CC RESOLUTION 5149RESOLUTION NO. 5149
A RESOLUTION APPROVING ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT NO.
EA -1152 AND CERTIFYING A FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
REPORT FOR THE PARK PLACE EXTENSION AND GRADE
SEPARATION PROJECT
The City Council of the City of EI Segundo does resolve as follows:
SECTION 1: The City Council finds and declares that:
A. On March 17, 2016, the City initiated an Environmental Assessment No. EA
1152 for the Park Place Extension and Grade Separation project;
B. The Park Place Extension and Grade Separation project will close a 0.25 -
mile gap of Park Place between Allied Way and Nash Street, creating a
continuous four -lane collector roadway from Pacific Coast Highway to
Douglas Street. The project would be required to cross the existing UPRR
and BNSF rail alignments, including at least one grade -separated crossing.
By extending Park Place and closing the gap between Allied Way and Nash
Street, the project would create an alternative route and provide much
needed relief to Rosecrans Avenue, a heavily congested, east -west major
arterial in the South Bay region;
C. The City reviewed the project's environmental impacts under the California
Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq.,
"CEQA"), the regulations promulgated thereunder (14 Cal. Code of
Regulations §§15000, et seq., the "CEQA Guidelines");
D. An Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was prepared pursuant to the
requirements of CEQA Guidelines Section 15161;
E. On March 28, 2019, the Planning Commission held a public hearing to
receive public testimony and other evidence regarding the application
including, information provided to the Planning Commission by city staff;
and, adopted Resolution No. 2859 recommending that the City Council
approve Environmental Assessment EA 1152 and certify a Final EIR for the
Park Place extension and grade separation project;
F. This Resolution and its findings are made based upon the evidence
presented to the City Council at its May 7, 2019 hearing, including the staff
report submitted by the Planning and Building Safety Department, the Final
EIR, and the totality of the evidence in the administrative record.
RESOLUTION NO. 5149
PAGE 1 of 5
SECTION 2,: Factual Findings and Conclusions. The City Council hereby adopts the
CEQA findings of fact set forth in Exhibit A
SECTION 3: General Plan Consistency Findings. The City Council finds that the Park
Place Extension and Grade Separation project is compatible with, and will not frustrate,
the goals and policies of the City's General Plan. The Circulation Element of the General
Plan (2004) identified the need to provide additional roadway capacity in the southeast
portion of the City, north of Rosecrans Avenue and east of Pacific Coast Highway. The
extension of Park Place from Nash Street to Pacific Coast Highway was recognized as a
potential transportation improvement to help satisfy this need and, as such, the existing
segment of Park Place between Douglas Street and Nash Street was re -designated from
a local street to a collector to be consistent with a future extension. The portion of Park
Place from Pacific Coast Highway to Allied was completed in 2006. The proposed project
will close the remaining gap between Allied Way and Nash Street. Furthermore, the
proposed project is consistent with the following goals, objectives and policies of the
General Plan:
A. The project is consistent with Circulation Element Goal C1, Objective C1-1
and Policy C1-1.4, in that it will provide a roadway system that
accommodates the City's existing and projected land use and circulation
needs by constructing a missing roadway link designated in the Circulation
element.
B. The project is consistent with Policy C1-1.8, in that it will provide more
efficient access to the 1-105 freeway by providing an alternative route from
Pacific Coast Highway to Douglas Street.
C. The project is consistent with Policy C1-10, in that it will provide a new east -
west corridor parallel to Rosecrans Avenue and diverted trips from the
heavily impacted intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Rosecrans
Avenue.
D. The project is consistent with Goal C2 to provide a circulation system that
incorporates alternatives to the single -occupant vehicles in that it includes
five-foot sidewalks and shared vehicle and bicycle lanes that will
accommodate both pedestrian and bicycle traffic in addition to vehicular
traffic.
E. The project is also consistent with Objective C2-1 and Policies C2-1.1 and
C2-1.4 by providing a continuous pedestrian link from the Douglas Street
Green line station to Pacific Coast Highway.
F. The project is consistent with Objective C2-2 in that it expands it the bicycle
network thereby supporting the use of the bicycle as a safe and convenient
travel mode.
SECTION 4: Environmental Assessment. The City Council makes the following
environmental findings based on the whole of the administrative record:
A. The City completed a Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for this
RESOLUTION NO. 5149
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project. A noticed Public Scoping meeting was held on December 8, 2016,
pursuant to CEQA Guidelines §15083. A Notice of Preparation of the DEIR
was circulated for public review from October 28, 2016 to December 9, 2016
pursuant to CEQA Guidelines §15082. A Notice of Completion for the DEIR
was filed with the State Office of Planning and Research on September 27
2018 pursuant to CEQA Guidelines §15085. The public comment and
review period for the DEIR was open between September 27 to November
13, 2018 in compliance with CEQA Guidelines §15087. The comments
received during the public review period did not result in any substantial
changes to the DEIR;
B. The FEIR, attached hereto as Exhibit B and incorporated by reference, was
presented to the City Council and each Councilmember has independently
reviewed and considered the FEIR and its appendices prior to making a
recommendation on the Project. Furthermore, each Councilmember has
reviewed and considered the testimony and other additional evidence
presented at or prior to the public hearing on May 7, 2019;
C. The FEIR is an accurate and complete statement of the potential
environmental impacts of the project and is in compliance with CEQA and
the CEQA Guidelines. The FEIR was prepared under the City's direction
and reflects its independent judgment and good faith analysis of the
potential environmental impacts and includes substantive and thorough
responses to comments received during the public review period;
D. In response to comments from the public and other public agencies, some
other minor changes have been made to the Final EIR, which is attached
as Exhibit B. In accordance with CEQA, the City Council finds as follows:
1. Factual corrections and minor changes have been set forth as
clarifications and modifications to the FEIR;
2. The factual corrections and minor changes to the FEIR are not
substantial changes in the FEIR that would deprive the public of a
meaningful opportunity to comment on a substantial adverse environmental
effect of the project, a feasible way to mitigate or avoid such an effect, or a
feasible project alternative;
3. The factual corrections and minor changes to the FEIR will not result
in new significant environmental effects or substantially increase the
severity of the previously identified significant effects disclosed in the Draft
EIR;
4. The factual corrections and minor changes to the FEIR do not involve
mitigation measures or alternatives that are considerably different from
RESOLUTION NO. 5149
PAGE 3 of 5
those analyzed in the Draft EIR and that would substantially reduce one or
more significant effect on the environment; and
5. The factual corrections and minor changes to the FEIR do not render
the FEIR so fundamentally inadequate and conclusory in nature that
meaningful public review and comment would be precluded.
Therefore, none of the conditions set forth in CEQA requiring recirculation
of a FEIR have been met. Incorporation of the factual corrections and minor
changes to the Draft EIR into the Final EIR does not require the FEIR to be
recirculated for public comment.
E. Based on the foregoing, and on the evidence in the record as a whole, the
City Council hereby finds that all potentially significant environmental
impacts resulting from the project have been eliminated or reduced to a
level of insignificance.
SECTION 5,: Approvals. The City Council hereby approves Environmental Assessment
No. 1152; adopts findings of fact set forth in Exhibit A; and certifies a Final EIR for the
Park Place Extension and Grade Separation project as set forth in Exhibit B.
SECTION 6: Reliance on Record. Each and every one of the findings and determination
in this Resolution are based on the competent and substantial evidence, both oral and
written, contained in the entire record relating to the project. The findings and
determinations constitute the independent findings and determinations of the City Council
in all respects and are fully and completely supported by substantial evidence in the
record as a whole.
SECTION 7: Limitations. The City Council's analysis and evaluation of the project is
based on information available at the time of the decision. It is inevitable that in evaluating
a project that absolute and perfect knowledge of all possible aspects of the project will
not exist. In all instances, best efforts have been made to form accurate assumptions.
SECTION 8: Summaries of Information. All summaries of information in the findings,
which precede this section, are based on the substantial evidence in the record. The
absence of any particular fact from any such summary is not an indication that a particular
finding is not based in part on that fact.
RESOLUTION NO. 5149
PAGE 4 of 5
SECTION 9: This Resolution will remain effective unless and until superseded by a
subsequent resolution.
PASSED AND ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 5149 this 7t" day of May, 2019.
Drew Boyles
ATTEST:
J�)Ma6o City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
IL
MarD. Hensley,it ttorney
RESOLUTION NO. 5149
PAGE 5of5
CERTIFICATION
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) SS
CITY OF EL SEGUNDO )
I, Tracy Weaver, City Clerk of the City of EI Segundo, California, do hereby certify that
the whole number of members of the City Council of said City is five; that the foregoing
Resolution No. 5149 was duly passed, approved, and adopted by said City Council at a
regular meeting held on the 7t" day of May, 2019, approved and signed by the Mayor,
and attested to by the City Clerk, by the following vote:
AYES: Mayor Boyles, Mayor Pro Tem Pirsztuk, Council Member Brann, Council
Member Pimentel, and Council Member Nicol
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
411
WITNESS MY HAND THE OFFICIAL SEAL OF SAID CITY this k5 day of May, 2019.
