-5 depicts the projected GHG emissions per service population for the project. The service population associated with the growth potential in the LAFCo-recom mended SOI (near term and long term) was determined by estimating the number of potential residents and employees that would be accommodated with realization of the maximum growth potential in the LAFCo-recommended SOI. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA; 1995), there is an average of one employee per 1,750 square feet of industrial building space and one employee per 900 square feet of commercial building space. Applying these ratios to the industrial and commercial square footage growth potential in the LAFCo-recom mended SOI (near term and long term) results in 227 potential employees (209,000 square feet of industrial building space + 1,750 = 119 and 97,000 square feet of commercial building space + 900 = 108. 119 + 108 = 227). According to the California State Department of Finance (DOF; 2012), the average residential unit in the region houses 2.5 persons. The application of this ratio to the residential unit growth potential in the LAFCo-recommended SOI (near term and long term) equals 2,097 potential residents (839 x 2.5 = 2,097). TABLE 3.2-5 LAFCO-RECOMMENDED TDPUD SPHERE OF INFLUENCE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS PER SERVICE POPULATION Service Emissions jobs Population Population MTCOze/SP/Year (SP) Growth Potential in the LAFCo- Recommended SOI (Near Term and 37,270 227 2,097 2,324 16.0 Long Term) Based on the population and employment figures shown in Table 3.2-5, the projected service population associated with the maximum growth potential within the LAFCo-recommended SOI would be 2,324. Dividing the GHG emissions for this maximum growth potential yields a metric ton per service population ratio of 16.0. Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update — Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.2-13 3.2 CLIMATE CHANGE AND GREENHOUSE GASES District -Preferred Truckee Donner Public Utility District Sphere of Influence Electric and Water Service As previously described, the District -preferred SOI boundary proposes to maintain most of the area of the existing TDPUD Sphere of Influence for electric service in conjunction with an expansion of 3 square miles at the southeast corner of the existing SOI in Placer County (Northstar Load), the expansion of 23.5 square miles north of the existing SOI in Nevada County and Sierra County (Hobart Mills Load, Russell Valley Load, and Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility), and the reduction of 8 square miles of the existing SOI at its eastern edge in Nevada County (Figure 2.0-3). The District -preferred SOI for water service proposes to maintain the current SOI for water services. Therefore, the District -preferred SOI boundary would result in no change compared with the current SOI, and there is no potential for an expansion of water service facilities into any areas that have not been previously planned for development. Tables 3.3-4 and 3.3-5 in Section 3.3 of this DEIR identify the extent of growth potential in the District -preferred SOI. The total development potential shown in these tables does not factor existing development. It should be noted that some of this growth (rural development) could occur without the proposed update of the SOls given that electric and water service can also be provided through wells or the Placer County Water Agency (Placer County only) and electrical service by private company service providers. For the purposes of projecting GHG emissions that could result from the District -preferred SOI boundary, emissions generated from the maximum growth potential in the District -preferred SOI are quantified based on the SOI for electric services as it is the largest SOI of the two.3 Estimated GHG emissions resulting from these activities are summarized in Table 3.2-6. TABLE 3.2-6 ESTIMATED GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS — MAXIMUM GROWTH POTENTIAL IN DISTRICT -PREFERRED SPHERE OF INFLUENCE (METRIC TONS PER YEAR) Emissions Source Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Methane (CH4) Nitrous Oxide (N20) COze Area Source (landscaping, hearth) 32,750 14 1.36 33,459 Energy 65,199 2 0.88 65,511 Mobile 275,126 17 0.00 275,483 Waste 5,517 272 0.00 10,347 Water 5,609 61 1.56 7,370 Total 383,301 366 3.80 392,170 Source: CalEEMod version 2011.1.1. The extent of growth potential in the District -preferred SOI for electric service is projected at 13,908 residential units, 530,500 square feet of commercial building space, 209,000 square feet of industrial building space, and 44,600 square feet of office building space per Table 3.3-3 in Section 3.3. See Appendix 3.2-1 for emission model outputs. 3 No aspect of the proposed project would specifically implement or directly result in the construction of any new facilities. Neither Nevada County LAFCo nor the TDPUD has any land use regulatory authority. The jurisdiction for land use matters for all of the land areas within the proposed SOIs would remain with either the Town of Truckee, Nevada County, Placer County, or Sierra County, and neither Nevada County LAFCo nor the TDPUD has the authority to facilitate future development in a manner different than is currently outlined by these jurisdictions in their applicable general plans. Sphere of Influence Update — Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 3.2-14 3.2 CLIMATE CHANGE AND GREENHOUSE GASES Table 3.2-7 depicts the projected GHG emissions per service population for the project. The service population associated with the growth potential in the District -preferred SOI was determined by estimating the number of potential residents and employees that would be accommodated with realization of the maximum growth potential in the District -preferred SOI. According to the EIA (1995), there is an average of one employee per 1,750 square feet of industrial building space, one employee per 900 square feet of commercial building space, and one employee per 387 square feet of office building space. Applying these ratios to the industrial, commercial, and office square footage growth potential in the District -preferred SOI results in 823 potential employees (209,000 square feet of industrial building space - 1,750 = 1 19; 530,500 square feet of commercial building space - 900 = 589; and 44,600 square feet of office building space - 387 = 115. 119 + 589 + 115 = 823). According to the DOF (2012), the average residential unit in region houses 2.5 persons. The application of this ratio to the residential unit growth potential in the District -preferred SOI equals 34,917 potential residents (13,967 x 2.5 = 34,917). TABLE 3.2-7 DISTRICT -PREFERRED SPHERE OF INFLUENCE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS PER SERVICE POPULATION Service Emissions jobs Population Population MTCO2e/SP/Year (SP) Growth Potential in District Preferred SOI 392,170 342 34,917 35,740 11.0 Based on the population and employment figures shown in Table 3.2-7, the projected service population associated with the maximum growth potential within the District -preferred SOI would be 35,740. Dividing the GHG emissions for this maximum growth potential yields a metric ton per service population ratio of 11.0. Summary of Environmental Effects of Greenhouse Gas Emissions for Both SOI Scenarios As shown, realization of the maximum growth potential of both the LAFCo-recommended SOI and the District -preferred SOI would exceed the BAAQMD threshold of 4.6 metric tons of CO2e per service population. Therefore, both the LAFCo-recommended SOI and the District -preferred SOI could result in a net increase in cumulative GHG emissions. The potential contribution to GHGs is thus considered cumulatively considerable and is a significant and unavoidable impact. Mitigation Measures While the new SOls would not result in any new growth -related environmental impacts or an increased severity of the above identified significant environmental impacts (similar finding to CEQA Guidelines Section 15162), establishment of a new Sphere of Influence is the first step in a series of actions that support this planned growth. With the exception of not updating the SOI, there are no feasible mitigation measures available to Nevada County LAFCo to address this impact. Therefore, it would remain significant and unavoidable. AB 32 Compliance (Standard of Significance 2) Impact 3.2.2 Implementation of the proposed project could result in a net increase in greenhouse gas emissions, yet would not conflict with the goals of AB 32, and Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update — Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.2-15 3.2 CLIMATE CHANGE AND GREENHOUSE GASES thus would not result in a significant impact on the environment. This impact is less than cumulatively considerable. The project is considered to have a significant impact if it would be in conflict with the AB 32 goals for reducing GHG emissions. In December 2008, CARB approved the AB 32 Scoping Plan outlining the State's strategy to achieve the 2020 GHG emissions limit. This Scoping Plan, developed by CARB in coordination with the Climate Action Team, proposes a comprehensive set of actions designed to reduce overall GHG emissions in California, improve the environment, reduce dependence on oil, diversify California's energy sources, save energy, create new jobs, and enhance public health. The Scoping Plan contains a list of 39 recommended actions contained in plan Appendices C and E. This list is also provided in Table 3.2-8. TABLE 3.2-8 RECOMMENDED ACTIONS OF CLIMATE CHANGE SCOPING PLAN Measure Number Measure Description Transportation T-1 Pavley I and II — Light -Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Standards T-2 Low Carbon Fuel Standard (Discrete Early Action) T-3 Regional Transportation -Related Greenhouse Gas Targets T-4 Vehicle Efficiency Measures T-5 Ship Electrification at Ports (Discrete Early Action) Goods Movement Efficiency Measures. T-6 Ship Electrification at Ports System -Wide Efficiency Improvements T 7 Heavy -Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Measure — Aerodynamic Efficiency (Discrete Early Action) T-8 Medium- and Heavy -Duty Vehicle Hybridization T-9 High -Speed Rail Electricity and Natural Gas Energy Efficiency (32,000 GWh of Reduced Demand) Increased Utility Energy Efficiency Programs E-1 More Stringent Building & Appliance Standards Additional Efficiency and Conservation Programs E 2 Increase Combined Heat and Power Use by 30,000 GWh (net reductions include avoided transmission line loss) E-3 Renewables Portfolio Standard (33% by 2020) Million Solar Roofs (including California Solar Initiative, New Solar Homes Partnership, and E-4 solar programs of publicly owned utilities) Target of 3000 MW Total Installation by 2020 Energy Efficiency (800 Million Therms Reduced Consumptions) Utility Energy Efficiency Programs CR-1 Building and Appliance Standards Additional Efficiency and Conservation Programs Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 3.2-16 3.2 CLIMATE CHANGE AND GREENHOUSE GASES Measure Number Measure Description CR-2 Solar Water Heating (AB 1470 goal) Green Buildings G13-1 Green Buildings Water W-1 Water Use Efficiency W-2 Water Recycling W-3 Water System Energy Efficiency W-4 Reuse Urban Runoff W-5 Increase Renewable Energy Production W-6 Public Goods Charge (Water) Industry 1-1 Energy Efficiency and Co -Benefits Audits for Large Industrial Sources 1-2 Oil and Gas Extraction GHG Emission Reduction 1-3 GHG Leak Reduction from Oil and Gas Transmission 1-4 Refinery Flare Recovery Process Improvements 1-5 Removal of Methane Exemption from Existing Refinery Regulations Recycling and Waste Management RW-1 Landfill Methane Control (Discrete Early Action) RW-2 Additional Reductions in Landfill Methane Increase the Efficiency of Landfill Methane Capture RW-3 High Recycling/Zero Waste Commercial Recycling Increase Production and Markets for Compost Anaerobic Digestion Extended Producer Responsibility Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Forests F-1 Sustainable Forest Target High Global Warming Potential (GWP) Gases H-1 Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning Systems: Reduction of Refrigerant Emissions from Non - Professional Services (Discrete Early Action) H-2 SFe Limits in Non -Utility and Non -Semiconductor Applications (Discrete Early Action) H-3 Reduction of Perfluorocarbons in Semiconductor Manufacturing (Discrete Early Action) H-4 Limit High GWP Use in Consumer Products Discrete Early Action (Adopted June 2008) Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update — Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.2-1 7 3.2 CLIMATE CHANGE AND GREENHOUSE GASES Measure Number Measure Description High GWP Reductions from Mobile Sources Low GWP Refrigerants for New Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning Systems H-5 Air Conditioner Refrigerant Leak Test During Vehicle Smog Check Refrigerant Recovery from Decommissioned Refrigerated Shipping Containers Enforcement of Federal Ban on Refrigerant Release during Servicing or Dismantling of Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning Systems High GWP Reductions from Stationary Sources High GWP Stationary Equipment Refrigerant Management Program: Refrigerant Tracking/Reporting/Repair Deposit Program Specifications for Commercial and Industrial Refrigeration Systems H-6 Foam Recovery and Destruction Program SF Leak Reduction and Recycling in Electrical Applications Alternative Suppressants in Fire Protection Systems Residential Refrigeration Early Retirement Program H-7 Mitigation Fee on High GWP Gases Agriculture A-1 Methane Capture at Large Dairies The strategies included in the Scoping Plan that apply to all future development, including the maximum development potential in both the LAFCo-recom mended SOI and the District - preferred SOI, are contained in Table 3.2-9, which also summarizes the extent to which future development in Nevada County, Placer County, Sierra County, and the Town of Truckee would comply with the strategies to help California reach emissions reduction targets. TABLE 3.2-9 AB 32 COMPLIANCE Strategy V I Project Compliance Energy Efficiency Measures Energy Efficiency Compliant Maximize energy efficiency building and appliance standards, All future development in California, including that and pursue additional efficiency efforts including new associated with the maximum development potential technologies, and new policy and implementation mechanisms. of both the LAFCo-recom mended SOI and the District - Pursue comparable investment in energy efficiency from all preferred SOI, will comply with the updated Title 24 retail providers of electricity in California (including both standards, including the new 2010 California Building investor -owned and publicly owned utilities). Code (CBC), for building construction. These Renewable Portfolio Standard standards require new buildings to reduce water Achieve a 33 percent renewable energy mix statewide by 2020. consumption by 20 percent, which results in less energy consumption for pumping water. Green Building Strategy Expand the use of green building practices to reduce the carbon footprint of California's new and existing inventory of buildings. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 3.2-18 3.2 CLIMATE CHANGE AND GREENHOUSE GASES Project Compliance !!!!EStrategy Water Conservation and Efficiency Measures Water Use Efficiency Compliant Continue efficiency programs and use cleaner energy sources to As stated, all future development in California, move and treat water. Approximately 19 percent of all including that associated with the maximum electricity, 30 percent of all natural gas, and 88 million gallons development potential of both the LAFCo- of diesel are used to convey, treat, distribute and use water and recommended SOI and the District -preferred SOI, will wastewater. Increasing the efficiency of water transport and comply with the updated Title 24 standards, including reducing water use would reduce GHG emissions. the new 2010 California Building Code (CBC), for building construction. These standards require new buildings to reduce water consumption by 20 percent, which results in less energy consumption for pumping water. Transportation and Motor Vehicle Measures Vehicle Climate Change Standards Compliant AB 1493 (Pavley) required the State to develop and adopt The project does not involve the manufacture of regulations that achieve the maximum feasible and cost- vehicles. However, vehicles that are purchased and effective reduction of GHG emissions from passenger vehicles used within the project site would comply with any and light -duty trucks. Regulations were adopted by CARB in vehicle and fuel standards that CARB adopts. September 2004. Light -Duty Vehicle Efficiency Measures Implement additional measures that could reduce light -duty GHG emissions. For example, measures to ensure that tires are properly inflated can both reduce GHG emissions and improve fuel efficiency. Adopt Heavy- and Medium -Duty Fuel and Engine Efficiency Measures Regulations to require retrofits to improve the fuel efficiency of heavy-duty trucks that could include devices that reduce aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance. This measure could also include hybridization of and increased engine efficiency of vehicles. Low Carbon Fuel Standard CARB identified this measure as a Discrete Early Action Measure. This measure would reduce the carbon intensity of California's transportation fuels by at least 10 percent by 2020. Regional Transportation -Related Greenhouse Gas Targets Compliant Develop regional GHG emissions reduction targets for Specific regional emission targets for transportation passenger vehicles. Local governments will play a significant emissions do not directly apply to this project; role in the regional planning process to reach passenger vehicle regional GHG reduction target development is outside GHG emissions reduction targets. Local governments have the the scope of this project. The project will comply with ability to directly influence both the siting and design of new any plans developed in Nevada County. residential and commercial developments in a way that reduces GHGs associated with vehicle travel. Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update — Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.2-19 3.2 CLIMATE CHANGE AND GREENHOUSE GASES Strategy Project Compliance educe High Global Warming Potential (GWP) 7Gases Compliant New products used or serviced on the industrial land tified Discrete Early Action measures to reduce uses would comply with future CARB rules and GHG emissions from the refrigerants used in car air regulations. conditioners, semiconductor manufacturing, and consumer products. CARB has also identified potential reduction opportunities for future commercial and industrial refrigeration, changing the refrigerants used in auto air conditioning systems, and ensuring that existing car air conditioning systems do not leak. Forests Urban Forestry Compliant A statewide goal of planting 5 million trees in urban areas by All future development associated with the maximum 2020 would be achieved through the expansion of local urban development potential of both the LAFCo- forestry programs. recommended SOI and the District -preferred SOI within unincorporated Nevada County will comply with Section L-II 4.2 — Community Design Standards, of the Nevada County Municipal Code. These design standards provide design interpretations for commercial, industrial, and residential development that address landscaping requirements. All future development associated with the maximum development potential of both the LAFCo- recommended SOI and the District -preferred SOI within Placer County will comply with the Placer County Landscape Design Guidelines. There is no development potential associated with the proposed SOI in Sierra County, as it is the County's intent to confine the extension of development -serving public facilities to Community Core Areas and Community Influence Areas within Sierra County. Areas outside the Community Core Areas or Community Influence Areas are intended to be maintained for natural resources. All future development associated with the maximum development potential of both the LAFCo- recommended SOI and the District -preferred SOI within the Town of Truckee will comply with Chapter 18.40, Landscape Standards, which provides standards for the location and types of landscaping to be provided in various areas of proposed developments, including setbacks, disturbed areas, parking areas, along streets, along property lines, and in buffer areas between incompatible uses. These standards also provide incentives for the preservation of native plants and trees. Recycling and Waste Management High Recycling/Zero Waste Compliant Achieve 50 percent statewide Recycling Goal: Achieving the All future development associated with the maximum state's 50 percent waste diversion mandate as established by the development potential of both the LAFCo- Integrated Waste Management Act of 1989, (AB 939, Sher, recommended SOI and the District -preferred SOI is Chapter 1095, Statutes of 1989), will reduce climate change required to divert 50 percent of all solid waste from emissions associated with energy -intensive material extraction landfill facilities. and production as well as methane emission from landfills. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 3.2-20 3.2 CLIMATE CHANGE AND GREENHOUSE GASES LAFCo-Recommended Truckee Donner Public Utility District Sphere of Influence Electric and Water Service The LAFCo-recommended SOI boundary omits lands in public ownership and those areas not expected or anticipated to be developed. The LAFCo-recommended boundary for the District's SOI would encompass an area that includes the Town of Truckee as well as developed areas adjacent to the town, which are under the jurisdiction of either Nevada County or Placer County (see Figure 2.0-2). All future development associated with the maximum development potential of the LAFCo- recommended SOI would be subject to all applicable California state regulatory requirements, which would also reduce the GHG emissions. As shown in Table 3.2-9, future development would comply with the strategies to help California reach its emissions reduction targets. District -Preferred Truckee Donner Public Utilitv District Sphere of Influence Electric Service and Water Service As previously described, the District -preferred SOI boundary proposes to maintain most of the area of the existing TDPUD Sphere of Influence for electric service in conjunction with an expansion of 3 square miles at the southeast corner of the existing SOI in Placer County (Northstar Load), the expansion of 23.5 square miles north of the existing SOI in Nevada County and Sierra County (Hobart Mills Load, Russell Valley Load, and Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility), and the reduction of 8 square miles of the existing SOI at its eastern edge in Nevada County (Figure 2.0-3). As with the maximum growth potential of the proposed LAFCo- recommended SOI, all future development associated with the maximum development potential of the District -preferred SOI would be subject to all applicable California state regulatory requirements. As shown in Table 3.2-9, future development would comply with the strategies to help California reach its GHG emissions reduction targets. As previously stated, in terms of electric service, the lands in the proposed SOI expansion under the District -preferred SOI scenario are currently within the service area of the energy provider Liberty Utilities. Therefore, for the purposes of this analysis, electrical use demand and electrical use - related GHG emissions were quantified for the maximum growth potential of all proposed lands in the SOI expansion under the District -preferred SOI scenario accounting for geographic location and the emission intensity factor for both Liberty Utilities and the TDPUD. Both Liberty Utilities' ability and the TDPUD's ability to comply with AB 32 Scoping Plan Strategy E-3, Renewables Portfolio Standard, were evaluated in consideration of accommodating the maximum growth potential of the proposed lands in the SOI expansion. In other words, for the intent of projecting electrical energy demand and related GHG emissions that would result from the District -preferred SOI boundary, energy -source -derived emissions generated from the maximum growth development potential of the proposed SOI expansion under the District -preferred SOI scenario are quantified in consideration of both Liberty Utilities as the service provider and the TDPUD as the service provider.4 a No aspect of the proposed project would specifically implement or directly result in the construction of any new facilities. Neither Nevada County LAFCo nor the TDPUD has any land use regulatory authority. The jurisdiction for land use matters for all of the land areas within the proposed SOIs would remain with either the Town of Truckee, Nevada County, Sierra County, or Placer County, and neither Nevada County LAFCo nor the TDPUD has the authority to facilitate future development in a manner different than is currently outlined by these jurisdictions in their applicable general plans. Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.2-21 3.2 CLIMATE CHANGE AND GREENHOUSE GASES Tables 3.1-2 and 3.1-3 in Section 3.1 of this DER identify the extent of growth potential in the District -preferred SOI. The total development potential shown in these tables does not factor existing development. Estimated electrical energy use and related electrical energy -use emissions resulting from these activities are summarized in Tables 3.2-10 and 3.2-11. Table 3.2-10 identifies electrical energy use and associated GHG emissions for the maximum growth potential in the District -preferred SOI assuming Liberty Utilities, the current service provider for these areas, remains the electrical service provider. TABLE 3.2-10 MAXIMUM GROWTH POTENTIAL IN DISTRICT -PREFERRED SOI ELECTRICAL ENERGY DEMAND AND GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS (METRIC TONS PER YEAR) — LIBERTY UTILITIES AS SERVICE PROVIDER Land Use Buildout Assumptions' Electrical Energy Demand (KWh) CO2e (metric tons annually)2 • 13,967 residential units • 530,500 square feet of commercial building space • 209,000 square feet of industrial building space 95,230,021 67,837 • 44,600 square feet of office building space Notes: Energy demand and emissions quantified by PMC with CaIEEMod (see Appendix 3.2-A). Quantified energy demand and emissions do not include snowmaking activities. 'Maximum growth potential assumptions derived from Table 3.1-2 of Section 3.1. 2 Emission intensity factor based on utility provider, Sierra Pacific Resources defaults. Nevada Power, Sierra Pacific Power, and Sierra Pacific Resources merged in July 1999 to create a subsidiary of NV Energy, also known as Liberty Utilities. Table 3.2-11 identifies electrical energy use and associated GHG emissions for the maximum potential growth in the District -preferred SOI assuming the TDPUD as the electrical service provider, as proposed under the District -preferred Sphere of Influence boundary scenario. TABLE 3.2-11 MAXIMUM GROWTH POTENTIAL IN DISTRICT -PREFERRED SOI ELECTRICAL ENERGY DEMAND AND GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS (METRIC TONS PER YEAR) — TRUCKEE DONNER PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT AS SERVICE PROVIDER Land Use Buildout Assumptions' Electrical Energy Demand (KWh) CO2e (metric tons annually)2 • 13,967 residential units • 530,500 square feet of commercial building space • 209,000 square feet of industrial building space 95,230,021 45,130 • 44,600 square feet of office building space Notes: Emissions quantified by PMC with CalEEMod (see Appendix 3.2-A). 'Maximum growth potential assumptions derived from Table 3.1-2 of Section 3.1. 2 Emission intensity factor based on utility provider statewide average defaults due to lack of specific TDPUD factors in modeling software. As shown in Table 3.2-10, under the current electric energy provider, Liberty Utilities, the maximum growth potential in the District -preferred SOI results in an annual electrical energy demand of 95,230,021 kilowatt-hours as well as 67,837 metric tons of CO2e. As shown in Table 3.2-11, under the proposed District -preferred SOI boundary, the maximum growth potential in Sphere of Influence Update — Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 3.2-22 3.2 CLIMATE CHANGE AND GREENHOUSE GASES the District -preferred SOI would result in an annual electrical energy demand of 95,230,021 kilowatt-hours and 44,130 metric tons of CO2e. Table 3.2-12 identifies the most recently available electric energy demand information of both Liberty Utilities and the TDPUD as well as the current renewable energy mix for each utility company. As stated in Section 2.0, Project Description, the TDPUD currently serves approximately 13,000 electricity customers, and according to the California Public Utility Commission (CPUC; 2012a), Liberty Utility currently serves approximately 49,000 customers in California. TABLE 3.2-12 TOTAL ELECTRIC ENERGY DEMAND AND RENEWABLE ENERGY MIX — LIBERTY UTILITIES AND TRUCKEE DONNER PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT Electric Service Provider Total Energy Demand (Annual KWh) Renewable Energy Mix Percentage Renewable KWh Annually Liberty Utilities (current provider) 564,909,525' 20V 112,981,905 TDPUD 156,694,9022 22%4 34,472,878 Sources: ' CPUC 2012b; total energy demand is projected for Year 2013. 2 CEC 2010, total energy demand for Year 2010. s Smart 2012. 'CEC 2012 As shown in Table 3.2-12, Liberty Utilities has a total energy demand of 564,909,525 kilowatt-hours annually, of which 20 percent is supplied from renewable energy sources. The TDPUD has a total energy demand of 156,694,902 kilowatt-hours annually, of which 22 percent is supplied from renewable energy sources. As previously stated, the TDPUD proposes to expand its SOL The expansion of TDPUD's electrical service area to include the lands within the District -preferred SOI could potentially add an additional energy demand of 95,230,021 kilowatt-hours to the TDPUD's current energy demand of 156,694,902 kilowatt-hours annually, for a total annual energy demand of 251,924,923 kilowatt- hours. Such an immediate addition of energy demand would reduce the TDPUD's current renewable energy mix percentage to 14 percent. However, such a scenario is not likely because a majority of the lands within the proposed expansion area into the TDPUD SOI are currently not developed and are not anticipated to be fully development at any time in the intermediate future. The Renewables Portfolio Standard program requires investor -owned utilities, electric service providers, and community choice aggregators to increase procurement from eligible renewable energy resources to 33 percent of total procurement by 2020. According to the CEC, the TDPUD is projected to sell 176,383,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually by the year 2020 and is expected to be able to deliver approximately 72,619,000 kilowatt-hours of renewable energy annually by the year 2020 (CEC 2011). Therefore, the potential for the TDPUD to add the additional energy demand, under the District -preferred SOI boundary, of 95,230,021 kilowatt-hours to its projected 2020 demand would result in a TDPUD renewable energy mix of 29 percent (176,383,000 + 95,230,021 = 251,924,923. 72,619,000 - 251,924,923 = 0.29), which is 4 percentage points below the mandated 33 percent or 10,516,224 kilowatt-hours of renewable energy, based on projections. The purchase power contract involving Liberty Utilities' supply of electricity to its California customers guarantees the delivery of a specific and minimum verifiable amount of renewable energy (Smart 2012). The amount of guaranteed renewable energy for 2012 and 2013 is 20 percent (Smart 2012). The amount of renewable energy mix supplied to Liberty Utilities' California customers in 2014 is set at 21.7 percent, and in 2015 the renewable mix percentage is Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update — Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.2-23 3.2 CLIMATE CHANGE AND GREENHOUSE GASES contractually set at 23.3 percent (Smart 2012). A new renewable energy mix requirements contract has yet to be established for years beyond 2015. The CPUC implements and administers the Renewables Portfolio Standard program in collaboration and cooperation with the CEC and other agencies. The CPUC and the CEC monitor Renewables Portfolio Standard goals and results, including compliance reviews and enforcement, as necessary (CPUC 2011). These entities also require that electrical service providers prepare a renewable energy procurement plan and update that plan when necessary (CPUC 2011). The CPUC and the CEC review Renewables Portfolio Standard procurement plans for each electric utility provider and accept, reject, or modify the plans. Also, the CPUC and the CEC oversee electrical utility providers' Renewables Portfolio Standard solicitations for renewable energy, review the results of solicitations submitted for approval by an electrical utility, and accept or reject proposed contracts based on consistency with the approved procurement plan. As previously stated, in the case of Liberty Utilities, a new renewable energy mix requirements contract concerning its supply of electricity to its California customers has yet to be established for years beyond 2015. Also as stated above, the potential for the TDPUD to add an additional energy demand of 95,230,021 kilowatt-hours to its projected 2020 demand would result in a TDPUD renewable energy mix of 29 percent, which is 4 percentage points below the mandated 33 percent or 10,516,224 kilowatt-hours of renewable energy. However, both electric service providers are overseen, through the requirement of submitting renewable energy procurement plans, by the CPUC and the CEC, which accept, reject, or modify these procurement plans as needed and review the results of solicitations submitted for approval by an electrical utility, such as Liberty Utilities and/or the TDPUD, and accept or reject proposed contracts based on consistency with the approved procurement plan. In addition, the Renewables Portfolio Standard program specifically excludes local publicly owned electric utilities like the TDPUD from the definition of "retail seller" (CEC 2008). Instead, local publicly owned electric utilities, such as the TDPUD, are required to implement a Renewables Portfolio Standard but are given flexibility in developing utility -specific targets, timelines, and resource eligibility rules (CEC 2008). Therefore, a TDPUD renewable energy mix of 29 percent in the year 2020 does not necessarily represent a lack of compliance with the Renewables Portfolio Standard program. For these reasons, the District -preferred SOI boundary scenario would not conflict with AB 32 goals for reducing GHG emissions. Both Liberty Utilities and the TDPUD are expected to achieve the mandated requirements of the Renewables Portfolio Standard program regardless of their respective Spheres of Influence due to CPUC and CEC oversight. As previously stated, all future development associated with the maximum development potential of both the LAFCo-recom mended SOI and the District -preferred SOI would be subject to all applicable California state regulatory requirements, which would also reduce the GHG emissions. As shown in Table 3.2-9, future development would comply with the strategies to help California reach the emissions reduction targets under the AB 32 Scoping Plan. Furthermore, the District -preferred SOI boundary scenario would not conflict with AB 32 goals for reducing GHG emissions, since both Liberty Utilities and the TDPUD are expected to achieve the mandated requirements of the Renewables Portfolio Standard program regardless of their respective SOls due to CPUC and CEC oversight. This impact is therefore less than cumulatively considerable. Mitigation Measures None required. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 3.2-24 3.2 CLIMATE CHANGE AND GREENHOUSE GASES REFERENCES BAAQMD (Bay Area Air Quality Management District). 2011. California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines. California Climate Action Registry. 2009. California Climate Action Registry General Reporting Protocol Version 3.1. CARB (California Air Resources Board). 2010. California Greenhouse Gas Inventory for2000-2008. http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/inventory/data/data.htm. CEC (California Energy Commission). 2008. The Progress of California's Publicly Owned Utilities in Implementing Renewables Portfolio Standards. 2010. "Energy Consumption Data Management System: Energy Consumption by Entity." http://ecdms.energy.ca.gov/elecbyutil.aspx. 2011. Updated Publicly Owned Utilities Database as of November 2011. http://www.energy.ca.gov/2008publications/CEC-300-2008-005/index.html. 2012. "Utility Annual Power Content Label for 2010." http://www.energy.ca.gov/sb 1305/labels/. CNRA (California Natural Resources Agency). 2009. 2009 California Climate Adaptation Strategy. CPUC (California Public Utilities Commission). 2011. Order Instituting Rulemaking Regarding Implementation and Administration of the Renewables Portfolio Standard Program. CPUC (California Public Utilities Commission), Division of Ratepayer Advocates. 2012a. Report on the Results of Operations for California Pacific Electric Company General Rate Case Test Year 2013 - Customer Accounts, Customer Service & Information Expenses. 2012b. Report on the Results of Operations for California Pacific Electric Company General Rate Case Test Year 2013 - Sales, Customers, Revenues, and Depreciation. DOF (California Department of Finance). 2012. Population and Housing Estimates for Cities, Counties, and the State, January 2011 and 2012, with 2010 Benchmark. EFCTC (European Fluorocarbons Technical Committee). 2003. Fluorocarbons and Sulphur Hexafluoride: Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) Fact Sheet. EIA (Energy Information Administration). 1995. How Many Employees Are There? - Commercial Buildings. http://www.eia.gov/emeu/consumptionbriefs/cbecs/pbawebsite/retailsery /retserv_howmanyempl.htm. EPA (US Environmental Protection Agency). 2008. "SF6 Emission Reduction Partnership for Electric Power Systems: Basic Information." http://www.epa.gov/electricpower-sf6/basic.html. 2010a. "Nitrous Oxide." http://www.epa.gov/nitrousoxide/scientific.html. 2010b. "High Global Warming Potential Gases." http://epa.gov/highgwp/. Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.2-25 3.2 CLIMATE CHANGE AND GREENHOUSE GASES 2010c. Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2008. 2010d. PSD and Title V Permitting Guidance for Greenhouse Gases. 2011a. "Climate Change - Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Carbon Dioxide." http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/co2.html. 2011 b. "Methane." http://www.epa.gov/methane/scientific.html. Nevada County. 1994. Nevada County General Plan (amended through 2010). 1995. Nevada County General Plan Draft Environmental Impact Report. 1997. Nevada County Zoning District Map 135. http://www.mynevadacounty.com/nc/igs/gis/docs/GIS%20Mops%20(Public)/Zoning%2 OMaps%20(Public)/Zoning%20District%20Map%20ZDM%20Pages%20in%20B%20and%20W /ZDM%20135.pdf. 2012. Rincon Del Rio Draft Environmental Impact Report (SCH No. 201 1052030). January 2011. Placer County. 1994. Placer County General Plan. 2003a. Mortis Valley Community Plan. 2003b. Mortis Valley Community Plan Final Environmental Impact Report. Sierra County. 1996. Sierra County General Plan. Smart, Michael. 2012. President, Liberty Utilities West. E-mail communication with PMC. August 16. Truckee, Town of. 2005. Town of Truckee 2025 General Plan. 2006. Town of Truckee 2025 General Plan Draft Environmental Impact Report. 2011. Coldstream Specific Plan Draft Environmental Impact Report, Volume 1 (SCH No. 2009062029). Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 3.2-26 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT This section addresses the environmental effects associated with anticipated actions and associated growth that may occur after establishment of the new Truckee Donner Public Utility District's Sphere of Influence. 3.3.1 EXISTING SETTING The Truckee Donner Public Utility District (TDPUD; District) is a multicounty special district that provides water and electric utility services to areas within the Town of Truckee and to unincorporated areas of Nevada and Placer counties adjacent to the town. The TDPUD Sphere of Influence (SOI) encompasses two identifiable population centers, the Town of Truckee and Martis Valley, as well as sparsely populated surrounding territories. The TDPUD Sphere of Influence also extends south of Truckee into Placer County in Martis Valley. Martis Valley includes the Northstar community and the territory served by the Northstar Community Services District (NCSD). NATURAL RESOURCES OF THE PROJECT AREA Aesthetics Existinp- Visual Character Located in the north -central Sierra Nevada mountain range, the project area consists of a combination of publicly and privately held lands. The terrain of Martis Valley ranges from gently sloping within the valley center to steep ridges to the south, east, and west. The visual character of the project area and surrounding region can be generally described as three primary landform types: mountains (mountainsides, slopes, ridges, and peaks), forests (gently sloping forestlands), and valley (open meadow within the valley floor). Both the mountain and the valley classifications are visually sensitive areas with regard to development potential. A range of land uses characterize the project area that consist of the urban areas (residential, commercial, industrial, and public uses) of the Town of Truckee and adjoining areas, rural residential uses, and forested and open space along the perimeter of the project area. Locally and state recognized scenic highways in the project area include State Route (SR) 267 and SR 89 (north of the Town of Truckee). In addition to State Routes 267 and 89, Schaffer Mill Road in Placer County is generally considered a scenic corridor with expansive views of the open valley area. Nighttime Lighting Conditions At nighttime, the project area has varied nighttime lighting conditions that include high ambient lighting from urban uses in the Town of Truckee and developments adjacent to the town in both Nevada and Placer counties, a low ambient light level consistent with rural residential areas, and intrinsically dark landscape associated with the forest, recreational, and publicly owned lands located outside of developed areas. Air Quality The project area is located in the eastern portion of the Mountain Counties Air Basin (MCAB), which consists of nine counties or portions of counties stretching from Plumas County on the north to Mariposa County on the south. The Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District (NSAQMD) is the local agency for air quality planning with authority over air pollutant sources. Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.3-1 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT The MCAB has large variations in terrain and consequently exhibits large variations in climate, both of which affect air quality. The western portions of the MCAB slope relatively gradually with deep river canyons running from southwest to northeast toward the crest of the Sierra Nevada. East of the divide, the slope of the Sierra is steeper, but river canyons are relatively shallow. Based on historical data (1948 to 2006) obtained from the Truckee Ranger Station, average temperatures in the project area range from a January low of approximately 14.9 degrees Fahrenheit to a July high of approximately 82.1 degrees Fahrenheit (Town of Truckee 2011). The prevailing wind direction over the county is westerly. However, the terrain of the area has a great influence on local winds, so that wide variability in wind direction can be expected. Afternoon winds are generally channeled up -canyon, while nighttime winds generally flow down -canyon. Winds are, in general, stronger in spring and summer and lighter in fall and winter. Periods of calm winds and clear skies in fall and winter often result in strong, ground -based inversions forming in mountain valleys. These layers of very stable air restrict the dispersal of pollutants, trapping these pollutants near the ground, representing the worst conditions for local air pollution. Regional airflow patterns have an effect on air quality patterns by directing pollutants downwind of sources. Localized meteorological conditions, such as light winds and shallow vertical mixing, as well as topographical features, such as surrounding mountain ranges, create areas of high pollutant concentrations by hindering dispersal. An inversion layer is produced when a layer of warm air traps cooler air close to the ground. Such temperature inversions hamper dispersion by stratifying contaminated air near the ground. Existing Air Quality Select criteria air pollutants, emission sources, and associated health and welfare effects are summarized in Table 3.3-1. TABLE 3.3-1 SUMMARY OF SELECT CRITERIA AIR POLLUTANTS' COMMON SOURCES AND EFFECTS Pollutant Major Man -Made Sources Human Health & Welfare Effects Ozone (03), a colorless or Formed by a chemical reaction between Irritates and causes inflammation of the mucous bluish gas. volatile organic compounds (VOC) and membranes and lung airways; causes wheezing, nitrous oxides (NOx) in the presence of coughing and pain when inhaling deeply; sunlight. Motor vehicle exhaust, industrial decreases lung capacity; aggravates lung and emissions, gasoline storage and transport, heart problems. Damages plants; reduces crop solvents, paints and landfills. yield. Damages rubber, some textiles and dyes. Particulate matter (PM), Power plants, steel mills, chemical Increased respiratory symptoms, such as irritation airborne solid particle and plants, unpaved roads and parking lots, of the airways, coughing, or difficulty breathing; liquid particles. Grouped wood -burning stoves and fireplaces, aggravated asthma; development of chronic into two categories: PM,o automobiles and others. bronchitis; irregular heartbeat, nonfatal heart and PM2.5. attacks; and premature death in people with heart or lung disease. Impairs visibility (haze). Carbon monoxide (CO), Formed when carbon in fuel is not Reduces the ability of blood to deliver oxygen to an odorless, colorless gas. burned completely; a component of vital tissues, effecting the cardiovascular and motor vehicle exhaust. nervous system. Impairs vision, causes dizziness, and can lead to unconsciousness or death. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 3.3-2 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT Pollutant Major Man -Made Sources Human Health & Welfare Effects Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a Fuel combustion in motor vehicles and Respiratory irritant; aggravates lung and heart reddish -brown gas. industrial sources. Motor vehicles; problems. Precursor to ozone and acid rain. electric utilities, and other sources that Contributes to global warming, and nutrient burn fuel. overloading which deteriorates water quality. Causes brown discoloration of the atmosphere. Sulfur dioxide (SO2), a Formed when fuel containing sulfur, Respiratory irritant. Aggravates lung and heart colorless, nonflammable such as coal and oil, is burned; when problems. In the presence of moisture and gas. gasoline is extracted from oil; or when oxygen, sulfur dioxide converts to sulfuric metal is extracted from ore. Examples acid which can damage marble, iron and are petroleum refineries, cement manu- steel; damage crops and natural vegetation. facturing, metal processing facilities, Impairs visibility. Precursor to acid rain. locomotives, large ships, and fuel com- bustion in diesel engines. Both the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) use the above type of monitoring data to designate areas according to attainment status for criteria air pollutants established by the agencies. The purpose of these designations is to identify those areas with air quality problems and thereby initiate planning efforts for improvements. The three basic designation categories are nonattainment, attainment, and unclassified. Unclassified is used in an area that cannot be classified on the basis of available information as meeting or not meeting ambient air quality standards. In addition, the California designations include a subcategory of the nonattainment designation, called nonattainment- transitional, which is given to nonattainment areas that are progressing and nearing attainment. The eastern portion of Nevada County is currently designated nonattainment for state ozone and PMio ambient air quality standards. Although the western portion of Nevada County is designated nonattainment for the federal 8-hour ozone standard, the eastern portion of the county, including the Town of Truckee, remains in attainment for the federal 8-hour ozone standard. Nevada County is designated attainment or unclassified for the remaining state and federal ambient air quality standards. Toxic Air Contaminants Toxic air contaminants (TACs) are not considered criteria pollutants in that TACs are not addressed through the setting of federal or state ambient air quality standards. Instead, the EPA and CARB regulate hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) and TACs, respectively, through statutes and regulations that generally require the use of the maximum or best available control technology to limit emissions. In conjunction with NSAQMD rules, they establish the regulatory framework for toxic air contaminants. At the national levels, the SEPA has established National Emission Standards for HAPs (NESHAPs), as required by the federal Clean Air Act Amendments. These are technology -based source -specific regulations that limit allowable emissions of HAPs. At the state level, CARB has authority for the regulation of emissions from motor vehicles, fuels, and consumer products. In 1998, CARB added diesel -exhaust particulate matter (DPM) to the list of toxic air contaminants. DPM is the primary TAC of concern for mobile sources. Of all controlled toxic air contaminants, emissions of DPM are estimated to be responsible for about 70 percent of the total ambient TAC risk. CARB has made the reduction of the public's exposure to DPM one of its highest priorities, with an aggressive plan to require cleaner diesel fuel and cleaner diesel engines and vehicles. Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.3-3 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT Local air districts have authority over stationary or industrial sources. All projects that require air quality permits from the NSAQMD are evaluated for TAC emissions. The NSAQMD limits emissions and public exposure to TACs through a number of programs. The NSAQMD prioritizes TAC- emitting stationary sources, based on the quantity and toxicity of the TAC emissions and the proximity of the facilities to sensitive receptors. The NSAQMD also requires a comprehensive health risk assessment for facilities that are classified in the significant -risk category, pursuant to Assembly Bill (AB) 2588. Current potential sources of TACs in the project area include mobile emissions from Interstate 80 and railroad operations. Biological Resources Dominant vegetation communities present within the project area include conifer forest, hardwood forest, mixed coniferous/hardwood forest, shrub, herbaceous, and water. Table 3.3-2 summarizes the acreage of these communities for both the LAFCo-recom mended SOI boundary and the TDPUD-preferred SOI for electric service (which encompasses the largest land area). TABLE 3.3-2 VEGETATION COMMUNITY TYPES IN PROJECT AREA LAFCo-Recommended SOI Boundary (Near -Term and Long -Term) Vegetation Types/Coverage Acreage Conifer forest 3,811 Shrub 1,387 Herbaceous 46 Water 47 Barren 168 Urban (developed) 80 Mixed conifer and hardwood forest 11 Hardwood forest 10 TDPUD-Preferred SOI Boundary for Electric Service Vegetation Types/Coverage Acreage Conifer forest 42,985 Shrub 9,408 Herbaceous 2,616 Water 1,771 Barren 1,280 Urban (developed) 650 Mixed conifer and hardwood forest 170 Hardwood forest 20 Source: Nevada County and Town of Truckee GIS mapping data and aerial photography data Sphere of Influence Update — Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 3.3-4 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT Plant and Wildlife Species in the Proiect Area Conifer Forest/Hardwood Forest/Mixed Conifer and Hardwood Forest Vegetation Communities This vegetation cover comprises the following major vegetation associations: eastside pine, lodgepole pine, mixed conifer, subalpine conifer, and white fir. Dominant tree species found in mixed coniferous forest habitats include Jeffrey pine (Pinus jeffreyi), white fir (Abies concolor), sugar pine (P. lambertiana), ponderosa pine (P. ponderosa), lodgepole pine (P. contorta ssp. murrayana), and western white pine (P. monticola). Plant species known to grow in the understory include Indian paintbrush (Castilleja pinetorum), snowberry (Symphoricarpos mollis), mule ears (Wyethia mollis), Sierra currant (gibes nevadense), and mountain pride (Penstemon newberryi) (Placer County 2004a). Special -status plant species' with potential to occur in this vegetation community include scalloped moonwort (Botrychium crenulatum), mingan moonwort (B. minganense), Bolander's brachia (Bruchia bolanderi), mud (shore) sedge (Carex limosa), Nevada daisy (Erigeron eatonii var. nevadincola), Plumas ivesia (Ivesia sericoleuca), Webber's ivesia (Ivesia webberi), broad - nerved hump -moss, Stebbins' phacelia (Phacelia stebbinsii), and alder buckthorn (Rhamnus alnifolia) (Town of Truckee 2006, 201 1; Placer County 2004). This vegetation community provides cover, foraging, and breeding habitat for a large diversity of resident and migratory wildlife. Avian species associated with these habitats include western tanager (Piranga ludoviciana), western wood peewee (Contopus sordidulus), hairy woodpecker (Picoides villosus), mountain chickadee (Poecile gambeli), white -breasted nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis), brown -headed cowbird (Molothrus ater), chipping sparrow (Spizella passerina), Oregon junco (Junco hyemalis thurberi), yellow-rumped warbler (Dendroica coronata), northern flicker (Co/aptes auratus), and Steller's jay (Cyanocitta stelleri). Mammalian species associated with mixed coniferous forest habitats include lodgepole chipmunk (Tamias speciosus), mule deer (Odocoi/eus hemionus), California vole (Microtus californicus), black bear (Ursus americanus), raccoon (Procyon lotor), mountain lion (Felis conco/or), and western gray squirrel (Sciurus griseus) . Special -status wildlife species with potential to occur in this vegetation community include northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis), bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), osprey (Pandion ha/iaetus), California wolverine (Gulo gulo luteus), and Sierra Nevada red fox (Vu/pes vulpes necator) (Town of Truckee 2006, 201 1; Placer County 2004). Shrub Vegetation Community The bitterbrush, basin sagebrush, and western juniper vegetation associations are found within this vegetation community in the project area. This habitat is dominated by sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata); however, rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus nauseosus), western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis var. occidentalis), squirrel tail (Elymus elymoides), and bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata) are also associated with this habitat in the project area. Scattered trees, such as Jeffery pine and ponderosa pine, are found interspersed throughout this habitat. Special -status species are defined as: • Listed, proposed, or candidate for listing under the California and/or federal Endangered Species Acts; • Protected under other regulations (e.g., local policies, Migratory Bird Treaty Act); • California Department of Fish and Game's (CDFG's) Species of Special Concern and California Fully Protected Species; or • Designated as species of concern by California Native Plant Society (CNPS) (List 1 A, 1 B, or 2). Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.3-5 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT Special -status plant species with potential to occur in this vegetation community include Donner Pass buckwheat (Eriogonum umbellatum torreyanum). In addition to providing shelter, this vegetation community provides excellent foraging opportunities for wildlife species. Additionally, several species of birds and small mammals utilize this habitat for nesting. Avian species commonly associated with Great Basin sage scrub habitats include violet green swallow (Tachycineta thalassina), turkey vulture (Cathartes aura), American robin (Turdus migratorius), mountain chickadee, mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), northern flicker, chipping sparrow, vesper sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus), and Oregon junco. This habitat also provides forage for mule deer migrating through the project area. Special -status wildlife species with potential to occur in this vegetation community include western white-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus townsendii) and American badger (Taxidea taxus) (Town of Truckee 2006, 2011; Placer County 2004a). Herbaceous Vegetation Community The montane mixed chaparral, huckleberry oak, and snowbrush vegetation associations are found in the montane chaparral habitats within the project area. Montane chaparral habitat is characterized predominantly by shrubs such as manzanita (Arctostaphylos patula), huckleberry oak (Quercus vaccinifolia), tobacco brush (Ceanothus velutinus), snowbrush (Ceanothus cordulatus), and bitterbrush; however, herbaceous species including wild onions (Allium spp.) and mule ears (Wyethia spp.) also occur here. The annual grass/fortis, wet meadow, perennial grass, and mixed meadow vegetation associations are found in the montane meadow habitats within this vegetation community. Montane meadow habitats are characterized predominantly by grasses and forbs; however, shrubs, such as various willows (Salix spp.), are also found here. In some cases, plant species associated with montane meadows have adapted to the saturated soil conditions present within these habitats. Species typically associated with these areas include meadow barley (Hordeum brachyantherum), common monkeyflower (Mimulus guttatus), clover (Trifolium spp.), Indian paintbrush, mint (Mentha sp.), shooting star (Dodecatheon jeffreyi), and yarrow (Achillea millefolium) (Placer County 2004a). Additional herbaceous species associated with this habitat include fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium), cinquefoil (Potentilla sp.), and primrose (Primula sp.). Special -status plant species with potential to occur in this vegetation community include scalloped moonwort, mingan moonwort, Bolander's bruchia, mud (shore) sedge, English sundew (Drosera anglica), American manna grass (Glyceria grandis), Plumas ivesia, Webber's ivesia, Santa Lucia dwarf rush (Juncus luciensis), broad -nerved hump -moss, Stebbins' phacelia, alder buckthorn, and marsh skullcap (Scutellaria galericulata) (Town of Truckee 2006, 2011; Placer County 2004a). Wildlife species found utilizing this habitat include species similar to those associated with the Great Basin sage scrub habitat within the project area (see above discussion). Montane meadow habitats support numerous resident and migratory wildlife species. Such species include American robin, mountain chickadee, cliff swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota), killdeer (Charadrius vociferus), mourning dove, northern flicker, California mule deer, western bluebird (Sialia mexicana), and green -tailed towhee (Pipilo chlorurus). Water Vegetation Community Riparian scrub habitats associated with this community comprise the following vegetation associations: willow, quaking aspen, and willow -aspen. Riparian scrub habitat is found adjacent Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 3.3-6 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT to streams within the project area and is dominated by plant species that have adapted to the wet soil conditions found along stream margins. Species typical of riparian habitats in the Sierra Nevada include willow (Salix sp.), alder (Alnus tenuifolia), cottonwood (Populus sp.), and quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) (Placer County 2004a). The Truckee River, Trout Creek, Cold Creek, Donner Creek, Martis Creek, Juniper Creek, Monte Carlo Creek, and the tributaries associated with these drainages are stream habitats, typically supporting minimal vegetation within the banks. However, the vegetation growing adjacent to these streams includes hydrophytic species such as carex (Carex spp.), juncus (Juncus sp.), and barley (Hordeum brachyantherum). In some locations within the project area, these habitats occur adjacent to riparian scrub and montane meadow habitats. Special -status plant species with potential to occur in this vegetation community include American manna grass, Santa Lucia dwarf rush, and alder buckthorn. Numerous wildlife species utilize riparian scrub habitats. Such species include raccoon, western gray squirrel, California mule deer, northern flicker, mountain chickadee, and Iodgepole chipmunk. Wildlife utilizing stream habitats include mostly aquatic species such as bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana), Pacific chorus frog (Pseudacris regilla), and various freshwater fish species. Numerous wildlife species also forage within stream habitats, such as raccoon and belted kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon). Special -status wildlife species with potential to occur in this vegetation community include: Lahonton cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii henshawi), mountain yellow -legged frog (Rana muscosa), Sierra Nevada yellow -legged frog (Rana sierra), harlequin duck (Histrionicus histrionicus), yellow warbler (Setophaga petechia), willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii), Sierra Nevada mountain beaver (Aplodontia rufa Californica), Sierra Nevada snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus tahoensis), and Sierra Nevada red fox. (Town of Truckee 2006, 2011; Placer County 2004) Climate Change and Greenhouse Gases The reader is referred to Section 3.2 of this Draft EIR. Geology and Soils During the last glacial period, glaciers were the main sculptors of the existing terrain in the Martis Valley watershed. They shaped valleys and deposited rock debris over large areas, including the project area. As a result, the region's topography is atypical with high rugged slopes such as those located in the southern part of the project area and the lower valley floor along the Placer County/Nevada County border. Within the Martis Valley basin and along Martis Creek at the county border, the land elevation is approximately 5,830 feet above mean sea level (msl). But in the eastern portion of the valley, Martis Peak rises up to approximately 8,742 feet above msl. To the south, Mt. Pluto dominates the skyline at an elevation of approximately 8,617 feet above msl. High ground between these two peaks is maintained by ridgelines that separate Martis Valley from the Tahoe Basin to the south. From these ridges, the ground surface falls away in a northerly direction until it meets the floor of Martis Valley. Throughout the Truckee Basin and across a large portion of the project area, there are Miocene - Pliocene andesites underlying the terrain and helping to maintain the area's high relief. Small isolated areas are also underlain by bedrock consisting of Pliocene andesite and Pleistocene basalt. Deposition of both these units postdates the Pliocene -Pleistocene deformation that took Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.3-7 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT place within this region prior to its recent glaciation. In low-lying areas of the Martis Valley basin, the surface is covered mostly by lower Pleistocene nonmarine sedimentary rocks composed of fluvial and lacustrine gravel, sand, silt and clay, and upper Pleistocene glacial deposits. The Truckee and Tahoe basins and Sierra Valley all appear to be related parts of a large graben situated along a westerly margin of the Basin and Range province. Large-scale analysis indicates that generation of this province may have been the result of oblique extension caused by a combination of internal extension and dextral shear regimes related to the dextral shearing mechanism of the San Andreas Fault located along the western margin of the North American Plate. On a smaller scale, the geometry of late Tertiary and Quaternary faults in the western Basin and Range province, including faults located within the Truckee Basin, can be used to characterize the regional strain that has affected the project area. Faults in the region occur mostly in four distinct orientations and are related by orthorhombic symmetry. This pattern relates their orientation to regional tectonic strain with the same trend. The age of most of these faults can be inferred from offsets of the mafic lava flows located in the project area and surrounding region. Most movement on those faults located in the area occurred between five and one million years ago. (Placer County 2004a). Slope Stability In general, the steeper hillsides located in the region are concentrated in areas where ground surface elevations are greater than 6,500 feet above msl and underlain by Miocene -Pliocene volcanic rocks of andesitic composition. Below this elevation and at the foot of steeper hillsides, the terrain becomes more flat as it leaves mountain areas and onto valley floors and open meadows. A majority of the Martis Valley area is has been identified as having moderate to high stability. Low stability areas are generally located east of State Route 267 and in the northeastern portion of the Martis Valley Community Plan area in Placer County. (Placer County 2004a) Avalanches The term avalanche, if unmodified, refers to down -slope movements of a mass of snow and/or ice; this mass of frozen water can also be accompanied by other materials. Avalanches are classified by the type of snow involved. These include climax, combination, damp snow, delayed action, direct action, dry snow, hangfire, and windslab avalanches. Sometimes the term avalanche is used to describe those landslides in which the material catches a pocket of underlying air, thus reducing underlying friction and resulting in incredibly rapid downslope movement of snow and/or ice. As movement becomes much more rapid because of lower cohesion, higher water content, and steeper slopes, the definition of an avalanche can grade from debris slides to debris flows and from debris slide to debris avalanche. Debris slides and, less commonly, debris avalanches may have slump blocks at their heads. In debris slides, the moving mass breaks up into smaller and smaller particles as it advances toward the foot of the slope and the movement is usually slow. In debris avalanches, progressive failure is more rapid and the whole mass, either because it is quite wet or because it is on a steep slope, liquefies, at least in part, and flows and tumbles downhill. These movements are commonly along a stream channel and may advance well beyond the foot of the slope. Debris avalanches generally take place along long narrow drainage ways and often leave a serrated or V-shaped scar tapering uphill at the head in contrast to the horseshoe -shaped scarp of a slump. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 3.3-8 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT Avalanches most frequently occur on northerly- and easterly -facing slopes inclined at angles greater than 29 degrees, but under the right combination of factors, avalanches can be released under a wide variety of slopes with any aspect. The project area has a typically maritime climate with generally deep snowpack, mild temperatures, and strong southerly to southwesterly winds. Although avalanches have the potential to occur on steeper slopes in the region, they are not likely to occur on the terrain that is dominated by more subtle surface features. Faults and Seismic Hazards Earthquakes threaten man-made improvements either by directly shearing the ground surface beneath structures and/or by causing the ground to oscillate back and forth or side to side as their energy waves migrate through the earth's subsurface materials. Based on review of available professional and published reports, the potential for both mechanisms appears to be present in certain locations in the region. In the past, geologists have prepared various reports in an attempt to delineate the potential level of seismic risk imposed on improvements in the Martis Valley area by future earthquakes that may originate from faults in the region. Surface Rupture The ground surface may rupture due to shearing action at a fault's trace or intersection with the ground surface. The types of ground failure will be the result of the type of movement along the fault, including right lateral, left lateral, normal, thrusting, or a combination of these movements. According to published reports, several normal faults are located across the project area and in the immediate surrounding area. Therefore, in the event of movement along one of these faults, the hanging -wall block will most likely move downward in relation the foot -wall block, thus causing the ground surface across the fault to step downward. This differential movement could destroy structures situated atop the fault, including foundations underneath structures, roadways, and earth embankments. The degree of differential movement would be a function of relative movement of hanging and foot -walls located adjacent to the fault. Because of the seismic characteristics in this portion of the Basin and Range province, overall movement along fault structures will likely be more oblique, with a small striking component present with the more dominant dip component. Ground Shaking The project area is located within Seismic Zone 3, an area with potential for earthquake damage. In populated areas, the greatest potential for loss of life and property damage is a result of ground shaking from a nearby earthquake. The degree of damage depends on many interrelated factors. Among these factors are the Richter magnitude, focal depth, distance from the causative fault, source mechanism, duration of shaking, high rock accelerations, type of surficial deposits or bedrock, degree of consolidation of surficial deposits, presence of high groundwater, topography, and design, type, and quality of building construction. Since numerous fault structures are present within the project area and the region, there is a high probability that the region will experience a seismic event sometime in the future that could result in shaking of the ground surface. Two of these faults, the Stampede Valley (also Dog Valley Fault zone) and Lake Tahoe faults, have experienced movement within the past 10,000 years and are therefore considered active. Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.3-9 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT The project area is situated in a region that has endured damage of at least VII on the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale (i.e., everyone runs outdoors; damage negligible in buildings of good design and construction, slight to moderate in well-built ordinary structures; considerable in poorly built or badly designed structures; some chimneys broken; noticed by persons driving cars). (Placer County 2004a) Liquefaction The threat of damage to future improvements from liquefaction is low because subsurface conditions underlying most of the project area (shallow soil overlaying bedrock) are generally lacking in the required combination of deep saturated soils, soil type, and high groundwater needed for failure. In order for liquefaction to occur, there must be a sudden large decrease in shearing strength in cohesionless saturated soils along with an associated large increase in the groundwater's pore water pressure. Soil Stability The project area and surrounding region are underlain mostly by upper Cenozoic andesites. This material is a fine-grained extrusive rock that is equivalent in geochemistry to granodiorite and diorite, which are medium to coarse -grained intrusives. Their mineral assemblage is composted from zero to approximately 10 percent quartz, 50 to 60 percent feldspar that is mostly dominated by sodium plagioclase, 10 percent mica (wet minerals), and approximately 20 percent amphibole. These minerals are dominated by a geochemistry that is typical of the silicates and composed of silica, oxygen, sodium, iron, magnesium, calcium, aluminum, and potassium. Andesite is a fine-grained volcanic rock with intermediate composition and its color falls between acidic (felsitic) and ultrabasic (basaltic) rocks. It is commonly porphyritic, in that larger crystals are found in a finer -grained mineral matrix. This characteristic is due mainly to two or more stages of cooling by the lava as it migrates upward then out onto the ground surface. (Placer County 2004a) Residual soils found on the ground surface are considered as erosional end -member products of the underlying andesitic bedrock. According to the US Department of Agriculture in cooperation with the Soil Conservation Service, University of California Agricultural Experiment Station, and through the US Forest Service utilizing their Soil Survey for the Tahoe National Forest, the project area is covered by several soil types. These residual soils typically consist of particles with a wide grain size distribution ranging from smaller clays to larger cobbles and boulders. The larger rock fragments tend to be angular to subangular, but as they evolve through the natural process of chemical disintegration, they become subrounded to rounded. Mineral Resources The project area has been identified for its mineral resource potential, specifically for deposits of construction aggregate resources. There are currently aggregate quarries in operation in the project area near the Truckee River. Hydrology and Water Quality Surface Water Surface water resources in the project area are part of the greater Truckee River watershed and include a network of creeks (e.g., Donner, Cold, Trout, Martis, and Juniper), seasonal lakes, and reservoirs. Runoff from precipitation is the primary source of surface water supply, although there Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 3.3-10 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT are numerous springs in the area. Surface water is not the main source of domestic water supply in the project area, but Truckee River watershed surface waters are the main source of domestic water for the downstream communities of Reno and Sparks in Nevada. Flooding The vast majority of the project area, per the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) via their National Flood Insurance Program, is in a Zone X designation - "Areas determined to be outside 500 year floodplain." While most of the project area is dominated by terrain not prone to flooding, low-lying areas along the Truckee River and area creeks are subject to 100-year floods. Water Quality The Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) has included the Truckee River (Calwater Watershed No. 63510010) in the 2006 Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 303(d) List of Water Quality Limited Segments requiring total maximum daily loads (TMDL). A TMDL is a quantifiable assessment of potential water quality issues, contributing sources, and load reductions or control actions needed to restore or protect bodies of water. In May 2008, the Lahontan RWQCB published an amendment to its Water Quality Control Plan (or Basin Plan) that establishes total maximum daily loads for the Middle Truckee River watershed. The amendment to the Basin Plan establishes the following TMDL for the Truckee River measured at Farad: Suspended sediment concentrations shall be reduced to a target value for the annual 90t" percentile that is less than or equal to 25 milligrams per liter within 20 years (Lahontan RWQCB 2008). Groundwater The Martis Valley Groundwater Basin is generally defined as a low-lying area of about 57 square miles and completely contained within a larger watershed area of approximately 167 square miles. Faults controlled the development of the basin. Downward movement along these faults has progressed within an outline surrounding high angle normal faults. These structures roughly define the sides to the basin. The extension of the earth's crust within this part of the Basin and Range Province has served as the driving mechanism that has developed the area's horst and graben terrain. Downward movement of the basin's floor, comprising Cretaceous -Jurassic plutonic and metamorphic rocks and Miocene volcanics, has resulted in the deposition of sediments and intermediate to mafic lavas, tuffs, and volcaniclastic materials of late Miocene to Quaternary age within the evolving depression. Drilling logs indicate these deposits are over 1,000 feet thick and are now host to unconfined and confined aquifers of the basin. The basin is estimated to have a sustainable yield of 24,000 acre-feet of water annually based on the Truckee Donner Public Utility District's 2011 Urban Water Management Plan. HUMAN -RELATED RESOURCES OF THE PROJECT AREA Cultural and Paleontological Resources The Martis Valley area is generally considered rich in cultural resources. While several prehistoric sites and resources have been identified, there is a high probability that many significant cultural resources remain undiscovered within the region. Prehistoric campsites, lithic scatters, and Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.3-11 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT bedrock milling stations are known to be throughout the region. Many sensitive resource sites are adjacent to waterways and meadow areas. Known Historic Resources Properties of historical importance in California are currently designated as significant resources in three state registration programs: State Historical Landmarks, Points of Historical Interest, and the California Register of Historic Places. Below is a list of three State Historical Landmarks in the region. • No. 134 Donner Monument (or) Pioneer Monument: Located at Donner Memorial State Park, Old Highway 40 at Interstate 80 and Truckee exit in Truckee, the memorial commemorates the ill-fated Donner Party of California -bound emigrants, who wintered here in 1846-1847. Many of the party died of exposure and starvation. No. 780-6 First Transcontinental Railroad, Truckee: While construction on Sierra tunnels delayed the Central Pacific, advance forces at Truckee began building 40 miles of track east and west of Truckee, moving supplies by wagon and sled. The Summit Tunnel was opened in December 1867. The line reached Truckee on April 3, 1868, and the Sierra were conquered. Rails reached Reno on June 19, 1868, and construction advanced eastward to its meeting with the Union Pacific at the rate of 1 mile daily. On May 10, 1869, the rails met at Promontory (Utah) to complete the first transcontinental railroad. The railroad is located at the Southern Pacific Depot, 70 Donner Pass Road in Truckee. No. 724 Pioneer Ski Area of America, Squaw Valley: The VIII Olympic Games of 1960 commemorated a century of sport skiing in California and took place at Squaw Valley Sports Center, northeast corner of Blyth Olympic Arena Building, Squaw Valley Road in Squaw Valley. By 1860, the Sierra Nevada, particularly at the mining towns of Whiskey Diggings, Poker Flat, Port Wine, Onion Valley, LaPorte, and Johnsville, some 60 miles north of Squaw Valley, saw the first organized ski clubs and competition in the western hemisphere. There is one National Historic Landmark in the region: Donner Camp located at Donner Memorial State Park, National Register Number 66000218. This site is a memorial to the Donner Party. The Martis Valley Community Plan EIR (2004) identified the historic settlement of Elizabethtown, which was established in the early 1860s as a result of the discovery of gold and silver north of Lake Tahoe near the Northstar-at-Tahoe community. Based on historical accounts, Elizabethtown only consisted of two to three houses and was abandoned by 1864. Paleontological Resources Paleontological resources include fossil remains, as well as fossil localities and formations, which have produced fossil material in other nearby areas. These resources can be an important educational resource and are nonrenewable once destroyed. The California Environmental Quality Act offers protection for these sensitive resources and requires that they be addressed during the EIR process. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 3.3-12 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT In 1993, there was a finding of a mastodon just near Boca Reservoir in Nevada County.2 The mastodon is hypothesized to have originated from a more northerly location, relocated in a glacier that slowly moved into the region. Hazards Hazardous Materials A material is considered hazardous if it appears on a list of hazardous materials prepared by a federal, state, or local agency, or if it has characteristics defined as hazardous by such an agency. A hazardous material is defined in Title 22, Section 66260.10, of the California Code of Regulations (CCR) as: A substance or combination of substances which, because of its quantity, concentration, or physical, chemical or infectious characteristics, may either (1) cause, or significantly contribute to, an increase in mortality or an increase in serious irreversible, or incapacitating reversible, illness; or (2) pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or environment when improperly treated, stored, transported or disposed of or otherwise. Chemical and physical properties that cause a substance to be considered hazardous, including the properties of toxicity, ignitability, corrosivity, and reactivity, are defined in the CCR, Title 22, Sections 66261.20-66261.24. Factors that influence the health effects of exposure to hazardous material include the dose to which the person is exposed, the frequency of exposure, the exposure pathway, and individual susceptibility. The project area contains several businesses and governmental operations that use, handle, transport, and store hazardous materials. These include, but are not limited to, industrial uses, gas stations, corporation yards, the Truckee -Tahoe Airport, and other similar facilities. Airport Operations Hazards The Truckee -Tahoe Airport is the primary general aviation airport serving the entire north Lake Tahoe region. It is a public airport operated by the Truckee -Tahoe Airport District. The facility is located approximately 2 miles southeast from downtown Truckee along State Route 267. The airport straddles the boundary between Nevada and Placer counties. Aircraft utilizing the facility range from gliders to business jets and commuter planes. The most common aircraft are general aviation light single engine. The Truckee -Tahoe Airport Master Plan, dated November 1998, showed the total annual operations for the year 1996 as 32,900 total flights. The Airport Master Plan projects 54,000 flights for the year 2015 and 61,600 flights for the year 2020. Airport -related hazards are generally associated with aircraft accidents, particularly during takeoffs and landings. Also included are potential airport operation hazards associated with incompatible land uses, such as power transmission lines, wildlife hazards (e.g., bird strikes), or tall structures in the vicinity of an airport. 2 Like the modern elephant, the mastodon was very large, with thick, sturdy legs, a huge head, tusks, a hairy almost wooly body, and a flexible, muscular trunk. Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.3-13 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT [.fo, Radon isotope-22 is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas that results form the natural decay of uranium. Uranium and radon are present in varying amounts in rocks and soils, and radon is present in background concentrations in the atmosphere. Current evidence indicates that increased lung cancer risk is directly related to radon -decay products. Medical communities in the United States are currently conducting intense research into the radon potential of rocks and soils and indoor radon exposure levels. At this time, the EPA has recommended an "action" level for indoor radon concentrations at or exceeding 4 pico-curies per liter of air (pCi/1). The EPA has extrapolated that a 1 to 3 percent lung cancer mortality rate resulting from a lifetime of exposure at 4 pCi/I. In other words, it is estimated that 1 to 3 persons per 100 exposed to this concentration for life will die of lung cancer induced by radon. Land Use The reader is referred to Section 3.1 for a discussion of land use conditions in the project area. Noise The existing noise environment in the project area is defined almost entirely by surface traffic on the roadway network (e.g., State Routes 267 and 89 and Interstate 80) and by aircraft activities associated with the Truckee -Tahoe Airport. Although railroad noise is intermittently audible in portions of the project area during rail passages through Truckee, it does not significantly contribute to the ambient noise environment. While there are no other significant fixed/industrial noise sources identified in the project area that significantly contribute to the ambient noise environment. Population/Housing/Employment A wide range of existing land uses characterize the project area that consist of the urban areas (residential, commercial, industrial, and public uses) of the Town of Truckee and adjoining areas, rural residential uses, and forested and open space along the perimeter of the project area. The California Department of Finance estimates that the Nevada County unincorporated area has a current (2012) population of 65,564 and 31,738 dwelling units, while the Town of Truckee is estimated at a population of 15,918 and 12,845 dwelling units. Placer County's unincorporated area in 2012 had a population of 245,872 and 98,331 dwelling units. Sierra County's unincorporated area in 2012 had a population of 2,409 and 1,960 dwelling units. Based on review of GIS data for the project area, the LAFCo-recommended SOI area currently contains 129 dwelling units and an estimated population of 322, while the TDPUD-preferred electric SOI area currently contains 2,408 dwelling units and an estimated population of 6,020 and the TDPUD-preferred water SOI area contains 756 dwelling units and an estimated population of 1,890. The economy of the project area is composed primarily of the recreation, accommodation, and food services; construction; education, health, and social services; and retail trade industries. The largest employer in Truckee, Sierra Community College District (SCCD), employed 1,095 persons in 2009 (Town of Truckee 2011). Public Services and Utilities The following is a list of current public service/utility providers in the project area: Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 3.3-14 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT • California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) - wildland and forest fire protection • Truckee Fire Protection District - fire protection and emergency medical services • Town of Truckee Police Department - law enforcement services • Nevada County Sherriff's Department - law enforcement services • Tahoe -Truckee Unified School District - public school services for grades kindergarten through 12t" grade • Truckee Donner Public Utility District - water supply and electrical services • Truckee Sanitary District - wastewater conveyance services • Tahoe -Truckee Sanitation Agency - wastewater conveyance and treatment services • Tahoe -Truckee Sierra Disposal - solid waste disposal services • Liberty Utilities - electrical services • Southwest Gas - natural gas services • Truckee -Donner Recreation and Park District - park and recreation services Transportation and Circulation Roadway System Martis Valley is in a recreation/resort destination area that attracts tourists during both the summer and winter seasons. The area serves as a recreational and residential area, and also as a "gateway" between the Tahoe Region to the south and the Interstate 80 corridor to the north. As a result, traffic conditions in the area vary greatly over the seasons. Winter conditions can also create adverse driving conditions. The private automobile is the primary mode of travel in the area. The following are key roadway facilities in the project area: • Interstate 80 (regional east -west highway) • State Route 267 (regional north -south highway between Interstate 80 and the Lake Tahoe Basin) • State Route 89 (regional north -south highway that bisects the region) • Donner Pass Road (local east -west roadway through the Town of Truckee) Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.3-15 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT Transit System Truckee Transit The Town of Truckee contracts with a private operator (Aztec Transportation) to provide public transit services. Truckee Transit fixed -route service is provided on a year-round basis within the town and on a seasonal basis to Donner Summit to the west. Truckee Dial -A -Ride Since 2003, the Town of Truckee Truckee Dial -A -Ride program. service to persons with disabiliti general public. Tahoe Area Regional Transit has contracted with Aztec Transportation for operation of the Truckee Dial -A -Ride provides curb -to -curb demand -response es with Americans with Disabilities Act certification and to the Tahoe Area Regional Transit (TART), in partnership with the Town of Truckee, operates transit service between Truckee and Tahoe City along the SR 89 corridor year-round. A winter -only route is operated along SR 267 between Truckee and Crystal Bay. TART is operated seven days a week by the Placer County Department of Public Works. Greyhound Lines, Inc. Greyhound provides bus service between Reno and Truckee seven days a week. Passengers are dropped off in Truckee at 10065 Donner Pass Road. Amtrak provides rail service between Reno and Truckee seven days a week, as part of the California Zephyr route between the Bay Area and Chicago. Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities The Town of Truckee Trails and Bikeways Master Plan identifies a series of bike and trail improvements that would interconnect to existing and planned trails in the region. 3.3.2 REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FEDERAL The following is a list of applicable federal regulations to the project area: • Clean Air Act • Endangered Species Act • Migratory Bird Treaty Act • Clean Water Act Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 3.3-16 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT • Truckee -Carson -Pyramid Lake Settlement Water Settlement Act • National Forest Management Act • Federal Aviation Regulations • Code of Federal Regulations • Resource Conservation and Recovery Act • National Historic Preservation Act • Occupational Safety and Health Act STATE The following is a list of applicable state regulations to the project area: • California Clean Air Act • California Endangered Species Act • California Fish and Game Code • Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region • Porter -Cologne Water Quality Act • California Forest Practice Act • California Global Warming Solutions Act • Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act • Surface Mining and Reclamation Act • California Public Resources Code • California Public Utilities Code • California Water Code • Hazardous Waste Control Law • California Code of Regulations • California Occupational Safety and Health Act • Underground Storage Tank Law • Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.3-17 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT • Uniform Fire Code • Caltrans Transportation Concept Reports for Interstate 80, State Route 267, and State Route 89 LOCAL The following is a list of applicable local regulations to the project area: • Placer County General Plan • Placer County Code • Martis Valley Community Plan • Nevada County General Plan • Nevada County Land Use and Development Code • Sierra County General Plan • Sierra County Code • Town of Truckee General Plan • Town of Truckee Municipal Code • Town of Truckee Trails and Bikeways Master Plan • Truckee Sanitary District Code • Truckee Donner Public Utility District Code 3.3.3 IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES STANDARDS OF SIGNIFICANCE The impact analysis provided below is generally based on CEQA Guidelines Appendix G. Aesthetic Resources 1) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista. 2) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway. 3) Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings. 4) Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 3.3-18 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT Forestry Resources 1) Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forestland (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)). 2) Result in the loss of forestland or conversion of forest land to non -forest use. 3) Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland to nonagricultural use or conversion of forestland to non -forest use. Air Quality 1) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan. 2) Violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation. 3) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project is nonattainment under applicable federal or state ambient air quality standards. 4) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations. 5) Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people. Biological Resources 1) 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 CDFG or USFWS. 2) 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 CDFG or USFWS. 3) 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. 4) 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. 5) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance. 6) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted habitat conservation plan, natural community conservation plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan. Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.3-19 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT 7) Reduce the number or restrict the range of an endangered, rare, or threatened plant or animal species or biotic community, thereby causing the species or community to drop below self-sustaining levels. Cultural and Paleontological Resources 1) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource as defined in Public Resources Code Section 21084.1 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5, respectively. 2) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource as defined in Public Resources Code Sections 21083.2 and 21084.1, and CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5, respectively. 3) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geological feature. 4) Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries. Geology and Soils 1) Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death, involving: a) 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. Refer to Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42. b) Strong seismic ground shaking. c) Seismic -related ground failure, including liquefaction. d) Landslides. 2) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil. 3) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on- or off -site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction, or collapse. 4) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating substantial risks to life or property. 5) 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. Hazards and Hazardous Materials 1) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 3.3-20 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT 2) 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. 3) Emit hazardous emissions, substances, or waste within one -quarter mile of an existing or proposed school. 4) Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, create a significant hazard to the public or the environment. 5) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within 2 miles of a public airport or public use airport, result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area. 6) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, result in a safety hazard for people residing in the project area. 7) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan. 8) 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. Hydrology and Water Quality 1) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements. 2) Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that there would be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of 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). 3) 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. 4) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through 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. 5) 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. 6) Otherwise substantially degrade water quality. 7) Place housing within a 100-year flood hazard area as mapped on a federal Flood Hazard Boundary of Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood hazard delineation map. Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.3-21 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT 8) Place within a 100-year flood hazard area structures which would impede or redirect flood flows. 9) 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. 10) Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow. Land Use 1) Physically divide an established community. 2) 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. 3) Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan. Mineral Resources 1) 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. 2) 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. Noise 1) Exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance or of applicable standards of other agencies. 2) Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels. 3) A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project. 4) A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project. 5) For a project located within an airport land use plan area or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within 2 miles of a public airport or a public use airport, exposure of people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels. 6) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, exposure of people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 3.3-22 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT Population/Housing 1) Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere. 2) Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere. 3) Induce substantial population growth in an area, either directly (e.g., by proposing new homes and businesses) or indirectly (e.g., through extension of roads or other infrastructure) . Public Services 1) Result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, 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 following public services: a) Fire protection. b) Police protection. c) Schools. d) Parks. e) Other public facilities. Recreation 1) Increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration and the facility would occur or be accelerated. 2) Include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment. Traffic and Circulation 1) Conflict with an applicable plan, ordinance, or policy establishing measures of effectiveness for the performance of the circulation system, taking into account all modes of transportation including mass transit and non -motorized travel and relevant components of the circulation system, including but not limited to intersections, streets, highways and freeways, pedestrian and bicycle paths, and mass transit. 2) Conflict with an applicable congestion management program, including, but not limited to level of service standards and travel demand measures, or other standards established by the county congestion management agency for designated roads or highways, either individually or cumulatively, a level of service standard established by the county congestion management agency for designated roads or highways. Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.3-23 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT 3) 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. 4) Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment). 5) Result in inadequate emergency access. 6) Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs regarding public transit, bicycle, or pedestrian facilities, or otherwise decrease the performance or safety of such facilities. Utilities 1) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board. 2) 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. 3) Require or result in the construction of new stormwater drainage facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects. 4) Require new or expanded entitlements in order to have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project. 5) Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider which serves or may serve the project that it does not have adequate capacity to serve the project's projected demand in addition to the provider's existing commitments. 6) Is not served by a landfill with sufficient permitted capacity to accommodate the project's solid waste disposal needs. 7) Does not comply with federal, state, and local statutes and regulations related to solid waste. METHODOLOGY The proposed project only consists of the establishment of a new Sphere of Influence for the TDPUD, and no other actions (i.e., annexations and associated infrastructure extensions and improvements) are being sought at this time. Therefore, the proposed project does not result in any direct change to the physical environment that could trigger any significant environmental impacts. However, the establishment of a new SOI is the first step in a series of actions that could provide TDPUD electric and water service to land areas within Sierra County, the Town of Truckee, Placer County, and Nevada County that could support growth and development consistent with these agencies' general plans and any development approvals currently in place. It should be noted that some of this growth (rural development) could occur without the proposed update of the Sphere of Influence given that electric and water service can also be provided through wells or the Placer County Water Agency (Placer County only) and electrical service by private company service providers. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 3.3-24 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.2(d) explains that the physical environmental effects of induced growth are considered indirect impacts of a proposed project. These indirect impacts or secondary effects of growth may result in significant, adverse environmental impacts. Potential secondary effects of growth include increased demand on other community and public services and infrastructure, increased traffic and noise, and adverse environmental impacts such as degradation of air and water quality, degradation or loss of plant and animal habitat, and conversion of agricultural and open space land to developed uses. The Sierra County General Plan, Placer County General Plan, Martis Valley Community Plan, Town of Truckee General Plan, and Nevada County General Plan provide for land use development patterns and growth policies that allow for the orderly expansion of development to which the TDPUD would provide supporting wastewater services. The associated general plan EIRs and subsequent project EIRs have evaluated the physical environmental effects of growth in the project area. The following is a summary of the significant physical environmental impacts of general plan growth and subsequent development and infrastructure extension in the project area that the proposed new SOI would support. The discussion of the significant environmental impacts is based on technical analysis from the EIRs associated with the general plans. Greenhouse gases and climate change are addressed in Section 3.2, Climate Change and Greenhouse Gases, while land use impacts are addressed in Section 3.1, Land Use, of this Draft EIR. IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES Result in the Induction of Growth or Concentration of Population Through the Extension of Infrastructure Impact 3.3.1 The proposed update of the Spheres of Influence for the TDPUD would establish land areas eligible for future annexation into the District and the provision of water and electric service. The potential future annexation and service provision by the TDPUD set forth by the establishment of the new SOIs could induce growth or a concentration of population that may result in physical environmental impacts. This impact is significant. In updating the TDPUD's water and electric SOIs, Nevada County LAFCo is determining the probable physical boundary and service area of the District and is thus determining what future territory is eligible for annexation to the District. However, the TDPUD is not making any final determination to actually annex any territory to the District or specifically commit to the extension of infrastructure to service the update SOIs, and any actual annexation will require further discretionary review by Nevada County LAFCo. However, the establishment of new SOls is the first step in a series of actions that could provide TDPUD water and electric service to land areas within the Town of Truckee and Sierra, Nevada, and Placer counties that could support growth and development consistent with these agencies' general plans and any development approvals that are currently in place. Growth inducement under CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.2(d) is defined as: ...the way in which a proposed project could foster economic or population growth, or the construction of additional housing, either directly or indirectly, in the surrounding environment. Included in this are projects which would remove obstacles to population growth... Increases in the population may tax existing Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.3-25 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT community service facilities, requiring construction of new facilities that could cause significant environmental effects. Also ... the characteristic of some projects which may encourage and facilitate other activities that could significantly affect the environment, either individually or cumulatively. A project can have direct and/or indirect growth inducement potential. Direct growth inducement would result if a project, for example, involved construction of new housing. A project would have indirect growth inducement potential if it established substantial new permanent employment opportunities (e.g., commercial, industrial, or governmental enterprises) or if it would involve a construction effort with substantial short-term employment opportunities that would indirectly stimulate the need for additional housing and services to support the new employment demand. Similarly, a project would indirectly induce growth if it would remove an obstacle to additional growth and development such as removing a constraint on a required public service. For example, a project providing an increased water supply in an area where water service historically limited growth could be considered growth -inducing. The potential extent of growth that could be supported upon future annexation of the SOls proposed is described below for each of the alternatives. LAFCo-Recom mended Truckee Donner Public Utilitv District Sphere of Influence Growth Inducement Potential Table 3.3-3 identifies the extent of growth potential in the LAFCo-recommended TDPUD Sphere of Influence (near term and long term). The total development potential shown in Table 3.3-3 does not factor existing development. It should be noted that some of this growth (rural development) could occur without the proposed update of the SOI given that electric and water service can also be provided through wells or the Placer County Water Agency (Placer County only) and electrical service by private company service providers. TABLE 3.3-3 DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL OF LAFCO-RECOMMENDED SOI (NEAR TERM AND LONG TERM) Land Use Designation Acreage Development Potential Nevada County General Plan Open Space 12.9 No development potential. This designation allows only recreation or very low -intensity limited uses, such as, but not limited to, visual corridor preservation, interconnecting wildlife corridors, slope protection, preservation of ditches, railroad rights -of -way, historic trails, agriculture, and timber production. Recreation 9.0 Designation provides for a wide range of recreation uses and supporting services. Such uses may include destination resorts, including country clubs, ski resorts, golf clubs and golf courses, marinas, campgrounds providing a full range of services, and other similar uses. Forest-640 14.8 Designation provides for production and management (including timber harvesting and related operations) of timber resources and for compatible recreational and low -density residential uses. Development potential consists of one dwelling unit. Forest-160 5.7 Designation provides for production and management (including timber harvesting and related operations) of timber resources and for compatible recreational and low -density residential uses. Development potential Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 3.3-26 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT Land Use Designation Acreage Development Potential consists of one dwelling unit. Rural-30 14.9 Designation provides for development of compatible uses within a rural setting. Such uses may include rural residential (depending on the specific development pattern and character of an area, availability of public facilities and services, and environmental constraints), agricultural operations and supporting agricultural production, natural resource production and management, and low -intensity recreation. Development potential consists of one dwelling unit. Rural-5 5.9 Designation provides for development of compatible uses within a rural setting. Such uses may include rural residential (depending on the specific development pattern and character of an area, availability of public facilities and services, and environmental constraints), agricultural operations and supporting agricultural production, natural resource production and management, and low -intensity recreation. Development potential consists of one dwelling unit. Estate 3.1 Designation provides for low -density residential development at a minimum lot size of 3 acres per dwelling unit in areas which are essentially rural in character. Development potential consists of one dwelling unit. High Density Residential 3.4 Designation provides for high -density residential development (up to 20 dwelling units per acre). This acreage includes a Mobile Home combining zoning district that is consistent with the current development of the site. Development potential consists of 67 dwelling units. Planned Development 976.0 The Hobart Mills Master Plan is located in this designation and is approved for a 30-acre industrial park, 40 acres of recreation, and 63 acres of open space. The remaining land area is zoned as an Interim Development Reserve that holds the land for future development proposals. Neighborhood Commercial 12.9 Designation is intended to provide a wide variety of commercial uses to support the local geographic area. Total Acreage/Development Potential in • 72 residential dwelling units Nevada County . 12.9 acres of commercial uses (approximately 90,000 square feet) • 30 acres of industrial uses (approximately 209,000 square feet) • Recreation uses Town of Truckee General Plan Resource Conservation/Open 268.9 Designation is applied to areas containing significant natural resources, Space including forestland and rangeland, open space uses such as bikeways, trails, and other public areas, lands with environmentally sensitive features such as important wildlife habitat, wetlands, and wildlife movement corridors, areas containing significant scenic vistas, and areas containing important mineral resources. Residential 1 dwelling 171.0 Designation applies to areas of existing residential land uses and to areas unit/10 acres which, based on their proximity to existing residential areas, are determined appropriate for new clustered residential development. Development potential consists of 17 dwelling units. Residential 0.5-1 dwelling 248.5 Designation applies to areas of existing residential land uses and to areas unit/acre which, based on their proximity to existing residential areas, are determined appropriate for new clustered residential development. Development potential consists of 248 dwelling units. The Town of Truckee is processing the proposed Canyon Springs project that develops this area Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update — Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.3-27 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT Land Use Designation Acreage Development Potential into 177 dwelling units and 171 acres of open space. Total Acreage/Development Potential in the . 265 residential dwelling units Town of Truckee . Recreation uses Placer County General Plan/Martis Valley Community Plan Open Space 253.1 Designation is intended to identify and protect important greenbelt and open space lands, including national forest lands or other public lands specifically reserved or proposed for watershed preservation, outdoor recreation, wilderness or wildlife/environmental preserves, scenic corridors, planned greenbelts within major residential developments, and sites or portions of sites with natural features such as unique topography, vegetation, habitat, or stream courses. Forest/Timberland 80-acre 2,758.2 Designation is applied to mountainous areas of the county where the minimum primary land uses relate to the growing and harvesting of timber and other forest products, together with limited, low -intensity public and commercial recreational uses. Allowable residential development in areas designated Timberland includes one principal dwelling and one secondary dwelling per lot and caretaker/employee housing. Development potential consists of 103 dwelling units. Forest/Timberland 40-acre 606.9 Designation is applied to mountainous areas of the county where the minimum primary land uses relate to the growing and harvesting of timber and other forest products, together with limited, low -intensity public and commercial recreational uses. Allowable residential development in areas designated Timberland includes one principal dwelling and one secondary dwelling per lot and caretaker/employee housing. Development potential consists of 46 dwelling units. Forest/Timberland 10-acre 2.3 Designation is applied to mountainous areas of the county where the minimum primary land uses relate to the growing and harvesting of timber and other forest products, together with limited, low -intensity public and commercial recreational uses. Allowable residential development in areas designated Timberland includes one principal dwelling and one secondary dwelling per lot and caretaker/employee housing. Development potential consists of 3 dwelling units. Public 17.1 Designation provides for government or special district owned and operated facilities, including quasi -public facilities that may be found in a variety of urban and rural settings. The designation is applied to areas with existing public or quasi -public facilities and land uses or to publicly owned (or proposed) lands intended for development with public facilities. Low Density Residential 0.1— 41.5 Designation is applied to areas suitable for single-family residential 1.0 dwelling units/acre development. Development potential consists of 41 dwelling units. Low Density Residential 3.1— 23.8 Designation is applied to areas suitable for single-family residential 5.0 dwelling units/acre development. Development potential consists of 119 dwelling units. Medium Density Residential 10.1 Designation is applied to areas suitable for single-family residential 7.1-10.0 dwelling units/acre development as well as some multi -family units. Development potential consists of 101 dwelling units. High Density Residential 3.7 Designation provides for residential neighborhoods of grouped or 20.0+ dwelling units/acre clustered duplexes, apartments, and other multiple -family attached dwellings such as condominiums. Development potential consists of 74 dwelling units. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 3.3-28 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT Land Use Designation Acreage Development Potential Commercial (General, 1.0 Designation identifies a variety of commercial uses. With the exception of Tourist/Resort) mountain ski resorts, residential development is also allowed at a density of 15 dwelling units per acre. Total Acreage/Development Potential in • 502 residential dwelling units Placer County . 1.0 acres of commercial uses (approximately 7,000 square feet) • Recreation uses Grand Total Acreage/Development • 839 residential dwelling units Potential in LAFCo-Recommended SOI for . 13.9 acres of commercial uses (approximately 97,000 square feet) the TDPUD • 30 acres of industrial uses (approximately 209,000 square feet) • Recreation uses Source: Placer County, Nevada County, and Town of Truckee GIS mapping data 2012; Placer County 1994; Nevada County 1994; Sierra County 1996; Town of Truckee 2005 In the case of the proposed LAFCo-recommended SOI, the maximum extent of growth and development within the proposed Sphere of Influence boundaries would consist of varying degrees of land and natural habitat disturbance (spread across 5,464.7 acres) that could accommodate 839 residential dwelling units, 97,000 square feet of commercial building space, 209,000 square feet of industrial building space, and recreational uses under the agencies' general plans. District -Preferred SOI Growth Inducement Potential Electric Service Table 3.3-4 identifies the extent of growth potential in the District -preferred SOI for electrical service. The total development potential shown in Table 3.3-4 does not factor existing development. It should be noted that some of this growth (rural development) could occur without the proposed update of the SOls given that electric service could continued to be provided by Liberty Utilities. TABLE 3.3-4 DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL OF DISTRICT -PREFERRED SOI FOR ELECTRIC SERVICE Land Use Designation Acreage Development Potential Nevada County General Plan Open Space 174.1 No development potential. This designation allows only recreation or very low -intensity limited uses, such as, but not limited to, visual corridor preservation, interconnecting wildlife corridors, slope protection, preservation of ditches, railroad rights -of -way, historic trails, agriculture, and timber production. Recreation 9.0 Designation provides for a wide range of recreation uses and supporting services. Such uses may include destination resorts, including country clubs, ski resorts, golf clubs and golf courses, marinas, campgrounds providing a full range of services, and other similar uses. Forest-640 6,826.8 Designation provides for production and management (including timber harvesting and related operations) of timber resources and for compatible recreational and low -density residential uses. Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update — Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.3-29 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT Land Use Designation Acreage Development Potential Development potential consists of 11 dwelling units. Forest-160 2,233.2 Designation provides for production and management (including timber harvesting and related operations) of timber resources and for compatible recreational and low -density residential uses. Development potential consists of 14 dwelling units. Forest-80 133.5 Designation provides for production and management (including timber harvesting and related operations) of timber resources and for compatible recreational and low -density residential uses. Development potential consists of one dwelling unit. Forest-40 567.5 Designation provides for production and management (including timber harvesting and related operations) of timber resources and for compatible recreational and low -density residential uses. Development potential consists of 14 dwelling units. Rural-30 158.0 Designation provides for development of compatible uses within a rural setting. Such uses may include rural residential (depending on the specific development pattern and character of an area, availability of public facilities and services, and environmental constraints), agricultural operations and supporting agricultural production, natural resource production and management, and low -intensity recreation. Development potential consists of 5 dwelling units. Rural-20 1,444.6 Designation provides for development of compatible uses within a rural setting. Such uses may include rural residential (depending on the specific development pattern and character of an area, availability of public facilities and services, and environmental constraints), agricultural operations and supporting agricultural production, natural resource production and management, and low -intensity recreation. Development potential consists of 72 dwelling units. Rural-10 3.4 Designation provides for development of compatible uses within a rural setting. Such uses may include rural residential (depending on the specific development pattern and character of an area, availability of public facilities and services, and environmental constraints), agricultural operations and supporting agricultural production, natural resource production and management, and low -intensity recreation. Development potential consists of one dwelling unit. Rural-5 5.9 Designation provides for development of compatible uses within a rural setting. Such uses may include rural residential (depending on the specific development pattern and character of an area, availability of public facilities and services, and environmental constraints), agricultural operations and supporting agricultural production, natural resource production and management, and low -intensity recreation. Development potential consists of one dwelling unit. Estate 7.6 Designation provides for low -density residential development at a minimum lot size of 3 acres per dwelling unit in areas which are essentially rural in character. Development potential consists of 2 dwelling units. High Density Residential 3.4 Designation provides for high -density residential development (up to 20 dwelling units per acre). This acreage includes a Mobile Home combining zoning district that is consistent with the current Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 3.3-30 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT Land Use Designation Acreage Development Potential development of the site. Development potential consists of 67 dwelling units. Planned Development 1,782.5 The Hobart Mills Master Plan is located in this designation and is approved for 30-acre industrial park, 40 acres of recreation, and 63 acres of open space. The remaining land area is zoned as an Interim Development Reserve that holds the land for future development proposals. Neighborhood Commercial 12.9 Designation is intended to provide a wide variety of commercial uses to support the local geographic area. Total Acreage/Development Potential in Nevada . 188 residential dwelling units County . 12.9 acres of commercial uses (approximately 90,000 square feet) • 30 acres of industrial uses (approximately 209,000 square feet) • Recreation uses Sierra County General Plan Forest (Federal Ownership) 1,431 Designation is applied to areas containing significant natural resources, including forestland and recreation opportunities. No development or lot splits are allowed in this designation. Rural Land 153 Designation consists of forestland and rangeland with limited residential development. Development potential consists of 5 dwelling units. Rural Residential 11 Designation provides for low -density residential development. Development potential consists of 11 dwelling units. Total Acreage/Development Potential in Sierra • 16 residential dwelling units County . Recreation uses Town of Truckee General Plan Resource Conservation/Open Space 268.9 Designation is applied to areas containing significant natural resources, including forestland and rangeland, open space uses such as bikeways, trails, and other public areas, lands with environmentally sensitive features such as important wildlife habitat, wetlands, and wildlife movement corridors, areas containing significant scenic vistas, and areas containing important mineral resources. Residential 1 dwelling unit/10 acres 171.0 Designation applies to areas of existing residential land uses and to areas which, based on their proximity to existing residential areas, are determined appropriate for new clustered residential development. Development potential consists of 17 dwelling units. Residential 0.5-1 dwelling unit/acre 251.4 Designation applies to areas of existing residential land uses and to areas which, based on their proximity to existing residential areas, are determined appropriate for new clustered residential development. Development potential consists of 251 dwelling units. The Town of Truckee is processing the proposed Canyon Springs project that develops this area into 177 dwelling units and 171 acres of open space. Total Acreage/Development Potential in the Town • 268 residential dwelling units of Truckee . Recreation uses Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update — Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.3-31 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT Land Use Designation Acreage Development Potential Placer County General Plan/Martis Valley Community Plan Open Space/Water 3,975.5 Designation is intended to identify and protect important greenbelt and open space lands, including national forest lands or other public lands specifically reserved or proposed for watershed preservation, outdoor recreation, wilderness or wildlife/environmental preserves, scenic corridors, planned greenbelts within major residential developments, and sites or portions of sites with natural features such as unique topography, vegetation, habitat, or stream courses. Forest/Timberland 80-acre minimum 18,381.6 Designation is applied to mountainous areas of the county where the primary land uses relate to the growing and harvesting of timber and other forest products, together with limited, low - intensity public and commercial recreational uses. Allowable residential development in areas designated Timberland includes one principal dwelling and one secondary dwelling per lot and caretaker/employee housing. Development potential consists of 229 dwelling units. Forest/Timberland 40 -cre minimum 2,609.5 Designation is applied to mountainous areas of the county where the primary land uses relate to the growing and harvesting of timber and other forest products, together with limited, low - intensity public and commercial recreational uses. Allowable residential development in areas designated Timberland includes one principal dwelling and one secondary dwelling per lot and caretaker/employee housing. Development potential consists of 65 dwelling units. Forest/Timberland 20-acre minimum 157.4 Designation is applied to mountainous areas of the county where the primary land uses relate to the growing and harvesting of timber and other forest products, together with limited, low - intensity public and commercial recreational uses. Allowable residential development in areas designated Timberland includes one principal dwelling and one secondary dwelling per lot and caretaker/employee housing. Development potential consists of 7 dwelling units. Forest/Timberland 10-acre minimum 2.3 Designation is applied to mountainous areas of the county where the primary land uses relate to the growing and harvesting of timber and other forest products, together with limited, low - intensity public and commercial recreational uses. Allowable residential development in areas designated Timberland includes one principal dwelling and one secondary dwelling per lot and caretaker/employee housing. Development potential consists of 3 dwelling units. Public 20.3 Designation provides for government or special district owned and operated facilities, including quasi -public facilities that may be found in a variety of urban and rural settings. The designation is applied to areas with existing public or quasi -public facilities and land uses, or to publicly owned (or proposed) lands intended for development with public facilities. Low Density Residential 0.1-1.0 1,422.3 Designation is applied to areas suitable for single-family dwelling units/acre residential development. Development potential consists of 1,422 dwelling units. It should be noted that several of these designated areas have been approved for development that is less than what this designation allows (e.g., Martis Camp, Northstar Highlands, Eaglewood, and Lahontan). Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 3.3-32 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT Land Use Designation Acreage Development Potential Low Density Residential 3.1-5.0 1,284.0 Designation is applied to areas suitable for single-family dwelling units/acre residential development. Development potential consists of 6,420 dwelling units. It should be noted that several of these designated areas have been approved for development that is less than what this designation allows (e.g., Martis Camp, Northstar Highlands, Eaglewood, and Lahontan). Medium Density Residential 7.1— 413.6 Designation is applied to areas suitable for single-family 10.0 dwelling units/acre residential development as well as some multi -family units. Development potential consists of 4,136 dwelling units. It should be noted that several of these designated areas have been approved for development that is less than what this designation allows (e.g., Martis Camp, Northstar Highlands, Eaglewood, and Lahontan). High Density Residential 20.0+ 12.7 Designation provides for residential neighborhoods of grouped or dwelling units/acre clustered duplexes, apartments, and other multiple -family attached dwellings such as condominiums. Development potential consists of 254 dwelling units. It should be noted that several of these designated areas have been approved for development that is less than what this designation allows (e.g., Martis Camp, Northstar Highlands, Eaglewood, and Lahontan). Commercial (General, 63.2 Designation identifies a variety of commercial uses. With the Tourist/Resort) exception of mountain ski resorts, residential development is also allowed at a density of 15 dwelling units per acre. Professional Office 6.4 Designation is applied for office uses. Total Acreage/Development Potential in Placer e 13,436 residential dwelling units County e 63.2 acres of commercial uses (approximately 440,500 square feet) • 6.4 acres of office uses (approximately 44,600 square feet) • Recreation uses Grand Total Acreage/Development Potential in . 13,908 residential dwelling units District -Preferred SOI for Electrical Service • 76.1 acres of commercial uses (approximately 530,500 square feet) • 30 acres of industrial uses (approximately 209,000 square feet) • 6.4 acres of office uses (approximately 44,600 square feet) • Recreation uses Source: Placer County, Nevada County, and Town of Truckee GIS mapping data 2012; Placer County 1994; Nevada County 1994; Sierra County 1996; Town of Truckee 2005 In the case of the proposed District -preferred SOI for electric service, the maximum extent of growth and development within the proposed Sphere of Influence boundaries would consist of varying degrees of land and natural habitat disturbance (spread across 43,997.5 acres) that could accommodate 13,908 residential dwelling units, 530,500 square feet of commercial building space, 209,000 square feet of industrial building space, 44,600 square feet of office building space, and recreational uses under the agencies' general plans. Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update — Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.3-33 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT Water Service Table 3.3-5 identifies the extent of growth potential in the District -preferred SOI for water service. The total development potential shown in Table 3.3-5 does not factor existing development. It should be noted that some of this growth (rural development) could occur without the proposed update of the SOls given that water service could be provided by wells and the Placer County Water Agency. TABLE 3.3-5 DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL OF DISTRICT -PREFERRED SOI FOR WATER SERVICE Land Use Designation Acreage Development Potential Nevada County General Plan Open Space 564.8 No development potential. This designation allows only recreation or very low -intensity limited uses, such as, but not limited to, visual corridor preservation, interconnecting wildlife corridors, slope protection, preservation of ditches, railroad rights -of -way, historic trails, agriculture, and timber production. Recreation 9.0 Designation provides for a wide range of recreation uses and supporting services. Such uses may include destination resorts, including country clubs, ski resorts, golf clubs and golf courses, marinas, campgrounds providing a full range of services, and other similar uses. Forest-640 6,826.8 Designation provides for production and management (including timber harvesting and related operations) of timber resources and for compatible recreational and low -density residential uses. Development potential consists of 11 dwelling units. Forest-160 4,013.7 Designation provides for production and management (including timber harvesting and related operations) of timber resources and for compatible recreational and low -density residential uses. Development potential consists of 25 dwelling units. Forest-80 133.5 Designation provides for production and management (including timber harvesting and related operations) of timber resources and for compatible recreational and low -density residential uses. Development potential consists of one dwelling unit. Forest40 808.9 Designation provides for production and management (including timber harvesting and related operations) of timber resources and for compatible recreational and low -density residential uses. Development potential consists of 20 dwelling units. Rural-30 158.0 Designation provides for development of compatible uses within a rural setting. Such uses may include rural residential (depending on the specific development pattern and character of an area, availability of public facilities and services, and environmental constraints), agricultural operations and supporting agricultural production, natural resource production and management, and low -intensity recreation. Development potential consists of 5 dwelling units. Rural-20 2,607.2 Designation provides for development of compatible uses within a rural setting. Such uses may include rural residential (depending on the specific development pattern and character of an area, availability of public facilities and services, and environmental constraints), agricultural operations and supporting agricultural Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 3.3-34 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT Land Use Designation Acreage Development Potential production, natural resource production and management, and low -intensity recreation. Development potential consists of 130 dwelling units. Rural-10 3.4 Designation provides for development of compatible uses within a rural setting. Such uses may include rural residential (depending on the specific development pattern and character of an area, availability of public facilities and services, and environmental constraints), agricultural operations and supporting agricultural production, natural resource production and management, and low -intensity recreation. Development potential consists of one dwelling unit. Rural-5 5.9 Designation provides for development of compatible uses within a rural setting. Such uses may include rural residential (depending on the specific development pattern and character of an area, availability of public facilities and services, and environmental constraints), agricultural operations and supporting agricultural production, natural resource production and management, and low -intensity recreation. Development potential consists of one dwelling unit. Estate 7.6 Designation provides for low -density residential development at a minimum lot size of 3 acres per dwelling unit in areas which are essentially rural in character. Development potential consists of 2 dwelling units. High Density Residential 3.4 Designation provides for high -density residential development (up to 20 dwelling units per acre). This acreage includes a Mobile Home combining zoning district that is consistent with the current development of the site. Development potential consists of 67 dwelling units. Planned Development 3,435.5 The Hobart Mills Master Plan is located in this designation and is approved for 30-acre industrial park, 40 acres of recreation, and 63 acres of open space. The remaining land area is zoned as an Interim Development Reserve that holds the land for future development proposals. Neighborhood Commercial 12.9 Designation is intended to provide a wide variety of commercial uses to support the local geographic area. Total Acreage/Development Potential in Nevada • 263 residential dwelling units County . 12.9 acres of commercial uses (approximately 90,000 square feet) • 30 acres of industrial uses (approximately 209,000 square feet) • Recreation uses Town of Truckee General Plan Resource Conservation/Open Space 268.9 Designation is applied to areas containing significant natural resources, including forestland and rangeland, open space uses such as bikeways, trails, and other public areas, lands with environmentally sensitive features such as important wildlife habitat, wetlands, and wildlife movement corridors, areas containing significant scenic vistas, and areas containing important mineral resources. Residential 1 dwelling unit/10 acres 171.0 Designation applies to areas of existing residential land uses and to areas which, based on their proximity to existing residential areas, Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update — Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.3-35 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT Land Use Designation Acreage Development Potential are determined appropriate for new clustered residential development. Development potential consists of 17 dwelling units. Residential 0.5-1 dwelling unit/acre 251.4 Designation applies to areas of existing residential land uses and to areas which, based on their proximity to existing residential areas, are determined appropriate for new clustered residential development. Development potential consists of 251 dwelling units. The Town of Truckee is processing the proposed Canyon Springs project that develops this area into 177 dwelling units and 171 acres of open space. Total Acreage/Development Potential in the Town • 268 residential dwelling units of Truckee . Recreation uses Placer County General Plan/Martis Valley Community Plan Open Space/Water 3,521.6 Designation is intended to identify and protect important greenbelt and open space lands, including national forest lands or other public lands specifically reserved or proposed for watershed preservation, outdoor recreation, wilderness or wildlife/environmental preserves, scenic corridors, planned greenbelts within major residential developments, and sites or portions of sites with natural features such as unique topography, vegetation, habitat, or stream courses. Forest/Timberland 80-acre minimum 18,381.6 Designation is applied to mountainous areas of the county where the primary land uses relate to the growing and harvesting of timber and other forest products, together with limited, low - intensity public and commercial recreational uses. Allowable residential development in areas designated Timberland includes one principal dwelling and one secondary dwelling per lot and caretaker/employee housing. Development potential consists of 229 dwelling units. Forest/Timberland 40-acre minimum 2,061.5 Designation is applied to mountainous areas of the county where the primary land uses relate to the growing and harvesting of timber and other forest products, together with limited, low - intensity public and commercial recreational uses. Allowable residential development in areas designated Timberland includes one principal dwelling and one secondary dwelling per lot and caretaker/employee housing. Development potential consists of 52 dwelling units. Forest/Timberland 20-acre minimum 157.4 Designation is applied to mountainous areas of the county where the primary land uses relate to the growing and harvesting of timber and other forest products, together with limited, low - intensity public and commercial recreational uses. Allowable residential development in areas designated Timberland includes one principal dwelling and one secondary dwelling per lot and caretaker/employee housing. Development potential consists of 7 dwelling units. Forest/Timberland 10-acre minimum 2.3 Designation is applied to mountainous areas of the county where the primary land uses relate to the growing and harvesting of timber and other forest products, together with limited, low - intensity public and commercial recreational uses. Allowable residential development in areas designated Timberland includes one principal dwelling and one secondary dwelling per lot and caretaker/employee housing. Development potential consists of 3 Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 3.3-36 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT Land Use Designation Acreage Development Potential dwelling units. Public 20.3 Designation provides for government or special district owned and operated facilities, including quasi -public facilities that may be found in a variety of urban and rural settings. The designation is applied to areas with existing public or quasi -public facilities and land uses, or to publicly owned (or proposed) lands intended for development with public facilities. Low Density Residential 0.1-1.0 1,421.2 Designation is applied to areas suitable for single-family dwelling units/acre residential development. Development potential consists of 1,421 dwelling units. It should be noted that several of these designated areas have been approved for development that is less than what this designation allows (e.g., Martis Camp, Northstar Highlands, Eaglewood, and Lahontan). Low Density Residential 3.1-5.0 866.7 Designation is applied to areas suitable for single-family dwelling units/acre residential development. Development potential consists of 4,333 dwelling units. It should be noted that several of these designated areas have been approved for development that is less than what this designation allows (e.g., Martis Camp, Eaglewood, and Lahontan). Medium Density Residential 7.1-10.0 86.4 Designation is applied to areas suitable for single-family dwelling units/acre residential development as well as some multi -family units. Development potential consists of 864 dwelling units. It should be noted that several of these designated areas have been approved for development that is less than what this designation allows (e.g., Martis Camp, Eaglewood, and Lahontan). High Density Residential 20.0+ 3.7 Designation provides for residential neighborhoods of grouped or dwelling units/acre clustered duplexes, apartments, and other multiple -family attached dwellings such as condominiums. Development potential consists of 74 dwelling units. It should be noted that several of these designated areas have been approved for development that is less than what this designation allows (e.g., Martis Camp, Northstar Highlands, Eaglewood, and Lahontan). Commercial (General, Tourist/Resort) 6.3 Designation identifies a variety of commercial uses. With the exception of mountain ski resorts, residential development is also allowed at a density of 15 dwelling units per acre. Professional Office 5.4 Designation is applied for office uses. Total Acreage/Development Potential in Placer • 7,883 residential dwelling units County . 6.3 acres of commercial uses (approximately 43,900 square feet) • 5.4 acres of office uses (approximately 37,600 square feet) • Recreation uses Grand Total Acreage/Development Potential in • 8,414 residential dwelling units District -Preferred SOI for Water Service . 19.2 acres of commercial uses (approximately 133,900 square feet) • 30 acres of industrial uses (approximately 209,000 square feet) • 5.4 acres of office uses (approximately 37,600 square feet) • Recreation uses Source: Placer County, Nevada County, and Town of Truckee GIS mapping data 2012; Placer County 1994 Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update — Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.3-37 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT In the case of the proposed District -preferred SOI for water service, the maximum extent of growth and development within the proposed Sphere of Influence boundaries would consist of varying degrees of land and natural habitat disturbance that could accommodate 8,414 residential dwelling units, 133,900 square feet of commercial building space, 209,000 square feet of industrial building space, 37,600 square feet of office building space, and recreational uses under the agencies' general plans. Summary of Environmental Effects of Growth Inducement for Both SOI Scenarios The following is a summary of the physical environmental impacts of general plan growth and subsequent development and infrastructure extension based on technical analysis from the Nevada County General Plan EIR and the Town of Truckee General Plan EIR. Greenhouse gases and climate change are addressed in Section 3.2, Climate Change and Greenhouse Gases, of this Draft EIR. The discussion below also summarizes mitigation measures/policies adopted by Nevada County and the Town of Truckee that address these impacts. The reader is referred to Appendix 3.3 for a full listing of these measures. Aesthetics Development in the project area would alter the visual landscape characteristics of the region from a rural, natural, mountain/open space landscape to a more urban character and as a result of the loss of forest areas and open space. This alteration would be prominent from scenic views along State Route 267, State Route 89, and local roadways. Development would also expand current nighttime lighting and daytime glare conditions that are generally limited to the Town of Truckee area. The Nevada and Placer counties and Town of Truckee plan EIRs identified these aesthetic impacts as significant (Nevada County 1995a, Chapter 3, Project Description - Visual Quality; Truckee 2006, Chapter 4.1, Aesthetics and Visual Quality; Placer County 2004a, pp. 2.0-108 through -1 15). Mitigation measures adopted by Nevada and Placer counties and the Town of Truckee to address these aesthetic impacts include compliance with design guidelines for new development features, prohibition of reflective building materials, and light fixture design and illumination requirements. These mitigation measures and associated mitigating policy provisions include the following: • Sierra County General Plan Land Use Element policy A; Timber Resources Element policies 1 and 2; and Visual Resources Element policies 1 through 8 • Nevada County General Plan policies 1.17, 1.23, 3.8, and 18.1 through 18.9 and mitigation measures 26, 27A, and 28 • Town of Truckee General Plan Land Use, Community Character, and Conservation and Open Space elements policies P1.1, P1.3, P2.1 through P2.6, P3.1 through P3.3, P4.2, P4.3, and P5.1 through 5.7 and actions A1.1 through A1.5, A 4.1, and A4.2 • Placer County General Plan policies 1.K.1 through 1.K.6 and 11.1 through 11.6 • Martis Valley Community Plan policies 2.A.1 through 2.A.9, 2.13.1 through 2.13.9, and 2.C.1 through 2.C.7, and associated implementation programs, and mitigation measures MM 4.12.2a through 4.12.2c, MM 4.12.3, and MM 4.12.4a through 4.12.4f Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 3.3-38 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT While aesthetic impacts were identified as mitigated under the Nevada County General Plan Final EIR, these impacts were identified as significant and unavoidable after mitigation for the Town of Truckee and Placer County. Both Placer County and the Town of Truckee adopted statements of overriding considerations for their plans based on the social and economic benefits (e.g., improved housing opportunities, fostering a rural quality of life, job generation, and economic benefits to the agency) of their general plans and of the Martis Valley Community Plan (Placer County 2004b; Nevada County 1995b). Comparison of Impacts of SOI Scenarios Given the visual character and minimally developed condition of the region, aesthetic impacts for the LAFCo-recommended and TDPUD-preferred SOI scenarios would also be considered significant and unavoidable. The TDPUD-preferred SOI scenarios would result in greater aesthetic impacts than the LAFCo-recommended SOI, given the larger extent of development potential. The TDPUD-preferred SOI for electric services would have the greatest impact. Air Quality Development in the project area would result in potentially significant air quality impacts from planned growth that include air pollutant emissions from construction activities and operational emissions from development, with specific concerns regarding increased ozone and particulate matter emissions (wood burning as a specifically key issue) and associated compliance with federal and state Clean Air Act standards. No significant carbon monoxide, odor, or TAC impacts are anticipated given the current and future development and traffic conditions. The Nevada and Placer counties and Town of Truckee plan EIRs identified these air quality impacts as potentially significant (Nevada County 1995a, Chapter 3, Project Description -Air Quality; Truckee 2006, Chapter 4.2, Air Quality; Placer County 2004a, pp. 2.0-31 through -36). Policy provisions and mitigation measures adopted by Nevada and Placer counties and the Town of Truckee to address air quality impacts include construction activity and equipment emission controls, ozone emission offset programs, restrictions on wood -burning devices, and other related measures. These mitigation measures and associated mitigating policy provisions include the following: • Sierra County General Plan Air Quality Element policies 1, 2, 3, and 5 • Nevada County General Plan policies 4.23, 4.24, and 10.7 through 10.9 • Town of Truckee General Plan Land Use, Circulation, Conservation and Open Space elements policies P5.1 through P5.5, P9.1 through P9.3, P11.1 through 11.6, P13.1 through P13.3, and P14.1 through P14.9 • Placer County General Plan policies 6.F.1 through 6.F.1 1 and 6.G.1 through 6.G.7 • Martis Valley Community Plan policies 9.H.1 through 9.H.14, 23.1, and associated implementation programs, and mitigation measures MM 4.6.1 and MM 4.6.3 While air quality impacts were identified as mitigated with policies under the Nevada County General Plan Final EIR, these impacts were identified as significant and unavoidable after mitigation for Placer County and the Town of Truckee. The Town of Truckee and Placer County adopted a statement of overriding considerations for their general plans based on social and Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.3-39 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT economic benefits (e.g., improved housing opportunities, job generation, and economic benefits to the agency). Comparison of Impacts of SOI Scenarios Given the extent of development that could be supported, construction and operational air quality impacts for LAFCo-recom mended and TDPUD-preferred SOI scenarios would be also be considered significant and unavoidable. The TDPUD-preferred SOI scenarios would result in greater construction and operational air quality impacts, given the larger extent of development potential. The TDPUD-preferred SOI for electric services would have the greatest impact. Biological Resources Development of the project area would result in the loss of forest, herbaceous, shrub, and water (including wetland and riparian habitats) vegetation communities (see Table 3.3-2) that support special -status plant and wildlife species listed in the biological resources setting discussion (e.g., Lahontan cutthroat, Northern goshawk, willow flycatcher, yellow warbler, California wolverine, and Sierra Nevada red fox), as well as potentially block wildlife movement (movement of the Loyalton-Truckee deer herd is of specific regional concern). The Nevada and Placer counties and Town of Truckee plan EIRs identified these biological resource impacts as potentially significant (Nevada County 1995a, Chapter 3, Project Description -Biotic Resource; Truckee 2006, Chapter 4.3, Biological Resources; Placer County 2004a, pp. 2.0-59 through -78). Since there is no adopted habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan in the region, no conflicts were identified. Policy provisions and mitigation measures adopted by Nevada and Placer counties and the Town of Truckee to address biological resource impacts include subsequent project evaluation of site -specific impacts and implementation of avoidance or offset measures, prohibition of structures in wildlife movement corridors, and protection and mitigation of impacts to impacted natural habitats. These mitigation measures and associated mitigating policy provisions include the following: • Sierra County General Plan Land Use Element policy A; Water Resources Element policies 8 and 9 • Nevada County General Plan policies 1.17, 1.18, 13.1, 13.2, and 13.8 and mitigation measures 1, 14, 15, 16, 16A, and 17 through 21 • Town of Truckee General Plan Conservation and Open Space Element policies P2.1, P4.1 through P4.5, P5.1, and P5.3 and actions A2.1, A4.1, A5.1, and A5.2 • Placer County General Plan policies 6.A.1 through 6.A.12, 6.B.1 through 6.B.5, 6.C.1 through 6.C.14, 6.D.1 through 6.D.14, 6.E.1 through 6.E.5, and 7.E.1 • Martis Valley Community Plan policies 9.E.1 through 9.E.12, 9.F.1 through 9.F.7, 9.G.1 through 9.G.10, and associated implementation programs, and mitigation measures MM 4.9.3, MM 4.9.4, MM 4.9.5a and 4.9.5b, MM 4.9.6, MM 4.9.7, MM 4.9.8, and MM 4.9.1 1 a and 4.9.1 1 b While biological resource impacts were identified as mitigated with policies under the Nevada County General Plan Final EIR, these impacts were identified as significant and unavoidable Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 3.3-40 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT after mitigation for the Town of Truckee and Placer County. The Town of Truckee and Placer County adopted a statement of overriding considerations for their plans based on social and economic benefits (e.g., improved housing opportunities, foster a rural quality of life, job generation, and economic benefits to the agency). Comparison of Impacts of SOI Scenarios Given the extent of development and associated land disturbance that could be supported, biological resource impacts for the LAFCo-recom mended and TDPUD-preferred SOI scenarios would also be considered significant and unavoidable. The TDPUD-preferred SOI scenarios would result in greater biological resource impacts, given the larger extent of development potential and overall land disturbance. The TDPUD-preferred SOI for electric services would have the greatest impact. Cultural and Paleontological Resources The project area is located in a region known to contain significant prehistoric, historic, and paleontological resources, and development could result in impacts to undiscovered resources (including human remains). The Nevada and Placer counties and Town of Truckee plan EIRs identified impacts to cultural and paleontological resource impacts as potentially significant (Nevada County 1995a, Chapter 3, Project Description -Cultural Resources; Truckee 2006, Chapter 4.4, Cultural Resources; Placer County 2004a, pp. 2.0-78 through -84). Policy provisions and mitigation measures adopted by Nevada and Placer counties and the Town of Truckee to address cultural and paleontological resource impacts include subsequent project evaluation of site -specific impacts and implementation of avoidance or protection measures, preservation and protection of historic resources, compliance with existing state laws regarding Native American remains, and notification and additional mitigation treatment for discovered cultural and paleontological resources. These mitigation measures and associated mitigating policy provisions include the following: • Sierra County General Plan Cultural Resources Element policies 1, 3, and 5a • Nevada County General Plan policies 4.39, 19.1, and 19.7 and mitigation measures 1, 23, 24, 24A, and 27 • Town of Truckee General Plan Community Character Element policies P18.1 through P18.7 and P19.1 through P19.3 and action 18.1 • Placer County General Plan policies 5.D.1 through 5.D.7 • Martis Valley Community Plan policies 8.A.1 through 9.E.19, and associated implementation programs, and mitigation measure MM 4.10.1 Cultural and paleontological resource impacts were identified as mitigated with policies under the Nevada and Placer County and Town of Truckee plan EIRs. Comparison of Impacts of SOI Scenarios Given the extent of development and associated land disturbance that could be supported, cultural and paleontological resource impacts for the LAFCo-recommended and TDPUD- preferred SOI scenarios would also be considered significant but mitigabe with compliance with Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.3-41 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT the adopted policies and mitigation measures identified above. The TDPUD-preferred SOI scenarios would result in greater cultural and paleontological resource impacts, given the larger extent of development potential and overall land disturbance. The TDPUD-preferred SOI for electric services would have the greatest impact. Geology and Soils Development in the project area could be exposed to geologic hazards (geologic and soil stability, slope stability, and avalanches), seismic hazards associated with ground shaking, and conflicts with the extraction of aggregate resources in the area. The Nevada and Placer counties and Town of Truckee general plan EIRs identified these impacts as potentially significant (avalanche hazards were identified in the Town of Truckee General Plan EIR only)(Nevada County 1995a, Chapter 3, Project Description -Geology and Soils; Truckee 2006, Chapter 4.5, Geology, Soils and Seismicity; Placer County 2004a, pp. 2.0-78 through -84). Policy provisions and mitigation measures adopted by Nevada and Placer counties and the Town of Truckee to address geologic impacts include preparation of geotechnical studies and implementation of the study recommendations, design of structures to withstand seismic events, emergency event planning, and restriction of uses on areas designated as important mineral resource areas. These mitigation measures and associated mitigating policy provisions include the following: • Sierra County General Plan Mineral Resources Element policies 1, 3, and 6b • Nevada County General Plan policies 1.17, 1.20, 1.21, 17.6, 17.14, 17.15, and 17.24 and mitigation measures 1 and 1 C • Town of Truckee General Plan Land Use and Safety elements policies P1.1 through P1.3, P6.1 through P6.4, P3.1, and P7.2 and actions A3.1, A6.1, and A7.1 • Placer County General Plan policies 1.J.1 through 1.J.6, 8.A.1 through 8.A.12, 8.H.1, and 8.H.2 • Martis Valley Community Plan policies 6.E.3, 6.E.10, 6.E.1 1, 9.A.1 through 9.A.9, 9.B.1 and 9.13.2, 9.D.1 through 9.D.10, 9.F.2, 9.F.5, 9.H.7, and 9.H.8, and associated implementation programs, and mitigation measures MM 4.8.2a and 4.8.2b and MM 4.8.4 Geologic impacts were identified as mitigated with policies under the Nevada and Placer counties and Town of Truckee plan EIRs. Comparison of Impacts of SOI Scenarios Given the extent of development and associated land disturbance that could be supported, geologic impacts for the LAFCo-recommended and TDPUD-preferred SOI scenarios would also be considered significant but mitigabe with compliance with the adopted policies and mitigation measures identified above. The TDPUD-preferred SOI scenarios would result in greater geologic impacts, given the larger extent of development potential and overall land disturbance. The TDPUD-preferred SOI for electric services would have the greatest impact. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 3.3-42 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT Hazards Development in the project area would be exposed to hazards associated with wildland fires, airport operations (Truckee -Tahoe Airport), hazardous materials, and radon exposure. The Nevada and Placer counties and Town of Truckee plan EIRs identified these impacts as potentially significant (Nevada County 1995a, Chapter 3, Project Description-Wildland Fires; Truckee 2006, Chapter 4.6, Hazards and Hazardous Materials; Placer County 2004a, pp. 2.0-1 1 through -15). Policy provisions and mitigation measures adopted by Nevada and Placer counties and the Town of Truckee to address hazard impacts include evaluation and remediation of contaminated features consistent with state regulations, compliance with the Truckee -Tahoe Airport Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Part 77 of Federal Aviation Administration regulations, and clustering of development and compliance with fuel modification and emergency evacuation requirements for wildland fire hazards. These mitigation measures and associated mitigating policy provisions include the following: • Sierra County General Plan Land Use Element policy H and L; Timber Resources Element policies 25 through 27 • Nevada County General Plan policies 10.1, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.8, and 10.9 and mitigation measures 1 and 16 • Town of Truckee General Plan Land Use and Safety elements policies P4.4 through P4.7, P5.2, P6.1, P7.1, and P7.2 and actions A6.1 and A6.3 • Placer County General Plan policies 8.A.12, 8.D.1 through 8.D.3, 8.G.1, 8.G.2, 8.G.5, 8.G.12, 8.H.1, and 8.H.2 • Martis Valley Community Plan policies 9.A.1, 5.E.1, 5.E.2, and associated implementation programs, and mitigation measures MM 4.3.1, MM 4.3.2, and MM 4.3.3a through 4.3.3c Hazard impacts were identified as mitigated with policies under the Placer County and Town of Truckee General Plan EIRs and the Martis Valley Community Plan EIR. However, the Nevada County General Plan EIR identified wildland fire hazards as significant and unavoidable. The County adopted a statement of overriding considerations for its General Plan that identified this impact as acceptable because the General Plan would provide for regional housing needs, retail services, and employment development as well as providing for natural resource conservation (Nevada County 1995b, Exhibit A, p. 19). Comparison of Impacts of SOI Scenarios Given the extent of development and associated land disturbance that could be supported, geologic impacts for the LAFCo-recommended and TDPUD-preferred SOI scenarios would also be considered significant hazard impacts that can be mitigated with compliance with the adopted policies and mitigation measures identified above, except for wildland fire hazards. While it is anticipated that wildland fire hazards in the project area would be greatly reduced given the proximity to Truckee Fire Protection District and CAL FIRE stations in the Truckee area (as compared to the conclusions of the Nevada County General Plan EIR), Nevada LAFCo has conservatively determined that this impact would remain significant and unavoidable. The TDPUD-preferred SOI scenarios would result in greater wildland fire hazard impacts, given the Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.3-43 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT larger extent of development potential and overall land disturbance. The TDPUD-preferred SOI for electric services would have the greatest impact. Hydrology and Water Quality Development in the project area would have the potential to result in significant construction and operational water quality impacts to the Truckee River, which is an impaired waterway for sediment load, as well as groundwater quality (no groundwater overdraft impacts are expected, as adequate groundwater supply exists to support regional development as documented in the TDPUD 2011 Urban Water Management Plan and the Placer County Martis Valley Community Plan EIR). Development could also be exposed to potential flooding along the Truckee River if not designed properly. The Nevada and Placer counties and Town of Truckee plan EIRs identified these impacts as potentially significant (Nevada County 1995a, Chapter 3, Project Description -Hydrology and Water Quality; Truckee 2006, Chapter 4.7, Hydrology and Water Quality; Placer County 2004a, pp. 2.0-36 through -53). Policy provisions and mitigation measures adopted by Nevada and Placer counties and the Town of Truckee to address hydrologic impacts include utilization of best management practices (BMPs) for construction and design of development, implementation of ongoing surface water quality monitoring, setbacks from surface water features, use of containment features to avoid contamination of groundwater, and installation of drainage control facilities to mitigate increases in drainage flows. These mitigation measures and associated mitigating policy provisions include the following: • Sierra County General Plan Land Use Element policy H; Water Resources Element policies 13 through 19, 21, and 22 • Nevada County General Plan policies 3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 3.5, 3.13, 3.15, 16.15, and 16.16 and mitigation measure 16 • Town of Truckee General Plan Land Use, Conservation and Open Space, and Safety elements policies P 1.1, P 1.3, P2.1, P2.3, P2.4, P4.2, P4.3, P 1 1.1, PI 1.2, and P 1 1.5 and actions A].] and A2.1 • Placer County General Plan policies 4.C.1, 4.C.1 1, 4.C.13, 4.E.1 through 4.E.18, 4.F.1 through 4.F.14, 6.A.1 through 6.A.12, and 6.13.1 through 6.13.5 • Martis Valley Community Plan policies 6.C.1, 6.C.4, 6.C.6, 6.D.1, 6.D.5 through 6.D.7, 6.E.2 through 6.E.1 1, 6.F.1 through 6.F.12, 9.D.1 through 9.D.10, 9.F.1, 9.F.2, 9.F.5, 5.E.1, 5.E.2, and associated implementation programs, and mitigation measures MM 4.7.1 a through 4.7.1 c, MM 4.7.2a through 4.7.2e, MM 4.7.3, and MM 4.7.5 Hydrologic impacts were identified as mitigated with policies under the Placer County and Town of Truckee General Plan EIR and Martis Valley Community Plan EIR. However, the Nevada County General Plan EIR identified surface water and groundwater usage impacts as significant and unavoidable. The County adopted a statement of overriding considerations for its General Plan that identified this impact as acceptable because the General Plan would provide for regional housing needs, retail services, and employment development as well as providing for natural resource conservation (Nevada County 1995b, Exhibit A, pp. 13 and 14). Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 3.3-44 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT Comparison of Impacts of SOI Scenarios Given the extent of development and associated land disturbance that could be supported, the LAFCo-recommended and TDPUD-preferred SOI scenarios would also be considered to result in significant water quality and flooding impacts that can be mitigated with compliance with the adopted policies and mitigation measures identified above. While the Nevada County General Plan EIR identified significant and unavoidable countywide surface water and groundwater supply impacts, this impact conclusion is not applicable to the project area given that adequate groundwater supply for development of the Martis Valley area has been documented in the TDPUD 2011 Urban Water Management Plan and the Placer County Martis Valley Community Plan EIR. The TDPUD-preferred SOI scenarios would result in greater water quality and flooding impacts, given the larger extent of development potential and overall land disturbance. The TDPUD- preferred SOI for electric services would have the greatest impact. Land Use/Open Space Development of the project area would result in the loss of open space and forested areas and could result in land use conflicts with remaining open space and forestland areas. The Nevada and Placer counties and Town of Truckee plan EIRs identified this impact as potentially significant (Nevada County 1995a, Chapter 3, Project Description -Land Use; Truckee 2006, Chapter 4.8, Land Use; Placer County 2004a, pp. 2.0-4 through -8). Since there is no adopted habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan in the region, no conflicts were identified. Policy provisions and mitigation measures adopted by Nevada and Placer counties and the Town of Truckee to address land use/open space impacts include the provision of buffering treatments between incompatible land uses, preservation and sustained productive use of forestlands, ensuring compatibility with adjoining land uses, and supporting land trust activities to acquire and manage open space lands. These mitigation measures and associated mitigating policy provisions include the following: • Sierra County General Plan Land Use Element policy A; Timber Resources Element policies 7, 13, 15, and 18 • Nevada County General Plan policies 1.1, 1.5(r), 1.14, 1.16, 1.17, 1.18, 5.1 through 5.23, and 6.1 through 6.9 and mitigation measures 1, 16, and 18 • Town of Truckee General Plan Land Use, Community Character, Circulation, Conservation and Open Space, and Noise elements policies P1.2, P1.7, P2.2, P2.4, P3.10, P5.5, P13.2, and P14.2 and action A5.1 • Placer County General Plan policies 1.A.1 through 1.A.4, 1.B.1 through 1.B.10, l.D.l through 1.D.1 1, 1.F.1 through l .F.3, l .G.l through l .G.3, 1.1.1, 11.2, and 1.K.1 and l .K.3 • Martis Valley Community Plan policies 1.A.1, l .A.2, 1.A.5, l .B.2 through 1.13.9, 1.C.1 through 1.C.14, 1.D.3, 1.E.1, 1.F.1 through l .F.6, 1.G.1 through l .G.7, 1.J.1, 1.12, 5.E.1, 5.E.2, and 9.E.3 through 9.E.15, and associated implementation programs, and mitigation measures MM 4.3.3a through 4.3.3c and MM 4.5.4a and 4.5.4b Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.3-45 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT Land impacts were identified as mitigated with policies under the Town of Truckee General Plan EIR. However, the Nevada County General Plan EIR and the Martis Valley Community Plan EIR identified land use conflicts and loss of open space impacts as significant and unavoidable. Nevada and Placer counties adopted statements of overriding considerations for their general plan based on social and economic benefits (e.g., improved housing opportunities, fostering a rural quality of life, job generation, and economic benefits to the agency) (Nevada County 1995b; Placer County 2004b). Comparison of Impacts of SOI Scenarios Given the extent of development and associated loss of current open space and forested areas that could be supported, land use and open space impacts for the LAFCo-recom mended and TDPUD-preferred SOI scenarios would also be considered significant and unavoidable. The TDPUD-preferred SOI scenarios would result in greater loss of open space, given the larger extent of development potential and overall land disturbance. The TDPUD-preferred SOI for electric services would have the greatest impact. Noise Development in the project area would be exposed to existing and future noise levels from expanded operations at the Truckee -Tahoe Airport, new stationary noise sources from growth, and increased traffic noise from an increase in traffic on roadways in the project area. Development would also generate temporary construction noise near existing sensitive noise receptors. The Nevada and Placer counties and Town of Truckee plan EIRs identified these impacts as potentially significant (Nevada County 1995a, Chapter 3, Project Description -Noise; Truckee 2006, Chapter 4.9, Noise; Placer County 2004a, pp. 2.0-26 through -30). Policy provisions and mitigation measures adopted by Nevada and Placer counties and the Town of Truckee to address noise impacts include establishment of noise exposure standards for both stationary and transportation noise sources, designation of avigation easements to the Truckee -Tahoe Airport District and associated notification of aircraft noise, and noise design features such as berms and structural sound -proofing features. These mitigation measures and associated mitigating policy provisions include the following: • Sierra County General Plan Noise Element policies 1, 2, 5, and 7 through 1 1 • Nevada County General Plan policies 1.17, 1.20, 1.21, 9.1, 9.4, 9.7 through 9.12, 17.6, 17.14, 17.17, and 17.24 and mitigation measures 1, 36, and 37 • Town of Truckee General Plan Noise Element policies P1.1 through P1.7, P2.1 through P2.5, and P3.2 through P3.13 • Placer County General Plan policies 9.A.1 through 1.A.12 and 9.13.1 through 9.13.4 • Martis Valley Community Plan policies 10.A.1 through 10.A.10, and associated implementation programs, and mitigation measures MM 4.5.1 a and 4.5.1 b and MM 4.5.4a and 4.5.4b Noise impacts were identified as mitigated with policies under the Nevada County General Plan EIR. However, the Town of Truckee and Placer County General Plan EIRs and Martis Valley Community Plan EIR identified transportation and airport noise impacts as significant and unavoidable. The Town of Truckee and Placer County adopted a statement of overriding Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 3.3-46 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT considerations for their general plans based on social and economic benefits (e.g., improved housing opportunities, fostering a rural quality of life, job generation, and economic benefits to the agency). Comparison of Impacts of SOI Scenarios The proposed SOI scenarios would result in noise impacts that would be mitigated with implementation of the above policies and mitigation. However, the LAFCo-recom mended and TDPUD-preferred SOI scenarios would be exposed to anticipated increases in airport traffic noise from the Truckee -Tahoe Airport, and this impact would be significant and unavoidable. The TDPUD-preferred SOI scenarios would result in greater noise impacts, given the larger extent of development potential and associated population exposed to airport operation noise. The TDPUD-preferred SOI for electric services would have the greatest impact. Population/Employment/Housing Development in the project area would increase housing supply, residential population, and employment consistent with the applicable general plans. The Town of Truckee and Placer County General Plan EIRs and the Martis Valley Community Plan EIR identified potentially significant growth and housing impacts associated with the provision of adequate affordable housing and future employment needs from planned growth (Truckee 2006, Chapter 4.10, Population, Employment, and Housing; Placer County 2004a, pp. 2.0-8 through -10). Although not specifically addressed in an impact discussion, the Nevada County General Plan EIR alternatives analysis and CEQA Findings of Fact did address population growth associated with General Plan adoption (Nevada County 1995b, Exhibit A, pp. 60 through 68). No impacts associated with substantial displacement of housing or people were identified in the EIRs. Policy provisions adopted by the Town of Truckee and Placer County to address this impact include provision of employee housing as part of new development projects, establishment of residential density bonus incentives, and encouragement of affordable housing development. These mitigating policy provisions include the following: • Sierra County General Plan Housing Element policies 4, 7, 8, and 22 • Town of Truckee General Plan Land Use and Housing elements policies P2.3 and P2.11 • Placer County General Plan policies 1.M.2, 1.M.3, 2.A.1 1, 2.A.13, 2.A.18, 2.A.19, 2.13.1, 2.G.1, and 2.G.2 • Martis Valley Community Plan policies 3.A.1 through 3.A.8, and associated implementation programs Growth and housing impacts were identified as mitigated with policies under the Nevada County General Plan EIR. However, the Town of Truckee and Placer County general plan EIRs and Martis Valley Community Plan EIR identified increased demand for affordable housing as significant and unavoidable. The Town of Truckee and Placer County adopted a statement of overriding considerations for their general plans based on social and economic benefits (e.g., improved housing opportunities, fostering a rural quality of life, job generation, and economic benefits to the agency). Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.3-47 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT Comparison of Impacts of Scenarios The proposed SOI scenarios would provide housing opportunities as well as increase the need for affordable housing that would result in the same significant and unavoidable affordable housing impact identified in the Town of Truckee General Plan EIR. The LAFCo-recom mended and TDPUD-preferred SOI scenarios would result in greater residential growth (an additional 13,069 dwelling units and 32,673 residents for the SOI for electric service and an additional 7,658 dwelling units and 19,145 residents for the SOI for water service) over the LAFCo-recommended Sphere of Influence. Public Services, Utilities, and Recreation Development of the project area would increase the demand for public services and result in utility expansion. The Nevada and Placer counties and Town of Truckee general plan EIRs and the Martis Valley Community Plan EIR identified these impacts as potentially significant (Nevada County 1995a, Chapter 3, Project Description -Public Services and Utilities; Truckee 2006, Chapters 2.10 and 4.13, Public Services/Utilities and Service Systems; Placer County 2004a, pp. 2.0-84 through -108). Policy provisions and mitigation measures adopted by Nevada and Placer counties and the Town of Truckee to address public service and utility service provision impacts include maintenance of service standards for public services, coordination with public service providers on consideration and design of development projects, and written verification that adequate water and wastewater facilities and capacity exist to serve proposed development. These mitigation measures and associated mitigating policy provisions include the following: • Sierra County General Plan Public Facilities Element policies 1, 5, and 17a; Recreation Element policies 1 and 2; Timber Resources Element policies 1 and 2; Visual Resources Element policies 1 through 8 • Nevada County General Plan policies 3.1 through 3.9, 3.12, 3.14, 7.3, and 7.5 through 7.7 • Town of Truckee General Plan Land Use, Conservation and Open Space, and Safety elements policies P 1. 1, P 1.13, and P4.2 • Placer County General Plan policies 3.A.12, 3.A.14, 4.C.1 through 4.C.1 1, 4.D.1 through 4.D.1 1, 4.G.1, 4.G.2, 4.G.7, 4.1.1 through 4.1.11, 4.H.1 through 4.H.5, 4.11 through 4.18, 5.A.1 through 5.A.9, 5.A.23, and 5.C.1 • Martis Valley Community Plan policies 2.13.5, 6.C.1 through 6.C.7, 6.D.1 through 6.D.7, 6.G.1 through 6.G.4, 6.H.1 through 6.H.22, 6.1.1 through 6.1.9, 7.A.1 through 7.A.5, 7.13.1 through 7.13.5, 7.C.1, and associated implementation programs, and mitigation measures MM4.11.1.1,MM4.11.4.1,MM4.11.7.3,and MM4.11.8.1 Public service and utility impacts were identified as mitigated with policies under the Town of Truckee and Placer County general plan EIRs and the Martis Valley Community Plan EIR. However, the Nevada County General Plan EIR identified wastewater service and public school impacts as significant and unavoidable. The County adopted a statement of overriding considerations for its General Plan that identified this impact as acceptable because the General Plan would provide for regional housing needs, retail services, and employment development as well as providing for natural resource conservation (Nevada County 1995b, Exhibit A, pp. 14 through 17). Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 3.3-48 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT Comparison of Impacts of SOI Scenarios Given the extent of development and associated land disturbance that could be supported, the LAFCo-recommended and TDPUD-preferred SOI scenarios would also be considered to result in significant public service and utility impacts that can be mitigated with compliance with the adopted policies and mitigation measures identified above. While the Nevada County General Plan EIR identified significant and unavoidable countywide wastewater and public school impacts, this impact conclusion is not applicable to the project area given that wastewater treatment capacity and public school services for development of the Martis Valley area have been documented to be adequate in the future in the Town of Truckee General Plan EIR and the Placer County Martis Valley Community Plan EIR. The TDPUD-preferred SOI scenarios would result in greater public service and utility impacts, given the larger extent of development potential. The TDPUD-preferred SOI for electric services would have the greatest impact. Transportation and Circulation Development in the project area would contribute to traffic level of service impacts expected in the region to key roadway facilities (e.g., State Route 267, State Route 89, Interstate 80, Donner Pass Road). In the Nevada and Placer counties and Town of Truckee plan EIRs, roadway traffic impacts were cited as potentially significant (Nevada County 1995a, Chapter 3, Project Description -Traffic and Circulation; Truckee 2006, Chapter 4.12, Traffic and Circulation; Placer County 2004a, pp. 2.0-15 through -26). No significant transit, pedestrian, or bicycle facility or service impacts were expected given existing and planned improvements for these alternative forms of transportation. In addition, all new roadway facilities would be required to meet current local and state roadway safety design standards to avoid safety issues. Policy provisions and mitigation measures adopted by Nevada and Placer counties and the Town of Truckee to address transportation impacts include proper design of the roadway system to accommodate traffic efficiently and safely, maintenance of appropriate levels of service for roadway and intersection traffic operations, securing adequate funding for traffic improvements, establishment of transit services and facilities, and provision of bicycle and pedestrian facilities. These mitigation measures and associated mitigating policy provisions include the following: • Sierra County General Plan Circulation Element policies 8, 12, 13, and 40 • Nevada County General Plan policies 4.6 through 4.9, 4.1 1, and 4.20 and mitigation measure 31 B • Town of Truckee General Plan Circulation Element policies P1.1 through 1.4, P2.1 through P2.3, P6.8, P10.2, P10.8, and P1 1.2 through 11.7 • Placer County General Plan policies 3.A.1 through 3.A.15, 3.131 through 3.13.11, and 6.G.2 through 6.G.6 • Martis Valley Community Plan policies 5.A.3 through 5.A.14, 5.13.1 through 5.13.7, 5.C.1 through 5.C.4, and 5.D.1 through 5.D.7, and associated implementation programs, and mitigation measures MM 4.4.1 a and MM 4.4.2a and 4.4.2b Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.3-49 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT Traffic operational impacts were identified as significant and unavoidable under the Town of Truckee and Nevada and Placer counties general plan EIRs and the Martis Valley Community Plan EIR. Nevada County and the Town of Truckee adopted statements of overriding considerations for their general plans based on social and economic benefits (e.g., improved housing opportunities, fostering a rural quality of life, job generation, and economic benefits to the agency). Comparison of Impacts of SOI Scenarios Given the extent of development and associated land disturbance that could be supported, the LAFCo-recommended and TDPUD-preferred SOI scenarios would also be considered to result in significant and unavoidable roadway traffic operational impacts. The LAFCo- recommended SOI area growth could generate approximately 10,000 daily trips (residential, commercial, and industrial uses) at buildout, while the TDPUD-preferred SOI for electric service area growth could generate approximately 86,276 daily trips, and the SOI for water service area growth could generate 86,536 daily trips.3 Mitigation Measures Based on the above analysis and review of the Town of Truckee and Nevada and Placer counties plan EIRs, Nevada County LAFCo has determined that the following environmental impacts of growth supported by both SOI scenarios would be mitigated to less than significant through implementation of mitigation measures, policies, and regulations of the Town and counties: • Cultural and Paleontological Resources • Geology/Soils/Mineral Resources • Hazards (with the exception of Wildland Fire Hazards) • Hydrology and Water Quality • Public Services/Utilities/Recreation Plan policy provisions and mitigation measures have been adopted by land use agencies to address these impacts to the extent feasible, but the following environmental impacts of growth have been identified as significant and unavoidable by the Town and counties. Nevada County LAFCo has determined that these significant and unavoidable impacts would occur from growth supported by both SOI scenarios: • Aesthetics • Air Quality • Biological Resources 3 Based on traffic generation rates in the Town of Truckee Coldstream Specific Plan EIR (2011) and the Martis Valley Community Plan EIR (2004). Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 3.3-50 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT • Wildland Fire Hazards • Land Use/Open Space • Noise • Affordable Housing • Roadway Traffic Operations While the new SOls would not result in any new growth -related environmental impacts or the increased severity of the above identified significant environmental impacts (similar finding to CEQA Guidelines Section 15162), establishment of new SOls is the first step in a series of actions that support this planned growth. With the exception of not updating the Sphere of Influence, there are no feasible mitigation measures available to Nevada County LAFCo to address this impact. This growth -inducing impact would be significant and unavoidable. 3.3.4 CUMULATIVE SETTING, IMPACTS, AND MITIGATION MEASURES CUMULATIVE SETTING The cumulative setting for potential population growth inducement with the proposed project includes approved and proposed development in the Town of Truckee and in the surrounding areas of Sierra, Nevada, and Placer counties, as well as the proposed SOI update for the Truckee Sanitary District. For the purposes of evaluating the potential cumulative impacts of the proposed project, all foreseeable development within and adjacent to the proposed project area is considered. Foreseeable development in the project area consists of large-scale projects consistent with the land use intensities in the Town of Truckee and Nevada County general plans and Martis Valley Community Plan, such as, but not limited to, the Coldstream Specific Plan (Town of Truckee), Canyon Springs project (Town of Truckee), Hobart Mills (Nevada County), and Northstar Mountain Master Plan Project (Placer County). As such, the cumulative development analysis includes consideration of planned projects in both TDPUD Sphere of Influence proposal scenarios. Contribution to Environmental Effects in the Region Impact 3.3.2 The proposed project, along with all existing, approved, proposed, and reasonably foreseeable development in Nevada County, could induce growth or a concentration of population that may result in physical environmental impacts. This impact is considered to be cumulatively considerable. The establishment of a new SOI is the first step in a series of actions that support the planned growth envisioned in the applicable general plans. The only means legally available to LAFCo of mitigating the impacts would be to reduce the Sphere of Influence and restrict the amount of growth by restricting the extension of electric and water service. This is considered infeasible for the following reasons: 1. Reduction in the sphere would result in an inconsistency between the LAFCo sphere and the urban development planned by the land use agencies. Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.3-51 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT 2. The land use agencies have adopted multiple mitigation measures in their general plans to mitigate much of the adverse impact of the planned growth. 3. Reduction in the sphere will reduce economic growth, jobs, and housing within the region as found by the applicable land use agencies in their resolutions adopting the EIRs for their general plans. 4. The planned growth does not conflict with LAFCo's mission to promote orderly growth and protect agricultural and open space resources. The agencies considered such impacts and adopted plans that promote growth in an orderly fashion. There are no significant agricultural or timberland resources, nor designated open space lands, proposed for conversion as part of the plans. This growth -inducing impact would be cumulatively considerable and significant and unavoidable. Mitigation Measures None available. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 3.3-52 3.3 SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT REFERENCES Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board (Lahontan RWQCB). 2005. Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the Lahontan Region, North and South Basins. 2008. Total Maximum Daily Load for Sediment, Middle Truckee River Watershed Staff Report. 2008. Water Quality Control Plan Amendment, Total Maximum Daily Load for Sediment, Middle Truckee River Watershed. Nevada County. 1994. Nevada County General Plan (amended through 2010). 1995a. Nevada County General Plan Environmental Impact Report. 