Mandarin and English Dual-Language Immersion Elementary School Project EIR Los Angeles ...

382 Pages·2015·13.67 MB·English

Mandarin and English Dual-Language Immersion Elementary School Project EIR
Los Angeles Unified School District
March 26, 2015
Volume I
Draft Environmental Impact Report
Mandarin and English Dual-Language
Immersion Elementary School Project

Volume I

Prepared for:

Los Angeles Unified School District
Office of Environmental Health and Safety
333 South Beaudry Avenue, 28th Floor
Los Angeles, California 90017
Contact: Mr. Edward Paek, CEQA Project Manager

Prepared by:

Sapphos Environmental, Inc.
430 North Halstead Street
Pasadena, California 91107
Contact: Ms. Laura Male

March 26, 2015
Table of Contents

Executive Summary

Chapter 1.0 Introduction
1.1 Purpose of the Environmental Impact Report ....................................................... 1-1
1.2 Scope of the EIR .................................................................................................. 1-2
1.3 EIR Organization ................................................................................................. 1-4
1.4 Availability of the Draft EIR .................................................................................. 1-5
1.5 Public Meetings and Hearings ............................................................................. 1-6
1.6 Agency Comments .............................................................................................. 1-6

Chapter 2.0 Project Description and Environmental Setting
2.1 Project Background and Objectives ..................................................................... 2-1
2.1.1 Project Background .................................................................................. 2-1
2.1.2 Project Objectives ................................................................................... 2-3
2.2 Project Description .............................................................................................. 2-4
2.2.1 Project Components ................................................................................ 2-4
2.2.2 Project Location and Site Characteristics .................................................. 2-6
2.2.3 Construction Schedule ........................................................................... 2-10
2.3 Project Design Features ..................................................................................... 2-10
2.4 Required Permits and Approvals ........................................................................ 2-17
2.4.1 Lead Agency Approval ........................................................................... 2-17
2.4.2 Required Permits and Approvals ............................................................ 2-18
2.4.3 Reviewing Agencies ............................................................................... 2-18
2.5 Cumulative Scenario ......................................................................................... 2-20

Chapter 3.0 Environmental Analysis
3.1 Environmental Issues Addressed .......................................................................... 3-1
3.2 Organization of Environmental Analysis .............................................................. 3-2
3.3 Terminology Used in this Analysis ....................................................................... 3-3

Subchapter 3A Aesthetics
3A.1 Regulatory Framework ..................................................................... 3A-1
3A.2 Existing Conditions .......................................................................... 3A-3
3A.3 Thresholds of Significance ............................................................... 3A-6
3A.4 Impact Analysis ................................................................................ 3A-6
3A.5 Cumulative Impacts ......................................................................... 3A-8
3A.6 Mitigation Measures ......................................................................... 3A-8
3A.7 Level of Significance after Mitigation ................................................ 3A-8

Subchapter 3B Agriculture and Forestry Resources
3B.1 Regulatory Framework ..................................................................... 3B-2
3B.2 Existing Conditions .......................................................................... 3B-3
3B.3 Thresholds of Significance ............................................................... 3B-5
3B.4 Impact Analysis ................................................................................ 3B-6
3B.5 Cumulative Impacts ......................................................................... 3B-8
3B.6 Mitigation Measures ......................................................................... 3B-8
3B.7 Level of Significance after Mitigation ................................................ 3B-8
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Subchapter 3C Air Quality
3C.1 Regulatory Framework ..................................................................... 3C-2
3C.2 Existing Conditions .......................................................................... 3C-6
3C.3 Thresholds of Significance ............................................................. 3C-16
3C.4 Impact Analysis .............................................................................. 3C-18
3C.5 Cumulative Impacts ....................................................................... 3C-22
3C.6 Mitigation Measures ....................................................................... 3C-22
3C.7 Level of Significance after Mitigation .............................................. 3C-22