"M6
Tr2y Weaver, City Clerk
of the City of EI Segundo,
California
EXHIBIT A
CEQA FINDINGS OF FACT
Findings of Fact
Park and Grade e I • r1
ProjectFindings F d •Fact
OVERVIEW AND INTRODUCTION
These Findings of Fact are made with respect to the Park Place Extension and Grade Separation
Project (project), which state the findings of the City Council of the City of EI Segundo (City) relating
to the potentially significant environmental effects of the Project.
The following Findings of Fact and Environmental Commitments Record (ECR) are required by the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), California Public Resources Code Section 21081,
21081.5 and 21081.6, and Title 14, California Code of Regulations (CEQA Guidelines) Sections
15091 through 15093, for the project.
This document provides the findings required by CEQA and the CEQA Guidelines and the specific
reasons for finding the project acceptable with no significant impacts. Recommended mitigation
identified in the Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Assessment (EIR/EA) reduced
potential impacts to less than significant levels.
Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Assessment (EIR/EA)
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is the lead agency for the proposed project
under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The City of EI Segundo is the lead agency
under CEQA. The City proposes to extend Park Place from Allied Way to Nash Street with a railroad
grade separation to implement a critical project as identified in the City's 2005 Traffic Impact Fee
Study Update, and the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) 2017 Federal
Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP).
The proposed project involves Federal funds administered by Caltrans. Thus, the project is subject
to both CEQA and NEPA review. The EIR/EA is considered a joint CEQA/NEPA document;
however, these Findings of Fact are required under CEQA only.
2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The City proposes to extend Park Place from Allied Way to Nash Street with a grade separation to
implement a critical project as identified in the City's 2005 Traffic Impact Fee Study Update. By
extending Park Place and closing the gap between Allied Way and Nash Street, the project would
create an alternative route and provide much needed relief to Rosecrans Avenue, a heavily
congested, east -west major arterial in the South Bay region of Los Angeles. The project would also
improve access to the 105 Freeway by creating a direct route from Pacific Coast Highway to Douglas
Street.
The project site includes a combination of both developed and vacant land. The northwesterly
portion of the project site is developed and includes parts of the Plaza EI Segundo retail
development, located along the east side of Pacific Coast Highway. This portion of the project site
includes part of the existing westerly segment of Park Place, portions of Allied Way, and
paved/landscaped parking facilities associated with retail activities. Within this area, both Park Place
and Allied Way are four -lane roadways (two lanes in each direction).
City of EI Segundo I Park Place Extension and Grade Separation Project EIR/EA
Findings of Fact
The central portion of the project site consists of vacant land, formerly occupied by heavy industrial
uses such as Honeywell and the H. Kramer foundry. The majority of the H. Kramer property within
the northern portion of the project site has been capped as part of hazardous materials remediation.
The majority of other vacant land within the central portion of the site is either overgrown with
vegetation or graded with exposed soils. A number of soil mounds exist within the former Honeywell
portion of the property, along the southerly boundary of the project site. Within this primarily vacant
area are both Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) and Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) rail
alignments that serve the Chevron Oil Refinery, which is directly west of the project site. Both the
UPRR and BNSF rail alignments are elevated approximately 10-15 feet with embankments and
chain-link fences along the right-of-way. From the Chevron Oil Refinery, both rail alignments
traverse the project site in a northeasterly direction, ultimately leading off-site in a northerly direction
towards an existing rail right-of-way adjacent to Aviation Boulevard.
The easterly portion of the project site is developed with commercial uses and roadway facilities.
Within this area, the project site extends along Nash Street, a four -lane roadway (two lanes in each
direction) that terminates to the south at Rosecrans Avenue. This area of the project site also affects
portions of the easterly segment of the existing Park Place, which is a two-lane roadway (one lane
in each direction with a center turn lane). The project site also includes a parking lot associated with
the existing ArcLight Cinemas located along the westerly side of Nash Street. The existing parking
lot is paved with landscaping along the perimeter and numerous planters within the interior of the
project site. The parking lot is accessed via the northerly terminus of Nash Street.
The proposed project consists of extending Park Place by constructing approximately 0.25 miles of
new roadway and creating a continuous four -lane collector roadway from Pacific Coast Highway to
Douglas Street. The proposed Park Place extension would include an 80 -foot right-of-way consisting
of a raised and landscaped center median, roadway with two travel lanes in each direction for shared
vehicle and bicycle traffic, curb and gutter, a five-foot landscaped parkway, and a five-foot sidewalk.
The proposed project would be required to cross the existing UPRR and BNSF rail alignments
traversing the project site.
Alternative 1C (Preferred Alternative)
The project proposes to consolidate the UPRR and BNSF alignments to facilitate a single grade
separation (proposed roadway undercrossing of the railroad tracks) by relocating the BNSF tracks
to the west. The project would include a roundabout at the Park Place/Allied Way intersection. With
the implementation of this roundabout intersection, improvements at the existing signalized
intersection along Park Place providing access to parking areas at Plaza EI Segundo (immediately
west of the westerly terminus of the proposed project) is proposed to match the new grade of the
Park Place extension. These improvements would primarily consist of lowering the northerly and
southerly legs of the intersection to match grade. In addition, a slight realignment of Allied Way is
proposed to provide an adequate approach to the new roundabout intersection. Retaining walls
would be installed along both sides of existing Park Place and proposed realigned Allied Way,
immediately west and north (respectively) of the proposed Park Place/Allied Way roundabout
intersection. At the easterly terminus of the project, the proposed roadway would extend directly
north of the existing ArcLight Cinemas building, through an existing surface parking lot. Modifications
to the existing Park Place/Nash Street intersection would be required to match proposed roadway
geometry with a roadway design speed at 35 miles per hour (mph). Access to the ArcLight Cinemas
parking lot and driveway to the 2121 Park Place property from Nash Street would be reconstructed.
Draina a Facilities
City of EI Segundo I Paris Place Extension and Grade Separation Project EIR/EA 2
Findings of Fact
Drainage facilities associated with the roadway improvements would include new storm drain pipe
and catch basins. Stormwater runoff would be conveyed via gravity flow to an existing detention
pond located to the north of the project site.
utility Relocation
The project would require relocation of various utilities, including petroleum pipelines within railroad
right-of-way and a 42 -inch reclaimed water pipeline between the UPRR and BNSF alignments.
Modifications to City water and sewer as well as various underground natural gas and electric
infrastructure would also be necessary.
"M1071WA►,
Right-of-way acquisition would be required as a result of project implementation. This would include
fee acquisitions for roadway extensions and realignments, slope easements, temporary construction
easements, drainage easements for stormwater treatment and conveyance, and utility
licenses/easements.
Construction Staqrnci
Staging areas would ultimately be selected by the construction contractor, but would be located
entirely within the project site boundary. Construction staging would likely occur within the vacant,
former industrial area located within the central portion of the site.
The proposed project would be implemented via three -stage construction in order to maintain rail
operations along the UPRR and BNSF facilities serving the Chevron facility. Stage 1 would consist
of a temporary shoofly along the UPRR alignment in order to construct the rail crossing over the
proposed Park Place alignment. Stage 2 would include construction of the realigned BNSF tracks
to utilize the proposed grade separation, in addition to the central portion of the Park Place roadway
extension between the existing UPRR and BNSF facilities. Stage 2 would also include elimination
of the temporary UPRR shoofly to switch rail operations back to the existing UPRR alignment. Stage
3 would include completing the remaining Park Place roadway improvements, generally west of the
UPRR alignment and east of the existing BNSF alignment. Stage 3 would switch BNSF operations
to the new alignment, and removal of the vacated BNSF track and yard.
3 RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
For purposes of CEQA and these Findings of Fact, the Record of Proceedings for the project
consists, without limitation, of the following documents:
The Notice of Preparation ("NOP") and all other public notices issued by the City in
conjunction with the project;
All comments submitted by public agencies or members of the public during the 30 -day
public comment period for the Initial Study that began on October 28, 2016 and ended on
December 9, 2016 except those comments that addressed the subject matter included in
the Draft EIR/EA;
• The Park Place Extension and Grade Separation Project Draft EIR/EA dated September
2018;
City of EI Segundo I Parts Place Extension and Grade Separation Project EIR/EA
Findings of Fact
All comments submitted by public agencies or members of the public during the 48 -day
public comment period for the Draft EIR/EA that began on September 27, 2018 and ended
on November 13, 2018;
The Park Place Extension and Grade Separation Project Final EIR/EA (including Response
to Comments), dated March 2019;
All comments and correspondence submitted to the City with respect to the project, in
addition to timely comments on the Draft Initial Study and Draft EIR/EA;
• The Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program/Environmental Commitments Record
(MMRP/ECR) for the project;
• All findings and resolutions adopted by City decision makers in connection with the project,
and all documents cited or referred to therein;
• All reports, studies, memoranda, staff reports, maps, exhibits, illustrations, diagrams or
other planning materials relating to the project prepared by the City or by consultants to the
City, or responsible or trustee agencies and submitted to the City or responsible or trustee
agencies, with respect to the City's compliance with the requirements of CEQA and with
respect to the City's actions on the project;
4 All documents submitted to the City by other public agencies or members of the public in
connection with the project;
Minutes, as available, of all public meetings and public hearings held by the City in
connection with the project;
Any documentary or other evidence submitted to the City at such information sessions,
public meetings, and public hearings;
Matters of common knowledge within the City, including, but not limited to those cited above;
and
• Any other materials required to be in the record of proceedings by Public Resources Code
Section 21167.6, subdivision (e).
