Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-1,attachment Water Master Plan CEQA Initial StudyENVIRONMENTAL INITIAL STUDY 1. Project Title: 2012 Water Master Plan Update 2. Lead Agency Name and Address: Truckee Donner Public Utility District 11570 Donner Pass Road Truckee, California 96161 3. Contact Person and Phone Number: Neil Kaufman 530-582-3950 4. Project Location: Truckee, California and surrounding area. The Master Plan Update encompasses the District's existing water system service area and selected properties that are included in the District's Sphere of Influence. 5. Project Sponsor's Name and Address: Truckee Donner Public Utility District 11570 Donner Pass Road Truckee, California 96161 6. General Plan Description: General plan designations vary throughout the master plan study area. The master plan update is in part based on the current general plan designations of Nevada County, Placer County and the Town of Truckee. The water system improvements proposed in the Master Plan are intended to allow the implementation of the general plans of the three jurisdictions. In areas of existing development, improvements are proposed to provide an adequate level of service to existing customers and to accommodate infill development to the extent indicated in the appropriate general plan. For currently undeveloped areas, improvements are proposed to accommodate a projected level of development based on general plan uses and densities. 7. Zoning: Zoning varies throughout the master plan study area and is defined by the appropriate planning agency. 8. Description of Project: The project is the adoption of the 2012 Water Master Plan Update, which is an update of the District's existing Water Master Plan that was adopted in June 2004. The updated master plan serves a number of functions. First, the master plan is a comprehensive planning report providing information on existing District water system facilities and the current level of service provided to the District's customers. Second, the master plan is an outline for the orderly expansion of the District's water system to accommodate the anticipated growth and development of areas served by the District. Finally, the master plan serves as the basis for adjustment of the District's Water System Facility Fees. Facility Fees are the implementation of Government Code 66000 et seq. (commonly referred to as AB 1600). This code section provides a mechanism by which the District may establish fees on new development for water system improvements attributable to new development. The master plan documents analyses of the existing water system to determine if it is adequate to meet the demands of the District's customers. Water system components included in the analysis include supply capacity, treatment requirements and conveyance; including pump stations, storage tanks and distribution pipelines. The master plan identifies current system deficiencies and proposed system improvements needed to provide the defined level of service. Design criteria described in the master plan establish the desired level of service for each of the water system components and determine the adequacy of the existing system. This level of service is also applied to the design of proposed future projects. The master plan utilizes growth projections of new residential and commercial water services within the master plan study area. These projections are based on and are consistent with the general plans of Nevada County, Placer County and the Town of Truckee for areas within their respective planning jurisdictions. The master plan identifies water system improvements which will be needed to accommodate the projected future development. Implementation of the master plan with regard to construction of proposed new facilities to accommodate development would be in response to land use planning conducted through the appropriate planning agency. The site locations of individual projects are defined to the planning level. As such, site specific issues are not discussed in this Initial Study. Environmental issues related to the proposed water system improvements are discussed in general with potential impacts and levels of significance identified in terms of projects previously undertaken by the District that are similar in scope to the proposed improvements. Adoption of the master plan will not, in and of itself, constitute a decision to construct any of the proposed improvements discussed in the master plan. In the future, when the need to proceed with a given project has been identified, a detailed design will be prepared and an appropriate environmental review will be conducted. No individual proposed project will be constructed without a separate decision by the District's Board of Directors. 9. Other Agencies Whose Approval is Required (and permits needed): No other agencies are required to approve or grant a permit for the adoption of the Master Plan update. Other agencies such as the Town of Truckee, Nevada County, Placer County, Caltrans, and the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board will likely be involved with permitting when the District's moves forward with the construction of a given project. 10. Environmental Setting of the Project: The Truckee Donner Public Utility District's service area is located on the east slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains approximately 100 miles east of Sacramento and 40 miles southwest of Reno, Nevada. The service area ranges in elevation from approximately 5,600 feet to approximately 7,500 feet above sea level. The area is a mix of residential subdivisions, commercial and retail centers, recreational facilities including skiing and golf, a regional airport, and large areas of undeveloped forest and rangeland. The Truckee River flows through the area en route from Lake Tahoe to Pyramid Lake in Nevada. Local tributaries include Cold Creek, Donner Creek, Martis Creek, Prosser Creek and Trout Creek. Local lakes include Donner Lake, Martis Creek Lake and Prosser Creek Reservoir. The area contains numerous cultural resources both prehistoric and historic. Historic resources include overland emigrant trail, the Dutch Flat and Donner Lake Wagon Road, the transcontinental railroad and historic Old Highway 40. The Town of Truckee contains over 160 historic structures. There are also prehistoric archaeological sites associated with Native American inhabitation of the region. The flora and fauna of the Truckee area are typical for mountainous regions of the east slope of the Sierras. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED: The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project. Please see the checklist beginning on the following page for additional information. ❑ Aesthetics Agriculture and Forestry M Air Quality ❑ Biological Resources Cultural Resources ❑ Geology/Soils MGreenhouse Gas Emissions Hazards and Hazardous Materials ❑ Hydrology/Water Quality ❑ Land Use/Planning Mineral Resources M Noise ❑ Population/Housing Public Services ❑ Recreation Transportation/Traffic M Utilities/Service Systems ❑ Mandatory Findings of Significance DETERMINATION: On the basis of this initial evaluation: MI find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. ❑ I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because revisions in the project have been made by or agreed to by the project proponent. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. ❑ I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required. ❑ I find that the proposed project MAY have a "potentially significant impact" or "potentially significant unless mitigated" impact on the environment, but at least one effect 1) has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and 2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets. An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed. I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to applicable standards, and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project, nothing further is required Michael D. Holley General Manager Date Environmental Checklist Page 1 of 21 This checklist identifies physical, biological, social and economic factors that might be affected by the proposed project. A NO IMPACT answer in the last column reflects this determination. Where there is a need for clarifying discussion, the discussion is included either following the applicable section of the checklist or is within the body of the environmental document itself. The words "significant" and "significance" used throughout the following checklist are related to CEQA, not NEPA, impacts. The questions in this form are intended to encourage the thoughtful assessment of impacts and do not represent thresholds of significance. Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant Significant Impact Impact with Impact Mitigation I. AESTHETICS: Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not ❑ limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway c) Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings? d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare which ❑ would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area? Explanation & Comment: a,b,c — The capital improvement plan given in the Master Plan update calls for the construction of some aboveground facilities such as storage tanks and pump stations. Current District standards call for the use of neutral and earth tone colors to minimize the visual impact of these facilities. d — The District does not utilize motion sensors or timers on exterior lighting. Such lights can be only be manually operated on an as needed basis. Environmental Checklist Page 2 of 21 Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant Significant Impact Impact with Impact Mitigation II. AGRICULTURE AND FOREST RESOURCES: Would the project: a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of ❑ ❑ ❑ Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non- agricultural use? b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a ❑ ❑ Williamson Act contract? c) Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, ❑ ❑ forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code section 12220(g)), timberland (as defined by Public Resources Code section 4526), or timberland zoned Timberland Production (as defined by Government Code section 51104(g))? d) Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land ❑ ❑ ❑ to non -forest use? e) Involve other changes in the existing environment which, ❑ ❑ due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland, to non-agricultural use or conversion of forest land to non -forest use? Explanation & Comment: a,b — There are not any significant agricultural lands in the District's service area c,d,e — The Master Plan Update is based on the general plans of Nevada County, Placer County and the Town of Truckee. Construction of improvements for new development would be in response to land use and environmental planning decisions made by the appropriate agency and would not be in conflict with those plans. Adoption of the master plan or construction of master plan improvements will have no affect on land use or planning. Environmental Checklist Page 3 of 21 Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant Significant Impact Impact with Impact Mitigation III. AIR QUALITY: Would the project a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan? b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially ❑ to an existing or projected air quality violation? c) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any ❑ ❑ ❑ criteria pollutant for which the project region is non - attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)? d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations? e) Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people? Explanation & Comment: a,b,c — Adoption of the Master Plan Update will not violate any air quality plan and will result in a net increase in pollutants. There will be likely temporary impacts such as increase dust generation and vehicle emissions that are typically associated with construction activities. The District's bid documents for water system construction typically include requirements addressing these issues. d — There will be likely temporary impacts such as increase dust generation and vehicle emissions that are typically associated with construction activities. The District's bid documents for water system construction include requirements addressing these issues. e — Projects discussed in the Master Plan Update will not generate odors. Environmental Checklist Page 4 of 21 IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES: Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Game or US Fish and Wildlife Service? Potentially Less Than Significant Significant Impact with Mitigation ❑ ❑ c) Have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected ❑ wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means? u n Less Than No Significant Impact Impact ❑ ❑ d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native ❑ ❑ ❑ resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites? e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting ❑ ❑ ❑ biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance? f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat ❑ ❑ ❑17 Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan? Explanation & Comment: a,b,c,d,e,f — Adoption of the Master Plan Update will not impact any listed biological resources. Additional studies and CEQA review of individual projects will be undertaken in the future, when the need to proceed with a given project has been identified and the project site has been confirmed. Environmental Checklist Page 5 of 21 V. CULTURAL RESOURCES: Would the project: a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource as defined in § 15064.5? b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to § 15064.5? c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature? d) Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries? Explanation & Comment: Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant Significant Impact Impact with Impact Mitigation ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ a,b,c,d — Adoption of the Master Plan Update is not expected to impact any cultural resources. Additional studies and CEQA review of individual projects will be undertaken in the future, when the need to proceed with a given project has been identified and the project site has been confirmed. The District's bid documents for water system construction typically include requirements addressing these issues and the District maintains an on -call relationship with a qualified archaeologist. Environmental Checklist Page 6 of 21 Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant Significant Impact Impact with Impact Mitigation VI. GEOLOGY AND SOILS: Would the project: a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving: i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault? Refer to Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42? ii) Strong seismic ground shaking? iii) Seismic -related ground failure, including liquefaction? 1-1 FI iv) Landslides? b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, 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) 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? e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative waste water disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of waste water? Explanation & Comment: a - Adoption of the Master Plan Update will not increase the exposure of people or structures to the listed hazards. b - The District's bid documents for water system construction include requirements addressing soil erosion and storm water control during the construction period. Permanent site stabilization is addressed during the detailed design of a given project. c,d — Geotechnical investigations are normally conducted during the detailed design of a given project, once the project site has been finalized. Hazards such as unstable and expansive soils are normally avoided due to the critical nature of public water system facilities. e — The water system projects identified in the Master Plan update will not generate wastewater. Environmental Checklist Page 7 of 21 Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant Significant Impact Impact with Impact Mitigation VII. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS: Would the proj ect: 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? Explanation & Comment: a - Construction of water system improvements will create additional greenhouse emissions during the construction period related to the operation of gasoline and diesel engine powered equipment and vehicles. After construction, there would be a minor increase in emissions related to periodic visits to new water system facilities for maintenance purposes. This impact is considered less than significant. b - The District is in compliance with applicable policies and regulations regarding greenhouse gas emissions. Environmental Checklist Page 8 of 21 Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant Significant Impact Impact with Impact Mitigation VIII. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS: Would the project: a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment ❑ 11 ❑ through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials? b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment ❑ El ❑ through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment? c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely ❑ El ❑ hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one -quarter mile of an existing or proposed school? d) Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous ❑ El ❑ materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment? e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, ❑ El ❑ where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would ❑ 11 ❑ the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? g) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an ❑ El ❑ adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? h) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, ❑ 11 ❑ injury or death involving wildland fires, including where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or where residences are intermixed with wildlands? Explanation & Comment: a,b,c - Adoption of the Master Plan Update will not create any hazards or hazardous emissions. Construction of new water system facilities will not create any hazards or hazardous emissions. d - Investigations for hazardous materials are normally conducted during the detailed design of a given project, once the project site has been finalized. e,f - Adoption of the Master Plan Update will not create any hazards. Construction of new water system facilities will not create any hazards. Environmental Checklist Page 9 of 21 g - Adoption of the Master Plan Update will not create any hazards. The District's bid documents for water system construction normally include requirements addressing access by residents and emergency response vehicles during the construction period. h - Adoption of the Master Plan Update will not expose people or structures to risk associated with wildfires. In fact, construction of water system facilities may serve to reduce that risk by providing a municipal supply that is designed to provide some fire suppression capabilities. Environmental Checklist Page 10 of21 Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant Significant Impact Impact with Impact Mitigation IX. HYDROLOGY AND 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 site or ❑ area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, in a manner which would result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off -site? d) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or ❑ ❑ area, including 