Subchapter 3D Biological Resources
3D.1 Regulatory Framework .................................................................... 3D-2
3D.2 Existing Conditions ......................................................................... 3D-5
3D.3 Thresholds of Significance ............................................................ 3D-14
3D.4 Impact Analysis ............................................................................. 3D-15
3D.5 Cumulative Impacts ...................................................................... 3D-17
3D.6 Mitigation Measures ...................................................................... 3D-17
3D.7 Level of Significance after Mitigation ............................................. 3D-18

Subchapter 3E Cultural Resources
3E.1 Regulatory Framework ..................................................................... 3E-3
3E.2 Existing Conditions .......................................................................... 3E-9
3E.3 Thresholds of Significance ............................................................. 3E-18
3E.4 Impact Analysis .............................................................................. 3E-19
3E.5 Cumulative Impacts ....................................................................... 3E-21
3E.6 Mitigation Measures ....................................................................... 3E-22
3E.7 Level of Significance after Mitigation .............................................. 3E-22

Subchapter 3F Geology and Soils
3F.1 Regulatory Framework ..................................................................... 3F-3
3F.2 Existing Conditions .......................................................................... 3F-6
3F.3 Thresholds of Significance ............................................................... 3F-9
3F.4 Impact Analysis .............................................................................. 3F-10
3F.5 Cumulative Impacts ....................................................................... 3F-13
3F.6 Mitigation Measures ....................................................................... 3F-14
3F.7 Level of Significance after Mitigation .............................................. 3F-14

Subchapter 3G Greenhouse Gas Emissions
3G.1 Regulatory Framework .................................................................... 3G-4
3G.2 Existing Conditions ......................................................................... 3G-7
3G.3 Thresholds of Significance .............................................................. 3G-8
3G.4 Impact Analysis ............................................................................... 3G-8
3G.5 Cumulative Impacts ........................................................................ 3G-9
3G.6 Mitigation Measures ...................................................................... 3G-10
3G.7 Level of Significance after Mitigation ............................................. 3G-10

Subchapter 3H Hazards and Hazardous Materials
3H.1 Regulatory Framework .................................................................... 3H-2
3H.2 Existing Conditions ......................................................................... 3H-6
3H.3 Thresholds of Significance ............................................................ 3H-12
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3H.4 Impact Analysis ............................................................................. 3H-13
3H.5 Cumulative Impacts ...................................................................... 3H-17
3H.6 Mitigation Measures ...................................................................... 3H-17
3H.7 Level of Significance after Mitigation ............................................. 3H-17

Subchapter 3I Hydrology and Water Quality
3I.1 Regulatory Framework ...................................................................... 3I-3
3I.2 Existing Conditions ........................................................................... 3I-7
3I.3 Thresholds of Significance ................................................................ 3I-9
3I.4 Impact Analysis ............................................................................... 3I-10
3I.5 Cumulative Impacts ........................................................................ 3I-15
3I.6 Mitigation Measures ........................................................................ 3I-15
3I.7 Level of Significance after Mitigation ............................................... 3I-15

Subchapter 3J Land Use and Planning
3J.1 Regulatory Framework ...................................................................... 3J-1
3J.2 Existing Conditions ........................................................................... 3J-8
3J.3 Thresholds of Significance ................................................................ 3J-9
3J.4 Impact Analysis ................................................................................. 3J-9
3J.5 Cumulative Impacts ........................................................................ 3J-10
3J.6 Mitigation Measures ........................................................................ 3J-10
3J.7 Level of Significance after Mitigation ............................................... 3J-10

Subchapter 3K Mineral Resources
3K.1 Regulatory Framework ..................................................................... 3K-1
3K.2 Existing Conditions .......................................................................... 3K-2
3K.3 Thresholds of Significance ............................................................... 3K-3
3K.4 Impact Analysis ................................................................................ 3K-3
3K.5 Cumulative Impacts ......................................................................... 3K-4
3K.6 Mitigation Measures ......................................................................... 3K-4
3K.7 Level of Significance after Mitigation ................................................ 3K-4