The Draft EIR/EA, Final EIR/EA, and administrative record for the Park Place Extension and Grade
Separation Project are available for review upon request at:
City of EI Segundo
Planning Division
350 Main Street
EI Segundo, California 90245
The City Council has relied on all of the documents listed above in reaching its decision on the
project.
City of El Segundo I Park Place Extension and Grade Separation Project EIR/EA 4
Findings of Fact
4 PROCEDURAL HISTORY
The City released a Notice of Preparation (NOP) on October 28, 2016 for the Park Place Extension
and Grade Separation Project Draft EIR, and provided notice of a Public Scoping Meeting, which was
held on December 8, 2016 at the EI Segundo City Council Chambers.
Draft EIR/EA
Michael Baker International, Inc. prepared a Draft EIR/EA for the Park Place Extension and Grade
Separation Project, dated September 2018, under the direction of the City's Director of Planning. A
Notice of Completion and copies of the Draft EIR/EA were delivered to the State Clearinghouse
(SCH No. 2016101075) on September 26, 2018, and the Draft EIR/EA was circulated for a duly
noticed 48 -day public review period that began on September 27, 2018 and ended on November 13,
2018.
A Notice of Availability (NOA) for the Draft EIR/EA was provided via the Los Angeles County Clerk -
Registrar, EI Segundo Herald, and two public places.
As noted, the Draft EIR/EA was distributed to public agencies, organizations, and interested parties
for a 48 -day commenting period. Hard copies and/or compact discs with electronic EIR/EA files were
distributed to the State Clearinghouse and the above-mentioned agencies, organizations, and
interested parties, including Native American tribal representatives. A hard copy of the Draft EIR/EA
was also made available for review at Caltrans District 7 headquarters, City Hall, City of EI Segundo
Public Library, and on-line at the following websites: www.elsegundo.org and
http://www.dot.ca.gov/d7/env-docs/. Upon completion of the public review and comment period, 15
written comments were received.
Final EIR/EA
Written responses to all significant comments raised with respect to the Draft EIR/EA were prepared
and incorporated into the Final EIR/EA. Written responses to comments received from public
agencies have been made available to those agencies at least 10 days before the City considers
certification of the Final EIR/EA. The comments received on the Draft EIR/EA and their responses
have been considered by the City Council in deciding to adopt the Park Place Extension and Grade
Separation Project and certify the Final EIR/EA.
The Final EIR/EA was released and distributed to public agencies and other commenters on the Draft
EIR/EA, and for public review, on March 21, 2019, more than 10 days in advance of the scheduled
date of review and consideration by this City Council. The Final EIR/EA includes the comments and
recommendations received regarding the Draft EIR/EA, a list of Draft EIR/EA commenters, and
written responses to the comments received. Changes and corrections made to the various Draft
EIR/EA sections are included as errata.
As required by Public Resources Code Section 21081.6, a MMRP/ECR has been prepared for
consideration and adoption by the City Council.
The City Council considered adoption of the Park Place Extension and Grade Separation Project,
certification of the Final EIR/EA, these Findings of Fact, and the MMRP/ECR at its public hearing on
May 7, 2019. Notice of the City Council public hearing was duly given pursuant to the relevant
provisions of California law, including the Brown Act.
City of EI Segundo I Parts Place Extension and Grade Separation Project EIWEA
Findings of Fact
5 FINDINGS OF FACT
Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21081 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15091, no public
agency shall approve or carry out a project where an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) has been
certified that identifies one or more significant impacts on the environment that would occur if the
project is approved or carried out, unless the public agency makes one or more findings for each of
those significant impacts, accompanied by a brief explanation of the rationale of each finding. The
possible findings, which must be supported by substantial evidence in the record, are:
(1) Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project which
mitigate or avoid the significant effects on the environment.
(2) Those changes or alterations are within the responsibility and jurisdiction of another
public agency and have been, or can and should be, adopted by that other agency.
(3) Specific economic, legal, social, technological, or other considerations, including
considerations for the provision of employment opportunities for highly trained workers,
make infeasible the mitigation measures or alternatives identified in the environmental
impact report.
With respect to significant effects, which were subject to finding (1) above, the public agency must
find that potential impacts are mitigated to a less than significant level.
References for discussion of environmental impacts within the Final EIR/EA are noted with each
finding.
A. Effects Determined to Have No Impact or a Less than Significant Impact
The evaluation prepared in the Park Place Extension and Grade Separation Project EIR/EA found
and provided substantial evidence that certain impacts of the Park Place Extension and Grade
Separation project would have no impact or have impacts that are less than significant. The City
Council agrees with the characterization of the Final EIR/EA with respect to all of the Park Place
Extension and Grade Separation project impacts identified as "resulting in no impact" or "less than
significant" impacts and finds that those impacts have been described and analyzed accurately and
are supported by substantial evidence as described in the Final EIR/EA. Reference should be made
to the Draft EIR/EA and Final EIR/EA for a more complete description of the findings regarding these
impacts.
This finding applies to the evaluation of the potential impacts for the following items as further
described in the Final EIR/EA, that the project will not:
Visual/Aesthetics
❑ Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista.
❑ Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings,
and historic buildings within a state scenic highway.
City of EI Segundo I Paris Place Extension and Grade Separation Project EIR/EA 6
Findings of Fact
Agricultural Resources
❑ 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.
❑ Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson act contract.
❑ Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest (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))•
❑ Result in loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non -forest use,
❑ 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.
Air Quality
❑ Conflict with or obstruct implementation of applicable air quality plan.
❑ Violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air
quality violation.
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).
❑ Exposure of sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations and Toxic Air
Contaminants.
❑ Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people.
Biological Resources
❑ Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community
identified in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of
Fish and Wildlife or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
❑ 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.
❑ 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.
❑ Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree
preservation policy or ordinance.
City of EI Segundo I Paris Place Extension and Grade Separation Project EIR/EA
Findings of Fact
❑ Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community
Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan.
Cultural Resources
❑ Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource as defined in
§ 15064.5.
❑ Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource
pursuant to §15064.5.
❑ Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of dedicated cemeteries.
Geology and Soils
❑ Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss,
injury, or death involving:
r. 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. (Division of Mines and
Geology Special Publication 42)
ii. Strong seismic ground shaking.
iii. Seismic -related ground failure, including liquefaction.
iv. Landslides.
❑ Result in substantial soil erosion of the loss of topsoil.
❑ Be located on a geological 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.
❑ Be located on expansive soil, as defined by Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code
creating substantial risks to life or property.
❑ Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative
wastewater disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of wastewater.
Greenhouse Gases
❑ Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant
impact on the environment.
❑ Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the
emissions of greenhouse gases.
Hazardous and Hazardous Materials
❑ Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport,
use, or disposal of hazardous materials.
City of EI Segundo I Park Place Extension and Grade Separation Project EIR/EA
Findings of Fact
❑ 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, result in a safety hazard for
people residing or working in the project area.
❑ For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, result in a safety hazard for people residing
or working in the project area.
❑ Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury, or death involving wildland
fires, including where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or where residences are
intermixed with wildlands.
Hydrology and Water Quality
❑ Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements.
❑ 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).
❑ 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.
❑ 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.
❑ 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.
❑ Otherwise substantially degrade water quality.
❑ 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.
❑ Place within a 100 -year flood hazard area structures which would impede or redirect flood
flows.
❑ 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.
❑ Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow.
Land Use and Planning
❑ Physically divide an established community.
❑ 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
City of EI Segundo I Park Place Extension and Grade Separation Project EIR/EA 9
Findings of Fact
program, or zoning ordinance) adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an
environmental effect.
❑ Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation
plan.
Mineral Resources
❑ 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.
❑ Result in the loss of availability of a locally -important mineral resource recovery site
delineated on a local general plan, specific plan or other land use plan.
Noise
❑ Result in a substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity
above levels existing without the project.
❑ 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, expose people residing or
working in the project area to excessive noise levels; or
❑ For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, expose people residing or working in the
project area to excessive noise levels.
Population and Housing
❑ Induce substantial population growth either directly (e.g., by proposing new homes and
businesses) or indirectly (e.g., through extension of roads or other infrastructure).