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 stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff. f) Otherwise substantially degrade water quality? g) Place housing within a 100-year flood hazard area as ❑ mapped on a federal Flood Hazard Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood hazard delineation map? h) Place within a 100-year flood hazard area structures which ❑ would impede or redirect flood flows? i) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, ❑ ❑ ❑ injury or death involving flooding, including flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam? j) Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow ❑ ❑ ❑ Explanation & Comment: a — Depending upon the size and nature of the project, construction of if water system facilities is subject to regulation by the Lahontan Regional Water Control Board or the State Water Resources Control Board. Prior to construction, the District prepares a site appropriate Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan. Compliance with this plan is a condition of the District's bidding documents. Environmental Checklist Page 11 of 21 b — The Master Plan Update envisions the construction of new wells and the additional withdrawal of groundwater to serve new development as it is approved by the appropriate planning agency. Based upon studies cited in the Master Plan Update, there is sufficient groundwater to serve the District's needs at buildout conditions and there will not be a deficit in aquifer volume. c,d,e — Construction of water system facilities will not substantially alter drainage patterns or runoff. Grading activities are often necessary at specific sites and will create minor alterations at that site. Measures to mitigate increases in impervious area such as retention basins and infiltration galleries are typically included at pump station, well and storage tank sites. Construction of underground facilities such as pipelines does cause an increase in impervious area. f - The District's bid documents for water system construction normally include requirements addressing dust control, spoils containment, BMP implementation and site maintenance. There should not be any impact upon water quality. g - The water system improvements recommended in the Master Plan Update do not include any housing. h —The water system improvements recommended in the Master Plan Update do not include any surface impoundments, diversion dams or other structures that would impact the flood plain of streams and rivers. i - The water system improvements recommended in the Master Plan Update do not include any surface impoundments and would not create a risk of flooding. j — The Truckee area is not considered to be at risk from seiche, tsunami, or mudflows. Environmental Checklist Page 12 of 21 X. LAND USE AND PLANNING: Would the project: a) Physically divide an established community? b)Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the project (including, but not limited to the general plan, specific plan, local coastal program, or zoning ordinance) adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect? c) Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan? Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant Significant Impact Impact with Impact Mitigation ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ Explanation & Comment: a — Construction of water system improvements listed in the Master Plan Update will not divide an established community. b, c — The Master Plan Update is based on the general plans of Nevada County, Placer County and the Town of Truckee. Construction of improvements for new development would be in response to land use and environmental planning decisions made by the appropriate agency and would not be in conflict with those plans. Adoption of the master plan or construction of master plan improvements will have no affect on land use or planning. Environmental Checklist Page 13 of 21 Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant Significant Impact Impact with Impact Mitigation XI. MINERAL RESOURCES: Would the project: a) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral ❑ resource that would be of value to the region and the residents of the state? b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally -important ❑ mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan, specific plan or other land use plan? Explanation & Comment: a,b — Construction of water system improvements listed in the Master Plan Update will not impact mineral resources. Environmental Checklist Page 14 of21 Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant Significant Impact Impact with Impact Mitigation XII. NOISE: Would the project result in: a) Exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies? b) Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive ❑ groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels? c) A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels 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 or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would ❑ ❑ ❑ the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? Explanation & Comment: a,b,c — Construction of water system improvements listed in the Master Plan Update will not create a permanent exposure to noise or vibration. d - Construction of water system improvements will create a temporary increase noise at project sites related to the operation of gasoline and diesel engine powered equipment and vehicles. Pump station sites are normally equipped with a diesel -powered backup generator. Such generators are intended for emergency use during power outages. These generators are equipped with mufflers and enclosures to minimize their sound output. These backup generators are typically operated for about 1/2 hour per month to ensure that they are functioning properly. e,f - Adoption of the Master Plan Update will not create noise expose related to airports. Environmental Checklist Page 15 of 21 Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant Significant Impact Impact with Impact Mitigation XIII. POPULATION AND HOUSING: Would the project: a) Induce substantial population growth in an area, either directly (for example, by proposing new homes and businesses) or indirectly (for example, through extension of roads or other infrastructure)? b) Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? c) Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? Explanation & Comment: a — The Master Plan Update is based on the general plans of Nevada County, Placer County and the Town of Truckee. Construction of improvements for new development would be in response to