1995b. Nevada County Resolution No. 95530. Placer County. 1994. Placer County General Plan. 2004a. Martis Valley Community Plan Environmental Impact Report. 2004b. Placer County Resolution No. 2003-321 Sierra County. 1996. Sierra County General Plan. TDPUD (Truckee Donner Public Utility District). 2011. 201 1 Urban Water Management Plan. Truckee, Town of. 2005. Town of Truckee 2025 General Plan. 2006. Town of Truckee 2025 General Plan Environmental Impact Report. 2011. Coldstream Specific Plan Draft Environmental Impact Report. Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 3.3-53 4,.0 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES 4.0 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES 4.1 INTRODUCTION State of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15126.6(a) states that an environmental impact report (EIR) shall describe and analyze a range of reasonable alternatives to a project. According to the CEQA Guidelines, these alternatives should feasibly attain most of the basic objectives of the project, while avoiding or substantially lessening one or more of the significant environmental impacts of the project. An EIR need not consider every conceivable alternative to a project, nor is it required to consider alternatives that are infeasible. The discussion of alternatives shall focus on those alternatives which are capable of avoiding or substantially lessening any significant effects of the project, even if they impede the attainment of the project objectives to some degree or would be more costly (CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.6[b]). When addressing feasibility, CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.6 states that "among the factors that may be taken into account when addressing the feasibility of alternatives are site suitability, economic viability, availability of infrastructure, general plan consistency, jurisdictional boundaries, and whether the applicant can reasonably acquire, control or otherwise have access to alternative sites." The CEQA Guidelines also specify that the alternatives discussion should not be remote or speculative; however, they need not be presented in the same level of detail as the assessment of the proposed project. The CEQA Guidelines indicate that several factors need to be considered in determining the range of alternatives to be analyzed in an EIR and the level of analytical detail that should be provided for each alternative. These factors include (1) the nature of the significant impacts of the proposed project; (2) the ability of alternatives to avoid or lessen the significant impacts associated with the project; (3) the ability of the alternatives to meet the objectives of the project; and (4) the feasibility of the alternatives. These factors would be unique for each project. The significant environmental impacts of the project that the alternatives will seek to eliminate or reduce were determined and based on the findings contained within each technical section evaluated in Sections 3.1 through 3.3 of this Draft EIR. 4.2 ALTERNATIVES UNDER CONSIDERATION The following alternatives were identified for examination and analysis in this Draft EIR: Alternative 1 - No Project Alternative. CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.6(e)(1) requires that a No Project Alternative be analyzed. If the No Project Alternative were implemented, neither option of the proposed project (LAFCo-recommended Truckee Donner Public Utility District Sphere of Influence or District -preferred Sphere of Influence) would be implemented, and the existing Truckee Donner Public Utility District (TDPUD; District) Sphere of Influence (SOI) would be reduced to encompass only the area of the current TDPUD service area, i.e., areas actually employing TDPUD services for either electric or water service currently, as differentiated from other areas within the TDPUD Sphere of Influence that are not currently receiving either electric or water service from the District. This alternative was selected consistent with the requirements of CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.6(e). Alternative 2 - Combined Sphere of Influence Area. Under Alternative 2, the TDPUD Sphere of Influence for both electric and water service would include the addition of 3 square miles known as the Northstar area, adjacent to the TDPUD's current SOI boundary, the addition of a 25.5- square-mile area that includes Hobart Mills, Russell Valley, and north to the Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility, and the removal of 8 square miles of existing electric service and water service SOI area located to the east of the Glenshire Subdivision and Hirschdale. Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 4.0-1 4.0 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES Alternative 3 - Northstar Only. Under Alternative 3, the District's SOI for both electric and water service would include the addition of 3 square miles known as the Northstar area, adjacent to the TDPUD's current Sphere of Influence boundary, and the removal of 8 square miles of existing electric service and water service SOI area located to the east of the Glenshire Subdivision and Hirschdale. The addition of a 25.5-square-mile area that includes Hobart Mills, Russell Valley, and north to the Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility into the District's SOI would not be included under this alternative. Alternative 4 - Reduced Stampede Reservoir Area. Under Alternative 4, the District's SOI for both electric and water service would include the addition of 3 square miles known as the Northstar area, adjacent to the TDPUD's current Sphere of Influence boundary, the removal of 8 square miles of existing electric service and water service SOI area located to the east of the Glenshire Subdivision and Hirschdale, and the addition of lands that include Hobart Mill and Russell Valley and north to the Nevada County/Sierra County line. The Reduced Stampede Reservoir Area Alternative would not include the addition of any lands in Sierra County. 4.3 ALTERNATIVE 1 — NO PROJECT CHARACTERISTICS Alternative 1 is the No Project Alternative, which is required to be analyzed per CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.6(e)(1). The purpose of describing and analyzing a No Project Alternative is to allow decision -makers to compare the impacts of approving a proposed project with the impacts of not approving the proposed project. CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.6(e) (3) (B) states that if the project is a development project on identifiable property, the "no project" alternative is the circumstance under which the project does not proceed and the discussion would compare the environmental effects of the property remaining in its existing state against environmental effects which would occur if the project is approved. The Cortese -Knox -Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000 requires the Nevada County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) to update the spheres of influence for all applicable jurisdictions in the county. An SOI is defined by Government Code Section 56425 as "a plan for the probable physical boundary and service area of a local agency or municipality." If no update is instigated, the current SOI would be reduced to encompass only the area of the current TDPUD service area, i.e., areas actually employing TDPUD services for either electric or water service currently, as differentiated from other areas within the TDPUD Sphere of Influence that are not currently receiving electric and/or water service from the District. The current TDPUD service area is shown in Figure 2.0-1 as the striped area on the map. This alternative would not meet the project objective of implementing the Cortese -Knox -Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000. COMPARATIVE IMPACTS The following analysis is based on the significant environmental impacts identified in Sections 3.1 through 3.3. The reader is referred to these sections for further details on impacts associated with the proposed project. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 4.0-2 4.0 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES Land Use Consistency with Applicable Plans and Policies - Project and Cumulative Impacts The establishment of the new Sphere of Influence for the TDPUD under the proposed scenarios would not change or conflict with Sierra County, Town of Truckee, Nevada County, or Placer County general plan and zoning designations, as the SOI is associated with the future provision of water and electric service. The future provision of electric and water service would assist the project area in attaining the extent of development anticipated in the general plans. While the LAFCo-recommended SOI would be consistent with Nevada County LAFCo sphere of influence policies, the TDPUD-preferred SOI for electric and water service would include a substantial amount of designated open space in Nevada and Placer counties that would conflict with LAFCo general policy 2 (Sphere Boundaries). Mitigation measure MM 3.1.1 would mitigate this impact to less than significant. This impact was identified as less than significant under cumulative conditions for all SOI scenarios. The No Project Alternative would also not result in any conflicts with Sierra County, Town of Truckee, Nevada County, and Placer County general plan and zoning designations and development standards. However, it would not assist in supporting future planned development contemplated by these local agencies. This alternative would conflict with Nevada County LAFCo general policies 1 (Consistency Requirement) and 2 (Sphere Boundaries) by not adequately considering electric and water service in relation to the following factors set forth in Government Code Section 56425(e). Specifically, the No Project Alternative provides no consideration of land areas that are anticipated to need TDPUD services in the next 5 to 20 years as a result of anticipated growth in the Truckee area. 1) The present and probable need for public facilities and services in the area. 4) Any social or economic communities of interest in the area that the commission determines are relevant to the agency. Thus, the No Project Alternative would result in a greater impact than the proposed SOI scenarios (LAFCo and TDPUD) in regard to consistency with Nevada County LAFCo policies. Climate Change and Greenhouse Gases GHG Emissions and AB 32 Compliance Realization of the maximum growth potential of the LAFCo-recommended SOI and the TDPUD- preferred SOI for electric and water service would exceed the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) threshold of 4.6 metric tons of CO2e per service population. The establishment of a new SOI is the first step in a series of actions that support this planned growth. Therefore, both the LAFCo-recommended SOI and the TDPUD-preferred SOI for electric and water service could result in a net increase in cumulative GHG emissions, and the potential contribution to GHGs is thus considered cumulatively considerable and a significant and unavoidable impact. In terms of Assembly Bill (AB) 32 compliance, all future development associated with the maximum development potential of both the LAFCo-recommended SOI and the TDPUD- preferred SOI for electric and water service would be subject to all applicable California state regulatory requirements, which would also reduce GHG emissions. Future development would Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 4.0-3 4.0 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES be required to comply with the strategies to help California reach the emissions reduction targets. This impact is therefore less than cumulatively considerable. Under the No Project Alternative, the TDPUD Sphere of Influence would be reduced to encompass only the current TDPUD service area, as described above. Such an action would constitute a more substantial reduction than either the LAFCo-recommended SOI boundary or the TDPUD-preferred SOI for electric and water service. Areas of development outside of the TDPUD service area would continue to employ the use of wells or obtain service from the Placer County Water Agency for water service and from private service providers for electric service and would not have the option of obtaining TDPUD service. Furthermore, the No Project Alternative would restrict planned growth for suburban and urban densities in the Town of Truckee and Nevada County due to lack of access to a public water system. The No Project Alternative thus reduces the potential to generate GHG emissions as estimated under the LAFCO-recommended SOI and the TDPUD-preferred SOI for electric and water service, yet would result in the same level of impact in terms of AB 32 compliance, as all future development in California is required to comply with strategies to help California reach the emissions reduction targets. In addition, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and the California Energy Commission (CEC) would still have oversight of electric service providers, which ensures compliance with the AB 32 Scoping Plan strategies that relate to energy production, specifically Scoping Plan Strategy E-3, the achievement of the Renewables Portfolio Standard (33 percent renewable energy by 2020). However, a reduced TDPUD SOI for electric service would result in less effort for this utility provider to achieve the 33 percent renewable energy mix goal. The No Project Alternative results in a lower level of impact compared to the proposed SOI scenarios (LAFCo and TDPUD). Secondary Environmental Effects of the Project Induce Growth That May Result in Physical Environmental Impacts Under Project and Cumulative Conditions The establishment of a new SOI under the proposed project is the first step in a series of actions that could provide TDPUD electric and water service to land areas within Sierra County, the Town of Truckee, Nevada County, and Placer County that could support growth and development consistent with these agencies' general plans and any development approvals currently in place which would result in physical environmental impacts. Potential secondary environmental impacts would be significant and unavoidable, and cumulative impacts would be cumulatively considerable. Under the No Project Alternative, the TDPUD Sphere of Influence would be reduced to encompass only the current TDPUD service area, as described above. In terms of the induction of growth or concentration of population through the extension of infrastructure, the No Project Alternative results in a reduced level of secondary environmental impacts as compared to the proposed SOI scenarios (LAFCo and TDPUD), as it would result in a TDPUD SOI that encompasses only the current TDPUD service area. The No Project Alternative would not represent a first step in a series of actions that support planned growth beyond the TDPUD boundaries. 4.4 ALTERNATIVE 2 — COMBINED SPHERE OF INFLUENCE AREA CHARACTERISTICS Under Alternative 2, the TDPUD Sphere of Influence for both electric and water service would include the addition of 3 square miles known as the Northstar area, adjacent to the TDPUD's Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 4.0-4 4.0 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES current SOI boundary, the addition of a 25.5-square-mile area that includes Hobart Mills, Russell Valley, and north to the Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility, and the removal of 8 square miles of existing electric service and water service SOI area located to the east of the Glenshire Subdivision and Hirschdale. Compared with the proposed project scenarios, Alternative 2 would result in a larger TDPUD Sphere of Influence for electric and water service compared to the LAFCo-recommended SOI scenario, a smaller SOI for electric service compared to the proposed TDPUD-preferred SOI for electric service, and a larger SOI for water service compared to the proposed TDPUD-preferred SOI for water service. COMPARATIVE IMPACTS The following analysis is based on the significant environmental impacts identified in Sections 3.1 through 3.3. The reader is referred to these sections for further details on impacts associated with the proposed project. Land Use Consistency with Applicable Plans and Policies - Project and Cumulative Impacts The establishment of the new SOI for TDPUD under the proposed scenarios would not change or conflict with Sierra County, Town of Truckee, Nevada County, or Placer County general plan and zoning designations, as the SOI is associated with the future provision of water and electric service. The future provision of electric and water services would assist the project area in attaining the extent of development anticipated in the general plans. While the LAFCo- recommended SOI would be consistent with Nevada County LAFCo sphere of influence policies, the TDPUD-preferred SOI for electric and water would include a substantial amount of designated open space in Nevada and Placer counties that would conflict with LAFCo general policy 2 (Sphere Boundaries). Mitigation measure MM 3.1.1 would mitigate this impact to less than significant. This impact was identified as less than significant under cumulative conditions for all SOI scenarios. Alternative 2 would result in similar impacts to the proposed TDPUD-preferred SOI for electric and water service regarding the inclusion of a substantial amount of designated open space in Nevada and Placer counties that would conflict with LAFCo general policy 2 (Sphere Boundaries). However, it would reduce the extent of designated Nevada County open space in the SOI as compared to the TDPUD-preferred SOI for electric service. This impact under Alternative 2 could be mitigated with the application of mitigation measure MM 3.1.1. Climate Change and Greenhouse Gases GHG Emissions and AB 32 Compliance Realization of the maximum growth potential of the LAFCo-recommended SOI and the TDPUD- preferred SOI for electric and water service would exceed the BAAQMD threshold of 4.6 metric tons of CO2e per service population. The establishment of a new SOI is the first step in a series of actions that support this planned growth. Therefore, both the LAFCo-recommended SOI and the TDPUD-preferred SOI for electric and water service could result in a net increase in cumulative GHG emissions, and the potential contribution to GHGs is thus considered cumulatively considerable and a significant and unavoidable impact. In terms of AB 32 compliance, all future development associated with the maximum development potential of both the LAFCo-recommended SOI and the TDPUD-preferred SOI for Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 4.0-5 4.0 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES electric and water service would be subject to all applicable California state regulatory requirements, which would also reduce GHG emissions. Future development would be required to comply with the strategies to help California reach the emissions reduction targets. This impact is therefore less than cumulatively considerable. Alternative 2 would reduce total GHG emissions as compared to the TDPUD-preferred SOI for electric service, while resulting in an increase in total GHG emissions as compared to the TDPUD- preferred SOI for water service and the LAFCo-recom mended SOL Secondary Environmental Effects of the Project Induce Growth That May Result in Physical Environmental Impacts Under Project and Cumulative Conditions The establishment of a new SOI under the proposed project is the first step in a series of actions that could provide TDPUD electric and water service to land areas within Sierra County, the Town of Truckee, Nevada County, and Placer County that could support growth and development consistent with these agencies' general plans and any development approvals currently in place that would result in physical environmental impacts. Potential secondary environmental impacts would be significant and unavoidable, and cumulative impacts would be cumulatively considerable. Alternative 2 would reduce total secondary environmental impacts as compared to the TDPUD- preferred SOI for electric service, while resulting in an increase in secondary environmental impacts as compared to the TDPUD-preferred SOI for water service and the LAFCo- recommended SOL 4.5 ALTERNATIVE 3 — NORTHSTAR ONLY CHARACTERISTICS Under Alternative 3, the TDPUD Sphere of Influence for both electric and water service would include territory in the current SOI, with the addition of 3 square miles known as the Northstar area, adjacent to the TDPUD's current SOI boundary, and the removal of 8 square miles of existing electric service and water service SOI area located to the east of the Glenshire Subdivision and Hirschdale. The addition of a 25.5-square-mile area that includes Hobart Mills, Russell Valley, and north to the Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility to the District's SOI would not be included under this alternative. COMPARATIVE IMPACTS The following analysis is based on the significant environmental impacts identified in Sections 3.1 through 3.3. The reader is referred to these sections for further details on impacts associated with the proposed project. Land Use Consistencv with ADDlicable Plans and Policies - Proiect and Cumulative Im The establishment of the new SOI for TDPUD under the proposed scenarios would not change or conflict with Sierra County, Town of Truckee, Nevada County, and Placer County general plan Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 4.0-6 4.0 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES and zoning designations as the SOI is associated with the future provision of water and electric service. The future provision of electric and water service would assist the project area in attaining the extent of development anticipated in the general plans. While the LAFCo- recommended SOI would be consistent with Nevada County LAFCo sphere of influence policies, the TDPUD-preferred SOI for electric and water would include a substantial amount of designated open space in Nevada and Placer counties that would conflict with LAFCo general policy 2 (Sphere Boundaries). Mitigation measure MM 3.1.1 would mitigate this impact to less than significant. This impact was identified as less than significant under cumulative conditions for all SOI scenarios. Alternative 3 would result in reduced impacts as compared to the proposed TDPUD-preferred SOI for electric service by reducing the amount of designated open space in Nevada County that would be contained within the SOI. However, approximately 4,000 acres of designated open space in Placer County in the Martis Valley Community Plan area would still be retained under Alternative 3 (similar to the TDPUD-preferred SOI for water service). This impact under Alternative 3 could be mitigated with the application of mitigation measure MM 3.1.1. Climate Change and Greenhouse Gases GHG Emissions and AB 32 Compliance Realization of the maximum growth potential of the LAFCo-recommended SOI and the TDPUD- preferred SOI for electric and water service would exceed the BAAQMD threshold of 4.6 metric tons of CO2e per service population. The establishment of a new SOI is the first step in a series of actions that support this planned growth. Therefore, both the LAFCo-recommended SOI and the TDPUD-preferred SOI for electric and water service could result in a net increase in cumulative GHG emissions, and the potential contribution to GHGs is thus considered cumulatively considerable and a significant and unavoidable impact. In terms of AB 32 compliance, all future development associated with the maximum development potential of both the LAFCo-recommended SOI and the TDPUD-preferred SOI for electric and water service would be subject to all applicable California state regulatory requirements, which would also reduce GHG emissions. Future development would be required to comply with the strategies to help California reach the emissions reduction targets. This impact is therefore less than cumulatively considerable. Similar to the proposed project, the establishment of a new SOI is the first step in a series of actions that support planned growth, which is associated with an increased generation of greenhouse gas emissions. However, the Northstar Only Alternative would constitute a smaller SOI than the TDPUD-preferred SOI for electric service, yet larger than the LAFCo-recommended SOI and the TDPUD-preferred SOI for water service. Therefore, the Northstar Only Alternative results in lower potential to generate GHG emissions annually as estimated under the TDPUD- preferred SOI for electric service and higher GHG emissions than the LAFCo-recommended SOI and the TDPUD-preferred SOI for water service. This alternative would result in the same level of impact in terms of AB 32 compliance, as all future development in California is required to comply with the strategies to help California reach the emissions reduction targets. In addition, CPUC and CEC oversight of electric service providers ensures compliance with the AB 32 Scoping Plan strategies that relate to energy production, specifically Scoping Plan Strategy E-3, the achievement of the Renewables Portfolio Standard (33 percent renewable energy by 2020). Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 4.0-7 4.0 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES Secondary Environmental Effects of the Project Induce Growth That May Result in Physical Environmental Impacts Under Project and Cumulative Conditions The establishment of a new SOI under the proposed project is the first step in a series of actions that could provide TDPUD electric and water service to land areas within Sierra County, the Town of Truckee, Nevada County, and Placer County that could support growth and development consistent with these agencies' general plans and any development approvals currently in place that would result in physical environmental impacts. Potential secondary environmental impacts would be significant and unavoidable, and cumulative impacts would be cumulatively considerable. Alternative 3 would result in reduced secondary environmental impacts as compared to the TDPUD-preferred SOI for electric service given the reduced size of the SOI. This alternative would have increased secondary environmental impacts as compared to the LAFCo-recommended SOI and the TDPUD-preferred SOI for water service given the larger extent of the SOI. 4.6 ALTERNATIVE 4 — REDUCED STAMPEDE RESERVOIR AREA CHARACTERISTICS Under Alternative 4, the current TDPUD Sphere of Influence for both electric and water service would include the addition of 3 square miles known as the Northstar area, adjacent to the TDPUD's current SOI boundary, the removal of 8 square miles of existing electric service and water service SOI area located to the east of the Glenshire Subdivision and Hirschdale, and the addition of lands that include Hobart Mill and Russell Valley and north to the Nevada County/Sierra County line. The Reduced Stampede Reservoir Area Alternative would not include the addition of any lands in Sierra County. Comparative Impacts The following analysis is based on the significant environmental impacts identified in Sections 3.1 through 3.3. The reader is referred to these sections for further details on impacts associated with the proposed project. Land Use Consistency with Applicable Plans and Policies - Project and Cumulative Impacts The establishment of the new SOI for TDPUD under the proposed scenarios would not change or conflict with Sierra County, Town of Truckee, Nevada County, and Placer County general plan and zoning designations, as the SOI is associated with the future provision of water and electric service. The future provision of electric and water service would assist the project area in attaining the extent of development anticipated in the general plans. While the LAFCo- recommended SOI would be consistent with Nevada County LAFCo sphere of influence policies, the TDPUD-preferred SOI for electric and water would include a substantial amount of designated open space in Nevada and Placer counties that would conflict with LAFCo general policy 2 (Sphere Boundaries). Mitigation measure MM 3.1.1 would mitigate this impact to less than significant. This impact was identified as less than significant under cumulative conditions for all SOI scenarios. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 4.0-8 4.0 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES Alternative 4 would result in reduced impacts as compared to the proposed TDPUD-preferred SOI for electric service by reducing the amount of designated open space in Nevada County that would be contained within the SOI. However, approximately 4,000 acres of designated open space in Placer County in the Martis Valley Community Plan area would still be retained under Alternative 4 (similar to the TDPUD-preferred SOI for water service). This impact under Alternative 4 could be mitigated with the application of mitigation measure MM 3.1.1. Climate Change and Greenhouse Gases GHG Emissions and AB 32 Compliance Realization of the maximum growth potential of the LAFCo-recom mended SOI and the TDPUD- preferred SOI for electric and water service would exceed the BAAQMD threshold of 4.6 metric tons of CO2e per service population. The establishment of a new SOI is the first step in a series of actions that support this planned growth. Therefore, both the LAFCo-recommended SOI and the TDPUD-preferred SOI for electric and water service could result in a net increase in cumulative GHG emissions, and the potential contribution to GHGs is thus considered cumulatively considerable and a significant and unavoidable impact. In terms of AB 32 compliance, all future development associated with the maximum development potential of both the LAFCo-recom mended SOI and the TDPUD-preferred SOI for electric and water service would be subject to all applicable California state regulatory requirements, which would also reduce GHG emissions. Future development would be required comply with the strategies to help California reach the emissions reduction targets. This impact is therefore less than cumulatively considerable. Similar to the proposed project, the establishment of a new SOI is the first step in a series of actions that support planned growth, which is associated with an increased generation of greenhouse gas emissions. However, the Reduced Stampede Reservoir Area Alternative would constitute a smaller SOI than the TDPUD-preferred SOI for electric service, yet larger than the LAFCo-recom mended SOI and the TDPUD-preferred SOI for water service. Therefore, Alternative 4 results in lower potential to generate GHG emissions annually as estimated under the TDPUD- preferred SOI for electric service and higher GHG emissions than the LAFCo -recommended SOI and the TDPUD-preferred SOI for water service. This alternative would result in the same level of impact in terms of AB 32 compliance, as all future development in California is required to comply with the strategies to help California reach the emissions reduction targets. In addition, CPUC and CEC oversight of electric service providers ensures compliance with the AB 32 Scoping Plan strategies that relate to energy production, specifically Scoping Plan Strategy E-3, the achievement of the Renewables Portfolio Standard (33 percent renewable energy by 2020). Secondary Environmental Effects of the Project Induce Growth That May Result in Physical Environmental Impacts Under Project and Cumulative Conditions The establishment of a new SOI under the proposed project is the first step in a series of actions that could provide TDPUD electric and water service to land areas within Sierra County, the Town of Truckee, Nevada County, and Placer County that could support growth and development consistent with these agencies' general plans and any development approvals currently in place that would result in physical environmental impacts. Potential secondary Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 4.0-9 4.0 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES environmental impacts would be significant and unavoidable, and cumulative impacts would be cumulatively considerable. Alternative 4 would result in reduced secondary environmental impacts as compared to the TDPUD-preferred SOI for electric service given the reduced size of the SOI. This alternative would have increased secondary environmental impacts as compared to the LAFCo-recommended SOI and the TDPUD-preferred SOI for water service given the larger extent of the SOL 4.7 ENVIRONMENTALLY SUPERIOR ALTERNATIVE Table 4.0-1 provides a summary of the potential impacts of the alternatives evaluated in this section, as compared with the potential impacts of the proposed project. TABLE 4.0-1 COMPARISON OF ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT Alternative 2 Alternative 4 Proposed Project Impact Alternative 1 Combined Alternative 3 Reduced Issue Determination No Project Sphere of Northstar Stampede Influence Only Reservoir Area Area Land Use LAFCo Rec. Less Than W W W W SOI Significant Consistency with Applicable TDPUD Significant W B B B Pref. SO] butfor Plans and Policies (Project Electric Mitigatable and Cumulative) TDPUD Significant W S S S Pref. SO] but for Water Mitigatable Climate Change and Greenhouse Gases LAFCo Rec. Significant B W W W SOI and Unavoidable TDPUD Significant B B B B GHG Emissions Pref. SO] and for Electric Unavoidable TDPUD Significant B W W W Pref. SO] and for Water Unavoidable LAFCo Rec. Less Than S S S S SOI Significant TDPUD Less Than S S S S Pref. SO] Significant AB 32 Compliance for Electric TDPUD Less Than S S S S Pref. SO] Significant for Water Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 4.0-10 4.0 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES Alternative 2 Alternative 4 Proposed Project Impact Alternative 1 Combined Alternative 3 Reduced Issue Determination No Project Sphere of Northstar Stampede Influence Only Reservoir Area Area Secondary Environmental Effects of the Project LAFCo Rec. Significant B W W W SOI and Unavoidable Secondary Environmental TDPUD Significant B B B B Effects of Growth (Project and Pref. SO] and Cumulative) for Electric Unavoidable TDPUD Significant B W W W Pref. SO] and for Water Unavoidable B - Impacts better than those under proposed project S - Impacts the same as those under proposed project or no better or worse W - Impacts worse than those under proposed project Based on the evaluation described in this section, the No Project Alternative would have less adverse environmental impacts than the LAFCo-recommended SOI and the TDPUD-preferred SOI for electric and water services. However, the No Project Alternative would not meet the primary objective of the proposed project, which is implementation of the Cortese -Knox - Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000. Alternatives 2 though 4 would provide environmental benefits in comparison with the TDPUD-preferred SOI for electrical service. Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 4.0-11 5.0 LONG-TERM IMPLICATIONS OF THE PROJECT 5.0 LONG-TERM IMPLICATIONS OF THE PROJECT This section discusses the additional topics statutorily required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The topics discussed include significant and unavoidable environmental impacts and growth -inducing impacts. 5.1 SIGNIFICANT AND UNAVOIDABLE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.2(b) requires an environmental impact report (EIR) to discuss unavoidable significant environmental effects, including those that can be mitigated but not reduced to a level of insignificance. In addition, Section 15093(a) of the CEQA Guidelines allows the decision -making agency to determine if the benefits of a proposed project outweigh the unavoidable adverse environmental impacts of implementing the project. The Nevada County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) can approve a project with unavoidable adverse impacts if it prepares a Statement of Overriding Considerations setting forth the specific reasons for making such a judgment. The following impacts of the proposed project, which have been recognized as significant and unavoidable in either the project or cumulative context, are specifically identified in Sections 3.1 through 3.3. The reader is referred to the environmental issue areas of these sections for further details and analysis of these significant and unavoidable impacts. GHG EMISSIONS Impact 3.2.1 The proposed project could result in a net increase in greenhouse gas emissions and could result in a significant impact on the environment. This impact is cumulatively considerable. SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT Impact 3.3.1 The proposed update of the Spheres of Influence for the TDPUD would establish land areas eligible for future annexation into the District and the provision of water and electric service. The potential future annexation and service provision by the TDPUD set forth by the establishment of the new SOls could induce growth or a concentration of population that may result in physical environmental impacts. This impact is significant. CONTRIBUTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS IN THE REGION Impact 3.3.2 The proposed project, along with all existing, approved, proposed, and reasonably foreseeable development in Nevada County, could induce growth or a concentration of population that may result in physical environmental impacts. This impact is considered to be cumulatively considerable. Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report 5.0-1 6.0 REPORT PREPARERS 6.0 REPORT PREPARERS NEVADA COUNTY LAFCo LAFCo Executive Officer SR Jones PMC Planning Project Manager Scott Friend EIR Project Director Patrick Angell Environmental Planner Seth Myers Graphics Jonathan Faoro Nevada County LAFCo February 2013 Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Draft Environmental Impact Report APPENDICES APPENDIX 1.0 N O WI N ITIAL STUDY/COMMENTS Notice of Preparation Notice of Preparation To: Interested Parties From: Nevada County LAFCo (Address) 950 Maidu Avenue Nevada City, CA"95959 Subject: Notice of Preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Report Nevada County LAFCo will be the Lead Agency and will prepare an environmental impact report for the project identified below. We need to know the views of your agency as to the scope and content of the environmental information which is germane to your agency's statutory responsibilities in connection with the proposed project. Your agency will need to use the EIR prepared by our agency when considering your permit or other approval for the project. The project description, location, and the potential environmental effects are contained in the attached materials. A copy of the Initial Study ( 10 is ❑ is not ) attached. Due to the time limits mandated by State law, your response must be sent at the earliest possible date but not later than 30 days after receipt of this notice. Please send your response to Nevada County LAFCo at the address shown above. We will need the name for a contact person in your agency. Project Title: Nevada County Municipal Services Review Update for the Truckee -Donner PUD Project Applicant, if any: N/A Date June 29, 2012 Signature Title Executive Officer Telephone 530-265-7180 Reference: California Code of Regulations, Title 14, (CEQA Guidelines) Sections 15082(a), 15103, 15375. Local Agency Formation Commission of Nevada County Notice of Preparation Date: June 29, 2012 To: California State Clearinghouse Responsible and Trustee Agencies Interested Parties and Organizations Subject: Notice of Preparation of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the proposed Truckee Donner Public Utility District Sphere of Influence Plan Update. Lead Agency: Nevada County Local Agency Formation Commission Contact: SR Jones, LAFCo Executive Officer 950 Maidu Avenue Nevada City, CA 95959 Project Title: Truckee Donner Public Utility District Sphere of Influence Plan Update Project Location: The Truckee Donner Public Utility District is multi -county special district that provides water and electric utility services within the Town of Truckee and unincorporated areas of Nevada and Placer counties adjacent to the Town of Truckee. In accordance with Section 15021 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, the Local Agency Formation Commission of Nevada County,(LAFCo) as Lead Agency, hereby gives notice that it will prepare an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Truckee Donner Public Utility District Sphere of Influence Plan Update project (proposed project). Pursuant to Sections 15082(a) and 15375 of the CEQA Guidelines, the Local Agency Formation Commission of Nevada County (Nevada County LAFCo) has issued this Notice of Preparation (NOP) to provide Responsible Agencies, Trustee Agencies, and other interested parties with information describing the proposed project and its potential environmental effects. The project is described below along with a brief discussion of probable environmental impacts In compliance with the time limits mandated by CEQA, the comment period for this NOP is 30 days starting on June 29, 2012 and ending on July 29, 2012. Please respond at the earliest possible date, but no later than July 29, 2012. The Nevada County LAFCo welcomes public input during this review period. In the event that no response or request for additional time is received by any Responsible or Trustee Agency by the end of the review period, the Nevada County LAFCo may presume that the Responsible or Trustee Agency has no response. Please send your written responses to SR Jones, Executive Officer, Nevada County LAFCo at the address shown above. Responses should include the name of a contact person at your agency or organization. NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF EIR TDPUD Sphere of Influence Update Public Scoping In addition to written responses to the NOP you are invited to a public scoping meeting that will be conducted to provide you with the opportunity to learn more about the proposed action and to submit additional comments on the content of the EIR. The scoping meeting will be held at the following time and location: July 26, 2012 at 3:30 p.m. Town of Truckee Council Chambers Truckee Town Hall - Administrative Center 10183 Truckee Airport Road Truckee, CA 96161 If you have further questions or require additional information, please contact the Nevada County LAFCo, SR Jones, LAFCo Executive Officer, using the contact information provided above. PROJECT DESCRIPTION Introduction The Nevada County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) is responsible for determining boundaries of municipal service providers, such as the Truckee Donner Public Utility District (TDPUD), within its area of responsibility and jurisdiction. Along with its own locally adopted guidelines, the Nevada County LAFCo operates under the guidelines of the Cortese -Knox - Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act (CKH) located at Section 56000 and following in the Government Code. Under CKH Act, LAFCo has the mandate of: ■ Discouraging urban sprawl ■ Preservation of prime agricultural land and open space ■ Assuring efficient local government services ■ Encouraging orderly growth and development of local agencies The tools that enable LAFCo's to accomplish those goals are the Municipal Service Review (MSR), the sphere of influence, and the ability to change the organization of a municipal agency. The MSR provides data on services and the ability to provide services. This information is used to determine the sphere of influence that is defined as the probable physical boundary and service area of a local agency. A change in organization, such as annexation must be consistent with the sphere of influence. In order to establish the sphere of influence, LAFCo is required to make determinations with respect to the following: ■ Present and planned land uses in the area, including agricultural and open space lands ■ Present and probable need for public facilities and services ■ Present capacity of public facilities and adequacy of public services provided by the agency ■ Social or economic communities of interest Nevada LAFCo Sphere of Influence Policies require sphere of influence plans to include a map and phased annexation plan defining the probable boundary of the agency's service area 20 years hence (Long -Term Sphere) and identifying a near -term development horizon (Near -Term 2 NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF EIR TDPUD Sphere of Influence Update Sphere) consisting of lands likely to be annexed prior to the next sphere review or update (typically within five years). In addition, the Commission may designate a geographic area beyond the sphere of influence as an Area of Concern to any local agency. An Area of Concern is a geographic area beyond the agency's sphere of influence in which land use decisions or other governmental actions may directly or indirectly impact the agency. Project Description The proposed project consists of the analysis of two potential Sphere of Influence (SOI) boundary options for LAFCo's mandated five-year review of the Truckee Donner Public Utility District (TDPUD) sphere of influence and service plan. The first option is identified as the LAFCo- recommended Sphere of Influence, and the second option is identified as the District -preferred Sphere of Influence option. In addition to these major options, the EIR will also consider in a more limited fashion other alternatives as required by CEQA. The Truckee Donner Public Utility District provides water and electrical services within the Town of Truckee and unincorporated areas of Nevada and Placer counties adjacent to the Town of Truckee. The District currently serves approximately 13,145 electricity customers (11,643 residential and 1,502 commercial) and approximately 12,500 water customers (11,876 residential and 687 commercial). The District's current electrical service area is somewhat smaller than the District's jurisdictional boundaries, and is surrounded by two investor -owned public utilities: PG&E on the west, and Liberty Energy on the north, east, and south. The District's current water service area is adjacent to Placer County Water Agency to the south; no other water service providers are located north of the District's boundaries. Figure 1 presents the existing adopted Sphere of Influence of the TDPUD for both water and electrical services (adopted in 1983, updated in 1998 and amended in 2002). Nevada County LAFCo-Recom mended Sphere of Influence Boundary The LAFCo-recommended Sphere of Influence boundary for TDPUD would remove territory that is unlikely to require the District's services because services are available from other providers or is has been determined not to be necessary as a result of outside agency land use decisions. Pursuant to Commission policy, the LAFCo-recommended SOI identifies a Near -Term Sphere and a Long -Term Sphere for each of the services provided by the District (water and electricity). It also designates an Area of Concern. These areas are described below and can be seen depicted on Figure 2. Given current economic conditions much of the proposed new development and need for services in the region will result from infill development projects within the Town of Truckee's boundaries or within the Town's near term sphere of influence. Generally, these areas are within the present boundaries of the District. Development of territory outside the District's boundaries is likely to occur not in the short term but in the long term, with some exceptions. With those considerations, the following LAFCo recommendations apply to the TDPUD Sphere of Influence Plan. • Near -Term Sphere for Water Service: o Area 1: Includes properties within the northern -most quadrant of the Town of Truckee in the Stampede Meadows area, south of Interstate 80. Most of these parcels area developed for residential use. o Area 2: Includes residential properties in unincorporated Placer County along Pine Cone Drive. Most of these properties are already connected to the K NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF EIR TDPUD Sphere of Influence Update District's water distribution system. In 2012, the District applied to Placer LAFCo for annexation of these properties. o Area 3: Includes several residentially developed properties in unincorporated Placer County adjacent to the northern border of the county along Martis Road. In 2012, the District applied to Placer LAFCo for annexation of these properties. o Area 4: Includes several parcels developed for Professional use in unincorporated Placer county adjacent to the northern border of the county at Northshore Blvd. along State Route 89. In 2012, the District applied to Placer LAFCo for annexation of these properties. Near -Term Sphere for Electric Service: o Area 6: Includes properties owned by Union Pacific Railroad in Placer County south of Donner Lake following the route of the rail line. Union Pacific Railroad (UPR) has requested service, Liberty Energy has agreed to allow the District to provide service, and the CPUC has given Liberty Energy its approval. In 2012, the District applied to Placer LAFCo for annexation of these properties. o Area 7: Includes several properties in Placer County owned by the Truckee Tahoe Airport District. In 2012, the District applied to Placer LAFCo for annexation of these properties. Near -Term Sphere for Electrical and Water Service: o Area 5: Includes several residentially developed properties in unincorporated Placer County around the intersection of State Route 89 and West River Street. In 2012, the District applied to Placer LAFCo for annexation of these properties. Long -Term Sphere for Water Service: o Area 8: Includes the Hobart Mills area in unincorporated Nevada County. This area, designated for Planned Development, is the site of a soil and bark processing operation. o Area 9: Includes several properties within the Town of Truckee sphere of influence designated by the Town's General Plan for Planned Residential Development. o Area 10: Includes several properties within the Town of Truckee and east of Glenshire Drive that have been considered for development formerly known as Tahoe Boca Estates and now called Canyon Springs. The Town of Truckee is processing an application but is waiting for the environmental impact report (EIR) to be completed so the schedule for development and the need for services is uncertain. o Area 11: Includes a single property within the Town of Truckee's sphere of influence designated for Planned Residential Development by the Town's General Plan. Long -Term Sphere for Electric Service: Because areas outside the District's current electrical service area are currently served by other providers and the constraints on expansion of the electric utility service territory, no long term sphere is proposed at this time. Areas of Concern: The area of concern includes portions of Nevada County that are within the existing sphere of influence (last updated in 1998). The areas to the west and north are designated forestlands. It is unlikely that the area will be developed, but it may affect the District if Nevada County were to entertain a development proposal. LI NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF EIR TDPUD Sphere of Influence Update These areas are still close enough to the District so that any changes to land use would be of concern to the District. Truckee Donner Public Utility District -Preferred Sphere of Influence Boundary: The District -preferred Sphere of Influence boundary (Figures 3 and 4) proposes to maintain most of the area of the current TDPUD SOI for both water and electric services, however it would expand the electrical sphere to include certain areas as described below: ■ Northstar Area: Addition of 3 square miles encompassing the Northstar area. . ■ Hobart Mills & Russell Valley Area: Addition of 25.5 square miles including Hobart Mills, Russell Valley, and north to the Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility. This area extends into Sierra County. The District is currently under contract with WAPA (Western Area Power Administration) for hydroelectric generation located at the Stampede Reservoir dam. The District also indicates the potential for a renewable generation project in the Hobart Mills area. The District's preferred water sphere includes the territory included in the existing sphere of influence, including • West: Includes lands north and south of Interstate 80 adjacent to the District's western boundary. This area is primarily designated Forest by the Nevada County General Plan. • North: Includes several sections north of the District's boundaries adjacent to State Route 89, including Prosser Lake. This area is primarily designated Forest by the Nevada County General Plan; most lands are in public ownership. ■ East: Includes lands east of the district's boundaries, including lands designated by the Nevada County General Plan for Forest, Open Space, and Planned Development use. Also includes the Juniper Hills area, a area that has been developed residentially with private wells and septics, including four large parcels in the Juniper Hills subdivision which have District -owned facilities located on the property. ■ Placer Martis Valley: Includes a large area south of the District's boundaries extending to Northstar Community Services District's northern boundary. This area includes the Lahontan and Martis Camp subdivisions. • Placer South of Donner Lake: Includes a large area south of Donner Lake. Lands are designated by the Placer County General Plan for Forest use. Figures: • Figure 1: Existing TDPUD Sphere of Influence Boundary • Figure 2: LAFCo-recom mended TDPUD Sphere of Influence Boundary ■ Figure 3: TDPUD District -preferred Sphere of Influence Boundary (water) ■ Figure 4: TDPUD District -preferred Sphere of Influence Boundary (electric) POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS The potential environmental impacts of the proposed project are analyzed in the Initial Study attached with this Notice. Listed in the table below are the potential impacts that have been identified in the initial study for the proposed project, along with the impacts that have been identified as being significant and unavoidable and analyzed in previous EIR's upon which this EIR may rely upon and/or tier off of: NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF EIR TDPUD Sphere of Influence Update Potential Environmental Impacts Identified in the Attached Initial Study for the Proposed Project: ■ Contribution to cumulative degradation of air quality in an impacted air quality basin; ■ Potential impacts associated with Green House Gas (GHG) emissions associated with the proposed project, and, ■ Growth inducement through the provision of critical infrastructure services; Environmental Impacts Determined to be Significant and Unavoidable in Previous Environmental Analysis Documents Approved within Geographic Areas Associated with the Proposed Project: Mortis Valley Community Plan EIR: ■ Land Use Conflicts; ■ Loss of Forest and Timber Lands; ■ Cumulative Land Use Conflicts; ■ Cumulative Loss of Forest/Timber Resources; ■ Cumulative Impacts to Area Intersections and Roadways; ■ Cumulative Impacts to Regional Highway Facilities; ■ Construction Noise Impacts; ■ Transportation Noise Impacts; • Truckee -Tahoe Airport Noise Impacts; • Cumulative Traffic Noise Impacts; • Construction Air Quality Impacts; • Regional Ozone Precursor Emissions; • Regional PMio Emissions; ■ Cumulative Air Quality Impacts; ■ Loss of Special -Status Species and their Habitat, Interference with Wildlife Movement, and Fragmentation of Habitat; ■ Alteration of Public and Private Views; ■ Cumulative Visual Impacts; Nevada County General Plan EIR: • Conversion of Open Space; • Conversion of Farmland; • Increase wastewater flows which would require expansion of wastewater collection and treatment facilities; • Generation of additional school -age children; ■ Increased exposure of persons and property to wildland fire; Town of Truckee Genera Plan EIR: ■ Cumulative construction -related visual and air Quality impacts; ■ Cumulative impacts on air quality associated with Ozone and PMio emissions; ■ Cumulative impacts to long-term loss of habitat; ■ Focused noise impacts associated with the build -out of the General Plan; ■ Population, Housing and Employment balance; ■ Traffic Related Impacts: • Funding for local and regional LOS-related transportation improvements; • Intersection LOS exceedences for certain Downtown area intersections; and, ■ Addition of vehicle trips to mainline 1-80 which may result in level of service operations deficiencies. C9 A tl_ I � I 100.0.I I Canes ( Hobart Mills I The Cedars b0co Refry it r— — — — — I N Shore Andover — I cs � I � I � `— J P scriafte�hiy�ry I — — — — — — — — — J jonal Forest ♦ I 1 Anderson Peak � Legl --——————— — — — — — I Ir—I 2012; County of Nevada, 2012: Truckee Sanitation District, 2012 Placer County 1 o Figure 1 MILES N Existing Sphere of Influence PMG11 IThe Sours i• �a Nevada County � � I 1 I � I I l — — � 4eservur+ I r O7 I Ficristan � isv I Praiser Greek Reservoir I ®� Hinton — — — I I 5 © I I i O I I 5 I i I Q+r y i'oke I I 0 \3 NSh �S1vd Placer Count SEE INSET y 4F C 1V 5 ig Maps, 2012; County of Nevada, 2012: Truckee Sanitation District, 2012 1 0 1 MILES N "hake, 1411111% Tahoe National Legend ® Truckee Donner Public Utility District QTruckee Town Limit Sphere of Influence Near -term SOI Long-term SOI I— —I Area of Concern Figure 2 LAFCo Recommended Sphere of Influence PMG11 ' SYampetle Remrrolr Sierra County f _ Nevada County I"aepenoanae z e i 89 • ti - I 1 _ — / I � / I Hobart Mills j 4 1 �e ' + fy Tahoe D �M As 4�! ., Armstrong Donner Lake Nevada County Placer County Donner Lake 01 41 , iJff! Legend F f L� Electric Preferred Sphere of Influence f 2002 Electric Sphere of Influence ISource: Truckee Donner Public Utilities District NOT TO SCALE / N 25.5 Square Miles added to Sphere J of Influence Prosser Lake # N y I t N �t o r. Prosser Lakeview �• �.?'. O oGi schdale 3 �• Glenshire ' 8 Square Miles removed from Sphere of Influence Nay � Juniper Hills Ma is Leke Airport m m n N � S Sierra Meadows Lahontan I rt t7 o T o 0 OF — — —-artiscamp 1 -rift_ 67 - '.. 3 Square Miles 1 added to Sphere 1 of Influence , Lake Tahoe Figure 3 TDPUD Preferred Electrict SOI PMG' • � SYamPetle Reserroir ��• A VA Sierra County maePeeoaaae _ Nevada County Z .4 ' f J4 11 f Y• 4 jay �r Nevada County Placer County 01 /{ r Tj( � �;. Ile, E r Legend r; Water Preferred Sphere of Influence -4 J 2002 Water Sphere of Influence Northstar Community Services Source: Truckee Donner Public Utilities District IOT TO SCALE / N HobartMills rti Res _ Prosser Lake d y r _ _ 0- 0 Ez Prosser Lakeview o y rschdale Tahoe Donner d Il Glenshire .i��'�' Imo` -►�r� 1 OI . uni r Hil J, F Armstrong Gateway _ •��5 �_� Ma is Lake � � • -� oom,erLake Airport _ v � m m Donner Lake S 0 Sierra Meadows 0 m _ Lahontan c O 3 c I � 3 1 Shaded Area is NOT J� • tar included in 2011 _ Water Spere of Influence Martis Camp S ` 89 67 Lake Tal,oe Figure 4 TDPUD Preferred Water SOI PMG' LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION OF NEVADA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA INITIAL STUDY To: California State Clearinghouse, Responsible and Trustee Agencies, Interested Parties and Organizations Affected Property Owners Prepared By: PMC, on behalf of the Nevada County Local Agency Formation Commission Assessors Parcel Nos: N/A Project Location: The Truckee Donner Public Utility District (TDPUD) designated water and electric service areas. This area includes the Town of Truckee and portions of the unincorporated areas of Nevada and Placer counties adjacent to the Town of Truckee. The service area also includes much of the western and northern portions of the Truckee's proposed sphere of influence. Applicant: County of Nevada Local Agency Formation Commission, 950 Maidu Avenue Nevada City, CA 95959 Telephone: (530) 265-7180 FAX: (530) 265-9862 General Plan: N/A Zoning: N/A Project Description: The proposed project consists of the update of two potential sphere of influence boundary options supporting the Nevada County Local Agency Formation Commission's (LAFCo's) mandated five-year review of the Truckee Donner Public Utility District (TDPUD) sphere of influence and service Plan. The first option is identified as the LAFCo-recommended sphere of influence option (see Figure 2; Figure I depicts the extent of TDPUD's existing Sphere of Influence boundary for both water and electric service) and the second service boundary option is identified as the District -preferred sphere of influence option. It is noted that there are two (2) proposed District - preferred Sphere of Influence options with one being proposed for electric service (Figure 3) and one being proposed for water service (Figure 4). Nevada County LAFCo-recommended Sphere of Influence Boundar: The LAFCo-recommended Sphere of Influence (SOI) boundary for the TDPUD SOI proposes to amend the overall area of the TDPUD SOI for both electric service and water service. Electric Service: The LAFCo-recommended Sphere of Influence boundary for the TDPUD SOI proposes to generally reduce the overall area of the TSD SOI to encompass an area to only include the Town of Truckee as well as developed areas adjacent to the Town of Truckee, including lands in Placer County. Figure I presents the extent of TDPUD's existing SOI. Figure 2 presents the LAFCo-recommended SOI boundary for TDPUD. As shown, the LAFCo-recommended SOI scenario would substantially reduce the amount of Placer County lands and Nevada County lands within the TDPUD SOI compared with existing conditions by eliminating much of the current SOI area in public ownership and those areas not expected or anticipated to be developed. Water Service: As shown in Figure 2, the LAFCo-recommended SOI boundary would reduce the TDPUD SOI for water service into an area that only includes the Town of Truckee as well as developed areas adjacent to the Town of Truckee. Additionally, this scenario would maintain a portion of the existing TDPUD SOI located on private TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 1 lands generally described as being in the vicinity of Hobart Mills Road and Old Highway 89 and located east of the current alignment of State Route 89 and slightly northwest of Prosser Lake. As shown in Figure 2, the LAFCo- recommended SOI scenario would substantially reduce the amount of Nevada County and Placer County lands within the TDPUD SOI compared with existing conditions by eliminating much of the current SOI area in public ownership and those areas not expected or anticipated to be developed. The proposed LAFCo-recommended SOI identifies two sphere designations: near -term and long-term for each of the services provided by TDPUD (water and electricity). The project also designates an "area of concern," to indicate an area in which the land use actions of one agency may have impact on another (see attached Figures). • Near -Term SOI (Electric): Expansion of electric services will depend on requests for service. • Near -Term SOI (Water): The near -term growth is likely to occur as infill with the Town of Truckee. • Long -Term Sphere (Electric): Due to the economic downturn with the expectation of limited growth and the constraints on expansion of the electric utility service territory, no long term TDPUD SOI is proposed by LAFCo at this time. • Long -Term SOI (Water): The long-term SOI should include areas that have been designated for development in the current sphere, areas within the Town of Truckee where development may occur in the future and areas outside of Truckee's Town limits yet in the Town's sphere. • Areas of Concern: Since the Placer County Water Agency (PCWA) provides water to areas in Placer County and Liberty Energy provides electric utility services outside the LAFCo-recommended TDPUD SOI, the area of concern is limited to water services in portions of Nevada County that are within the 1998 sphere. The areas to the west and north are designated forestlands. It is unlikely that the area will be developed, but it may affect TDPUD if the County were to entertain a development proposal. These areas are still close enough to the District so that any changes to land use would be of concern to the District. Tahoe Donner Public Utility District -Preferred Sphere of Influence Boundary The District -preferred SOI boundary proposes to maintain most of the area of the existing TDPUD SOI for both water and electric service; however this option proposes modifications to the existing SOI. Figure 3 depicts TDPUD's preferred SOI boundary for electric service and Figure 4 depicts TDPUD's preferred SOI boundary for water service. Electric Service: The District -preferred SOI for electric service proposes to make three (3) modifications to the existing (currently adopted) SOI boundary for electrical service The SOI modification proposed as part of the District -preferred SOI alternative are described generally as follows: • The addition of 3 square miles (+/- 1,920 acres which encompasses the Northstar area) called the Northstar Load. This area is also adjacent to TDPUD's distribution facilities and to TDPUD's current SOI boundary. • The addition of a 25.5 square mile area (+/- 16,320 acres) that includes Hobart Mills (Hobart Mills Load), Russell Valley (Russell Valley Load) and north to the Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility. The addition of this area to TDPUD would extend the TDPUD SOI into Sierra County. TDPUD is currently under contract with the Western Area Power Authority (WAPA) for hydroelectric generation located at the Stampede Reservoir Dam and the operational load at this generation facility is fed through the Russell Valley. TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 2 The removal of a 8 square miles (+/-5,120 acres) of existing electric service SOI area located to the east of the Glenshire Subdivision and Hirschdale. This area east of Glenshire/Hrschdale consists of very large tracts of lands that are privately owned and TDPUD has no plans to serve this area within the next 20 years. Water Service: The District -preferred SOI for water service proposes to maintain the current SOI for water services. Implementation of this project will require the following actions: 1. Certification of the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the proposed Sphere of Influence Update action; 2. Approval of one of the proposed Sphere of Influence Updates by the Nevada LAFCo; and, 3. Consideration of the Memorandum of Agreement between the Nevada County LAFCo and TDPUD Permits needed for this project: No permits will be required to certify the environmental impact report (EIR) or to adopt the proposed planning document and SOI boundary adjustment. Attachments/Figures: Figure 1: Existing Sphere of Influence Boundary for TDPUD services Figure 2: LAFCo-recommended Sphere of Influence Boundary for TDPUD services Figure 3: District -preferred Sphere of Influence Boundary for TDPUD service (electric) Figure 4: District -preferred Sphere of Influence Boundary for TDPUD service (water) TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 3 I I I I 100.0. Ca, Hobart Mills I The Cedars b0co Reservoir N Shore Andover — I cs � I � I � `— J P scriafte�hiy�ry I — — — — — — — — — J jonal Forest ♦ I 1 Anderson Peak � Legl --——————— — — — — — I Ir—I 2012; County of Nevada, 2012: Truckee Sanitation District, 2012 Placer County 1 0 Figure 1 MILES N Existing Sphere of Influence PMG11 IThe Soon 1p Nevada County 1 I I 8o[u I l— I I — � 4eservur+ I r O7 I Ficristan � sv Praiser Greek Reservoir I ®� Hinton — — — I I 5 © I I i O I I 5 I i I Q+v y toke 0 \� NSh �i31vd Placer Count SEE INSET y 4F C NS ig Maps, 2012; County of Nevada, 2012: Truckee Sanitation District, 2012 1 0 1 MILES N i-hafre, 141,11*1 Tahoe National Legend ® Truckee Donner Public Utility District QTruckee Town Limit Sphere of Influence Near -term SOI Long-term SOI I— —I Area of Concern Figure 2 LAFCo Recommended Sphere of Influence nnC4 d y / SYamPetle Remrwlr ..;0A a . • - ' Sierra County 'f _ Nevada County i"aePe"oar�e!, .ra e Hobart Mills j r25.5 Square Miles added to Sphere of Influence F 4 o 7. flI m z a •i Prosser Lakeview f r O m rschdal _ 3 a 4: N '+ fy � Tahoe Donner j m Glenshire 8 Square Miles removed from ax Sphere of Influence ., Armstrong Gateway L Juniper Hills oo""erLaxe Airport Nevada County m Placer Count I o Y Donner Lake m o Sierra Meadows Lahontan A JF ' o O c `G O � �!'. _ r j Martis Camp r 892. 3 Square Miles F _ added to Sphere Legend of Influence L� Electric Preferred Sphere of Influenceill f 2002 Electric Sphere of Influence — ' Oe ISource: Truckee Donner Public Utilities District NOT TO SCALE / N Figure 3 TDPUD Preferred Electrict SOI Vmco • � SYamPetle Reserwir ��• • r, f i' I. Sierra County maePeeoaaae _ -_ Nevada County - � •. J _ � .ems � Z � 89 t 10 f J4 11 f Y• 4 jay t• ` �r Nevada County Placer County 01 �;.. E r Legend r; Water Preferred Sphere of Influence -4 J 2002 Water Sphere of Influence Northstar Community Services Source: Truckee Donner Public Utilities District IOT TO SCALE / N HobartMills Res _ Prosser Lake d y J 0 �. Prosser Lakeview O o y rschdale y Tahoe Donner si C �pl: Il Glenshire L uni r Hil �~ Armstrong Gateway •��5 �_� Ma is Lake � ` • , `�� ooer,erLaxa Airport _ v � m m Donner Lake S o Sierra Meadows 0 m _ Lahontan 5r a n c o 3 c r p Shaded Area is NOT + 1 included in 2011 tar Water Spere of Influence Martis Camp 89 1 ` Lake Tal,oe Figure 4 TDPUD Preferred Water SOI PMC° INITIAL STUDY AND CHECKLIST Introduction: This checklist is to be completed for all projects that are not exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The information, analysis and conclusions contained in this checklist are the basis for deciding whether an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) or Negative Declaration is to be prepared. The checklist shall also be used to focus an EIR on the effects determined to be potentially significant. This Initial Study assesses the potential environmental impacts associated with the proposed TDPUD Sphere of Influence (SOI) Update. Together with the other studies prepared for this project, and other environmental documents incorporated by reference, this analysis will serve as an environmental review for the proposed project. This review is required by the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970 (CEQA) as amended (Public Resources Code Section 21000 et. Seq.) and the State CEQA Guidelines as well as Guidelines for the Implementation of CEQA adopted by the Nevada County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo). The Cortese/Knox/Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000 (CKH) requires the Nevada County LAFCO to update the Spheres of Influence for all applicable jurisdictions in the County. A Sphere of Influence is defined by Government Code 56425 as "a plan for the probable physical boundary and service area of a local agency or municipality."As part of the decision -making process, Nevada County LAFCO is required to review and consider the potential environmental effects that could result from the proposed Sphere of Influence Update. This Initial Study has been prepared in a manner that provides complete and adequate California Environmental Quality Act coverage for all actions and approvals associated with the proposed project. These actions include approval of one of the proposed Sphere of Influence updates for TDPUD. Nevada County LAFCO has prepared this Initial Study to determine if the project would have a significant effect on the environment. The purposes of the initial study include: Providing the lead agency with information to use in deciding whether to prepare an Environmental Impact Report. Enabling the lead agency to modify the project to mitigate adverse impacts before an EIR is prepared, enabling the project to quality as a mitigated negative declaration. • Documenting the factual basis for the finding, in a mitigated negative declaration, that a project will not have a significant impact on the environment. Pursuant to Sections 15168 and 15161 of the CEQA Guidelines which address Project and Program Environmental Impact Reports respectively, and utilizing the provisions established via CEQA Guidelines Section 15150, Incorporation by Reference, this EIR will utilize and draw upon the analysis and conclusions of previously completed environmental impact reports (EIR's) completed for programs and projects within the proposed project area. Existing environmental documents which are intended to be utilized and relied upon for this project include program EIR's prepared and certified for the Town of Truckee General Plan; Nevada County General Plan; Sierra County General Plan; Placer County General Plan; and, Martis Valley Community Plan as well project EIR's prepared and certified for projects to include Grey's Crossing and Old Greenwood (Town of Truckee), Lahontan, Eaglewood, Siller Ranch, Northstar Village, Northstar Highlands and Northside (Placer County). These environmental documents, along with various other adopted and/or certified environmental documents shall be utilized and relied upon for this effort due to the geography of their analysis being consistent with the area of the proposed Sphere of Influence options being considered for this effort. TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 8 Listed in the table below are the potential impacts that have been identified in the initial study for the proposed project, along with the impacts that have been identified as being significant and unavoidable and analyzed in previous EIR's upon which this EIR may rely upon and/or tier off of. Potential Environmental Impacts Identified in the Attached Initial Study for the Proposed Project: • Contribution to cumulative degradation of air quality in an impacted air quality basin; • Potential impacts associated with Green House Gas (GHG) emissions associated with the proposed project; and, • Growth inducement through the provision of critical infrastructure services; Environmental Impacts Determined to be Significant and Unavoidable in Previous Environmental Analysis Documents Approved within Geographic Areas Associated with the Proposed Project: Martis Valley Community Plan EIR: • Land Use Conflicts; • Loss of Forest and Timber Lands; • Cumulative Land Use Conflicts; • Cumulative Loss of Forest/Timber Resources; • Cumulative Impacts to Area Intersections and Roadways; • Cumulative Impacts to Regional Highway Facilities; • Construction Noise Impacts; • Transportation Noise Impacts; • Truckee -Tahoe Airport Noise Impacts; • Cumulative Traffic Noise Impacts; • Construction Air Quality Impacts; • Regional Ozone Precursor Emissions; • Regional PMIo Emissions; • Cumulative Air Quality Impacts; • Loss of Special -Status Species and their Habitat, Interference with Wildlife Movement, and Fragmentation of Habitat; • Alteration of Public and Private Views; • Cumulative Visual Impacts; Nevada County General Plan EIR: • Conversion of Open Space; • Conversion of Farmland; • Increase wastewater flows which would require expansion of wastewater collection and treatment facilities; • Generation of additional school -age children; • Increased exposure of persons and property to wildland fire; Town of Truckee Genera Plan EIR: • Cumulative construction -related visual and air Quality impacts; • Cumulative impacts on air quality associated with Ozone and PMIo emissions; • Cumulative impacts to long-term loss of habitat; • Focused noise impacts associated with the build -out of the General Plan; • Population, Housing and Employment balance; • Traffic Related Impacts: • Funding for local and regional LOS-related transportation improvements; TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 9 • Intersection LOS exceedences for certain Downtown area intersections; and, • Addition of vehicle trips to mainline 1-80 which may result in level of service operations deficiencies. Potential impacts that were identified and analyzed in the above noted environmental documents but that are not shown in the lists above were determined either to be Less Than Significant or Less Than Significant with Mitigation. Utilizing these provisions of the CEQA Guidelines for this effort is an appropriate approach for this project as it is noted that changes to or adoption of a Sphere of Influence by the Nevada County LAFCo does not change land use intensity or density standards, modify or establish zoning or vested rights nor commit or permit development to occur in an area. Additionally, adoption or modification of Sphere of Influence does not commit and agency to a course of action regarding the installation of infrastructure improvements or any other physical improvements. Because land use matters are beyond the jurisdiction and responsibility of the Local Agency Formation Commissions, those considerations will not be addressed in this document as they have been previously analyzed, considered and addressed as part of documents referenced above. It should also be noted that these referenced EIRs do provide Project level (Section 15161) and Program level (Section 15168) analysis of the environmental effects of infrastructure improvements (some of which have already been completed). Project Environmental Setting: TDPUD is multi -county special district that provides water and electric utility services to the Town of Truckee and unincorporated areas of Nevada and Placer counties adjacent to the Town. The service area also includes much of the western and northern portions of the Town's proposed sphere of influence. The District currently serves approximately 13,000 electricity customers and 12,500 water customers. The electricity department owns and operates approximately 133 miles of primary overhead and 82 miles of primary underground electrical distribution circuits. Power is provide through four electrical substations and 15 distribution circuits throughout Truckee. TDPUD also provides power to the western portion of the Glenshire community through a distribution feed that is shared with Liberty Energy (formerly NV Energy). TDPUD is a transmission dependent utility (TDU) of Liberty Energy and has a Network Integrated Transmission Service (NITS) Agreement with Liberty Energy that enables TDPUD to utilize the Liberty Energy transmission system for delivery of electricity to TDPUD's electric distribution system. TDPUD has an ownership interest in Nebo Natural Gas Generation facility and has several contracts with differing terms and durations by which it purchases electricity. TDPUD provides electricity to residential, commercial, and other uses within the boundaries of the District, which include portions of the Martis Valley adjacent to the town of Truckee. TDPUD purchases its energy through bilateral contracts with entities outside the Truckee area. Power is brought to the District's four substations and one metering point over Liberty Energy's transmission system. It is then distributed over TDPUD's 15 individual circuits to approximately 13,000 electric customers. TDPUD provides electric service within both Nevada and Placer counties, and it serves customers in the downtown Truckee area, Gateway, Meadow Park, the Armstrong and Biltz Tracts, Donner Lake, Tahoe Donner, Sierra Meadows, Ponderosa Palisades, Ponderosa Ranchos, Prosser Heights, Prosser Lakeview, Sugar Pine Estates, Olympic Heights and portions of Glenshire. Liberty Energy and PG&E serve surrounding areas. The TDPUD water system includes 216 miles of pipeline, 16 active wells, and 33 storage reservoirs. The primary source of water is groundwater from the 22 active wells. The groundwater comes from the Martis Valley Groundwater Basin (MVGB). The quality of the water taken from this area is considered excellent for drinking water. The Martis Valley Groundwater Basin (MVGB) can sustain groundwater extraction of between 24,700 and 34,000 acre-feet per year (AFY) without adversely affecting the long-term storage of the basin and current groundwater usage is estimated at approximately 9,151.7 AFY. This means between 15,500 and 25,000 AFY of groundwater are currently available for extraction on a long-term sustainable basis. Total water demand for the Truckee and Martis Valley area under buildout conditions is estimated to be 22,224 AFY. TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study —pg. 10 The sphere of influence for TDPUD was established in 1983, and updated in 1998. Since that time, TDPUD has annexed territory at the request of landowners primarily within the boundaries of the Town of Truckee. In Placer County the sphere consists of two areas bisected by State Route (SR) 89. To the east of the highway, the short- term sphere around Sierra Meadows extends all the way to the Northstar Community. The western portion, identified as the 20-year or long-term sphere includes approximately 30 sections or 4,800 acres extending all the way to the base of the Sierra Nevada range. Relationship to Other Projects: As a policy document, the TDPUD SOI will determine the electrical and water supplier future development within the area. There is no known relationship of this project to any other project. TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 11 INITIAL STUDY CHECKLIST Less Than Reviewed Potentially Significant Less Than No Under Significant Impact with Significant Impact Previous Impact Mitigation Impact Document Incorporated I. Land Use / Planning. Would the project result in: a) Structures and/or land use incompatible with El El ❑ existing land use? b) The induction of growth or concentration of ® El ❑ ❑ population? c) The extension of sewer trunk lines or access roads with capacity to serve new development beyond ❑ this proposed project? d) The loss of open space? ❑ e) A conflict with general plan designation or zoning? f) A 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, or zoning ordinance) adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect? g) The disruption or division of the physical arrangement of an established community including a low-income or minority community? Impact Discussion: Neither of the proposed SOI updates (LAFCo-recommended or District -preferred) would specifically implement or directly result in the construction of any new facilities at this time. Neither the Nevada County LAFCo nor TDPUD has any land use regulatory within the Sphere of Influence area. The jurisdiction for land use matters for all of the land areas within the proposed SOIs would remain with either Nevada, Placer or Sierra County or the Town of Truckee and neither the Nevada County LAFCo nor TDPUD has the authority to facilitate future development in a manner different than is currently outlined by these jurisdictions in their applicable General Plans. The project does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. LAFCo-Recommended Truckee Donner Public Utilitv District Sphere of Influence Electric and Water Service As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, the LAFCo-recommended SOI boundary would substantially reduce the amount of Nevada County and Placer County lands within the TDPUD SOI compared with existing conditions by eliminating much of the current SOI area in public ownership and those areas not expected or anticipated to be developed. There is no potential for an expansion of electric or water service facilities into any areas that have not previously accounted for development since the existing TDPUD SOI would be reduced. The LAFCo- recommended SOI boundary would not expand into any areas not currently in the existing TDPUD SOI and does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. As a result, the approval of the LAFCo-recommended SOI would not place structures and/or land TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 12 uses incompatible with existing land use, induce growth, extend utility facilities or access roads, result in the loss of open space, conflict with the general plan designations or zoning of any jurisdiction, conflict with an applicable land use plan, or disrupt or divided a physical arrangement of an established community to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the regulatory environmental documents described in the "Introduction" section provided above. District -Preferred Truckee Donner Public Utility District Sphere of Influence Electric Service As previously described, the District -preferred SOI boundary proposes to maintain most of the area of the existing TDPUD SOI for electric service in conjunction with an expansion of three square miles at the southeast corner of the existing SOI in Placer County (Northstar Load), the expansion of 23.5 square miles north of the existing SOI in Nevada County and Sierra County (Hobart Mills Load, Russell Valley Load, and Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility), and the reduction of eight square miles of the existing SOI at its eastern edge, in Nevada County (Figure 3). The Northstar area in Placer County is regulated by the Martis Valley Community Plan (Placer County 2003a) (The Placer County General Plan defers to the Martis Valley Community Plan Land Use Diagram to provide the specific land use designations). According to the Martis Valley Community Plan, the Northstar area consists of lands designated as Low Density Residential, General Commercial, Tourist/Resort Commercial, Medium Density Residential, and Forest. These land use designations are intended to accommodate the Northstar-at-Tahoe resort community. According to the draft environmental impact report (DEIR) prepared for the Martis Valley Community Plan (Placer County 2003b), the land use designations in the Martis Valley Community Plan area do not conflict with land use planning documents relevant to the Community Plan area (Placer County 2003a, p. 4.1-23). However, the Martis Valley Community Plan was determined to result in significant and unavoidable impacts due to land use conflicts with Open Space and Forest designated areas and residential/commercial development (Placer County 2003a, p. 4.1-35), as well as significant and unavoidable impacts associated with the loss of timber lands (Placer County 2003a, p. 4.1-38). The Hobart Mills and Russell Valley area is regulated by the Nevada County General Plan (Nevada County 1994). According to the DEIR prepared for the Nevada County General Plan (Nevada County 1995, Section 4.1), build - out of General Plan land uses will result in incompatible land uses in proximity to one another yet General Plan policy provisions serve to reduce the impact to a less than significant level. Impacts associated with the conversion of open space areas and agricultural areas to urban/suburban uses were determined to be significant and unavoidable as General Plan policies does not prevent the significant conversion of existing open space and agricultural lands to developed uses. While mitigation was imposed it was determined that no feasible mitigation is available that can reduce these impacts to less than significant. Lastly, it was determined that the build -out of Nevada County General Plan land uses could result in conflicts with environmental plans and goals identified in the Nevada City and Grass Valley General Plans as well as conflicts with airport master plans, yet only as a less than significant impact due to the fact that Nevada County General Plan policies minimize conflicts (Nevada County 1995, Section 4.1). Portions of the District -preferred SOI expansion areas include lands within the Town of Truckee sphere. While these lands are still currently under the land use jurisdiction of Nevada County, it is foreseeable that they could be annexed into the Town at some point in the near future. According to the DEIR (Truckee 2006) prepared for the Truckee General Plan, the land use designations in the 2025 General Plan include several instances in which traditionally incompatible land use types are positioned immediately adjacent to each other. However, the Truckee General Plan includes several goals, policies, and actions among its various elements that mitigate such impacts. Given the General Plan policies to mitigate for potential incompatibility between neighboring land uses, the proposed land use designations do not result in incompatible land uses or result in a conflict with established land TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 13 uses and as a result, less than significant impacts occur in regards to incompatibility between land uses under the 2025 General Plan (Truckee 2006, p. 4.8-13 — 4.8-14). Similarly, it is due to the goals and policies of the 2025 General Plan that ensure less than significant land use impacts associated with the physical division of an established community (Truckee 2006, p. 4.8-15) as these goals and polices ensure that new development is sensitive to the existing built environment, as well as ensure less than significant land use impacts related to potential conflicts with other plans, policies and regulations applicable in the Truckee area (Truckee 2006, p. 4.8- 16). The Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility is located within Sierra County and land use in this area is regulated by the Sierra County General Plan (Sierra County 1996). Neither TDPUD nor Sierra County anticipates any development in this area. According to the Sierra County General Plan, it is the County's intent to confine the extension of development -serving public facilities to "Community Core Areas" within Sierra County. Areas that are outside of the "Community Core Areas" or "Community Influence Areas," such as the Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility, are intended to be maintained for natural resources. As previously stated, TDPUD is currently under contract with the Western Area Power Authority (WAPA) for hydroelectric generation located at the Stampede Reservoir Dam. For this reason, TDPUD proposes to include the Stampede Reservoir Dam within its SOI. The approval of the District -preferred TDPUD SOI for electric service would not result in land use impacts to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the existing environmental documents as project does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. With the exception of potential growth inducing impacts associated with electric facilities, land use impacts associated with the District -preferred SOI for electric service will not be discussed in the forthcoming EIR. Water Service The District -preferred SOI for water service proposes to maintain the current SOI for water services. Therefore, the District -preferred SOI boundary would result in no change compared with the current SOI and there is no potential for an expansion of water service facilities into any areas that have not been previously accounted for development. As a result, the approval of the District -preferred SOI would not place structures and/or land uses incompatible with existing land use, induce growth, extend utility facilities or access roads, result in the loss of open space, conflict with the general plan designations or zoning of any jurisdiction, conflict with an applicable land use plan, or disrupt or divided a physical arrangement of an established community to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the existing environmental documentation. The approval of the District -preferred TDPUD SOI for water service would not result in land use impacts to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the existing environmental documents as it does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. Land use impacts associated with the District -preferred SOI for water service will not be discussed in the forthcoming EIR. Mitigation & Residual Impact: No mitigation is required. TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 14 Less Than Reviewed Potentially Significant Less Than No Under Significant Impact with Significant Impact Previous Impact Mitigation Impact Document Incorporated 2. Population / Housing. Would the project: a) Induce substantial population growth in an area, either directly (e.g., by proposing new homes and ® El❑ 11 businesses) or indirectly (for example, through extension of roads or other infrastructure)? b) Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, necessitating the construction of replacement ❑ ❑ 1171 housing elsewhere? c) Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating the construction of replacement ❑ ❑ ❑ housing elsewhere? Impact Discussion: This project does not displace any existing housing or propose to reduce housing opportunities. Since the approval of either proposed SOI's (LAFCo-recommended or District -preferred) would not cause any physical changes in the environment and would not result in a change in population or growth rates, no change in population or housing is forecast to result. Neither the Nevada County LAFCo nor TDPUD has any regulatory land use authority within the Sphere of Influence area. The jurisdiction for land use matters for all of the land areas within the proposed SOIs would remain with either Nevada, Placer or Sierra County, or the Town of Truckee and neither the Nevada County LAFCo nor TDPUD has the authority to facilitate future development in a manner different than is currently outlined by these jurisdictions in their applicable General Plans. The project does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. LAFCo-Recommended Truckee Donner Public Utilitv District Sphere of Influence Electric and Water Service As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, the LAFCo-recommended SOI boundary would substantially reduce the amount of Nevada County and Placer County lands within the TDPUD SOI compared with existing conditions by eliminating much of the current SOI area in public ownership and those areas not expected or anticipated to be developed. There is no potential for an expansion of electric or water service facilities into any areas that have not previously accounted for development since the existing TDPUD SOI would be reduced. The LAFCo- recommended SOI boundary would not expand into any areas not currently in the existing TDPUD SOI. The project does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. As a result, the approval of the LAFCo-recommended SOI would not directly or indirectly cause growth, increase the area's population or housing stock, or reduce the existing housing stock to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the regulatory environmental documents described in the "Introduction" section provided above. TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 15 District -Preferred Truckee Donner Public Utility District Sphere of Influence Electric Service As previously described, the District -preferred SOI boundary proposes to maintain most of the area of the existing TDPUD SOI for electric service in conjunction with an expansion of three square miles at the southeast corner of the existing SOI in Placer County (Northstar Load), the expansion of 23.5 square miles at the north of the existing SOI in Nevada County (Hobart Mills Load, Russell Valley Load, and Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility), and the reduction of eight square miles of the existing SOI at its eastern edge, in Nevada County (Figure 3). The Northstar area in Placer County is regulated by the Martis Valley Community Plan (Placer County 2003a) (The Placer County General Plan defers to the Martis Valley Community Plan Land Use Diagram to provide the specific land use designations). According to the DEIR prepared for the Martis Valley Community Plan (Placer County 2003b), although the Community Plan results in population growth in the area, the Plan area is designated for such growth as a Community Plan area in the General Plan and therefore is a less then significant impact regarding the population capacity of the area (Placer County 2003b, p. 4.2-16). In addition, affordable housing and employee -housing imbalance impacts associated with the Community Plan are reduced to less than significant levels due to policy provisions with the Plan (Placer County 2003b, p. 4.2-27). Cumulative housing impacts are also insubstantial (Placer County 2003b, p. 4.2-28). The Hobart Mills and Russell Valley area is regulated by the Nevada County General Plan (Nevada County 1994). According to the DEIR prepared for the Nevada County General Plan (Nevada County 1995, Section 5), any plan that designates undeveloped land for future development can be defined as population growth inducing. One of the County's clear objectives is the promotion of economic development and accommodation of demand for residential growth. However, in promoting such development, the General Plan addresses the potentially adverse implications through policies, programs, etc. which seek to provide adequate public services and infrastructure, promote a balance between jobs and housing, minimize conflicts between various types of land uses, and protect environmentally sensitive resources. The County DEIR determined that the expansion of existing utility systems to provide for General Plan build -out could also be growth inducing if they were sized to serve more than the projected population and therefore, sizing such facilities to serve only the planned population serves to limit potential growth inducing aspects of the General Plan. Portions of the District -preferred SOI expansion areas include lands within the Town of Truckee sphere. While these lands are still currently under the land use jurisdiction of Nevada County, it is foreseeable that they could be annexed into the Town at some point in the near future. According to the DEIR (Truckee 2006) prepared for the Truckee General Plan, since the 2025 General Plan includes policies to regulate future growth allowed under the Plan in an orderly and planned manner, the 2025 General Plan does not result in substantial unexpected population growth or growth for which inadequate planning has occurred (Truckee 2006, p. 4.10-11 — 4.10-14). Similarly, the majority of development permitted by the General Plan either occurs in infill locations, on undeveloped parcels, or on parcels that can be subdivided, rather than through large scale redevelopment of already developed land and buildings. As a result, it was determined that implementation of the Truckee 2025 General Plan results in no significant impact to the displacement of substantial numbers of existing housing units or people (Truckee 2006, p. 4.10-15). The Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility is located within Sierra County and land use in this area is regulated by the Sierra County General Plan (Sierra County 1996). Neither TDPUD nor Sierra County anticipates any development or population growth in this area. According to the Sierra County General Plan, it is the County's intent to confine the extension of development -serving public facilities to "Community Core Areas" within Sierra County. Areas that are outside of the "Community Core Areas" or "Community Influence Areas," such as the Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility, are intended to be maintained for natural resources. As previously stated, TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 16 TDPUD is currently under contract with WAPA for hydroelectric generation located at the Stampede Reservoir Dam. For this reason, TDPUD proposes to include the Stampede Reservoir Dam within its SOI. The approval of the District -preferred TDPUD SOI for electric service would not result in population growth or housing impacts to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the existing environmental documents as the project does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. With the exception of potential growth inducing impacts associated with electric facility expansion, population -related impacts associated with the District -preferred electric service SOI will not be discussed in the forthcoming EIR. Water Service The District -preferred SOI for water service proposes to maintain the current SOI for water services. Therefore, the District -preferred SOI boundary would result in no change compared with the current SOI and there is no potential for an expansion of water service facilities into any areas that have not been previously accounted for development. In addition, the project does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. As a result, the approval of the District -preferred SOI would not directly or indirectly cause growth, increase the area's population or housing stock, or reduce the existing housing stock to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the existing regulatory environmental documents. Population -related impacts associated with the District -preferred water service SOI will not be discussed in the forthcoming EIR. Mitigation & Residual Impact: No mitigation is required. TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 17 Less Than Reviewed Potentially Significant Less Than No Under Significant Impact with Significant Impact Previous Impact Mitigation Impact Document Incorporated 3. Geology / Soils. Would the project result in: a) Exposure to or production of unstable earth conditions such as landslides, earthquakes, liquefaction, soil creep, mudslides, ground failure ❑ ❑ ❑ (including expansive, compressible, collapsible soils), or similar hazards? b) Disruptions, displacements, compaction or over covering of the soil by cuts, fills, or extensive ❑ ❑ ❑ grading? c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on- ❑ ❑ ❑ or off -site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse? d) 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? e) Any increase in wind or water erosion of soils, on El El ❑ or off the site? f) Changes in siltation, deposition or erosion, which may modify the channel of a river, or stream, or the bed any bay, inlet or lake? g) Excessive grading on slopes of over 30 percent? ❑ ❑ ❑ Impact Discussion: The project will not result in increased development since neither Nevada County LAFCo nor TDPUD has any regulatory land use authority within the proposed Sphere of Influence areas. The land use jurisdiction over all the land within the proposed SOIs would remain with either Nevada, Placer, or Sierra counties, or the Town of Truckee. The project does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. Therefore, the approval of either proposed SOI (LAFCo- recommended or District -preferred) would not cause any physical changes in the environment and no adverse impact to geological resources can occur and no development or people would be exposed to significant geological constraints, such as fault rupture to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the EIRs described in the "Introduction" section provided above. LAFCo-Recommended Truckee Donner Public Utility District Sphere of Influence Electric and Water Service As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, the LAFCo-recommended SOI boundary would substantially reduce the amount of Nevada County and Placer County lands within the TDPUD SOI compared with existing conditions by eliminating much of the current SOI area in public ownership and those areas not expected or anticipated to be TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 18 developed. There is no potential for an expansion of electric or water service facilities into any areas that have not previously accounted for development since the existing TDPUD SOI would be reduced. The LAFCo- recommended SOI boundary would not expand into any areas not currently in the existing TDPUD SOI and does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. As a result, the approval of the LAFCo-recommended SOI would not cause any physical changes in the environment, and therefore no adverse impact to geological resources can occur and no development or people would be exposed to significant geological constraints, such as fault rupture, to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the existing environmental documents. Geologic -related impacts associated with the LAFCo-recommended scenario will not be discussed in the forthcoming EIR. District -Preferred Truckee Donner Public Utility District Sphere of Influence Electric Service As previously described, the District -preferred SOI boundary proposes to maintain most of the area of the existing TDPUD SOI for electric service in conjunction with an expansion of three square miles at the southeast corner of the existing SOI in Placer County (Northstar Load), the expansion of 23.5 square miles at the north of the existing SOI in Nevada County (Hobart Mills Load, Russell Valley Load, and Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility), and the reduction of eight square miles of the existing SOI at its eastern edge, in Nevada County (Figure 3). The Northstar area in Placer County is regulated by the Martis Valley Community Plan (Placer County 2003a) (The Placer County General Plan defers to the Martis Valley Community Plan Land Use Diagram to provide the specific land use designations). According to the DEIR prepared for the Martis Valley Community Plan (Placer County 2003b), the Community Plan policies and implementation programs ensure adequate consideration of geologic stability issues and thus, less than significant impacts associated with geologic stability and suitability of the Martis Valley Community Plan Area (Placer County 2003b, p. 4.8-22). In addition, implementation of the Community Plan policies and implementation programs as well as a couple mitigation measures reduces potential seismic impacts and avalanche hazards to less than significant (Placer County 2003b, p. 4.8-28 & 4.8-36). Similarly, Community Plan policies and implementation programs reduce soil erosion impacts to less than significant levels (Placer County 2003b, p. 4.8-34). The Hobart Mills and Russell Valley area is regulated by the Nevada County General Plan (Nevada County 1994). According to the DEIR prepared for the Nevada County General Plan (Nevada County 1995, Section 4.2) it was identified that due to the implementation of policy provisions included in the 1994 General Plan, the potential impacts associated with seismic hazards, potential landslides, increased erosion, and mineral resources are less than significant. Portions of the District -preferred SOI expansion areas include lands within the Town of Truckee sphere. While these lands are still currently under the land use jurisdiction of Nevada County, it is foreseeable that they could be annexed into the Town at some point in the near future. According to the DEIR prepared for the Truckee General Plan (Truckee 2006), as a result of the implementation of polices and actions included in the 2025 General Plan, the potential impacts associated with seismic hazards as well as soil conditions and mineral resources are less than significant (Truckee 2006, p. 4.5-11 — 4.5-14). The Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility is located within Sierra County and land use in this area is regulated by the Sierra County General Plan (Sierra County 1996). Neither TDPUD nor Sierra County anticipates any development or population growth in this area. As previously stated, TDPUD is currently under contract with WAPA for hydroelectric generation located at the Stampede Reservoir Dam and it is for this reason that TDPUD proposes to include the Stampede Reservoir Dam within its SOI. The Sierra County General Plan requires that a geologic investigation and avalanche investigation be conducted for all project proposals (Sierra County 1996, p.14-13). Furthermore, as stated above neither TDPUD nor Sierra County anticipates any development or TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 19 population growth in this area. According to the Sierra County General Plan, it is the County's intent to confine the extension of development -serving public facilities to "Community Core Areas" within Sierra County. Areas that are outside of the "Community Core Areas" or "Community Influence Areas," such as the Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility, are intended to be maintained for natural resources. The approval of the District -preferred TDPUD SOI for electric service would not result in geologic -related impacts to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the existing environmental documents as the project does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. Geologic -related impacts associated with the District -preferred SOI for electric service will not be discussed in the forthcoming EIR. Water Service The District -preferred SOI for water service proposes to maintain the current SOI for water services. Therefore, the District -preferred SOI boundary would result in no change compared with the current SOI and there is no potential for an expansion of water service facilities into any areas that have not been previously accounted for development. As a result, approval of the District -preferred TDPUD SOI for water service would not result in geologic -related impacts to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the existing environmental documents as the project does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. Geologic -related impacts associated with the District -preferred SOI for water service will not be discussed in the forthcoming EIR. Mitigation & Residual Impact: No mitigation is required. TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 20 Less Than Reviewed Potentially Significant Less Than No Under Significant Impact with Significant Impact Previous Impact Mitigation Impact Document Incorporated 4. Hydrology / Water Quality. Would the project: a) Violate any water quality standards or waste ❑ ❑ ❑ discharge requirements? 