North Torrey Pines Living and Learning Neighborhood Project

292 Pages·2017·45.9 MB·English

North Torrey Pines Living and
Learning Neighborhood Project
SCH No. 2017041056
Draft Tiered Environmental Impact Report
October 2017 | UCS-20.25
Prepared for:
University of California, San Diego
Campus Planning
9500 Gilman Drive, MC 0074
La Jolla, CA 92093
Prepared by:
HELIX Environmental Planning, Inc.
7578 El Cajon Boulevard
La Mesa, CA 91942
North Torrey Pines Living and
Learning Neighborhood Project
SCH No. 2017041056

Draft Tiered Environmental Impact Report

Prepared for:

University of California, San Diego
Campus Planning
9500 Gilman Drive, MC 0074
La Jolla, CA 92093

Prepared by:

HELIX Environmental Planning, Inc.
7578 El Cajon Boulevard
La Mesa, CA 91942

October 2017 | UCS-20.25
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page

ES EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................................ ES-1
ES.1 Overview ........................................................................................................................ ES-1
ES.2 Project Description ........................................................................................................ ES-1
ES.2.1 Lead, Responsible, and Trustee Agencies ....................................................... ES-2
ES.2.2 Construction Schedule and Staging................................................................. ES-3
ES.3 Project Objectives .......................................................................................................... ES-3
ES.4 Impact Summary ............................................................................................................ ES-4
ES.5 Alternatives to the Proposed Project ............................................................................ ES-4
ES.5.1 No Project Alternative ..................................................................................... ES-5
ES.5.2 Reduced Project Alternative ........................................................................... ES-5
ES.5.3 Academic Only Alternative .............................................................................. ES-6
ES.5.4 Student Housing Only Alternative ................................................................... ES-7
ES.6 Issues Raised During Public Scoping .............................................................................. ES-8

1.0 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................. 1-1
1.1 Project Background .......................................................................................................... 1-1
1.2 Environmental Review Process ........................................................................................ 1-1
1.2.1 Lead, Responsible, and Trustee Agencies ......................................................... 1-1
1.2.2 Purpose of Tiered Environmental Impact Report ............................................. 1-2
1.2.3 Scope of Tiered Environmental Impact Report ................................................. 1-3
1.2.4 Draft Environmental Impact Report Public Review .......................................... 1-4
1.3 Relationship to and Consistency with the LRDP .............................................................. 1-5
1.4 Organization of the Environmental Impact Report ......................................................... 1-9
1.5 References ..................................................................................................................... 1-10

2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION .................................................................................................................. 2-1
2.1 Project Location ............................................................................................................... 2-1
2.2 Project Background and Objectives ................................................................................. 2-2
2.2.1 Project Background ........................................................................................... 2-2
2.2.2 Project Objectives ............................................................................................. 2-3
2.3 Project Characteristics ..................................................................................................... 2-4
2.3.1 Building Program ............................................................................................... 2-4
2.3.2 Architectural Design .......................................................................................... 2-8
2.3.3 Sustainability Features ...................................................................................... 2-9
2.3.4 Project Grading and Drainage ......................................................................... 2-12
2.3.5 Access and Circulation..................................................................................... 2-13
2.3.6 Landscaping and Other Site Amenities ........................................................... 2-14
2.3.7 Utility Improvements ...................................................................................... 2-16
2.4 Construction Schedule and Staging ............................................................................... 2-17
2.5 Project Approval Process ............................................................................................... 2-18
2.5.1 Campus Review and Approval Process ........................................................... 2-18
2.5.2 Other Agency Considerations.......................................................................... 2-18
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North Torrey Pines Living and Learning Neighborhood Project
Tiered Environmental Impact Report Table of Contents
2.6 References .................................................................................................................................. 2-18

3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS AND MITIGATION ............................................................................ 3-1
3.1 Air Quality ..................................................................................................................... 3.1-1
3.1.1 Existing Setting ............................................................................................... 3.1-1
3.1.2 Thresholds of Significance .............................................................................. 3.1-8
3.1.3 Environmental Impacts and Mitigation ........................................................ 3.1-10
3.1.4 Cumulative Impacts and Mitigation ............................................................. 3.1-13
3.1.5 CEQA Checklist Items Adequately Addressed in the 2004 LRDP EIR ........... 3.1-16
3.1.6 References .................................................................................................... 3.1-18