land use and environmental planning decisions made by the appropriate agency and would not be in conflict with those plans. Adoption of the master plan or construction of master plan improvements will have no affect on population growth or housing. b,c — Construction of water system improvements will not displace people or housing, Environmental Checklist Page 16 of 21 XIV. PUBLIC SERVICES: a) Would the project 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 public services: Fire protection? Police protection? Schools? Parks? Other public facilities? Explanation & Comment: Potentially Less Than Significant Significant Impact with Mitigation Less Than No Significant Impact Impact ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ a — The Master Plan Update is based on the general plans of Nevada County, Placer County and the Town of Truckee. Construction of improvements for new development would be in response to land use and environmental planning decisions made by the appropriate agency and would not be in conflict with those plans. Adoption of the master plan or construction of master plan improvements will have no affect on public services. Environmental Checklist Page 17 of21 Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant Significant Impact Impact with Impact Mitigation XV. RECREATION: a) Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated? b) Does the project include recreational facilities or require the ❑ ❑ ❑ construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment? Explanation & Comment: a — Construction of water system improvements will not impact existing recreation facilities. b — The Master Plan Update does not involve the construction of any new recreation facilities. Environmental Checklist Page 18 of 21 Potentially Less Than Significant Significant Impact with Mitigation XVI. TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC: Would the project: Less Than No Significant Impact Impact a) 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? b) 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? c) Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including either an ❑ ❑ ❑ increase in traffic levels or a change in location that results in substantial safety risks? d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g., ❑ ❑ ❑ sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)? e) Result in inadequate emergency access? ❑ ❑ ❑ f) Conflict with adopted policies, plans or programs regarding ❑ ❑ ❑ public transit, bicycle, or pedestrian facilities, or otherwise decrease the performance or safety of such facilities? Explanation & Comment: a,b — Construction of water system improvements will not conflict with plans and programs for traffic management. c — Construction of water system improvements will not impact air traffic. d — Construction of water system improvements will not increase any such hazards. e - The District's bid documents for water system construction normally include requirements addressing access by residents and emergency response vehicles during the construction period. There will not be any permanent impact on emergency access. f — Construction of water system improvements will not conflict with such plans and. Environmental Checklist Page 19 of21 Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant Significant Impact Impact with Impact Mitigation XVII. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS: Would the project: a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the applicable ❑ ❑ ❑ Regional Water Quality Control Board? b) Require or result in the construction of new water or wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? c) Require or result in the construction of new storm water drainage facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? d) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project ❑ ❑ ❑ from existing entitlements and resources, or are new or expanded entitlements needed? e) Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment ❑ provider which serves or may serve the project that it has adequate capacity to serve the project's projected demand in addition to the provider's existing commitments? f) Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted capacity to ❑ ❑ accommodate the project's solid waste disposal needs? g) Comply with federal, state, and local statutes and ❑ regulations related to solid waste? Explanation & Comment: a — Construction of water system improvements will not generate wastewater. b — The Master Plan Update recommends the construction of a number of water system facilities. The impact of this construction is considered less than significant. c — It is expected that stormwater retention facilities such as retention basins and infiltration galleries will be constructed at pump station, well and storage tank sites. The impact of this construction is considered less than significant. d — The Master Plan Update envisions the construction of new wells and the additional withdrawal of groundwater to serve new development as it is approved by the appropriate planning agency. Based upon studies cited in the Master Plan Update, there is sufficient water supply available. e — Construction of water system improvements will not generate wastewater. fg — Construction of water system improvements will generate minor amounts of solid waste. This waste is typically removed by the local refuse company (Tahoe Truckee Sierra Disposal) to a landfill with sufficient capacity. Upon completion, these projects will not generate any significant amount of solid waste. Environmental Checklist Page 20 of 21 Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant Significant Impact Impact with Impact Mitigation XVIII. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE 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, substantially reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? b) Does the project have impacts that are individually limited, ❑ but cumulatively considerable? ("Cumulatively considerable" means that the incremental effects of a project are considerable when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the effects of probable future projects)? 0 n c) Does the project have environmental effects which will ❑ ❑ cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? Explanation & Comment: 11 n El ON // a,b,c - The Master Plan Update is based on the general plans of Nevada County, Placer County and the Town of Truckee. Construction of improvements outlined in the Master Plan Update is not considered to a have a significant impact on either an individual or cumulate basis. Environmental Checklist Page 21 of 21