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 of 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 area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, in a manner that ❑ would result in substantial erosion or siltation on - or off -site? d) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the area, including through 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 storm ❑ ❑ Elwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff? f) Otherwise substantially degrade water quality? ❑ ❑ ® N g) Place housing within a 100-year flood hazard area as mapped on a federal Flood Hazard Boundary ❑ ❑ Elor 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 ❑ ❑ Elflooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam? j) Inundation by mudflow? ❑ ❑ ❑ Impact Discussion: No significant adverse impacts to hydrology or water quality are expected to result from implementation of the proposed project because the project will not result in an increase of development not analyzed by the General TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 21 Plans of Nevada, Placer or Sierra counties, or the Town of Truckee. The project does not propose a change to any development standards regulating soil disturbance, runoff or maximum impervious surfacing standards. As required for all future development, site -specific impacts resulting from physical development will be evaluated on a project -by -project basis in compliance with State and local regulations associated with the Clean Water Act, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit requirements, and the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board Basin Plan. No significant hydrology impacts are anticipated to occur as a result of the project because neither Nevada County LAFCo nor TDPUD has the potential to facilitate future development in a manner different from Nevada, Placer or Sierra County or the Town of Truckee. The project does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. Therefore, the proposed project would not result in hydrology -related impacts to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the EIRs described in the "Introduction" section provided above. LAFCo-Recommended Truckee Donner Public Utility District Sphere of Influence Electric and Water Service As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, the LAFCo-recommended SOI boundary would substantially reduce the amount of Nevada County and Placer County lands within the TDPUD SOI compared with existing conditions by eliminating much of the current SOI area in public ownership and those areas not expected or anticipated to be developed. There is no potential for an expansion of electric or water service facilities into any areas that have not previously accounted for development since the existing TDPUD SOI would be reduced. The LAFCo- recommended SOI boundary would not expand into any areas not currently in the existing TDPUD SOI and does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. As a result, the approval of the LAFCo-recommended SOI would not cause any physical changes in the environment, and therefore no adverse impact to hydrological resources can occur to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the existing environmental documents. Hydrology and water quality -related impacts associated with the LAFCo-recommended scenario will not be discussed in the forthcoming EIR. District -Preferred Truckee Donner Public Utilitv District Sphere of Influence Electric Service As previously described, the District -preferred SOI boundary proposes to maintain most of the area of the existing TDPUD SOI for electric service in conjunction with an expansion of three square miles at the southeast corner of the existing SOI in Placer County (Northstar Load), the expansion of 23.5 square miles at the north of the existing SOI in Nevada County (Hobart Mills Load, Russell Valley Load, and Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility), and the reduction of eight square miles of the existing SOI at its eastern edge, in Nevada County (Figure 3). The Northstar area in Placer County is regulated by the Martis Valley Community Plan (Placer County 2003a) (The Placer County General Plan defers to the Martis Valley Community Plan Land Use Diagram to provide the specific land use designations). According to the DEIR prepared for the Martis Valley Community Plan (Placer County 2003b), the Community Plan would result in less than significant impacts regarding surface water and groundwater quality (during both construction and operations) due to Community Plan policy provisions and mitigation measures (Placer County 2003b, p. 4.7-55, 4.7-63, & 4.7-69). Similarly, impacts to groundwater recharge were found to be less than significant as a result of the Community Plan (Placer County 2003b, p. 4.7- 72), as were potential impacts associated with the overuse of groundwater (Placer County 2003b, p. 4.7-80). The Community Plan results in less than significant impacts in terms of flood hazards (Placer County 2003b, p. 4.7- 84) as well as all cumulative hydrology -related impacts. The Hobart Mills and Russell Valley area is regulated by the Nevada County General Plan (Nevada County 1994). The DEIR prepared for the Nevada County General Plan (Nevada County 1995, Section 4.3) states that taken together, the policies and revised policies of the General Plan serve to minimize the potential damage to TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 22 structures and loss of life that could be associated with a flood event to a less than significant level. Similarly, it is the policies of the General Plan that ensure less than significant impacts associated with flooding from dam inundation and/or seiches. The General Plan addresses potential drainage impacts and the need to avoid potential increases in downstream flooding by protecting natural drainage and vegetative patterns through project site review, use of clustered development and project subdivision design. The General Plan also identifies that the Comprehensive Site Development Standards (identified in General Plan Policy 1.17) ensures the use of measures applicable to all discretionary and ministerial projects to avoid downstream flooding from new development (Nevada County 1995, Section 4.3). General Plan policies also minimize increases in the discharge of nonpoint storm water contaminants into receiving waterways, in part, by enforcing minimum building setback lines of perennial streams and site development standards which address water quality and other hydrologic issues. The General Plan also contains policy provisions, which limits impacts to groundwater quality from septic systems to less than significant. Portions of the District -preferred SOI expansion areas include lands within the Town of Truckee sphere. While these lands are still currently under the land use jurisdiction of Nevada County, it is foreseeable that they could be annexed into the Town at some point in the near future. According to the DEIR prepared for the Truckee General Plan (Truckee 2006), the General Plan results in a less than significant impact to water quality due to implementation of the Town's existing Development Code Standards, the Town of Truckee Downtown Specific Plan, the Downtown River Revitalization Strategy and the policies and actions contained in the General Plan itself (Truckee 2006, p. 4.7-17 — 4.7-19). For example, the Town of Truckee Development Code contains specific requirements related to Best Management Practices (BMPs) and other approaches designed to minimize erosion and runoff during construction and operation of new development. In addition, the Town of Truckee Downtown Specific Plan has policies that intend to relocate industrial uses away from the river and protect and improve water quality in the Truckee River and its tributaries and the 2005 Town of Truckee Downtown River Revitalization Strategy also has policies and actions to decrease storm hydrographs and runoff over existing conditions by implementing BMPs for any new development. As far as potential storm water drainage impacts, the 2025 General Plan requires that storm water drainage systems be incorporated into development projects to effectively control the rate and amount of runoff, so as to prevent increases in downstream flooding potential. Also, the General Plan Land Use Element states that the Town should cooperate with special districts to plan for and identify suitable future sites for needed facilities, including utilities infrastructure, so that the local population can be safely and efficiently served, while also minimizing potential enviromnental impacts, and the Town's Building Division requires an erosion protection plan for all new building construction and grading activity within the Town limits. Therefore, it was determined in the DEIR prepared for the Truckee General Plan (Truckee 2006, p. 4.7-19 — 4.7-20) that implementation of General Plan policies and actions, in concert with the Town's other development standards and requirements reduce the potential for impacts associated with drainage system changes and increased runoff to a less than significant level. Lastly, impacts associated with flooding, dam inundation, and seiches, tsunamis and mudflows were all found to be less than significant (Truckee 2006, p. 4.7-20 — 4.7-22). The Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility is located within Sierra County and land use in this area is regulated by the Sierra County General Plan (Sierra County 1996). Neither TDPUD nor Sierra County anticipates any development or population growth in this area. As previously stated, TDPUD is currently under contract with WAPA for hydroelectric generation located at the Stampede Reservoir Dam and it is for this reason that TDPUD proposes to include the Stampede Reservoir Dam within its SOI. The Sierra County General Plan contains protocols for evaluating flood hazards (Sierra County 1996, p.14-13) and encourages water conservation by requiring water -saving fixtures and water meters to new development (Sierra County 1996, p.8-13). However, as stated above neither TDPUD nor Sierra County anticipates any development or population growth in this area. According to the Sierra County General Plan, it is the County's intent to confine the extension of development - serving public facilities to "Community Core Areas" within Sierra County. Areas that are outside of the "Community Core Areas" or "Community Influence Areas," such as the Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility, are intended to be maintained for natural resources. TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 23 The approval of the District -preferred TDPUD SOI for electric service would not result in hydrology -related impacts to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the existing environmental documents as the project does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. Hydrology -related impacts associated with the District -preferred SOI for electric service will not be discussed in the forthcoming EIR. Water Service The District -preferred SOI for water service proposes to maintain the current SOI for water services. Therefore, the District -preferred SOI boundary would result in no change compared with the current SOI and there is no potential for an expansion of water service facilities into any areas that have not been previously accounted for development. The project does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. As a result, the approval of the District -preferred TDPUD SOI for water service would not result in hydrology -related impacts to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the existing environmental documents. Hydrology -related impacts associated with the District -preferred SOI for water service will not be discussed in the forthcoming EIR. Mitigation & Residual Impact: No mitigation is required. TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 24 Less Than Reviewed Potentially Significant Less Than No Under Significant Impact with Significant Impact Previous Impact Mitigation Impact Document Incorporated 5. Air Quality. Would the project result in: a) Substantial air emissions or deterioration of ambient air quality? b) A violation of any air quality standard or contribute to an existing or projected air quality violation? c) Exposure of sensitive receptors to pollutants? ❑ ❑ ❑ d) The creation of objectionable smoke, ash or ❑ ❑ ❑ odors? e) Dust generation? f) Exceeding any potentially significant thresholds ❑ ❑ ❑ adopted in County Plans and Goals? g) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non -attainment under an applicable El ❑ ❑ federal or state ambient air quality standard, including releasing emissions that exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors? Impact Discussion: No significant adverse impacts to air quality will occur as a result of the proposed project because the project will not result in any increase in development. The project does not propose a change to any development standards regulating soil disturbance, vehicle use, or noxious odors. As required for all future development, site -specific impacts resulting from physical development will be evaluated on a project -by -project basis in compliance with State and local regulations (e.g., Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District (NSQAMD), Placer County Air Pollution Control District (PCAPCD) and Town of Truckee). To assure public health and safety in the region, air quality impacts are assessed by NSQAMD and/or PCAPCD, on a project -by -project basis. No significant air quality impacts are anticipated to occur as a result from the implementation of this project. Neither Nevada County LAFCo nor TDPUD has the potential to facilitate future development in a manner different than is currently outlined by these jurisdictions in their applicable General Plans. The project does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. Therefore, the approval of either of the proposed SOIs (LAFCo-recommended or District -preferred) would not impact air quality to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the EIRs described in the "Introduction" section provided above. LAFCo-Recommended Truckee Donner Public Utility District Sphere of Influence Electric and Water Service As shown in Figure I and Figure 2, the LAFCo-recommended SOI boundary would substantially reduce the amount of Nevada County and Placer County lands within the TDPUD SOI compared with existing conditions by eliminating much of the current SOI area in public ownership and those areas not expected or anticipated to be developed. There is no potential for an expansion of electric or water service facilities into any areas that have TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 25 not previously accounted for development since the existing TDPUD SOI would be reduced. The LAFCo- recommended SOI boundary would not expand into any areas not currently in the existing TDPUD SOI and does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. As a result, the approval of the LAFCo-recommended SOI would not cause any physical changes in the environment, and therefore no adverse impact associated with air pollutant emissions can occur to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the existing environmental documents. Air quality impacts associated with the LAFCo-recommended scenario will not be discussed in the forthcoming EIR. District -Preferred Truckee Donner Public Utility District Sphere of Influence Electric Service As previously described, the District -preferred SOI boundary proposes to maintain most of the area of the existing TDPUD SOI for electric service in conjunction with an expansion of three square miles at the southeast corner of the existing SOI in Placer County (Northstar Load), the expansion of 23.5 square miles at the north of the existing SOI in Nevada County (Hobart Mills Load, Russell Valley Load, and Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility), and the reduction of eight square miles of the existing SOI at its eastern edge, in Nevada County (Figure 3). The Northstar area in Placer County is regulated by the Martis Valley Community Plan (Placer County 2003a) (The Placer County General Plan defers to the Martis Valley Community Plan Land Use Diagram to provide the specific land use designations). According to the DEIR prepared for the Martis Valley Community Plan (Placer County 2003b), construction -generated air pollutant emissions from the Community Plan implementation is a significant and unavoidable impact (Placer County 2003a, p. 4.6-12) as were the resultant emissions from Community Plan operations (Placer County 2003a, p. 4.6-17 & 4.6-19) and cumulative air quality impacts (Placer County 2003a, p. 4.6-20). Impacts associated with carbon monoxide hotspots were determined to be less than significant (Placer County 2003a, p. 4.6-12). The Hobart Mills and Russell Valley area is regulated by the Nevada County General Plan (Nevada County 1994). The DEIR prepared for the Nevada County General Plan (Nevada County 1995, Section 4.8) states that build -out of General Plan land uses and associated population growth may expose future residents and structures to severe weather conditions or weather hazards yet this impact is considered to be less than significant as General Plan policies minimize these hazards. General Plan policies also ensure less than significant impacts associated with the projected incremental increase of air emissions from mobile sources as well as particulate matter emissions associated with woodsmoke and other sources of suspended particulates (Nevada County 1995, Section 4.8). Portions of the District -preferred SOI expansion areas include lands within the Town of Truckee sphere. While these lands are still currently under the land use jurisdiction of Nevada County, it is foreseeable that they could be annexed into the Town at some point in the near future. According to the DEIR prepared for the Truckee General Plan (Truckee 2006), the impacts associated with the potential to conflict with the Particulate Matter Air Quality Management Plan under the 2025 General Plan are less than significant due to General Plan's policies which include required compliance with the control strategies outlined in the Town's Particulate Matter Air Quality Management Plan. This document includes requirements for project -specific mitigation of Particulate Matter emissions among other programs. Truckee 2025 General Plan policies also identify a broad range of strategies to reduce vehicle trips, which further diminish potential particulate matter emissions (Truckee 2006, p. 4.2-13 — 4.2- 17). Similarly, the DEIR prepared for the Truckee General Plan determined that with implementation of the General Plan's Goals and Policies, along with existing Development Code regulations concerning construction - related dust and exhaust, impacts from construction -related emissions are less than significant (Truckee 2006, p. 4.2-18). Concentrations of carbon monoxide are anticipated by the DEIR to decrease substantially, despite projected increases in traffic levels. This is due to the substantial reductions in tailpipe emissions that are anticipated with replacement and modernization of the vehicle fleet with newer and less polluting vehicles and as a TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 26 result, sensitive receptors are not significantly impacted by carbon monoxide concentrations resulting in less than significant carbon monoxide impacts (Truckee 2006, p. 4.2-19). Furthermore, due to the General Plan requirement that projects with the potential to generate substantial quantities of ozone precursors be required to analyze those emissions in accordance with NSAQMD guidelines and to apply mitigations as appropriate to minimize those emissions, the DEIR found impacts to the regional air quality to be less than significant (Truckee 2006, p. 4.2-20 — 4.2-21), and the potential impacts from toxic air contaminant exposure and odors are also less than significant (Truckee 2006, p. 4.2-22 — 4.2-23). The Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility is located within Sierra County and land use in this area is regulated by the Sierra County General Plan (Sierra County 1996). Neither TDPUD nor Sierra County anticipates any development or population growth in this area. As previously stated, TDPUD is currently under contract with WAPA for hydroelectric generation located at the Stampede Reservoir Dam and it is for this reason that TDPUD proposes to include the Stampede Reservoir Dam within its SOI. Furthermore, as stated above neither TDPUD nor Sierra County anticipates any development or population growth in this area. According to the Sierra County General Plan, it is the County's intent to confine the extension of development -serving public facilities to "Community Core Areas" within Sierra County. Areas that are outside of the "Community Core Areas" or "Community Influence Areas," such as the Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility, are intended to be maintained for natural resources. The approval of the District -preferred TDPUD SOI for electric service would not result in air quality impacts to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the existing environmental documents as the project does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. Air quality impacts associated with the District -preferred SOI for electric service will not be discussed in the forthcoming EIR. Water Service The District -preferred SOI for water service proposes to maintain the current SOI for water services. Therefore, the District -preferred SOI boundary would result in no change compared with the current SOI and there is no potential for an expansion of water service facilities into any areas that have not been previously accounted for development. The project does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. As a result, the approval of the District -preferred TDPUD SOI for water service would not result in air quality impacts to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the existing environmental documents. Air quality -related impacts associated with the District -preferred SOI for water service will not be discussed in the forthcoming EIR. Mitigation & Residual Impact: No mitigation is required. TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 27 Less Than Reviewed Potentially Significant Less Than No Under Significant Impact with Significant Impact Previous Impact Mitigation Impact Document Incorporated 6. Transportation / Circulation. 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 El El Elincrease in either the number of vehicle trips, the volume to capacity ratio on roads, or congestion at intersections)? b) A need for private or public road maintenance, or El El Elneed for new roads? c) Effects on existing parking facilities, or demand ❑ ❑ ❑ for new parking? d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature, e.g., sharp curves, dangerous intersections, or incompatible uses? e) A substantial impact upon existing transit systems or alteration of present patterns of circulation or movement of people and/or goods? f) An alteration of waterborne, rail or air traffic? ❑ g) An increase in traffic hazards to motor vehicles, bicyclists or pedestrians, including short-term ❑ construction and long-term operational? h) Inadequate sight distance, ingress/egress, general ❑ ❑ ❑ road capacity, emergency access (4290 Standard) i) Conflicts with adopted policies supporting alternative transportation, e.g. bus turnouts, ❑ ❑ bicycle racks? Impact Discussion: No impacts to transportation or circulation services will occur as a result of the proposed project because the project will not result in any increase in development. The project will not result in increased development since neither Nevada County LAFCo nor TDPUD has any regulatory land use authority within the proposed Sphere of Influence areas. The land use jurisdiction over all the land within the proposed SOIs would remain with either Nevada, Placer, or Sierra counties or the Town of Truckee. The project does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. Therefore, the approval of either proposed SOI (LAFCo-recommended or District -preferred) would not cause any physical changes in the environment and no adverse impact related to transportation and traffic can occur to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the EIRs described in the "Introduction" section provided above. TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 28 LAFCo-Recommended Truckee Donner Public Utility District Sphere of Influence Electric and Water Service As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, the LAFCo-recommended SOI boundary would substantially reduce the amount of Nevada County and Placer County lands within the TDPUD SOI compared with existing conditions by eliminating much of the current SOI area in public ownership and those areas not expected or anticipated to be developed. There is no potential for an expansion of electric or water service facilities into any areas that have not previously accounted for such development since the existing TDPUD SOI would be reduced. The LAFCo- recommended SOI boundary would not expand into any areas not currently in the existing TDPUD SOI and does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. As a result, the approval of the LAFCo-recommended SOI would not cause any physical changes in the environment, and therefore no adverse impact associated with transportation can occur to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the existing environmental documents. Transportation -related impacts associated with the LAFCo-recommended SOI will not be discussed in the forthcoming EIR. District -Preferred Truckee Donner Public Utility District Sphere of Influence Electric Service As previously described, the District -preferred SOI boundary proposes to maintain most of the area of the existing TDPUD SOI for electric service in conjunction with an expansion of three square miles at the southeast corner of the existing SOI in Placer County (Northstar Load), the expansion of 23.5 square miles at the north of the existing SOI in Nevada County (Hobart Mills Load, Russell Valley Load, and Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility), and the reduction of eight square miles of the existing SOI at its eastern edge, in Nevada County (Figure 3). The Northstar area in Placer County is regulated by the Martis Valley Community Plan (Placer County 2003a) (The Placer County General Plan defers to the Martis Valley Community Plan Land Use Diagram to provide the specific land use designations). According to the DEIR prepared for the Martis Valley Community Plan (Placer County 2003b), impacts associated with the potential to exceed an established level of service standard were determined to be significant and unavoidable despite the imposition of mitigation (Placer County 2003a, p. 4.4- 62). The DEIR found that less than significant impacts occur in terms of traffic impacts to local residential roadways (Placer County 2003a, p. 4.4-69), potential hazards because of design or incompatible uses (Placer County 2003a, p. 4.4-69), inadequate parking capacity (Placer County 2003a, p. 4.4-70), conflicts with transit (Placer County 2003a, p. 4.4-70), conflicts with pedestrian and bicycle uses (Placer County 2003a, p. 4.4-72). The Hobart Mills and Russell Valley area is regulated by the Nevada County General Plan (Nevada County 1994). The DEIR prepared for the Nevada County General Plan (Nevada County 1995, Section 4.12) states that build -out of the General Plan results in a net increase of daily trips in the County which contribute to roadways currently operating at unacceptable levels of service and/or cause operation of some County roadways to drop to unacceptable levels. However, the DEIR determined this to be a less than significant impact, as regional transportation plan improvements and General Plan policies ensure that County area roadways continue to operate at acceptable levels of service (Nevada County 1995, Section 4.12). Additionally, the implementation of the improvements needed to ensure that County area roadways continue to operate at acceptable levels of service were found to result in less than significant environmental impacts due to General Plan policies, as are the improvements needed to accommodate increased demand for bicycle, pedestrian, and transit facilities. However the General Plan is anticipated to result in a significant and unavoidable impact to State roadways and other roadways not in the County's jurisdiction since it cannot necessarily be ensured that funding would be available to construct improvements needed to maintain acceptable LOS on such facilities. TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 29 Portions of the District -preferred SOI expansion areas include lands within the Town of Truckee sphere. While these lands are still currently under the land use jurisdiction of Nevada County, it is foreseeable that they could be annexed into the Town at some point in the near future. According to the DEIR prepared for the Truckee General Plan (Truckee 2006), the General Plan results in a less than significant impact regarding the potential for hazards from design or incompatible uses due to implementation of the policies and actions contained in the General Plan itself (Truckee 2006, p. 4.12-53). Similar conclusions were identified in terms of parking impacts (Truckee 2006, p. 4.12-58), transit impacts (Truckee 2006, p. 4.12-62), bicycle and pedestrian impacts (Truckee 2006, p. 4.12-66) and air transportation (Truckee 2006, p. 4.12-68). The DEIR concluded significant and unavoidable impacts occur as a result of General Plan implementation in terms of level of service impacts to Town roadways and intersections (Truckee 2006, p. 4.12-37 — 4.12-44), Downtown Truckee intersections (Truckee 2006, p. 4.12-53), and impacts to regional highways (Truckee 2006, p. 4.12-54). The Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility is located within Sierra County and land use in this area is regulated by the Sierra County General Plan (Sierra County 1996). Neither TDPUD nor Sierra County anticipates any development or population growth in this area. As previously stated, TDPUD is currently under contract with WAPA for hydroelectric generation located at the Stampede Reservoir Dam and it is for this reason that TDPUD proposes to include the Stampede Reservoir Dam within its SOI. Furthermore, as stated above neither TDPUD nor Sierra County anticipates any development or population growth in this area. According to the Sierra County General Plan, it is the County's intent to confine the extension of development -serving public facilities to "Community Core Areas" within Sierra County. Areas that are outside of the "Community Core Areas" or "Community Influence Areas," such as the Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility, are intended to be maintained for natural resources. The approval of the District -preferred TDPUD SOI for electric service would not result in transportation and circulation -related impacts to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the existing environmental documents as the project does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. Transportation impacts associated with the District -preferred SOI for electric service will not be discussed in the forthcoming EIR. Water Service The District -preferred SOI for water service proposes to maintain the current SOI for water services. Therefore, the District -preferred SOI boundary would result in no change compared with the current SOI and there is no potential for an expansion of water service facilities into any areas that have not been previously accounted for development. The project does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. As a result, the approval of the District -preferred TDPUD SOI for water service would not result in transportation -related impacts to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the existing environmental documents. Transportation -related impacts associated with the District -preferred SOI for water service will not be discussed in the forthcoming EIR. Mitigation & Residual Impact: No mitigation is required. TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 30 Less Than Reviewed Potentially Significant Less Than No Under Significant Impact with Significant Impact Previous Impact Mitigation Impact Document Incorporated 7. 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 El El ❑ 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, ❑ ❑ ❑ regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or US Fish and Wildlife Service? c) A reduction in the extent, diversity, or quality of native vegetation, including brush removal for fire ❑ ❑ ❑ prevention and flood control improvements? d) 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, or coastal, through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means? e) 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? f) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree ❑ preservation policy or ordinance? g) Introduction of any factors (light, fencing, noise, human presence and/or domestic animals), which ❑ could hinder the normal activities of wildlife? Impact Discussion: No impacts to biological resources will occur as a result of the proposed project because the project will not result in any increase in development. The project will not result in increased development since neither Nevada County LAFCo nor TDPUD has any regulatory land use authority within the proposed Sphere of Influence areas. The land use jurisdiction over all the land within the proposed SOIs would remain with either Nevada, Placer or Sierra counties, or the Town of Truckee. The project does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. Therefore, the approval of either proposed SOI (LAFCo-recommended or District -preferred) would not cause any physical changes in the environment and no adverse impact related to biological resources can occur to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the EIRs described in the "Introduction" section provided above. TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 31 LAFCo-Recommended Truckee Donner Public Utility District Sphere of Influence Electric and Water Service As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, the LAFCo-recommended SOI boundary would substantially reduce the amount of Nevada County and Placer County lands within the TDPUD SOI compared with existing conditions by eliminating much of the current SOI area in public ownership and those areas not expected or anticipated to be developed. There is no potential for an expansion of electric or water service facilities into any areas that have not previously accounted for such development since the existing TDPUD SOI would be reduced. The LAFCo- recommended SOI boundary would not expand into any areas not currently in the existing TDPUD SOI and the project does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. As a result, the approval of the LAFCo-recommended SOI would not cause any physical changes in the environment, and therefore no adverse impact associated with biological resources can occur to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the existing environmental documents. Biological resource -related impacts associated with the LAFCo-recommended SOI will not be discussed in the forthcoming EIR. District -Preferred Truckee Donner Public Utility District Sphere of Influence Electric Service As previously described, the District -preferred SOI boundary proposes to maintain most of the area of the existing TDPUD SOI for electric service in conjunction with an expansion of three square miles at the southeast corner of the existing SOI in Placer County (Northstar Load), the expansion of 23.5 square miles at the north of the existing SOI in Nevada County (Hobart Mills Load, Russell Valley Load, and Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility), and the reduction of eight square miles of the existing SOI at its eastern edge, in Nevada County (Figure 3). The Northstar area in Placer County is regulated by the Martis Valley Community Plan (Placer County 2003a) (The Placer County General Plan defers to the Martis Valley Community Plan Land Use Diagram to provide the specific land use designations). According to the DEIR prepared for the Martis Valley Community Plan (Placer County 2003b), impacts associated with the disturbance to common plant communities, common wildlife, and riparian habitat were each found to be less than significant due to the implementation of Community Plan policies and implementation programs (Placer County 2003a, p. 4.9-39, 4.9-41, & 4.9-76). All other biological - resource related project impacts associated with the Community Plan were also found to be less than significant with specific mitigation measures applied. These impacts include the potential disturbance to special -status plant species (Placer County 2003a, p. 4.9-54), the potential disturbance to mountain yellow -legged frogs (Placer County 2003a, p. 4.9-58), Lahontan cutthroat trout (Placer County 2003a, p. 4.9-62), nesting raptors and other migratory birds (Placer County 2003a, p. 4.9-67), the potential disturbance to special -status bat species (Placer County 2003a, p. 4.9-72), Sierra Nevada red foxes, California wolverines, Sierra Nevada snowshoe hares, Pacific fishers, Sierra Nevada mountain beavers, and pine martens (Placer County 2003a, p. 4.9-76), and disturbance to wildlife movement (Placer County 2003a, p. 4.9-88). Cumulative impacts to biological resources was determined to be significant and unavoidable (Placer County 2003a, p. 4.9-89). The Hobart Mills and Russell Valley area is regulated by the Nevada County General Plan (Nevada County 1994). The DEIR prepared for the Nevada County General Plan (Nevada County 1995, Section 4.4) states that build -out of the General Plan could result in the direct loss of wildlife habitat and/or habitat fragmentation, impacts to wildlife movement, the loss or degradation of oak trees in the western portion of the County, the elimination, interruption or disturbance of special status species or their habitat, the loss of wetlands, the loss of riparian habitat, and/or the loss or degradation of timberlands. However, such potential impacts are reduced to a less than significant level as a result of protective policy provisions contained within the General Plan. Portions of the District -preferred SOI expansion areas include lands within the Town of Truckee sphere. While these lands are still currently under the land use jurisdiction of Nevada County, it is foreseeable that they could be TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 32 annexed into the Town at some point in the near future. According to the DEIR prepared for the Truckee General Plan (Truckee 2006), implementation of the 2025 General Plan results in less than significant impacts to biological resources (Truckee 2006, p. 4.3-22) due to the biological -related goals, policies, and actions of the General Plan. These less than significant determinations pertain to special status plant and animal species, riparian habitat and sensitive natural communities, wetlands and water of the U.S., wildlife movement, and conflicts with local ordinances and policies. The Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility is located within Sierra County and land use in this area is regulated by the Sierra County General Plan (Sierra County 1996). Neither TDPUD nor Sierra County anticipates any development or population growth in this area. As previously stated, TDPUD is currently under contract with WAPA for hydroelectric generation located at the Stampede Reservoir Dam and it is for this reason that TDPUD proposes to include the Stampede Reservoir Dam within its SOL Furthermore, as stated above neither TDPUD nor Sierra County anticipates any development or population growth in this area. According to the Sierra County General Plan, it is the County's intent to confine the extension of development -serving public facilities to "Community Core Areas" within Sierra County. Areas that are outside of the "Community Core Areas" or "Community Influence Areas," such as the Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility, are intended to be maintained for natural resources. The approval of the District -preferred TDPUD SOI for electric service would not result in biological resource - related impacts to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the existing environmental documents as the project does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. Biological resource impacts associated with the District -preferred SOI for electric service will not be discussed in the forthcoming EIR. Water Service The District -preferred SOI for water service proposes to maintain the current SOI for water services. Therefore, the District -preferred SOI boundary would result in no change compared with the current SOI and there is no potential for an expansion of water service facilities into any areas that have not been previously accounted for development. The project does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. As a result, the approval of the District -preferred TDPUD SOI for water service would not result in biological resource -related impacts to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the existing environmental documents. Biological resource -related impacts associated with the District - preferred SOI for water service will not be discussed in the forthcoming EIR. Mitigation & Residual Impact: No mitigation is required. TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 33 Less Than Reviewed Potentially Significant Less Than No Under Significant Impact with Significant Impact Previous Impact Mitigation Impact Document Incorporated 8. 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? Impact discussion: No impacts to mineral resources will occur as a result of the proposed project because the project will not result in any increase in development. The project will not result in increased development since neither Nevada County LAFCo nor TDPUD has any regulatory land use authority within the Sphere of Influence areas. The land use jurisdiction over all the land within the proposed SOIs would remain with either Nevada, Placer or Sierra counties, or the Town of Truckee. The project does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. Therefore, the approval of either proposed SOI (LAFCo-recommended or District -preferred) would not cause any physical changes in the environment and no adverse impact related to mineral resources can occur to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the EIRs described in the "Introduction" section provided above. LAFCo-Recommended Truckee Donner Public Utility District Sphere of Influence Electric and Water Service As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, the LAFCo-recommended SOI boundary would substantially reduce the amount of Nevada County and Placer County lands within the TDPUD SOI compared with existing conditions by eliminating much of the current SOI area in public ownership and those areas not expected or anticipated to be developed. There is no potential for an expansion of electric or water service facilities into any areas that have not previously accounted for such development since the existing TDPUD SOI would be reduced. The LAFCo- recommended SOI boundary would not expand into any areas not currently in the existing TDPUD SOI and does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. As a result, the approval of the LAFCo-recommended SOI would not cause any physical changes in the environment, and therefore no adverse impact associated with mineral resources can occur to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the existing environmental documents. Mineral resource impacts associated with the LAFCo-recommended SOI will not be discussed in the forthcoming EIR. District -Preferred Truckee Donner Public Utility District Sphere of Influence Electric Service As previously described, the District -preferred SOI boundary proposes to maintain most of the area of the existing TDPUD SOI for electric service in conjunction with an expansion of three square miles at the southeast corner of the existing SOI in Placer County (Northstar Load), the expansion of 23.5 square miles at the north of the existing TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 34 SOI in Nevada County (Hobart Mills Load, Russell Valley Load, and Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility), and the reduction of eight square miles of the existing SOI at its eastern edge, in Nevada County (Figure 3). The Northstar area in Placer County is regulated by the Martis Valley Community Plan (Placer County 2003a) (The Placer County General Plan defers to the Martis Valley Community Plan Land Use Diagram to provide the specific land use designations). According to the DEIR prepared for the Martis Valley Community Plan (Placer County 2003b), projects to be developed within the Plan area are located outside of any designated Mineral Resource Zones that identify potential mineral resource significance. Thus, no significant mineral resource impacts occur as a result of the Martis Valley Community Plan (Placer County 2003a, p. 4.8-22). The Hobart Mills and Russell Valley area is regulated by the Nevada County General Plan (Nevada County 1994).The DEIR prepared for the Nevada County General Plan (Nevada County 1995, Section 4.2) identified similar conclusions as due to the implementation of policy provisions included in the 1994 General Plan, the potential impacts associated with mineral resources are determined to be less than significant. Portions of the District -preferred SOI expansion areas include lands within the Town of Truckee sphere. While these lands are still currently under the land use jurisdiction of Nevada County, it is foreseeable that they could be annexed into the Town at some point in the near future. According to the DEIR prepared for the Truckee General Plan (Truckee 2006), as a result of the implementation of polices and actions included in the 2025 General Plan, the potential impacts associated with mineral resources are less than significant (Truckee 2006, p. 4.5-14). The Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility is located within Sierra County and land use in this area is regulated by the Sierra County General Plan (Sierra County 1996). Neither TDPUD nor Sierra County anticipates any development or population growth in this area. As previously stated, TDPUD is currently under contract with WAPA for hydroelectric generation located at the Stampede Reservoir Dam and it is for this reason that TDPUD proposes to include the Stampede Reservoir Dam within its SOI. Furthermore, as stated above neither TDPUD nor Sierra County anticipates any development or population growth in this area. According to the Sierra County General Plan, it is the County's intent to confine the extension of development -serving public facilities to "Community Core Areas" within Sierra County. Areas that are outside of the "Community Core Areas" or "Community Influence Areas," such as the Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility, are intended to be maintained for natural resources. In addition, the Sierra County General Plan does not identify the Stampede Reservoir Dam area as an area supporting mineral extraction activities (Sierra County 1996, p. 11-5) The approval of the District -preferred TDPUD SOI for electric service would not result in mineral resource - related impacts to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the existing environmental documents as the project does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. Mineral resource impacts associated with the District -preferred SOI for electric service will not be discussed in the forthcoming EIR. Water Service The District -preferred SOI for water service proposes to maintain the current SOI for water services. Therefore, the District -preferred SOI boundary would result in no change compared with the current SOI and there is no potential for an expansion of water service facilities into any areas that have not been previously accounted for development. The project does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. As a result, the approval of the District -preferred TDPUD SOI for water service would not result in mineral resource -related impacts to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the existing environmental documents. Mineral resource impacts associated with the District -preferred SOI for water service will not be discussed in the forthcoming EIR. Mitigation & Residual Impact: No mitigation is required. TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 35 Less Than Reviewed ==E . Potentially Significant Significant Impact with Less Than Significant No Under Impact Previous son Impact Mitigation Impact Document Incorporated 9. Hazards / Hazardous Materials. Would the project: a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or ❑ ❑ ❑ N N disposal of hazardous materials? b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the ❑ ❑ ❑ N N release of hazardous materials into the environment? c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste El El Elwithin one -quarter mile of an existing or proposed school? d) Located on a site that is included on a list of hazardous material sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a ❑ N N result, would create a significant hazard to the public or the environment? e) For a project located within an airport land use plan, would the project result in a safety hazard ❑ N N 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 ❑ ❑ ❑ N N for people residing or working in the project area? g) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response or ❑ N N 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 ❑ ❑ N N urbanized areas or where residences are intermixed with wildlands? Impact Discussion: No increased exposure to hazards or hazardous material will occur as a result of the project because no new disturbance or development is proposed. No adverse significant impacts from Hazard or Hazardous materials are anticipated to occur as a result of this project to an extent beyond that previously analyzed EIRs described in the "Introduction" section provided above. The project does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 36 LAFCo-Recommended Truckee Donner Public Utility District Sphere of Influence Electric and Water Service As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, the LAFCo-recommended SOI boundary would substantially reduce the amount of Nevada County and Placer County lands within the TDPUD SOI compared with existing conditions by eliminating much of the current SOI area in public ownership and those areas not expected or anticipated to be developed. There is no potential for an expansion of electric or water service facilities into any areas that have not previously accounted for such development since the existing TDPUD SOI would be reduced. The LAFCo- recommended SOI boundary would not expand into any areas not currently in the existing TDPUD SOI and does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. As a result, the approval of the LAFCo-recommended SOI would not cause any physical changes in the environment, and therefore no adverse impact associated with hazards and hazardous materials can occur to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the existing environmental documents. Hazard -related impacts associated with the LAFCo-recommended SOI will not be discussed in the forthcoming EIR. District -Preferred Truckee Donner Public Utility District Sphere of Influence Electric Service As previously described, the District -preferred SOI boundary proposes to maintain most of the area of the existing TDPUD SOI for electric service in conjunction with an expansion of three square miles at the southeast corner of the existing SOI in Placer County (Northstar Load), the expansion of 23.5 square miles at the north of the existing SOI in Nevada County (Hobart Mills Load, Russell Valley Load, and Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility), and the reduction of eight square miles of the existing SOI at its eastern edge, in Nevada County (Figure 3). The Northstar area in Placer County is regulated by the Martis Valley Community Plan (Placer County 2003a) (The Placer County General Plan defers to the Martis Valley Community Plan Land Use Diagram to provide the specific land use designations). According to the DEIR prepared for the Martis Valley Community Plan (Placer County 2003b), potential hazards associated with abandoned mine shafts and openings in the Plan area is less than significant with remedial mitigation measures (Placer County 2003a, p. 4.3-17). While implementation of the Community Plan could result in potential disturbance and contamination of land uses resulting from the use of toxic chemicals, the storage and disposal of toxic chemicals, and other hazardous materials, this impact is mitigated to a less than significant level through the enforcement of soil testing and soil remediation (Placer County 2003a, p. 4.3-19). Similarly, the implementation of mitigation measures mitigates potential impacts resulting from airport operation hazards to a less than significant level (Placer County 2003a, p. 4.3-21). Lastly, impacts associated with radon exposure were found to be less than significant (Placer County 2003a, p. 4.3-21). Cumulative hazard -related impacts were also found to be less than significant (Placer County 2003a, p. 4.3-22). The Hobart Mills and Russell Valley area is regulated by the Nevada County General Plan (Nevada County 1994). The DEIR prepared for the Nevada County General Plan (Nevada County 1995, Section 4.10) states that the Nevada County Hazardous Waste Management Plan (HWMP) provides criteria that, when implemented, minimizes safety hazards associated with the use, transport, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials in the County. While build -out of County General Plan land uses could potentially result in conflicts with provisions of the Nevada County HWMP related to potential public safety concerns, this potential is a less than significant impact as General Plan policies minimize such concerns. Portions of the District -preferred SOI expansion areas include lands within the Town of Truckee sphere. While these lands are still currently under the land use jurisdiction of Nevada County, it is foreseeable that they could be annexed into the Town at some point in the near future. According to the DEIR prepared for the Truckee General Plan (Truckee 2006), implementation of the 2025 General Plan results in less than significant impacts associated TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 37 with hazards and hazardous materials (Truckee 2006, p. 4.6-13 — 4.6-18) due to the goals, policies, and actions of the General Plan as well as State and federal regulatory requirements. These less than significant determinations pertain to the transport, use and disposal of hazardous materials, potential hazardous material accidents, hazardous materials around schools, hazardous material sites, potential wildland fires, airport safety, potential avalanches, and emergency preparedness. The Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility is located within Sierra County and land use in this area is regulated by the Sierra County General Plan (Sierra County 1996). Neither TDPUD nor Sierra County anticipates any development or population growth in this area. As previously stated, TDPUD is currently under contract with WAPA for hydroelectric generation located at the Stampede Reservoir Dam and it is for this reason that TDPUD proposes to include the Stampede Reservoir Dam within its SOI. Furthermore, as stated above neither TDPUD nor Sierra County anticipates any development or population growth in this area. According to the Sierra County General Plan, it is the County's intent to confine the extension of development -serving public facilities to "Community Core Areas" within Sierra County. Areas that are outside of the "Community Core Areas" or "Community Influence Areas," such as the Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility, are intended to be maintained for natural resources. The approval of the District -preferred TDPUD SOI for electric service would not result in hazard -related impacts to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the existing environmental documents. The project does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. Any future activities are required to adhere to the jurisdictional appropriate hazards or hazardous waste -related policy provisions that ensure less than significant impacts. Hazard -related impacts associated with the District -preferred SOI for electric service will not be discussed in the forthcoming EIR. Water Service The District -preferred SOI for water service proposes to maintain the current SOI for water services. Therefore, the District -preferred SOI boundary would result in no change compared with the current SOI and there is no potential for an expansion of water service facilities into any areas that have not been previously accounted for development. The project does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. As a result, the approval of the District -preferred TDPUD SOI for water service would not result in hazard -related impacts to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the existing environmental documents. All future activities are required to adhere to the jurisdictional appropriate hazards or hazardous waste -related policy provisions that ensure less than significant impacts. Hazard and hazardous material impacts associated with the District -preferred SOI for water service will not be discussed in the forthcoming EIR. Mitigation & Residual Impact: No mitigation is required. TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 38 Less Than Reviewed Potentially Significant Less Than No Under Significant Impact with Significant Impact Previous Impact Mitigation Impact Document Incorporated 10. Noise. Would the project result in: a) Exposure of persons to, or the generation of, noise levels in excess of the County's adopted standards ❑ El ❑ established in the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance? b) Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive ground borne vibration or ground borne noise ❑ levels, e.g., blasting? c) A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity 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? e) For a project located within an airport land use plan, 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 levels? Impact Discussion: No impacts associated with noise will occur as a result of the proposed project because the project will not result in any development. The project will not result in development since neither Nevada County LAFCo nor TDPUD has any regulatory land use authority in the Sphere of Influence area. The land use jurisdiction over all the land within the proposed SOIs would remain with either Nevada, Placer, or Sierra counties, or the Town of Truckee. The project does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. Therefore, the approval of either proposed SOI (LAFCo-recommended or District - preferred) would not cause any physical changes in the environment and no adverse impact related to noise can occur to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the EIRs described in the "Introduction" section provided above. LAFCo-Recommended Truckee Donner Public Utilitv District Sphere of Influence Electric and Water Service As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, the LAFCo-recommended SOI boundary would substantially reduce the amount of Nevada County and Placer County lands within the TDPUD SOI compared with existing conditions by eliminating much of the current SOI area in public ownership and those areas not expected or anticipated to be developed. There is no potential for an expansion of electric or water service facilities into any areas that have not previously accounted for such development since the existing TDPUD SOI would be reduced. The LAFCo- recommended SOI boundary would not expand into any areas not currently in the existing TDPUD SOI and does TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 39 not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. As a result, the approval of the LAFCo-recommended SOI would not cause any physical changes in the environment, and therefore no adverse impact associated with noise can occur to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the existing environmental documents. Noise -related impacts associated with the LAFCo- recommended SOI will not be discussed in the forthcoming EIR. District -Preferred Truckee Donner Public Utility District Sphere of Influence Electric Service As previously described, the District -preferred SOI boundary proposes to maintain most of the area of the existing TDPUD SOI for electric service in conjunction with an expansion of three square miles at the southeast corner of the existing SOI in Placer County (Northstar Load), the expansion of 23.5 square miles at the north of the existing SOI in Nevada County (Hobart Mills Load, Russell Valley Load, and Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility), and the reduction of eight square miles of the existing SOI at its eastern edge, in Nevada County (Figure 3). The Northstar area in Placer County is regulated by the Martis Valley Community Plan (Placer County 2003a) (The Placer County General Plan defers to the Martis Valley Community Plan Land Use Diagram to provide the specific land use designations). According to the DEIR prepared for the Martis Valley Community Plan (Placer County 2003b), despite the application of mitigation measures, impacts associated with construction -generated noise is significant and unavoidable (Placer County 2003a, p. 4.5-19). Traffic -generated noise was also found to be significant and unavoidable (Placer County 2003a, p. 4.5-25) as was cumulative noise impacts (Placer County 2003a, p. 4.5-33). Regarding potential stationary noise impacts and noise impacts from the Truckee -Tahoe Airport, these impacts were determined to be less than significant (Placer County 2003a, p. 4.5-25 & 4.5-31). The Hobart Mills and Russell Valley area is regulated by the Nevada County General Plan (Nevada County 1994). The DEIR prepared for the Nevada County General Plan (Nevada County 1995, Section 4.9) states that build -out of the County General Plan land uses could result in increases in noise levels along roadways, expose noise - sensitive land uses to unacceptable industrial and other fixed noise sources, expose future land uses to aircraft noise, and/or expose noise -sensitive land uses to unacceptable railroad noise. All of these impacts were found to be less than significant due to Nevada County General Plan policies that minimize noise -related impacts (Nevada County 1995, Section 4.9). Portions of the District -preferred SOI expansion areas include lands within the Town of Truckee sphere. While these lands are still currently under the land use jurisdiction of Nevada County, it is foreseeable that they could be annexed into the Town at some point in the near future. According to the DEIR prepared for the Truckee General Plan (Truckee 2006), implementation of the 2025 General Plan results in less than significant impacts associated with all potential noise impacts due to the goals, policies, and actions of the General Plan except cumulative traffic noise (Truckee 2006, p. 4.9-20 — 4.9-32). The less than significant determinations pertain to conformance with General Plan land use noise compatibility guidelines, groundbome vibration and noise, substantial noise increases associated with the General Plan, airport noise exposure, and construction noise. Impacts associated with cumulative traffic noise were determined to be significant and unavoidable due to the cumulative effects of implementation of the 2025 General Plan combined with increased through traffic from outside the area. The Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility is located within Sierra County and land use in this area is regulated by the Sierra County General Plan (Sierra County 1996). Neither TDPUD nor Sierra County anticipates any development or population growth in this area. As previously stated, TDPUD is currently under contract with WAPA for hydroelectric generation located at the Stampede Reservoir Dam and it is for this reason that TDPUD proposes to include the Stampede Reservoir Dam within its SOI. Furthermore, as stated above neither TDPUD nor Sierra County anticipates any development or population growth in this area. According to the Sierra County General Plan, it is the County's intent to confine the extension of development -serving public facilities to TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 40 "Community Core Areas" within Sierra County. Areas that are outside of the "Community Core Areas" or "Community Influence Areas," such as the Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility, are intended to be maintained for natural resources. The approval of the District -preferred TDPUD SOI for electric service would not result in noise -related impacts to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the existing environmental documents as the project does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. Any future activities are required to adhere to the jurisdictional appropriate noise -related policy provisions. Noise impacts associated with the District -preferred SOI for electric service will not be discussed in the forthcoming EIR. Water Service The District -preferred SOI for water service proposes to maintain the current SOI for water services. Therefore, the District -preferred SOI boundary would result in no change compared with the current SOI and there is no potential for an expansion of water service facilities into any areas that have not been previously accounted for development. The project does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. As a result, the approval of the District -preferred TDPUD SOI for water service would not result in noise impacts to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the existing environmental documents. Noise impacts associated with the District -preferred SOI for water service will not be discussed in the forthcoming EIR. Mitigation & Residual Impact: No mitigation is required. TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 41 Less Than Reviewed Potentially Significant Less Than No Under Significant Impact with Significant Impact Previous Impact Mitigation Impact Document Incorporated 11. PUBLIC SERVICES Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, 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 following public services: a) Fire protection? ❑ N N b) Police protection? ❑ N N c) Schools? ❑ N N d) Parks? ❑ N N e) Other public facilities? ❑ N N Impact Discussion: No impacts to public services will occur as a result of the proposed project because the project will not result in any development. The project will not result in development since neither Nevada County LAFCo nor TDPUD has any regulatory land use authority within the Sphere of Influence area. The land use jurisdiction over all the land within the proposed SOIs would remain with either Nevada, Placer, or Sierra counties or the Town of Truckee. The project does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. Therefore, the approval of either proposed SOI (LAFCo- recommended or District -preferred) would not cause any physical changes in the environment and no adverse impact related to public services can occur to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the EIRs described in the "Introduction" section provided above. LAFCo-Recommended Truckee Donner Public Utilitv District Sphere of Influence Electric and Water Service As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, the LAFCo-recommended SOI boundary would substantially reduce the amount of Nevada County and Placer County lands within the TDPUD SOI compared with existing conditions by eliminating much of the current SOI area in public ownership and those areas not expected or anticipated to be developed. There is no potential for an expansion of electric or water service facilities into any areas that have not previously accounted for such development since the existing TDPUD SOI would be reduced. The LAFCo- recommended SOI boundary would not expand into any areas not currently in the existing TDPUD SOI and does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. As a result, the approval of the LAFCo-recommended SOI would not cause any physical changes in the environment, and therefore no adverse impact associated with public services can occur to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the existing environmental documents. Public services impacts associated with the LAFCo-recommended SOI will not be discussed in the forthcoming EIR. TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 42 District -Preferred Truckee Donner Public Utility District Sphere of Influence Electric Service As previously described, the District -preferred SOI boundary proposes to maintain most of the area of the existing TDPUD SOI for electric service in conjunction with an expansion of three square miles at the southeast corner of the existing SOI in Placer County (Northstar Load), the expansion of 23.5 square miles at the north of the existing SOI in Nevada County (Hobart Mills Load, Russell Valley Load, and Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility), and the reduction of eight square miles of the existing SOI at its eastern edge, in Nevada County (Figure 3). The Northstar area in Placer County is regulated by the Martis Valley Community Plan (Placer County 2003a) (The Placer County General Plan defers to the Martis Valley Community Plan Land Use Diagram to provide the specific land use designations). According to the DEIR prepared for the Martis Valley Community Plan (Placer County 2003b), impacts relating to fire protection services, wildland fires, police services, public schools, and parks and recreation are all less than significant, though impacts associated with fire protection services and parks and recreation facilities require mitigation measures to achieve less than significant determinations (Placer County 2003a, p. 4.11-11, 4.11-15, 4.11-21, 4.11-33, & 4.11-92). The Hobart Mills and Russell Valley area is regulated by the Nevada County General Plan (Nevada County 1994). The DEIR prepared for the Nevada County General Plan (Nevada County 1995, Section 4.10) states that build -out of the County General Plan could result in impacts to police protection, fire protection, public schools, and parks and recreation facility standards. All of these impacts were found to be less than significant due to Nevada County General Plan policies that minimize such impacts (Nevada County 1995, Section 4.10). Portions of the District -preferred SOI expansion areas include lands within the Town of Truckee sphere. While these lands are still currently under the land use jurisdiction of Nevada County, it is foreseeable that they could be annexed into the Town at some point in the near future. According to the DEIR prepared for the Truckee General Plan (Truckee 2006), implementation of the 2025 General Plan results in less than significant impacts associated with potential impacts to public services such as police protection, fire protection, public schools, and parks and recreation facilities due to the goals, policies, and actions of the General Plan (Truckee 2006, p. 4.11-2 — 4.11-16). The Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility is located within Sierra County and land use in this area is regulated by the Sierra County General Plan (Sierra County 1996). Neither TDPUD nor Sierra County anticipates any development or population growth in this area. As previously stated, TDPUD is currently under contract with WAPA for hydroelectric generation located at the Stampede Reservoir Dam and it is for this reason that TDPUD proposes to include the Stampede Reservoir Dam within its SOI. Furthermore, as stated above neither TDPUD nor Sierra County anticipates any development or population growth in this area. According to the Sierra County General Plan, it is the County's intent to confine the extension of development -serving public facilities to "Community Core Areas" within Sierra County. Areas that are outside of the "Community Core Areas" or "Community Influence Areas," such as the Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility, are intended to be maintained for natural resources. The approval of the District -preferred TDPUD SOI for electric service would not result in population growth and thus, would not result in public service -related impacts to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the existing environmental documents as the project does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. Any future activities are required to adhere to the jurisdictional appropriate public service -related policy provisions. Such impacts associated with the District -preferred SOI for electric service will not be discussed in the forthcoming EIR. TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 43 Water Service The District -preferred SOI for water service proposes to maintain the current SOI for water services. Therefore, the District -preferred SOI boundary would result in no change compared with the current SOI and there is no potential for an expansion of water service facilities into any areas that have not been previously accounted for development. The project does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. As a result, the approval of the District -preferred TDPUD SOI for water service would not result in public service impacts to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the existing environmental documents. All future activities are required to adhere to the jurisdictional appropriate public service -related policy provisions. Public service impacts associated with the District -preferred SOI for water service will not be discussed in the forthcoming EIR. Mitigation Measures: No mitigation is required. TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 44 Less Than Reviewed Potentially Significant Less Than No Under Significant Impact with Significant Impact Previous Impact Mitigation Impact Document Incorporated 12. Utilities / Service Systems. Would the project: a) Require a need for the extension of electrical ❑ ❑ ❑ power or natural gas? b) Require or result in the construction of new water or wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of ❑ ❑ Elexisting facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? c) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the applicable Regional Water Quality Control ❑ ❑ Board? d) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project from existing entitlements and ❑ ❑ ❑ resources, or are new or expanded entitlements needed? e) 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? f) Be served by a landfill or transfer station with sufficient permitted capacity to accommodate the ❑ ❑ ❑ project's solid waste disposal needs? g) Comply with federal, state, & local statutes and ❑ ❑ ❑ regulations related to solid waste? h) Require a need for the extension of communication systems? Impact Discussion: No impacts to utilities and service systems will occur as a result of the proposed project because the project will not result in any development. The project will not result in development since neither Nevada County LAFCo nor TDPUD has any regulatory land use authority within the Sphere of Influence area. The land use jurisdiction over all the land within the proposed SOIs would remain with either Nevada, Placer, or Sierra counties, or the Town of Truckee. The project does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. Therefore, the approval of either proposed SOI (LAFCo- recommended or District -preferred) would not cause any physical changes in the environment and no adverse impact related to utilities and service systems can occur to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the EIRs described in the "Introduction" section provided above. It is additionally noted that the fundamental purposes of the proposed project, which is the evaluation and adoption of a sphere of influence for the provision of both electric and water service for TDPUD, is to insure that service is being provided in a logical and orderly manner and in a manner which is efficient and sustainable as provided for and required by the Cortese -Knox -Hertzberg Act. Adoption of Sphere of Influence area for a service provider assists in making sure that services are provided as prescribed and in a manner that meets with the objectives of both LAFCo and State law and helps to address potential environmental issues associated with the provision of utility services. TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 45 LAFCo-Recommended Truckee Donner Public Utility District Sphere of Influence Electric and Water Service As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, the LAFCo-recommended SOI boundary would substantially reduce the amount of Nevada County and Placer County lands within the TDPUD SOI compared with existing conditions by eliminating much of the current SOI area in public ownership and those areas not expected or anticipated to be developed. There is no potential for an expansion of electric or water service facilities into any areas that have not previously accounted for such development since the existing TDPUD SOI would be reduced. The LAFCo- recommended SOI boundary would not expand into any areas not currently in the existing TDPUD SOI and does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. As a result, the approval of the LAFCo-recommended SOI would not cause any physical changes in the environment, and therefore no adverse impact associated with utility services can occur to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the existing environmental documents. Utility services impacts associated with the LAFCo-recommended SOI will not be discussed in the forthcoming EIR. District -Preferred Truckee Donner Public Utility District Sphere of Influence Electric Service As previously described, the District -preferred SOI boundary proposes to maintain most of the area of the existing TDPUD SOI for electric service in conjunction with an expansion of three square miles at the southeast corner of the existing SOI in Placer County (Northstar Load), the expansion of 23.5 square miles at the north of the existing SOI in Nevada County (Hobart Mills Load, Russell Valley Load, and Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility), and the reduction of eight square miles of the existing SOI at its eastern edge, in Nevada County (Figure 3). The Northstar area in Placer County is regulated by the Martis Valley Community Plan (Placer County 2003a) (The Placer County General Plan defers to the Martis Valley Community Plan Land Use Diagram to provide the specific land use designations). According to the DEIR prepared for the Martis Valley Community Plan (Placer County 2003b), the Community Plan results in a less than significant impact to water facilities and distribution systems due to the application of mitigation (Placer County 2003a, p. 4.11-50). Impacts to wastewater service are also less than significant (Placer County 2003a, p. 4.11-58), as are impacts to solid waste (Placer County 2003a, p. 4.11-66). Furthermore, the DEIR determined that impacts relating to the availability of electrical service, increase in natural gas demand and the extension of electrical, natural gas, and telephone infrastructure are all less than significant (Placer County 2003a, p. 4.11-71, 4.11-74, & 4.11-79). The Hobart Mills and Russell Valley area is regulated by the Nevada County General Plan (Nevada County 1994). The DEIR prepared for the Nevada County General Plan (Nevada County 1995, Section 4.10) states that build -out of the County General Plan could result in impacts to water supply, wastewater, and solid waste. All of these impacts were found to be less than significant due to Nevada County General Plan policies that minimize such impacts with the exception of wastewater service impacts, which were found to be significant and unavoidable due to the anticipated need for facility expansion which could create an environmental impact (Nevada County 1995, Section 4.10). As stated under Subsection 4, Hydrology / Water Quality, the General Plan addresses potential drainage impacts and the need to avoid potential increases in downstream flooding by protecting natural drainage and vegetative patterns through project site review, use of clustered development and project subdivision design. The General Plan also identifies that the Comprehensive Site Development Standards (identified in General Plan Policy 1.17) ensures the use of measures applicable to all discretionary and ministerial projects to avoid downstream flooding from new development (Nevada County 1995, Section 4.3). Drainage impacts were determined to be less than significant. TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 46 Portions of the District -preferred SOI expansion areas include lands within the Town of Truckee sphere. While these lands are still currently under the land use jurisdiction of Nevada County, it is foreseeable that they could be annexed into the Town at some point in the near future. According to the DEIR prepared for the Truckee General Plan (Truckee 2006), implementation of the 2025 General Plan results in less than significant impacts associated with potential impacts to utility services such as water supply/water supply services due to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (Truckee 2006, p. 4.13-8), wastewater service due to existing capacity (Truckee 2006, p. 4.13-12), drainage facilities due to the requirements of CEQA (Truckee 2006, p. 4.13- 16), and solid waste due to existing capacity (Truckee 2006, p. 4.13-20). The Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility is located within Sierra County and land use in this area is regulated by the Sierra County General Plan (Sierra County 1996). Neither TDPUD nor Sierra County anticipates any development or population growth in this area. As previously stated, TDPUD is currently under contract with WAPA for hydroelectric generation located at the Stampede Reservoir Dam and it is for this reason that TDPUD proposes to include the Stampede Reservoir Dam within its SOI. Furthermore, as stated above neither TDPUD nor Sierra County anticipates any development or population growth in this area. According to the Sierra County General Plan, it is the County's intent to confine the extension of development -serving public facilities to "Community Core Areas" within Sierra County. Areas that are outside of the "Community Core Areas" or "Community Influence Areas," such as the Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility, are intended to be maintained for natural resources. The approval of the District -preferred TDPUD SOI for electric service would not result in population growth and thus, would not result in utility service -related impacts to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the existing environmental documents as the project does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. Any future activities are required to adhere to the jurisdictional appropriate utility service -related policy provisions. Such impacts associated with the District -preferred SOI for electric service will not be discussed in the forthcoming EIR. Water Service The District -preferred SOI for water service proposes to maintain the current SOI for water services. Therefore, the District -preferred SOI boundary would result in no change compared with the current SOI and there is no potential for an expansion of water service facilities into any areas that have not been previously accounted for development. The project does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. As a result, the approval of the District -preferred TDPUD SOI for water service would not result in utility service impacts to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the existing environmental documents. All future activities are required to adhere to the jurisdictional appropriate utility service -related policy provisions. Public service impacts associated with the District -preferred SOI for water service will not be discussed in the forthcoming EIR. Mitigation and Residual Impact: No mitigation is required. TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 47 Less Than Reviewed Potentially Significant Less Than No Under Significant Impact with Significant Impact Previous Impact Mitigation Impact Document Incorporated 13. Aesthetics. Would the project result in: a) Demonstrable, negative, aesthetic effects on El El ❑ scenic vistas or views open to the public? 