❑ Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, necessitating the construction of
replacement housing elsewhere.
❑ Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating the construction of replacement of
housing elsewhere.
Public Services
❑ 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 would cause significant environmental impacts, in order to
maintain acceptable service ratios, response times, or other performance objectives for any
of the following public services:
o Schools
o Parks
o Other public facilities.
City of EI Segundo I Parts Place Extension and Grade Separation Project EIR/EA 10
Findings of Fact
Recreation
❑ 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.
❑ Include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities
which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment.
Transportation/Traffic
❑ 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.
❑ Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs regarding public transit, bicycle, or
pedestrian facilities, or otherwise decrease the performance or safety of such facilities.
Tribal Cultural Resources
❑ Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a tribal cultural resource, defined
in Public Resources Code section 21074 as either a site, feature, place, cultural landscape
that is geographically defined in terms of the size and scope of the landscape, sacred place,
or object with cultural value to a California Native American tribe, and that is:
a) Listed or eligible for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources, or in a
local register of historical resources as defined in Public Resources Code section
5020.1(k), or
b) A resource determined by the lead agency, in its discretion and supported by
substantial evidence, to be significant pursuant to criteria set forth in subdivision (c)
of Public Resources Code Section 5024.1. In applying the criteria set forth in
subdivision (c) of Public Resource Code Section 5024.1, the lead agency shall
consider the significance of the resource to a California Native American tribe.
Utilities and Service Systems
❑ Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the Regional Water Quality Control Board.
❑ Require or result in the construction of new water or wastewater facilities, or expansion of
existing facilities, the construction of which would cause significant environmental effects.
❑ Require or result in the construction of new storm water drainage facilities or expansion of
existing facilities, the construction of which would cause significant environmental effects.
❑ Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project from existing entitlements and
resources or are new or expanded water supply entitlements needed.
❑ Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider which serves or may serve the
project that it does not have adequate capacity to serve the project's projected demand in
addition to the provider's existing commitments.
❑ Be served by a landfill with insufficient permitted capacity to accommodate the project's solid
waste disposal needs.
City of EI Segundo I Park Place Extension and Grade Separation Project EIR/EA 11
Findings of Fact
❑ Fail to comply with federal, state, and local statutes and regulations related to solid waste.
B. Impacts Determined to Be Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated
The Final EIR/EA identifies the following significant environmental impacts associated with the
project. Based on the environmental analysis of the project and the identification of feasible
mitigation measures, potentially significant impacts have been determined by the City to be reduced
to a level of less than significant, and the City has found in accordance with Public Resources Code
Section 21081(a)(1) and State CEQA Guidelines Section 15091(a)(1) that "changes or alterations
have been required in, or incorporated into, the project which mitigate or avoid the significant effects
on the environment." The descriptions of the impacts in these findings are summary statements.
Mitigation Measures are numbered to correspond to listings in the EIR/EA. Reference should be made
to the EIR/EA for a more complete description.
Aesthetics
Section 2.1.6 of the EIR/EA discusses the project's potential impacts related to visual character and
quality, and light and glare. The section concludes that the impacts can be mitigated to a level below
significance.
............_........
_-
IMPACT (c): Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its
surroundings.
IMPACT (d): Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect
day or nighttime views in the area.
Substantial Evidence
As noted in Section 2.1.6 (Aesthetics) of the EIR/EA, construction of the project would not expose
sensitive uses to views of the project site. The only viewers of the project would be motorists
traveling along adjacent roadways in the project area and patrons of the adjacent retail and
commercial businesses. Construction -related vehicle access and staging of construction materials
would occur within the City right-of-way (ROW) and disturbed or developed areas along the length
of the project site, and would be visible to motorists and patrons traveling adjacent to the project
site. Construction -related impacts would be short-term and would cease upon project completion.
Mitigation Measure V-1 would be implemented and would require the City to implement a
Construction Management Plan that would identify measures such as temporary opaque fencing
around staging areas, the location for staging areas and stockpiling of materials, and construction
haul routes, consistent with the Caltrans' Standard Specifications for Construction. Compliance
with Mitigation Measure V-1 would reduce temporary visual impacts, and impacts would be less
than significant.
It is anticipated that the project may require nighttime construction activities. These activities may
be required to take place for several months. Existing sources of light within the project area include
vehicle headlights on adjacent roadways and lighting emanating from the retail and commercial
businesses adjacent to the project site. Light and glare from nighttime construction lighting could
potentially cause a nuisance to these motorists and patrons. Mitigation Measure V-2 would require
that any lighting required for nighttime construction activities would be consistent with Section 2-208,
Night Work, of the Caltrans Construction Manual (July 2017). This provision provides for adequate
lighting for the safety of construction workers, but necessitates shielding so that lighting does not
blind approaching drivers. Necessary lighting for safety and construction purposes would be
directed away from land uses outside the project area, and contained and directed toward the
City of EI Segundo I Park Place Extension and Grade Separation Project EIR/EA 12
Findings of Fact
specific area of construction. With implementation of required mitigation, impacts would be less than
significant in this regard.
With regard to impacts to aesthetic impacts, the following mitigation measures are required by the
Park Place Extension and Grade Separation Project:
(V-1)
(V-2)
Finding
The City of EI Segundo shall implement a Construction Management Plan that
identifies measures to avoid visual impacts during construction activities, such as
temporary opaque fencing around staging areas, the location for staging areas and
stockpiling of materials, and construction haul routes, consistent with the Caltrans'
Standard Specifications for Construction.
Any lighting required for nighttime construction activities shall be consistent with
Section 2-208, Night Work, of the Caltrans Construction Manual (July 2017).
Necessary lighting for safety and construction purposes shall be directed away
from land uses outside the project area, and contained and directed toward the
specific area of construction.
These mitigation measures will ensure that potential aesthetic impacts will be less than significant.
Based on substantial evidence in the EIR/EA regarding visual impacts, the City hereby finds that
changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project which mitigate or
avoid the significant effects on the environment. Further evidence supporting the fact that the
environmental effects related to aesthetics will be reduced to a less than significant level is provided
in Chapter 2 of the EIR/EA.
Biological Resources
Section 2.3.1 (Natural Communities), Section 2.3.2 (Plant Species), Section 2.3.3 (Animal Species),
and Section 2.3.4 (Threatened and Endangered Species) of the EIR identify potential significant
impacts pertaining to biological resources but conclude that impacts can be mitigated to less than
significant levels.
IMPACT (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
Wildlife or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Substantial Evidence
Implementation of the proposed Park Place Extension and Grade Separation Project could result in
impacts to special status species Cooper's hawk, northern harrier, burrowing owl, California horned
lark, American peregrine falcon, Southern tarplant, and paniculate tarplant. Impacts to special
status species and migratory birds would be considered significant if development under the
proposed project results in the "take" of special status species. Without mitigation, potentially
adverse impacts could occur to nesting birds that are affected by construction -related tree and
vegetation removal and construction noise. Implementation of the following mitigation measures
would reduce these potential impacts to less than significant. Mitigation Measures AS -1 and AS -2
would ensure that if nesting birds that are covered by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and/or the
California Fish and Game Code are found on a construction site, protective measures would be
City of EI Segundo I Park Place Extension and Grade Separation Project EIR/EA 13
Findings of Fact
implemented. Mitigation Measures PS -1 and PS -2 would require preconstruction plant surveys and
revegetation after construction, to minimize impacts to sensitive plants. As stated in Section 2.3.3
of the Final EIR/EA, impacts will be less than significant with mitigation incorporated.
With regard to impacts to biological resources, the following mitigation measures are required by the
Park Place Extension and Grade Separation Project:
(AS -1)
(AS -2)
(PS -1)
Pursuant to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and California Fish and Game
Code, removal of any trees, shrubs, or any other potential nesting habitat shall be
conducted outside the avian nesting season. The nesting season generally
extends from early February through August, but can vary slightly from year to year
based upon seasonal weather conditions. If ground disturbance and vegetation
removal cannot occur outside of the nesting season, a preconstruction clearance
survey for nesting birds shall be conducted within three days of the start of any
ground disturbing activities to ensure that no nesting birds will be disturbed during
construction. The biologist conducting the clearance survey shall document a
negative survey with a brief letter report indicating that no impacts to active avian
nests will occur. If an active avian nest is discovered during the preconstruction
clearance survey, construction activities shall stay outside of a 300 -foot buffer
around the active nest. For raptor species, this buffer is expanded to 500 feet.
The biological monitor shall be present to delineate the boundaries of the buffer
area and to monitor the active nest to ensure that nesting behavior is not adversely
affected by the construction activity. Once the young have fledged and left the
nest, or the nest otherwise becomes inactive under natural conditions, normal
construction activities can occur.
