EIR Scoping Meeting MULTI-BENEFIT/MULTI USE PROJECT

Transcription

1 EIR Scoping Meeting MULTI-BENEFIT/MULTI USE PROJECT in Hahamongna Watershed Park July 12, 2012 and July 14, 2012 presented by City of Pasadena, Department of Public Works and Willdan Engineering

2 Purpose of this Meeting Describe the project to the community Provide information regarding CEQA and the EIR process Get community input on the scope of EIR What should be considered? What are your environmental concerns? Identify alternatives and mitigation measures Identify the next steps and additional opportunities for public input

3 Hahamongna Watershed Park Master Plan Establishes a community vision for the park Identifies projects for the restoration and enhancement of the park Does not provide projectlevel detail Master EIR analyzed entire Master Plan on the program level

4 Hahamongna Multi-Benefit/Multi-Use Project Sycamore Grove Field Westside Perimeter Trail Berkshire Creek Restoration Habitat Restoration Oak Grove Field Restroom Foothill Drain Improvements Expanded Parking Area

5 Sycamore Grove Field New multi-purpose sports field Ancillary park furnishings (e.g., picnic tables, barbecues, benches, etc.) Improvements to existing ~50- person amphitheatre Relocate at least 4 existing disc golf holes Part of site is currently used for overflow parking; part of site is vegetated open space

6 Westside Perimeter Trail Trail improvements to provide year-round access on a portion of the larger Perimeter Trail loop Provides a connection between the Flint Wash Bridge trail crossing and the Sycamore Field area of the park

7 Berkshire Creek Restoration Restoration of urban creek and its surroundings Replacement/installation of hydrologic structures (e.g., transition structure, drainage pipe under park road, etc.) Habitat restoration Improvements to water quality entering the Arroyo Seco stream Improvements to facilities at neighboring picnic area Enhancements to the neighboring trail & habitat at Sunrise Overlook Improvements to park road

8 Habitat Restoration Proposed in the vicinity of Sycamore Grove Field, along the Westside Perimeter Trail, along Berkshire Creek, within Berkshire Creek project area, and between the Westside Perimeter Trail and the basin Hahamongna Master Plan calls for: Removal of non-native and invasive plants Sycamore woodland Oak woodland Southern willow scrub Mulefat

9 Oak Grove Field Restroom Replace burnt-down restroom Would be comparable to existing newly upgraded restrooms in the park Would include storage space Sewage lift station Foothill Drain Improvements Intended to correct a drainage and erosion problem on the slope above Oak Grove Field Extend drain pipe down the slope

10 Expanded Parking Area Expand existing parking area south into open space/disc golf area Approximately 110 spaces Replace parking capacity affected by Sycamore Grove Field Reconfigure affected disc golf facilities Ancillary improvements (e.g., repairs/resurfacing) to park road NO expansion of road capacity

11 Project Objectives Respect, and to the extent applicable to the project, implement the Guiding Principles for the Arroyo Seco and the Goals and Objectives of the HWP Master Plan. Respect, and to the extent applicable to the project, implement the goals and objectives of the City of Pasadena s Green Space, Recreation and Parks Element, Open Space & Conservation Element, and Green City Action Plan. Implement components of the HWP Master Plan, leveraging state, local, and other funding sources as available. Satisfy the commitments that the City of Pasadena has made in grant applications for components of the project. Comply with the requirements of awarded grants and committed funding entities.

12 Project Objectives Comply with the provisions of the Settlement Agreement between the City of Pasadena and the Spirit of the Sage Council regarding the Arroyo Seco Master Plan Project Master EIR. Restore, enhance, and reestablish the historical native plant communities of the Arroyo Seco, including improving habitat quality and diversity where possible, and removing non-native and invasive plants where possible. Correct the erosion and sedimentation impacts that have occurred in the Berkshire Creek drainage and provide for a self-sustaining watercourse that manages flows and water quality with appropriate improvements.

13 Project Objectives Improve the quality of stormwater in Berkshire Creek by capturing urban trash before it enters the basin. Restore creek/stream hydrology in Berkshire Creek. Respect the functional benefits of the Hahamongna Basin and Devil s Gate Dam and the County of Los Angeles responsibility to maintain those facilities and their functional benefits. Assist the City in meeting the demand for athletic fields.

14 Project Objectives Provide a safe and suitable trail system for hiking and equestrian use that links the Flint Wash Bridge with trails in the Oak Grove Area and that is passable year-round during most years of normal rainfall; secondarily this trail system should afford adequate access for security, emergency responses, and maintenance vehicles. Accommodate, to the extent possible, existing recreation facilities, including but not limited to disc golf, hiking, cycling, soccer, softball/baseball, day camp, etc., during project construction. Provide adequate parking in the project area for existing and proposed recreational activities and facilities.

15 California Environmental Quality Act and the Environmental Impact Report Process

16 What is an EIR? Informational document that informs the public and decisionmakers about potential impacts of a project Problem solving document that identifies ways to avoid or lessen impacts: Mitigation Measures (ways to lessen impacts) Alternatives (other ways of accomplishing the Project Objectives) Environmental impacts are just one of the factors considered by the decision-makers when deciding whether or not to approve a project

17 What is a Supplemental EIR? Project-level analysis that adds to or modifies the analysis in the Arroyo Seco Master EIR, which was a program-level analysis that considered the Arroyo Seco Master Plans Considers substantial changes to the project in this case project details that were not available at the Master Plan-level Considers substantial changes to circumstances under which the project is being proposed

18 The EIR Process We are here

19 Steps in the EIR Process Adequacy of EIR Analysis Adequacy of Responses Certification Hearing Final EIR Response to Comments Public Comment Period Scope of EIR Draft EIR Scoping Meeting Initial Study/Notice of Preparation We are here

20 Role of the EIR Consultant To work with City staff to prepare a technical document that: analyzes the environmental impacts of the project identifies ways to lessen impacts clarifies the environmental issues and choices Provide guidance to the City on complying with CEQA The EIR Consultant is not an advocate for a particular decision the task is to assist in environmental issue identification and resolution

21 Preliminary Scope of EIR Aesthetics Air Quality Biological Resources Cultural Resources Greenhouse Gas Emissions Hydrology and Water Quality Noise Transportation/Traffic

22 How To Stay Informed Sign up for mailing list: Sign-up cards available today Visit the project website: Send an Call: City of Pasadena, Parks & Natural Resources Staff at Write to: City of Pasadena Department of Public Works, Rm. N306 Attn: Engineering Division/MBMU Project 100 N. Garfield Avenue Pasadena, CA 91101

23 Where Documents are Available for Review Project website: Printed copies of Initial Study and, when available, Draft EIR: City of Pasadena, Permit Center (Window 3), 175 N. Garfield Avenue, Pasadena, CA Central Library,285 E. Walnut Avenue, Pasadena, CA La Cañada Flintridge Library, 4545 N. Oakwood Ave., La Canada Flintridge, CA Altadena Library, 600 East Mariposa St., Altadena, CA 91001

24