3.2 Global Climate Change .................................................................................................. 3.2-1
3.2.1 Existing Setting ............................................................................................... 3.2-1
3.2.2 Thresholds of Significance ............................................................................ 3.2-10
3.2.3 Environmental Impacts and Mitigation ........................................................ 3.2-12
3.2.4 References .................................................................................................... 3.2-20

3.3 Hydrology and Water Quality ....................................................................................... 3.3-1
3.3.1 Existing Setting ............................................................................................... 3.3-1
3.3.2 Thresholds of Significance .............................................................................. 3.3-8
3.3.3 Environmental Impacts and Mitigation .......................................................... 3.3-9
3.3.4 Cumulative Impacts and Mitigation ............................................................. 3.3-21
3.3.5 CEQA Checklist Items Adequately Addressed in the 2004 LRDP EIR ........... 3.3-23
3.3.6 References .................................................................................................... 3.3-24

3.4 Noise ............................................................................................................................. 3.4-1
3.4.1 Existing Setting ............................................................................................... 3.4-1
3.4.2 Thresholds of Significance .............................................................................. 3.4-5
3.4.3 Environmental Impacts and Mitigation .......................................................... 3.4-6
3.4.4 Cumulative Impacts and Mitigation ............................................................. 3.4-18
3.4.5 CEQA Checklist Items Adequately Addressed in the 2004 LRDP EIR ........... 3.4-19
3.4.6 References .................................................................................................... 3.4-19

3.5 Public Services ............................................................................................................... 3.5-1
3.5.1 Existing Setting ............................................................................................... 3.5-1
3.5.2 Thresholds of Significance .............................................................................. 3.5-8
3.5.3 Environmental Impacts and Mitigation .......................................................... 3.5-9
3.5.4 Cumulative Impacts and Mitigation ............................................................. 3.5-11
3.5.5 CEQA Checklist Items Adequately Addressed in the 2004 LRDP EIR ........... 3.5-13
3.5.6 References .................................................................................................... 3.5-14

3.6 Transportation and Traffic ............................................................................................ 3.6-1
3.6.1 Existing Setting ............................................................................................... 3.6-1
3.6.2 Thresholds of Significance .............................................................................. 3.6-8
3.6.3 Environmental Impacts and Mitigation .......................................................... 3.6-9
3.6.4 Cumulative Impacts and Mitigation ............................................................. 3.6-27
3.6.5 CEQA Checklist Items Adequately Addressed in the 2004 LRDP EIR ........... 3.6-38
3.6.6 References .................................................................................................... 3.5-38
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North Torrey Pines Living and Learning Neighborhood Project
Tiered Environmental Impact Report Table of Contents
4.0 OTHER CEQA CONSIDERATIONS ................................................................................................... 4-1
4.1 Effects Found Not to be Significant with LRDP EIR Mitigation ........................................ 4-1
4.1.1 Aesthetics .......................................................................................................... 4-1
4.1.2 Biological Resources .......................................................................................... 4-4
4.1.3 Hazards and Hazardous Materials..................................................................... 4-6
4.2 Effects Found Not to be Significant ............................................................................... 4-11
4.2.1 Agriculture Resources ..................................................................................... 4-11
4.2.2 Cultural Resources and Tribal Cultural Resources .......................................... 4-12
4.2.3 Geology and Soils ............................................................................................ 4-15
4.2.4 Land Use and Planning .................................................................................... 4-18
4.2.5 Mineral Resources ........................................................................................... 4-20
4.2.6 Population and Housing .................................................................................. 4-21
4.2.7 Recreation ....................................................................................................... 4-22
4.2.8 Utilities, Service Systems, and Energy ............................................................. 4-23
4.3 Growth Inducement ....................................................................................................... 4-29
4.4 Significant and Unavoidable Environmental Impacts .................................................... 4-30
4.5 Significant Irreversible Environmental Effects ............................................................... 4-30
4.6 References ..................................................................................................................... 4-32