Burrowing owl breeding season focused surveys shall be conducted prior to
ground disturbing activities. The surveys shall be conducted consistent with the
California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Staff Report on Burrowing Owl
Mitigation (Staff Report) dated March 7, 2012. Should burrowing owl be found
within the Biological Study Area (BSA) during preconstruction clearance surveys,
the CDFW shall be contacted for consultation prior to clearing and grubbing.
If burrowing owl are found to occupy the BSA at the time of the survey, a relocation
and management plan shall be written, approved by CDFW, and implemented prior
to site development. Determination of the appropriate method of relocation, such
as eviction/passive relocation or active relocation, shall be based on the specific
site conditions (e.g., distance to nearest suitable habitat and presence of burrows
within that habitat) in coordination with the CDFW. Active relocation and
eviction/passive relocation require the preservation and maintenance of suitable
burrowing owl habitat determined through coordination with the CDFW during the
nesting season.
A preconstruction rare plant clearance survey is recommended to be conducted
within the Biological Study Area (BSA) during the appropriate blooming season
(March to September) to determine whether southern tarplant and/or paniculate
tarplant occur onsite. Surveys shall provide 100 percent clearance of suitable
habitat within the BSA. If southern tarplant and/or paniculate tarplant, or any other
special -status plant species, are present and unavoidable, they shall be salvaged
City of EI Segundo I Paris Place Extension and Grade Separation Project EIR/EA 14
Findings of Fact
(PS -2)
Finding
and moved to a different location within the BSA that contains a similar habitat, in
accordance with resource agency requirements. It is also recommended that
fugitive dust be contained to the maximum extent possible via the use of an onsite
water truck(s), and that all construction equipment be thoroughly cleaned of all
weed seeds prior to entering the BSA to prevent the spread of invasive species.
To increase the availability of suitable habitat and general habitat quality within the
BSA, all undeveloped disturbed areas shall be revegetated with native plant
species generally conforming to the plant composition in the immediate
surrounding area.
These mitigation measures will ensure that impacts to nesting birds and plant species will be less
than significant. They will ensure that protective measures are taken if nesting birds and sensitive
plants are determined to be present prior to construction. Based on substantial evidence in the
EIR/EA and the public record regarding impacts to biological resources, the City hereby finds that
changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project which mitigate or
avoid the significant effects on the environment. Further evidence supporting the fact that the
environmental effects related to biological resources will be reduced to a less than significant level
is provided in Chapter 2 of the EIR/EA.
Cultural Resources
Section 2.1.7 (Cultural Resources) of the Final EIR/EA identifies potential significant impacts
pertaining to construction -related Cultural Resources impacts but concludes that impacts can be
mitigated to less than significant levels.
IMPACT (c): Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site
or unique geologic feature.
Substantial Evidence
While there are no known recorded paleontological resources within the project boundaries, earth-
moving activities associated with construction of the project may affect paleontologically-sensitive
deposits, which could result in the disturbance or loss of paleontological resources, including
scientifically important fossil remains, associated fossil specimen data, and corresponding geologic
and geographic locality data. Any loss of paleontological resources would be a significant impact
and would most likely occur in areas underlain by areas in the proposed project boundaries mapped
as Pleistocene older flood plain deposits (Qoa) (see the Paleontological Resources section in
Chapter 2 for a detailed discussion). Therefore, Mitigation Measure PALEO-1 has been incorporated
and would require preparation of a project -specific Paleontological Mitigation Plan (PMP) prepared
by a qualified principal paleontologist, once adequate project design information regarding
subsurface disturbance location, depth, and lateral extent is available. This measure would also
require paleontological worker training, and preparation of a Paleontological Mitigation Report, in
addition to other provisions.
With regard to impacts to paleontological resources, the following mitigation measure is required by
the Park Place Extension and Grade Separation Project:
(PALEO-1)
City of EI Segundo I Paris Place Extension and Grade Separation Project EIR/EA 15
Findings of Fact
Prior to construction activities, the City of EI Segundo shall ensure that a
Paleontological Mitigation Plan is prepared and implemented during construction
of the project in those parts of the project area that have been identified as having
a high potential to impact significant nonrenewable paleontological resources. The
Paleontological Mitigation Plan shall be prepared by a qualified paleontologist and
shall include the following:
a) Preconstruction paleontological sensitivity training for earth -moving
personnel, with documentation of training that includes, but is not limited
to, sign -in sheets and hardhat stickers.
b) A signed repository agreement.
c) Proposed field and laboratory methods that are consistent with repository
requirements.
d) Reporting requirements to document that compliance with paleontological
measures is being achieved.
e) Submission of the final Paleontological Mitigation Compliance Report to the
City of EI Segundo upon completion of project earth -moving activities.
Finding
This mitigation measure will ensure that the unanticipated discovery of paleontological resources
is adequately addressed in accordance with CEQA. It will require preparation of Paleontological
Mitigation Plan to ensure that impacts to resources are minimized. Based on substantial evidence
in the EIR and the public record regarding impacts to paleontological resources, the City hereby
finds that changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project to mitigate
or avoid the significant effects on the environment. Further evidence supporting the fact that the
environmental effects related to paleontological resources will be reduced to less than significant
levels is provided in Chapter 2 of the EIR/EA.
Hazards and Hazardous Materials
Section 2.2.4 (Hazardous Waste and Materials) of the EIR/EA discusses the project's effects related
to hazards and risk of upset, hazards in proximity to a local school, and sites listed pursuant to
Government Code Section 65962.5. The section concludes that the impacts can be mitigated to a
level below significance.
IMPACT (b): Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably
foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into
the environment.
...................
IMPACT (c): Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials,
substances, or waste within one -Quarter mile of an existinra or proposed school.
IMPACT (d): Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites
compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a
significant hazard to the public or the environment.
City of EI Segundo I Paris Place Extension and Grade Separation Project EIR/EA 16
Findings of Fact
IMPACT (g): Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emerQencv
response plan or emergencv evacuation plan.
Substantial Evidence
Section 2.2.4 of the EIR/EA identifies releases of hazardous materials/waste from past on-site and
off-site industrial uses, which have resulted in contamination to on-site soil, soil gas, and
groundwater. Past facilities include Honeywell/General Chemical, Air Products, H. Kramer &
Company, rail operations and MTA/BNSF property, and petroleum pipelines. The project would
involve acquisition of contaminated properties. There is a potential for exposure of contractors to
hazardous materials/wastes in soil, soil gas, and groundwater. Soil excavation and earth -moving
activities associated with the project could expose workers to contaminants associated with past
uses on-site. During construction, exposure to these contaminants can be minimized through
adherence to protocols for the removal, handling, and disposal of said materials.
Implementation of Mitigation Measure HW -1 would require a Phase II site investigation to define
the extent of on-site contamination and recommend appropriate coordination with other off-site
properties owners and remediation. Mitigation Measure HW -2 would require a Soil Management
Plan. Mitigation Measure HW -3 would require identification and relocation coordination of on-site
monitoring wells. The Phase II/Site Characterization Specialist would be required to identify the
location of on-site petroleum pipelines (Mitigation Measure HW -4). Any site disturbance activities
within any easements for petroleum pipelines would be required to be conducted under local
purview. Further, any on-site transformers to be relocated/removed during site disturbance
activities would be required to be conducted under the purview of the local purveyor to identify
property -handling procedures regarding PCBs (Mitigation Measure HW -5). Mitigation Measure
HW -6 requires a Construction Contingency Plan be prepared in the event that unknown hazardous
materials/waste are uncovered during site disturbance activities. Mitigation Measures HW -1
through HW -6 would reduce impacts regarding hazardous waste/materials to less than significant
levels.
Vistamar School is located approximately 0.25 -mile east of the proposed project area at 737 Hawaii
Street. As discussed in the responses to a) and b) above, the project could involve the potential
for release of hazardous emissions or handling of acutely hazardous materials. However,
Mitigation Measures HAZ-1 through HAZ-6 would reduce these impacts to a less than significant
level.
Based on the Phase I ISA, seven regulatory sites were reported to be associated with the areas of
proposed ROW acquisition within the boundaries of the subject site. As such, the project site
consists of areas included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government
Code Section 65962.5. However, impacts pertaining to reported releases at the project site would
be reduced to less than significant levels with implementation of Mitigation Measures HW -1 through
HW -6.
As described in Section 2.1.4, Utilities/Emergency Services, in this EIR/EA, the project could result
in short-term construction impacts to emergency access due to traffic delays associated with a
construction zone; however, Short-term congestion would be addressed with implementation of a
Traffic Management Plan (TMP), which would serve to minimize disruption to emergency services.
Mitigation Measure U&ES-2 provides that prior to and during construction, the City and the
Construction Contractor will coordinate all temporary ramp closures and detour plans with fire,
emergency medical, and law enforcement providers to minimize temporary delays in emergency
response times as part of the TMP to be prepared for project (refer to Mitigation Measure TRA -1),
City of El Segundo I Parte Place Extension and Grade Separation Project EIR/EA 17
Findings of Fact
including the identification of alternative routes and routes across the construction areas for
emergency vehicles, developed in coordination with the affected agencies. With implementation of
Mitigation Measures U&ES-2 and TRA -1, potentially significant impacts related to short-term
construction activities and effects on emergency response would be reduced to a less than
significant impact.