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 El El Elor 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? e) A visually incompatible structure within a designated historic district? Impact Discussion: Existing regulations addressing visual treatment of new development, i.e., lighting impacts and screening, will not be reduced by this project. No impacts to aesthetic resources will occur as a result of the proposed project because the project will not result in any development. The project will not result in development since neither Nevada County LAFCo nor TDPUD has any regulatory land use authority within the Sphere of Influence area. The land use jurisdiction over all the land within the proposed SOIs would remain with either Nevada, Placer, or Sierra counties, or the Town of Truckee. The project does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. Therefore, the approval of either proposed SOI (LAFCo-recommended or District -preferred) would not cause any physical changes in the environment and no adverse impact related to aesthetic resources can occur to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the EIRs described in the "Introduction" section provided above. LAFCo-Recommended Truckee Donner Public Utility District Sphere of Influence Electric and Water Service As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, the LAFCo-recommended SOI boundary would substantially reduce the amount of Nevada County and Placer County lands within the TDPUD SOI compared with existing conditions by eliminating much of the current SOI area in public ownership and those areas not expected or anticipated to be developed. There is no potential for an expansion of electric or water service facilities into any areas that have not previously accounted for such development since the existing TDPUD SOI would be reduced. The LAFCo- recommended SOI boundary would not expand into any areas not currently in the existing TDPUD SOI and does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. As a result, the approval of the LAFCo-recommended SOI would not cause any physical changes in the environment, and therefore no adverse impact associated with aesthetic resources can occur to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the existing environmental documents. Aesthetic -related impacts associated with the LAFCo-recommended SOI will not be discussed in the forthcoming EIR. TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 48 District -Preferred Truckee Donner Public Utility District Sphere of Influence Electric Service As previously described, the District -preferred SOI boundary proposes to maintain most of the area of the existing TDPUD SOI for electric service in conjunction with an expansion of three square miles at the southeast corner of the existing SOI in Placer County (Northstar Load), the expansion of 23.5 square miles at the north of the existing SOI in Nevada County (Hobart Mills Load, Russell Valley Load, and Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility), and the reduction of eight square miles of the existing SOI at its eastern edge, in Nevada County (Figure 3). The Northstar area in Placer County is regulated by the Martis Valley Community Plan (Placer County 2003a) (The Placer County General Plan defers to the Martis Valley Community Plan Land Use Diagram to provide the specific land use designations). According to the DEIR prepared for the Martis Valley Community Plan (Placer County 2003b), significant and unavoidable aesthetic -related impacts occur regarding alteration of public and private views (Placer County 2003a, p. 4.12-22), increased nighttime lighting (Placer County 2003a, p. 4.12-35), and cumulative aesthetic impacts (Placer County 2003a, p. 4.12-37) and less than significant impacts occur regarding alternation of views from highways outside the Plan area (Placer County 2003a, p. 4.12-9) and daytime glare (Placer County 2003a, p. 4.12-32). The Hobart Mills and Russell Valley area is regulated by the Nevada County General Plan (Nevada County 1994). The DEIR prepared for the Nevada County General Plan states that the General Plan could impact the significant stands of oak trees in the western portion of the County yet protective policies contained within the General Plan limit this potential to a less than significant level (Nevada County 1995, Section 4.6). General Plan policies also help to achieve less than significant impacts in regard to the potential to adversely affect the scenic value of the waterways, the potential to negatively affect roadside scenery, the affects of tall buildings as well as development sprawl, and light and glare issues (Nevada County 1995, Section 4.6). Portions of the District -preferred SOI expansion areas include lands within the Town of Truckee sphere. While these lands are still currently under the land use jurisdiction of Nevada County, it is foreseeable that they could be annexed into the Town at some point in the near future. According to the DEIR prepared for the Truckee General Plan (Truckee 2006), implementation of the 2025 General Plan results in less than significant impacts associated with aesthetic resources due to the goals, policies, and actions of the General Plan (Truckee 2006, p. 4.1-19 — 4.1- 34). These less than significant determinations pertain to the visual character of Truckee, scenic vistas, scenic highways, and light and glare issues. Implementation of the 2025 General Plan was found to result in a significant and unavoidable impact in terms of cumulative aesthetic resource impacts (Truckee 2006, p. 4.1-34). The Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility is located within Sierra County and land use in this area is regulated by the Sierra County General Plan (Sierra County 1996). Neither TDPUD nor Sierra County anticipates any development or population growth in this area. As previously stated, TDPUD is currently under contract with WAPA for hydroelectric generation located at the Stampede Reservoir Dam and it is for this reason that TDPUD proposes to include the Stampede Reservoir Dam within its SOI. Furthermore, as stated above neither TDPUD nor Sierra County anticipates any development or population growth in this area. According to the Sierra County General Plan, it is the County's intent to confine the extension of development -serving public facilities to "Community Core Areas" within Sierra County. Areas that are outside of the "Community Core Areas" or "Community Influence Areas," such as the Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility, are intended to be maintained for natural resources. The approval of the District -preferred TDPUD SOI for electric service would not result in aesthetic -related impacts to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the existing environmental documents as the project does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 49 infrastructure. Such impacts associated with the District -preferred SOI for electric service will not be discussed in the forthcoming EIR. Water Service The District -preferred SOI for water service proposes to maintain the current SOI for water services. Therefore, the District -preferred SOI boundary would result in no change compared with the current SOI and there is no potential for an expansion of water service facilities into any areas that have not been previously accounted for development. The project does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. As a result, the approval of the District -preferred TDPUD SOI for water service would not result in aesthetic resource impacts to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the existing environmental documents. Any future activities are required to adhere to the jurisdictional appropriate aesthetic -related policy provisions. Aesthetic resource impacts associated with the District -preferred SOI for water service will not be discussed in the forthcoming EIR. Mitigation & Residual Impact: No mitigation is required. TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 50 Less Than Reviewed Potentially Significant Less Than No Under Significant Impact with Significant Impact Previous Impact Mitigation Impact Document Incorporated 14. Agriculture and Forestry Resources. Would the project result in: a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the El El ElFarmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non- agricultural use? b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, El El Elor a Williamson Act contract? c) Involve other changes in the existing environment, which due to their location or El El El H H nature, could result in conversion of Farmland, to non-agricultural use? d) Result in the loss of forest land or conversation 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 or conversion of forest land to non -forest use? Impact Discussion: No new development will occur as a result of this project, no agricultural land will be affected by the project as no agricultural lands occur within the project area and no timber or forest resources will be converted or otherwise modified as a result of the project. The proposed project does not propose any changes to land use regulations related to agricultural uses. The project will not result in development since neither Nevada County LAFCo nor TDPUD has any regulatory land use authority within the Sphere of Influence area. The land use jurisdiction over all the land within the proposed SOIs would remain with either Nevada, Placer, or Sierra counties, or the Town of Truckee. The project does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. Therefore, the approval of either proposed SOI (LAFCo-recommended or District -preferred) would not cause any physical changes in the environment and no adverse impact related to agricultural or forest land resources can occur to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the EIRs described in the "Introduction" section provided above. LAFCo-Recommended Truckee Donner Public Utilitv District Sphere of Influence Electric and Water Service As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, the LAFCo-recommended SOI boundary would substantially reduce the amount of Nevada County and Placer County lands within the TDPUD SOI compared with existing conditions by eliminating much of the current SOI area in public ownership and those areas not expected or anticipated to be developed. There is no potential for an expansion of electric or water service facilities into any areas that have not previously accounted for such development since the existing TDPUD SOI would be reduced. The LAFCo- recommended SOI boundary would not expand into any areas not currently in the existing TDPUD SOI and does TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 51 not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. As a result, the approval of the LAFCo-recommended SOI would not cause any physical changes in the environment, and therefore no adverse impact associated with agricultural or forest land resources can occur to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the existing environmental documents. Such impacts associated with the LAFCo-recommended SOI will not be discussed in the forthcoming EIR. District -Preferred Truckee Donner Public Utility District Sphere of Influence Electric Service As previously described, the District -preferred SOI boundary proposes to maintain most of the area of the existing TDPUD SOI for electric service in conjunction with an expansion of three square miles at the southeast corner of the existing SOI in Placer County (Northstar Load), the expansion of 23.5 square miles at the north of the existing SOI in Nevada County (Hobart Mills Load, Russell Valley Load, and Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility), and the reduction of eight square miles of the existing SOI at its eastern edge, in Nevada County (Figure 3). The Northstar area in Placer County is regulated by the Martis Valley Community Plan (Placer County 2003a) (The Placer County General Plan defers to the Martis Valley Community Plan Land Use Diagram to provide the specific land use designations). The DEIR prepared for the Martis Valley Community Plan (Placer County 2003b) did not identify any potential impacts to agricultural or forest land resources. The Hobart Mills and Russell Valley area is regulated by the Nevada County General Plan (Nevada County 1994). The DEIR prepared for the Nevada County General Plan states that build -out of the General Plan could result in the loss or degradation of oak trees in the western portion of the County, the loss of riparian habitat, and/or the loss or degradation of timberlands. However, such potential impacts are reduced to a less than significant level as a result of protective policy provisions contained within the General Plan (Nevada County 1995, Section 4.4). Portions of the District -preferred SOI expansion areas include lands within the Town of Truckee sphere. While these lands are still currently under the land use jurisdiction of Nevada County, it is foreseeable that they could be annexed into the Town at some point in the near future. The DEIR prepared for the Truckee General Plan (Truckee 2006) does not identify any significant impacts associated with agricultural or forest lands. Less than significant determinations were assigned to riparian habitat and sensitive natural communities and conflicts with local ordinances and policies. The Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility is located within Sierra County and land use in this area is regulated by the Sierra County General Plan (Sierra County 1996). Neither TDPUD nor Sierra County anticipates any development or population growth in this area. As previously stated, TDPUD is currently under contract with WAPA for hydroelectric generation located at the Stampede Reservoir Dam and it is for this reason that TDPUD proposes to include the Stampede Reservoir Dam within its SOI. Furthermore, as stated above neither TDPUD nor Sierra County anticipates any development or population growth in this area. According to the Sierra County General Plan, it is the County's intent to confine the extension of development -serving public facilities to "Community Core Areas" within Sierra County. Areas that are outside of the "Community Core Areas" or "Community Influence Areas," such as the Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility, are intended to be maintained for natural resources. The approval of the District -preferred TDPUD SOI for electric service would not result in agricultural or forest land resource impacts to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the existing environmental documents as the project does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. Such impacts associated with the District -preferred SOI for electric service will not be discussed in the forthcoming EIR. TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 52 Water Service The District -preferred SOI for water service proposes to maintain the current SOI for water services. Therefore, the District -preferred SOI boundary would result in no change compared with the current SOI and there is no potential for an expansion of water service facilities into any areas that have not been previously accounted for development. The project does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. As a result, the approval of the District -preferred TDPUD SOI for water service would not result in impacts to agricultural or forest land resources to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the existing environmental documents. Any future activities are required to adhere to the jurisdictional appropriate policy provisions. Agricultural and forest land resource impacts associated with the District -preferred SOI for water service will not be discussed in the forthcoming EIR. Mitigation & Residual Impact: No mitigation is required. TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 53 Less Than Reviewed Potentially Significant Less Than No Under Significant Impact with Significant Impact Previous Impact Mitigation Impact Document Incorporated 15. Cultural Resources. Would the project: a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource as defined in ❑ Section 15064.5 of the CEQA Guidelines? b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource El El Elpursuant to Section 15064.5 of the CEQA Guidelines? 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? Impact Discussion: No impacts to cultural resources will occur as a result of the proposed project because the project will not result in any increase in development. The project will not result in development since neither Nevada County LAFCo nor TDPUD has any regulatory land use authority within the Sphere of Influence area. The land use jurisdiction over all the land within the proposed SOIs would remain with either Nevada, Placer, or Sierra counties or the Town of Truckee. The project does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. Therefore, the approval of either proposed SOI (LAFCo- recommended or District -preferred) would not cause any physical changes in the environment, and therefore no adverse impact related to cultural resources can occur to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the EIRs described in the "Introduction" section provided above. LAFCo-Recommended Truckee Donner Public Utility District Sphere of Influence Electric and Water Service As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, the LAFCo-recommended SOI boundary would substantially reduce the amount of Nevada County and Placer County lands within the TDPUD SOI compared with existing conditions by eliminating much of the current SOI area in public ownership and those areas not expected or anticipated to be developed. There is no potential for an expansion of electric or water service facilities into any areas that have not previously accounted for such development since the existing TDPUD SOI would be reduced. The LAFCo- recommended SOI boundary would not expand into any areas not currently in the existing TDPUD SOI and does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. As a result, the approval of the LAFCo-recommended SOI would not cause any physical changes in the environment, and therefore no adverse impact associated with cultural resources can occur to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the existing environmental documents. Such impacts associated with the LAFCo-recommended SOI will not be discussed in the forthcoming EIR. TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 54 District -Preferred Truckee Donner Public Utility District Sphere of Influence Electric Service As previously described, the District -preferred SOI boundary proposes to maintain most of the area of the existing TDPUD SOI for electric service in conjunction with an expansion of three square miles at the southeast corner of the existing SOI in Placer County (Northstar Load), the expansion of 23.5 square miles at the north of the existing SOI in Nevada County (Hobart Mills Load, Russell Valley Load, and Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility), and the reduction of eight square miles of the existing SOI at its eastern edge, in Nevada County (Figure 3). The Northstar area in Placer County is regulated by the Martis Valley Community Plan (Placer County 2003a) (The Placer County General Plan defers to the Martis Valley Community Plan Land Use Diagram to provide the specific land use designations). According to the DEIR prepared for the Community Plan, impacts to prehistoric and historic resources in the Plan area as well as paleontological resource impacts are less than significant under both project and cumulative conditions (Placer County 2003a, p. 4.10-17, 4.10-20, 4.10-21, & 4.10-23). The Hobart Mills and Russell Valley area is regulated by the Nevada County General Plan (Nevada County 1994). The DEIR prepared for the Nevada County General Plan (Nevada County 1995, Section 4.5) states that build -out of the General Plan could result in the disturbance to known or undiscovered cultural resource sites related to development as well as increased vandalism. However, such potential impacts are reduced to a less than significant level as a result of policy provisions contained within the General Plan. Portions of the District -preferred SOI expansion areas include lands within the Town of Truckee sphere. While these lands are still currently under the land use jurisdiction of Nevada County, it is foreseeable that they could be annexed into the Town at some point in the near future. According to the DEIR prepared for the Truckee General Plan (Truckee 2006), implementation of the 2025 General Plan results in less than significant impacts to cultural resources (Truckee 2006, p. 4.4-14 — 4.4-16) due to the goals, policies, and actions of the General Plan. These less than significant determinations pertain to historical resources and archaeological and paleontological resources. The Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility is located within Sierra County and land use in this area is regulated by the Sierra County General Plan (Sierra County 1996). Neither TDPUD nor Sierra County anticipates any development or population growth in this area. As previously stated, TDPUD is currently under contract with WAPA for hydroelectric generation located at the Stampede Reservoir Dam and it is for this reason that TDPUD proposes to include the Stampede Reservoir Dam within its SOI. Furthermore, as stated above neither TDPUD nor Sierra County anticipates any development or population growth in this area. According to the Sierra County General Plan, it is the County's intent to confine the extension of development -serving public facilities to "Community Core Areas" within Sierra County. Areas that are outside of the "Community Core Areas" or "Community Influence Areas," such as the Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility, are intended to be maintained for natural resources. The approval of the LAFCo-recommended TDPUD SOI for electric service would not result in cultural resource impacts to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the existing environmental documents as the project does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. Any future activities are required to adhere to the jurisdictional appropriate policy provisions. Cultural resource impacts associated with the District -preferred SOI for electric service will not be discussed in the forthcoming EIR. Water Service The District -preferred SOI for water service proposes to maintain the current SOI for water services. Therefore, the District -preferred SOI boundary would result in no change compared with the current SOI and there is no TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 55 potential for an expansion of water service facilities into any areas that have not been previously accounted for development. The project does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. As a result, the approval of the District -preferred TDPUD SOI for water service would not result in impacts to cultural resources to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the existing environmental documents. All future activities are required to adhere to the jurisdictional appropriate policy provisions. Cultural resource impacts associated with the District -preferred SOI for water service will not be discussed in the forthcoming EIR. Mitigation and Residual Impact: No Cultural Resource mitigation is required. TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 56 Less Than Reviewed Potentially Significant Less Than No Under Significant Impact with Significant Impact Previous Impact Mitigation Impact Document Incorporated 16. Recreation. Would the project: a) Increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such El El ❑ 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 El El Elrecreational facilities that might have an adverse physical effect on the environment? c) A conflict with established recreation uses of the area, including biking, equestrian and/or hiking ❑ ❑ ❑ trails? Impact Discussion: No impacts to recreation resources will occur as a result of the proposed project because the project will not result in any increase in development. The project will not result in development since neither Nevada County LAFCo nor TDPUD has any regulatory land use authority within the Sphere of Influence area. The land use jurisdiction over all the land within the proposed SOIs would remain with either Nevada, Placer, Sierra counties, or the Town of Truckee. The project does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. Therefore, the approval of either proposed SOI (LAFCo- recommended or District -preferred) would not cause any physical changes in the environment and no adverse impact related to recreation can occur to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the EIRs described in the "Introduction" section provided above. LAFCo-Recommended Truckee Donner Public Utility District Sphere of Influence Electric and Water Service As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, the LAFCo-recommended SOI boundary would substantially reduce the amount of Nevada County and Placer County lands within the TDPUD SOI compared with existing conditions by eliminating much of the current SOI area in public ownership and those areas not expected or anticipated to be developed. There is no potential for an expansion of electric or water service facilities into any areas that have not previously accounted for such development since the existing TDPUD SOI would be reduced. The LAFCo- recommended SOI boundary would not expand into any areas not currently in the existing TDPUD SOI and does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. As a result, the approval of the LAFCo-recommended SOI would not cause any physical changes in the environment, and therefore no adverse impact associated with recreation can occur to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the existing environmental documents. Recreation -related impacts associated with the LAFCo-recommended SOI will not be discussed in the forthcoming EIR. TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 57 District -Preferred Truckee Donner Public Utility District Sphere of Influence Electric Service As previously described, the District -preferred SOI boundary proposes to maintain most of the area of the existing TDPUD SOI for electric service in conjunction with an expansion of three square miles at the southeast corner of the existing SOI in Placer County (Northstar Load), the expansion of 23.5 square miles at the north of the existing SOI in Nevada County (Hobart Mills Load, Russell Valley Load, and Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility), and the reduction of eight square miles of the existing SOI at its eastern edge, in Nevada County (Figure 3). The Northstar area in Placer County is regulated by the Martis Valley Community Plan (Placer County 2003a) (The Placer County General Plan defers to the Martis Valley Community Plan Land Use Diagram to provide the specific land use designations). According to the DEIR prepared for the Martis Valley Community Plan (Placer County 2003b), impacts relating to parks and recreation are all less than significant with the implementation of mitigation measures (Placer County 2003a, p. 4.11-92). The Hobart Mills and Russell Valley area is regulated by the Nevada County General Plan (Nevada County 1994 The DEIR prepared for the Nevada County General Plan (Nevada County 1995, Section 4.10) states that build -out of the County General Plan could result in impacts to parks and recreation facility standards. This impact was found to be less than significant due to Nevada County General Plan policies that minimize the impact (Nevada County 1995, Section 4.10). Portions of the District -preferred SOI expansion areas include lands within the Town of Truckee sphere. While these lands are still currently under the land use jurisdiction of Nevada County, it is foreseeable that they could be annexed into the Town at some point in the near future. According to the DEIR prepared for the Truckee General Plan (Truckee 2006), implementation of the 2025 General Plan results in less than significant impacts associated with potential impacts to parks and recreation facilities due to the goals, policies, and actions of the General Plan (Truckee 2006, p. 4.11-16). The Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility is located within Sierra County and land use in this area is regulated by the Sierra County General Plan (Sierra County 1996). Neither TDPUD nor Sierra County anticipates any development or population growth in this area. As previously stated, TDPUD is currently under contract with WAPA for hydroelectric generation located at the Stampede Reservoir Dam and it is for this reason that TDPUD proposes to include the Stampede Reservoir Dam within its SOI. Furthermore, as stated above neither TDPUD nor Sierra County anticipates any development or population growth in this area. According to the Sierra County General Plan, it is the County's intent to confine the extension of development -serving public facilities to "Community Core Areas" within Sierra County. Areas that are outside of the "Community Core Areas" or "Community Influence Areas," such as the Stampede Reservoir Generation Facility, are intended to be maintained for natural resources. The approval of the District -preferred TDPUD SOI for electric service would not result in population growth and thus, would not result in recreational -related impacts to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the existing environmental documents as the project does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. All future activities are required to adhere to the jurisdictional appropriate policy provisions. Recreation impacts associated with the District -preferred SOI for electric service will not be discussed in the forthcoming EIR. Water Service The District -preferred SOI for water service proposes to maintain the current SOI for water services. Therefore, the District -preferred SOI boundary would result in no change compared with the current SOI and there is no TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 58 potential for an expansion of water service facilities into any areas that have not been previously accounted for development. The project does not propose the change of any existing land use designations or facilitate the construction of any physical infrastructure. As a result, the approval of the District -preferred TDPUD SOI for water service would not result in recreation impacts to an extent beyond that previously analyzed in the existing environmental documents. All future activities are required to adhere to the jurisdictional appropriate recreation - related policy provisions. Recreation impacts associated with the District -preferred SOI for water service will not be discussed in the forthcoming EIR. Mitigation and Residual Impact: No mitigation is required. TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 59 Less Than Reviewed 1 � Potentially Significant Significant Impact with Less Than Significant No Under R17.G,eenhouse Impact Previous Impact Mitigation Impact Document Incorporated 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 an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing ® ❑ ❑ the emissions of greenhouse gases? Impact Discussion: While the project will not result in increased development, greenhouse gas impacts were not analyzed in either the Nevada, Placer County, Martis Valley or Town of Truckee General Plan EIR's; or Sierra County General Plan . The change in the SOI boundary could promote and result in greenhouse gas emissions from energy sources that are not in compliance with the State of California renewable energy standards or which represent a reduction in the overall amount of renewable energy within the portfolio of the potential service provider. Therefore, potential greenhouse gas impacts associated with both proposed SOIs (LAFCo-recommended or District -preferred) will be discussed in the forthcoming EIR. Mitigation and Residual Impact: This impact issue will be analyzed further in the forthcoming EIR TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 60 Less Than Reviewed Potentially Significant Less Than No Under Significant Impact with Significant Impact Previous Impact Mitigation Impact Document Incorporated 18. Mandatory Findings of Significant Environmental Effect. Would the project: a) Does the project have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or ❑ ❑ ❑ animal community, reduce the number or restrict E the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of major periods of California's history or prehistory? b) Does the project have environmental effects, which are individually limited but cumulatively considerable? (,Cumulatively considerable" means that the incremental effects of the project ❑ ❑ are considered when viewed in connection with the effects of past, current, and probable future projects.) c) Does the project have environmental effects, which will cause substantial adverse effects on ❑ ❑ ❑ human beings, either directly or indirectly? d) Alternatives to the Proposed_ Action: Does the project require the discussion and evaluation of a ® ❑ El ❑ El of reasonable alternatives, which could feasibly attain the basic objectives of the project? RECOMMENDATION OF THE PROJECT PLANNER: 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 "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 retrain to be addressed. June 29 2012 Sk Jones, rogram Manager/LAFCo Executive Officer Date Ref e-reaeA TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 61 References Nevada County. 1994. Nevada County General Plan. 1994 (amended through 2010). Nevada County. 1995. Nevada County General Plan Draft Environmental Impact Report. 1995. Placer County. 2003a. Martis Valley Community Plan. 2003. Placer County. 2003b. Martis Valley Community Plan Final Environmental Impact Report. 2003 Sierra County. 1996. Sierra County General Plan. October 1996. Truckee, Town of. 2005. Town of Truckee 2025 General Plan. 2005. Truckee, Town of. 2006. Town of Truckee 2025 General Plan Draft Environmental Impact Report. 2006. TDPUD SOI Update Initial Study — pg. 62 COUNTY OF PLACER BOARD MEMBERS JACK DURAN JIM HOLMES District 1 District 3 ROBERT M_ WEYGANDT KIRK UHLER District 2 District 4 JENNIFER MONTGOMERY District 5 July 27, 2012 S.R. Jones, Executive Director Nevada County LAFCO 950 Maidu Avenue Nevada City, CA 95959 OFFICE OF COUNTY EXECUTIVE David Boesch, County Executive Officer 175 FULWEILER AVENUE IAUBURN, CALIFORNIA95603 TELEPHONE: 5301889-4030 FAX: 5301889-4023 www.placer.ca.gov I AUG -- 1 2012 NEVADA COUNTY — LAFCo RE: Notice of Preparation of an Environmental Impact Report for the proposed Truckee Donner Public Utility District Sphere of Influence Plan Update Dear Ms. Jones: This letter is provided in response to the Nevada County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) circulation of the referenced Notice of Preparation (NOP). The project description in the NOP appears consistent with the documentation reviewed last year regarding the Sphere of Influence (SOI) update. At this time Placer County restates our prior comments that were conveyed in the letter dated July 13, 2011 (attached). While the services involved, electricity and water, are not specific services directly provided by Placer County, the LAFCO-recommended SOI that assumes some pull back from within the Placer County territory remains a preferred scenario. This scenario would result in the Truckee Donner Public Utility District continuing to provide water and electricity services within the district boundary where it has been determined that infill development would most likely occur, mainly in Nevada County. We look forward to receiving a copy of the Draft Environmental Impact Report for review and please do not hesitate to contact the County Executive Office if you have any questions. Sincerely, COUNT LPL Allison Carlos Principal Management Analyst Attachment C: Jennifer Montgomery, Placer County Supervisor District 5 David Boesch, Placer County Executive Officer Holly Heinzen, Placer County Chief Assistant County Executive Officer Kris Berry, Placer County LAFCO Executive Director COUNTY OF PLACER BOARD MEMBERS JACK DURAN JIM HOLMES District 1 District 3 RORERT M. WEYGANDT KIRK UHLER 010id 2 Dlstrict 4 JENNIFER MONTGOMERY Disina 5 July 13, 2011 S.R. Jones, Executive Officer Nevada County LAFCO 950 Maida Avenue Nevada City, CA 95959 OFFICE OF COUNTY EXECUTIVE THOMA5 M. MILLER, County Executive Officer 175 FULWEILER AVENUE I AUBURN, CALIFORNIA 95603 TELEPHONE: 5301889-4030 FAX: 5301889-4023 www.placer.c,a.gov RE: Truckee Donner Public Utility District — Sphere of Influence Update Dear Ms. Jones, Placer County is providing comments to the Nevada County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) proposed update of the Sphere of Influence of the Truckee Donner Public Utility District (PUD), Our review considered the Preliminary Draft Sphere of Influence Plan Update for the Truckee Donner Public Utility District dated May 10, 2011 (Draft SOI Plan), and the Truckee Donner Public Utility District's preferred sphere of influence request dated June 15, 2011 (PUD request). In summary, the services affected by the proposed update are provided by Northstar Community Services District and Placer County Water Agency (PCWA), While there are no specific other services provided directly by the County being addressed, we would agree with and support the recommendations of the Draft SOI Plan that would modify the sphere of influence to eliminate planned PUD water and electricity services outside of the current district boundary. The Draft SOI Plan concludes development is anticipated to be infill projects in the coming years with no reasonable potential for expansion to the territory in the short term. We do not support the PUD request as that would result in unnecessary duplication of services and suggests a more aggressive new growth potential that is not expected in these economic times. Please do not hesitate to me or Allison Carlos at 889-4030 if you have questions regarding these comments. Sincerely, COUNTY OF PLACER ode—'kn • ww�� Thomas M. Miller, Placer County Executive Officer TM:ac CC: Jennifer Montgomery, Placer County Supervisor District 5 Holly Heinzen, Placer County Assistant County Executive Officer Kris Berry, Placer County LAFCO Executive Director s_rATE OF CALIFORNIA—BUSINESS, TRANSPORTATION AND HOUSING AGENCY _ EDMUND G. BROWN Jr., Governor DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT 3 703 B STREET MARYSVILLE, CA 95901-0911 PHONE (530) 741-4004 FAX (530) 741-5346 TTY 711 July 27, 2012 SR Jones, Executive Director Nevada County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) 950 Maidu Avenue Nevada City, CA 95959 ti ffi�(R' REP AUG -- 1 2012 NEVADA COUNTY --LAFCo Flex your power? Be energy efficient? 032012TAH0017 TAH-VAR/M 0.27 SCH #: 2012062081 Truckee -Donner Public Utilities District —Municipal Services Review —Five Year Sphere of Influence Update —Notice of Preparation (NOP) Dear Ms. Jones: Thank you for including the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) in the environmental review process for the project referenced above. The project will establish updated boundaries of municipal service providers in the Truckee area. We have reviewed the NOP and have no comment on the analysis at this time. However, future actions within the project area may call for an encroachment permit. Encroachment Permit Please be advised that any work or traffic control that encroaches onto the State right-of-way (ROW) requires an encroachment permit that is issued by Caltrans. To apply, a completed encroachment permit application, environmental documentation, and five (5) sets of plans clearly indicating State ROW must be submitted to the address below. Information pertaining to the encroachment permit and contact information, may be found at the following website linked below. http://www.dot.ca. og v/hq/traffops/developserv/permits/ Application packages are submitted to Bruce Capaul, District Office Chief, Office of Permits, California Department of Transportation, District 3, 703 B Street, Marysville, CA 95901. Early Notification Please send project applications and ministerial actions within one quarter of a mile from the State Highway System for our review. Since applications are a valuable form of early notification, this is particularly beneficial in helping us identify critical project issues early in the environmental process. Since we are concerned about issues such as potential impacts to biological and cultural resources in State ROW as well as potential traffic impacts, early notification and review of project applications can save substantial time and effort for both the applicant and the County. " Callrans improves mobility across California" Ms. SR Jones/Nevada County LAFCo July 27, 2012 Page 2 If you have any questions regarding this letter, please contact Angela Shepard of my staff by telephone at (530) 740-4992, or by email: Angela shepard@dot.ca.gov. Sincerely, l� GARY A NOLD, Chief Office of ansportation Planning —North c: Scott Morgan, State Clearinghouse "Calirans improves mobility across California" Truckee Donner Public Utility District July 23, 2012 Nevada County LAFCo SR Jones, LAFCo Executive Officer 950 Maidu Avenue Nevada City, CA 95959 JUL 00G cult2 �,;OUNTY FCo_ Directors Joseph R. Aguera Jeff Bender J. Ron Hemig Tony Laliotis Vacant Position General Manager Michael D. Holley Subject: Comments on Nevada County LAFCo's Notice of Preparation and Initial Study for Truckee Donner Public Utility District Sphere of Influence Plan Update; dated June 29, 2012 Dear Ms. Jones: Please find the Truckee Donner Public Utility District's (TDPUD) comments on the Nevada County LAFCo's Notice of Preparation (NoP) and Initial Study (IS) for TDPUD Sphere of Influence (SOI) Plan Update; dated June 29, 2012. Comments on NoP: 1. Page 2, Paragraph starting with "In order to establish the sphere of influence"; Impact on Greenhouse Gas Production should be added to the list of required determinations. 2. Page 4, Long -Term Sphere for Electric Service, the sentence under this heading references "the constraints on expansion of the electric utility service territory" without any explanation or description of the perceived constraints. Such an explanation or description should be added. 3. Page 6, Potential Impacts Identified in the Attached Initial Study for the Proposed Project has as its first two bullet points the Contribution to cumulative degradation of air quality in an impacted air quality basin and Potential impacts associated with Green house Gas (GHG) emissions associated with the proposed project. While the "Proposed Project" is defined as both Nevada County LAFCo's recommended sphere of influence and TDPUD's preferred sphere of influence, TDPUD's preferred sphere of influence would result in improved air quality and reduced GHG. Comments on IS: 1. Page 1, Project Location, the statement in the third sentence reading "the Truckee's proposed sphere of influence" is unclear and should be revised to clearly state which proposed sphere of influence is being referenced. 2. Page I, Electric Service, the sentence states that one of the reasons that LAFCo's recommended sphere of influence reduces the lands within TDPUD's SOI is because "those areas not [sic] expected or anticipated to be developed." It is is unclear whether this statement 11570 Donner Pass Rd - Truckee, CA 96161 - Phone 530-587-3896 - Fax 530-587-5056- www.tdpud.org is inaccurate and should refer to the short term because in the Notice of Preparation at page 3, 2nd paragraph under the section Nevada County LAFCo Recommended Sphere of influence it is stated that "Development of territory outside the District's boundaries is likely to occur not in the short term but in the long term, with some exceptions." 3. Page 8, third paragraph, the reference to Government Code Section 56425 should be checked. 4. Page 9, Potential Impacts Identified in the Attached Initial Study for the Proposed Project has as its first two bullet points the Contribution to cumulative degradation of air quality in an impacted air quality basin and Potential impacts associated with Green house Gas (GHG) emissions associated with the proposed project. While the "Proposed Project" is defined as both Nevada County LAFCo's recommended sphere of influence and TDPUD's preferred sphere of influence, TDPUD's preferred sphere of influence would result in improved air quality and reduced GHG. 5. Page 10, Project Environmental Setting, second paragraph in this section, sentence reading "Power is provided through four electrical substations and 15 distribution circuits throughout Truckee." should read Power is provided through four electrical substations and one metering point through 15 distribution circuits throughout Truckee. 6. Page 10, Project Environmental Setting, second paragraph in section, sentence reading "TDPUD is a transmission dependent utility (TDU) of Liberty Energy and has a network integrated transmission service (NITS) agreement with Liberty Energy that enables TDPUD to utilize the Liberty Energy transmission system for delivery of electricity to TDPUD's electric distribution." should read TDPUD is a transmission dependent utility (TDU) of NV Energy and has a network integrated transmission service (NITS) agreement with NV Energy that enables TDPUD to utilize NV Energy's transmission system for delivery of electricity to TDPUD's electric distribution. 7. Page 10, Project Environmental Setting, third paragraph in section, first sentence; replace Liberty Energy's with NV Energy's. 8. Page 10, last paragraph, third sentence, the phrase "long-term storage of the basin" should be restated as `long-term yield of the basin. " 9. Page 60, Section 17, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Impact Discussion Section, second sentence reading "The change in the SOI boundary could promote and result in greenhouse gas emissions from energy sources that are not in compliance with the State of California renewable energy standards or which represent a reduction in overall amount of renewable energy within the portfolio of the potential service provider." a. The portion of this sentence reading "The change in the SOI boundary ...", is vague and ambiguous as to which change the author is referring. Is the author referring to LAFCo's Proposed SOI or TDPUD's Preferred SOI? b. Further, based upon supporting documentation provided by TDPUD to LAFCo and its consultant, the first half of the sentence cannot be supported given the established fact that TDPUD is already in compliance with the State of California's 2020 renewable portfolio standard (RPS). c. The second half of the sentence is also completely unsupported given that neither LAFCo, nor its consultant, have produced any documentation that would support a conclusion that changes in the SOI may result in the reduction of the overall amount of renewable energy from any service provider. In fact the opposite is true. TDPUD has 11570 Donner Pass Rd - Truckee, CA 96161 - Phone 530-587-3896 - Fax 530-587-5056- www.tdpud.org provided documentation to LAFCo demonstrating that the resultant greenhouse gas impact associated with TDPUD's electric power generation mix results in significantly less greenhouse gas production than the equivalent amount of electric power produced by Liberty Energy's electric power generation. 10. Page 60, Section 17, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Impact Discussion Section should also state that Nevada County LAFCo will consider the following factors when assessing the significance of impacts from greenhouse gas emissions on the environment: a. The extent to which the project may increase or reduce greenhouse gas emissions as compared to the existing environmental setting; b. Whether the project emissions exceed a threshold of significance that the lead agency determines applies to the project. c. The extent to which the project complies with regulations or requirements adopted to implement a statewide, regional, or local plan for the reduction or mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions. Sincerely, Michael D. Holley General Manager 11570 Donner Pass Rd - Truckee, CA 96161 - Phone 530-587-3896 - Fax 530-587-5056- www.tdpud.org PCWA water • energy • stewardship July 30, 2012 File No. General Info PLACER C O U N T Y WATER AGFNCY SINCE 1957 BOARD OF DIRECTORS BUSINESS CENTER Gray Allen, District 1 144 Ferguson Road Alex Ferreira, District 2 MAIL Lowell Jarvis, District 3 P.O. Box 6570 Mike Lee, District 4 Auburn, CA 95604 Ben Mavy, District 5 RHONE 530.823,4850 David Breninger, General Manager 800.464.0030 Ed Tiedemann, General Counsel WWW.PCWA.NET Ms. S.R. Jones, Executive Officer AUG 2012 Nevada County Local Agency Formation Commission 950 Maidu Avenue NEVADA COUNTY Nevada City, CA 95959 LAFCO SUBJECT: Notice of Preparation of an Environmental Impact Report for the Proposed Truckee Donner Public Utility District Sphere of Influence Plan Update Dear Ms. Jones: As you are aware the Placer County Water Agency has, over the past 16 years, developed a water system in Martis Valley. This water system provides domestic and fire protection water service to the Lahonton Subdivision, the Martis Camp Subdivision and the Shaffer's Mill Subdivision (previously known as Eaglewood and as Timilick). Our service area boundary is shown on the attached map. Based on the fact that PCWA has planned, designed and constructed a water system to serve this area we ask for your consideration in removing the PCWA service area from the Truckee Donner Public Utility District Water Sphere of Influence Boundary. Sincerely, Brian C. Martin, P.E. Director of Technical Services PC: Dave Breninger Einar Maisch BCM:sw zASw.LAFC0.7.30.12 ...,aurw.rr.,rlrulwlruu:.,�rlarlaui.,.Iwra..Iwlltllrlrlr I/ Q• � Ir SCHAFFERhl.' -- I .owLI.I.I rlwlaary• 1 I � ■ M LA14ONTAN PZ I ■ , of HOPKINS VILLAGE I! DEVELOPMENT ! i + G .r.Iwl.I...................lf iMrt�CI(ORM99. II rl.Iwl.1.I.I -.- wl.l.l.lalwlalw I U'gHin}-fn �� fY l-I tllr [w1 it ■ SCHAFFER: MILLjc 11 it cKN541 IlA z. DEVELOPMENT I, I`"p"" l - 111� FUTURE CARSON RANGE PRESSURE REDUUCING STATION U� f ARSON'AANGE i' \ • y �PROPC / TANK~' \ ♦'•r�• �� BUSINE ■ r�i.rw l...I...............c-4— r :�.a,cro,a.s=. w:ariria.r.�i.l ■ ■� �� ■ 1� +•iIMILICK PZ ■ JLAHONT CAMP MUIR�= i / TANK N 1 LAHONT� I WELL#1 SCHA ILL OAD ■ V t j LOWE a.44u rw1:� c.,vc sy. MARTIS AZ M Iu4r71tt'ry Pn UPPER tl MAPe iTIAa3 MAIMS PZ j tl f }\ w ,,,,•,„ •„ 1 SCHAFFER MILL ROAD tl 1 ■ aa❑ s. y LAN + 11 1 .W6 rq V -3 P F r lxr Aai j+ r PMi)I n ` R LANA �U �ISMI AT N' Il \ ei IHYDR IPNATIC) I `j /- • \�\ 11 r u OLANA_� \' TANK �Y I I ' n �I1 � F t- tl � u / WELL #3 $ D PCWA CENTER LAHONTAN 2 DEV�LOPMENT TAN 1 DEVELOPMENT f 11=rywlrlw-4l:.. iw.w.a.w w•F•Yrf. r/\w/. v MARTIS CAMP DEVELOPMENT I_ ' (SILLER RANCH) l ■ f M i a f ■ ■ i i •. i .,nr:.Iwi.lwl�lll w:r airlalwlr:re.lal r:rla:wsw SMR INEWHALL C[ PUMP & PRESSURE !! REDUCING STATION NEWHALL PZ ■ N NORTHSTAR EMERGENCY INTERTIE-! SCHAFFER MILL ROAD + 1 - - UPPER TANK + 1 - 1 TIMILIM PZ ■ Y FALLEN LEAF PZ tl � -V------ .Irlmin Iwl wlwlwLlw l.Iwla lair Iola I o r a —min a IN Iwlw Iwrr I al r lal alrl a lr lrl a 1.1.1.I....... IrL LIwIwlwlwl w lw1...1...1.........,.,...I. I. —boll lwl a......I.....,.,.,. 1. MARTIS VALLEY WATER SYSTEM SR Jones From: SR Jones Sent: Monday, July 30, 2012 10:34 AM To: 'Michael Smart' Subject: RE: Comments on TDPUD NOP and IS TkaAs, mickael. 15K From: Michael Smart [mailto:Michael.Smart@libertyutilities.com} Sent: Sunday, July 29, 2012 2:32 PM To: SR Jones Subject: Comments on TDPUD NOP and IS Re: Truckee Donner Public Utility District Sphere of Influence Plan Update Hi SR, I do have a few comments for consideration: oCatc��Pmc -. • The SOI Plan Update (on page 10) mistakenly states that TDPUD is a transmission dependent utility (TDU) of Liberty Energy and has a Network Integrated Transmission Service (NITS) Agreement with Liberty Energy that enables TDPUD to utilize the Liberty Energy transmission system for delivery of electricity to TDPUD's electric distribution system. Liberty Energy has no transmission facilities and does not provide transmission services to TDPUD or to any other entity. The record and final plan must have this correction. Calpeco dba Liberty Utilities meets targets CPUC RPS targets now and will meet future targets, as required. • CalPeco dba Liberty Utilities' renewable energy is locally produced in Nevada with minimal transmission and loss factors to get this energy into the system for our customers. Location of sources and losses for delivery of energy should be accounted for. • Will internal customer generation involving "net - metered" Photovoltaic be included? What about Co - Generation? • Will hydro energy be included in this study, as a renewable? There was/is a difference in what type renewable technology CalPeco dba Liberty Utilities can count as renewable and what TDPUD accounts for as renewable. • The real issue with respect to greenhouse gas reduction is whether allowing TDPUD to increase its electric load, and to cause a corresponding decrease in CalPeco's load, will really change the operating levels of the power plants which supply each' s electricity. Slightly Increasing TDPUD's load will not increase the amount of hydroelectric generation and will not cause any displacement of other generation technologies; the level of hydroelectric generation is a function of availability of water. Hydroelectric power (due to its zero fuel costs) will always be generated when water is available, regardless of any increase or decrease of TDPU D's load. • CalPeco dba Liberty Energy has the facilities in place to serve the customers in the communities into which TDPUD wishes to expand. TDPUD will have to construct new, or at least incremental, facilities to be able to serve these additional customers. The consultant should study the environmental consequences of TDPUD's construction of these facilities. Thanks for the opportunity to comment on the scope. Please call me if you have questions, Mike SR Jones From: Kris Berry [KBerry@placer.ca.gov] Sent, Friday, July 27, 2012 3:58 PM To: SR Jones Subject: TDPUD SOI NOP I want to thank you for the opportunity to be involved in the Scoping session and review of the Notice of Preparation for the Truckee Donner Public Utility District Sphere of Influence's Environmental Impact Report. At this time, we have no comments on the Notice of Preparation, and look forward to receiving the Draft Environmental Impact Report upon its completion. Kris Berry Kristina Berry, AICP Executive Officer Placer t.AFCO 145 Fulweiler Ave, Suite 110 Auburn, CA 95603 (530) 889-4097 APPENDIX 3.2-A CALEEMOD MODELING RESULTS CaIEEMod Version: CalEEMod.2011.1.1 Nevada LAFCo Recommended TDPUD Sphere of Influence Northern Sierra AQMD Air District, Annual 1.0 Project Characteristics 1.1 Land Usage Land Uses Size Metric Single Family Housing 839 Dwelling Unit Strip Mall 97 1000sgft General Light Industry 209 1000sgft 1.2 Other Project Characteristics Urbanization Rural Wind Speed (m/s) Utility Company Statewide Average Climate Zone 14 Precipitation Freq (Days) 2.2 Date: 10/26/2012 1 of 7 2.0 Overall Operational Unmitigated Operational ROG NOx CO S02 Fugitive PM Exhaust PM10 IPM10Total Fugitive PM2.5 Exhaust PM2.5 PM2.5 Bio- CO2 Total NBio- CO2 I Total CO2 CH4 N20 CO2e Category tons/yr IL MT/yr Area 866.65 1,100.67 1,967.33 0.82 0.08 2,009.91 Energy 0.00 4,802.51 4,802.51 0.13 0.06 4,825.07 Mobile 0.00 20,957.19 20,957.19 1.31 0.00 20,984.75 Waste 2,610.71 0.00 2,610.71 154.29 0.00 5,850.76 Water 0.00 2,634.39 2,634.39 33.34 0.85 3,599.44 Total 3,477.36 29,494.76 32,972.13 189.89 0.99 37,269.93 3.0 Mobile Detail ROG I NOx I CO I S02 I Fugitive PM Exhaust PM10 IPM10Total Fugitive PM2.5 Exhaust PM2.5 I PM2.5 Bio- CO2 Total INBio-CO2 Total CO2 CH4 N20 CO2e Category tons/yr MT/yr Mitigated 0.00 20,957.19 20,957.19 1.31 0.00 20,984.75 Unmitigated 0.00 20,957.19 20,957.19 1.31 0.00 20,984.75 Total NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA 2of7 3.2 Trip Summary Information Average Daily Trip Rate Unmitigated Mitigated Land Use Weekday Saturday Sunday Annual VMT Annual VMT General Light Industry 1,456.73 275.88 142.12 4,250,723 4,250,723 Single Family Housing 8,029.23 8,457.12 7358.03 28,557,203 28,557,203 Strip Mall 4,299.04 4,077.88 1981.71 6,282,370 6,282,370 Total 13,785.00 12,810.88 9,481.86 39,090,296 11 39,090,296 3.3 Trip Type Information Miles Trip Land Use H-W or C-W H-S or C-C H-O or C-NW H-W or C-W H-S or C-C H-0 or C-NW General Light Industry 14.70 6.60 6.60 59.00 28.00 13.00 Single Family Housing 16.80 7.10 7.90 37.30 20.70 42.00 Strip Mall 14.70 6.60 6.60 16.60 64.40 19.00 4.0 Energy Detail ROG NOx CO S02 Fugitive PM10 Exhaust IPM10Total Fugitive PM2.5 Exhaust PM2.5 PM2.5 Bio- CO2 TotalCategory 1NBio-0O2 Total CO2 CH tons/yr MT/yr T Electricity Mitigated 0.00 3,523.60 3,523.60 0.1.04 3,538.37 Electricity Unmiti ate" 0.00 3,523.60 3,523.60 0.11 0.04 3,538.37 NaturalGas Mitigated 0.00 1,278.91 1,278.91 0.02 0.02 1,286.69 NaturalGas Unmiticiated 0.00 1,278.91 1,278.91 0.02 0.02 1,286.69 Total NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA 3 of 7 4.1 Energy by Land Use - NaturalGas Unmitiqated NaturalGas Use ROG I NOx CO SO2 I Fugitive PM Exhaust PM10 IPM1OTotal Fugitive PM2.5 I Exhaust PM2.5 PM2.5 Total Bio- CO2 NBio- CO2 777 CH4 N2O CO2e Land Use kBTU tons/yr M6 MT/yr General Light Indust 769120 0.00 41.04 41.04 0.00 0.00 41.29 Single Family Housin 2.24605e+007 0.00 1,198.58 1,198.58 0.02 0.02 1,205.87 Strip Mall 736230 0.00 39.29 39.29 0.00 0.00 39.53 Total 0.00 1 1,278.91 1 1,278.91 1 0.02 1 0.02 7286.69 4.2 Energy by Land Use - Electricity Unmitiqated Electricity Use ROG NOx I CO SO2 Total CO2 CH4 I N2O I CO2e Land Use kWh tons/yr MT/yr General Light I ndustr 988570 429.79 0.01 0.00 431.60 Single Family Housin 5.62808e+006 2,446.88 0.07 0.03 2,457.14 Strip Mall 1.48798e+006 646.92 0.02 0.01 649.63 Total 3,523.59 0.10 1 0.04 3,538.37 4of7 5.0 Area Detail ROG I NOx I CO I SO2 I Fugitive PM10 I Exhaust PM10 IPM10Total Fugitive PM2.5 Exhaust PM2.5 I PM2.5 Bio- CO2 Total INBio-CO2 Total CO2 CH4 I N2O I CO2e Category tons/yr MT/yr Mitigated 866.65 1,100.67 1,967.33 0.82 0.08 2,009.91 Unmitigated 866.65 1,100.67 1,967.33 0.82 0.08 2,009.91 Total NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA 5.1 Area by SubCategory Unmitigated NOx CO I SO2 Fugitive PM10 Exhaust PM10 PM10 Total Fugitive PM2.5 Exhaust PM2.5 PM2.5 Bio- CO2 Total I NBio- CO2 Total CO2 I CH4 N2O CO2e SubCategory PROIG tons/yr MT/yr Architectural Coating 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Consumer Products 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Hearth 866.65 1,090.38 1,957.03 0.81 0.08 1,999.39 Landscaping 0.00 10.29 10.29 0.01 0.00 10.53 Total 866.65 1,100.67 1,967.32 0.82 1 0.08 2,009.92 5of7 6.0 Water Detail ROG I NOx I CO I SO2 Total CO2 CH4 I N2O CO2e Category tons/yr MT/yr Mitigated 2,634.39 33.34 0.85 3,599.44 Unmitigated 2,634.39 33.34 0.85 3,599.44 Total NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA 6.1 Water by Land Use Unmitigated Indoor/Outdoor ROG NOx CO SO2 Total CO2 CH4T20 Co Use Land Use Mgal i tons/yr MT/yr General Light 1027.64 / 0 2,429.06 31.44 0.81 3,339.08 Industry Single Family 54.6642 / 181.65 1.67 0.04 230.28 Housin 34.4622 Strip Mall 7.18503 / 23.68 0.22 0.01 30.08 4.40373 Total 2,634.39 1 33.33 1 0.86 3,599.44 6of7 7.0 Waste Detail Category/Year ROG I NOx I CO I SO2 Total CO2 CH4 I N2O CO2e tons/yr MT/yr Mitigated 2,610.71 154.29 0.00 5,850.76 Unmitigated 2,610.71 154.29 0.00 5,850.76 Total NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA 7.1 Waste by Land Use Unmitigated Waste Disposed ROG NOx I CO SO2 Total CO2 CH4 I N2O CO2e Land Use tons tons/yr MT/yr General Light Industr 12159A 2,468.24 145.87 0.00 5,531.48 Single Family Housin 600 121.79 7.20 0.00 272.95 Strip Mall 101.85 20.67 1.22 0.00 46.33 Total 2,610.70 1 154.29 1 0.00 5,850.76 7of7 CaIEEMod Version: CaIEEMod.2011.1.1 District Preferred TDPUD Sphere of Influence - Nonresidential Northern Sierra AQMD Air District, Annual 1.0 Project Characteristics 1.1 Land Usage Land Uses Size Metric Strip Mall 530.5 1000sgft General Light Industry 209 1000sgft General Office Building 44.6 1000sgft 1.2 Other Project Characteristics Urbanization Rural Wind Speed (m/s) Utility Company Statewide Average Climate Zone 14 Precipitation Freq (Days) 2.2 72 Date: 10/26/2012 1 of 7 2.0 Emissions Summary 2.1 Overall Operational Unmitigated Operational ROG NOx CO S02 Fugitive PM Exhaust PM10 IPM10Total Fugitive PM2.5 Exhaust PM2.5 PM2.5 Bio- CO2 Total INBio-CO2 Total CO2 CH4 I N20 I CO2e Category tons/yr MT/yr Area 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Energy 0.00 4,512.16 4,512.16 0.13 0.05 4,531.66 Mobile 0.00 21,874.75 21,874.75 1.52 0.00 21,906.59 Waste 2,589.73 0.00 2,589.73 153.05 0.00 5,803.75 Water 0.00 2,584.72 2,584.72 32.89 0.84 3,536.75 Total 2,589.73 28,971.63 31,561.36 187.59 0.89 35,778.75 3.0 Mobile Detail ROG I NO. I CO I S02 I Fugitive PM Exhaust PM10 IPM10Total Fugitive PM2.5 Exhaust PM2.5 I PM2.5 Bio- CO2 Total INBio-CO2 Total CO2 CH4 I N20 I CO2e Category tons/yr MT/yr Mitigated 0.00 21,874.75 21,874.75 1.52 0.00 21,906.59 Unmitigated 0.00 21,874.75 21,874.75 1.52 0.00 21,906.59 Total NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA 2of7 3.1 Trip Summary Information Average Daily Trip Rate Unmitigated Mitigated Land Use Weekday Saturday Sunday Annual VMT Annual VMT General Light Industry 1,456.73 275.88 142.12 4,250,723 4,250,723 General Office Building 491.05 105.70 43.71 1,027,278 1,027,278 Strip Mall 23,511.76 22,302.22 10838.12 34,358,734 34,358,734 Total 1 25,459.54 22,683.80 11,023.94 39,636,735 39,636,735 3.2 Trip Type Information Miles Trip Land Use H-W or C-W H-S or C-C H-O or C-NW H-W or C-W H-S or C-C H-O or C-NW General Light Industry 14.70 6.60 6.60 59.00 28.00 13.00 General Office Building 14.70 6.60 6.60 33.00 48.00 19.00 Strip Mall 14.70 6.60 6.60 16.60 64.40 19.00 4.0 Energy Detail ROG NOx CO S02 Fugitive PM Exhaust PM10 IPM10Total Fugitive PM2.5 Exhaust PM2.5 PM2.5 Bio- CO2 Total INBio-CO2 Total CO2 CH4 N Category tons/yr MT/yr Electricity Mitigated 0.00 4,207.32 4,207.32 0.13 0.05 4,224.96 Electricity Unmiti ated 0.00 4,207.32 4,207.32 0.13 0.05 4,224.96 NaturalGas Mitigated 0.00 304.85 304.85 0.01 0.01 306.70 NaturalGas Unmiticiated 0.00 304.85 304.85 0.01 0.01 306.70 Total NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA 3of7 4.1 Energy by Land Use - NaturalGas Unmitigated NaturalGas Use ROG NOx I CO I SO2 Fugitive PM Exhaust PM10 IPM10Total Fugitive PM2.5 I Exhaust PM2.5 IPM2.5Total Bio- CO2 NBio- CO2 Total CO2 CH4 I N2O I CO2e Land Use kBTU tons/yr MT/yr General Light Industry 769120 0.00 41.04 41.04 0.00 0.00 1 41.29 General Office Buildin 916976 0.00 48.93 48.93 0.00 0.00 49.23 Strip Mall 4.0265e+006 0.00 214.87 214.87 0.00 0.00 216.18 Total 0.00 1 304.84 304.84 1 0.00 0.00 306.70 4.2 Energy by Land Use - Electricity Unmitigated Electricity Use ROG NOx I CO SO2 Total CO2 CH4 I N2O I CO2e Land Use kWh tons/yr MT/yr General Light Industry 988570 429.79 0.01 0.00 431.60 General Office Buildin 550810 239.47 0.01 0.00 240.48 Strip Mall 8.13787e+006 3,538.05 0.11 0.04 3,552.89 Total 4,207.31 0.13 1 0.04 4,224.97 4of7 5.0 Area Detail ROG I NOx I CO I SO2 I Fugitive PM10 I Exhaust PM10 IPM10Total Fugitive PM2.5 Exhaust PM2.5 PM2.5 Bio- CO2 Total NBio- CO2 I Total CO2 CH4 N2O I CO2e Category tons/yr ALMT/yr Mitigated 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Unmitigated 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Total NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA 5.1 Area by SubCategory Unmitigated ROG I NOx CO I SO2 I Fugitive PM10 Exhaust PM10 IPM10Total Fugitive PM2.5 Exhaust PM2.5 I PM2.5 Bio- CO2 Total INBio-CO2 Total CO2 CH4 N2O CO2e SubCategory tons/yr MT/yr Architectural Coating 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 i!O 0 Consumer Products 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0 Landscaping 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 .00 Total 1 0 1 1 0.00 1 1 1 0.00 1 1 7-0-00-70.00 0.00 1 0.00 5of7 6.0 Water Detail ROG I NOx I CO I SO2 Total CO2 CH4 I N2O CO2e Category tons/yr MT/yr Mitigated 2,584.72 32.89 0.84 3,536.75 Unmitigated 2,584.72 32.89 0.84 3,536.75 Total NA NA NA NAJ NA NA NA NA 6.1 Water by Land Use Unmitigated Indoor/Outdoor ROG NOx CO SO2 Total CO2 CH4T20 Co Use Land Use Mgal tons/yr MT/yr General Light 1027.64 / 0 2,429.06 31.44 0.81 3,339.08 Indust General Office 7.92693 / 26.13 0.24 0.01 33.18 Buildin 4.85844 Strip Mall 39.2955 / 129.53 1.20 0.03 164.48 24.0843 Total 2,584.72 32.88 0.85 3,536.74 6of7 7.0 Waste Detail Category/Year ROG I NOx I CO I SO2 Total CO2 CH4 I N2O CO2e tons/yr MT/yr Mitigated 2,589.73 153.05 0.00 5,803.75 Unmitigated 2,589.73 153.05 0.00 5,803.75 Total NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA 7.1 Waste by Land Use Unmitigated Waste Disposed ROG NOx I CO SO2 Total CO2 CH4 I N2O CO2e Land Use tons tons/yr MT/yr General Light Industry 12159A 2,468.24 145.87 0.00 5,531.48 General Office Buildin 41.48 8.42 0.50 0.00 18.87 Strip Mall 557.02 113.07 6.68 0.00 253.40 Total 2,589.73 1 153.05 1 0.00 5,803.75 7of7 CaIEEMod Version: CalEEMod.2011.1.1 District Preferred TDPUD Sphere of Influence - Electric Service Residential Northern Sierra AQMD Air District, Annual 1.0 Project Characteristics 1.1 Land Usage Land Uses Size Metric Single Family Housing 13908 Dwelling Unit 1.2 Other Project Characteristics Urbanization Rural Wind Speed (m/s) Utility Statewide Average Comoanv Climate Zone 14 2.2 Precipitation Freq (Days) 72 Date: 10/26/2012 1 of 7 2.0 Emissions Summary 2.1 Overall Operational Unmitigated Operational ROG NOx CO S02 Fugitive PM Exhaust PM10 IPM10Total Fugitive PM2.5 I Bio- CO2 NBio- CO2 Total CO2 I CH4 I N20 I CO2e Category tons/yr MT/yr Area 14,366.38 18,245.75 32,612.12 13.68 1.35 33,318.10 Energy 0.00 60,430.39 60,430.39 1.61 0.83 60,721.38 Mobile 0.00 252,180.99 252,180.99 15.42 0.00 252,504.80 Waste 2,018.59 0.00 2,018.59 119.30 0.00 It 4,523.80 Water 0.00 3,011.21 3,011.21 27.75 0.72 3,817.31 Total 16,384.97 333,868.34 350,253.30 1 177.76 2.90 d 3.0 Mobile Detail ROG I NO. I CO I S02 I Fugitive PM Exhaust PM10 IPM10Total Fugitive PM2.5 Exhaust Bio- CO2 PM2.5 NBio- CO2 Total CO2 I CH4 N20 CO2e Category tons/yr MT/yr Mitigated 0.00 252,180.99 252,180.99 15.42 0.00 252,504.80 Unmitigated 0.00 252,180.99 252,180.99 15.42 0.00 252,504.80 Total NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA 2of7 3.1 Trip Summary Information Average Daily Trip Rate Unmitigated Mitigated Land Use Weekday Saturday Sunday Annual VMT Annual VMT Single Family Housing 133,099.56 140,192.64 121973.16 473,389,254 473,389,254 Total 133,099.56 140,192.64 121,973.16 473,389,254 473,389,254 3.2 Trip Type Information Miles Trip % Land Use H-W or C-W H-S or C-C H-O or C-NW H-W or C H-S or C-C H-0 or C-NW Single Family Housing 16.80 7.10 7.90 37.30 1 20.70 42.00 4.0 Energy Detail ROG NOx CO S02 Fugitive PM Exhaust PM10 IPM10Total Fugitive PM2.5 Exhaust Bio- CO2 PM2.5 NBio- CO2 I Total CO2 CH4 N20 I 92e Category tons/yr MT/ - Electricity Mitigated 0.00 40,561.71 40,561.71 1.23 0.47 40,731.79 Electricity Unmiti ated 0.00 40,561.71 40,561.71 1.23 0.47 40,731.79 NaturalGas Mitigated 0.00 19,868.68 19,868.68 0.38 0.36 19,989.59 NaturalGas Unmitigated 0.00 19,868.68 19,868.68 0.38 0.36 19,989.59 Total NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA I NA I NA I NA NA NA 3 of 7 4.1 Energy by Land Use - NaturalGas Unmitigated NaturalGas Use ROG NOx CO SO2 Fugitive Exhaust PM10 Total Exha PM2.5 Total Bio- CO2 NBio- CO2 Total CO2 CH4 N2O CO2e PM10 PM10 I ust IPM2. I I I I Land Use kBTU tons/yr MT/yr Single Family 3.72325e+008 0.00 19,868.68 19,868.68 0.38 0.36 19,989.59 Housin Total 0.00 19,868.68 19,868.68 0.38 1 0.36 1 19,989.59 4.2 Energy by Land Use - Electricity Unmitigated Electricity Use ROG NOx I CO SO2 Total CO2 CH4 N2O Land Use kWh tons/yr MT/yr Single Family Housin 9.3296e+007 40,561.71 1.23 0.47 Total 40,561.71 1.23 0.47 4of7 5.0 Area Detail ROG I NOx I CO I S02 I Fugitive PM10 I Exhaust PM10 I PM10 Total Fugitive PM2.5 Exhaust Bio- CO2 PM2.5 NBio- CO2 Total CO2 I CH4 N20 CO2e Category tons/yr MT/yr Mitigated 14,366.38 18,245.75 32,612.12 13.68 1.35 33,318.10 Unmitigated 14,366.38 18,245.75 32,612.12 13.68 1.35 33,318.10 Total NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA J NA NA NA NA NA NA 5.1 Area by SubCategory Unmitigated NOx CO I S02 Fugitive PM10 Exhaust PM10 PM10 Total Fugitive PM2.5 Exhaust Bio- CO2 PM2.5 NBio- CO2 Total CO2 CH4 I N20 CO2e SubCategory PROIG tons/yr MT/yr Architectural Coating 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Consumer Products 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Hearth 14,366.38 18,075.15 32,441.52 13.49 1.35 33,143.58 Landscaping 0.00 170.60 170.60 0.19 0.00 174.53 Total 14,366.38 18,245.75 32,612.12 13.68 1.35 33,318.11 5of7 6.0 Water Detail ROG I NOx I CO SO2 Total CO2 CH4 I N2O CO2e Category tons/yr MT/yr Mitigated 3,011.21 27.75 0.72 3,817.31 Unmitigated 3,011.21 27.75 0.72 3,817.31 Total NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA 6.1 Water by Land Use Unmitigated Indoor/Outdoor Use ROG NOx I CO SO2 Total CO2 CH4 N2O Land Use Mgal tons/yr MT/yr Single Family Housina 906.162 / 571.276 3,011.21 27.75 0.72 Total 3,011.21 27.75 0.72 7.0 Waste Detail CategoryNear ROG I NOx I CO I SO2 Total CO2 CH4 I N2O CO2e tons/yr MT/yr Mitigated 2,018.59 119.30 0.00 4,523.80 Unmitigated 2,018.59 119.30 0.00 4,523.80 Total NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA 6of7 7.1 Waste by Land Use Unmitigated Waste Disposed ROG NOx I CO SO2 Total CO2 CH4 N2O Land Use tons tons/yr MT/yr Single Family Housin 9944.25 2,018.59 119.30 0.00 Total 2,018.59 119.30 0.00 7of7 CaIEEMod Version: CaIEEMod.2011.1.1 District Preferred TDPUD Sphere of Influence - Water Service Additional Residential Northern Sierra AQMD Air District, Annual 1.0 Project Characteristics 1.1 Land Usage Land Uses Size Metric Single Family Housing 59 Dwelling Unit 1.2 Other Project Characteristics Urbanization Rural Wind Speed (m/s) Utility Company Statewide Average Climate Zone 14 2.2 Precipitation Freq (Days) 72 Date: 10/26/2012 1 of 6 2.0 Emissions Summary 2.1 Overall Operational Unmitigated Operational ROG NOx CO S02 Fugitive PM Exhaust PM10 IPM10Total Fugitive PM2.5 Exhaust PM2.5 PM2.5 Bio- CO2 Total INBio-CO2 Total CO2 CH4 I N20 I CO2e Category tons/yr MT/yr Area 60.94 77.40 138.35 0.06 0.01 141.34 Energy 0.00 256.36 256.36 0.01 0.00 257.59 Mobile 0.00 1,069.79 1,069.79 0.07 0.00 1,071.17 Waste 8.58 0.00 8.58 0.51 0.00 19.22 Water 0.00 12.77 12.77 0.12 0.00 16.19 Total 69.52 1,416.32 1,485.85 0.77 0.01 1,505.51 3.0 Mobile Detail ROG I NOx I CO I S02 I Fugitive PM Exhaust PM10 IPM10Total Fugitive PM2.5 Exhaust PM2.5 I PM2.5 Bio- CO2 Total INBio-CO2 Total CO2 CH4 I N20 CO2e Category tons/yr MT/yr Mitigated 0.00 1,069.79 1,069.79 0.07 0.00 1,071.17 Unmitigated 0.00 1,069.79 1,069.79 0.07 0.00 1,071.17 Total NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA 2of6 3.1 Trip Summary Information Average Daily Trip Rate Unmitigated Mitigated Land Use Weekday Saturday Sunday Annual VMT Annual VMT Single Family Housing 564.63 594.72 517.43 2,008,194 2,008,194 Total 564.63 594.72 517.43 2,008,194 2,008,194 3.2 Trip Type Information Miles Trip % Land Use H-W or C-W H-S or C-C H-O or C-NW H-W or C-W H-S or C-C H-O or C-NW Single Family Housing 16.80 7.10 17.90 37.30 20.70 42.00 4.0 Energy Detail ROG NOx CO S02 Fugitive PM Exhaust PM10 IPM10Total Fugitive PM2.5 Exhaust PM2.5 PM2.5 Bio- CO2 Total 1NBio-0O2 Total CO2 CH4 N20 CO2e Category tons/yr I MT' -,- IL Electricity Mitigated 0.00 172.07 172.07 0.01 0.00 172.79 Electricity Unmiti ated 0.00 172.07 172.07 0.01 0.00 172.79 NaturalGas Mitigated 0.00 84.29 84.29 0.00 0.00 84.80 NaturalGas Unmiticiated 0.00 84.29 84.29 0.00 0.00 84.80 Total NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA I NA I NA NA NA NA 3of6 4.1 Energy by Land Use - NaturalGas Unmitigated NaturalGas Use ROG NOx CO S02 Fugitive PM10 I Exhaust PM10 IPM10Total Fugitive PM2.5 I Exhaust PM2.5 IPM2.5Total Bio- CO2 NBio- CO2 Total CO2 CH4 I N2O I CO2e Land Use kBTU tons/yr MT/yr Single Family Housin 1.57946e+006 0.00 84.29 84.29 0.00 0.00 84.80 Total 0.00 84.29 84.29 0.00 0.00 84.80 4.2 Energy by Land Use - Electricity Unmitigated Electricity Use ROG NOx I CO S02 Total CO2 CH4 I N20 CO2e Land Use kWh tons/yr MT/yr Single Family Housin 395777 172.07 0.01 0.00 172.79 Total 172.07 0.01 0.00 172.79 5.0 Area Detail ROG I NOx I CO I S02 I Fugitive PM10 Exhaust PM10 IPM10Total Fugitive PM2.5 Exhaust PM2.5 I PM2.5 Bio- CO2 Total NBio- CO2 I Total CO2 CH4 I N2O I CO2e Category tons/yr MT/yr Mitigated 60.94 77.40 138.35 0.06 0.01 141.34 Unmitigated 60.94 77.40 138.35 0.06 0.01 141.34 Total NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA 4of6 5.1 Area by SubCategory Unmitigated ROG NOx CO SO2 Fugitive PM10 Exhaust PM10 IPM10Total Fugitive PM2.5 Exhaust PM2.5 PM2.5 Bio- CO2 Total NBio- CO2 Total CO2 CH4 N2O CO2e SubCategory tons/yr MT/yr Architectural Coating 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Consumer Products 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Hearth 60.94 76.68 137.62 0.06 0.01 140.60 Landscaping 0.00 0.72 0.72 0.00 0.00 0.74 Total 60.94 77.40 138.34 0.06 0.01 141.34 6.0 Water Detail ROG I NOx I CO I SO2 Total CO2 CH4 I N2O CO2e Category tons/yr MT/yr Mitigated 12.77 0.12 0.00 16.19 Unmitigated 12.77 0.12 0.00 16.19 Total NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA 5of6 6.1 Water by Land Use Unmitigated Indoor/Outdoor Use ROG NOx I CO SO2 Total CO2 CH4 I N2O CO2e Land Use Mgal tons/yr MT/yr Single Family Housin 3.84409 / 2.42345 12.77 0.12 0.00 16.19 Total 12.77 0.12 0.00 16.19 7.0 Waste Detail CategoryNear ROG I NOx I CO I SO2 Total CO2 CH4 I N2O CO2e tons/yr MT/yr Mitigated 8.58 0.51 0.00 19.22 Unmitigated 8.58 0.51 0.00 19.22 Total NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA 7.1 Waste by Land Use Unmitigated Waste Disposed ROG NOx I CO SO2 Total CO2 CH4 I N2O CO2e Land Use tons tons/yr MT/yr Single Family Housin 42.25 8.58 0.51 0.00 19.22 Total 8.58 0.51 0.00 19.22 6of6 CaIEEMod Version: CalEEMod.2011.1.1 Date: 11 /1 /2012 Liberty Energy as Service Provider - District Preferred TDPUD Sphere of Influence - Nonresidential - Electricity Emissions Northern Sierra AQMD Air District, Annual 1.0 Project Characteristics 1.1 Land Usage Land Uses Size Metric General Office Building 44.6 1000sgft General Light Industry 209 1000sgft Strip Mall 530.5 1000sgft 1.2 Other Project Characteristics Urbanization Rural Wind Speed (m/s) Utility Company Sierra Pacific Resources Climate Zone 14 Precipitation Freq (Days) 2.2 72 1 of 2 2.0 Emissions Summary 2.1 Energy by Land Use - Electricity Unmitigated 2of2 CalEEMod Version: CalEEMod.2011.1.1 Date: 11 /1 /2012 Liberty Energy as Service Provider - District Preferred TDPUD Sphere of Influence - Electric Service Residential - Electricity Emissions Northern Sierra AQMD Air District, Annual 1.0 Project Characteristics 1.1 Land Usage Land Uses Size Metric Single Family Housing 13908 Dwelling Unit 1.2 Other Project Characteristics Urbanization Rural Wind Speed (m/s) Utility Company Sierra Pacific Resources Climate Zone 14 2.2 Precipitation Freq (Days) 72 1 of 2 2.0 Emissions Summary 2.1 Energy by Land Use - Electricity Unmitigated Electricity Use ROG NOx I CO SO2 Total CO2 CH4 I N2O I CO2e Land Use kWh tons/yr MT/yr Single Family Housin2---.t- 9.3296e+007 61,056.06 1 1.23 1 0.47 61,226.14 Total 61,056.06 1 1.23 1 0.47 1 61,226.14 2of2 CaIEEMod Version: CaIEEMod.2011.1.1 Date: 11 /1 /2012 Liberty Energy as Service Provider - District Preferred TDPUD Sphere of Influence - Water Service Additional Residential - Electricity Emissions Northern Sierra AQMD Air District, Annual 1.0 Project Characteristics 1.1 Land Usage Land Uses Size Metric Single Family Housing 59 Dwelling Unit 1.2 Other Project Characteristics Urbanization Rural Wind Speed (m/s) Utility Company Sierra Pacific Resources Climate Zone 14 2.2 Precipitation Freq (Days) 72 1 of 2 2.0 Emissions Summary 2.1 Energy by Land Use - Electricity Unmitigated Electricity Use ROG NOx I CO SO2 Total CO2 CH4 I N2O CO2e Land Use kWh tons/yr MT/yr Single Family Housin 395777 259.01 0.01 0.00 259.73 Total 259.01 0.01 0.00 259.73 2of2 APPENDIX 3.3-A MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES SIERRA COUNTY GENERAL PLAN Land Use Element Policy A - The County shall strive to direct growth to Community Areas in order to: • Protect the visual quality of the County's scenic corridors (local and state) • Protect environmental resources • Preserve resource production lands • Not strain existing public services • Avoid incompatible land use conflicts Timber Resources Element Policy 1 - Continue to support concept of selective harvest, or other methods of low visual impact in State and locally designated Scenic Corridor overlay areas and Special Treatment areas. Timber Resources Element Policy 2 - Encourage timber harvest practices which do not result in significant visual impacts. Visual Resources Element Policy 1 - Protect the visual quality of the County's scenic corridors (local and state). Visual Resources Element Policy 2 - Limit encroachments onto scenic highways to maintain safety and quality of driving and viewing experience through scenic resources. NEVADA COUNTY GENERAL PLAN Policy 1.1 The General Plan divides the County into Community Regions and Rural Regions. All of the land area of the County is placed in one of these regions. Within the Rural Regions, growth is limited to those types and densities of development which are consistent with the open, rural lifestyle, pastoral character and natural setting and surrounding land use patterns which exists in these areas. Within the Community Regions, balanced growth is encouraged to provide managed housing, employment, shopping and cultural convenience, efficiency and affordability. The General Plan Land Use Maps delineate specific boundaries for Community Regions. All portions of the County not within a Community Region shall be considered to be in a Rural Region. Policy 1.5 The General Plan provides for future development in accordance with the following criteria for the various land use designations: Open Space (OS) is intended to provide for land, primarily in public ownership, which is dedicated to recreation, resource and habitat preservation, and protection of environmental resources, and which typically allows only recreation or very low -intensity limited uses, such as, but not limited to, visual corridor preservation, interconnecting wildlife corridors, slope protection, preservation of ditches, railroad rights -of -way, historic trails, agriculture, and timber production. This designation shall also provide for the designation of land in private ownership which is permanently devoted to open space through clustering or other open space requirements. Footer: Municipality Footer: Project Name Footer: Month Year Footer: Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-1 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES Policy 1.14 Development within the Community Regions shall be consistent with the overall rural quality of life in the County, as demonstrated through sensitivity to resource constraints, provision of interwoven open space as a part of development, and community design which respects the small town or village character of the Community Regions. These criteria shall be accomplished through application of the Comprehensive Site Design Standards in review of discretionary and ministerial projects. Policy 1.16 A Special Development Area in the southwestern part of the County, in the vicinity of McCourtney and Spenceville Roads is shown on the General Plan Land Use maps for the purpose of establishing a Development Reserve. Development within this Development Reserve, shall require implementation of a Specific Plan. Also, a specific Community Region boundary shall be established as part of this process. Prior to such time, this designation shall provide for low -density development not to exceed an average density of one dwelling unit per 40-acres and to ensure that the potential for a New Town is not precluded until such time that a specific plan is prepared and Community Region boundaries established. Until that time, this designation shall be implemented by the "PD" Planned Development district of the County zoning regulations. The Specific Plan shall require a finding that: a) Development of the New Town Reserve necessary to assure a long-term, job/housing balance and adequate supply of affordable housing for the unincorporated areas of Nevada County; b) Development will provide affordable housing to meet the County's demonstrated housing needs concurrent with the creation; c) Development will provide a significant positive increase in the County's jobs/housing ratio and that mechanisms to ensure phased development of employment preceding or concurrent with housing are assured; d) A substantial portion of the area within the New Town Reserve will be preserved as open space for vegetation, habitat, and natural resource protection, and for passive recreation with mechanisms to insure that such open space is permanently maintained. This open space will be distributed in such a manner that it provides a significant buffer between the New Town and adjacent lands. The open space shall provide for protection of landmark groves and heritage trees as well as wildlife corridors sufficient to maintain the existing biodiversity of the site; e) A multimodal circulation system will be provided which encourages the use of modes other than the private automobile; and f) Adequate public facilities and services can be provided to serve the development on a self sustaining basis through formation of a Community Services District or comparable mechanism, and without imposing a financial burden on the other areas of the County. Prior to submittal of a New Town proposal, the County -wide population shall be not less than 105,000 persons. Policy 1.17 The County shall prepare and adopt comprehensive Site Development Standards. These standards shall be used during the "project site review process" to provide a consistent approach for addressing: the presence of sensitive environmental features and/or natural Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 Appendix 3.3-2 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES constraints; clustering and provision of open space as part of site development; the potential for land use conflicts between uses; and the potential for public health hazards. The County shall prepare and adopt specific and comprehensive Site Development Standards which shall be applicable to all development projects in Community Regions and Rural Regions and protective of the County's unique character, providing guidance for. a) Protection of environmentally sensitive resources; b) Provision of open space as part of site development; c) Prevention and reduction of fire hazards; d) Maintenance and enhancement of vegetation and landscaping; e) Prevention and reduction of flood hazards; f) Transitions between uses and multiple -use site development; g) Community design; h) Buffering and screening to mitigate adverse effects; and i) Incentives to provide for access to public resources and open space; and j) Protection of important agricultural, mineral, and timber resources. The standards shall identify the basic requirements for site development in the County, including, at a minimum, standards to mitigate the impact of development on environmentally sensitive resources as referenced in the following criteria: • Wetlands (as delineated in the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI); • Major deer migration corridors, critical range, and critical fawning areas as defined by State Fish and Game's Migratory Deer Range Maps; • Landmark oaks, defined as any oak 36" or greater at dbh; • Landmark groves, defined as areas with 33+% canopy closure based on CDF's Hardwoods Map; • Rare and endangered species, as found in NDDB and Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California, 1994; • Riparian corridors within 100 feet of intermittent or perennial water courses, as shown on USGS quad maps; • Significant cultural resources, as defined by Appendix K of CEQA; • Floodplains, as defined by FEMA, precluding development and land disturbance within floodways and restricting development within the floodway fringe, through the establishment of floodplain setbacks and associated development regulations; Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-3 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES • Important agricultural lands, as defined by State Important Farmland map; • Significant mineral areas, defined by State DM&G's MRZ-2 classification maps, • Earthquake faults, as defined by State Fault Map of California, 1975, or as determined by the State DM&G; • Avalanche hazard, as defined by Avalanche Hazard Study; • Steep slopes (30+%); • Areas with high erosion potential, as delineated in Figure 3.3 of the Nevada County Master Environmental Inventory; • Areas subject to fire hazards, as defined by the State Department of Forestry's Fire Hazard Zone Map; • Visually important ridgelines and viewsheds, as defined by standards developed by Policy 18.3 of the General Plan. Where such resources are present, the standards shall require that professional field inventory and review shall be undertaken to delineate the extent of the resource and determine the impact of the proposed development. The following siting and design measures shall be implemented as appropriate to meet the performance criteria: • Identification of building envelopes; • Conservation easements/deed restrictions; • Use of common vs. individual driveways; • Specification of location and type of fencing; • Identification of setbacks and/or buffers; • Development restrictions; • Use of Transfer of Development Rights; and • Offsite mitigation/mitigation banking. The County shall approve a project for a discretionary permit only if it can be demonstrated that the project as designed and sited meets the intent of the SIDS performance criteria. Policy 1.18 Clustering of development is an effective and direct means to provide for the maintenance of the rural quality of life and protection of environmental resources which are important to Nevada County. Therefore, submittal of a clustering option of all land divisions shall be required within the Estate, Rural, and Forest General Plan land use designations in order to maintain the open, pastoral character of development which gives definition to the Rural Regions, and to protect environmental features by preserving areas containing such features as Open Space. This clustering evaluation shall utilize U.S.G.S. maps as the basic level of information. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 Appendix 3.3-4 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES In all other residential use designations (including Residential, Urban Single -Family, Urban Medium Density, and Urban High Density), clustering of development shall be strongly encouraged to maintain viable open space onsite to contribute to open space linkages through and between land use areas. In addition, submittal of a clustering option shall be required in these land use designations and clustering encouraged for all discretionary projects where environmentally sensitive resources, as defined in Policy 1.17, are present. Clustering may be achieved by building site clustering with creation of permanent open space; restriction of buildable area on individual lots; or other means which are consistent with the protection of the natural resources and environmental characteristics on the site. No specific amount or ratio of open space shall be required; however, the amount of open space shall not be less than the amount of land area on the site subject to significant environmental features, as defined in Policy 1.17. Where the entire site is affected by significant environmental features, clustered development shall occur on the least sensitive habitat or resource area, as defined by an environmental analysis. Within such defined areas, minimum subdivision parcel size shall be limited to that needed to meet water and sewage disposal standards, as determined by the Department of Environmental Health. Open space created through clustering shall be assured of permanent maintenance as open space by mechanisms such as, but not limited to, dedication, permanent easement, irrevocable trust, deed restrictions, or other mechanism assuring its permanent status. The allowable number of dwelling units for any clustered development shall not exceed the number of units determined by dividing the total acreage of a parcel by the maximum permitted density specified in Policy 1.22 for the land use designation in which the parcel is located. Policy 1.20 Where possible, industrial uses should not be placed adjacent to public facilities or institutional uses. New or expanded industrial uses that abut a public facility or institutional use should provide a buffer area so as to mitigate visual, noise, light and glare, and other adverse impacts. However, these criteria do not apply to uses which abut a public or institutional uses of an industrial character, such as the corporation yard. Policy 1.21 Public facilities and institutional uses in areas designated for Industrial use on the General Plan Land Use Maps should establish buffers from the surrounding industrial sites, through additional setbacks, landscaping, fencing and other screening, except where the public or institutional use is intended to serve the industrial area or is of an industrial character. Policy 1.23 The General Plan shall provide for the following building intensities in the respective land use designations. Impervious surface shall include all land covered by structures or paved surfaces (excluding gravel surfaces). General Plan Designation Max. Impervious Surface in % Max. Bldg. Height Urban High Density Residential 60 3 stories or 45' Urban Medium Density Residential 500) 3 stories or 45' Urban Single Family Residential 40(1) 3 stories or 45' Residential 300) 3 stories or 45' Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-5 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES General Plan Designation Max. Impervious Surface in % Max. Bldg. Height Estate 20(1) 3 stories or 45' Rural-5 (5 acre minimum parcel size) 10(1)(3) 3 stories or 45' Rural-10 (10 acre minimum parcel size) 10(1)(3) 3 stories or 45' Rural-20 (20 acre minimum parcel size) 10(1)(3) 3 stories or 45' Rural-30 (30 acre minimum parcel size) 100)(3) 3 stories or 45' Rural-40 (40 acre minimum parcel size) 100)(3) 3 stories or 45' Rural-160 (160 acre minimum parcel size) 100)(3) 3 stories or 45' Neighborhood Commercial 85 3 stories or 45' Community Commercial 85 45' (2) Highway Commercial 85 45' (2) Service Commercial 85 3 stories or 45' Rural Commercial 85 3 stories or 45' Office -Professional 60 3 stories or 45' Business Park 50 45' (2) Industrial 85 45' (2) Recreation 10 (3) 45' (2) Forest 50)(3) 3 stories or 45' Public 85 3 stories or 45' Open Space 5 3 stories or 45' Water Area 5 NA Special Development Area (4) (4) Planned Development (4) (4) Planned Residential Community 40(1) 3 stories or 45' NOTES NA - Not Applicable (1) Maximum impervious surface may be increased to 60% for conditionally permitted support uses. Within the Forest designation, this standard shall apply only to parcels 5 acres or less in size. In such instances, retention/detention facilities shall be incorporated into the design of those projects that could result in flood damage to downstream uses. (2) Discretionary and administrative permits will be required for special uses that would need to exceed the allowable height. (3) May be increased to 20% for parcels 5 acres or less in size. (4) Intensity of use within Special Development Areas and Planned Developments shall conform to that for the land use designations shown on the General Plan Land Use Maps for each specific Special Development Area or Planned Development. Policy 3.1 The levels of service and provision of public facilities in Community Regions shall be based upon improving the capacity of public facilities to serve higher levels of development directed to Community Regions. The levels of service and provision of public facilities in Rural Regions shall be based upon limiting the amount of development to ensure that adequate Sphere of Influence Update — Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 Appendix 3.3-6 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES facilities are available. Planning for future public facilities and services in Community and Rural Regions shall be based upon the following criteria: COMMUNITY REGIONS a) public water and sewer b) retention of existing emergency response time c) intercommunity-transit RURAL REGIONS Rural Centers a) public or on -site community water and sewer systems b) decreased emergency response times Rural Areas a) individual septic and wells or on -site community water and sewer systems b) decreased emergency response time c) limited transit Policy 3.2 The County shall encourage development within Community Regions where higher density development can more efficiently be provided with a full range of public facilities and services. Policy 3.3 The land use pattern reflected in the Nevada County General Plan Land Use Map is correlated with the future provision of public facilities to adequately serve said land uses based upon the service criteria and levels of service identified in Policy 3.1 and Policy 3.10. All General Plan amendments shall be required to show that the public facilities and services necessary to serve the proposed development are also correlated with the future provision of facilities and services according to the same criteria. Policy 3.4 To enable public services to be provided with the greatest degree of efficiency and cost-effectiveness, development within Community Regions shall be encouraged at the maximum density under the respective land use designations shown on the General Plan Land Use maps, consistent with environmental, infrastructure and other site constraints. Policy 3.5 Within Community Regions with existing public sewer and water systems, all new residential land divisions shall be required to connect to public sanitary sewer and water systems. Temporary use of private on -site systems may be allowed where public systems are not yet available but where a specific improvement plan and funding mechanisms are in place. A legally binding mechanism shall be required to insure that the development will connect to the public systems when available, and that the private systems will be discontinued. Policy 3.6 The County shall prepare a long-range Capital Facilities Plan for all facilities to be included in the development impact fee program, as well as facilities to solve existing Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-7 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES deficiencies, including a funding and phasing program for provision of facilities in not less than five-year increments. Policy 3.7 Based upon the long-range Capital Facilities Plan, the County shall prepare and adopt a Five -Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for facilities for which it is responsible, and shall encourage the other affected agencies to also adopt a Five -Year CIP for facilities for which they are responsible. In preparing the CIP, the County shall give priority to improvements which resolve or decrease an existing deficiency. To the maximum extent feasible, improvement projects shall support development of the following: a) employment generating uses b) affordable housing c) circulation/safety needs Policy 3.8 Based upon the adopted level of service standards, the County shall adopt a comprehensive development fee impact program meeting the requirements of AB 1600 and SB 327 in order to offset the costs of growth -related infrastructure and facilities based upon buildout of the General Plan. The County shall impose comprehensive development fees in amounts sufficient to offset the costs identified as the appropriate share of the public facility improvements necessary to serve future development. The comprehensive development fee structure shall ensure that future growth fully mitigates its direct and cumulative impacts upon the County. Policy 3.9 The County shall formally approach the Cities of Grass Valley and Nevada City to consider jointly undertaking a long-range feasibility study for a Regional Wastewater Treatment System to serve the Community Regions in the western part of the County. The study should identify possible options for the future development of a regional system with consideration given to its long-term effect on water quality and ability to meet future water quality standards; long-term cost in relation to expansion and upgrading of existing systems; and potential financing for a regional system. Policy 3.13 The County shall encourage all affected districts within the County to adopt an impact fee program to offset the costs identified as the appropriate share of the capital improvements necessary to serve future development. Policy 3.14 In order to ensure that capacity of public facilities is coordinated with the timing of development the County shall require for any development requiring a discretionary permit, and for any General Plan amendment, a determination of the adequacy of public facilities, or an impact fee program, to serve the proposed development. The adequacy of public facilities shall be determined upon the available capacity in existing facilities, plus the net additional capacity to support new development resulting from construction of the improvements in the Five -Year CIP of the County and other affected local agencies, the County 5-Year Road Improvement Program, and the State Transportation Improvement Program. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 Appendix 3.3-8 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES Additional capacity provided by such improvements to resolve existing deficiencies shall not be counted in the basis for determining capacity available to serve new development. Where adequate public facilities are planned, but not yet available to serve a proposed development, the County may require that mitigating measures be undertaken by the proponent of the development. Such measures shall not be in lieu of development impact fees; such measures may include, but are not limited to, alteration in the timing or phasing of the proposed development, construction of temporary improvements, or construction of off -site improvements necessary to serve that development. Policy 3.15 The County shall encourage and may require, where appropriate and feasible, that mechanisms be provided as a condition of discretionary project approval to facilitate the funding of public improvements which are attributable to that project. Such mechanisms may include, but not be limited to, creation of an independent or dependent entity (independent district, dependent district, county service area, community service district). Policy LU-4.1.6 Relative to the State highway system, Nevada County recognizes the major funding limitations that exist within the State system and finds that as a matter of policy, additional growth and development may be allowed within the County, notwithstanding the adverse impacts which may result in the short term by this growth and development. Therefore, the County shall: a) Encourage the existing partnership between Nevada County and the State in working together to solve State Highway problems and funding limitations; b) Commit local moneys, when available, in the partial funding of critical State highway improvements. As a part of this commitment, the County shall continue to pursue the use of development fees from private development as a funding source; c) Acknowledge that short-term adverse impacts to the State highway system resulting from growth and development within the County will occur until adequate funding is made available and improvements made through projects identified in the adopted State Transportation Improvement Program; and d) Monitor State activities in responding to the needs of the State system within the County. e) Solutions to State road system problems shall include County review and input to the State Transportation Improvement Program, formal County requests for specific improvements and/or facilities, and requests for inclusion of said improvements and/or facilities within the Nevada County Regional Transportation Improvement Program. f) Should critical State highway improvements not be identified in the adopted State Transportation Improvement Program, the County may review its policies to determine if additional growth and development should be curtailed in the impacted areas. Policy LU-4.1.7 In the absence of an approved plan and funding program to provide needed roadway improvements, and where the County has determined that there is no feasible project mitigation, the County may deny those amendments to the General Plan that exacerbate an identified deficiency in local or State roads or highways. Policy LU-4.1.8 New roads not shown on the General Plan Land Use Maps as part of the regional and non -through access local road systems identified in the Nevada County Road Functional Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-9 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES Classification Plan shall not be constructed at public expense, but shall be provided as site improvements for each development project as necessary to provide safe, appropriate access. Policy LU-4.1.9 To ensure the most effective expenditure of funds, road maintenance shall emphasize the arterial and major collector segments of the road system. Policy LU-4.1.11 New roads built to serve discretionary projects shall be maintained through private maintenance agreements, homeowners associations, Permanent Road Divisions (PRDs), or Community Service Areas (CSAs). Policy 5.1 Development of parks and recreation facilities in the County park system will focus upon regional facilities providing County -wide services, or serving large areas of the County including Community Regions and Rural Regions. Design of the regional parks should focus on natural resources, environmental education, and provide areas for diverse recreation interest. Regional parks should provide for both active and passive uses which may include open play, picnicking, walking, cycling, nature enjoyment, cultural activities and historic interpretation. Use of environmentally sensitive areas should be limited to open space or low -intensity passive activities. Policy 5.2 The County shall encourage the formation of local park districts to provide neighborhood community and district parks within Community Regions and Rural Regions, which are responsive to the diverse recreational needs in the different regions. The County shall encourage such districts to adopt specific levels of service for local park and recreation facilities. Policy 5.3 Encourage all park districts serving the County to develop and to regularly update a Park and Recreation Master Plan which specifies the districts' policies and requirements for facilities based upon buildout of the County's General Plan. The County shall review all proposed facility sites in the districts' Facilities Master Plans for consistency with the General Plan. Policy 5.4 The provision of linear parks or greenways within Community Regions is encouraged to provide linkages between park facilities and from residential areas to parks. Inclusion of bikeways and pathways should be considered for all linear parks and greenways, and where possible greenways should be utilized to link Community Regions to the County -wide trail system. Policy 5.5 The County shall base park and recreation facility planning on the following level of service standard for County park land to provide regional parks serving both Community Regions and Rural Regions: • 3.0 acres of park land for each increase of 1,000 persons in county -wide population. Policy 5.6 Planning for acquisition and development of regional park and recreation facilities shall be based upon development of a comprehensive system of open space, linked to County Bicycle and Non -Motorized Trails Master Plans. The system should also be based upon serving multiple functions, including provision of active and passive recreation opportunities, preservation of natural features, and enhancing the aesthetic character of Nevada County. Policy 5.7 The County shall prepare an updated Master Parks and Recreation Plan reflecting buildout of the General Plan. The updated Plan shall identity land, facilities and improvements needed to serve new development and to address existing park and recreation deficiencies for inclusion in the County's long-range Capital Facilities Plan and in the Five -Year Capital Improvement Program. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 Appendix 3.3-10 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES Policy 5.8 The County will include park sites in a long-range program to acquire land needed for future public sites or expansion of existing sites in conjunction with the development impact fee program and Capital Facilitation Plan. This program will involve identification of site areas designated for acquisition in the Park and Recreation Master Plans of the County. Policy 5.9 Park and recreation facilities shall be included in the County's comprehensive impact fee program. The comprehensive development fees shall be in amounts sufficient to offset the costs identified as the appropriate share of the park and recreation facility improvements necessary to serve future development. The comprehensive development fee structure shall ensure that future growth fully mitigates its direct and cumulative impacts upon the County. Policy 5.10 Implement a comprehensive and aggressive funding program that ensures that all Federal, State and local funding sources are identified, analyzed and used to the maximum extent possible in meeting the funding shortfall in providing County park and recreation facilities. Policy 5.11 Cooperate with other public and private entities providing recreation activities to coordinate activities in the County and eliminate duplication of recreational services. The County shall encourage those agencies providing recreational programs and activities to continue those programs and activities. Policy 5.12 The joint use of facilities (such as public schools and public and private open spaces) and the joint location of school -park sites shall be encouraged to efficiently use all areas offering recreation potential. \ Policy 5.13 Encourage cooperation among local, state and federal agencies to maximize the use of public land and facilities for public use and recreation. Policy 5.14 Provide a county incentive program which encourages retention of private open space by including such incentives as, but not limited to, tax incentives, insurance programs, and public ownership of open space easements. Policy 5.15 The County shall provide for the inclusion of bikeways, walkways, and non -motorized trails in appropriate locations within parks. Where feasible, park sites shall be integrated with the County Bicycle Master Plan and with the Non -Motorized Multi -Purpose Trails Master Plan. Policy 5.16 The County shall continue to implement the County Bicycle Master Plan for its recreational value, as well as to provide for non -motorized access to park and recreation facilities. Policy 5.17 The County shall implement the Non -Motorized Multi -Purpose Trails Master Plan to provide multi -purpose recreational opportunities throughout extensive areas of the County, and to improve access to other recreational opportunities for residents in both Community Regions and Rural Regions. Policy 5.18 Cooperate with other public agencies to provide public access to the lakes and impoundments in the County, consistent with their ability to support water based recreation. Policy 5.19 Cooperate with other public and private agencies to provide public access to the rivers in the County, with emphasis at road and highway bridges so as to assure access for police and emergency vehicles. Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-11 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES Policy 5.20 Encourage proper operation and environmental standards for private facilities on lakes, impoundments, and rivers. Policy 5.21 Recognize and protect the South Yuba River canyon as an important resource in terms of recreation, tourism, aesthetics, water resource, mineral resource, water quality, and wildlife habitat through the following actions: a) Designate publicly -owned lands physically adjoining the river as open space in the General Plan land use maps. b) Encourage the recreation master planning and development activities by the State Department of Parks and Recreation. c) Discourage the placement of dams on the South Yuba River canyon. Other water storage techniques, such as off -stream storage, may be considered as long as significant impacts are sufficiently mitigated. Policy 5.22 Encourage the development of private recreation facilities within the Recreation land use designation of the General Plan, including food services, motels/ hotels, resorts, day camps and overnight camps. Policy 5.23 Allow the development of limited recreational uses in Rural and Forest land use designations. Policy 6.1 The General Plan recognizes the importance of open space serving one or more of the following purposes: a) Preservation of natural resource areas; b) Conservation of open spaces for the managed production of resources; c) Maintenance of areas with importance for outdoor recreation; d) Delineation of open space for public health and safety, including, but not limited to, areas which require special management or regulation because of hazardous or special conditions; and e) Provision of open spaces to create a buffer which may be landscaped to minimize the adverse impact of one land use on another. The General Plan includes an Open Space land use designation, which is intended to provide for lands, serving one or more of the above purposes, which is either in public ownership, or permanently preserved as open space through easements or other restrictive mechanisms. The uses of land under the Open Space designation and implementing zoning are limited to those which have minimal impact on the natural character and environmental features of the land. In addition, the Rural, Forest and Recreation designations of the General Plan also provide visual and functional open space, including open space for production of resources and provision of recreation opportunities. Policy 6.2 The County may utilize clustering of development, as provided in the Land Use policies, to preserve open space within the Rural Regions and to encourage creation of open Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 Appendix 3.3-12 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES space which will enhance visual, habitat and other open space values. Such open space may be permanently secured and preserved as open space through permanent easements, dedication to a public agency, permanent trust or other irrevocable means. Policy 6.3 Maintain the density of development allowed in the Rural and Forest land use designations as shown on the General Plan Land Use Maps in order to provide for low density development in Rural Regions which preserves an open, rural character and complements the permanent public and private open space. Policy 6.4 Protect areas supporting renewable natural resources from incompatible or disruptive development or land uses through very low density General Plan designation. High site and public timber resources shall be designated for forest uses at the 160 acre minimum parcel size or greater, except for areas of fragmented parcelization. Identified lakes and reservoirs shall be designated as water areas in the General Plan. Policy 6.5 Within all Village and Rural Centers, as well as multi -family, commercial, business park and industrial development, the County shall require that appropriate areas be provided for urban open space in accordance with applicable zoning regulations and the Comprehensive Site Development Standards. Recreational use of urban open space shall be designed to minimize impact on sensitive environmental and/or biological values. \ Policy 6.6 Provide for, where feasible, continued access to open space and public resources by ensuring that all discretionary projects are consistent with development of the Nevada County Non -Motorized Trails Master Plan. Policy 6.7 Nevada County encourages the location and development of motorized off -road facilities on lands where such use can be accommodated. The location and development of such facilities shall include consultation with the State Department of Fish and Game as well as other responsible agencies. Policy 6.8 Encourage the local recreation and park districts and/or an appropriate private entity to obtain open spaces (on environmentally constrained lots or land, lots with relatively low construction potential) and neighborhood parks within existing residential subdivisions and areas. Policy 6.9 Development standards for project design, grading, construction and use, established through the Comprehensive Site Development Standards, shall be used in project review of all discretionary project permits to determine open space requirements for each project. These standards shall provide for consideration of non -disturbance of, and open space setbacks from identified sensitive environmental, biological, or cultural resources, e.g. 100-year floodplains, wetlands, slopes in excess of 30% (excepting access across slopes up to 30%), lakes, ponds, significant historic or archaeological sites/resources, critical wildlife areas, minimization of land disturbance, consistency with the landforms and aesthetic context of the site, temporary and permanent erosion and sedimentation controls, and vegetation retention, replacement and enhancement. Policy 7.3 Encourage all school districts serving the County to develop and to regularly update a Facilities Master Plan which specifies a districts' policies and requirements for facilities based upon realistic school growth projections. The County shall review all proposed facility sites in the school districts' Facilities Master Plans for consistency with the General Plan. Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-13 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES Policy 7.5 The County will cooperate with the school districts and municipalities in the County, to the extent feasible, to explore methods for securing adequate funding of new school facilities. This may include the development of local funding mechanisms, as well as the utilization of state funds when available. Local resources to be considered may include the reservation or dedication of school sites, developer fees, development agreements, Mello -Roos CFDs, assessment districts, redevelopment funds, general obligation bond proceeds, special taxes, and other legal funding mechanisms. Policy 7.6 The County shall encourage all school districts within the County which are impacted by growth to do appropriate studies, based on realistic school growth projections, and develop an impact fee program, if found to be necessary, providing for the maximum school fee permitted under the School facilities law, or applicable portion thereof, to offset the costs identified as the appropriate share of the school facility capital improvements necessary to serve future development. Policy 7.7 For any development requiring a discretionary permit, where the affected district determines adequate school facilities are not available to serve the proposed development, the County will work with affected school districts in securing project -sponsored mitigation. Policy 9.1 The following noise standards, as performance standards and land use compatibility standards, shall apply to all discretionary and ministerial projects excluding permitted residential (including tentative maps) land uses. Exterior Noise Limits Land Zoning Time Noise Level, dBA Use Category Districts Period Leq Lmax Rural "Al " "TPZ" 7 am - 7 pm 55 75 "AE" "OS" 7 pm - 10 pm 50 65 "FR" "IDR" 10 pm - 7 am 40 55 Residential and Public "RA" "R2" 7 am - 7 pm 55 75 "R1" "R3" 7 pm - 10 pm 50 65 "P" 10 pm - 7 am 45 60 Commercial and "Cl" "CH" 7 am - 7 pm 70 90 Recreation "CS" 7 pm - 7 am 65 75 "C2" "C3" "OP" "REC" Business Park "BP" 7 am - 7 pm 65 85 7pm-7am 60 70 Industrial "M1" "M2" anytime 80 90 a) Compliance with the above standards shall be determined by measuring the noise level based on the mean average of not less than three (3) 20 minute measurements for any given time period. Additional noise measurements may be necessary to ensure that the ambient noise level is adequately determined. b) Where two different zoning districts abut, the standard applicable to the lower, or more restrictive, district plus 5 dBA shall apply. Sphere of Influence Update — Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 Appendix 3.3-14 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES c) The above standards shall be measured only on property containing a noise sensitive land use as defined in Policy 9.8 and may be measured anywhere on the property containing said land use. However, this measurement standard may be amended to provide for measurement at the boundary of a recorded noise easement or as determined in a recorded letter of agreement between all affected property owners and approved by the County. d) If the measured ambient level exceeds that permitted, then the allowable noise exposure standard shall be set at 5 dBA above the ambient. e) Because of the unique nature of sound, the County reserves the right to provide for a more restrictive standard than shown in the Exterior Noise Limits table contained in this policy. The maximum adjustment shall be limited to be not less than the current ambient noise levels and shall not exceed the standards of this policy or as they may be further adjusted by Policy 9.1 b. Imposition of a noise level adjustment shall only be considered if one or more of the following conditions are found to exist: 1) Unique characteristics of the noise source: a. The noise contains a very high or low frequency, is of a pure tone (a steady, audible tone such as a whine, screech, or hum), or contains a wide divergence in frequency spectra between the noise source and ambient level. b. The noise is impulsive in nature (such as hammering, riveting, or explosions), or contains music or speech. c. The noise source is of a long duration. 2) Unique characteristics of the noise receptor when the ambient noise level is determined to be 5 dBA or more below the Policy 9.1 standard for those projects requiring a General Plan amendment, rezoning, and/or conditional use permit. In such instances, the new standard shall not exceed 10 dBA above the ambient or the Policy 9.1 standard, whichever is more restrictive. f) The above standards shall not apply to those activities associated with the actual construction of a project or to those projects associated with the provision of emergency services or functions. g) The standards of this policy shall be enforced through compliance inspections and/or complaints. h) Recognizing that this chapter must work toward the solution to existing noise problems, those land uses that are inconsistent with the above standards and are therefore non -conforming in nature, shall comply with said standards as these land uses are upgraded or intensified or after abandonment through the use permit or site plan process. Said standards shall apply only to that portion of the land use requiring approval. In any event, the use or portion subject to a land use permit must meet the standards in the Exterior Noise Limits table in this policy and cumulatively the noise generated from the entire site must be equal to or less than the pre -land use permit ambient noise level. All such projects will require a comprehensive noise analysis per Policy 9.10 and the Nevada County Noise Element Manual. Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-15 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES Policy 9.4 This chapter of the General Plan shall be implemented, in part, through the incorporation of the Policy 9.1 noise standards within the Land Use and Development Code and the adoption of the Noise Element Manual providing detailed direction and implementation measures. This Manual is adopted as a part of the Plan and can be found in Volume 2, Section 3-Noise Analysis, Appendix A. Policy 9.7 Strongly discourage those General Plan amendments and zone changes that would likely create land use conflicts relative to noise. Policy 9.8 Strongly encourage future noise sensitive land uses, including residences, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, churches, and libraries, to those location of the County where the impact of noise generators is limited so that compliance with standards found in Policy 9.1 will be maintained. This policy shall apply to the approval of all tentative maps for residentially zoned parcels. As an additional guide in evaluating land use compatibility, those standards as found in Figure 1 shall be used. Policy 9.9 Limit future noise generating land use to those location of the County where their impacts on noise sensitive land uses will be minimized, consistent with the standards found in Policy 9.1. Policy 9.10 Require the preparation of a comprehensive noise study for all land use projects determined to have a potential to create noise levels inconsistent with those standards found in Policy 9.1, and in accordance with the methodology identified in the Noise Element Manual contained in General Plan Volume 2, Section 3 - Noise Analysis Appendix A. Policy 9.11 Provide for adequate design controls to assist in mitigating on -site the significant adverse impacts of future noise generating land uses through increased setbacks, landscaping, earthen berms, and solid fencing. Policy 9.12 Strictly enforce the noise insulation standards for new construction as required by Title 24 of the California Administrative Code. Policy EP-10.1.1.1 The Multi -Jurisdiction, Multi -Hazard Mitigation Plan, adopted by the County on June 13, 2006, in accordance with the Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 and Government Code 65302.6, shall serve as the implementation program for the coordination of hazard planning and disaster response efforts within the County. The Multi -Jurisdiction, Multi -Hazard Mitigation Plan shall be reviewed annually by the County Office of Emergency Services and updated as necessary to ensure compliance with the Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, as it exists or as may be amended. Policy EP-10.1.1.2 Coordinate with the State Office of Emergency Services for wildfire, awareness of implementation of state programs. The local earthquake preparedness plan shall be coordinated with regional plans for earthquake preparedness through the local and State Office of Emergency Services. Policy AH-10.4.1.1 Through appropriate zoning regulations, the County shall enforce airport ground and height safety areas, and land use compatibility standards, consistent with the Comprehensive Land Use Plans adopted by the Foothill Airport Land Use Commission for the Truckee -Tahoe Airport and the Nevada County Air Park, as those plans are currently in effect. Changes in the Comprehensive Land Use Plans shall be reflected in the General Plan and/or Zoning Regulations, where appropriate. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 Appendix 3.3-16 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES Policy HM-10.5.1.1 In siting on and off -site hazardous waste management facilities, the County shall follow the criteria and mitigation measures set forth in the Nevada County Hazardous Waste Management Plan, and attendant Final Environmental Impact Report, in order to minimize safety hazards associated with hazardous material and hazardous waste incidents. Policy HM-10.5.2.1 The County will actively promote prompt clean-up or remediation of properties contaminated by mine waste or other hazardous materials and shall not grant any discretionary or ministerial land use approvals to develop or change boundaries or reconfigure parcels believed to be contaminated unless and until the nature, extent, type and location of the contamination is determined and satisfactory arrangements are made for clean-up or remediation, in accordance with Nevada County standards or state regulations. Policy SF-10.6.1.1 County public safety facilities shall be included in the County's development impact fee program, as provided in Policy 3.8 to provide for new facilities or upgrading of existing facilities necessary to serve new development. Policy SF-10.6.1.2 The following shall be included in Comprehensive Site Development Standards to be adopted by the County as the basis for site plan review: a) Standards to enhance the ability of the County law enforcement personnel to protect multi- family, commercial, industrial, and business park uses, including but not limited to: 1) exterior building and parking area lighting; and 2) trimming and maintenance of on -site vegetation to provide adequate view of parking areas, building entrances, and other areas accessible to the public. b) Standards to ensure adequate site and building access for fire and emergency medical Policy SF-10.6.3.1 The County will encourage joint service agreements and consolidation of police, fire, and emergency services between the County, cities, and service districts. Policy FP-10.8.1.1 Recognize the ignition -resistant building standards in Land Use and Development Code Chapter V, Building. Policy FP-10.8.2.1 Support removal of fuels and chipping and onsite distribution of chipped material as preferred alternatives to burning. Policy FP-10.8.3.1 Review wildfire safety policies, codes, and ordinances, and report the findings to the Board of Supervisors at least every three years. Policy FP-10.8.4.1 Recognize the value of the "same practical effect" or "exception" process when the letter of the law may not be practically applied, but the intent of the law may be achieved through application of other measures. Develop a public information sheet to increase public awareness and understanding regarding the application of these processes. Policy FP-10.8.5.1 The County shall coordinate and centralize firesafe reviews which will include coordination of development with respect to fire prevention and safety, and implementation of Nevada County fire safety programs, standards and procedures. Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-17 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES Policy FP-10.8.5.2 The following shall be included in Comprehensive Site Development Standards to be adopted by the County as the basis for site plan review: a) Standards for roads and private driveways which will enhance the ability of emergency service providers to respond to structural and wildland fires, and calls for medical and law enforcement emergency assistance. The standards shall provide for secondary road access to new projects where necessary for fire safety or emergency access; b) Water supply standards which will provide necessary on -site water supply for fire protection; c) Sign and address standards which will provide for easy identification of roads, streets, driveways and buildings by emergency service providers; and d) Standards to reduce hazards associated with the structural and wildland intermix including: 1) Fuel modification; and vegetation management procedures adjacent to structures; 2) Vegetation management adjacent to roads and driveways to provide safe travel of residents and fire fighting personnel; and 3) Building setbacks. Policy FP-10.8.5.3 In those areas outside Community Regions, which are identified as having a high fire hazard, and/or lack adequate year-round fire protection facilities, maintain low -density land use designations (Rural or Forest) in order to minimize the potential fire hazard. Policy FP-10.9.1.1 Make available educational materials regarding environmental regulations, guidelines, and protection measures that property owners should be aware of and are responsible for when planning and undertaking fuels management activities. These educational materials shall be available to members of the public at the County. Policy FP-10.9.2.1 Provide a better understanding to the public and to the architectural and building industry about the benefits and material/design options available with ignition -resistant building materials. Policy FP-10.9.2.2 Support the development of a fuels management consulting and technical service contact list for private property owners by the appropriate fire agency. Policy FP-10.9.2.3 Encourage the development and organization of a property owner assistance program for fuels treatment. Policy FP-10.9.4.1 The County shall work with the California Department of Insurance to obtain recognition that Nevada County has developed fire safety programs that promote compliance with fire safety regulations. Policy FP-10.9.7.1 Encourage landowners to obtain fire safety educational information from the appropriate fire and resource agencies. Policy FP-10.9.7.2 Support collaboration among CAL FIRE, the US Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Nevada County Superintendent of Schools, and other interested groups to develop a school curriculum based upon the role of cyclical historic fire in Sierra Nevada forests. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 Appendix 3.3-18 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES Policy FP-10.9.7.3 Explore the feasibility of a forest school within the Tahoe National Forest to provide students a laboratory in which to study and understand the dynamics of the Sierra Nevada forests. Policy FP-10.11.1.1 Recognize the Nevada County Defensible Space Standard as described in this policy. The Defensible Space Standard provides the basic protection measures for life and property from encroaching wildfire, and minimizes structure fires or other fires which may threaten to spread into the wildlands. The standard utilizes Public Resources Code 4291 and includes one component of Public Resources Code 4290, fuels treatment next to driveways, as the minimum fire safety standard in Nevada County The following definitions apply to the Nevada County Defensible Space Standard: • Flammable vegetation: Any live or dead vegetation that is combustible during normal summer weather. Vegetation which is pruned, limbed, cultivated, or considered ornamental shrubbery or plants, provided they are maintained and/or irrigated and they do not form a means of rapidly transmitting a fire from the surrounding wildlands, is not considered flammable vegetation and is permissible to be retained; • Firebreak: An area where flammable vegetation and other combustible growth are removed and cleared to create a condition that avoids the spreads of fire to other vegetation or to a building or structure; • Fuelbreak: An area that has been changed from dense, heavy vegetation to lower fuel volumes with tree pruning, intermediate shrub, brush, and dead fuel removed, and grasses and forbs replacing the shrub species; • Structure Ignition Zone: A firebreak area free of flammable vegetation and other combustible growth around any structure. • Reduced Fuel Zone: A fuelbreak area of separated vegetation, both vertically and horizontally, which extends beyond the Structure Ignition Zone; • Extended Reduced Fuel Zone: An extension of the Reduced Fuel Zone on downslope areas that varies depending on slopes and vegetation characteristics, as shown in the table below; and • Safe Access Route: A fuelbreak of spatially separated vegetation, both vertically and horizontally, adjacent to driveways that connect homes with roadways. Extended Reduced Fuel Zone: Vegetation -Steep Slope Chart Vegetation Type Down Slope: 0 - 20% Down Slope: 21 — 30% Down Slope: > 31 % Grass -Oak Woodlands 100 feet 100 feet 100 feet Montane Brush 100 feet 150 feet 200 feet Mixed Conifer Forest 100 feet 150 feet 200 feet 4) Eastside Pine w/Sage 5) 100 feet 6) 125 feet 7) 150 feet Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update — Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-19 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES The following criteria, in items a through c below, comprise the Nevada County Defensible Space Standard, which should apply to property within the unincorporated portions of Nevada County: a) Vegetation may only be maintained and treated on one's own property. Fuel modification is limited to the property line; b) Defensible space should be maintained; and c) The recommended guidelines in Policies FP- 10.1 1.1.2 and 10.11.2.1 should be observed when undertaking fuels treatment in the Extended Reduced Fuel Zone. Policy FP-10.11.1.2 Recognize the following fuels treatment guidelines, which serve as recommendations for appropriate spatial arrangement, width, depth, and pruning/limbing height of vegetation in the Extended Reduced Fuel Zone during declared fire season. The guidelines also distinguish appropriate fuels treatment for the various vegetation types in the County: grass -oak woodlands, montane brush, mixed conifer forest and eastside pine with sage. These guidelines supplement the Extended Reduced Fuel Zone standards in Policy FP-10.1 1.1.1. a) Guidelines for grass -oak woodlands: Grass and oak trees dominate the western lower foothills of Nevada County. This vegetation type primarily consists of blue oaks, valley oaks and interior live oaks with brush and occasional conifer species. Fuel loadings are typically low to moderate with low fire resistance, and fire burns very fast. Fire Hazard Severity Rating ranges from moderate to high depending on slope and aspect. Montane brush lands are generally localized areas in the western lower foothills of Nevada County. This vegetation type primarily consists of brush species such as manzanita, deer brush, and scrub oak, with occasional oaks and pines in the overstory. Fuel loadings are typically moderate to high with moderate fire resistance time, and fire burns very fast. Fire Hazard Severity Ratings range from high to very high depending on slope and aspect. Fuels treatment guidelines for grass -oak woodlands and montane brush lands are as follows: 1) Grass vegetation: A height of 3 inches or irrigated greenbelt should be maintained. 2) Brush plants: Dead or dying brush species should be removed at least 30 feet from the structure and gradually extending out to 100 feet. Individual plants or groups of plants can be retained, based on species, size, and slope conditions, with the following conditions: a. Plants should be healthy and free of dead branches and leaves; b. Plants should be 10 feet or less in canopy width; c. Brush plant canopies should be horizontally separated at 3 times their height; d. The lower branches of plants should be vertically separated from understory vegetation; and e. For grass -oak woodlands, a break in the ladder fuels should be created between grass, brush, and tree species, retaining spatially separated healthy plants. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 Appendix 3.3-20 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES 3) Oak and conifer tree species: Dead or dying oaks or conifers should be removed, along with suppressed conifer species. Individual trees or groups of trees can be retained, based on species, size, and slope conditions, with the following conditions: a. Heritage oak trees and landmark oak groves should be retained; b. Trees should be healthy and generally free of dead branches and leaves; c. Trees should be horizontally separated a distance of 10 to 30 feet between trunk of trees; and d. The lower canopy of trees should be vertically separated from the understory, with limbing or pruning to a height of 8 feet in order to prevent canopy fires. 4) Dead and down woody vegetation: Dead and down woody vegetation that is 8 or fewer inches in diameter and 2 or more feet in length should be removed. Dead material can be incorporated into the soil. b) Guidelines for mixed conifer forest and eastside pine with sage: Conifer forest dominates the mid -elevation on the west side and east side of the Sierra Nevada Range with pines, cedars, firs and deciduous oak trees in the canopy, and brush species in the understory. Fuel loadings are typically moderate to very high and have very high fire resistance time, and fire burns moderately fast. Fire Hazard Severity Ratings range from high to very high on most aspects and slopes. c) Eastside pine dominates the mid -elevations on the east side of the Sierra Nevada Range with pines and sagebrush species in the understory. Fuel loadings are moderate and have moderately to high fire resistance time, and fire burns moderately to very fast. Fire Hazard Severity Ratings range from high to very high on most aspects and slopes. Fuels treatment guidelines for mixed conifer forest and eastside pine with sage are as follows: 1) Pine needles and leaves: Pine needles and leaves should be raked to a height of 3 inches or less. 2) Brush plants: Flammable brush plants should be removed. Individual plants or groups of plants are acceptable, based on species, size, and slope conditions, with the following conditions: a. Plants should be healthy and free of dead branches and leaves; b. Plants should be 5 feet or less in canopy width; c. Brush plant canopies should be horizontally separated at 3 times their height; and d. The lower branches of plants should be vertically separated from understory vegetation. 3) Oak and conifer tree species: Remove dead or dying trees. Remove suppressed conifer species. Individual trees or groups of trees can be retained, based on species, size, and slope conditions, with the following conditions: a. Trees should be healthy and free of dead branches and leaves; Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-21 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES b. Trees should be horizontally separated a distance of 10 to 30 feet between trunk of trees; and c. The lower canopy should be vertically separated from the understory, with limbing and pruning to 8 feet in height in order to prevent canopy fires. 4) Dead and down woody vegetation: Dead and down woody vegetation that is 8 or fewer inches in diameter and 2 or more feet in length should be removed. Dead material can be incorporated into the soil. Policy 13.1 Where significant environmental features, as defined in Policy 1.17, are identified during review of projects, the County shall require all portions of the project site that contain or influence said areas to be retained as non -disturbance open space through clustered development on suitable portions of the project site, or other means where mandatory clustering cannot be achieved. The intent and emphasis of such open space designation and non -disturbance is to promote continued viability of contiguous or inter -dependent habitats by avoiding fragmentation of existing habitat areas and preserving movement corridors between related habitats. Vegetation management for the benefit of habitat preservation or restoration shall be considered consistent with the intent of this policy. Policy 13.2 As part of the Comprehensive Site Development Standards, include standards to minimize removal of existing vegetation and require installation and long-term maintenance of landscaping in setbacks and buffer areas. These standards shall be applicable to all discretionary projects and to all ministerial projects other than a single-family residence located on an individual lot. Tree removal may be allowed where necessary to comply with public right- of-way development or dedication, or development of required site access and public utilities. Individual trees or groups of trees shall be protected during construction to prevent damage to the trees and their root systems. Vegetation in proximity to structures shall conform to applicable fire protection standards. Policy 13.2A Project review standards shall include a requirement to conduct a site -specific biological inventory to determine the presence of special status species or habitat for such species that may be affected by a proposed project. The results of the biological inventory shall be used as the basis for establishing land use siting and design tools required to achieve the objective of no net loss of habitat function or value for special status species. Where a Habitat Management Plan is deemed appropriate, the Plan shall be prepared to comply with the requirements of the Federal Endangered Species Act (FESA) and the California Endangered Species Act (CESA). The plan shall provide the background data, impact analysis, and mitigation programs necessary to obtain a FESA Section 10(a) and CESA Section 2081 permit authorizing incidental take of federal and state listed threatened and endangered species that occur in areas proposed for future development. Prior to implementation of an adopted Habitat Management Plan, project applicants proposing the development of a project that would impact a federal or state listed species, or a species that is proposed for listing, shall be individually responsible for obtaining federal and state incidental take permits on a project -by -project basis. Policy 13.2B Development projects which have the potential to remove natural riparian or wetland habitat of 1 acre or more shall not be permitted unless: Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 Appendix 3.3-22 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES a) No suitable alternative site or design exists for the land use; b) There is no degradation of the habitat or reduction in the numbers of any rare, threatened, or endangered plant or animal species as a result of the project; c) Habitat of superior quantity and superior or comparable quality will be created or restored to compensate for the loss; and d) The project conforms with regulations and guidelines of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, California Department of Fish and Game, and other relevant agencies. Policy 13.8 As part of the Comprehensive Site Development Standards, include measures applicable to all discretionary and ministerial projects to minimize disturbance of heritage and landmark trees and groves. These measures shall include, but are not limited to, requirements for on -site vegetation inventories and mandatory clustering of development in areas likely to support such vegetation or habitat. Policy 14.1 Cooperate with the Air Quality Management District (currently the NSAQMD), during review of development proposals. As part of the site plan review process, require applicants of all subdivisions, multi -family, commercial and industrial development projects to address cumulative and long-term air quality impacts, and request the District enforce appropriate land use regulations to reduce air pollution. Policy 14.2 Include the following as part of the Comprehensive Site Development Standards: a) Encourage maximized solar access, where feasible, and consistent with the maintenance of scenic values, in new subdivision designs to optimize energy efficiency; b) Require all installations of solid fuel -burning devices comply with the current Federal EPA emission standards; c) Require installation of masonry and zero -clearance fireplaces in new construction to comply with the current EPA Phase particulate emission limits; Policy 14.3 Where it is determined necessary to reduce short-term and long-term cumulative impact, the County shall require all new discretionary projects to offset any pollutant increases. Wherever possible, such offsets shall benefit lower -income housing. Policy 16.15 Encourage the Nevada Irrigation District and the Nevada County Resource Conservation District in their efforts to implement water conservation and greater efficiency of water use by agricultural as well as urban users through measures such as: a) Development of an irrigation system that could supply water on an "as needed" basis. b) Continued efforts to line existing canals. c) Increased use of sprinklers and drip irrigation. d) Monitoring of water usage through the use of current technology such as tensiometers and gypsum blocks. Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-23 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES Policy 16.16 Encourage multiagency participation in water projects where such coordination may facilitate providing affordable irrigation water to areas of the County which have water deficiencies. Policy 17.6 Encourage extraction of mineral resources in compatible areas prior to intensified urbanization or conversion to other incompatible land use development. Policy 17.14 Already existing development - commercial, residential, and community - as well as undeveloped private lands, shall be protected from adverse environmental effects caused by mining through enforced use permit conditions and mitigations measures, or denial of the projects. The County shall be the enforcement agency. Policy 17.15 Surface mining is conditionally permitted only in compatible General Plan designations as defined herein and on parcels zoned "ME". Said mining shall be allowed only after impacts on the environment and nearby land uses have been adequately reviewed and found to be in compliance with CEQA. Of particular importance shall be the impact of the operation on nearby land uses, water quantity and quality, noise and vibration impacts, and traffic associated with the operation. All other related impacts shall also be addressed. Policy 17.17 The County shall use the "ME" Mineral Extraction Combining District as a means to provide for the public awareness of the potential for surface mining to occur where it has been established that important minerals are present. The "ME" District shall be used only on those lands which are within any of the compatible General Plan designations and which are not residentially zoned. Policy 17.24 Regardless of the General Plan designation, subsurface mining shall be conditionally permitted throughout the County. Said mining shall be allowed only after impacts on the environment and affected surface land uses have been adequately reviewed and found to be in compliance with CEQA. Of particular importance shall be the impact of the operation on surface land uses, water quantity and quality, noise and vibration, land subsidence, and traffic associated with surface access. All other related impacts shall also be addressed. Policy 18.1 The County shall prepare Community Design Guidelines applicable to the various General Plan Designations and zoning classifications, and adopt such guidelines as part of Comprehensive Site Development Standards, to be used in the project site review of all discretionary and ministerial project permits. The guidelines may include, but not be limited to the following: a) Community identity b) Preservation of natural landforms c) Protection and management of viewsheds d) Protection and management of river corridors and other significant streams These Guidelines shall be the base design standards applicable to all projects. Area -specific Design Guidelines, where adopted by the County pursuant to Policy 18.2, shall be applicable in addition to the base guidelines within the specified area. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 Appendix 3.3-24 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES Policy 18.2 The County may adopt Specific Design Guidelines for areas within Community Regions, Rural Places, and Rural Centers to provide for the maintenance of community identity, scenic resources and historic sites and areas. The Specific Design Guidelines may include, but not be limited to standards which: a) Reflect the distinctions among and transitions between different areas within Community Regions; b) Reflect and retain the historic character of the area by requiring designs consistent with historic buildings, areas and sites related to a project; c) Reflect and retain the rural and small-town character of the County; d) Address building height and bulk at locations of visual sensitivity; e) Encourage consistent thematic use of building materials and design elements appropriate to the visual and scenic qualities of specific areas; f) Encourage cluster -type development of office, commercial uses, and residential uses to enhance open space; g) Encourage office and commercial development provide safe, functional and attractive pedestrian connections and, where appropriate, social places (e.g. seating, landscaped patio areas, etc.); h) Locate parking areas out of view from road traffic where conditions permit and provide measures to reduce the impacts of large paved areas; i) Encourage building designs which provide customer entrance from pedestrian and parking areas, with customer -friendly store fronts facing pedestrian areas; and j) Provide uniform criteria for project design review. k) Encourage landscape treatment to enhance the built environment, including the preservation, long-term maintenance, and use of drought -tolerant native species. Specific Design Guidelines shall be implemented through the regulations of the "D" Design Combining District of the County zoning ordinance. Policy 18.3 The County shall establish standards for the protection of large-scale views and viewsheds and shall incorporate such standards in the Comprehensive Site Development Standards. The standards shall provide an inventory of sensitive views and viewsheds within Nevada County, and specify protective measures and impact controls applicable through the project site review process. Policy 18.3A To provide for scenic stream corridor protection along designated streams, the County shall prepare standards and procedures whereby local groups, associations, or similar organizations can, after first obtaining 66% or more of landowner concurrence, apply for designation of a segment of any stream as a local scenic stream corridor. The applicants sponsoring such designations shall prepare their application consistent with the County Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-25 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES prepared standards and procedures and process their application similar to other planning applications. Policy 18.4 Nevada County shall not permit the use of billboards due to unmitigable, significant adverse effects upon aesthetic values and upon scenic values which contribute to the value of tourism to the local economy. The County shall adopt regulations requiring the removal of existing billboards on an amortized basis, providing for a 5-15 year period to remove such signs, with the time period allowing for consideration of compensation for said removal. Policy 18.5 Nevada County shall not permit the continued use of non -conforming signs. The County shall adopt regulations requiring the removal of existing non -conforming signs on an amortized basis, providing for a 5-15 year period to remove such signs, with the time period allowing for consideration of compensation for said removal. Policy 18.6 Discretionary development in Rural Regions and in Community Regions near the Community Boundary shall, wherever possible, preserve natural landmarks and avoid ridge -line placement of structures. Policy 18.7 Encourage protection of scenic corridors wherever feasible. Policy 18.7A The County shall promote a compact development pattern to protect open space buffers between communities and to maintain a geographic distinction between communities. Policy 18.8 The County shall amend the "SC" Scenic Corridor Combining District Regulations to require design review of all proposed development within the district. Policy 18.8A The County will designate scenic corridors along the following routes: Interstate 80 and Highways 49, 89, 174, and 267 for their entire length in the County; all of Highway 20, Donner Pass Road (Old Highway 40), from the Interstate 80 intersection at Soda Springs to the town limits of Truckee. These corridors should be placed within the SC "Scenic Corridor" Combining District, with boundaries based upon adopted studies. Policy 18.9 To encourage a system of scenic County roads, the County shall prepare standards and procedures whereby local groups, associations, or similar organizations can, after first obtaining 66% of owners of land affected by scenic designation, apply for scenic designation of County roadways. The applicants sponsoring such designations shall prepare their application consistent with the County prepared standards and procedures and process their application similar to other planning applications. TOWN OF TRUCKEE GENERAL PLAN LAND USE ELEMENT P1.1 All new development shall meet important community goals for design quality, open space preservation, and promotion of a livable, sustainable community. Development that does not fulfill these goals shall not be allowed. P1.2 Projects that exceed minimum requirements and mandated levels for provision of affordable and workforce housing shall be given a higher priority for development approval. Such projects may be considered for application of less stringent development standards in order to facilitate their development. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 Appendix 3.3-26 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES P2.3 Ensure that new residential development meets minimum density standards, based on those described in Section C of the Land Use Element. P3.1 In order to prevent new linear commercial sprawl along major transportation corridors, locate new freeway -oriented commercial development outside of the Downtown Specific Plan Area exclusively at the existing developed interchanges of Interstate 80 at Donner Pass Road/Cold Stream Road and Highway 89 South. New freeway -oriented development may be appropriate within the Downtown, as determined through the Downtown Specific Plan. P4.2 Cooperate with special districts to plan for and identify suitable future sites for needed facilities, including schools, fire stations, solid and liquid waste disposal sites, and utilities infrastructure, so that the local population can be safely and efficiently served, while minimizing potential environmental impacts. P5.1 Strongly encourage mixed use development in appropriate locations, including the Downtown, Gateway area and Donner Lake. P5.2 Allow transitional uses such as office/professional in areas where existing commercial uses directly abut single-family residential uses and adequate buffers are not available, and permit neighborhood serving commercial uses in residential land use designations. These uses can be found consistent with the residential land use designation when they are applied based upon these circumstances and when it is found that adequate roads and other infrastructure are available to serve all uses. P5.3 Support development of neighborhood centers through establishment of uses and facilities that provide a direct benefit to the neighborhood, such as educational and recreation facilities, day care services, places of worship, community meeting centers, fire stations, small parks, libraries and other public facilities, telecenters, and neighborhood commercial uses. P5.4 Discourage new "strip" commercial development and encourage site design for new commercial projects that provides for pedestrian/bicycle access and proper building scale and proportion relative to the pedestrian realm. P5.5 Support telecommuting and home -based offices by encouraging the development of communications infrastructure and facilities such as satellite offices and local telecenters. P6.1 The maximum size limit for a single retail commercial use building shall be 40,000 square feet. P6.2 Maintain and enhance Downtown as the heart of Truckee and as the Town's premier tourist destination through the following methods, and through Action A6.2: Aggressively facilitate pedestrian -oriented development in the Downtown through implementation of the Downtown Specific Plan. Give some priority in the expenditure of capital improvement funds to projects that will enhance appropriate uses Downtown and facilitate new development, thereby implementing the Downtown Specific Plan. • Allocate staff resources to implement the Downtown Specific Plan. Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-27 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES • Actively encourage the relocation of industrial uses from the Downtown area to other more appropriate locations in Town, such as the Pioneer Trail industrial area, or the Airport industrial zone. P6.3 Improve the quality and character of development along Donner Pass Road in the Gateway Area, including improvements that encourage a pedestrian -oriented environment and that facilitate walking and bicycle use. P6.4 Require buildings to be located closer to the street, where appropriate, and for off-street parking areas to be located to the rear of commercial buildings, where feasible. Ultimate building locations must accommodate snow removal and snow storage, and should maximize solar orientation. P7.2 Residential development shall be clustered to avoid areas of significant natural resources, including wildlife habitat and migration corridors and visual resources. ALL Develop a system whereby development projects can be given a rating based on the degree to which they meet goals for preservation and enhancement of community character, adherence to town design standards, open space preservation, environmental sustainability, provision of affordable housing, minimization of sprawl, and promotion of a livable community. Amend the Development Code to reflect the guidelines developed under this system. COMMUNITY CHARACTER ELEMENT P1.3 Cluster new development so as to preserve the maximum amount of desired types of open space, as identified in the Conservation and Open Space Element. P2.1 Protect views of hillsides, prominent slope exposures, and ridge and bluff lines through a clustering requirement for residential development that concentrates development on the most level and least visible portions of hillside sites. P2.2 Prevent development along ridge and bluff lines that disrupts the natural skyline or silhouette of the landform. P2.3 Prohibit intensive and visually obtrusive development on prominent hillsides, ridges, bluffs and steep slope areas in Truckee. P2.4 Ensure that new development in Truckee's lowland areas, including its forested areas and meadowlands, and the Truckee River Valley, contributes to and enhances the scenic quality and visual harmony of the built environment that comprises the Truckee townscape. P2.5 Preserve the scenic qualities of the Truckee River and other natural waterways through setback standards, as identified in the Conservation and Open Space Element, and by ensuring that new development respects and enhances the aesthetic qualities and natural environment of these river corridors and waterways. P3.3 Work with Caltrans to improve the visual quality of freeway interchanges and designated scenic corridors in Truckee, including improvements to roadside landscaping and lighting. P4.2 Require light fixtures to be designed and sited so as to minimize light pollution, glare, and light trespass into adjoining properties. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 Appendix 3.3-28 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES P4.3 Encourage the removal, replacement or retrofit of light fixtures that contribute to light pollution. P5.1 Ensure that planning and development decisions are oriented towards the maintenance of Truckee's unique character, reflecting the following considerations: • Identification of specific types of centers, residential neighborhoods, employment districts, corridors and gateways. • Respect for the quality, character and context of existing development within these different areas of the town. • Ensuring that new development enhances the desired character of each of these areas. • Discouraging new architecture that directly mimics or is derivative of the buildings of the historic downtown. • Encouraging the retrofit or rehabilitation of existing buildings to more closely comply with Town policies, standards and guidelines for high quality architecture and design. • Consideration of the relationship of the built environment to the qualities and context of the landscape and natural environment in which it is situated. P5.2 Require all new development to incorporate high quality site design, architecture, and planning so as to enhance the overall quality of the built environment in Truckee and create a visually interesting and aesthetically pleasing town environment. P5.3 Prohibit franchise and corporate architecture in commercial buildings, except in special situations. P5.4 Prohibit gated communities in Truckee. P5.5 Enhance physical connections between adjacent uses and between different parts of Truckee. P5.6 Regulate the size, quantity, location and design of signs to maintain and enhance the visual appearance of the town. P5.7 Eliminate existing billboards within Town limits, and prohibit new billboards as a form of signage. P13.2 Ensure that new development within Truckee's light industrial areas and employment districts is designed in a way that is sensitive to adjacent residential development. P14.2 Encourage property owners to provide additional landscaping and screening for existing development along Brockway Road. P18.1 Require evaluation of impacts to historic resources for projects which involve substantial site disturbance, or demolition or alteration of known historic buildings. P18.2 Encourage appropriate reuse of historic structures for housing, including affordable housing, public recreation and commercial uses that does not compromise their historic character. Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-29 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES P18.3 Encourage and cooperate with the private sector in the implementation of innovative strategies to preserve all of Truckee's identified historic buildings and sites, including Native American and ethnic group sites. Preservation strategies could include by gift, establishment of private conservancies, and easements. P18.4 Provide incentives and technical assistance to property owners to apply for federal, State, local and private grants, loans and tax credits to preserve and rehabilitate historic buildings. P18.5 Work with California State Parks, the Tahoe -Donner Recreation and Parks District, the Truckee Donner Historical Society, the Truckee Donner Land Trust and other entities to maintain and increase opportunities for public recreation and access to historic sites, including Native American and ethnic group sites. In the case of Native American sites, any increased access should be developed in close consultation with local tribes, and due respect accorded to the potential cultural or spiritual significance of these places. P18.6 Support all efforts to document and preserve Truckee's rich historic legacy, including its Native American and ethnic history, and to educate residents and visitors about the town's historic buildings and sites. P18.7 Encourage adaptive re -use of historic structures in accordance with federal, State and local guidelines. P19.1 As part of the development review process, require proper archaeological or paleontological surveying, testing, research, documentation, monitoring and safe retrieval of archaeological and cultural resources. P19.2 Require an archaeological survey by a qualified professional whenever there is evidence of an archaeological or paleontological site within a proposed project area, is determined to be a high likelihood for occurrence of such sites, or where a project involves substantial site disturbance. P19.3 Consult with representatives of the Native American community whenever necessary to ensure the respectful treatment of Native American sacred places. A4.1 Amend the Development Code to provide Town -wide standards for outdoor lighting that reduce light pollution more effectively than existing standards and that are consistent with, or effective as, the International Dark Sky model ordinance. A4.2 Conduct a study to identify the most serious instances of light pollution in the Town of Truckee, and implement a program to work with relevant public and private property owners to retrofit, remove or replace polluting fixtures. ASA Consider inclusion of form -based zoning and development standards in specific plans and master plans, based on the building blocks of centers, neighborhoods, employment districts, and corridors and gateways identified in this Element. A18.1 Implement the Historic Preservation Program that seeks to protect and preserve the historic quality of the Downtown Historic District and other historic structures in Town. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 Appendix 3.3-30 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES CIRCULATION ELEMENT P1.1 Maintain a hierarchy of arterial, collector and local roadways in Truckee by planning, designing, and regulating roadways in accordance with the functional classification system described in this Element. P1.2 Undertake improvements to the Town's roadway network, as identified in the Circulation Plan in Figure CIR-3 and in Section D, to ensure that the access and mobility needs of existing and future land uses can be adequately served. P1.3 Ensure that right-of-way for cumulatively needed future roadway improvements is reserved or acquired as part of relevant project approvals. P1.4 Improve existing roadways in Truckee to meet current Town engineering standards. P2.2 In addition to the standards described in Policy 2.1, the criteria and thresholds shown in Table CIR-6 shall be applied to future development projects to determine the need for a traffic impact analysis to be conducted and to determine if a project's traffic impact is found to be significant. P2.3 Allow flexibility and exceptions to the LOS standards described in Policy P2.1 for the following intersections: • Bridge Street/Donner Pass Road • Bridge Street/River Street • Glenshire Drive/Donner Pass Road Exceptions to the standards may be allowed in cases where the Town finds that improvements needed to achieve acceptable LOS: (a) should be deferred in order to better coordinate with the planning and implementation of other projects including the Railyard; (b) will result in unacceptable impacts (e.g. requiring demolition of historic buildings, relocation of businesses); (c) are not feasible to construct; or (d) should be deferred or lowered in order to better implement other transportation control measures including alternative transportation modes. Exceptions should only be allowed after all feasible resources and options to implement needed improvements have been explored and exhausted. P6.8 Ensure that adequate parking is provided for commercial, residential and other land uses in Truckee, while, at the same time, limiting excess off-street parking. P9.1 Promote the use of transportation control measures (TCMs) that divert automobile trips to transit, walking, and bicycling. TCMs may include the following: • Passenger rail. • Employer -based trip reduction programs. • Alternate work schedules. Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update — Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-31 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES • Telecommuting. • Ride -share programs. • Park -and -ride lots. • Bicycling programs. • Local and regional transit. P9.2 Promote land use and transportation strategies that will reduce automobile trips, particularly implementation of compact, pedestrian- oriented development, mixed uses, live - work projects, neighborhood -serving commercial and mixed use centers, and clustered and infill development. P9.3 Encourage major traffic generators, including the school district and the ski resorts, to develop and implement trip reduction measures, and encourage increased use of transit (both public and private) through provision of additional transit routes, connections, and increased service frequency. P10.2 Implement the network of trails and bikeways described in the Trails and Bikeways Master Plan, with priority given to establishment of a trail from Donner Lake along Donner Creek and the Truckee River to the eastern Town limit. This cross-town trail would serve as the main "artery" of the Town's trail network, with other trails connecting to it along its length, and would provide a critical link to major regional trails including a trail to the west that connects to Donner Summit and the Pacific Crest Trail, and to the east to trails that follow the Truckee River to Nevada. P10.8 Pursue all available sources of funding for the development and improvement of trails for non -motorized transportation (bikeways, and pedestrian and equestrian trails). P11.1 Require new development to incorporate features that encourage transit use, including shelters and safe routes to transit stops, and ensure that right-of-way for future transit access is reserved in plans for new growth areas. P11.2 Pursue all available sources of funding for capital and operating costs of transit services, including consideration of funding through major developers. P11.3 As funding permits, participate in the provision of inter -regional transit services to Lake Tahoe and the ski areas. P11.4 Consider the transit needs of senior, disabled, low-income and transit -dependent persons in making decisions regarding transit services and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. P11.5 Encourage the development of facilities for convenient transfers between different modes of transport, especially to provide connections to rail and intercity bus service. P11.6 Support and promote the use of passenger rail, and support regional efforts to provide enhanced commuter rail service to and from Truckee, including service timing and frequency that is convenient for commuters, and service that caters to weekend visitors. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 Appendix 3.3-32 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES P11.7 When needed, work with neighboring jurisdictions to develop funding mechanisms to address future shortfalls in available sales tax -based funding for transit and to support adequate transit service for the Town's population as it grows. CONSERVATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT P1.3 Work with the Tahoe Donner Land Trust to support their efforts to acquire and manage open space lands. P2.1 Prohibit development within established setback areas from the Truckee River, except as otherwise allowed in the Development Code. Outside of the Downtown Specific Plan Area, development shall be set back a minimum of 100 feet from the edge of the Truckee River 100- year floodplain. Within the Downtown Specific Plan Area, development shall be set back a minimum distance from the edge of the 100-year floodplain that is equivalent to one foot above the base flood elevation. Grading, landscaping and drainage uses within the established setback area shall also be subject to strict controls. Improvements for public access and use may be allowed within the established setbacks. P2.3 Support efforts of local community and non-profit organizations to conduct ecological studies of the Truckee River and Donner Lake and their associated waterways, undertake water quality monitoring, and perform clean-up and restoration activities. P2.4 Improve and protect public access to the Truckee River and Donner Lake through discretionary project review and other available means. P4.1 Provide for the integrity and continuity of biological resources open space, habitat and wildlife movement corridors and support the permanent protection and restoration of these areas, particularly those identified as sensitive resources. P4.2 Protect sensitive wildlife habitat from destruction and intrusion by incompatible land uses where appropriate. All efforts to protect sensitive habitats should consider: • Sensitive habitat and movement corridors in the areas adjacent to development sites, as well as on the development site itself. • Prevention of habitat fragmentation and loss of connectivity. • Use of appropriate protection measures for sensitive habitat areas such as non -disturbance easements and open space zoning. • Off -site habitat restoration as a potential mitigation, provided that no net loss of habitat value results. • Potential mitigation or elimination of impacts through mandatory clustering of development, and/or project redesign. P4.3 Encourage restoration of native habitat on Town- and Special District -owned property. P4.4 Preserve riparian corridors, Donner Lake and aquatic and wetland areas through application of setbacks and other development standards that respect these resources. Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-33 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES P4.5 Development shall be prohibited within established setback areas for streams and waterways other than the Truckee River, except as otherwise allowed in the Development Code, such setbacks shall be between 20 and 50 feet on parcels less than 175 feet deep (depending on parcel depth), and 50 feet on parcels 175 feet deep or more. P5.1 Require biological resource assessments for all development in areas where special status species may be present. P5.3 Protect to the extent possible federal or State -designated endangered, threatened, special status or candidate species. P11.1 Minimize excessive paving that negatively impacts surface water runoff and groundwater recharge rates. P11.2 Protect surface and groundwater resources from contamination from runoff containing pollutants and sediment, through implementation of the Regional Water Quality Control Board's (RWQCB) Lahontan Region's, Best Management Practices. P11.5 Require new development projects that have the potential to impact local water quality through increased stormwater runoff or erosion to include analysis of water quality impacts as a component of project review, and to integrate mitigation measures that would reduce identified impacts to an acceptable level. P13.1 Require multi -family residential, commercial, industrial, subdivisions and other discretionary development to maintain consistency with the goals, policies and control strategies of the Town's Particulate Matter Air Quality Management Plan. P13.2 Existing non -paved roads within new development and subdivision, and existing off -site non -paved roads that serve new development and subdivisions shall be paved to the extent necessary to offset emissions generated by the development and subdivision traffic to the degree feasible. New non -paved roads shall not be allowed for new development and subdivisions except for single family residences, secondary residential units and duplexes on existing lots. New paving shall take into consideration the policies under Goal COS-11 concerning minimization of impacts to water quality and groundwater recharge that may result from increases in paved areas. P13.3 Require all construction projects to implement dust control measures to reduce particulate matter emissions due to disturbance of exposed top -soils. Such measures would include watering of active areas where disturbance occurs, covering haul loads, maintaining clean access roads, and cleaning the wheels of construction vehicles accessing disturbed areas of the site. A1.1 Form an Open Space Committee that will serve as an advisory body during the preparation of the Comprehensive Open Space Management and Acquisition Plan (see Action A1.2) Upon adoption of the Plan, consider other roles the committee may assume. A2.1 Work with the Truckee River Watershed Council, TDRPD and other agencies to develop comprehensive, long term management plans for the Truckee River corridor within the Town limits and Donner Lake. The plans should treat the Truckee River and Donner Lake and their associated riparian, wetland and meadow habitats as holistic systems, and should address the complete range of issues associated with the Truckee River and Donner Lake, including scenic Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 Appendix 3.3-34 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES and habitat values, opportunities for riparian restoration and enhancement, flood protection, water quality, and access and recreation opportunities. A4.1 Prepare, and subsequently update as necessary, a comprehensive plan for the management and protection of sensitive biological resources such as wetlands, riparian corridors, and critical habitat areas. The plan should be developed in cooperation with the California Department of Fish and Games, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and local interest groups, and should address all known critical habitat areas, wildlife movement corridors and deer migration routes, and should prioritize areas for management and protection that are likely to be impacted by development. A5.1 Prepare and maintain an updated list of State and federal rare, threatened and endangered species known or suspected to occur in the Town of Truckee and its immediate vicinity, as well as special status or rare and endangered species identified by the California Department of Fish and Game and the California Native Plant society. This list should be monitored and updated every two years. A5.2 As part of the biological resources management plan described in Action A4.1, develop a set of guidelines for presser vation of special status species, including, if it is found to be feasible, a tiered approach that would prioritize protection of State- and federally -designated special status species. Such an approach may include identification of appropriate buffers for preservation of species identified on a development site, and appropriate avoidance and mitigation measures for species determined to be affected by a proposed development. SAFETY ELEMENT P1.1 Group and locate new residential development in such a way as to avoid areas of hazard including steep slopes and areas of unstable soils. P1.2 Encourage retrofitting of structures, particularly older buildings, to withstand earthquake shaking and landslides. Ensure that new development incorporates design and engineering that minimizes the risk of damage from seismic events and land sliding. P1.3 Require soils reports for new development in areas where geologic risks are known to exist. Such reports should include recommendations for appropriate engineering and other measures to address identified risks. P4.4 Require new development to incorporate adequate emergency water flow, emergency vehicle access and evacuation routes. P4.5 Continue to support the mitigation fee program for the Fire Protection District, to ensure that the District is able to meet the future fire protection needs of the community as it grows. P4.6 Support, as appropriate, efforts to implement the recommendations of the 2005 Nevada County Fire Plan, and programs of Fire Safe Nevada County. P4.7 Ensure that the development review process addresses wildland fire risk, including assessment of both construction- and project related fire risks particularly in areas of the Town most susceptible to fire hazards. Cooperate with the TFFPD in reviewing fire safety plans and provisions in new development, including aspects such as emergency access, site design for maintenance of defensible space, and use of non-combustible materials. Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-35 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES P5.2 Continue to cooperate with Tahoe Truckee Sierra Disposal to facilitate opportunities for safe disposal of household hazardous waste. P6.1 Maintain land use and development patterns in the vicinity of the Truckee -Tahoe Airport that are consistent with the adopted Comprehensive Airport Land Use Plan, including setbacks and height requirements. P7.1 Work with Caltrans to coordinate establishment of appropriate emergency access routes through the Town when closure of Interstate 80 is necessitated by weather -related or other emergencies. P7.2 Support the efforts of the Department of Homeland Security, Truckee Fire Protection District, Nevada County Office of Emergency Services, and other agencies to educate the public about emergency preparedness and response. A3.1 Update avalanche zoning studies and modify the Development Code as necessary to respond to updated avalanche information. A6.1 Amend the Development Code to reflect revised airport safety areas established in the adopted Comprehensive Land Use Plan for the Truckee -Tahoe Airport A7.1 Coordinate with other emergency response agencies to develop and implement an Emergency Response Plan for Truckee including measures for response to fire, earthquake, blizzard, hazardous materials spills and other disasters. NOISE ELEMENT P1.1 Allow new development only if consistent with the ground transportation noise compatibility guidelines illustrated in Figure N-3 and the policies of this Element. Noise measurements used in establishing compatibility shall be measured in dBA CNEL and based on worst -case noise levels, either existing or future, with future noise levels to be predicted based on projected 2025 levels. P1.2 Require new development to mitigate exterior noise to "normally acceptable" levels in outdoor areas where quiet is a benefit, such as in the backyards of single-family homes. P1.3 Enforce the California Noise Insulation Standards for interior noise levels attributable to exterior sources for all proposed new single- and multi -family residences. P1.4 Support retrofitting of homes exposed to existing unacceptable interior noise levels, and those that become exposed to unacceptable interior noise in the future, with sound insulating features. P1.5 Allow land uses within Normally Unacceptable categories only where the allowed use can be shown to serve the greater public interests of the citizens of Truckee. P1.6 When considering development proposals in the environs of the Truckee Tahoe Airport, enforce the noise compatibility criteria and policies set forth in the adopted Truckee Tahoe Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan. P1.7 Reduce potential impacts from groundborne vibration associated with rail operations by requiring that vibration -sensitive buildings (e.g., residences) are sited at least 100-feet from the Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 Appendix 3.3-36 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES centerline of the railroad tracks whenever feasible and that development of vibration -sensitive buildings within 100-feet from the centerline of the railroad tracks require a study demonstrating that groundborne vibration issues associated with rail operations have been adequately addressed (i.e., through building siting or construction techniques). P2.1 Require mitigation of all significant noise impacts as a condition of project approval. P2.2 Require preparation of a noise analysis/acoustical study, which is to include recommendations for mitigation, for all proposed projects which may result in potentially significant noise impacts to nearby noise sensitive land uses such as residences. P2.3 Require preparation of a noise analysis/acoustical study, which is to include recommendations for mitigation, for all proposed development within noise -impacted areas that may be exposed to levels greater than "normally acceptable." P2.4 Discourage the construction of sound walls and require development projects to evaluate site design techniques, building setbacks, earthen berms, alternative architectura P2.5 Require the application of the provisions in the California Building Code Appendix Chapter II, Sections 1208A.8: Exterior Sound Transmission Control, to apply to all new single-family residences. P3.2 Regulate noise from non -emergency construction activities through the Municipal Noise Ordinance. P3.3 Control the sound of vehicle amplification systems (e.g., loud stereos) by enforcing Section 27007 of the California Motor Vehicle Code. This section prohibits amplified sound which can be heard 50 or more feet from a vehicle. P3.4 Control excessive vehicle exhaust noise by enforcing Section 27150 of the California Vehicle Code. P3.5 Investigate other methods for reducing noise associated with vehicles and diesel equipment, and support efforts to reduce vehicle and equipment noise - e.g. through fleet and equipment modernization or retrofits, use of alternative fuel vehicles, and installation of mufflers or other noise reducing equipment. P3.6 Encourage transportation providers to investigate and consider use of alternative road surfacing materials that minimize vehicle noise. P3.7 Enforce posted speed limits on Town roads. P3.8 Support federal and State legislation to attain lower operating noise levels on motor vehicles. P3.9 Support the efforts of the Truckee Tahoe Airport District to educate pilots about appropriate flight paths to minimize flyovers of residential neighborhoods, and other District efforts to monitor, minimize, reduce and mitigate airport noise. P3.10 Cooperate with the Airport District to coordinate long-range planning and land use regulations that minimize community noise exposure associated with airport operations, while meeting Town goals concerning provision of housing and other uses. Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-37 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES P3.11 Encourage the Union Pacific Railroad to reduce noise from its rail operations, particularly use of warning whistles, and support efforts to eliminate the need for these audible warnings, including upgrades to at -grade crossings P3.12 Encourage CalTrans to incorporate noise reducing features during highway improvement projects when feasible and where consistent with Town policies. P3.13 Require the following standard construction noise control measures to be included as requirements at construction sites in order to minimize construction noise impacts. • Equip all internal combustion engine driven equipment with intake and exhaust mufflers that are in good condition and appropriate for the equipment. • Locate stationary noise generating equipment as far as possible from sensitive receptors when sensitive receptors adjoin or are near a construction project area. • Utilize "quiet" air compressors and other stationary noisegenerating equipment where appropriate technology exists. • The project sponsor shall designate a "disturbance coordinator" who would be responsible for responding to any local complaints about construction noise. The disturbance coordinator will determine the cause of the noise complaint (e.g., starting too early, bad muffler, etc.) and will require that reasonable measures warranted to correct the problem be implemented. The project sponsor shall also post a telephone number for excessive noise complaints in conspicuous locations in the vicinity of the project site. Additionally, the project sponsor shall send a notice to neighbors in the project vicinity with information on the construction schedule and the telephone number for noise complaints. PLACER COUNTY GENERAL PLAN Policy 1.A.1 The County will promote the efficient use of land and natural resources. Policy 1.A.2 The County shall permit only low -intensity forms of development in areas with sensitive environmental resources or where natural or human -caused hazards are likely to pose a significant threat to health, safety, or property. Policy 1.A.3 The County shall distinguish among urban, suburban, and rural areas to identify where development will be accommodated and where public infrastructure and services will be provided. This pattern shall promote the maintenance of separate and distinct communities. Policy 1.A.4 The County shall promote patterns of development that facilitate the efficient and timely provision of urban infrastructure and services. Policy 1.B.2 The County shall encourage the concentration of multi -family housing in and near village centers, major commercial areas, and neighborhood commercial centers. Policy 1.B.3 The County shall encourage the planning and design of new residential subdivisions to emulate the best characteristics (e.g., form, scale, and general character) of existing, nearby neighborhoods. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 Appendix 3.3-38 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES Policy 1.B.4 The County shall ensure that residential land uses are separated and buffered from such major facilities as landfills, airports, and sewage treatment plants. Policy 1.B.5 The County shall require residential project design to reflect and consider natural features, noise exposure of residents, visibility of structures, circulation, access, and the relationship of the project to surrounding uses. Policy 1.11.6 The County shall require new subdivided lots to be adequate in size and appropriate in shape for the range of primary and accessory uses designated for the area. Policy 1.11.7 The County shall require multi -family developments to include private, contiguous, open space for each dwelling. Policy 1.B.8 The County shall require residential subdivisions to be designed to provide well- connected internal and external street and pedestrian systems. Policy 1.B.9 The County shall discourage the development of isolated, remote, and/or walled residential projects that do not contribute to the sense of community desired for the area. Policy 1.11.10 The County shall require that all residential development provide private and/or public open spaces in order to ensure that each parcel contributes to the adequate provision of light, air, and open space. Policy 1.D.1 The County shall require that new commercial development be designed to encourage and facilitate pedestrian circulation within and between commercial sites and nearby residential areas rather than being designed primarily to serve vehicular circulation. Policy 1.D.2 The County shall require new commercial development to be designed to minimize the visual impact of parking areas on public roadways. Policy 1.D.3 The County shall require that new community commercial centers locate adjacent to major activity nodes and major transportation corridors. Community commercial centers should provide goods and services that residents have historically had to travel outside of the area to obtain. Policy 1.D.5 The County shall encourage existing and new village centers to provide a variety of goods and services, both public and private. Policy 1.D.6 The County shall promote use of first floor space in new buildings in village centers for retail, food service, financial institutions, and other high -volume commercial uses. Policy 1.D.7 The County shall encourage new village centers and new commercial projects and areas to be designed to maintain a continuous retail facade on all street frontages, except for public plazas and pedestrian passages between the front and rear of buildings. Policy 1.D.8 The County shall require minimal, or in some cases no, building setbacks for commercial and office uses in new village centers. Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-39 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES Policy 1.D.9 The County shall encourage parking in village centers to be consolidated in well - designed and landscaped lots or in well -located parking structures. Policy 1.D.10 The County shall encourage the preservation of historic and attractive buildings in existing village centers, and encourage new development to enhance the character of village centers. Policy 1.D.11 The County shall require that existing and new village centers and development within them be designed to integrate open spaces into the urban fabric where possible, especially taking advantage of any natural amenities such as creeks, hillsides, and scenic views. Policy 1.F.1 The County will encourage the concentration of public and quasi -public facilities. New and expanded government offices and other professional offices should be encouraged to locate on land near existing government offices. Policy 1.F.2 The County shall seek to locate new public facilities necessary for emergency response, health care, and other critical functions outside areas subject to natural or built environment hazards. Policy 1.F.3 The County shall require public facilities, such as wells, pumps, tanks, and yards, to be located and designed so that noise, light, odors, and appearance do not adversely affect nearby land uses. Policy 1.G.1 The County will support the expansion of existing winter ski and snow play areas and development of new areas where circulation and transportation system capacity can accommodate such expansions or new uses and where environmental impacts can be adequately mitigated. Policy 1.G.2 The County shall strive to have new recreation areas located and designed to encourage and accommodate non -auto mobile access. Policy 1.G.3 The County shall continue to require the development of new recreational facilities as new residential development occurs. Policy 1.1.1 The County shall require that significant natural, open space, and cultural resources be identified in advance of development and incorporated into site - specific development project design. The Planned Development and Commercial Planned Development provisions of the Zoning Ordinance can be used to allow flexibility for this integration with valuable site features. Policy 1.1.2 The County shall require that development be planned and designed to avoid areas rich in wildlife or of a fragile ecological nature (e.g., areas of rare or endangered plant species, riparian areas). Alternatively, where avoidance is infeasible or where equal or greater ecological benefits can be obtained through off -site mitigation, the County shall allow project proponents to contribute to off -site mitigation efforts in lieu of on -site mitigation. Policy 1.J.1 The County shall require new mining operations to be designed to provide a buffer between existing or likely adjacent uses, minimize incompatibility with nearby uses, and adequately mitigate their environmental and aesthetic impacts. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Draft Environmental Impact Report Nevada County LAFCo February 2013 Appendix 3.3-40 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES Policy 1.J.2 The County shall require that new non -mining land uses adjacent to existing mining operations be designed to provide a buffer between the new development and the mining operations. The buffer distance will be based upon an evaluation of noise, aesthetics, drainage, operating conditions, topography, lighting, traffic, operating hours and air quality. Policy 1.13 The County shall discourage the development of any uses that would be incompatible with adjacent mining operations or would restrict future extraction of significant mineral resources. Policy 1.14 The County shall discourage the development of incompatible land uses in areas that have been identified as having potentially significant mineral resources. Policy 1.J.5 The County shall require that all mining operations prepare and implement reclamation plans that mitigate environmental impacts and incorporate adequate security to guarantee proposed reclamation. Policy 1.J.6 The County shall require that plans for mining operations incorporate adequate measures to minimize impacts to local residents and county roadways. Policy 1.K.1 The County shall require that new development in scenic areas (e.g., river canyons, lake watersheds, scenic highway corridors, ridgelines, and steep slopes) is planned and designed in a manner which employs design, construction, and maintenance techniques that; a. Avoids locating structures along ridgelines and steep slopes; b. Incorporates design and screening measure to minimize the visibility of structures and graded areas; c. Maintains the character and visual quality of the area. Policy 1.K.2 The County shall require that new development in scenic areas be designed to utilize natural landforms and vegetation for screening structures, access roads, building foundations, and cut and fill slopes. Policy 1.K.3 The County shall require that new development in rural areas incorporates landscaping that provides a transition between the vegetation in developed areas and adjacent open space or undeveloped areas. Policy 1.K.4 The County shall require that new development incorporates sound soil conservation practices and minimizes land alterations. Land alterations should comply with the following guidelines: a. Limit cuts and fills; b. Limit grading to the smallest practical area of land; c. Limit land exposure to the shortest practical amount of time; d. Replant graded areas to ensure establishment of plant cover before the next rainy season; and Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-41 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES e. Create grading contours that blend with the natural contours on site or with contours on property immediately adjacent to the area of development. Policy 1.K.5 The County shall require that new roads, paring, and utilities be designed to minimize visual impacts. Unless limited by geological or engineering constraints, utilities should be installed underground and roadways and parking areas should be designed to fit the natural terrain. Policy 1.K.6 The County shall require that new development on hillsides employ design, construction, and maintenance techniques that; a. Ensure that development near or on portions of hillsides doe not cause or worsen natural hazards such as erosion, sedimentation, fire, or water quality concerns; b. Include erosion and sediment control measures including temporary vegetation sufficient to stabilize disturbed areas; c. Minimize risk to life and property from slope failure, landslides, and flooding; and d. Maintain the character and visual quality of the hillside. Policy 11.1 The County shall designate scenic routes within the county in order to preserve outstanding scenic quality within the different geographical settings. Policy 1.L.3 The County shall protect and enhance scenic corridors through such means as design review, sign control, underground utilities, scenic setbacks, density limitations, planned unit developments, grading and tree removal standards, open space easements, and land conservation contracts. Policy 11.4 The County shall provide for landscaping and/or landscaped mounding along designated scenic corridors where desirable to maintain and improve scenic qualities and screen unsightly views. Policy 11.5 The County shall encourage the development of trails, picnicking, observation points, parks, and roadside rests along scenic highways. Policy 11.8 The County shall include aesthetic design considerations in road construction, reconstruction, or maintenance for all scenic routes under County jurisdiction. Policy 1.M.2 The County shall encourage large residential projects to be phased or timed to occur simultaneously with development that will provide primary wage-earner jobs. Policy 1.M.3 The County shall encourage the creation of primary wage-earner jobs, or housing which meets projected income levels, in those areas of Placer County where an imbalance between jobs and housing exist. Policy 2.A.11 All new housing projects of 100 or more units on land has received an increase in allowable density through either a public or privately initiated general plan amendment, community plan amendment, rezoning, or specific plan shall be required to provide at least 10 percent of the units to be affordable to low Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Draft Environmental Impact Report Nevada County LAFCo February 2013 Appendix 3.3-42 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES income households. The low income units shall be available concurrently with the market -rate units. All such units shall remain affordable for ate least 20 years. In cases where developers actually construct the low income units, the projects shall be eligible for a 10 percent density bonus. The Land Use Element and Zoning Ordinance will be amended to avoid potential conflicts with minimum lot size standards in cases where the density bonus option is exercised. In cases where the County determines that is impractical for the developer to actually construct the units on site, the County may as an alternative allow the dedication of land sufficient to accommodate at least 10 percent of the units for low-income households and/or the payment of an in -lieu fee. In cases where land dedication is deemed suitable, such land shall be offered in fee to the County or to another public or nonprofit agency approved by the county. The amount of the in -lieu fee shall be determined on a case -by -case basis. The County may require the developer to fund an analysis showing how contributions of in -lieu fees could be best utilized to create the desired number of low-cost units. Policy 2.A.13 Inclusionary housing provisions shall be incorporated in all new or updated community plans. Policy 2.A.18 The County shall require new resorts in the Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe areas to provide for employee housing equal to 50 percent of the housing demand generated by the project. Employee housing shall be provided for in one of the following ways (in order of preference): a. Construction of employee housing onsite. b. Construction of employee housing offsite. c. Dedication of land for needed units. d. Payment of an in -lieu fee. Policy 2.A.19 Owners of vacation houses in the Lake Tahoe area shall be encouraged to rent to resort workers, especially in the North Tahoe area. Policy 2.111.1 The County encourages residential development of high architectural and physical quality, compatible with neighboring land uses. Policy 2.G.1 All new dwelling units shall be required to meet current state requirements for energy efficiency. The retrofitting of existing units shall be encouraged. Policy 2.G.2 New land use patterns should encourage energy efficiency, to the extent feasible. Policy 3.A.1 The County shall plan, design, and regulate roadways in accordance with the classification system established in Placer County General Plan and reflected in the Circulation Plan Diagram contained therein. Policy 3.A.2 The County shall require that streets and roads be dedicated, widened, and constructed according to the roadway design and access standards generally Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-43 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES defined in the Placer County General Plan and the County's Highway Deficiency Report. Exceptions to these standards may be necessary but should be kept to a minimum and shall be permitted only upon determination by the Public Works Director that safe and adequate public access and circulation are preserved by such exceptions. Policy 3.A.3 The County shall require that roadway rights -of way be wide enough to accommodate the travel lanes needed to carry long-range forecasted traffic volumes (beyond 2021), as well as any planned bikeways and required drainage, utilities, landscaping, and suitable separations. Policy 3.A.4 On arterial roadways and thoroughfares, intersection spacing should be maximized. Driveway encroachments along collector and arterial roadways, and to a lesser degree, collector roadways, shall be minimized. Access control restrictions for each class of roadway in the county are specified in Part I of the Placer County General Plan Document. Policy 3.A.5 The County shall require that through -traffic be accommodated in a manner that discourages the use of neighborhood roadways, particularly local streets. This through -traffic, including through truck traffic, shall be directed to appropriate routes in order to maintain public safety and local quality of life. Policy 3.A.6 The County shall require all new development to provide off-street parking, either on -site or in consolidated lots or structures. Policy 3.A.7 The County shall develop and manage its roadway system to maintain the following minimum levels of service (LOS). a. LOS "C" on rural roadways, except within 'h mile of state highways where the standard shall be LOS "D". b. LOS "C" on urban/suburban roadways except within Y2 mile of state highways where the standard shall be LOS "D". The County may allow exceptions to these level of service (LOS) standards where it finds that the improvements or other measures required to achieve the LOS standards are unacceptable based on established criteria. In allowing any exception to the standards, the County shall consider the following factors: • The number of hours per day that the intersection or roadway segment would operate at conditions worse than the standard. • The ability of the required improvement to significantly reduce peak hour delay and improve traffic operations. • The right-of-way needs and the physical impacts on surrounding properties. • The visual aesthetics of the required improvement and its impact on community identity and character. • Environmental impacts including air quality and noise impacts. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Draft Environmental Impact Report Nevada County LAFCo February 2013 Appendix 3.3-44 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES • Construction and right-of-way acquisition costs. • The impacts on general safety. • The impacts of the required construction phasing and traffic maintenance. • The impacts on quality of life as perceived by residents. • Consideration of other environmental, social, or economic factors on which the County may base findings to allow an exceedance of the standards. Exceptions to the standards will only be allowed after all feasible measures and options are explored, including alternative forms of transportation. Policy 3.A.8 The County's LOS standards for the State highway system shall be no worse than those adopted in the Placer County Congestion Management Program (CMP). Policy 3.A.9 The County shall work with neighboring jurisdictions to provide acceptable and compatible levels of service and joint funding on the roadways that may occur on the circulation network in the Town of Truckee, the unincorporated area, and adjacent Nevada County. Policy 3.A.10 The County shall strive to meet the level of service standards through a balanced transportation system that provides alternatives to the automobile. Policy 3.A.11 The County shall plan and implement a complete road network to serve the needs of local traffic. This road network shall include roadways parallel to regional facilities so that the regional roadway system can function effectively and efficiently. Much of this network will be funded and/or constructed by new development. Policy 3.A.12 The County shall require an analysis of the effects of traffic from all land development projects. Each such project shall construct or fund improvements necessary to mitigate the effects of traffic from the project. Such improvements may include a fair share of improvements that provide benefits to others. Policy 3.A.13 The County shall secure financing in a timely manner for all components of the transportation system to achieve and maintain adopted level of service standards. Policy 3.A.14 The County shall assess fees on new development sufficient to cover the fair share portion of that development's impacts on the local and regional transportation system. Exceptions may be made when new development generates significant public benefits (e.g., low income housing, needed health facilities) and when alternative sources of funding can be identified to offset foregone revenues. Policy 3.A.15 Placer County shall participate with other jurisdictions and Caltrans in the planning and programming of improvements, as well as maintaining the adopted level of service (LOS), for the State Highway 267 in accordance with state and federal transportation planning and programming procedures, so as to maintain acceptable levels of service for Placer County residents. Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-45 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES Policy 3.13.1 The County shall work with transit providers to plan and implement additional transit services within and to the county that are timely, cost-effective, and responsive to growth patterns and existing and future transit demand. Policy 3.11.3 The County shall consider the need for future transit right-of-way in reviewing and approving plans for development. Rights -of -way may either be exclusive or shared with other vehicles. Policy 3.11.4 The County shall pursue all available sources of funding for transit services. Policy 3.11.8 The County shall undertake, as funding permits, and participate in studies of inter- regional recreational transit services, such as rail, to the Sierra. Policy 3.13.9 The County shall require development of transit services by ski resorts and other recreational providers in the Sierra to meet existing and future recreational demand. Policy 3.11.10 The County shall consider the transit needs of senior, disabled, minority, low- income, and transit -dependent persons in making decisions regarding transit services and in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Policy 3.11.11 The County shall support efforts to provide demand -responsive service ("paratransit") and other transportation services for those unable to use conventional transit. Policy 4.C.1 The County shall require proponents of new development to demonstrate the availability of a long-term, reliable water supply. The County shall require written certification from the service provider that either existing services are available or needed improvements will be made prior to occupancy. Where the County will approve groundwater as the domestic water source, test wells, appropriate testing, and/or reports(s) from qualified professionals will be required substantiating the long-term availability of suitable groundwater. Policy 4.C.2 The County shall approve new development based on the following guidelines for water supply: a. Urban and suburban development should rely on public water systems using surface supply. b. Rural communities should rely on public water systems. In cases where parcels are larger than those defined as suburban and no public water system exists or can be extended to the property, individual wells may be permitted. C. Agricultural areas should rely on public water systems where available, otherwise individual water wells are acceptable. Policy 4.C.6 The County shall promote efficient water use and reduced water demand by: a. Requiring water -conserving design and equipment in new construction; Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Draft Environmental Impact Report Nevada County LAFCo February 2013 Appendix 3.3-46 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES b. Encouraging water -conserving landscaping and other conservation measures; C. Encouraging retrofitting existing development with water -conserving devices; and d. Encouraging water -conserving agricultural irrigation practices. Policy 4.C.7 The County shall promote the use of reclaimed wastewater to offset the demand for new water supplies. Policy 4.C.8 When considering formation of new water service agencies, the County shall favor systems owned and operated by a governmental entity over privately- or mutually -owned systems. The County will continue to authorize new privately- or mutually -owned systems only if system revenues and water supplies are adequate to serve existing and projected growth for the life of the system. The County shall ensure this through agreements or other mechanisms setting aside funds for long term capital improvements and operation and maintenance. Policy 4.C.11 The County shall protect the watersheds of all bodies of water associated with the storage and delivery of domestic water by limiting grading, construction of impervious surfaces, application of fertilizers, and development of septic systems within these watersheds. Policy 4.C.12 The County shall limit the annual rate of growth to three percent in areas where domestic water is supplied by individual or community wells. Policy 4.D.1 The County shall limit the expansion of urban communities to areas where community wastewater treatment systems can be provided. Policy 4.D.2 The County shall require proponents of new development within a sewer service area to provide written certification from the service provider that either existing services are available or needed improvements will be made prior to occupancy. Policy 4.D.3 The County shall discourage extension of sewer service outside of city spheres of influence and community plan areas, except in limited circumstances to resolve a public health hazard resulting from existing development, or where there is a substantial overriding public benefit. Policy 4.D.4 The County shall promote efficient water use and reduced wastewater system demand by: a. Requiring water -conserving design and equipment in new construction; b. Encouraging retrofitting with water -conserving devices; and c. Designing wastewater systems to minimize inflow and infiltration to the extent economically feasible. Policy 4.D.5 The County shall encourage pretreatment of commercial and industrial wastes prior to their entering community collection and treatment systems. Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-47 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES Policy 4.D.6 The County shall promote functional consolidation of wastewater facilities. Policy 4.D.7 The County shall permit on -site sewage treatment and disposal on parcels where all current regulations can be met and where parcels have the area, soils, and other characteristics that permit such disposal facilities without threatening surface or groundwater quality or posing any other health hazards. Policy 4.D.8 The County shall require that the on -site treatment, development, operation, and maintenance of disposal systems comply with the requirements and standards of the County Division of Environmental Health. Policy 4.D.9 The County requires septic tank maintenance by a public entity as a condition of tentative map approval for major subdivisions in which septic tanks are to be used. Policy 4.D.10 The County shall continue use of current technically based criteria in review and approval of septic tank/leachfield systems for rural development. Policy 4.D.11 The County shall facilitate extension of septic tank effluent pumping (STEP) service or conventional wastewater collection service to areas with failing on -site systems. Policy 4.E.1 The County shall encourage the use of natural stormwater drainage systems to preserve and enhance natural features. Policy 4.E.2 The County shall support efforts to acquire land or obtain easements for drainage and other public uses of floodplains where it is desirable to maintain drainage channels in a nature state. Policy 4.E.3 The County shall consider using stormwater of adequate quality to replenish local groundwater basins, restore wetlands and riparian habitat, and irrigate agricultural lands. Policy 4.E.4 The County shall ensure that new storm drainage systems are designed in conformance with the Placer County Flood Control and Water Conservation District's Stormwater Management Manual and the County Land Development Manual. Policy 4.E.5 The County shall continue to implement and enforce its Grading Ordinance and Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. Policy 4.E.6 The County shall continue to support the programs and policies and the watershed flood control plans developed by the Flood Control and Water Conservation District. Policy 4.E.7 The County shall prohibit the use of underground storm drain systems in rural and agricultural areas, unless no other feasible alternatives are available for conveyance of stormwater from new development or when necessary to mitigate flood hazards. Policy 4.E.8 The County shall consider recreational opportunities and aesthetics in the design of stormwater ponds and conveyance facilities. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Draft Environmental Impact Report Nevada County LAFCo February 2013 Appendix 3.3-48 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES Policy 4.E.9 The County shall encourage good soil conservation practices in agricultural and urban areas and carefully examine the impact of proposed urban developments with regard too drainage courses. Policy 4.E.10 The County shall strive to improve the quality of runoff from urban and suburban development through use of appropriate and feasible mitigation measures including, but not limited to, artificial wetlands, grassy swales, infiltration/sedimentation basins, riparian setbacks, oil/grit separators, and other best management practices (BMPs). Policy 4.E.11 The County shall require new development to adequately mitigate increases in stormwater peak flows and/or volume. Mitigation measures should take into consideration impacts on adjoining lands in the unincorporated area and on properties in jurisdictions within and immediately adjacent to Placer County. Policy 4.E.12 The County shall encourage project designs that minimize drainage concentrations and impervious coverage and maintain, to the extent feasible, natural site drainage conditions. Policy 4.E.13 The County shall require that new development conforms with the applicable programs, policies, recommendations, and plans of the Placer County Flood Control and Water Conservation District. Policy 4.E.14 The County shall require projects that have significant impacts on the quantity and quality of surface water runoff to allocate land as necessary for the purpose of detaining post -project flows and/or for the incorporation of mitigation measures for water quality impacts related to urban runoff. Policy 4.E.15 The County shall identify and coordinate mitigation measures with responsible agencies for the control of storm sewers, monitoring of discharges, and implementation of measures to control pollutant loads in urban storm water runoff (e.g., California regional Water quality Control Board, Placer County Division of Environmental Health, Placer County Department of Public Works, Placer County Flood Control and Water Conservation District). Policy 4.E.16 The County shall strive to protect domestic water supply canal systems from contamination resulting from spillage or runoff. Policy 4.E.17 The County shall wherever feasible, require that proponents of new projects encase, or otherwise protect from contamination, domestic water supply canals where they pass through developments with lot sizes of 2.3 acres or less; where subdivision roads are constructed within 100 feet upslope or upstream from canals; and within all commercial, industrial, institutional, and multi -family developments. Policy 4.E.18 The County shall require that proponents of new projects fence domestic water supply canals where they pass through development with lot sizes between 2.3 and 4.6 acres; and on a case -by -case basis as determined by the entity responsible for the canal. This fencing shall be installed inside the project property line, and the proponent or subsequent landowner shall be responsible for fence maintenance. Said fencing shall be designed to impede pedestrian Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-49 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES trespass of the canal area and to impede any dumping of materials into the canal. Policy 4.F.1 The County shall require that arterial roadways and expressways, residences, commercial and industrial uses and emergency facilities be protected, at a minimum, from a 100-year storm event. Policy 4.F.2 The County shall recognize floodplains as a potential public resources to be managed and maintained for the public's benefit. Policy 4.F.3 The County shall continue to work closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the resource conservation district, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the State Department of Water Resources, and the Placer County Flood Control District, in defining existing and potential flood problem areas. Policy 4.F.4 The County shall require evaluation of potential flood hazards prior to approval of development projects. The County shall require proponents of new developments to submit accurate topographic and flow characteristics information and depiction of the 100-year floodplain boundaries under fully - developed, unmitigated runoff conditions. Policy 4.F.5 The County shall attempt to maintain natural conditions within the 100-year floodplain of all rivers and streams except under the following circumstances: a. Where work is required to manage and maintain the stream's drainage characteristics and where such work is done in accordance with the Placer County Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance, California Department of Fish and Game regulations, and Clean Water Act provisions administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; or b. When facilities for the treatment of urban runoff can be located in the floodplain, provided that there is no destruction of riparian vegetation. Policy 4.F.6 The County shall continue to coordinate efforts with local, state, and federal agencies to achieve adequate water quality and flood protection. Policy 4.F.7 The County shall cooperate with the Placer County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, surrounding jurisdictions, the cities in the county, and other public agencies in the planning and implementing regional flood control improvements. Policy 4. F.8 The County shall, where possible, view flood waters as a resource to be used for waterfowl habitat, aquifer recharge, fishery enhancement, agricultural water supply, and other suitable uses. Policy 4.F.9 The County shall continue to implement floodplain zoning and undertake other actions required to comply with state floodplain requirements, and to maintain the County's eligibility under the Federal Flood Insurance Program. Policy 4.F.10 The County shall preserve or enhance the aesthetic qualities of natural drainage courses in their natural or improved state compatible with flood control requirements and economic, environmental, and ecological factors. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Draft Environmental Impact Report Nevada County LAFCo February 2013 Appendix 3.3-50 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES Policy 4.F.11 To the extent that funding is available, the County shall work to solve flood control problems in areas where existing development has encroached in a floodplain. Policy 4.F.12 The County shall promote the use of natural or non-structural flood control facilities, including off -stream flood control basins to preserve and enhance creek corridors. Policy 4.F.13 The County shall continue to implement and enforce its Grading Ordinance and Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. Policy 4.F.14 The County shall ensure that new storm drainage systems are designed in conformance with the Placer County Flood Control and Water Conservation District's Stormwater Management Manual and the County's Land Development Manual. Policy 4.G.1 The County shall require waste collection in all new urban and suburban development. Policy 4.G.2 The County shall promote maximum use of solid waste source reduction, recycling, composting, and environmentally safe transformation of wastes. Policy 4.G.7 The County shall require that all new development complies with applicable provisions of the Placer County Integrated Waste Management Plan. Policy 4.H.1 The County shall strive to maintain the following staffing ratios (expressed as the ration of officers to population): a. 1:1,000 for unincorporated areas b. 1:7 for jail population c. 1:16,000 total county population for court and civil officers Policy 4.H.2 The County shall strive to maintain the following average response times for emergency calls for service: a. 6 minutes in urban areas b. 8 minutes in suburban areas c. 15 minutes in rural areas d. 20 minutes in remote rural areas Policy 4.H.3 ... the County shall provide sheriff facilities (including substation space, patrol, and other vehicles, necessary equipment, and support personnel) sufficient to maintain the above service standards. Policy 4.H.4 The County shall require new development to develop or fund sheriff facilities that, at a minimum, maintain the above standards. Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-51 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES Policy 4.H.5 The County shall consider public safety issues in all aspects of commercial and residential project design, including crime prevention through environmental design. Policy 4.1.1 The County shall encourage local fire protection agencies in Placer County to maintain the following minimum fire protection standards (expressed as Insurance Service Organization (ISO) ratings): • ISO 4 in urban areas • ISO 6 in suburban areas • ISO 8 in rural areas Policy 4.1.2 The County shall encourage local fire protection agencies in the county to maintain the following standards (expressed as average response times to emergency calls): • 4 minutes in urban areas • 6 minutes in suburban areas • 10 minutes in rural areas Policy 4.1.3 The County shall require new development to develop or fund fire protection facilities, personnel, and operations and maintenance that, at a minimum, maintain the above service level standards. Policy 4.1.4 The County shall work with local fire protection agencies to identify key fire loss problems and design appropriate fire safety education programs to reduce fire incidents and losses. Policy 4.1.6 The County shall continue to promote standardization of operations among fire protection agencies and improvement of fire service levels. Policy 4.1.7 The County shall maintain and strengthen automatic aid agreements to maximize efficient use of available resources. Policy 4.1.8 The County shall work with local fire protection agencies to maintain a pre -fire planning program with selected high -risk occupancies reviewed at least annually. Policy 4.1.9 The County shall ensure that all proposed developments are reviewed for compliance with fire safety standards by responsible local fire agencies per the Uniform Fire Code and other County and local ordinances. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 Appendix 3.3-52 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES Policy 4.1.11 The County shall encourage local fire protection agencies to provide and maintain advanced levels of emergency medical services (EMS) to the public. Policy 4.11 The County should continue to assist school districts in providing quality education facilities that will accommodate projected student growth. Policy 4.13 The County shall work cooperatively with school districts in monitoring housing, population, and school enrollment trends and in planning for future school facility needs, and shall assist school districts in locating appropriate sites for new schools. Policy 4.14 The County's land use planning should be coordinated with the planning of school facilities and should involve school districts in the early stages of the land use planning process. Policy 4.15 The County should plan and approve residential uses in those areas that are most accessible to school sites in order to enhance neighborhoods, minimize transportation requirements and costs, and minimize safety problems. Policy 4.16 The County should include schools among those public facilities and services that are considered an essential part of the infrastructure that should be in place as development occurs. Policy 4.17 The County shall consider school district plans in establishing acceptable levels of service for schools, determining school location and land and facility needs, and determining appropriate financing methods. The County should designate existing and designate existing and future school sites in community plans and specific plans to accommodate school district needs. Policy 4.18 The County shall encourage school facility sitting that establishes schools as focal points within the neighborhood and community. Policy 5.A.1 The County shall strive to achieve and maintain a standard of 5 acres of improved parkland and 5 acres of passive recreation area or open space per 1,000 population. Policy 5.A.2 The County shall strive to achieve the following park facility standards: a. 1 tot lot per 1,000 residents b. 1 playground per 3,000 residents c. 1 tennis court per 6,000 residents d. 1 basketball court per 6,000 residents e. 1 hardball diamond per 3,000 residents f. 1 softball/little league diamond per 3,000 residents g. 1 mile of recreational trail per 1,000 residents h. 1 youth soccer field per 2,000 residents Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-53 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES 1 adult field per 2,000 residents 1 golf course per 50,000 residents Policy 5.A.3 The County shall require new development to provide a minimum of 5 acres of improved parkland and 5 acres of passive recreation area for every 1,000 new residents of the area covered by the development. Policy 5.A.4 The County shall consider the use of the following open space areas as passive parks to be applied to the requirement of 5 acres of passive park area for every 1,000 residents. a. Floodways b. Protected riparian corridors C. Protected wildlife corridors d. Greenways with the potential for trail development e. Open water (e.g., ponds, lakes, and reservoirs) f. Protected woodland areas g. Protected sensitive habitat areas providing that interpretive displays are provided (e.g., wetlands and habitat for rare, threatened or endangered species.) Policy 5.A.5 The County shall require the dedication of land and/or payment of fees, in accordance with state law (Quimby Act) to ensure funding for the acquisition and development of public recreation facilities. Policy 5.A.8 The County shall strive to maintain a well-balanced distribution of local parks, considering the character and intensity of present and planned development and future recreation needs. Policy 5.A.9 The County shall give priority to early acquisition of park sites in newly -developing areas through many means including the use of public financing or land dedication. Policy 5.A.23 The County shall require that park and recreation facilities required in conjunction with new development be developed in a timely manner so that such facilities are available concurrently with new development. Policy 5.C.1 The County shall support development of a countywide trail system designed to achieve the following objectives: a. Provide safe, pleasant, and convenient travel by foot, horse, or bicycle; b. Link residential areas, schools, community buildings, parks, and other community facilities within residential developments. Whenever possible, trails Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Draft Environmental Impact Report Nevada County LAFCo February 2013 Appendix 3.3-54 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES should connect to the countywide trail system, regional trails, and the trail or bikeways plans of cities; c. Provide access to recreation areas, major waterways, and vista points; d. Provide for multiple uses (i.e., pedestrian, equestrian, bicycle); e. Use public utility corridors such as power transmission line easements, railroad rights -of -way, irrigation district easements, and roadways; f. Whenever feasible, be designed to separate equestrian trails from cycling paths, and to separate trails from the roadway by the use of curbs, fences, landscape buffering, and/or spatial distance; g. Connect commercial areas, major employment centers, institutional uses, public facilities, and recreational areas. 5.D.1. The County shall assist the citizens of Placer County in becoming active guardians of their community's cultural resources. 5.D.2. The County shall solicit the cooperation of the owners of cultural and paleontological resources, encourage those owners to treat these resources as assets rather than liabilities, and encourage the support of the general public for the preservation and enhancement of these resources. 5.D.3. The County shall solicit the views of the Native American Heritage Commission and/or the local Native American community in cases where development may result in disturbance to sites containing evidence of Native American activity and/or to sites of cultural importance. 5.D.4. The County shall coordinate with the cities and municipal advisory councils in the County to promote the preservation and maintenance of Placer County's paleontological and archaeological resources. 5.D.5. The County shall use, where feasible, incentive programs to assist private property owners in preserving and enhancing cultural resources. 5.D.6. The County shall require that discretionary development projects identify and protect from damage, destruction, and abuse, important historical, archaeological, paleontological, and cultural sites and their contributing environment. Such assessments shall be incorporated into a Countywide cultural resource data base, to be maintained by the Department of Museums. 5.D.7. The County shall require that discretionary development projects are designed to avoid potential impacts to significant paleontological or cultural resources whenever possible. Unavoidable impacts, whenever possible, shall be reduced to a less than significant level and/or shall be mitigated by extracting maximum recoverable data. Determinations of impacts, significance, and mitigation shall be made by qualified archaeological (in consultation with recognized local Native American groups), historical, or paleontological consultants, depending on the type of resource in question. Policy 6.A.1 The County shall require the provisions of sensitive habitat buffers which shall, at a minimum, be measured as follows: 100 feet from the centerline of perennial streams, 50 feet from centerline of intermittent streams, and 50 feet from the Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-55 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES edge of sensitive habitats to be protected including riparian zones, wetlands, old growth woodlands, and the habitat of rare, threatened or endangered species (see discussion of sensitive habitat buffers in Part I of this Policy Document). Based on more detailed information supplied as a part of the review for a specific project, the County may determine that such setbacks are not applicable in a particular instance or should be modified based on the new information provided. The County may, however, allow exceptions, such as in the following cases: a. Reasonable use of the property would otherwise be denied; b. The location is necessary to avoid or mitigate hazards to the public; C. The location is necessary for the repair of roads, bridges, trails, or similar infrastructure; or d. The location is necessary for the construction of new roads, bridges, trails, or similar infrastructure where the County determines there is no feasible alternative and the project has minimized environmental impacts through project design and infrastructure placement. Policy 6.A.2 The County shall require all development in the 100-year floodplain to comply with the provisions of the Placer County Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. Policy 6.A.3 The County shall require development projects proposing to encroach into a creek corridor or creek setback to do one or more of the following, in descending order of desirability: a. Avoid the disturbance of riparian vegetation; b. Replace riparian vegetation (on -site, in -kind); C. Restore another section of creek (in -kind); and/or d. Pay a mitigation fee for restoration elsewhere (e.g., wetland mitigation banking program). Policy 6.A.4 Where creek protection is required or proposed, the County should require public and private development to: a. Preserve creek corridors and creek setback areas through easements or dedications. Parcel lines (in the case of a subdivision) or easements (in the case of a subdivision or other development) shall be located to optimize resource protection. If a creek is proposed to be included within an open space parcel or easement, allowed uses and maintenance responsibilities within that parcel or easement should be clearly defined and conditioned prior to map or project approval; b. Designate such easement or dedication areas (as described in a. above) as open space; C. Protect creek corridors and their habitat value by actions such as: 1) providing an adequate creek setback, 2) maintaining creek corridors in an essentially natural state, 3) employing creek restoration techniques where Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Draft Environmental Impact Report Nevada County LAFCo February 2013 Appendix 3.3-56 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES restoration is needed to achieve a natural creek corridor, 4) utilizing riparian vegetation within creek corridors, and where possible, within creek setback areas, 5) prohibiting the planting of invasive, non-native plants (such as vinca major and eucalyptus) within creek corridors or creek setbacks, and 6) avoiding tree removal within creek corridors; d. Provide recreation and public access near creeks consistent with other General Plan policies; e. Use design, construction, and maintenance techniques that ensure development near a creek will not cause or worsen natural hazards (such as erosion, sedimentation, flooding, or water pollution) and will include erosion and sediment control practices such as: 1) turbidity screens and other management practices, which shall be used as necessary to minimize siltation, sedimentation, and erosion, and shall be left in place until disturbed areas; and/or are stabilized with permanent vegetation that will prevent the transport of sediment off site; and 2) temporary vegetation sufficient to stabilize disturbed areas. Provide for long-term creek corridor maintenance by providing a guaranteed financial commitment to the County which accounts for all anticipated maintenance activities. Policy 6.A.5 The County shall continue to require the use of feasible and practical best management practices (BMPs) to protect streams from the adverse effects of construction activities and urban runoff and to encourage the use of BMPs for agricultural activities. Policy 6.A.6 The County shall require that natural watercourses are integrated into new development in such a way that they are accessible to the public and provide a positive visual element. Policy 6.A.7 The County shall discourage grading activities during the rainy season, unless adequately mitigated, to avoid sedimentation of creeks and damage to riparian habitat. Policy 6.A.8 Where the stream environment zone has previously been modified by channelization, fill, or other human activity, the County shall require project proponents to restore such areas by means of landscaping, revegetation, or similar stabilization techniques as a part of development activities. Policy 6.A.9 The County shall require that newly -created parcels include adequate space outside of watercourses' setback areas to ensure that property owners will not place improvements (e.g., pools, patios, and appurtenant structures), within area that require protection. Policy 6.A.11 Open space located in watersheds, which serve reservoirs, is important to the adequate performance of those reservoirs for their intended purposes and should be preserved and protected. Policy 6.A.12 The County shall encourage the protection of floodplain lands and where appropriate, acquire public easements for purposes of flood protection, public safety, wildlife preservation, groundwater recharge, access and recreation. Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-57 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES Policy 6.11.1 The County shall support the "no net loss" policy for wetland areas regulated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the California Department of Fish and Game. Coordination with these agencies at all levels of project review shall continue to ensure that appropriate mitigation measures and the concerns of these agencies are adequately addressed. Policy 6.11.2 The County shall require new development to mitigate wetland loss in both regulated and non -regulated wetlands to achieve "no net loss" through any combination of the following, in descending order of desirability: (1) avoidance of riparian habitat; (2) where avoidance is not possible, minimization of impacts on the resource; or (3) compensation, including use of a mitigation banking program that provides the opportunity to mitigate impacts to rare, threatened, and endangered species and/or the habitat which supports these species in wetland and riparian areas. Policy 6.11.3 The County shall discourage direct runoff of pollutants and siltation into wetland areas from outfalls serving nearby urban development. Development shall be designed in such a manner that pollutants and siltation will not significantly adversely affect the value or function of wetlands. Policy 6.13.4 The County shall strive to identify and conserve remaining upland habitat areas adjacent to wetlands and riparian areas that are critical to the survival and nesting of wetland and riparian species. Policy 6.13.5 The County shall require development that may affect a wetland to employ avoidance, minimization, and/or compensatory mitigation techniques. In evaluating the level of compensation to be required with respect to any given project, (a) on -site mitigation shall be preferred to off -site, and in -kind mitigation shall be preferred to out -of -kind; (b) functional replacement ratios may vary to the extent necessary to incorporate a margin of safety reflecting the expected degree of success associated with the mitigation plan; and (c) acreage replacement ratios may vary depending on the relative functions and values of those wetlands being lost and those being supplied, including compensation for temporal losses. The County shall continue to implement and refine criteria for determining when an alteration to a wetland is considered a less -than -significant impact under CEQA. Policy 6.C.1 The County shall identify and protect significant ecological resource areas and other unique wildlife habitats critical to protecting and sustaining wildlife populations. Significant ecological resource areas include the following: a. Wetland areas including vernal pools. b. Stream environment zones. C. Any habitat for rare, threatened or endangered animals or plants. d. Critical deer winter ranges (winter and summer), migratory routes and fawning habitat. e. Large areas of non -fragmented natural habitat, including Blue Oak Woodlands, Valley Foothill Riparian, vernal pool habitat. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 Appendix 3.3-58 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES f. Identifiable wildlife movement zones, including but not limited to, non - fragmented stream environment zones, avian and mammalian migratory routes, and known concentration areas of waterfowl within the Pacific Flyway. g. Important spawning areas for anadramous fish. Policy 6.C.2 The County shall require development in areas known to have particular value for wildlife to be carefully planned and, where possible, located so that the reasonable value of the habitat for wildlife is maintained. Policy 6.C.3 The County shall encourage the control of residual pesticides to prevent potential damage to water quality, vegetation, and wildlife. Policy 6.C.4 The County shall encourage private landowners to adopt sound wildlife habitat management practices, as recommended by California Department of Fish and Game officials, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Placer County Resource Conservation District. Policy 6.C.5 The County shall require mitigation for development projects where isolated segments of stream habitat are unavoidably altered. Such impacts should be mitigated on -site with in -kind habitat replacement or elsewhere in the stream system through stream or riparian habitat restoration work. Policy 6.C.6 The County shall support preservation of the habitats of rare, threatened, endangered, and/or other special status species. Federal and state agencies, as well as other resource conservation organizations, shall be encouraged to acquire and manage endangered species' habitats. Policy 6.C.7 The County shall support the maintenance of suitable habitats for all indigenous species of wildlife, without preference to game or non -game species, through maintenance of habitat diversity. Policy 6.C.8 The County shall support the preservation or reestablishment of fisheries in the rivers and streams within the county, whenever possible. Policy 6.C.9 The County shall require new private or public developments to preserve and enhance existing native riparian habitat unless public safety concerns require removal of habitat for flood control or other public purposes. In cases where new private or public development results in modification or destruction of riparian habitat for purposes of flood control, the developers shall be responsible for acquiring, restoring, and enhancing at least an equivalent amount of like habitat within or near the project area. Policy 6.C.10 The County will use the California Wildlife Habitat Relationships (WHIR) system as a standard descriptive tool and guide for environmental assessment in the absence of a more detailed site -specific system. Policy 6.C.11 Prior to approval of discretionary development permits involving parcels within a significant ecological resource area, the County shall require, as part of the environmental review process, a biotic resources evaluation of the sites by a wildlife biologist, the evaluation shall be based upon field reconnaissance Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-59 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES performed at the appropriate time of year to determine the presence or absence of rare, threatened, or endangered species of plants or animals. Such evaluation will consider the potential for significant impact on these resources, and will identify feasible measures to mitigate such impacts or indicate why mitigation is not feasible. In approving any such discretionary development permit. The decision making body shall determine the feasibility of the identified mitigation measures. Significant ecological resource areas shall, at a minimum, include the following: a. Wetland areas including vernal pools. b. Stream environment zones. C. Any habitat for rare, threatened or endangered animals or plants. d. Critical deer winter ranges (winter and summer), migratory routes and fawning habitat. e. Large areas of non -fragmented natural habitat, including Blue Oak Woodlands, Valley Foothill Riparian, vernal pool habitat. f. Identifiable wildlife movement zones, including but not limited to, non - fragmented stream environment zones, avian and mammalian migratory routes, and known concentration areas of waterfowl within the anadramous fish. g. Important spawning areas for anadramous fish. Policy 6.C.12 The County shall cooperate with, encourage, and support the plans of other public agencies to acquire fee title or conservation easements to privately - owned lands in order to preserve important wildlife corridors and to provide habitat protection of California Species of Concern and state or federally listed rare, threatened, or endangered plant and animal species. Policy 6.C.13 The County shall support and cooperate with efforts of other local, state, and federal agencies and private entities engaged in the preservation and protection of significant biological resources from incompatible land uses and development. Significant biological resources include endangered, threatened, or rare species and their habitats, wetland habitats, wildlife migration corridors, and locally -important species/communities. Policy 6.C.14 The County shall support the management efforts of the California Department of Fish and Game to maintain and enhance the productivity of important fish and game species (such as the Blue Canyon and Loyalton Truckee deer herds) by protecting identified critical habitat for these species from incompatible suburban, rural residential, or recreational development. Policy 6.D.1 The County shall encourage landowners and developers to preserve the integrity of existing terrain and natural vegetation in visually -sensitive areas such as hillsides, ridges and along important transportation corridors. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 Appendix 3.3-60 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES Policy 6.D.2 The County shall require developers to use native and compatible non-native species, especially drought -resistant species, to the extent possible in fulfilling landscaping requirements imposed as conditions of discretionary permits or for project mitigation. Policy 6.D.3 The County shall support the preservation of outstanding areas of natural vegetation, including, but not limited to, oak woodlands, riparian areas, and vernal pools. Policy 6.D.4 The County shall ensure that landmark trees and major groves of native trees are preserved and protected. In order to maintain these areas in perpetuity, protected areas shall also include younger vegetation with suitable space for growth and reproduction. Policy 6.D.5 The County shall establish procedures for identifying and preserving rare, threatened, and endangered plant species that may be adversely affected by public or private development projects. Policy 6.D.6 The County shall ensure the conservation of sufficiently large, continuous expanses of native vegetation to provide suitable habitat for maintaining abundant and diverse wildlife. Policy 6.D.7 The County shall support the management of wetland and riparian plant communities for passive recreation, groundwater recharge, nutrient catchment, and wildlife habitats. Such communities shall be restored or expanded, where possible. Policy 6.D.8 The County shall require that new development preserve natural woodlands to the maximum extent possible. Policy 6.D.9 The County shall require that development on hillsides be limited to maintain valuable natural vegetation, especially forests and open grasslands, and to control erosion. Policy 6.D.10 The County shall encourage the planting of native trees, shrubs, and grasslands in order to preserve the visual integrity of the landscape, provide habitat conditions suitable for native wildlife, and ensure that a maximum number and variety of well -adapted plants are maintained. Policy 6.D.11 The County shall support the continued use of prescribed burning to mimic the effects of natural fires to reduce fuel volumes and associated fire hazard to human residents and to enhance the health of biotic communities. Policy 6.D.12 The County shall support the retention of heavily vegetated corridors along circulation corridors to preserve their rural character. Policy 6.D.13 The County shall support the preservation of native trees and the use of native, drought -tolerant plant materials in all revegetation/landscaping projects. Policy 6.D.14 The County shall require that new development avoid, as much as possible, ecologically -fragile areas (e.g., areas of rare or endangered species of plants, Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-61 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES riparian areas). Where feasible, these areas should be protected through public acquisition of fee title or conservation easements to ensure protection. Policy 6.E.1 The County shall support the preservation and enhancement of natural land forms, natural vegetation, and natural resources as open space to the maximum extent feasible. The County shall permanently protect, as open space, areas of natural resource value, including wetlands preserves, riparian corridors, woodlands, and floodplains. Policy 6.E.2 The County shall require that new development be designed and constructed to preserve the following types of areas and features as open space to the maximum extent feasible: a. High erosion hazard areas; b. Scenic and trail corridors; C. Streams, streamside vegetation; d. Wetlands; e. Other significant stands of vegetation; f. Wildlife corridors; and g. Any areas of special ecological significance. Policy 6.E.3 The County shall support the maintenance of open space and natural areas that are interconnected and of sufficient size to protect biodiversity, accommodate wildlife movement, and sustain ecosystems. Policy 6.E.4 The County shall encourage either private and public ownership and maintenance of open space. Policy 6.E.5 The County shall coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies and private organizations to establish visual and physical links among open space areas to form a system that, where appropriate, includes trails. Dedication of easements shall be encouraged, and in many cases, required as lands are developed and built. Policy 6.F.1 The County shall cooperate with other agencies to develop a consistent and effective approach to air quality planning and management. Policy 6.F.2 The County shall develop mitigation measures to minimize stationary source and area source emissions. Policy 6.F.3 The County shall support the Placer County Air Pollution Control District (PCAPCD) in its development of improved ambient air quality monitoring capabilities and the establishment of standards, thresholds, and rules to more adequately address the air quality impacts of new development. Policy 6.F.4 The County shall solicit and consider comments from local and regional agencies on proposed project that may affect regional air quality. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Draft Environmental Impact Report Nevada County LAFCo February 2013 Appendix 3.3-62 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES Policy 6.F.5 The County shall encourage project proponents to consult early in the planning process with the County regarding the applicability of countywide indirect and areawide source programs and transportation control measures (TCM) programs. Project review shall also address energy -efficient building and site designs and proper storage, use, and disposal of hazardous materials. Policy 6.F.6 The County shall require project -level environmental review to include identification of potential air quality impacts and designation of design and other appropriate mitigation measures or offset fees to reduce impacts. The County shall dedicate staff to work with project proponents and other agencies in identifying, ensuring the implementation of, and monitoring the success of mitigation measures. Policy 6.F.7 The County shall encourage development to be located and designed to minimize direct and indirect air pollutants. Policy 6.F.8 The County shall submit development proposals to the PCAPCD for review and comment in compliance with CEQA prior to consideration by the appropriate decision -making body. Policy 6.F.9 In reviewing project applications, the County shall consider alternatives or amendments that reduce emissions of air pollutants. Policy 6.F.10 The County may require new development projects to submit an air quality analysis for review and approval. Based on this analysis, the County shall require appropriate mitigation measures consistent with the PCAPCD's 1991 Air Quality Attainment Plan (or updated edition). Policy 6.F.11 The County shall apply the buffer standards described on page 20 in Part I of this Policy Document and meteorological analyses to provide separation between possible emission/nuisance sources (such as industrial and commercial uses) and residential areas. Policy 6.G.1 The County shall require new development to be planned to result in smooth flowing traffic conditions for major roadways. This includes traffic signals and traffic signal coordination, parallel roadways, and intra- and inter -neighborhood connections where significant reductions in overall emissions can be achieved. Policy 6.G.2 The County shall continue and, where appropriate, expand the use of synchronized traffic signals on roadways susceptible to emissions improvement through approach control. Policy 6.G.3 The County shall encourage the use of alternative modes of transportation by incorporating public transit, bicycle, and pedestrian modes in County transportation planning and by requiring new development to provide adequate pedestrian and bikeway facilities. Policy 6.G.4 The County shall consider instituting disincentives for single -occupancy vehicle trips, including limitations in parking supply in areas where alternative transportation modes are available and other measures identified by the Placer County Air Pollution Control District and incorporated into regional plans. Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-63 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES Policy 6.G.5 The County shall endeavor to secure adequate funding for transit services so that transit is a viable transportation alternative. New development shall pay its fair share of the cost of transit equipment and facilities required to serve new projects. Policy 6.G.6 The County shall require large new developments to dedicate land for and construct appropriate improvements for park -and -ride lots, if suitably located. Policy 6.G.7 The County shall require stationary -source projects that generate significant amounts of air pollutants to incorporate air quality mitigation in their design. Policy 7.E.1 The County shall encourage the sustained productive use of forest land as a means of providing open space and conserving other natural resources. Policy 8.A.1 The County shall require the preparation of a soils engineering and geologic - seismic analysis prior to permitting development in areas prone to geological or seismic hazards (i.e., ground shaking, landslides, liquefaction, critically expansive soils, avalanche). Policy 8.A.2 The County shall require submission of a preliminary soils report, prepared by a registered civil engineer and based upon adequate test borings, for every major subdivision and for each individual lot where critically expansive soils have been identified or are expected to exist. Policy 8.A.3 The County shall prohibit the placement of habitable structures or individual sewage disposal systems on or in critically expansive soils unless suitable mitigation measures are incorporated to prevent the potential risks of these conditions. Policy 8.A.4 The County shall ensure that areas of slope instability are adequately investigated and that any development in these areas incorporates appropriate design provisions to prevent land sliding. Policy 8.A.5 In landslide hazard areas, the County shall prohibit avoidable alteration of land in a manner that could increase the hazard, including concentration of water through drainage, irrigation, or septic systems; removal of vegetative cover; and steepening of slopes and undercutting the bases of slopes. Policy 8.A.6 The County shall require the preparation of drainage plans for development in hillside areas that direct runoff and drainage away from unstable slopes. Policy 8.A.7 In areas subject to severe ground shaking, the County shall require that new structures intended for human occupancy be designed and constructed to minimize risk to the safety of occupants. Policy 8.A.8 County shall continue to support scientific geologic investigations, which refine, enlarge, and improve the body of knowledge on active fault zones, unstable areas, severe ground shaking, avalanche potential, and other hazardous conditions in Placer County. Policy 8.A.9 The County shall require that the location and/or design of any new buildings, facilities, or other development in areas subject to earthquake activity minimize exposure to danger from fault rupture or creep. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Draft Environmental Impact Report Nevada County LAFCo February 2013 Appendix 3.3-64 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES Policy 8.A.10 The County shall require that new structures permitted in areas of high liquefaction potential be sited, designed, and constructed to minimize the dangers from damage due to earthquake induced liquefaction. Policy 8.A.11 The County shall limit development in areas of steep or unstable slopes to minimize hazards caused by landslides or liquefaction. Policy 8.A.12 The County shall not issue permits for new development in potential avalanche hazard areas (PAHA) as designated in the Placer County Avalanche Management Ordinance unless project proponents can demonstrate that such development will be safe under anticipated snow loads and conditions of an avalanche. Policy 8.D.1 The County shall ensure that new development around airports does not create safety hazards such as lights from direct or reflective sources, smoke, electrical interference, hazardous chemicals, or fuel storage in violation of adopted safety standards. Policy 8.D.2 The County shall limit land uses in airport safety zones to those uses listed in the applicable airport comprehensive land use plans (CLUPSs) as compatible uses. Exceptions shall be made only as provided for in the CLUPs. Such uses shall also be regulated to ensure compatibility in terms of location, height, and noise. Policy 8.D.3 The County shall ensure that development within the airport approach and departure zones complies with Part 77 of the Federal Aviation Administration Regulations (objects affecting navigable airspace). Policy 8.H.1 The County shall maintain maps of potential avalanche hazard areas. Policy 8.H.2 The County shall require new development in areas of avalanche hazard to be sited, designed, and constructed to minimize avalanche hazards. Policy 9.A.1 The County shall not allow development of new noise -sensitive uses where the noise level due to non -transportation noise sources will exceed the noise level standards of Table 9-3 as measured immediately within the property line of the new development, unless effective noise mitigation measures have been incorporated into the development design to achieve the standards specified in Table 9-3. Policy 9.A.2 The County shall require that noise created by new non -transportation noise sources be mitigated so as not to exceed the noise level standards of Table 9-3 as measured immediately within the property line of lands designated for noise - sensitive uses. Policy 9.A.3 The County shall continue to enforce the State Noise Insulation Standards (California Code of Regulations, Title 24) and Chapter 35 of the Uniform Building Code (UBC). Policy 9.A.4 Impulsive noise produced by blasting should not be subject to the criteria listed in Table 9-3. Single event impulsive noise levels produced by gunshots or blasting shall not exceed a peak linear overpressure of 122 db, or a C-weighted Sound Exposure Level (SEL) of 98 dBC. The cumulative noise level from impulsive sounds Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-65 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES such as gunshots and blasting shall not exceed 60 dB Lcdn or CNEL-C on any given day. These standards shall be applied at the property line of a receiving land use. Policy 9.A.5 Where proposed non-residential land uses are likely to produce noise levels exceeding the performance standards of Table 9-3 at existing or planned noise - sensitive uses the County shall require submission of an acoustical analysis as part of the environmental review process so that noise mitigation may be included in the project design. The requirements for the content of an acoustical analysis are listed in Table 9-4. Policy 9.A.6 The feasibility of proposed projects with respect to existing and future transportation noise levels shall be evaluated by comparison to Table 9-3. Policy 9.A.7 The County shall purchase only new equipment and vehicles which comply with noise level performance standards based upon the best available noise reduction technology. Policy 9.A.8 New development of noise -sensitive land uses shall not be permitted in areas exposed to existing or projected levels of noise from transportation noise sources, including airports, which exceed the levels specified in Table 9-3, unless the project design includes effective mitigation measures to reduce noise in outdoor activity areas and interior spaces to the levels specified in Table 9-3. Policy 9.A.9 Noise created by new transportation noise sources. including roadway improvement projects, shall be mitigated so as not to exceed the levels specified in Table 9-3 at outdoor activity areas or interior spaces of existing noise -sensitive land uses. Policy 9.A.10 Where noise -sensitive land uses are proposed in areas exposed to existing or projected exterior noise levels exceeding the levels specified in Table 9-3 or the performance standards of Table 9-5 the County shall require submission of an acoustical analysis as part of the environmental review process so that noise mitigation may be included in the project design. At the discretion of the County, the requirement for an acoustical analysis may be waived provided that all of the following conditions are satisfied: The development is for less than five single-family dwellings or less than 10,000 square feet of total gross floor area for office buildings, churches, or meeting halls; • The noise source in question consists of a single roadway or railroad for which up-to-date noise exposure information is available. An acoustical analysis will be required when the noise source in question is a stationary noise source or airport, or when the noise source consists of multiple transportation noise sources; The existing or projected future noise exposure at the exterior of buildings which will contain noise -sensitive uses or within proposed outdoor activity' areas (other than outdoor sports and recreation areas) does not exceed 65 dB Lan (or CNEL) prior to mitigation. For outdoor sports and recreation areas, Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 Appendix 3.3-66 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES the existing or projected future noise exposure may not exceed 75 dB Ldn (or CNEL) prior to mitigation; • The topography in the project area is essentially flat; that is, noise source and receiving land use are at the same grade; and Effective noise mitigation, as determined by the County, is incorporated into the project design to reduce noise exposure to the levels specified in Table 9- 3 or 9-5. Such measures may include the use of building setbacks, building orientation, noise barriers, and the standard noise mitigation contained in the Placer County Acoustical Design Manual. If closed windows are required for compliance with interior noise level standards, air conditioning or a mechanical ventilation system will be required. Policy 9.A.11 The County shall implement one or more of the following mitigation measures where existing noise levels significantly impact existing noise -sensitive land uses or where the cumulative increase in noise levels resulting from new development significantly impacts noise -sensitive land uses. • Rerouting traffic onto streets that have available traffic capacity and that do not adjoin noise -sensitive land uses; • Lowering speed limits, if feasible and practical; • Programs to pay for noise mitigation such as low cost loans to owners of noise - impacted property or establishment of developer fees; • Acoustical treatment of buildings; or • Construction of noise barriers. Policy 9.A.12 Where noise mitigation measures are required to achieve the standards of Tables 9-1 and 9-3, the emphasis of such measures shall be placed upon site planning and project design. The use of noise barriers shall be considered as a means of achieving the noise standards only after all other practical design -related noise mitigation measures have been incorporated into the project. Policy 9.111.1 The County shall require that new noise -sensitive land uses established next to existing industrial areas be responsible for self -mitigating noise impacts from industrial activities. Policy 9.111.2 The County shall apply noise standards in a manner consistent with encouraging the retention, expansion, and development of new businesses pursuant to Goal I.N. and Policy I.N.2. Policy 9.111.3 Because many industrial activities and processes necessarily produce noise which will likely be objectionable to nearby non -industrial land uses, existing and potential future industrial noise emissions shall be accommodated in all land use decisions. Policy 9.111.4 Whenever noise exposure standards herein fall subject to interpretation relative to industrial activities, the benefit of the doubt shall be afforded to the industrial use. Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-67 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES MARTIS VALLEY COMMUNITY PLAN Policy 1.A.1 The County will promote the efficient use of land and natural resources. Policy 1.A.2 The County shall permit only low -intensity forms of development in areas with sensitive environmental resources or where natural or human -caused hazards are likely to pose a significant threat to health, safety, or property. Policy 1.A.5 The County shall view development in the northwest portion of the plan area as a part of the Truckee community and make every attempt to integrate such development with development in the Town of Truckee. Development elsewhere in the plan area, including at Northstar-at-Tahoe, Waddle Ranch, Siller Ranch, and Lahontan, shall recognize that Truckee is a hub of the region where many of the necessary services and support facilities will continue to be located. Policy 1.B.2 The County shall encourage the planning and design of new residential subdivisions to emulate the best characteristics (e.g., form, scale, and general character) of existing, nearby neighborhoods. Policy 1.B.3 The County shall ensure that residential land uses are separated and buffered from such major facilities as landfills, airports and sewage treatment plants. Policy 1.11.4 The County shall require residential project design to reflect and consider natural features, noise exposure of residents, visibility of structures, circulation, access, and the relationship of the project to surrounding uses. Policy 1.11.6 The County shall require multi -family developments to include private, contiguous, open space for each dwelling. Policy 1.11.7 The County shall require residential subdivisions to be designed to provide well- connected internal and external street and pedestrian systems. Policy 1.B.8 The County shall discourage the development of isolated, remote, and/or walled residential projects that do not contribute to the sense of community desired for the area. Policy 1.B.9 The County shall require that all residential development provide private and/or public open spaces in order to ensure that each parcel contributes to the adequate provision of light, air, and open space. Policy 1.11.10 The County shall require that significant natural, open space, and cultural resources be identified in advance of development and incorporated into site - specific development project design. The Planned Development and Commercial Planned Development provisions of the Zoning Ordinance can be used to allow flexibility for this integration with valuable site features. Policy 1.C.1 The County shall require that new commercial development be designed to encourage and facilitate pedestrian circulation within and between commercial sites and nearby residential areas rather than being designed primarily to serve vehicular circulation. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Draft Environmental Impact Report Nevada County LAFCo February 2013 Appendix 3.3-68 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES Policy 1.C.2 The County shall require new commercial development to be designed to minimize the visual impact of parking areas on public roadways. Policy 1.C.3 The County shall identify any available opportunities for small commercial centers where some of the adjoining residents needs can be met without necessitating a trip outside the area. Policy 1.C.5 The County shall encourage compatible and complementary uses in the few remaining vacant commercial properties in and around the airport. Policy 1.C.6 Large, single use commercial facilities (greater than 35,000 sq. ft. shall not be considered appropriate for the Martis Valley Community Plan area due to parcel sizes and location of suitable commercial land. Policy 1.C.13 The County shall encourage new development to enhance the character of existing village centers such as at Northstar-at-Tahoe. Policy 1.C.14 The County shall require that existing and new village centers and development within them be designed to integrate open spaces into the urban fabric where possible, especially taking advantage of any natural amenities such as creeks, hillsides, and scenic views and/or developing integrated outdoor recreational amenities. Policy 1.D.3 The County shall require public facilities, such as wells, pumps, tanks, and storage yards, to be located and designed so that noise, light, odors, and appearance do not adversely affect nearby land uses. Policy 1.E.1 The County will support the expansion of existing winter ski and snow play areas and development of new areas where circulation and transportation system capacity can accommodate such expansions or new uses and where environmental impacts can be adequately mitigated. Policy 1.F.1 The County shall encourage the sustained productive use of forestland as a means of providing open space and conserving other natural resources. Policy 1.F.2 The County shall recognize and acknowledge the multi -use management strategy adopted by the United States Forest Service for the Martis Valley/Tahoe National Forest area. Policy 1.F.3 The County shall discourage development that conflicts with timberland management. Policy 1.F.4 The County shall review development plans for all lands adjoining USFS lands for compatibility with the long-term maintenance and use of the forestlands. Policy 1.F.5 The County shall work closely and coordinate with agencies involved in the regulation of timber harvest operations to ensure that County conservation goals area achieved. Policy 1.F.6 The County shall support the continued use of Timberland Production zoning and its related tax benefits as a means of encouraging on -going private forest resource production efforts and management plans. The County shall also Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-69 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES consider approval of all reasonable compatible uses of such lands as long as they meet the intent of maintaining such areas for the long-term production of timber. Policy 1.G.1 The County shall support the preservation and enhancement of natural landforms, native vegetation, and natural resources as open space. The County shall permanently protect, as open space, areas of natural resource value, including open meadows, mixed conifer forests, high montane meadows, riparian corridors, and floodplains. Policy 1.G.2 The County shall require that significant natural, open space, and cultural resources be identified in advance of development and incorporated into site - specific development project design. The Planned Residential Developments (PD) provisions of the Zoning Ordinance can be used to allow flexibility for this integration with valuable site features. Policy 1.G.3 The County shall require that development be planned and designed to avoid areas rich in wildlife or of a fragile ecological nature (e.g., areas of rare or endangered plant species, riparian areas). Policy 1.G.4 The County shall support the maintenance of open space and natural areas that are interconnected and of sufficient size to protect biodiversity, accommodate wildlife movement, and sustain ecosystems. Policy 1.G.5 The County shall review development projects and ensure that areas of development are subordinate to the creation of interconnected greenbelts and open spaces, and areas, which tie together the large expanses of undeveloped lands in Martis Valley. Policy 1.G.6 The County shall require that new development be designed and constructed to protect, enhance, rehabilitate, and restore the following types of areas and features as open space to the maximum extent feasible: a. High erosion hazard areas; b. Scenic and trail corridors; C. Streams, streamside vegetation; d. Wetlands; e. Other significant stands of vegetation; and, f. Wildlife corridors Policy 1.G.7 The County shall prohibit the extraction of natural resources, except for water, from areas of dedicated open space except as meets resource management planning that protects, rehabilitates, and maintains and enhances the natural characteristics of such resources (i.e. fire protection, flood prevention, etc.) Policy 1.J.1 The County shall encourage the preservation of timber producing lands as regional open space, and protect these areas from urban encroachments. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 Appendix 3.3-70 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES Policy 1.J.2 The County shall assure that removal of economic mineral resources does not conflict with surrounding land uses or the stated desire for maintaining the natural environment. Policy 2.A.1 The County shall require all new development (including major remodeling, reconstruction and redevelopment) to be designed in compliance with applicable provisions of the Placer County Design Guidelines Manual, and the Design/Development Standards contained herein. Policy 2.A.2 The County shall require that specific plans include design guidelines for all types of development within the area covered by the plan. Policy 2.A.3 The County shall require that commercial and residential site layouts be designed with the intent to encourage human interaction and to be compatible with the surrounding environment. Policy 2.A.4 The County shall require that all new development be designed to be compatible with the scale and character of the area. Structures, especially those outside commercial centers, should be designed and located so that: a. They do not silhouette against the sky above the ridgelines or hilltops; b. Roof lines and vertical architectural features blend and do not detract from the natural background; C. They fit the natural terrain, and; d. They use building materials, colors, and textures that blend with the natural landscape, thereby avoiding high contrasts. Policy 2.A.5 Materials and methods of construction should be specific to the region, exhibiting continuity of history and culture and compatibility with the climate to encourage the development of local character and community identity. Policy 2.A.6 The County shall require that new rural development be designed to preserve and maintain the rural character and quality of the area. Policy 2.A.7 The County shall require that mixed -use areas include focal points to serve as gathering and/or destination points. Examples of focal points include parks, fountains, monuments, and street vistas. On -site natural features, such as wetlands and streams, can also function as focal points. Policy 2.A.8 Landscaping, whether done for decoration or functional purposes, shall be properly maintained at all times and shall emphasize the use of native plants. Use of non-native plant materials is strongly discouraged. Policy 2.A.9 The County shall prohibit the use of outdoor lighting that shines unnecessarily onto adjacent properties or into the night sky. Policy 2.11.1 The County shall require that new development in scenic areas (e.g., riparian corridors, lake watersheds, scenic highway corridors, ridge lines and steep slopes) Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-71 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES is planned and designed in a manner which employs design, construction, and maintenance techniques that: a. Incorporate design and screening measures to minimize the visibility of structures and graded areas; b. Maintain the character and visual quality of the area. Policy 2.B.2 The County shall require that new development in scenic areas be designed to use natural landforms and vegetation for screening structures, access roads, building foundations, and cut and fill slopes. Policy 2.B.3 The County shall require that new development incorporates landscaping that provides a transition between vegetation in developed areas and adjacent open space or undeveloped areas. Policy 2.B.4 The County shall require that new development incorporates sound soil conservation practices and minimizes land alterations. Land alterations should comply with the following guidelines: a. Limit cuts and fills; b. Limit grading to the smallest practical area required by the development; of mod; C. Limit land exposure to the shortest practical amount of time; d. Replant graded areas to ensure establishment of plant cover before the next rainy season; and e. Create grading contours that blend with the natural contours on site or with contours on property immediately adjacent to the area of development. Policy 2.113.5 The County shall require that new roads, parking, and utilities be designed to minimize visual impacts. Unless limited by geological or engineering constraints, utilities should be installed underground and roadways and parking areas should be designed to fit the natural terrain. Policy 2.B.6 The County shall require that new development on hillsides employ design, construction, and maintenance techniques that: a. Ensure that development near or on portions of hillsides do not cause or worsen natural hazards such as erosion, sedimentation, fire, or water quality concerns; b. Include erosion and sediment control measures, including temporary vegetation, sufficient to stabilize disturbed areas; C. Minimize risk to life and property from slope failure, landslides, avalanches, and flooding; and d. Maintain the character and visual quality of the hillside. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Draft Environmental Impact Report Nevada County LAFCo February 2013 Appendix 3.3-72 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES Policy 2.13.7 The County shall require the number and extent of roadway cuts and fills required in construction, reconstruction, and road maintenance be kept to a minimum consistent with standard design practices. Policy 2.13.8 The County shall require that roads, trails, and paths be designed and constructed to minimize erosion and other disturbances to the natural terrain and vegetation. Such facilities shall be designed for economical maintenance. Policy 2.11.9 Each community or major development area should have a well-defined edge, such as agricultural greenbelts or wildlife corridors, perw,,:w.e:ntly protectsc ;iom development. Policy 2.C.1 Scenic routes designated in the Plan area shall include SR 267, Schaffer Mill Road, and Northstar Drive. Future designations may occur with future development such as the access road into the Waddle Ranch site. Policy 2.C.2 The County shall protect and enhance scenic corridors through such means as implementation of the design review process, regulation of the design and placement of signsGGRtFel, undergrounding of utilities, maintenance of scenic setbacks, density limitations, vegetative screening, ^'p.„�ed-clustering developments, grading and tree removal standards, open space easements, and land conservation contracts. Policy 2.C.3 The County shall provide for landscaping and/or landscaped mounding along designated scenic corridors where desirable to maintain and improve scenic qualities and screen unsightly views. Policy 2.C.4 The County shall include aesthetic design considerations in road construction, reconstruction, or maintenance for all scenic routes under County jurisdiction. Policy 2.C.5 The County shall support anti -litter, beautification and cleanup programs along scenic routes. Policy 2.C.6 The County shall coordinate scenic route programs among local, regional, and state jurisdictions, recognizing that scenic routes are a resource of more than local importance. Policy 2.C.7 Along scenic routes designated in the Plan area, ski runs will be visible. The visual impact of the tree removal required for such uses shall be minimized through the use of an approved re -vegetated cover and other available mitigation measures. Policy 3.A.1 The County shall give the highest priority for permit processing to development projects that include a lower income residential component. Policy 3.A.2 The County shall relax or reduce appropriate development standards for affordable/workforce/employee housing projects as an incentive for developers. Policy 3.A.3 All new housing projects of 100 or more units on land that has received an increase in allowable density through either a public or privately initiated general plan amendment, community plan amendment, rezoning or specific plan (adopted since August 1994) shall be required to provide at least 10 percent of Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update — Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-73 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES the units as affordable to low income households (less than 80% of area median income). The low income units shall be available concurrently with the market - rate units. All such units shall remain affordable for at least 20 years. In cases where developers construct the low income units, the projects shall be eligible for a 10 percent density bonus. In cases where the County determines that it is impractical for the developer to actually construct the units on site, the County may as an alternative, allow the dedication of land sufficient to accommodate at least 10% of the units for low- income households, and/or the payment of an in -lieu fee. In cases where land dedication is deemed suitable, such land shall be offered in fee to the County or to another public or nonprofit agency approved by the County. The amount of the in -lieu fee shall be determined on a case -by -case basis. The County may require the developer to fund an analysis showing how contributions of in -lieu fees could be best utilized to create the desired number of low-cost units. All new housing projects of less than 100 units that have received an increase in allowable density through a general plan amendment, community plan amendment, rezoning or specific plan (since August 1994) shall be required to pay an in -lieu fee of one percent of the total estimated land and construction cost of the project, for use in producing affordable housing. Alternatively, the County may waive the fee in cases where lower income units are included in the project and the Board of Supervisors finds that the number of lower income units is commensurate with the numbers that could be built or leveraged through the fee. Policy 3.A.4 New or expanding resorts in the Martis Valley such as Northstar-at-Tahoe, Eaglewood, Siller Ranch, Hopkins Ranch, Martis Ranch, and Waddle Ranch shall be required to provide employee housing equal to 50 percent of the housing demand (based on the number of full-time equivalent employees) generated by the project. The housing is intended to serve the needs of the lower or moderate income level employee. Employee housing shall be provided in one of the following ways (in order of preference): a. Construction of employee housing onsite; b. Construction of employee housing offsite; C. Dedication of land for needed units; or d. Payment of an in -lieu fee. Policy 3.A.5 Owners of vacation homes in Martis Valley shall be encouraged to rent to resort workers and to construct secondary dwellings or accessory apartments as a means of increasing the supply of rental units that serve the needs of the growing number of service workers. Policy 3.A.6 The County shall continue to seek out opportunities for creative methods of encouraging and assisting in the financing of new workforce housing projects in the region. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Draft Environmental Impact Report Nevada County LAFCo February 2013 Appendix 3.3-74 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES Policy 3.A.7 The County shall review each new development project and identify suitable ways in which such projects can contribute to the supply of lower cost housing or the opportunity to set aside land for such purposes. Policy 3.A.8 The County shall discourage the use of land for high -end residential development where the densities permitted by the Plan and the location in relation to the transportation system, jobs, the airport and necessary services are such that the land would be conducive to moderate or low cost housing. Policy 5.A.1 The County shall plan, design, and regulate roadways in accordance with the classification system established as a part of this plan. Policy 5.A.2 The County shall require that streets and roads be dedicated, widened, and constructed according to the roadway design and access standards generally defined in the Placer County General Plan and the County's Highway Deficiency Report. Exceptions to these standards may not be necessary but should be kept to a minimum and shall be permitted only upon determination by the Public Works Director that safe and adequate public access and circulation are preserved by such exceptions. Policy 5.A.3 The County shall require that roadway rights -of way be wide enough to accommodate the travel lanes needed to carry long-range forecasted traffic volumes (beyond 2021), as well as any planned bikeways and required drainage, utilities, landscaping, and suitable separations. Policy 5.A.4 On arterial roadways and thoroughfares, intersection spacing should be maximized. Driveway encroachments along collector and arterial roadways, and to a lesser degree, collector roadways, shall be minimized. Access control restrictions for each class of roadway in the county are specified in Part I of the Placer County General Plan Document. Policy 5.A.5 The County shall require that through -traffic be accommodated in a manner that discourages the use of neighborhood roadways, particularly local streets. This through -traffic, including through truck traffic, shall be directed to appropriate routes in order to maintain public safety and local quality of life. Policy 5.A.6 The County shall require all new development to provide off-street parking, either on -site or in consolidated lots or structures. Policy 5.A.7 The County shall develop and manage its roadway system to maintain the following minimum levels of service (LOS). a. LOS "C" on rural roadways, except within one-half mile of state highways where the standard shall be LOS "D". b. LOS "C" on urban/suburban roadways except within one-half mile of state highways where the standard shall be LOS "D". The County may allow exceptions to these level of service (LOS) standards where it finds that the improvements or other measures required to achieve the LOS standards are unacceptable based on established criteria. In allowing any exception to the standards, the County shall consider the following factors: Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-75 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES • The number of hours per day that the intersection or roadway segment would operate at conditions worse than the standard. • The ability of the required improvement to significantly reduce peak hour delay and improve traffic operations. • The right-of-way needs and the physical impacts on surrounding properties. • The visual aesthetics of the required improvement and its impact on community identity and character. • Environmental impacts including air quality and noise impacts. • Construction and right-of-way acquisition costs. • The impacts on general safety. • The impacts of the required construction phasing and traffic maintenance. • The impacts on quality of life as perceived by residents. • Consideration of other environmental, social, or economic factors on which the County may base findings to allow an exceedance of the standards. Exceptions to the standards will only be allowed after all feasible measures and options are explored, including alternative forms of transportation. Policy 5.A.8 The County's LOS standards for the State highway system shall be no worse than LOS E. Policy 5.A.9 The County shall work with neighboring jurisdictions to provide acceptable and compatible levels of service and joint funding on the roadways that may occur on the circulation network in the Town of Truckee, the unincorporated area, and adjacent Nevada County. Policy 5.A.10 The County shall strive to meet the level of service standards through a balanced transportation system that provides alternatives to the automobile. Policy 5.A.11 The County shall plan and implement a complete road network to serve the needs of local traffic. This road network shall include roadways parallel to regional facilities so that the regional roadway system can function effectively and efficiently. Much of this network will be funded and/or constructed by new development. Policy 5.A.12 It shall be at the discretion of the County if an analysis of traffic will be required for land development projects. Each such project shall construct or fund improvements necessary to mitigate the effects of traffic from the project. Such improvements may include a fair share of improvements that provide benefits to others. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 Appendix 3.3-76 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES Policy 5.A.13 The County shall secure financing in a timely manner for all components of the transportation system to achieve and maintain adopted level of service standards. Policy 5.A.14 The County shall assess fees on new development sufficient to cover the fair share portion of that development's impacts on the local and regional transportation system. Policy 5.A.15 Placer County shall participate with other jurisdictions and Caltrans in the planning and programming of improvements, as well as maintaining the adopted level of service (LOS), for the State Highway 267 in accordance with state and federal transportation planning and programming procedures, so as to maintain acceptable levels of service for Placer County residents in Martis Valley. Policy 5.A.16 As a means of maintaining the rural character of the Plan Area, the County shall limit the number and extent of roadway cuts and fills required in construction, reconstruction, and road maintenance to a minimum consistent with standard design practices. Policy 5.A.17 As a means of maintaining the rural character of the Plan Area, the County shall ensure that cut and fill slopes created by roadway, trail, and path construction and reconstruction activities will be re -vegetated with native plant materials. Policy 5.A.18 The County shall coordinate the road network and alternative transportation systems within the Community Plan area with similar systems in surrounding areas. Policy 5.A.19 The County shall require provisions for safe, convenient access to residences, businesses, and public facilities located in Martis Valley. Policy 5.A.20 The County shall keep to a minimum the number of driveway encroachments along public roadways —particularly along Schaffer Mill Road, Northstar Drive and SR267. Policy 5.A.21 The County shall require development of a system or road connection between adjacent subdivisions and recreational areas for improved circulation. Policy 5.B.1 The County shall work with transit providers to plan and implement additional transit services within and to the county that are timely, cost-effective, and responsive to growth patterns and existing and future transit demand. Policy 5.B.2 The County shall consider the need for future transit right-of-way in reviewing and approving plans for development. Rights -of -way may either be exclusive or shared with other vehicles. Policy 5.B.3 The County shall pursue all available sources of funding for transit services. Policy 5.B.4 The County shall undertake, as funding permits, and participate in studies of inter regional recreational transit services, such as rail, to the Sierra. Policy 5.B.5 The County shall require development of transit services by ski resorts and other recreational providers in the Sierra to meet existing and future recreational demand. Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-77 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES Policy 5.B.6 The County shall consider the transit needs of senior, disabled, minority, low- income, and transit dependent persons in making decisions regarding transit services and in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Policy 5.B.7 The County shall support efforts to provide demand -responsive service ("paratransit") and other transportation services for those unable to use conventional transit. Policy 5.C.1 The County shall promote the use of transportation systems management (TSM)/transportation demand management (TDM) programs that divert automobile commute trips to transit, walking, and bicycling. Policy 5.C.2 The County shall promote the use, by both the public and private sectors, of TSM/TDM programs that increase the average occupancy of vehicles. Policy 5.C.3 The County shall work with other responsible agencies to develop other measures to reduce vehicular travel demand and meet air quality goals. Policy 5.C.4 During the development review process, the County shall require that proposed projects meet adopted Trip Reduction Ordinance (TRO) requirements. Policy 5.D.1 The County shall promote the development of a comprehensive and safe system of recreational and commuter bicycle routes that provides connections between the Plan Areas major employment and housing areas and between its existing and planned bikeways. Policy 5.D.2 The County shall work with neighboring jurisdictions to coordinate planning and development of the Plan Area bikeways and multi -purpose trails with those of neighboring jurisdictions. Policy 5.D.3 The County shall pursue all available sources of funding for the development and improvement of trails for non -motorized transportation (bikeways, pedestrian, and equestrian). Policy 5.D.4 The County shall promote non -motorized travel (bikeways, pedestrian, and equestrian through appropriate facilities, programs, and information. Policy 5.D.5 The County shall continue to require developers in finance and install pedestrian walkways, equestrian trails, and multi -purpose paths in new development, as appropriate. Policy 5.D.6 The County shall support the development of parking areas near access to hiking and equestrian trails. Policy 5.D.7 The County shall, where appropriate, require new development to provide sheltered public transit stops, with turnouts. Policy 5.E.1 The County shall support the continued use of the Truckee -Tahoe Airport as a general purpose airport. Policy 5.E.2 The County shall work with the Airport Land Use Commission in the planning of land uses around the Truckee -Tahoe Airport to ensure protection of airport Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 Appendix 3.3-78 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES operations from urban encroachment and establishment of compatible uses within the over -flight zones. Policy 6.C.1 The County shall require proponents of new development to demonstrate the availability of a long-term, reliable and adequate supply of pure, wholesome, healthful, and potable water as well as any necessary water for irrigation or other purposes. The County shall require written certifications from the service provider that either existing services are available or needed improvements will be made prior to occupancy. Where the County will approve groundwater as the domestic water source, test wells, appropriate hydrologic testing, and/or report(s) from qualified professionals will be required substantiating the long-term availability of sufficient and suitable groundwater. Policy 6.C.3 The County shall require that new development adjacent to surface and subsurface bodies of water used as domestic water sources adequately mitigate potential water quality impacts on these water bodies. Policy 6.C.4 The County shall promote efficient water use and reduced water demand by: a. Requiring water -conserving design and equipment in new construction; b. Encouraging water -conserving landscaping and other conservation measures; and, C. Encouraging retrofitting existing development with water -conserving devices Policy 6.C.96 The County shall protect the watersheds of all surface and subsurface bodies of water associated with the storage and delivery of domestic water by limiting grading, construction of impervious surfaces, application of fertilizers, and development of septic systems within these watersheds. Policy 6.C.7 When considering formation of new water service agencies, the County shall favor systems owned and operated by a public managing entity. The County will authorize new privately owned systems only if the system can demonstrate complete TMF capacity as required by the California Health and Safety Code. Policy 6.D.1 The County shall limit the expansion of all but large lot (10 acres+) developments to areas where community wastewater treatment systems can be provided. Policy 6.D.2 The County shall require proponents of new development within a sewer service area to provide written certification from the service provider that either existing facilities are available or needed improvements will be made prior to occupancy. Policy 6.D.3 The County shall promote efficient water use and reduced wastewater system demand by: a. Requiring water -conserving design and equipment in new construction. b. Encouraging retrofitting with water -conserving devices; and Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-79 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES C. Designing wastewater systems to minimize inflow and infiltration to the extent feasible. Policy 6.D.4 The County shall require the pretreatment of commercial and industrial wastes prior to their entering community collection and systems where they are found to be detrimental to the community treatment system and in conformance with the requirements of the federal Clean Water Act, federal General Pretreatment Regulations, related State laws, and the Tahoe -Truckee Sanitation Agency Ordinances. Policy 6.D.5 The County shall permit on -site sewage treatment and disposal on parcels larger than 1 acre where access to a wastewater treatment facility is not available and all current County and State regulations can be met, parcels have the area, soils, and other characteristics that permit such disposal facilities without threatening surface or groundwater quality or posing any other health hazards. Where the County will approve individual on -site sewage treatment and disposal, appropriate hydrologic/geologic testing and reporting by a qualified professional, will be required. Policy 6.D.6 The County shall require that the on -site treatment, development, operation, and maintenance of disposal systems comply with the requirements and standards of the County Division of Environmental Health and the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board. Policy 6.D.7 The County shall facilitate the extension of septic tank effluent pumping (STEP) service or conventional wastewater collection service to areas with failing on -site systems. Policy 6.E.3 The County shall continue to implement and enforce its Grading Ordinance and Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. Policy 6.E.6 The County shall striate improve the quality of runoff from urban and suburban development through use of appropriate and feasible mitigation measures including, but not limited to, artificial wetlands, grassy swales, infiltration/sedimentation basins, riparian setbacks, oil/grit separators, and other Best Management Practices (BMPs). Policy 6.E.8 The County shall encourage project designs that minimize drainage concentrations and impervious coverage and maintain, to the extent feasible, natural site drainage conditions. Policy 6.E.10 The County shall require projects that have significant impacts on the quantity and quality of surface water runoff to allocate land as necessary for the purpose of detaining post -project flows and/or for the incorporation of mitigation measures for water quality impacts related to urban runoff. Policy 6.E.11 The County shall identify and coordinate mitigation measures with responsible agencies for the control of storm sewers, monitoring of discharges, and implementation of measures to control pollutant loads in urban storm water runoff (e.g., California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Placer County Division of Environmental Health, Placer County Department of Public Works, Placer County Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Draft Environmental Impact Report Nevada County LAFCo February 2013 Appendix 3.3-80 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES Flood Control and Water Conservation District). Storm sewers are prohibited from connecting directly or indirectly to the TTSA sewer system. Policy 6.F.1 The County shall require that arterial roadways and expressways, residences, commercial and industrial uses and emergency facilities be protected, at a minimum, from a 100-year storm event. Policy 6.F.3 The County shall continue to work closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Resource Conservation District, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the State Department of Water Resources, and the Placer County Flood Control District, in defining existing and potential flood problem areas. Policy 6.F.4 The County shall require evaluation of potential flood hazards prior to approval of development projects. The County shall require proponents of new development to submit accurate topographic and flow characteristics information and depiction of the 100-year floodplain boundaries under fully developed, unmitigated runoff conditions. Policy 6.F.5 The County shall G#e-PRpt t maintain natural conditions within the 100-year floodplain of all rivers and streams except under the following circumstances: a. Where work is required to manage and maintain the stream's drainage characteristics and where such work is done in accordance with the Placer County Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance, California Department of Fish and Game regulations, and Clean Water Act provisions administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; or b. When facilities for the treatment of urban runoff can be located in the floodplain, provided that there is no destruction of riparian vegetation. C. For the construction of bridges or other similar drainage crossings. d. Where recreational facilities can be safely and sensitively located. Policy 6.F.7 The County shall cooperate with the Placer County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, surrounding jurisdictions, the cities in the county, and other public agencies in planning and implementing regional flood control improvements. Policy 6.F.9 The County shall continue to implement floodplain zoning and undertake other actions required to comply with FEMA requirements, and to maintain the County's eligibility under the National Flood Insurance Program. Policy 6.F.12 The County shall ensure that new storm drainage systems are designed in conformance with the Placer County Flood Control and Water Conservation District's Stormwater Management Manual and the County's Land Development Manual. Policy 6.G.1 Within the County's overall budgetary constraints, the County shall strive to maintain the following staffing ratios (expressed as the ratio of officers to population): Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-81 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES a. 1:1,000 for unincorporated areas b. 1:7 for jail population Policy 6.G.2 Within the County's overall budgetary constraints, the County shall provide sheriff facilities (including substation space, patrol, and other vehicles, necessary equipment, and support personnel) sufficient to maintain the above service standards. Policy 6.G.3 The County shall require new development to develop or fund sheriff facilities that maintain appropriate standards for the area. Policy 6.G.4 The County shall consider public safety issues in all aspects of commercial and residential project design, including crime prevention through environmental design. Policy 6.11-11.3 The County shall require new development to develop or fund fire protection facilities, personnel, and operations and maintenance that, at a minimum, maintains the above service level standards. Policy 6.11-11.4 The County shall work with the Truckee Fire Protection District, the Northstar Community Services District, and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to identify key fire loss problems and design appropriate fire safety education programs to reduce fire incidents and losses. Policy 6.H.5 The County shall work with the Truckee Fire Protection District, the Northstar Community Services District, and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to implement ordinances to control fire losses and fire protection costs through continued use of automatic fire detection, control, and suppression systems. Policy 6.11-11.7 The County shall encourage Truckee Fire Protection District and Northstar CSD to maintain and strengthen mutual aid and automatic aid agreements to maximize use of closest available resources. Policy 6.H.14 The County shall refer development proposals in the unincorporated county to the appropriate local fire agencies for review for compliance with fire safety standards. If dual responsibility exists, then both agencies shall review and comment relative to their area of responsibility. If standards and different or conflicting, the more stringent standards shall be applied. Policy 6.H.15 The County shall ensure that existing and new buildings of public assembly incorporate adequate fire protection measures to reduce the potential loss of life and property in accordance with state and local codes and ordinances. Policy 6.11-11.17 The County shall work with the Truckee Fire Protection District and Northstar Community Services District, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, and the U.S. Forest Service to promote the maintenance of existing fuel breaks and emergency access routes for effective fire suppression. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 Appendix 3.3-82 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES Policy 6.H.21 The County shall continue to work cooperatively with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the Truckee Fire Protection District and the Northstar Community Services District in managing wildland fire hazards. Policy 6.H.22 The County shall encourage and work with the Truckee Fire Protection District and Northstar CSD to develop coordinated all -hazard disaster response procedures for the following types of disasters: wildfires, flooding, earthquakes, severe winter storms, transportation accidents, acts of terrorism, civil disturbance, and hazardous materials releases. Policy 6.1.3 The County shall work cooperatively with school districts in monitoring housing, population, and school enrollment trends and in planning for future school facility needs, and shall assist school districts in locating appropriate sites for new schools. Policy 6.1.4 The County shall include school among those public facilities and services that are considered an essential part of the infrastructure that should be in place as development occurs. Policy 6.1.5 The County shall consider school district plans in determining school location and land and facility needs. Policy 6.1.6 The provision of adequate school facilities is a community priority. The County and school districts will work closely to secure adequate funding for new school facilities and, where legally feasible, the County shall provide a mechanism which, along with state and local sources, requires development projects to satisfy an individual school district's financing program based upon the individual development project's impacts. Policy 6.1.7 The County and residential developers shall coordinate with the school districts to ensure that needed school facilities are available for use in a timely manner. The County, to the extent possible, shall require that new school facilities are constructed and operating prior to the occupation of the residences, which the schools are intended to serve. Policy 6.1.8 The County shall support enactment of state legislation to finance the construction of new schools and shall support the modification of state laws and regulations to improve the funding of new school sites and facilities. Policy 6.1.9 Before a residential development, which includes a proposed general plan amendment, rezoning or other legislative review can be approved by the Planning Commission or Board of Supervisors, it shall be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the hearing body that adequate school facilities shall be provided when the need is generated by the proposed development. Policy 7.A.1 The County and TDRPD shall strive to achieve and maintain a standard of 5 acres of improved parkland and 5 acres of passive recreation area or open space per 1,000 population. Such parkland shall be suitable to generally meet the following standards as well. a. 1 tennis court per 6,000 residents b. 1 tot lot per 1,000 residents Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-83 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES C. 1 playground per 3,000 residents d. 1 softball/little league field per 3,000 residents e. 1 hardball field per 3,000 residents f. 1 basketball court per 6,000 residents g. 1 mile of recreation trail per 1,000 residents h. 1 youth soccer field per 2,000 residents 1 adult soccer field per 2,000 residents 1 golf course per 50,000 residents It is recognized that the area will continue to have a large percentage of second homes and the above standards may be modified, or added to, in order to reflect local conditions and needs. Policy 7.A.2 The County shall require the dedication of land and/or payment of fees, in accordance with state law (Quimby Act), to ensure funding for the acquisition and development of public recreation facilities. The fees are to be set and adjusted as necessary to provide for a level of funding that meets the actual cost to provide for all of the public parkland and park development needs generated by new development. Policy 7.A.3 The County and TDRPD shall ensure that park design is appropriate to the recreation needs, and, where feasible, provides access capabilities to all residents and visitors of Placer County. Policy 7.A.4 The County shall not become involved in the operation of organized, activity - oriented recreation programs especially where TDRPD provides those services. Policy 7.A.5 The County shall require the inclusion of new subdivision lands in a type of financing district (such as a County Service Area or a Landscape and Lighting District) to generate sufficient funds to operate and maintain new public park facilities provided in the area. Policy 7.B.1 Provide future park facilities in accordance with park standards and location guidelines as set forth in this Plan and the Countywide General Plan. The County shall work with developers and TDRPD to identify community park sites. Factors, which should be considered in evaluating sites for acquisition, are: a. The highest priority shall be the acquisition of 1 large 30-acre parcel within the Plan area that can serve as an active community park site. b. Higher priority shall be given to sites that are more centrally located to existing and proposed developments. C. The site shall be easily accessible. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 Appendix 3.3-84 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES d. The site should allow for multi -purpose use. e. The site should be within the TDRPD annexed area. f. The site should be located so as to minimize potential conflicts between neighboring uses and park activities. g. Where possible, park(s) should be located adjacent to other open space, or public facilities. h. The park(s) should be usable as trail staging areas and provide connections to regional trails. Policy 7.B.2 The County shall work with TDRPD to provide community park facilities that do not duplicate existing facilities. The TDRPD has existing and planned facilities that will serve the Plan area residents. Placer County shall confer with TDRPD to determine a "needs analysis" for the area. Policy 7.B.3 The County shall cooperate with TDRPD, volunteer groups, and organizations that can assist with providing recreation. Policy 7.113.4 The County shall encourage the formation of an agreement for TDRPD to operate County facilities in the Plan area. Policy 7.113.5 In addition to traditional recreation activities, the County shall encourage the development of indoor recreation and winter oriented activities at the community park site. When evaluating sites for the location of high -density recreation activities, the County shall take into account the Truckee/Tahoe Airport Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Policy 7.C.1 The County and TDRPD shall encourage development of private recreation facilities to reduce the demands on public agencies. Policy 8.A.1 The County shall assist the citizens of Martis Valley in becoming active guardians of their community's cultural resources. Policy 8.A.2 The County shall solicit the cooperation of the owners of cultural and paleontological resources, encourage those owners to treat these resources as assets rather than liabilities, and encourage the support of the general public for the preservation and enhancement of these resources. Policy 8.A.3 The County shall solicit the views of the Native American Heritage Commission and/or the local Native American community in cases where development may result in disturbance to sites containing evidence of Native American activity and/or to sites of cultural importance. Policy 8.A.4 The County shall use, where feasible, incentive programs to assist private property owners in preserving and enhancing cultural resources. Policy 8.A.5 The County shall require that discretionary development projects identify and protect from damage, destruction, and abuse, important historical, archaeological, paleontological, and cultural sites and their contributing Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-85 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES environment. Such assessments shall be incorporated into a countywide cultural resource database, to be maintained by the Department of Museums. Policy 8.A.6 The County shall require that discretionary development projects are designed to avoid potential impacts to significant paleontological or cultural resources whenever possible. Unavoidable impacts, whenever possible, shall be reduced to a less than significant level and/or shall be mitigated by extracting maximum recoverable data. Determinations of impacts, significance, and mitigation shall be made by qualified archaeological (in consultation with recognized local Native American groups), historical, or paleontological consultants, depending on the type of resource in question. Policy 8.A.7 The County shall, within its power, maintain confidentiality regarding the locations of archaeological sites in order to preserve and protect these resources from vandalism and the unauthorized removal of artifacts. Policy 8.A.8 The County shall support the registration of cultural resources in appropriate landmark designations (i.e., National Register of Historic Places, California Historical Landmarks, Points of Historical Interest, or Local Landmark). The County shall assist private citizens seeking these designations for their property. Policy 8.A.9 The County shall consider acquisition programs as a means of preserving significant cultural resources that are not suitable for private development. Organizations that could provide assistance in this area include, but are not limited to, the Archaeological Conservancy, The Nature Conservancy, and the Placer Land Trust. Policy 9.A.1 The County shall require the preparation of a soils or geologic investigation prior to permitting development in areas of known or suspected geological or seismic hazards (i.e., seismically induced ground shaking, landslides, liquefaction, critically expansive soils, avalanche). Policy 9.A.2 The County shall require submission of a preliminary soils report, prepared by a registered civil or geotechnical engineer and based upon adequate test borings, for every major subdivision and for each individual lot where critically expansive soils have been identified or are expected to exist. Policy 9.A.3 The County shall prohibit the placement of habitable structures or individual sewage disposal systems on or in critically expansive soils unless suitable mitigation measures are incorporated to prevent the potential risks of these conditions. Policy 9.A.4 The County shall ensure that areas of slope instability are adequately investigated and that any development in these areas incorporates appropriate design provisions to prevent landsliding. Policy 9.A.5 In landslide hazard areas, the County shall prohibit alteration of land in a manner that could increase the hazard, including concentration of water through drainage, irrigation, or septic systems; removal of vegetative cover; and steepening of slopes and undercutting the bases of slopes. Policy 9.A.6 The County shall require that drainage plans for development in mountainous and sloping areas that direct runoff and drainage away from unstable slopes. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 Appendix 3.3-86 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES Policy 9.A.7 The County shall continue to support scientific geologic investigations, which refine, enlarge, and improve the body of knowledge on active fault zones, unstable areas, severe groundshaking, avalanche potential, and other hazardous conditions in Placer County. Policy 9.A.9 The County shall limit development in areas of steep (in excess of 30% or in some cases between 20 and 30%) or unstable slopes to minimize hazards caused by landslides or liquidefaction and to reduce grading and disturbance to such slopes. Policy 9.11.1 The County shall maintain maps of potential avalanche hazard areas. Policy 9.13.2 The County shall require new development in areas of avalanche hazard to be sited, designed, and constructed to minimize avalanche hazards. Policy 9.D.1 The County shall require the provision of sensitive habitat buffers which shall, at a minimum, be measured as follows: 100 feet from the centerline of perennial streams, 50 feet from centerline of intermittent streams, and 50 feet from the edge of sensitive habitats to be protected including riparian zones, wetlands, old growth woodlands, and the habitat of rare, threatened or endangered species (see discussion of sensitive habitat buffers in Part 1 of the PCGP). In some cases, buffers shall be required which are substantially larger than noted above. Conversely, based on more detailed information supplied as a part of the review for a specific project, the County may determine that such setbacks are not applicable in a particular instance or should be modified based on the new information provided. In addition, the County may allow exceptions, such as in the following cases: a. Reasonable use of the property would otherwise be denied; b. The location is necessary to avoid or mitigate hazards to the public. C. The location is necessary for the repair of roads, bridges, trails or similar infrastructure; or d. The location is necessary for the construction of new roads, bridges, trails, or similar infrastructure where the County determines there is no feasible alternative and the project has minimized environmental impacts through project design and infrastructure placement Policy 9.D.4 The County shall require public and private development to address creeks and riparian corridors as follows: a. Preserve creek corridors and creek setback areas through easements or dedications. Parcel lines (in the case of a subdivision) or easements (in the case of a subdivision or other development) shall be located to optimize resource protection. If a creek is proposed to be included within an open space parcel or easement, allowed uses and maintenance responsibilities within that parcel or easement should be clearly defined and conditioned prior to map or project approval; Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-87 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES b. Designate such easement or dedication areas (as described in a. above) as open space; C. Protect creek corridors and their habitat value by actions such as: 1) providing an adequate creek setback, 2) maintaining creek corridors in an essentially natural state, 3) employing creek restoration techniques where restoration is needed to achieve a natural creek corridor, 4) utilizing riparian vegetation within creek corridors, and where possible, within creek setback areas, 5) prohibiting the planting of invasive, non-native plants (such as vinca major and eucalyptus) within creek corridors or creek setbacks, and 6) avoiding tree removal within creek corridors; d. Provide recreation and public access near creeks consistent with other General Plan policies; e. Use design, construction, and maintenance techniques that ensure development near a creek will not cause or worsen natural hazards (such as erosion, sedimentation, flooding, or water pollution) and will include erosion and sediment control practices such as: 1) turbidity screens and other management practices, which shall be used as necessary to minimize siltation, sedimentation, and erosion, and shall be left in place until disturbed areas are stabilized with permanent vegetation that will prevent the transport of sediment off site; and/or 2) temporary vegetation is established sufficient to stabilize disturbed areas, and; Provide for long-term creek corridor maintenance. Policy 9.D.9 The County shall encourage the preservation and protection of open space located in watersheds, which serve reservoirs due to its importance in the adequate performance of those reservoirs for their intended purposes. The watershed is defined as those lands draining into a reservoir and having an immediate effect upon the quality of water within that reservoir. Those lands located within the watershed and within 5,000 feet of the reservoir shall be considered as having an immediate effect. For Mortis Valley, this includes Mortis Creek Lake. Policy 9.D.10 The County shall encourage the protection of flood plain lands and where appropriate, acquire public easements for purposes of flood protection, public safety, wildlife preservation, groundwater recharge, access and recreation. Policy 9.E.1 The County shall encourage landowners and developers to manage the integrity of existing terrain and native vegetation in visually -sensitive areas such as mountainsides, ridges, and along important transportation corridors consistent with fire safety standards. (Note: See also fire safe standards, Goal 5.H., and related Policies.) Policy 9.E.3 The County shall support the conservation of a healthy forest including outstanding areas of native vegetation, including, but not limited to, open meadows, riparian areas, Great Basin Sage Scrub, Mixed Coniferous Forest, Montane Chaparral, Montane Meadow, and Red Fir Forest. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Draft Environmental Impact Report Nevada County LAFCo February 2013 Appendix 3.3-88 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES Policy 9.E.4 The County shall encourage the preservation of landmark trees and major groves of native trees, which have special characteristics or serve an important function such as historical interest, visual screening, shading of creeks or slope stability. In order to maintain these areas in perpetuity, protected areas shall also include younger vegetation with suitable space for growth and reproduction. Policy 9.E.5 The County shall seek to preserve areas where rare, threatened, and endangered plant species identified as potentially occurring that may be adversely affected by public or private development projects. Policy 9.E.6 The County shall ensure the conservation of sufficiently large, continuous expanses of native vegetation to provide suitable habitat for maintaining abundant and diverse wildlife. Policy 9.E.7 The County shall encourage the planting of native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous species and in order to preserve the visual integrity of the landscape, provide habitat conditions suitable for native wildlife, and ensure that a maximum number and variety of well -adapted plants are maintained. Policy 9.E.8 The County shall support the continued use of prescribed burning and other methods of brush suppression to mimic the effects of natural fires to reduce fuel volumes and associated fire hazard to human residents and to enhance the health of biotic communities Policy 9.E.9 The County shall support the preservation of native trees and the use of native seed sources and seedlings and drought -tolerant plant materials in all revegetation/landscaping projects. Policy 9.E.10 The County shall require that new development avoid ecologically -fragile areas (e.g., areas of rare or endangered species of plants, riparian areas). Where feasible, these areas and heritage trees should be protected through public acquisition of fee title or conservation easements to ensure protection. Policy 9.E.11 The County shall encourage the continued use of commercially viable timberlands for timber production and other multiple use functions. Conversion of such lands to other uses is discouraged. Policy 9.E.12 The County shall support the preservation of native trees and the use of native seed sources and seedlings and drought -tolerant plant materials in all revegetation/landscaping projects. Policy 9.E.14 The County shall encourage the continued use of commercially viable timberlands for timber production and other multiple use functions. Conversion of such lands to other uses is discouraged, unless no other viable options exist for those uses. Policy 9.E.15 The County shall support the on -going implementation of the Forest Practices Act at the State level to ensure that timber harvest operations are conducted in an environmentally sensitive manner. Policy 9.F.2 The County shall require that natural open space buffers be maintained in non - riparian areas adjacent to drainage swales and creeks to reduce erosion and to Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-89 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES aid in the natural filtration of runoff waters flowing into these waterways. The buffers shall meet the standards contained in the PCGP unless a larger buffer is warranted based on site -specific fieldwork. Policy 9.F.4 The County shall require new development to mitigate wetland and riparian loss in both federal jurisdictional and non -jurisdictional wetlands to achieve "no net loss" through any combination of the following, in descending order of desirability; (1) avoidance; (2) where avoidance is not possible, minimization of impacts on the resource; or (3) compensation, including use of a mitigation and conservation banking program that provides the opportunity to mitigate impacts to special status, threatened, and endangered species and/or the habitat which supports these species in wetland and riparian areas. Non -jurisdictional wetlands may include riparian areas that are not federal "waters of the United States" as defined by the Clean Water Act. Policy 9.F.5 The County shall discourage direct runoff of pollutants and siltation into wetland areas from outfalls serving nearby urban development. Development shall be designed in such a manner that pollutants and siltation will not significantly adversely affect the value or function of wetlands. Policy 9.G.1 The County shall identify and protect significant ecological resource areas and other unique wildlife habitats critical to protecting and sustaining wildlife populations. Significant ecological resource areas include the following: a. Wetland areas. b. Stream environment zones. C. Identified habitat of rare, threatened or endangered animals or plants. d. Critical deer winter ranges, migratory routes and fawning habitat. e. Large areas of non -fragmented natural habitat, including all habitat types in the Martis Valley Plan area. Identifiable wildlife movement zones, including but not limited to, non -fragmented stream environment zones, avian and mammalian migratory routes, and known concentration areas of waterfowl within the Pacific Flyway. g. Martis Lake and its tributaries. Policy 9.G.2 The County shall require the control of residual pesticides, herbicides, and related chemicals such as those used on golf courses, to prevent potential damage to water quality, vegetation, and wildlife. Policy 9.G.3 The County shall encourage private landowners to adopt sound wildlife habitat management practices, as recommended by California Department of Fish and Game officials, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Placer County Resource Conservation District. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 Appendix 3.3-90 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES Policy 9.G.5 The County shall support the maintenance of suitable habitats for all indigenous species of wildlife, without preference to game or non -game species, through maintenance of habitat diversity. Policy 9.G.6 The County shall support the preservation and or reestablishment of fisheries in the rivers and streams within Martis Valley.. This shall include the protection of Martis Lake as a high quality wild -trout sport -fishery and the protection of the lakes tributary streams as wild -trout habitat. Policy 9.G.9 The County shall support and cooperate with efforts of other local, state, and federal agencies and private entities engaged in the preservation and protection of significant biological resources from incompatible land uses and development. Significant biological resources include endangered, threatened, or rare species and their habitats; species and their habitats that have recreational value; wetland lacustrine and riverine habitats; wildlife migration corridors; and locally -important species/communities, such as wild trout. Policy 9.G.10 Prior to approval of discretionary development permits involving parcels within a significant ecological resource area, the County shall require, as part of the environmental review process, a biotic resources evaluation of the sites, prepared by a wildlife biologist or other qualified professional. The evaluation shall be based upon field reconnaissance performed at the appropriate time of year, (if necessary) to determine the presence or absence of rare, threatened, or endangered species of plants or animals. Such evaluation will consider the potential for significant impact on these resources, and will identify feasible measures to mitigate such impacts. Policy 9.H.1 The County shall develop mitigation measures to minimize stationary source, area source, and indirect source emissions. Policy 9.H.2 The County shall support the Placer County Air Pollution Control District (PCAPCD) in its development of improved ambient air quality monitoring capabilities and the establishment of standards, thresholds, and mitigation strategies to more adequately address the air quality impacts of new development. Policy 9.H.5 The County shall encourage innovative measures, which include offsite mitigation strategies, to reduce air quality impacts. Innovative measures can be identified during a pre -application consultation process and during County staff/applicant negotiation over CEQA mitigation. Policy 9.H.6 The County shall require project -level environmental review to include identification of potential air quality impacts and designation of design and other appropriate mitigation measures or offset fees to reduce impacts. The County shall dedicate staff to work with project proponents and other agencies in identifying, ensuring the implementation of, and monitoring the success of mitigation measures. Policy 9.H.7 The County shall work with the Placer County Air Pollution Control District (PCAPCD) to reduce particulate emissions from construction, grading, excavation, and demolition to the maximum extent feasible. The County should include PM,o control measures as conditions of approval of for -subdivision maps, site plans, and grading permits. The County should inform developers of the Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-91 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES requirements of the District's PM,o mitigation requirements when they apply for a grading permit. Policy 9.H.8 The County may require new development projects to submit an air quality analysis_ .-Based on this analysis, the County shall require appropriate mitigation measures consistent with the PCAPCD's current list of Best Available Mitigation Measures and/or the most recent version of the Air Quality Attainment Plan. Policy 9.H.9 The County shall require new development to be planned to result in smooth flowing traffic conditions for major roadways for the vast majority of time. This includes traffic signals and traffic signal coordination, parallel roadways, and intra-and inter -neighborhood connections where reductions in overall emissions can be achieved. Policy 9.H.10 The County shall continue and, where appropriate, expand the use of synchronized traffic signals on roadways susceptible to emissions improvement through approach control. Policy 9.H.11 The County shall encourage the use of alternative modes of transportation by incorporating public transit, bicycle, and pedestrian modes in County transportation planning and by requiring new development to provide adequate pedestrian and bikeway facilities. Policy 9.H.12 The County shall consider instituting disincentives for single -occupancy vehicle trips, including limitations in parking supply in areas where alternative transportation modes are available and other measures identified by the Placer County Air Pollution Control District and incorporated into regional plans. Policy 9.H.13 The County shall endeavor to secure adequate funding for transit services so that transit is a viable transportation alternative. New development shall either operate their own or pay its fair share of the cost of transit equipment and facilities required to serve new projects. Policy 9.H.14 The County shall require new developments to dedicate land for and construct appropriate improvements for park -and -ride lots, if suitably located. Policy 10.A.1 New development of noise -sensitive uses shall not be allowed where the noise level due to non -transportation noise sources will exceed the noise level standards of Table 10-1 as measured immediately within the property line or within a designated outdoor activity area (at the discretion of the Planning Director) of the new development, unless effective noise mitigation measures have been incorporated into the development design to achieve the standards specified in Table 10-1. Policy 10.A.2 Noise created by new proposed non -transportation noise sources shall be mitigated so as not to exceed the noise level standards of Table 10-1 as measured immediately within the property line of lands designated for noise - sensitive uses. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 Appendix 3.3-92 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES Policy 10.A.3 The County shall continue to enforce the State Noise Insulation Standards (California Code of Regulations, Title 24) and Chapter 35 of the Uniform Building Code (UBC). Policy 10.A.4 Where proposed non-residential land uses are likely to produce noise levels exceeding the performance standards of Table 10-1 at existing or planned noise - sensitive uses, an acoustical analysis shall be required as part of the environmental review process so that noise mitigation may be included in the project design. The requirements for the content of an acoustical analysis are given by Table 10-2. Policy 10.A.5 New development of noise -sensitive land uses will not be permitted in areas exposed to existing or projected levels of noise from transportation noise sources which exceed the levels specified in Table 10-3, unless the project design includes effective mitigation measures to reduce exterior noise and noise levels in interior spaces to the levels specified in Table 10-3. Policy 10.A.6 Noise created by new transportation noise sources, including roadway improvement projects, shall be mitigated so as not to exceed the levels specified in Table 10-3 at outdoor activity areas or interior spaces of existing noise -sensitive land uses. Policy 10.A.7 It is anticipated that roadway improvement projects will be needed to accommodate build -out of the community plan. Therefore, existing noise - sensitive uses may be exposed to increased noise levels due to roadway improvement projects as a result of increased roadway capacity, increases in travel speeds, etc. may occur. It may not be practical to reduce increased traffic noise levels consistent with those contained Table 10-3. Therefore, as an alternative, the following criteria may be used as a test of significance for roadway improvement projects: a. Where existing traffic noise levels are less than 60 dB Ldn at the outdoor activity areas of noise -sensitive uses, a +5 dB Ldn increase in noise levels due to roadway improvement projects will be considered significant; and b. Where existing traffic noise levels range between 60 and 65 dB Ldn at the outdoor activity areas of noise -sensitive uses, a +3 dB Ldn increase in noise levels due to roadway improvement projects will be considered significant; and C. Where existing traffic noise levels are greater than 65 dB Ldn at the outdoor activity areas of noise -sensitive uses, a + 1.5 dB Ldn increase in noise levels due to roadway improvement projects will be considered significant. Policy 10.A.8 Where noise -sensitive land uses are proposed in areas exposed to existing or projected exterior noise levels exceeding the levels specified in Table 10-3 or the performance standards of Table 10-1, the County shall require submission of an acoustical analysis as part of the environmental review process so that noise mitigation may be included in the project design. At the discretion of the County, the requirement for an acoustical analysis may be waived provided that all of the following conditions are satisfied: Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-93 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES a. The development is for less than five single-family dwellings or less than 10,000 square feet in total gross floor area for office buildings, churches, or meeting halls; b. The noise source in question consists of a single roadway or railroad for which up-to-date noise exposure information is available, and it can be determined that the project will not exceed the appropriate criteria contained within Tables 10-1 and 10-3. An acoustical analysis will be required when the noise source in question is a stationary noise source or airport, or when the noise source consists of multiple transportation noise sources; C. The topography in the project area is essentially flat; that is, noise source and receiving land use are at the same grade; and d. Effective noise mitigation, as determined by the County, is incorporated into the project design to reduce noise exposure to the levels specified in Table 10-1 or Table 10-3. Such measures may include the use of building setbacks, building orientation, noise barriers, and the standard noise mitigations contained in the Placer County Acoustical Design Manual. If closed windows are required for compliance with interior noise level standards, air conditioning or a mechanical ventilation system will be required. Policy 10.A.9 Where noise -sensitive land uses are proposed in areas exposed to existing or projected exterior noise levels exceeding the levels specified in Table 10-3 or the performance standards of Table 10-1, the County shall require submission of an acoustical analysis as part of the environmental review process so that noise mitigation may be included in the project design. At the discretion of the County, the requirement for an acoustical analysis may be waived provided that all of the following conditions are satisfied: a. The development is for less than five single-family dwellings or less than 10,000 square feet of total gross floor area for office buildings, churches, or meeting halls; b. The noise source in question consists of a single roadway or railroad for which up-to-date noise exposure information is available. An acoustical analysis will be required when the noise source in question is a stationary noise source or airport, or when the noise source consists of multiple transportation noise sources; C. The topography in the project area is essentially flat; that is, noise source and receiving land use are at the same grade; and d. Effective noise mitigation, as determined by the County, is incorporated into the project design to reduce noise exposure to the levels specified in Table 10-1 or 10-3. Such measures may include the use of building setbacks, building orientation, noise barriers, and the standard noise mitigations contained in the Placer County Acoustical Design Manual. If closed windows are required for compliance with interior noise level standards, air conditioning or a mechanical ventilation system will be required. Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 Appendix 3.3-94 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES Policy 10.A.10 Where noise mitigation measures are required to achieve the standards of Tables 10-1 and 10-3, the emphasis of such measures shall be placed upon site planning and project design. The use of noise barriers shall be considered as a means of achieving the noise standards only after all other practical design -related noise mitigation measures have been integrated into the project. MITIGATION MEASURES MM 4.3.2 Prior to site improvements for properties that are suspected or known to contain hazardous materials and sites that are listed in the hazardous material/waste database search or the California State Water Resources Control Board database, the County shall require that the soil and surrounding area shall be tested and remediated for potential hazardous materials in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations. MM 4.4.1 a The County will establish a capital improvement program for the land use and roadway improvements identified in Tables 4.4-20 through 4.4-25 (depending on the land use map adopted) for impacts identified within Placer County's jurisdiction. The County shall develop a mechanism whereby development within the plan area pays its fair share contributions toward transportation improvements outside of the County's jurisdiction as identified in this environmental document or as defined in project specific environmental impact reports. The County shall complete a focused transit service plan for the Martis Valley area. This plan shall identify an appropriate and reasonable public transit program to accommodate future growth. The transit service plan shall develop a funding mechanism (potentially a CSA) and shall be the basis of developing agreements that provide for input from and coordination with the CSA, Placer County, Town of Truckee, and development stakeholders to ensure coordinated service and connections with adequate capacity and year-round service provisions. This plan shall be conducted after the completion of the Tahoe Area Regional Transit Short Range Transit Plan currently (May, 2003) being conducted by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and shall be consistent with this plan. MM 4.4.1 b Reduce Land Use Quantities in Martis Valley Community Plan Area. MM 4.4.2a The Circulation Diagram shall not allow public roadway access to the Sierra Meadows/Ponderosa Palisades area. MM 4.4.2b The Northstar Connector (if ultimately included as part of the Circulation Diagram as a public roadway) shall be designed to accommodate projected traffic volumes with minimal local residential roadway connections. Residential lots shall be restricted from having direct access onto the Connector. MM 4.5.1a As part of subsequent project approvals, the County shall require that construction activities be prohibited on Sundays and federal holidays and limited to daytime hours (6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays). Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-95 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES MM 4.5.1 b As part of subsequent project approvals, the County shall require that stationary construction equipment and construction staging areas be setback from existing noise -sensitive land uses. The setback distance will be considered on a case -by -case basis and will be determined by the County as part of subsequent project review. MM 4.5.4a As part of subsequent residential project approvals, the County shall require that navigation easements be granted to the Truckee -Tahoe Airport District as appropriate. The purpose of the easement is to disclose to future residents that they may be exposed to occasional noise from aircraft utilizing the airport. MM 4.5.4b As part of subsequent residential project submittals for land areas within the designated 55 CNEL contour of the Truckee Tahoe Airport, the County shall require that the applicant incorporate mitigation that is sufficient to bring interior noise levels to 45 CNEL. MM 4.6.1 The County shall require subsequent projects to fully mitigate their construction air pollutant emissions that are in excess of Placer County Air Pollution Control District's thresholds of significance for emissions. This may include the use of low emission construction equipment, particulate matter control measures, and/or participation in Placer County's Air Pollution Control District's offsite mitigation program. Responsible Agency/Department: Planning Department Time Frame: On -going Funding: Application Fees MM 4.6.3 The following language shall be added to policy 9.H.6: "The County (in coordination with the Placer County APCD) shall develop an offsite mitigation program to offset the development increases in Nitrogen Oxide, Reactive Organic Gas and Particulate Matter emissions. This may include development of a fee program that could fund activities such as retrofitting existing heavy equipment/vehicles with cleaner burning engines, retrofitting or purchasing new low emission transit vehicles and equipment, providing natural gas fuel infrastructure, implement improved street sweeping and sanding guidelines/procedures, provision of a green waste pick up program as an alternative to burning and replacing non -EPA certified woodstoves with new EPA certified units. The County shall promote and encourage new development to utilize non - wood burning devices in the Plan area. Only EPA certified Phase II wood burning devices or their equivalent shall be allowed within the Plan area. The maximum emission potential from each residence shall not exceed 7.5 grams per hour. Outdoor burn pits must be plumbed with natural gas and prohibited from burning wood." MM 4.7.1 a The County shall require that each subsequent project applicant shall prepare a spill prevention and countermeasure plan describing measures to Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 Appendix 3.3-96 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES ensure proper collection and disposal of all pollutants handled or produced on the site during construction, including sanitary wastes, cement, and petroleum products. The plan shall be incorporated into project improvement plans. MM 4.7.1 b The County shall require each subsequent project clearly identify specific water quality control measures for Plan area waterways during construction activities. Water quality control features and required on -going monitoring and reporting to the County and Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board as part of compliance with this measure shall demonstrate that the water quality controls will ensure no increase in predevelopment sediment or other pollutant loads conditions in natural waterways and that storm water discharges are in compliance with all current requirements of the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board (e.g., Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region)." MM 4.7.1 c Subsequent development activities in the Plan area shall avoid disturbing or altering existing wetlands, natural waterway courses or channel conditions. Exceptions to this policy would include minor stream crossings and improvements to the waterway that enhance the waterways natural condition to convey water and improvement water quality. Exceptions will be considered on a case -by -case basis by the County and the RWQCB and must be in compliance with the Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (Basin Plan). MM 4.7.2a The County shall require that each subsequent project develop a surface water quality control program to be incorporated into the project's storm water drainage system design. This program would specify the design of planned water quality facilities to be used in the project's drainage system, including details and methods for intercepting and improving surface water quality as well as maintenance of facilities, correcting deficiencies with water quality control features and monitoring and reporting to the County and Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board. Water quality control features (including water quality control features for golf courses [Mitigation Measure MM 4.7.2c]) shall demonstrate that the water quality controls will ensure no increase in predevelopment sediment or other pollutant loads conditions in natural waterways and that storm water discharges are in compliance with all current requirements of the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board." MM 4.7.2b In addition to the setback requirements set forth in Policy 9.D.1, subsequent projects will be conditioned to prohibit application of fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides within waterway corridors and wetland areas. Exact buffer distances from waterways and wetlands for chemical application shall be determined on a case -by -case basis based on technical analysis of the project and in consultation with the County and the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board. MM 4.7.2c The County will require that future golf courses be designed to reduce the threat to surrounding waterways and wetland areas. Specifically by minimizing total acreage of managed turf, the need for fertilizers and chemicals would be minimized and the size of natural areas would be Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-97 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES maximized. Natural areas would promote wildlife habitat and provide buffers to the environment from higher trafficked areas. Landscaped areas shall be restricted to only greens, tees, and fairways. The County shall also require proper chemical management (i.e., Chemical Application Management Plans [CHAMP]) for the operation of new golf courses. New golf courses shall utilize appropriate chemical management objectives via direct application of procedures that ensure water quality objectives are meet as defined by the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board and the State Water Resources Control Board Policy for Toxic Standards for Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries of California. Specific water quality objectives for new golf courses shall ensure the biostimulatory substances, floating materials, oil and grease, pesticides and sediment shall not be in sufficient concentrations to cause a nuisance, adversely affect the beneficial uses of on -site surface waters, runoff or groundwater or exceed water quality criteria set forth in the Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (Basin Plan). Water quality objectives for nine types of element/compounds is set by the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board and are presented in the Basin Plan. The CHAMP or similar management plan shall incorporate the following: • A description of golf course design features that prevent direct discharges of surface runoff into stream channels and groundwater. • A description of chemicals authorized for use and approved within the State of California, along with guidelines for their application. Guidelines shall include restrictions on their use near drainage systems. Chemicals include fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides, insecticides and rodenticides. • Guidelines on the application of fertilizers and soil amendments that take into consideration the physical characteristics and nutrient content of the soil on the golf course site. • Guidelines for the irrigation of the golf course that take into consideration the field capacity of soil types and the timing with chemical applications. • A water quality monitoring program that includes sampling would be timed with the application of soil amendments or on a regularly scheduled basis. This monitoring program shall also be implemented with consideration of the RWQCB water quality objectives for the Martis Creek at its confluence the Truckee River. • Chemical storage requirements and chemical spill response and chemical inventory response plans would be prepared and implemented. Maximum Concentration Levels (MCL), per the Water Quality Goals for California Inland Surface Water for Human Health and Freshwater Aquatic Life Protection shall be met for waters in golf course lakes and other surface water bodies including streams and springs. Also, groundwaters shall not contain any chemical contaminants derived from operations in excess of the MCLs specified for domestic drinking water supplies in the CCR, Title 22, Division 4, Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 Appendix 3.3-98 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES Chapter 15 for the turf management chemical compounds including, but not limited to, 2,4-D, Atazine, Bentazon, Carbofuran, Glyphosate and Simazine. MM 4.7.2d The County shall require that subsequent development projects provide open fencing and signage restricting area residents from intruding in waterway and wetland areas and providing information regarding the sensitivity of these resources to include requirements for domestic pet control. MM 4.7.2e The County shall require that snow storage areas shall be located outside of areas that drain directly into waterways, except where storm drainage and treatment facilities are provided. MM 4.7.3 Future land uses that are anticipated to utilize hazardous materials or waste shall be required to provide adequate containment facilities to ensure that surface water and groundwater resources are protected from accidental releases. This shall include double -containment, levees to contain spills, and monitoring wells for underground storage tanks, as required by local, state and federal standards. MM 4.7.5 The County, in coordination with the Placer County Water Agency and the Northstar Community Services District, shall require that proponents of new development demonstrate that new well facilities or expanded operation of existing well facilities will be in compliance with Section 204(c)1 (B) of P.L. 101- 618 and/or any subsequent standard set forth in the Truckee River Operation Agreement that requires that the placement be designed to avoid substantial effects to surface water flows or conditions. Well tests, identification of setback from waterway, appropriate hydrologic testing and/or reports from qualified professionals shall be provided verifying that no substantial impact to surface waters will occur. MM 4.8.2a As part of the geotechnical subsurface investigation work (Geology Implementation Program 2), an onsite seismic hazards analysis for subsequent projects and their supporting infrastructure will be performed to further locate and identify active fault traces. Because of their presence additional exploration will be required across these structures in several locations to accurately map their trends across the region. This information shall be utilized to adjust, if needed, the configuration of subsequent projects to ensure future structures will not be located on or near an active fault. Appropriate setbacks must then be defined per results of field investigations, and guidelines contained in UBC and CDMG (Fault -Rupture Hazard Zones in California, Special Report 42 standards). No special setbacks or project design modifications will be required if technical studies fail to identify the presence of a suspected fault or if the fault is determined to be inactive. MM 4.8.2b Future residential units, structures, project utilities, and infrastructure shall be designed to withstand expected seismic forces that could sustain both horizontal and vertical oscillations and net displacements of earth material along local active fault(s). This may include strengthening of foundations, offsets of structures, engineering of flexible utility connections to accommodate warping, and distributive deformation associated with faulting. These designs will meet requirements outlined by Uniform Building Code and California Department of Mines and Geology. Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-99 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES MM 4.8.4 During review of any project that would be located along a north -facing slope immediately adjacent to areas with slopes 29 percent or greater, Placer County shall require each subsequent project provide the County with an avalanche hazard investigation report for their project. This report will document field investigations of surface conditions in areas where construction of all structures is proposed as well as typical snow accumulation and climate conditions. Evaluation of surface materials will be made to evaluate slope stability characteristics of underlying near surface conditions and probable snow conditions that will likely by present during various storm conditions. Avalanche hazard areas shall be mapped and the site design shall be modified to avoid these areas. If avoidance is infeasible, structures to be placed in the avalanche hazard areas shall designed to withstand anticipated snow loads and conditions of an avalanche consistent with the Placer County Avalanche Management Program. MM 4.9.3 The County shall require that biotic resources evaluation for subsequent projects required under Policy 9.G.10 to include a focused plant survey for the following special -status plant species: Donner Pass buckwheat, Pplumas ivesia, Carson Range rock cress, long -petaled lewisia, Munroe's desert mallow, and American manna grass. The survey shall determine the presence/absence of these species on the site. The surveys shall be conducted by a qualified botanist during the blooming season for each species (in general, from May -August). Plant species listed after the adoption of the Martis Valley Community Plan shall also be included in the survey. If biotic surveys identify the presence of special -status plant species, the subsequent project will be designed to avoid substantial impacts on the plant population that would impair the population's survival including the provision of adequate buffers. If avoidance is determined infeasible, other mitigation measures shall be imposed. These may include, but not limited to, on- or off - site preservation of existing populations, seed and soil collection or plant transplant that ensures that a viable plant population will survive. Subsequent projects shall submit a mitigation program for impacted special -status plant species that has been prepared by a qualified biologist approved by the County and shall include consultation with the appropriate governmental agencies (e.g., U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, California Department of Fish and Game, Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board) as part of plan implementation. Responsible Agency/Department: Planning Department Time Frame: On -going Funding: Permit Fees MM 4.9.4 The County shall require that biotic resources evaluation for subsequent projects include a mountain yellow -legged frog habitat suitability assessment be conducted on each parcel proposing a crossing over or development within stream or open water habitat area. The assessment shall include a detailed analysis of the habitat conditions present onsite and shall survey stream conditions 500 feet upstream and downstream from the proposed stream crossing. If the results of the habitat suitability survey indicate that Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 Appendix 3.3-100 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES potential habitat for this species is not present within 500 feet up or down stream of the crossing, no further study is required. However, if potential habitat for this species is identified during the assessment, County shall condition projects involving disturbance of a waterway channel to perform the following: • Conduct pre -construction surveys for the mountain yellow -legged frog during the breeding season by a qualified biologist. If frogs are identified in the construction area, the biologist shall contact CDFG regarding the proper methods of moving the species an appropriate off -site location prior to the onset of construction activities at the waterways. • Monitoring of construction activities within waterways until construction activities in the waterways is complete. • Conduct training session for all construction personnel regarding the mountain yellow -legged frog, including a description of the species and its habitat and materials on species in order to assist in identifying species in the field. • Revegetation and recontouring of channel conditions generally consistent with pre -construction conditions. Responsible Agency/Department: Planning Department Time Frame: On -going Funding: Permit Fees MM 4.9.5a The County shall require that construction activities within the channels of waterways identified to be potential spawning habitat of the Lahontan cutthroat trout shall not materially impair habitat conditions. The County shall cooperate with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service if future recovery planning activities for the species includes Plan area waterways. MM 4.9.5b No structures shall be permitted in streams or watercourses within the Plan area that would result in the blockage of water flow sufficient to create a barrier to fish movement." MM 4.9.6 If active nests are found during surveys associated with implementation of Policy 9.G.10, the County shall require mapping identifying the locations of identified nests of endangered or threatened bird species or the nests of protected raptors or migratory birds. The subsequent project will be required to conduct focused nest surveys 30 days prior to the beginning of construction activities by a qualified biologist in order to determine if active nests are still present. If active nests are found, the County shall be notified on the status of the nests and no construction activities shall take place within 500 feet of the nest to avoid disturbance until the birds leave the nest, or a time deemed acceptable (e.g., when the juveniles have fledged) by the biologist. The 500-foot buffer may be reduced based on various factors including, but not limited to, vegetation and topographic screening, sensitivity Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-101 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES of the species to disturbance and consultation with California Department of Fish and Game. Monitoring reports summarizing nest activities shall be submitted to the County until the nest is determined to be inactive. Trees containing nest sites that must be removed shall be removed during the non - breeding season. If active nests that are identified involve federal and/or state listed species (under the Federal Endangered Species Act and the California Endangered Species Act) within or adjacent to the area of planned disturbance, additional setbacks, restrictions and/or mitigation may be required from California Department of Fish and Game and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as part of agency permitting to ensure no take of the species. Nest sites of federal and/or state listed species shall not be taken, unless approved by California Department of Fish and Game and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Responsible Agency/Department: Planning Department Time Frame: On -going Funding: Permit Fees MM 4.9.7 If bat roosts are identified on site as a result of surveys required by Policy 9.G.10, the County shall require that the bats be safely flushed from the sites where roosting habitat is planned to be removed prior to May of each construction phase (maternity roots are generally occupied from May to August) prior to the onset of construction activities. The removal of the roosting sites shall occur during the time of day when the roost is unoccupied. Replacement roost habitat (e.g., bat boxes) will be provided for roosting sites removed. Responsible Agency/Department: Planning Department Time Frame: On -going Funding: Permit Fees MM 4.9.8 The County shall require a habitat suitability evaluation or focused surveys for Sierra Nevada red fox, California wolverine, Sierra Nevada snowshoe hare, pacific fisher, Sierra Nevada mountain beaver, and pine marten as part of surveys required by Policy 9.G.10. Effective movement corridors will be provided in projects areas with suitable habitat. If active den/burrow sites for the Sierra Nevada red fox, California wolverine, Sierra Nevada snowshoe hare, pacific fisher, Sierra Nevada mountain beaver, and/or pine marten dens/nests are identified, the mitigation plan shall be developed in consultation with the California Department of Fish and Game to ensure no animals are killed and that den/burrow sites are properly addressed. Measures may include, but not limited to, redesign of the project (Placer County General Plan Policy 6.C.6) to provide adequately sized open space areas and corridors around den/burrow sites. Subsequent projects shall submit the mitigation plan that has been reviewed and approved the appropriate governmental agencies (e.g., California Department of Fish and Game) and the necessary regulatory permits have obtained for the Sierra Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 Appendix 3.3-102 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES Nevada red fox and California wolverine (California Endangered Species Act) to the County prior to development activities. Responsible Agency/Department: Planning Department Time Frame: On -going Funding: Permit Fees MM 4.9.11a The County shall require deer migration surveys for projects located within or adjacent to the 3 corridors identified in Figure 4.9-5 of the Martis Valley Community Plan Update EIR, as part of surveys required by Policy 9.G.10. The surveys shall define the extent of deer movement across the subject property and will refine the extent of the deer corridor onsite. If a deer migration corridor is identified, the corridor shall be maintained as open space. The exact width, design and amount of allowed disturbance (e.g., trails, recreation facilities, golf courses) in the corridor shall be based on the results of the survey and shall take into account connections with adjacent open space areas, vegetation and the seasonal cover and forage requirements of the migratory deer. The open space corridor shall be mapped and its design clearly identified. Responsible Agency/Department: Planning Department Time Frame: On -going Funding: Permit Fees MM 4.9.11 b The County shall require that subsequent projects designate building envelopes as the allowed area of disturbance on an individual parcel basis to maximize the preservation of existing vegetation. Where possible, contiguous stands of trees within development areas shall be preserved and incorporated into the project design. Fencing shall be limited to the building envelope of the parcel and not along parcel lines. If fencing is required along a parcel boundary, only post and cable, or other fencing methods easily cleared by wildlife, shall be installed. Responsible Agency/Department: Planning Department Time Frame: On -going Funding: Permit Fees MM 4.10.1 Prior to commencing construction, the project applicant shall prepare a mitigation monitoring plan in accordance with the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology guidelines. The mitigation monitoring plan shall include monitoring by a qualified paleontologist during construction and a program for the evaluation of paleontological resources discovered. If paleontological resources are discovered during construction, the paleontologist shall be responsible for recovery of any fossils discovered, determining their Nevada County LAFCo Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District February 2013 Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-103 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES significance, identification of potential subsurface investigations based on fossils discovered, and placing the fossils in a museum collection. MM 4.11.1.1 The County shall require that property currently located outside of the Truckee Fire Protection District or Northstar CSD's service areas be annexed into 1 of the fire districts prior to approval of any entitlement that allows development to occur within these sections. MM 4.11.4.1 The County shall require subsequent projects to demonstrate that adequate water distribution systems and connections to existing systems will be available and will be able to provide adequate flow and water quality consistent with local, state, and federal standards. MM 4.11.7.3 The County shall require new utility infrastructure and extensions for electrical, natural gas and telephone services avoid sensitive natural resources (e.g., wetlands, riparian habitat, sensitive habitats), be located so as to not be visually obtrusive, and, if possible, be located within roadway rights -of -ways or existing utility easements. Infrastructure siting shall comply with the policy and implementation programs set forth in Sections IV, VI, VIII, IX, and X of the Community Plan. MM 4.11.8.1 Placer County and the Tahoe Donner Recreation and Park District shall establish a mechanism for transferring parkland and recreational facilities within the Plan area to TDRPD. MM 4.12.2a New hardscape features, such as parking lots and ball courts, and new non- native softscape features, such as golf courses, turf areas, and trails, shall be screened from public views from the open valley, SR 267, and public roadways. MM 4.12.2b All public and private subsequent projects shall be required to submit detailed architectural renderings, site plans, landscaping plans, and visual simulations demonstrating project consistency with the applicable Martis Valley Community Plan policies and other applicable design guidelines, development standards and policies. MM 4.12.2c Plans for fences/walls shall be submitted to the Placer County Planning Department for review during project application processing. Fencing within the Plan area shall follow these guidelines: a. All fencing shall be open fencing that provides adequate spacing for wildlife passage, in consultation with California Department of Fish and Game; b. Use of retaining walls shall be limited to the maximum extent possible and shall be screened with native vegetation; c. Walls and fences shall not be visible along the open valley, SR 267, or other public roadways. MM 4.12.3 The conditions of approval for subsequent development projects within the Plan area shall prohibit the use of highly reflective surfaces on the exteriors of Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Nevada County LAFCo Draft Environmental Impact Report February 2013 Appendix 3.3-104 APPENDIX 3.3 MITIGATING POLICIES AND MEASURES structures, except for glass associated with windows and doors, which shall be recessed and/or shaded sufficiently to prevent glare visible from SR 267 and to reduce unnecessary glare from any other off -site point. MM 4.12.4a Outdoor light fixtures for subsequent non-residential areas (such as commercial and recreation areas) shall be low -intensity, shielded and/or directed away from residential areas and the night sky. All light fixtures shall be limited in height and shall be installed and shielded in such a manner that no light rays are emitted from the fixture at angles above the horizontal plane. High -intensity discharge lamps, such as mercury, metal halide and high- pressure sodium lamps shall be prohibited. Lighting plans shall be provided as part of improvement plans to the County with supporting documentation that adjacent residential areas will not be adversely affected and that offsite illumination will not exceed 1-foot candles from project sources. MM 4.12.4b Outdoor light fixtures shall be designed to be turned off when not in use where security and safety is not a concern. This requirement shall be included in lighting plans submitted to the County as part of improvement plans. MM 4.12.4c Street light fixtures shall be restricted to roadway intersections and shall be installed and shielded in such a manner that no light rays are emitted from the fixture at angles above the horizontal plane. High -intensity discharge lamps, such as mercury, metal halide and high-pressure sodium lamps shall be prohibited. Offsite illumination shall not exceed 1-foot candles due to lighting sources. MM 4.12.4d The County shall require that subsequent residential project design guidelines and/or project CC&Rs shall restrict residences from utilizing flood and/or spot lighting fixtures. All resident light fixtures shall use low-pressure sodium lamps or other similar lighting fixture and shall be shielded away from adjoining residents and the night sky. MM 4.12.4e Nighttime lighting shall not be allowed for golf course driving ranges, sports fields, and ski terrain. MM 4.12.4f Project design guidelines and/or project CC&Rs shall be submitted by each project applicant to the Placer County Planning Department for review and approval to verify that lighting standards are in place. Responsible Agency/Department: Planning Department Time frame: Ongoing Funding: Permit fees Nevada County LAFCo February 2013 Sphere of Influence Update - Truckee Donner Public Utility District Draft Environmental Impact Report Appendix 3.3-105