5.0 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES ............................................................................................................... 5-1
5.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 5-1
5.2 Summary of Project Objectives and Significant Impacts ................................................. 5-1
5.2.1 Project Objectives ............................................................................................. 5-1
5.2.2 Significant Impacts of the Proposed Project ..................................................... 5-2
5.3 Alternatives Considered But Rejected ............................................................................. 5-4
5.3.1 Lease or Purchase Residential Property Off-Campus Alternative ..................... 5-4
5.3.2 Lease or Purchase Academic Space Off-campus Alternative ............................ 5-5
5.3.3 Reallocate Existing Housing and Academic Space Alternative.......................... 5-6
5.4 Alternatives Analyzed ...................................................................................................... 5-6
5.4.1 No Project Alternative ....................................................................................... 5-7
5.4.2 Reduced Project Alternative ............................................................................. 5-9
5.4.3 Academic Only Alternative .............................................................................. 5-11
5.4.4 Student Housing Only Alternative ................................................................... 5-14
5.5 Summary of Project Alternatives ................................................................................... 5-16
5.6 Environmentally Superior Alternative ........................................................................... 5-20

6.0 PREPARERS AND ORGANIZATIONS CONSULTED ........................................................................... 6-1

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North Torrey Pines Living and Learning Neighborhood Project
Tiered Environmental Impact Report Table of Contents
LIST OF APPENDICES

A Notice of Preparation (NOP), Response Letters, and Scoping Meeting Transcript
B Air Quality and GHG Emissions Technical Report
C Construction Traffic Plan
D Hydrology and Hydraulic Study
E Environmental Noise Study
F Construction and Off-site Traffic Noise Data
G Transportation Impact Analysis
H Construction Traffic Assessment
I Geotechnical Investigation

LIST OF FIGURES

No. Title Follows Page

1-1 Regional Location ...................................................................................................................... 1-2
1-2 Project Vicinity ........................................................................................................................... 1-2
1-3 2004 LRDP Land Use Plan .......................................................................................................... 1-6
2-1 Aerial Photograph of Site and Surroundings ............................................................................. 2-2
2-2 Limits of Work ............................................................................................................................ 2-2
2-3 Site Topography ......................................................................................................................... 2-2
2-4 Conceptual Site Plan .................................................................................................................. 2-4
2-5 Building Design Concept ............................................................................................................ 2-8
2-6 Building 1, East Elevation ........................................................................................................... 2-8
2-7 Building 2, North Elevation ........................................................................................................ 2-8
2-8 Building 3, North Elevation ........................................................................................................ 2-8
2-9 Building 4, West Elevation ......................................................................................................... 2-8
2-10 Building 5, South Elevation ........................................................................................................ 2-8
2-11 Conceptual Grading Plan ......................................................................................................... 2-12
2-12 Conceptual Drainage Plan ....................................................................................................... 2-12
2-13 Conceptual Landscape Plan – Ground Level ............................................................................ 2-16
2-14 Conceptual Landscape Plan – Terraces ................................................................................... 2-16
2-15 Conceptual Landscape Plan – Legend...................................................................................... 2-16
2-16a North Torrey Pines Road Utilities Improvements (South) ....................................................... 2-16
2-16b North Torrey Pines Road Utilities Improvements (North) ....................................................... 2-16
2-17 Torrey Pines Gliderport Construction Staging ......................................................................... 2-18
3.6-1 Traffic Study Area ................................................................................................................... 3.6-2
3.6-2 Existing Traffic Volumes ........................................................................................................ 3.6-14
3.6-3 Existing Plus Project Traffic Volumes .................................................................................... 3.6-14
3.6-4 Near-term (2020) Traffic Volumes ........................................................................................ 3.6-18
3.6-5 Near-term (2020) Traffic Plus Volumes ................................................................................ 3.6-18
3.6-6 Mid-term (2025) Traffic Volumes ......................................................................................... 3.6-28
3.6-7 Mid-term (2025) Traffic Plus Volumes ................................................................................. 3.6-28

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North Torrey Pines Living and Learning Neighborhood Project
Tiered Environmental Impact Report Table of Contents
LIST OF FIGURES (cont.)

No. Title Follows Page

3.6-8 Long-term (2035) Traffic Volumes ........................................................................................ 3.6-32
3.6-9 Long-term (2035) Traffic Plus Volumes ................................................................................ 3.6-32
4.1-1a-b Photographs of Surrounding Buildings ...................................................................................... 4-2
4.1-2 Proposed Project View North from North Torrey Pines Road ................................................... 4-4
4.1-3 Proposed Project View South from North Torrey Pines Road ................................................... 4-4

LIST OF TABLES

No. Title Page

ES-1 Project-level Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures ........................................... ES-10
ES-2 Cumulative Impacts and Mitigation Measures ...................................................................... ES-12
ES-3 Summary of Analysis for Alternatives to the Proposed Project ............................................ ES-14
1-1 Existing and 2004 Projected UC San Diego Population Regular Academic Year ....................... 1-7
2-1 Proposed Building Program ....................................................................................................... 2-5
2-2 Detailed Building Program ......................................................................................................... 2-6
3-1 Geographic Scope of Cumulative Impact Analyses ................................................................... 3-2
3.1-1 Air Quality Monitoring Data ................................................................................................... 3.1-3
3.1-2 California and National Ambient Air Quality Standards ......................................................... 3.1-5
3.1-3 San Diego Air Basin Attainment Status ................................................................................... 3.1-7
3.1-4 Screening-level Thresholds for Air Quality Impact Analysis ................................................... 3.1-9
3.1-5 Maximum Daily Construction Emissions .............................................................................. 3.1-11
3.1-6 Maximum Daily Operational Air Pollutant Emissions (Full Buildout – 2020) ....................... 3.1-12
3.2-1 Global Warming Potentials and Atmospheric Lifetimes ......................................................... 3.2-3
3.2-2 AB 32 and SB 32 Efficiency Metrics Used in GHG Analysis ................................................... 3.2-12
3.2-3 Estimated Construction GHG Emissions ............................................................................... 3.2-13
3.2-4 Estimated Operational GHG Emissions ................................................................................. 3.2-15
3.2-5 GHG Emissions Significance Determination for Consistency with AB 32 And SB 32
(Scopes I, II, and III) ............................................................................................................... 3.2-16
3.2-6 GHG Emissions Significance Determination for Consistency with 2025 Climate
Neutrality Policy (Scopes I and II Only) ................................................................................. 3.2-18
3.3-1 Summary of Typical Contaminant Sources for Urban Storm Water Runoff ........................... 3.3-2
3.3-2 Typical Contaminant Loadings in Runoff for Various Land Uses ............................................ 3.3-3
3.3-3 Surface and Groundwater Quality Objectives for the Scripps Hydrologic Area ..................... 3.3-7
3.3-4 Surface and Groundwater Quality Objectives for the Miramar Hydrologic Area .................. 3.3-8
3.3-5 Proposed Change in Permeable Surface Area ...................................................................... 3.3-10
3.3-6 Project Site Runoff Calculations ........................................................................................... 3.3-11
3.4-1 City of San Diego Applicable Noise Limits .............................................................................. 3.4-3
3.4-2 City of San Diego Land Use Noise Compatibility Guidelines ................................................... 3.4-4
3.4-3 Existing Plus Project Traffic Noise Levels Along North Torrey Pines Road ............................. 3.4-7
3.4-4 Long-term (2035) Plus Project Traffic Noise Levels Along North Torrey Pines Road ............. 3.4-8
3.4-5 Traffic Trips Associated with Construction Along North Torrey Pines Road ........................ 3.4-13

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North Torrey Pines Living and Learning Neighborhood Project
Tiered Environmental Impact Report Table of Contents
LIST OF TABLES (cont.)

No. Title Page

3.4-6 Construction Traffic Noise Levels Along North Torrey Pines Road (Between
Torrey Pines Scenic Drive and Pangea Drive) ....................................................................... 3.4-13
3.4-7 Cumulative Off-site Traffic Noise Levels ............................................................................... 3.4-18
3.5-1 SDFD Responses to UC San Diego 2010 – 2016 ...................................................................... 3.5-2
3.6-1 Existing Intersection Operations ............................................................................................ 3.6-5
3.6-2 Existing Roadway Segment Operations .................................................................................. 3.6-6
3.6-3 City of San Diego Traffic Impact Significance Thresholds ....................................................... 3.6-8
3.6-4 Project Trip Generation – Construction ................................................................................ 3.6-10
3.6-5 Maximum Project Construction Daily Trip Generation ........................................................ 3.6-10
3.6-6 Maximum Project Construction Peak Hour Trip Generation ............................................... 3.6-10
3.6-7 Project Trip Generation - Operations ................................................................................... 3.6-13
3.6-8 Existing and Existing Plus Project Intersections Operations ................................................. 3.6-14
3.6-9 Existing and Existing Plus Project Roadway Segment Operations ........................................ 3.6-16
3.6-10 Near-term and Near-term Plus Project Intersection Operations ......................................... 3.6-18
3.6-11 Near-term and Near-term Plus Project Roadway Segment Operations .............................. 3.6-20
3.6-12 Existing and Existing Plus Construction Intersection Operations ......................................... 3.6-21
3.6-13 Near-term and Near-term Plus Construction Intersection Operations ................................ 3.6-22
3.6-14 Mid-term and Mid-term Plus Project Intersection Operations ............................................ 3.6-28
3.6-15 Mid-term and Mid-term Plus Project Roadway Segment Operations ................................. 3.6-30
3.6-16 Long-term and Long-term Plus Project Intersection Operations ......................................... 3.6-32
3.6-17 Long-term and Long-term Plus Project Roadway Segment Operations ............................... 3.6-34
5-1 Summary Analysis for Alternatives to the Proposed Project .................................................. 5-17
5-2 Ability of Alternatives to Meet Project Objectives .................................................................. 5-19

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Acronyms and Abbreviations
AB Assembly Bill
ACTRI Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute
ADA Americans with Disabilities Act
ADT average daily trips
AIA American Institute of Architects
AMSL above mean sea level
APCD air pollution control district
APZ Accident Potential Zone
AQIA Air Quality Impact Analysis
ASHRAE American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers
ATL average vehicle trip length
ATS advanced treatment system

BAT best available technology
BCT best conventional pollutant control technology
BMP best management practice
BOD biochemical oxygen demand
BTU British thermal unit
Bubble Building Center for Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Imaging of Proteins

CAA Clean Air Act
CAAQS California Ambient Air Quality Standards
CAFE Corporate Average Fuel Economy
CalEEMod California Emissions Estimator Model
CalEPA California Environmental Protection Agency
Cal-OSHA California Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Caltrans California Department of Transportation
CARB California Air Resources Board
CASQA California Stormwater Quality Association
CBC California Building Code
CCAA California Clean Air Act
CCR California Code of Regulations
CEQA California Environmental Quality Act
CFCs chloroflourocarbons
cfs cubic feet per second
CH4 methane
City City of San Diego
CNEL Community Noise Equivalent Level
CNG compressed natural gas
CNT Center for Novel Therapeutics
CO carbon monoxide
CO2 carbon dioxide
CO2e carbon dioxide equivalent
COC constituent of concern
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North Torrey Pines Living and Learning Neighborhood Project
Tiered Environmental Impact Report Acronyms and Abbreviations
COD chemical oxygen demand
COLD cold freshwater habitat
COMM commercial and sport fishing
County County of San Diego
CRHR California Register of Historic Resources
Cu copper
CWA Clean Water Act
CY cubic yard

dB decibel
dBA A-weighted decibel
DDS Design & Development Services
DEH San Diego County Department of Environmental Health
DOD Department of Defense
DPM diesel particulate matter
DRB Design Review Board
DTSC Department of Toxic Substance Control

ECBT East Campus Bed Tower
EH&S Environmental Health and Safety Department at UC San Diego
EIR Environmental Impact Report
EO Executive Order
EPIC Energy Policy Initiative Center
ERT Emergency Response Team
ESL Environmentally Sensitive Lands
EST estuarine habitat

FAA Federal Aviation Administration
FD&C Facilities Design and Construction
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
FIRM Flood Insurance Rate Map
FS fire station
FY fiscal year

GHG greenhouse gas
Gliderport Torrey Pines Gliderport
GPS global positioning system
gpm gallons per minute
GPSH Mesa Nueva Graduate and Professional Student Housing
gsf gross square feet
GWP Global Warming Potential

HA hydrologic area
HAP hazardous air pollutant
HCM Highway Capacity Manual
HDH Housing Dining Hospitality
HDPE high-density polyethylene
HELIX HELIX Environmental Planning, Inc.
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