With regard to impacts to hazardous waste, the following mitigation measures are required by the
Park Place Extension and Grade Separation Project:
(HW -1)
(HW -2)
(HW -3)
(HW -4)
Phase II Site Investigation: The City of EI Segundo shall retain a Phase II/Site
Characterization Specialist during the Plans, Specifications, and Estimates (PS&E)
stage to define the extent of on-site contamination and recommend appropriate
coordination with other off-site properties owners and remediation, as necessary,
for implementation of the proposed project.
Soil Management Plan: The City of EI Segundo shall retain a Phase II/Site
Characterization Specialist during the Plans, Specifications, and Estimates (PS&E)
stage to review available files and recorded covenants and deed restrictions
pertaining to hazardous materials for the project site as well as coordinate with the
Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) regarding proposed
construction activities within the former Honeywell and H. Kramer & Company
properties. The Specialist shall prepare a Soil Management Plan that identifies
necessary sampling efforts, necessary actions to satisfy covenant and deed
restrictions, and soil management practices necessary during site disturbance
(including safety precautions to ensure worker safety). The Plan shall also
consider necessary sampling efforts, management of soils, and proper disposal of
waste materials during demolition within railroad ROW as well as any work within
the vicinity of a petroleum pipeline. The handling and/or disposal of contaminated
soils shall comply with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
On -Site Monitoring Wells: The City of EI Segundo shall retain a Phase II/Site
Characterization Specialist during the Plans, Specifications, and Estimates (PS&E)
stage to identify and coordinate property relocation of existing on-site monitoring
wells, as necessary, with the contractor for the project. All well relocation shall be
conducted in consultation with, and per the standards of, the Los Angeles Regional
Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB).
On -Site Petroleum Pipelines: The City of EI Segundo shall retain a Phase II/Site
Characterization Specialist during the Plans, Specifications, and Estimates (PS&E)
stage to identify the location of on-site petroleum pipelines. Any site disturbance
activities within any easements for petroleum pipelines shall be conducted under
the purview of the local purveyor.
City of EI Segundo I Parts Place Extension and Grade Separation Project EIR/EA 18
Findings of Fact
(HW -5)
PCBs: Any transformer to be relocated/removed during site disturbance activities
shall be conducted under the purview of the local purveyor to identify property -
handling procedures regarding PCBs.
(HW -6)
Unknown Hazardous Materials: Prior to the start of construction, the contractor
shall prepare a Construction Contingency Plan (CCP) in accordance with the
California Department of Transportation's (Caltrans) Unknown Hazards
Procedures for Construction. The CCP shall include provisions for emergency
response in the event that unidentified hazardous materials, petroleum
hydrocarbons, or hazardous or solid wastes are discovered during construction
activities. The CCP shall address field screening, contaminant materials testing
methods, mitigation and contaminate management requirements, and health and
safety requirements for construction workers, including limiting exposure to
potential residual contamination in on-site surface soils. The CCP shall be
prepared in consideration of the Phase II/Site Characterization Specialists' Soil
Management Plan.
(U&ES-2)
Prior to and during construction, the City of EI Segundo and the Construction
Contractor shall coordinate all temporary ramp closures and detour plans with fire,
emergency medical, and law enforcement providers to minimize temporary delays
in emergency response times as part of the Traffic Management Plan (TMP),
including the identification of alternative routes and routes across the construction
areas for emergency vehicles, developed in coordination with the affected
agencies.
(TRA -1)
A Traffic Management Plan (TMP) shall be implemented to reduce short-term
construction -related impacts in the project vicinity. The TMP shall include, but not
be limited to, the following provisions:
• Public Information: Provide advanced notice and project updates to affected
businesses and the general public, via brochures and mailers, community
meetings, signage, and website information.
• Motorist Information: Provide project information using changeable message
signs and ground -mounted signs regarding closures, available detours, and
alternate access points to existing businesses.
Traffic Management: Prepare a traffic lane closure chart, detour routes,
pedestrian routes, residential and commercial access routes, and temporary
traffic signals during construction.
Finding
These mitigation measures will ensure that impacts from hazards and hazardous materials will be
less than significant. Based on substantial evidence in the EIR/EA and the public record regarding
impacts from hazardous waste, the City hereby finds that changes or alterations have been
required in, or incorporated into, the project which mitigate or avoid the significant effects on the
environment. Further evidence supporting the fact that the environmental effects related to hazards
City of EI Segundo I Park Place Extension and Grade Separation Project EIR/EA 19
Findings of Fact
and hazardous materials will be reduced to a less than significant level is provided in Chapter 2 of
the EIR/EA.
Noise
Section 2.2.6 (Noise) of the EIR/EA discusses the potential project effects related to generation of
noise in excess of agency standards, groundborne vibration/noise, and temporary or periodic noise
above levels existing without the project. The section concludes that the impacts can be mitigated
to a level below significance.
IMPACT) ( E
: axpose people to or generate noise levels in excess of standards established in
_.............
............
the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies.
IMPACT (b): Expose people to or generate excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne
noise levels.
IMPACT (d): Cause a substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in
the oroiect vicinitv above levels existinq without the project.
Substantial Evidence
Section 2.2.6 of the EIR/EA identifies potentially significant impacts related to noise. For short-term
construction activities, the Section 7-2-10 of the El Segundo Municipal Code creates an exemption
for construction noise, provided said activities occur between the City's allowable construction
hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, Construction is also prohibited on
Sundays or Federal holidays. Section 7-2-10 also requires that construction activities do not
exceed the noise standard of 65 dBA measured at a residential receptor's property line. The closest
receivers are the commercial uses located along Park Place. These commercial areas would be
subject to short-term noise levels between 86 and 95 dBA Lmax generated by construction
activities along the project alignment. However, no significant noise impacts from construction are
anticipated as construction activities would occur between the City's allowable construction hours
of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Construction activities would not occur on
Sundays and Federal holidays. It is not anticipated that construction noise would substantially
interfere or interrupt ongoing commercial activities adjacent to the project site (e.g., Plaza EI
Segundo, ArcLight Cinemas).
In addition, there are no sensitive receptors in the vicinity of the project site. The closest sensitive
receptors to the project area are residential uses located approximately 1,500 feet away. Based
on the Noise Study Report (NSR), maximum construction noise levels would reach a maximum of
67 dBA at 600 feet. Since the nearest residential receptors are approximately 1,500 feet away,
construction noise levels are not anticipated to exceed the City's construction noise standard of 65
dBA at residential receptors. Construction noise would be short-term and intermittent, and would
cease upon completion of the project. Further, implementation of Mitigation Measures N-1 and N-
2 would minimize the temporary noise impacts from construction, by requiring sound -control
devices/mufflers on construction equipment and providing attenuation around stationary
construction noise sources, among others.
The City's General Plan EIR provides land use compatibility standards for interior and exterior
noise. The interior/exterior noise compatibility for commercial uses is 75 dBA, and for single-family
residential it is 65 dBA (exterior) and 55 dBA (interior). Based on the NSR, predicted traffic noise
levels associated with the project would reach a maximum of 59 dBA at the various modeled
commercial receivers surrounding the project site. This would be below the City's noise
compatibility standard for commercial uses of 75 dBA. Given the distance of the project site to any
City of EI Segundo I Park Place Extension and Grade Separation Project EIR/EA 20
Findings of Fact
sensitive receptors (single-family residential approximately 1,500 feet away), it is not anticipated
that the project would result in any exceedance of the City's interior/exterior noise compatibility
standards for single-family residential uses.
Thus, the potential noise impacts during construction and operation of the project would be less
than significant, upon implementation of mitigation measures. With regard to impacts to noise, the
following mitigation measures are required by the Park Place Extension and Grade Separation
Project:
(N-1)
(N-12)
Finding
All equipment shall have sound -control devices that are no less effective than
those provided on the original equipment. No equipment shall have an unmuffled
exhaust.
The contractor shall implement appropriate noise mitigation measures, including
changing the location of stationary construction equipment, turning off idling
equipment, notifying adjacent business owners in advance of construction work,
rescheduling construction activity, and installing acoustic barriers around
stationary construction noise sources.
Based on substantial evidence in the EIR/EA and the public record regarding impacts to noise, the
City hereby finds that changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project
which mitigate or avoid the significant effects on the environment. Further evidence supporting the
fact that the environmental effects related to noise will be reduced to a less than significant level is
provided in Chapter 2 of the EIR/EA.
Public Services
Section 2.1.4 (Utilities and Emergency Services) of the EIR/EA identifies potentially significant
impacts pertaining to emergency services. Fire and police protection are the only areas that have
the potential for significant impacts, but the section concludes that impacts to police and fire services
within the study area of can be reduced to less than significant with mitigation.