Subchapter 3L Noise
3L.1 Regulatory Framework ..................................................................... 3L-6
3L.2 Existing Conditions ........................................................................ 3L-10
3L.3 Thresholds of Significance ............................................................. 3L-14
3L.4 Impact Analysis .............................................................................. 3L-16
3L.5 Cumulative Impacts ....................................................................... 3L-19
3L.6 Mitigation Measures ....................................................................... 3L-19
3L.7 Level of Significance after Mitigation .............................................. 3L-20

Subchapter 3M Pedestrian Safety
3M.1 Regulatory Framework .................................................................... 3M-1
3M.2 Existing Conditions ......................................................................... 3M-2
3M.3 Thresholds of Significance .............................................................. 3M-5
3M.4 Impact Analysis ............................................................................... 3M-5
3M.5 Cumulative Impacts ........................................................................ 3M-8
3M.6 Mitigation Measures ........................................................................ 3M-8
3M.7 Level of Significance after Mitigation ............................................... 3M-9

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Subchapter 3N Population and Housing
3N.1 Regulatory Framework .................................................................... 3N-1
3N.2 Existing Conditions ......................................................................... 3N-2
3N.3 Thresholds of Significance .............................................................. 3N-5
3N.4 Impact Analysis ............................................................................... 3N-5
3N.5 Cumulative Impacts ........................................................................ 3N-7
3N.6 Mitigation Measures ........................................................................ 3N-7
3N.7 Level of Significance after Mitigation ............................................... 3N-7

Subchapter 3O Public Services
3O.1 Regulatory Framework .................................................................... 3O-1
3O.2 Existing Conditions ......................................................................... 3O-3
3O.3 Thresholds of Significance .............................................................. 3O-9
3O.4 Impact Analysis ............................................................................. 3O-10
3O.5 Cumulative Impacts ...................................................................... 3O-12
3O.6 Mitigation Measures ...................................................................... 3O-12
3O.7 Level of Significance after Mitigation ............................................. 3O-12

Subchapter 3P Recreation
3P.1 Regulatory Framework ..................................................................... 3P-1
3P.2 Existing Conditions .......................................................................... 3P-2
3P.3 Thresholds of Significance ............................................................... 3P-5
3P.4 Impact Analysis ................................................................................ 3P-5
3P.5 Cumulative Impacts ......................................................................... 3P-7
3P.6 Mitigation Measures ......................................................................... 3P-7
3P.7 Level of Significance after Mitigation ................................................ 3P-7

Subchapter 3Q Transportation/Traffic
3Q.1 Regulatory Framework .................................................................... 3Q-2
3Q.2 Existing Conditions ......................................................................... 3Q-6
3Q.3 Thresholds of Significance ............................................................ 3Q-13
3Q.4 Impact Analysis ............................................................................. 3Q-14
3Q.5 Cumulative Impacts ...................................................................... 3Q-16
3Q.6 Mitigation Measures ...................................................................... 3Q-19
3Q.7 Level of Significance after Mitigation ............................................. 3Q-19

Subchapter 3R Utilities and Service Systems
3R.1 Regulatory Framework ..................................................................... 3R-3
3R.2 Existing Conditions .......................................................................... 3R-6
3R.3 Thresholds of Significance ............................................................... 3R-7
3R.4 Impact Analysis ................................................................................ 3R-8
3R.5 Cumulative Impacts ....................................................................... 3R-12
3R.6 Mitigation Measures ....................................................................... 3R-12
3R.7 Level of Significance after Mitigation .............................................. 3R-12

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Chapter 4.0 Alternatives
4.1 Introduction and Overview .................................................................................. 4-1
4.2 Alternatives to the Proposed Project .................................................................... 4-2
4.2.1 No Project Alternative ............................................................................. 4-4
4.2.2 Alternative Location at Marina Del Rey Middle School ............................ 4-7
4.2.3 Reduced Project Alternative ................................................................... 4-12
4.2.4 Redistricting Alternative ......................................................................... 4-15
4.3 Alternatives Eliminated from Further Consideration ........................................... 4-17
4.4 Environmentally Superior Alternative ................................................................. 4-21

Chapter 5.0 Other CEQA Considerations
5.1 Environmental Effects Found Not to Be Significant ............................................... 5-1
5.2 Significant Irreversible Environmental Changes ................................................... 5-1
5.3 Growth-Inducing Impacts .................................................................................... 5-3
5.4 Significant and Unavoidable Environmental Impacts ............................................ 5-4

Chapter 6.0 Acronyms and Abbreviations .............................................................................. 6-1

Chapter 7.0 References .......................................................................................................... 7-1

Chapter 8.0 Report Preparation

8.1 Report Preparers .................................................................................................. 8-1
8.2 Organizations and Persons Consulted .................................................................. 8-2
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List of Tables
TABLE PAGE

ES-1 Summary of Environmental Impacts ................................................................... ES-6
ES-2 Summary of Mitigation Measures ....................................................................... ES-8
2.3-1 Project Design Features ..................................................................................... 2-10
2.5-1 List of Related Projects: LADOT Record of Proposed Projects ............................ 2-21
3.1-1 Summary of Environmental Impacts ..................................................................... 3-1
3C.1-1 Ambient Air Quality Standards for Criteria Pollutants ......................................... 3C-3
3C.2-1 Average Temperatures in the Vicinity of the Proposed Project Site ..................... 3C-8
3C.2-2 Project Area Air Pollutant Summary, 2010–2014 ............................................. 3C-10
3C.3-1 SCAQMD Air Quality Significance Thresholds ................................................ 3C-16
3C.4-1 Localized (On-Site) Construction Impacts ........................................................ 3C-19
3C.4-2 Operational Emissions ..................................................................................... 3C-19
3D.2-1 Federally and State-Listed Species with the Potential to Occur on the
Proposed Project Site ........................................................................................ 3D-6
3D.2-2 Sensitive Animal Species with the Potential to Occur on the
Proposed Project Site ........................................................................................ 3D-8
3D.2-3 Locally Important Plant Species with the Potential to Occur on the
Proposed Project Site ...................................................................................... 3D-12
3F.2-1 Active Fault Zones in LAUSD South Zone.......................................................... 3F-7
3G-1 Greenhouse Gases and Their Relative Warming Potential Compared to CO .... 3G-3
2
3G.1-1 California Business-as-Usual GHG Emissions and Targets ................................. 3G-5
3H.2-1 Properties within One-Quarter Mile with the Potential to Handle
Hazardous Materials ....................................................................................... 3H-10
3J.1-1 Civic Center Organizations and Uses ................................................................. 3E-5
3L-1 Change in Apparent Loudness ........................................................................... 3L-3
3L-2 Human Reaction to Typical Vibration Levels ..................................................... 3L-5
3L.1-1 City of Los Angeles Ambient Noise Criteria ....................................................... 3L-8
3L.1-2 Acceptable Operational Noise Levels Established by LAUSD ............................. 3L-9
3L.1-3 Project Design Feature Compliance Thresholds ................................................. 3L-9
3L.2-1 Typical Noise Levels for Los Angeles County ................................................... 3L-11
3L.2-2 Measured Total Ambient Noise Levels on andaround the
Proposed Project Site ....................................................................................... 3L-12
3L.2-3 Measured Baseline Ambient Noise Levels on and around the
Proposed Project Site ....................................................................................... 3L-13
3L.2-4 Airports in the Vicinity of the Proposed Project ................................................ 3L-14
3L.2-5 Typical Outdoor Construction Noise Levels ..................................................... 3L-17
3M.2-1 Existing Peak Hour Level of Service Summary ................................................... 3M-3
3M.2-2 Major Arterial Roadways and Freeways in the Project Vicinity .......................... 3M-5
3M.4-1 Future Peak-Hour Level of Service Summary (with Project) ............................... 3M-6
3N.2-1 SCAG 2020 Population and Households Projections for LAUSD
Local District D ................................................................................................ 3N-3
3N.2-2 Palms – Mar Vista – Del Rey Community Plan Area Population,
2000–2009 ...................................................................................................... 3N-3
3N.2-3 Palms – Mar Vista – Del Rey Community Plan Area Households,
2000–2009 ...................................................................................................... 3N-4
3O.2-1 Existing Fire Stations Serving the Proposed Project Site ..................................... 3O-4
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3O.2-2 K–12 Public School Enrollment ........................................................................ 3O-6
3O.2-3 Existing Parks in the Proposed Project Vicinity .................................................. 3O-7
3O.2-4 Existing Libraries in the Project Vicinity ............................................................ 3O-9
3Q-1 Volume/Capacity and Corresponding Level of Service ...................................... 3Q-2
3Q.2-1 Study Area Roadway Descriptions .................................................................... 3Q-8
3Q.2-2 Existing Peak-Hour Level of Service Summary ................................................. 3Q-11
3Q.2-3 Proposed Project Trip Generation ................................................................... 3Q-12
3Q.2-4 Transit Service Summary................................................................................. 3Q-12
3Q.3-1 LADOT Intersection Significance Threshold .................................................... 3Q-13
3Q.5-1 Projected Impact Summary for Future Baseline Conditions ............................. 3Q-17
3Q.5-2 Change in V/C for Future Conditions .............................................................. 3Q-18
4.2-1 Summary of Ability of Proposed Project and Alternatives to
Attain Project Objectives ..................................................................................... 4-3
4.3-1 Alternative Sites Considered but Determined to Be Infeasible ............................ 4-18
4.4-1 Summary of Impacts .......................................................................................... 4-22
4.4-2 Comparison of Alternatives to the Proposed Project ........................................... 4-23
8.1 List of Preparers and Reviewers ........................................................................... 8-1

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List of Figures
FIGURE FOLLOWS PAGE

2.1-1 Regional Site Map ............................................................................................... 2-1
2.2.1-1 Local Vicinity Map .............................................................................................. 2-4
2.2.1-2 Site Plan .............................................................................................................. 2-4
2.2.2-1 Regional Vicinity Map ......................................................................................... 2-6
2.2.2-2 USGS 7.5-Minute Quadrangle Topographic Map ................................................. 2-6
2.2.2-3 Aerial Photograph ................................................................................................ 2-6
2.2.2-4 City of Los Angeles General Plan Land Use Designation ...................................... 2-7
2.2.2-5 Zoning Designation Map ..................................................................................... 2-8
2.2.2-6 Palms-Mar Vista - Del Rey Community Plan Area ................................................ 2-8
2.5-1 Map of Related Projects ..................................................................................... 2-20
3A.2-1 Unique Urban & Historic Features ..................................................................... 3A-4
3A.2-2 State, County, & City Designated Scenic Highways. ........................................... 3A-4
3A.2-3 Key Observation Points .....................................................................................3 A-5
3A.2-4 Key Observation Point Map ...............................................................................3 A-5
3F.2-1 Active Alquist-Priolo Fault Zones in Proposed Project Vicinity ........................... 3F-6
3I.2-1 Storm Drains in the Vicinity of the Proposed Project ........................................... 3I-8
3L.2-1 Sensitive Receptors in the Vicinity of the Proposed Project .............................. 3L-14
3L.2-2 Airports in the Vicinity of the Proposed Project ................................................ 3L-14
3L.6-1 Sound Barrier .................................................................................................. 3L-19
3M.2-1 Pedestrian Safety Existing Conditions ................................................................ 3M-4
3M.2-2 Pedestrian Routes for Beethoven Elementary School ......................................... 3M-4
3M.2-3 Pedestrian Routes for Mark Twain Middle School ............................................. 3M-4
3O.2-1 Public Facilities in Vicinity of Proposed Project Site .......................................... 3O-3
3P.2-1 Parks and Recreation ......................................................................................... 3P-4
3Q.2-1 Traffic Study Area Map ..................................................................................... 3Q-8

Los Angeles Unified School District March 26, 2015
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Draft EIR