IMPACT (a): 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 fire and police protection.
Substantial Evidence
Section 2.1.4 of the EIR/EA identifies potentially significant impacts of the proposed Park Place
Extension and Grade Separation project. Fire protection and emergency medical/paramedic
services in the City of EI Segundo are provided by the EI Segundo Fire Department. Police
protection services in the City of El Segundo are provided by the EI Segundo Police Department.
Project construction would result in temporary impacts to traffic circulation that could affect fire and
police response times. However, these impacts would be temporary in nature. Emergency services
providers could experience travel delays during the temporary construction process.
City of EI Segundo I Paris Place Extension and Grade Separation Project EIR/EA 21
Findings of Fact
Short-term congestion would be addressed with implementation of a Traffic Management Plan
(TMP), which would serve to minimize disruption to emergency services. Mitigation Measure U&ES-
2 provides that prior to and during construction, the City and the Construction Contractor will
coordinate all temporary closures and detour plans with fire, emergency medical, and law
enforcement providers to minimize temporary delays in emergency response times as part of the
TMP to be prepared for project (refer to Mitigation Measure TRA -1), including the identification of
alternative routes and routes across the construction areas for emergency vehicles, developed in
coordination with the affected agencies. With implementation of this mitigation measure, impacts
related to short-term construction activities and effects on emergency response and evacuation
plans would be less than significant. With regard to impacts to fire and police protection services,
the following mitigation measures are required by the Park Place Extension and Grade Separation
Project:
(U&ES-2)
Prior to and during construction, the City of EI Segundo and the Construction
Contractor shall coordinate all temporary ramp closures and detour plans with fire,
emergency medical, and law enforcement providers to minimize temporary delays
in emergency response times as part of the Traffic Management Plan (TMP),
including the identification of alternative routes and routes across the construction
areas for emergency vehicles, developed in coordination with the affected
agencies.
(TRA -1)
A Traffic Management Plan (TMP) shall be implemented to reduce short-term
construction -related impacts in the project vicinity. The TMP shall include, but not
be limited to, the following provisions:
• Public Information: Provide advanced notice and project updates to affected
businesses and the general public, via brochures and mailers, community
meetings, signage, and website information.
« Motorist Information: Provide project information using changeable message
signs and ground -mounted signs regarding closures, available detours, and
alternate access points to existing businesses.
Traffic Management: Prepare a traffic lane closure chart, detour routes,
pedestrian routes, residential and commercial access routes, and temporary
traffic signals during construction.
Finding
Based on substantial evidence in the EIR/EA and the public record regarding impacts to fire and
police services, the City hereby finds that changes or alterations have been required in, or
incorporated into, the project which mitigate or avoid the significant effects on the environment.
Further evidence supporting the fact that the environmental effects related to fire and police
services will be reduced to a less than significant level is provided in Chapter 2 of the EIR/EA.
Transportation/Traffic
Section 2.1.5 (Traffic) of the EIR/EA identifies potential significant impacts pertaining to conflicts with
Level of Service (LOS) measures of effectiveness for performance of the circulation system but
concludes that impacts to local intersections within the study area of can be reduced to less than
City of EI Segundo I Park Place Extension and Grade Separation Project EIR/EA 22
Findings of Fact
significant with mitigation. Impacts also pertain to conflicts with the Los Angeles County Congestion
Management Plan, increased hazards due to a design feature, and inadequate emergency access.
The section concludes that these impacts can be reduced to less than significant with mitigation.
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 masstransit.
IMPACT (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.
............
IMPACT (d): Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g., sharp curves or
dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment).
IMPACT (e): • Result in inadequate emergency access.
Substantial Evidence
Section 2.1.5 (Traffic) of the EIR/EA identifies potentially significant impacts of the proposed Park
Place Extension and Grade Separation project. Construction would result in temporary
construction impacts that may temporarily restrict vehicular accessibility within the construction
area. However, these disruptions would be temporary, designed to not completely prohibit access
to adjoining properties and roads, and would cease once construction of the project is complete.
Construction of the proposed improvements has been examined relative to the existing system and
it has been determined that both short-term and long-term lane closures will be necessary,
however, Mitigation Measure TRA -1 would require that access is maintained to all business and
properties within the project area throughout the duration of the construction process. Preparation
of a TMP would be required that would include: a) a public information campaign to provide
advanced notice to affected business owners and the surrounding community; b) detour signage;
and c) re-routing to ensure access to existing businesses is maintained.
Project operation is anticipated to result in beneficial long-term traffic and circulation impacts
because the project would improve traffic patterns for businesses in the project area. For Existing
2016 plus project conditions, all study intersections are projected to operate at LOS D or better,
except for four (4) intersections that would continue to experience deficient LOS with the diverted
traffic conditions, but would experience improved LOS. The un -signalized intersection at Douglas
Street at Park Place would be projected to operate at LOS F, but would not result in a significant
traffic impact at this intersection because the project would not generate trips that would cause an
increase in delay of four (4) or more seconds. Although the project would not result in a significant
impact, a new traffic signal (Mitigation Measure TRA -2) shall be implemented at the intersection of
Douglas Street at Park Place to address the deficient LOS, due to complaints the City has received
regarding traffic operations at this location.
As discussed in the Traffic Impact Analysis that was prepared for the project, the traffic assessment
for the project was conducted based on the requirements of the 2010 Los Angeles County
Congestion Management Program (CMP). As discussed in the response to question a) above, all
of the study intersections would experience improved LOS under the project, with the exception of
the un -signalized intersection of Douglas Street at Park Place. Mitigation Measure TRA -2 provides
City of El Segundo I Paris Place Extension and Grade Separation Project EIR/EA 23
Findings of Fact
for installation of a new traffic signal at the intersection of Douglas Street at Park Place, which
would reduce significant traffic impacts to a less than significant level.
The project would be designed, constructed, and operated consistent with the City of EI Segundo
and other applicable standards and specifications for railroad grade separations, retaining walls,
drainage features, and utility relocations/modifications. During short-term construction, the project
could result in hazards due to temporary lane and ramp closures required for project
implementation. However, these impacts would be temporary in nature and adherence to
Mitigation Measure TRA -1 would minimize impacts in this regard. The project would not include
hazardous design features. Mitigation Measure TRA -2 provides for installation of a new traffic
signal at the intersection of Douglas Street at Park Place, which would reduce traffic impacts to a
less than significant level.
Impacts to emergency services in this regard would be less than significant with adherence to
Mitigation Measures U&ES-2 and TRA -1, as discussed in Section 2.1.3 (Community Impacts). In
the long term, the project would reduce traffic congestion and travel times in the project area. The
improvements in the project are likely to improve emergency response times. Therefore, with
implementation of Mitigation Measures U&ES-2 and TRA -1, potential impacts would be reduced to
less than significant levels.
With implementation of Mitigation Measures TRA -1 and TRA -2, potential short-term and long-term
traffic impacts would be reduced less than significant levels. Thus, the potential traffic impacts
during construction and operation of the project would be less than significant, upon implementation
of mitigation measures. With regard to impacts to noise, the following mitigation measures are
required by the Park Place Extension and Grade Separation Project:
(TRA -1)
A Traffic Management Plan (TMP) shall be implemented to reduce short-term
construction -related impacts in the project vicinity. The TMP shall include, but not
be limited to, the following provisions:
Public Information: Provide advanced notice and project updates to affected
businesses and the general public, via brochures and mailers, community
meetings, signage, and website information.
Motorist Information: Provide project information using changeable message
signs and ground -mounted signs regarding closures, available detours, and
alternate access points to existing businesses.
Traffic Management: Prepare a traffic lane closure chart, detour routes,
pedestrian routes, residential and commercial access routes, and temporary
traffic signals during construction.
(TRA -2)
To minimize potential traffic -related impacts during operation of the project, a new
traffic signal shall be installed at the intersection of Douglas Street and Park Place.
(U&ES-2)
Prior to and during construction, the City of EI Segundo and the Construction
Contractor shall coordinate all temporary ramp closures and detour plans with fire,
emergency medical, and law enforcement providers to minimize temporary delays
in emergency response times as part of the Traffic Management Plan (TMP),
including the identification of alternative routes and routes across the construction
City of El Segundo I Park Place Extension and Grade Separation Project EIR/EA 24
Findings of Fact
areas for emergency vehicles, developed in coordination with the affected
agencies.
Finding
Based on substantial evidence in the EIR/EA and the public record regarding impacts to
transportation/traffic, the City hereby finds that changes or alterations have been required in, or
incorporated into, the project which mitigate or avoid the significant effects on the environment.
Further evidence supporting the fact that the environmental effects related to transportation/traffic
will be reduced to a less than significant level is provided in Chapter 2 of the EIR/EA.
6 ALTERNATIVES
This section contains a discussion of the alternatives considered and rejected in the Park Place
Extension and Grade Separation Project Draft EIR/EA, including the No -Build Alternative;
Alternative 1A; Alternative 3A; and Alternative 3B. Transportation Demand Management,
Transportation System Management, and Mass Transit alternatives were not considered viable
options because the proposed project is not a major highway project and is located in an area with
a population under 200,000.
No -Build Alternative
Under the No -Build Alternative, the City would not adopt any changes to the existing roadway and
railroad facilities within the project site. Park Place and the remainder of the project site would be
left in its existing condition. As a result, the No -Build Alternative would not provide for congestion
relief or improvements in local traffic circulation in the project area.
This alternative would have less impacts than the proposed project, except for compliance with the
Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) 2016-2040 Regional Transportation
Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS) (RTP ID LAOG321); SCAG's financially
constrained 2017 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) (FTIP ID LAOG321); and
the City's Master Plan of Streets within the General Plan Circulation Element. The No -Build
Alternative would be less effective in supporting future transit. Similar to the Build Alternatives, no
significant and unavoidable impacts associated with the No -Build Alternative would occur. The No -
Build Alternative would not support attainment of the project's purpose and need in the following
ways:
• The No -Build Alternative would not close the gap along Park Place between Allied Way and
Nash Street.
• The No -Build Alternative would not relieve congestion along portions of Rosecrans Avenue
and Pacific Coast Highway.
• The No -Build Alternative would not improve local traffic circulation and access to and from
the 1-105 freeway.
Given the foregoing facts, as more fully delineated in the project EIR/EA, this City Council finds that
the No -Build Alternative is less desirable than the proposed project and therefore rejects the
alternative. Public Resources Code § 21081(a)(3); CEQA Guidelines, §15091(a)(3).
Alternative 1A
City of EI Segundo I Park Place Extension and Grade Separation Project EIRIEA 25
Findings of Fact
Alternative 1A is similar to the proposed project, except that Alternative 1A would include a stop
controlled "T" intersection at the proposed intersection of Park Place/Allied Way. This alternative
would result in increased vehicle delay at the proposed new Allied Way/Park Place intersection (as
compared to the project, which would include a roundabout intersection).
This alternative would have impacts that are similar to the project for most impacts. Like the other
Alternatives, no significant and unavoidable impacts associated with Alternative 1A would occur.
Alternative1A would support attainment of the project's purpose and need; however, not to the
extent of the project.
• Alternative 1A would close the gap along Park Place between Allied Way and Nash Street.
• Alternative 1A would relieve congestion along portions of Rosecrans Avenue and Pacific
Coast Highway; however, the stop controlled "T" intersection at the proposed intersection of
Park Place/Allied Way would increase vehicle delay as compared to the project.
• Alternative 1A would improve local traffic circulation and access to and from the 1-105
freeway; however, the stop controlled "T" intersection at the proposed intersection of Park
Place/Allied Way would increase vehicle delay as compared to the project.
Given the foregoing facts, as more fully delineated in the project EIR/EA, this City Council finds that
Alternative 1A is less desirable than the proposed project and therefore rejects the alternative.
Public Resources Code § 21081(a)(3); CEQA Guidelines, §15091(a)(3).
Alternative 3A
Under Alternative 3A, the proposed alignment and intersection configurations of the roadway
extension would generally be similar to Alternative 1C. However, the UPRR and BNSF tracks
would maintain their existing alignments, and two grade separations (roadway undercrossings of
the railroad tracks) would be constructed. In addition, a driveway ramp extending from the
proposed extension of Park Place (immediately east of the BNSF grade separation) to the westerly
portion of the ArcLight Cinemas surface parking lot would be provided for access.
As stated, this alternative would not consolidate the UPRR and BNSF railroad alignments to allow
for a single rail crossing. Alternative 3A would require an additional underpass structure (two grade
separations) as compared to the project (one grade separation). Similar to the other Alternatives,
no significant and unavoidable impacts associated with Alternative 3A would occur. Alternative 3A
would support attainment of the project's purpose and need; however, not to the extent of the
project.
• Alternative 3A would close the gap along Park Place between Allied Way and Nash Street.
However, Alternative 3A would require an additional underpass structure (two grade
separations) as compared to the project (one grade separation).
Alternative 3A would relieve congestion along portions of Rosecrans Avenue and Pacific
Coast Highway.
• Alternative 3A would improve local traffic circulation and access to and from the 1-105
freeway.
City of EI Segundo I Parts Place Extension and Grade Separation Project EIR/EA 26
Findings of Fact
Given the foregoing facts, as more fully delineated in the project EIR/EA, this City Council finds that
Alternative 3A is less desirable than the proposed project and therefore rejects the alternative.
Public Resources Code § 21081(a)(3); CEQA Guidelines, §15091(a)(3).
Alternative 3B
Under Alternative 3B, the existing UPRR and BNSF tracks would maintain their existing alignments
(similar to Alternative 3A). However, this alternative would include one grade separation at the
UPRR rail alignment and one at -grade crossing at the BNSF rail alignment. The UPRR grade
separation would consist of a roundabout intersection beneath the railroad alignment. Due to the
design requirement for a 90 -degree at -grade crossing at the BNSF tracks, and Park Place
extension alignment would be shifted slightly north with a design speed of 25 mph as compared to
the other three build alternatives. This northerly shift would require improvements along existing
Allied Way to match the proposed grade of the roundabout intersection, including retaining walls
along both sides of the road, a retaining wall immediately south of the existing Dick's Sporting
Goods retail facility, and intersection/driveway modifications at the signalized intersection
immediately north of the proposed Park Place/Allied Way intersection.
At the easterly terminus of the proposed project, the roadway would extend through the northerly
extent of the ArcLight Cinemas parking lot. Modifications to the existing Park Place/Nash Street
intersection would be required to match proposed roadway geometry. At this location, access to
the existing ArcLight surface parking lot and 2121 Park Place property would be configured as one
of the following two options:
• Drivewav Access +DIS/ion 9: Nash Street would terminate at a cul-de-sac to the north of the
proposed Park Place extension. Access to the 2121 Park Place property would be
maintained via a reconstructed driveway with retaining walls. A driveway providing access
to the westerly portion of the Arclight Cinemas surface parking lot would extend from Park
Place immediately east of the proposed Park Place/BNSF at -grade crossing.
• Drivewav Access Option 2': Under this option, access to the westerly portion of the Arclight
Cinemas would be maintained by a driveway that extends north of Park Place and then
curves to the southwest beneath Park Place (via an underpass structure), extending into the
existing parking lot. A driveway providing access to the 2121 Park Place property would also
be constructed similar to Driveway Access Option 1.
As stated, this alternative would not consolidate the UPRR and BNSF railroad alignments to allow
for a single rail crossing. Alternative 3B would require one grade separation at the UPRR rail
alignment and one at -grade crossing at the BNSF rail alignment as compared to the project (one
grade separation). Additionally, this alternative would result in increased vehicle delay at the
proposed new at -grade crossing at the BNSF rail alignment (as compared to the project).
This alternative would have impacts that are similar to the project for most impacts. Similar to the
other Alternatives, no significant and unavoidable impacts associated with Alternative 3B would
occur. Alternative 3B would support attainment of the project's purpose and need; however, not to
the extent of the project.
« Alternative 3B would close the gap along Park Place between Allied Way and Nash Street.
However, Alternative 3B would require one grade separation and one at -grade crossing as
compared to the project, which would require one grade separation.
City of EI Segundo I Park Place Extension and Grade Separation Project EIR/EA 27
Findings of Fact
• Alternative 3B would relieve congestion along portions of Rosecrans Avenue and Pacific
Coast Highway; however, the at -grade crossing at the BNSF rail alignment would increase
vehicle delay as compared to the project.
Alternative 3B would improve local traffic circulation and access to and from the 1-105
freeway; however, the at -grade crossing at the BNSF rail alignment would increase vehicle
delay as compared to the project.
In addition, the inclusion of an at -grade crossing at the BNSF alignment could result in potential
vehicle/rail conflicts and resultant safety concerns. The California Public Utilities Commission
(CPUC) indicated that it is not in support of Alternative 3B due to this concern.
Given the foregoing facts, as more fully delineated in the project EIR/EA, this City Council finds that
Alternative 3B is less desirable than the proposed project and therefore rejects the alternative.
Public Resources Code § 21081(a)(3); CEQA Guidelines, §15091(a)(3).
7 CONCLUSION
The City Council hereby finds that, with implementation of the recommended measures identified
in the project EIR/EA and MMRP/ECR, impacts would be reduced to a level below significance.
The City also finds that no feasible alternative exists that would provide all the foregoing benefits
to the public and reduce the environmental impacts when compared to the project.
City of EI Segundo I Park Place Extension and Grade Separation Project EIR/EA 28
RESOLUTION NO. 5149
■
FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (EIR)
PARK PLACE EXTENSION AND GRADE SEPARATION PROJECT
The final EIR can be viewed at the following link on the City's website: