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Home My WebLink AboutLAKE ELSINORE MOTOCROSS INICIAL STUDY FOR MITIGATED NEGATIVE INITIAL STUDY FOR A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR THE LAKE ELSINORE MOTOCROSS FACILITY CHANGE IN OPERATIONS Commercial Design Review No. 2009-03 Conditional Use Permit No. 20o8-12 Mitigated Negative Declaration XXY Lead Agency: CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE 130 South Main Street Lake Elsinore,CA 92530 Prepared By: LSA Associates 1500 Iowa Avenue,Suite 200 Riverside,CA 92507 Project Applicant: RANDY HINER 5367 Aguila Court Temecula,CA 92592 October 2009 Table of Contents I. INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................... 1 A. PURPOSE.....................................................................................................................................1 B. CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT REQUIREMENTS...........................................1 C. INTENDED USES OF INITIAL STUDY AND MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION...............2 D. CONTENTS OF INITIAL STUDY...................................................................................................2 E. SCOPE OF ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS..................................................................................2 F. TIERED DOCUMENTS, INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE,AND TECHNICAL STUDIES.....3 G. TECHNICAL STUDIES..................................................................................................................5 II. PROJECT DESCRIPTION .....................................................................................................6 A. PROJECT LOCATION AND SETTING..........................................................................................6 B. PROJECT DESCRIPTION ............................................................................................................6 I11. ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST........................................................................................ 10 A. BACKGROUND...........................................................................................................................10 B. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED......................................................11 C. DETERMINATION.......................................................................................................................11 IV. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS..........................................................................................21 I. AESTHETICS ....................................................... II. AGRICULTURE RESOURCES................................... .......23 ........................................................ III. AIR QUALITY...............................................................................................................................24 IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES.......................................................................................................27 V. CULTURAL RESOURCES............................................................................................... ..........31 VI. GEOLOGYANDSOILS...............................................................................................................33 VII. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS..............................................................................35 VIII. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY.......................................................................................37 IX. LAND USE AND PLANNING.......................................................................................................40 X. MINERAL RESOURCES.............................................................................................................41 XI. NOISE..........................................................................................................................................42 XII. POPULATION AND HOUSING ...................................................................................................44 XIII. PUBLIC SERVICES............................................................................................................... .... 45 XIV. RECREATION.......................................................................................................................... ..46 XV. TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC ...................................................................................................47 XVI. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS.........................................................................................48 V. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE...................................................................51 VI. PERSONS AND ORGANIZATIONS CONSULTED ............................................................52 ATTACHMENT A - CEQA PROCESS DOCUMENTS.............................................................. 55 Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations FIGURES FIGURE 1 —Project and Regional Location 7 FIGURE 2—Conceptual Site Plan 9 TABLES TABLE A—Motocross Operations 6 TABLE B—Operational Air Emissions (Pounds per Day) 25 TABLE C—Greenhouse Gas Emissions (Tons per Year) 25 TABLE D—Summary of Localized Significance of Operational Emissions 26 TABLE E—Daytime (7 a.m. to 10 p.m.)Project Noise Contributions 42 TECHNICAL APPENDICES Appendix Al —Notice of Availability and Intent to Adopt Appendix A2—Notice of Completion Appendix A3—IS/MND Distribution List Appendix B—"Lake Elsinore Motocross Park Air Quality Impact Analysis" Appendix C- "Lake Elsinore Motocross Facility General Biological Resources and MSHCP Compliance Report" Appendix D- "Lake Elsinore Motocross Track Noise Assessment" Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations I. INTRODUCTION A. PURPOSE This document is an Initial Study for evaluation of environmental impacts that may result from changes in operation at the existing Lake Elsinore Motocross facility as permitted by the proposed Conditional Use Permit (CUP). For purposes of this document, the action being evaluated through the environmental process will be called the"proposed project". B. CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT REQUIREMENTS Under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the environmental review process for a discretionary action is a multi-step process. The first step is for the Lead Agency, the City of Lake Elsinore, to determine whether a project is exempt from CEQA review. The City has determined that this project is not exempt from CEQA. The second step is the preparation of an Initial Study to determine potential impacts of the project on the environment. As defined by Section 15063 of the State CEQA Guidelines, an Initial Study is prepared primarily to provide the Lead Agency with information to use as the basis for determining whether an Environmental Impact Report (EIR), Negative Declaration (ND), or Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) would be appropriate for providing the necessary environmental documentation and clearance for any proposed project. According to Section 15070(a), a Negative Declaration is deemed appropriate if the proposal would not result in any significant effect on the environment. A Mitigated Negative Declaration is deemed appropriate if it is determined that the potentially significant impacts resulting from the development or operation of a proposed action can, though the implementation of mitigation measures, be reduced to below a level of significance. According to Section 15065, an EIR is deemed appropriate for a particular proposal if the following conditions occur: • The proposal has the potential to substantially degrade quality of the environment. • The proposal has the potential to achieve short-term environmental goals to the disadvantage of long-term environmental goals. • The proposal has possible environmental effects that are individually limited but cumulatively considerable. • The proposal could cause direct or indirect adverse effects on human beings. This Initial Study (IS) has determined that the proposed project will result in potentially significant environmental impacts; however, mitigation measures have been identified that will reduce any such impact to less than significance levels. As such, a MND is deemed as the appropriate document to provide necessary environmental evaluations and clearance. The Lead Agency is the public agency which has the principal responsibility for carrying out or approving a project which may have significant effects upon the environment. In accordance with Section 15050 of the State CEQA Guidelines, the City of Lake Elsinore the Lead Agency for the proposed action. This Initial Study and Mitigation Negative Declaration (IS/MND) has been prepared in conformance with the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970, as amended (Public Resources Code, Section 21000 et. seq.); Section 15070 of the State Guidelines for Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970, as amended (California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, Section 15000, et. seq.); applicable requirements of the City of Lake Elsinore; and the Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 1 regulations, requirements, and procedures of any other responsible public agency or an agency with jurisdiction by law. C. INTENDED USES OF INITIAL STUDY AND MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION This IS/MND is an informational document which is intended to inform City decision makers, other responsible or interested agencies, and the general public of potential environmental effects of the proposed actions. The environmental review process has been established to enable public agencies to evaluate environmental consequences and to examine and implement methods of eliminating or reducing any potentially adverse impacts. While CEQA requires that consideration be given to avoiding environmental damage, the Lead Agency and other responsible public agencies must balance adverse environmental effects against other public objectives, including economic and social goals. The Notice of Availability and Intent to Adopt prepared for the MND will be circulated for a period of at least 30 days for public and agency review. Comments received on the document will be considered by the Lead Agency before it acts on the proposed applications. D. CONTENTS OF INITIAL STUDY This IS/MND is organized to facilitate a basic understanding of the existing setting and environmental implications of the proposed applications. I. INTRODUCTION presents an introduction to the entire report. This section identifies City of Lake Elsinore contact persons involved in the process, scope of environmental review, environmental procedures, and incorporation by reference documents. II. PROJECT DESCRIPTION describes the proposed project, a description of discretionary approvals and permits required for project implementation is also included, III. ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST FORM contains the City's Environmental Checklist Form. The checklist form presents results of the environmental evaluation for the proposed project and those issue areas that would have either a significant impact, potentially significant impact, or no impact. IV. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS evaluates each response provided in the environmental checklist form. Each response checked in the checklist form is discussed and supported with sufficient data and analysis. As appropriate, each response discussion describes and identifies specific impacts anticipated with project implementation. In this section, mitigation measures are also recommended, as appropriate,to reduce adverse impacts to levels of less than significance. V. MANDATORY FINDINGS presents Mandatory Findings of Significance in accordance with Section 15065 of the CEQA Guidelines. VI. PERSONS AND ORGANIZATIONS CONSULTED identifies those persons consulted and involved in preparation of this IS/MND. E. SCOPE OF ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS For evaluation of environmental impacts, each question from the Environmental Checklist Form is stated and responses are provided according to the analysis undertaken as part of the Initial Study. All responses will take into account the whole action involved, including offsite as well as onsite, cumulative as well as project-level, indirect as well as direct, and construction as well as operational impacts. Project impacts and effects will be evaluated and quantified, when appropriate. To each Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 2 question,there are four possible responses, including: • No Impact: A "No Impact" response is adequately supported if the referenced information sources show that the impact simply does not apply to the proposed Specific Plan and applications. • Less Than Significant Impact: Development associated with project implementation will have the potential to impact the environment. These impacts, however, will be less than the levels of thresholds that are considered significant and no additional analysis is required. • Less Than Significant With Mitigation Incorporated: This applies where incorporation of mitigation measures has reduced an effect from "Potentially Significant Impact" to a "Less Than Significant Impact" The Lead Agency must describe the mitigation measures and explain how the measures reduce the effect to a less than significant level. • Potentially Significant Impact: Future implementation will have impacts that are considered significant and additional analysis and possibly an EIR are required to identify mitigation measures that could reduce these impacts to less than significant levels. This environmental document evaluates impacts resulting from changes in operation planned for the Lake Elsinore Motocross facility. Where mitigation is required to reduce the significance of an identified impact, this document does not restate standard conditions of approval or uniform requirements and regulations that are required for any project in the City. The following analysis considers mitigation to be those actions and requirements that go beyond standard requirements and regulations. F. TIERED DOCUMENTS, INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE, AND TECHNICAL STUDIES Information, findings, and conclusions contained in this document are based on incorporation by reference of tiered documentation, and technical studies that have been prepared for the proposed project,which are discussed in the following section. 1. Tiered Documents As permitted in Section 15152(a) of the CEQA Guidelines, information and discussions from other documents can be included into this document. Tiering is defined as follows: "Tiering refers to using the analysis of general matters contained in a broader EIR(such as the one prepared for a general plan or policy statement) with later EIRs and negative declarations on narrower projects; incorporating by reference the general discussions from the broader EIR; and concentrating the later EIR or negative declaration solely on the issues specific to the later project." The project site is located with the City's East Lake Specific Plan; therefore, the East Lake Specific Plan Final EIR (prepared in 1993), and the East Lake Specific Plan Amendment No. 8 Final Supplemental EIR (prepared in 2005) have been consulted during the assessment of the potential impacts that may result from changes in operation at the existing motocross facility. These two documents provide a broader, overall discussion of the project area, including the project site. Where appropriate, this IS addresses site-specific impacts which previous environmental document were not addressed in great detail. This IS/MND evaluates each of those required environmental issue, relying upon the information and analysis contained in earlier Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 3 environmental documents in tandem with more site-specific detail provided by the project applicant. Tiering the environmental review process allows this document to comply with Section 15152(b)of the CEQA Guidelines,which discourages redundant analyses. 2. Incorporation BY Reference Incorporation by reference is a procedure for reducing the size of environmental documents and is most appropriate for including long, descriptive, or technical materials that provide general background information, but do not contribute directly to the specific analysis of the project itself. This procedure is particularly useful when a specific environmental document relies on a broadly- drafted EIR for its evaluation of cumulative impacts of related projects. If an EIR or Negative Declaration relies on information from a supporting study that is available to the public,the EIR or Negative Declaration cannot be deemed unsupported by evidence or analysis. This document incorporates by reference the documents from which it is tiered, the East Lake Specific Plan Final EIR (ELSP Final EIR) and East Lake Specific Plan Amendment No. 8 Final Supplemental EIR (SPA No. 8 Final SEIR.). When an EIR or Negative Declaration incorporates a document by reference, the incorporation must comply with Section 15150 of the CEQA Guidelines as follows: • The incorporated document must be available to the public or be a matter of public record ' (CEQA Guidelines Section 15150[a]). The two documents will be made available, along with this document, at the City of Lake Elsinore, Community Development Department, 130 South Main Street,Lake Elsinore CA 92530. • This document will be available for inspection by the public at an office of the lead agency (CEQA Guidelines Section 15150[b]). This document is available at the City of Lake Elsinore, Community Development Department, 130 South Main Street, Lake Elsinore CA 92530. • This document must summarize the portion of the document being incorporated by reference or briefly describe information that cannot be summarized. Furthermore, this document must describe the relationship between the incorporated information and the analysis in the General Plan EIR (CEQA Guidelines Section 15150[c]). The ELSP Final EIR addressed the environmental effects associated with the development of a 3,000 acre area at the east end of Lake Elsinore that would provide up to 9,000 residential units and a combination of commercial,recreational and open space uses. The Final EIR for SPA No. 8 addressed impacts associated with changes to land use within a 396 acre subarea of the ELSP. Background information and data relevant to the subject of the proposed CUP has been incorporated into this IS. • This document must include the State identification number of the incorporated document (CEQA Guidelines Section 15150[d]). The State Clearinghouse Number (SCH No.) for the ELSP Final EIR is 92092027, and SPA No. 8 Final SEIR is 2005061033. • The material to be incorporated in this document will include general background information (CEQA Guidelines Section 15150[f]). Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 4 G. TECHNICAL STUDIES The following technical studies were prepared for the proposed project and are available for review at the City of Lake Elsinore, Community Development Department, 130 South Main Street,Lake Elsinore CA 92530. 0 Lake Elsinore Motocross Park Air Quality Impact Analysis, Urban Crossroads, January 29, 2009. • Lake Elsinore Motocross Facility General Biological Resources and MSHCP Compliance Report, LSA Associates,June 2009. • Lake Elsinore Motocross Track Noise Assessment, Urban Crossroads, January 15, 2009, Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 5 II. PROJECT DESCRIPTION A. PROJECT LOCATION AND SETTING The existing Lake Elsinore Motocross facility is located on a 93.13 acre parcel (Assessor Parcel No. 370- 030-012) located west of Corydon Street and south of Mission Trail (Figure 1). Currently the motocross facility consists of dirt tracks, a hardpacked dirt parking area, scattered weedy vegetation and small trees, portable restroom enclosures, wooden observation towers, and portable trailers housing maintenance and administrative offices. The undeveloped John Laing Homes (Links at Summerly)housing project abuts the project site to the northwest. The graded areas for this approved but undeveloped residential community sits atop an approximately 25 foot tall graded berm. Multiple-tenant industrial and commercial uses fronting Corydon Road are located southeast of the project site. Skylark Field, a private airport hosting the Skydive Elsinore gliding and skydiving facility, is located southwest of the project site. B. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The project action is the approval of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) that would allow for changes in operation of the existing motocross facility. Table A provides a comparison between existing, 2001 CUP allowable, and proposed 2009 CUP motocross operations. As identified in Table A, compared to the use permitted under the 2001 CUP, the maximum number of vehicles operating at the motocross facility at any one time is reduced by nearly 50 percent. The proposed CUP would permit the use of the facility by off- road trucks and similar vehicles on a track located at the northwestern corner of the site. Patrons of the facility will continue to utilize the existing tracks located on-site. Table A: Motocross Operations Track 2001 CUP Existing' 2009 CUP Pee Wee 10 3 5 Z 6 60/80 15 8 13 Beginner 0 9 15b +t 5 Vet 35 12 20 Main 45 4 7 fi 3 �38 Stadium Truck 0 9 15 Supercross 8 0 0 Start Truck 15 0 0 'r BMX(non motorized) 15 0 0 �S Total 143 45 75 O 1.Current estimated activity based on 60 percent of anticipated maximum activity requested under the proposed CUP. Usage identified in Table A represents the maximum utilization of the motocross facility during the weekends. Based on historic patterns of usage, typical weekday usage of the motocross facility would not approach the maximum capacity requested under the proposed 2009 CUP. The existing motocross facility currently is not equipped with any nighttime lighting; therefore, track operations are limited to daylight operational hours between 9:00 a.m. to dusk. The proposed CUP envisions operation of the facility from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Therefore, the proposed project would result in the use of portable, diesel-generator powered lighting. Lighting features proposed would consist Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 6 Figure 1: Project and Regional Location Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 7 of up to 30 lighting units, with each unit consisting of four 1,000 watt fixtures. The portable lighting fixtures will be mounted on standards measuring up to 30 feet in height. As needed, lighting would be provided between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. during November through March; 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. during the months of April through May, and October; and 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. during June through September. With the addition of nighttime lighting, the number of hours in which the facility could operate would increase. Depending on the time of year, the amount of hours added to daily operations will vary from several hours in the winter months, to no more than two hours during the summer. Parking for patrons and spectators is provided in the center portion of the site. Parking would continue to be located on the existing hard packed dirt surfaces. No improved curbs, wheel stops, or pavement would be installed. Operation of the motocross facility would continue the existing maintenance regimen which consists of daily and weekly track repair. Major repairs to track features typically take place on Monday and Tuesday, consisting of the refacing of jumps, and "ripping" of tracks to allow moisture into the soil to assist with dust control. The "ripping" procedure keeps the dirt from becoming hard packed and slippery. During the remainder of the week (Wednesday through Sunday) the tracks are "ripped" three times daily, once prior to the day's activity, and once during the early afternoon. Throughout the day, two water trucks are cycled through the site to apply water to tracks, access roads, and parking areas to assist with dust control. The proposed change in use also includes the provision of an outdoor seating area for occasional truck races. This seating area would be located in a sloped area adjacent to the multi-use track at the northwest corner of the site. The site of the proposed outdoor seating area is heavily disturbed and is devoid of vegetation. With the proposed project,the seating area would be seeded and maintained with a turf surface. The seating area would measure approximately 17 feet in height and would include 4 foot wide benches on which temporary seating (e.g., lawn chair) provided by the track operator could be utilized. The proposed change in operations at the existing motocross facility does not include the extension of water, wastewater, power, communication, or any other public utility. The conceptual layout of the motocross facility incorporating the proposed changes in operating conditions is provided in Figure 2. Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 8 Figure 2: Conceptual Facility Layout Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 9 III. ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST A. BACKGROUND 1. Project Title: Lake Elsinore Motocross Facility—Change in Operations 2. Lead Agency Name and Address: City of Lake Elsinore; 130 South Main Street; Lake Elsinore, CA 92530 3. Contact Person and Phone Number: Linda Miller, AICP Planning Consultant, (951) 674 3124,Ext. 209 4. Project Location: West of Corydon Street, South of Mission Trail, within the City of Lake Elsinore; adjacent to Skylark Field.Assessors Parcel Number of 381-030-005. 5. Project Sponsor's Name and Address: Mr. Randy Hiner, 5367 Aguila Court,Temecula, CA 92592 6. General Plan Designation: East Lake Specific Plan(ELSP) 7. Zoning: Residential 2 (Medium Density),Residential 3 (High Density), Open Space(Park) 8. Description of Project: The applicant is requesting approval of a Conditional Use Permit to allow changes in operation at the existing motocross facility. 9. Surrounding Land Uses and Setting: The undeveloped John Laing Homes (Links at Summerly) housing project (the subject of East Lake Specific Plan Amendment No.6), abuts the project site to the northwest. The graded areas for this approved but undeveloped residential community sit atop an approximately 25 foot tall graded berm. Multiple-tenant industrial and commercial uses fronting Corydon Road are located southeast of the project site. Skylark Field, a private airport hosting the Skydive Elsinore gliding and skydiving facility, is located southwest of the.project site. 10. Other Public Agencies Whose Approval is Required: None. Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 10 B. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, involving at least one impact that is a "Potentially Significant Impact," as indicated by the checklist on the following pages. ❑ Aesthetics ❑ Agricultural Resources ❑ Air Quality ❑ Biological Resources ❑ Cultural Resources ❑ Geology/Soils ❑ Hazards/Hazardous Materls ❑ Hydrology/Water Quality ❑ Land Use/Planning ❑ Mineral Resources ❑ Noise ❑ Population/Housing ❑ Public Services ❑ Recreation ❑ Transportation/Traffic ❑ Utilities/Service Systems ❑ Mandatory Findings of Significance C. DETERMINATION On the basis of this initial evaluation: ❑ I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. ® I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because of the incorporated mitigation measures and revisions in the project have been made by or agreed to by the project proponent. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. ❑ I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required. ❑ I find that the proposed project MAY have a "potentially significant impact" or "potentially significant unless mitigated" impact on the environment, but at least one effect (1) has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and (2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets. An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed. ❑ I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to applicable standards, and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project,nothing further is required. Linda Miller,AICP Planning Consultant Date Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 11 Less Than Potentially Significant With Less Than Significant Mitigation Significant Issues Impact Incorporation Impact No Impact I. AESTHETICS. Would the proposal: a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? `/ b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcrops, and V/ historic buildings within a state scenic highway? c) Substantially degrade the existing visual character ✓ or quality of the site and its surroundings? d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare, which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area? H. AGRICULTURE RESOURCES. In determining whether impacts to agricultural resources are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to the California Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Model (1997) prepared by the California Dept. of Conservation as an optional model to use in assessing impacts on agriculture and farmland. Would the project: a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non- agricultural use? b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract? c) Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland, to non-agricultural use? II. AIR QUALITY. Where available, the significance criteria established by the applicable air quality management or air pollution control district may he relied upon to make the following determinations. Would the project: a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan? b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation? Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 12 Less Than Potentially Significant With Less Than Significant Mitigation Significant Issues Impact Incorporation Impact No Impact c) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions, which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)? d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations? ✓ e) Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people? IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES. Would the'project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? c) Have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means? d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites? e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance? f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional or state habitat conservation plan? Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 13 Less Than Potentially Significant With Less Than Significant Mitigation Significant Issues' Impact Incorporation Impact No Impact V. CULTURAL RESOURCES. Would the project: a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource as defined in ✓ §15064.5? b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource ✓ pursuant to §15064.5? c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleonto- logical resource or site or unique geologic ✓ feature? d) Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries? ✓ VI. GEOLOGY AND SOILS. Would the project: a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving: i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning map, issued by the ✓ State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault? ii) Strong seismic ground shaking? ✓ iii) Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction? ✓ iv) Landslides? ✓ b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? ✓ c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on- ✓ or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse? d) Be located on expansive.soil, as defined in Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), ✓ creating substantial risks to life or property? Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 14 Less Than Potentially Significant With Less Than Significant Mitigation Significant Issues Impact Incorporation Impact No Impact e) 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? VII. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS.. Would the project: a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use or disposal of hazardous materials? b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonable foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment? c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school? d) Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment? e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles or a public airport or public use ✓ airport, would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? g) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? h) 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? VM. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY. Would the project: Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 15 Less Than Potentially Significant With Less Than Significant Mitigation Significant Issues Impact Incorporation Impact No impact a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements? `/ b) Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge, such that there would be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of the local groundwater table level (e.g., the production rate of pre- existing nearby wells would drop to a level which would not support existing land uses or planned uses for which permits have been granted)? c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, in a manner which would result in substantial erosion or siltation on-or off-site? d) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, or substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner, which would result in flooding on- or off-site? e) Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff? f) Otherwise substantially degrade water quality? g) Place housing within a 100-year flood hazard area as mapped on a federal Flood hazard Boundary of Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood hazard delineation map? h) Place within 100-year flood hazard area structures, which would impede or redirect flood flows? i) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving flooding, ✓ including flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam? j) Inundation by seiche,tsunami, or mudflow? Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 16 Less Than Potentially Significant With Less Than Significant Mitigation Significant Issues Impact Incorporation Impact No Impact IX. LAND USE AND PLANNING. Would the project: a) Physically divide an established community? b) Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the project (including, but not limited to the general plan, specific plan, local coastal program, or zoning ordinance) adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect? c) Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan? X. MINERAL RESOURCES. Would the project: a) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be a value to the region and the residents of the state? b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan, specific plan or other land use plan? XI. NOISE. Would the project result in: a) Exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies? b) Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive groundbome vibration or groundborne noise levels? c) A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? d) A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 17 Less Than Potentially Significant With Less Than Significant Mitigation Significant Issues Impact Incorporation Impact No Impact e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? XII. POPULATION AND MOUSING. Would the project: a) Induce substantial population growth in an area, either directly (for example, by proposing new homes and businesses)or indirectly (for example, through extension of roads or other infrastructure)? b) Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? c) Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? XIII. PUBLIC SERVICES. Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the.provision of new,or physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other:performance objectives for any of the public services: a) Fire protection? b) Police protection? `/ c) Schools? d) Parks? e) Other public facilities? XIV. RECREATION. a) Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities, such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated? Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 18 Less Than Potentially Significant With Less Than Significant Mitigation Significant Issues Impact Incorporation Impact No Impact b) Does the project include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities, which might have an ✓ adverse physical effect on the environment? XV. TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC. Would the project: a) Cause an increase in traffic, which is substantial in relation to the existing traffic load and capacity of the street system (i.e., result in a substantial ✓ increase in either the number of vehicle trips, the volume to capacity ratio on roads, or congestion at intersections)? b) Exceed, either individually or cumulatively, a level of service standard established by the ✓ county congestion management agency for designated roads or highways? c) Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including either an increase in traffic levels or a change in location that results in substantial ✓ safety risks? d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g. sharp curves or dangerous ✓ intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)? e) Result in inadequate emergency access? ✓ f) Result in inadequate parking capacity? ✓ g) Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs supporting alternative transportation ✓ (e.g., bus turnouts, bicycle racks)? XVI. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS. Would the project: a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the applicable Regional Water Quality Control ✓ Board? b) Require or result in the construction of new water or wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which ✓ could cause significant environmental effects? Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 19 Less Than Potentially Significant With Less Than Significant Mitigation Significant Issues Impact Incorporation Impact No Impact c) Require or result in the construction of new storm water drainage facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? d) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project from existing entitlements and ✓ resources or are new or expanded entitlements needed? e) Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider, which serves or may serve the project that it has adequate capacity to serve the project's projected demand in addition to the provider's existing commitments? f) Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted capacity to accommodate the project's solid waste disposal needs? g) Comply with federal, state, and local statutes and regulations related to solid waste? XVII. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE. a) Does the project have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self- sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? b) Does the project have impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable? ("cumulatively considerable" means that the incremental effects of a project are considerable when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the effects of probable future projects.) c) Does the project have environmental effects, which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 20 IV. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS This section provides an evaluation of the impact categories and questions contained in the Environmental Checklist. I. AESTHETICS a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? No Impact. Views from the project site consist of Skylark Field and the Santa Ana Mountains (to the south), undeveloped property (to the west), Interstate 15 (I-15) and the Sedeco Hills to the north, and industrial uses (to the east.) Due to intervening vegetation and/or industrial development, the existing motocross operations are not visible from Corydon Street or Mission Trail. The proposed project does not anticipate the development of structures or features that would substantially alter existing site conditions as the proposed project would result only in a change of operations for the existing motocross activities. Therefore, impacts associated with a change in visual character of the project site and surrounding area are less than significant and no mitigation is required. b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a State Scenic Highway? No Impact. No historic buildings, rock outcroppings, or scenic resources are identified on the proposed project site as the project site currently is developed with dirt tracks, a dirt parking area, scattered weedy vegetation, portable restroom enclosures, wooden observation towers, and portable trailers which house maintenance and administrative offices. Mission Trail and Corydon Road provide access to the project site. The project site is also approximately 0.61 mile southwest of Interstate-15 (I- 15). However, none of the surrounding City roads or nearby I-15 are identified as a designated scenic highway.' Since there are no State-designated scenic highways located within the City of Lake Elsinore; the proposed project would not damage scenic resources within a State scenic Highway. Since the project site is currently developed with motocross facilities, the change in operation associated with the proposed project would not damage scenic resources including trees, rock outcroppings, or historic buildings as none of these features currently exist on the project site. Therefore, no impact associated with this issue would occur and no mitigation would be required. c) Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings? Less Than Significant Impact. The project site is currently developed with a motocross facility which consists of dirt tracks, a hardpacked dirt parking area, scattered weedy vegetation and small trees, portable restroom enclosures, wooden observation towers, and portable trailers housing maintenance and administrative offices. The proposed changes in the operation of the existing motocross facility would not result in the construction of structures or features that would substantially alter the current aesthetic condition of the project site. Given the current aesthetic quality of the site and surrounding area, changes in operation at the existing motocross facility would not adversely impact the existing character or quality of the site or its surroundings. No mitigation is warranted. d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare,which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area? Less Than Significant Impact. Mount Palomar Observatory, located in San Diego County is located Officially Designated State Scenic Highways, http://www.dot.ca.qov/ha/LandArch/scenictschM.htm, site accessed October 5,2009. Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 21 approximately 31.5 miles southeast of project site. Generally,to ensure that nighttime skies will not be brightened, observatories need to be sited 30 to 40 miles from large lighted areas. Riverside County Ordinance 655 has establishes two zones, which create a radius around the Palomar Observatory. Zone A is the circular ring area centered on Palomar Observatory with a 15-mile radius; Zone B is a circular ring area, with a 45-mile radius, centered on Palomar Observatory that extends from the outer limit of Zone A to the end of the 45-mile radius area. The project site is located within Zone B of the Mount Palomar Nighttime Lighting Policy Area. The ordinance restricts the permitted use of certain light fixtures emitting undesirable light rays into the night sky, which may have a detrimental effect on astronomical observation and research at the Mt. Palomar Observatory. As stated in Section 5(A)of Ordinance 655, "... low-pressure sodium lamps are the preferred illuminating source" in the Mount Palomar Nighttime Lighting Policy Area. Other lighting types of lighting systems are permitted in parking areas as long as they do not exceed 4,050 lumens. Lighting "allowed" under Ordinance 655 must be fully shielded (if feasible) and partially shielded in all other cases, and must be focused to minimize spill light into the night sky and onto adjacent properties. Due to the City's proximity to the Mount Palomar Observatory, the City encourages the use of low pressure sodium lighting for development. The City incorporates standards detailed in Ordinance 655 in Section 17.112.040 of the City's Municipal Code which states that all outdoor lighting fixtures in excess of 60 watts must be oriented and shielded to prevent direct overhead illumination and prevent any glare or direct illumination on adjacent properties or streets.z The existing motocross facility currently is not equipped with any nighttime lighting; therefore, track operations are limited to the daytime operational hours between 9:00a.m. and dusk. The proposed CUP envisions operation of the motocross facility from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Changes in operation at the motocross facility would include the use of portable, diesel-generator powered lighting. Lighting features would consist of up to 30 lighting units, with each unit consisting of four 1,000 watt fixtures. The portable lighting fixtures would be mounted on standards measuring up to 30 feet in height. As needed, lighting would be provided between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. during November through March; 6:00 p.m.— 10:00 p.m. during April through May, and October; and 7:00 p.m.— 10:00 p.m. June through September. Implementation of the proposed changes in operation would introduce a new source of light in area in the form of nighttime track lighting. The site is located within an urbanizing area of the City which already experiences some levels of light and/or glare from the existing buildings, vehicles, and streetlights. Light and glare from portable lighting fixtures and vehicles entering/exiting the project site would increase lighting sources in the project area. Active land uses adjacent to the project site include Skylark Field and multiple-tenant industrial uses, which are not light sensitive uses. In addition, the site is not adjacent to the MSHCP Conservation Area or any wildlife movement areas or corridors so light coming from portable lighting would not significant impact wildlife corridors. Adherence to the applicable lighting standards established by the ordinance and adherence to City development standards would ensure no significant impact to astronomical observations at Mount Palomar would occur as a result of development of the proposed project. The proposed project would be required to adhere to City standards related to the placement and shielding of lighting fixtures. The project proponent would be required to submit an on-site lighting plan for review and approval. This on-site lighting plan requires the identification of the type, intensity, and location of each proposed on- site lighting source for track lighting. The submittal of this plan is required as evidence that the proposed on-site lighting sources would meet City lighting standards. Because the project proponent would be required to meet lighting standards, no significant lighting related impact would result from Z Section 17.112.040 Lighting. City of Lake Elsinore Municipal Code, http://www.codcpublishing.coin/CA/lakeelsinorc/, website accessed October 5,2009. Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 22 the construction or operation of the proposed on-site uses and no mitigation is required. MITIGATION MEASURES None Required. II. AGRICULTURE RESOURCES a) Convert Prime Farmland,Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance(Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency,to non-agricultural use? No Impact. Farmland maps are compiled by the California Department of Conservation, Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program (FMMP), pursuant to the provisions of Section 65570 of the California Government Code. These maps utilize data from the United States Department of Conservation (USDA) Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) soil survey and current land use information using eight mapping categories and represent an inventory of agricultural resources within Riverside County. The maps depict currently urbanized lands and a qualitative sequence of agricultural designations. Maps and statistics use a process that integrates aerial photo interpretation, field mapping, a computerized mapping system, and public review. No portion of the project site is designated as Prime, Unique, or Statewide Important Farmland by the FMMP'. As no conversion of such farmland would occur, no impact related to this issue would result from changes in operation of the proposed motocross facility.No mitigation is required. b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use,or a Williamson Act contract? No Impact. Williamson Act contracts restrict land development of contract lands. The contracts typically limit land use in contract lands to agriculture, recreation, and open space, unless otherwise stated in the contract. The project site is not located within an area covered by a Williamson Act contract; therefore, no cancellation or non-renewal action would occur. In addition, the project site is zoned "Specific Plan" by the City. Neither the site nor surrounding properties are currently utilized or planned on being utilized for agricultural uses. Changes in operation of the existing motocross facility on the project site would not result in the conversion of Williamson Act contract land or conversion of agriculturally zoned land to a non-agricultural use. No impact related to these issues would occur; therefore,no mitigation is required. c) Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland,to non-agricultural use? No Impact.As no agricultural activity occurs on or adjacent to the project site, and because the project area has been previously planned for non-agricultural uses, changes of operation at the existing motocross facility would not cause changes in the existing environment that would result in the conversion of farmland to a non-agricultural use. As a result, no impact related to this issue would occur and no mitigation is required. MITIGATION MEASURES 3 California Department of Conservation, Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program,2006. 4 The Williamson Act is a procedure authorized under Stale law to preserve agricultural lands as well as open space.Property owners entering into a Williamson Act contract receive a reduction in property taxes in return for agreeing to protect the land's open space or agricultural values. Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 23 None required. III. AIR QUALITY a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan? Less Than Si<lnilicant Impact The project is located within the South Coast Air Basin (Basin) and is within the jurisdiction of the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). The Basin is bounded by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the San Gabriel, San Bernardino, and San Jacinto Mountains to the north and east. It includes all of Orange County, the non-Antelope Valley portions of Los Angeles County, and the non-desert portions of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. The current regional air quality plan is the 2007 Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) adopted by the SCAQMD on July 13, 2007. The 2007 AQMP proposes attainment demonstration of the federal PM2.5 standards through a more focused control of sulfur oxides (SOx), directly emitted PM2.5, and nitrogen oxides (NOx) supplemented with volatile organic compounds (VOC) by 2015. The 8-hour ozone control strategy builds upon the PM2.5 strategy, augmented with additional NOx and VOC reductions, to meet the standard by 2024 assuming a bump-up is obtained.5 The Basin is currently a federal and state non-attainment area for PM10 and ozone. The 2007 AQMP was based on assumptions provided by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG.)to model for the most recent motor vehicle and demographic data, respectively. The air quality levels projected in the 2007 AQMP assume that development associated with general plans, specific plans, residential projects, and wastewater projects will be constructed in accordance with population growth projections identified by SCAP in its 2004 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP.) The 2007 AQMP has also assumed that these development projects will implement strategies to reduced construction and operational emissions. The proposed change in operations at the existing motocross facility would not result in the emission of air pollutants in excess of established California Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS), nor would it result in growth not previously assumed by the City in its General Plan or by SCAG in its growth projections. As the project satisfies Consistency Criteria 1 and 2 in the SCAQMD's CEQA Air Quality Handbook, the project would not obstruct the implementation of the current AQMP. No significant impact related to this issue would occur; therefore, no mitigation is required. b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation? Less Than Significant Impact. Ongoing activities associated with the motocross facility would continue to result in emissions of carbon monoxide (CO),volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrous oxides (NOX), oxides of sulfur (SOX), and particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5.) These emissions are expected from the following sources: fugitive dust, off-road recreational vehicles, off-road construction vehicles, and patron/employee trips. As identified in Table B, emissions resulting from operation and routine maintenance of the existing motocross facility would not exceed established SCAQMD standards. 5 Final 2007 Air Quality Management Plan, South Coast Air Quality Management District, June 2007.Adopted July 13,2007. Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 24 Table B: Operational Air Emissions (Pounds per day) Project Operations I VOC I NO,, CO SO,, PM,o PM2.5 Heavy Duty Construction(Maintenance)Equipment Off-Road Equipment Operations 1 4.59 1 32.20 1 16.35 1 0.03 2.28 2.10 Off-Road Vehicles(Off-Road Motorcycles and Four-Wheeled Vehicles) Off-Road Emissions 24.72 1 0.3 556.14 0.28 0.34 0.31 Fugitive Dust Emissions 0 0 0 0 71.82 17.40 Worker/Patron Trips On-Road Vehicular Emissions 3.40 21.03 26.86 0.03 0.80 0.67 Maximum Daily Emissions 32.71 53.59 72.49 0.34 75.24 19.81 SCAQMD Threshold 55.0 55.0 550.0 150.0 150.0 55.0 Significant? NO NO NO NO NO NO Source:lake Elsinore Motocross lark Air Quality Impact Analysis,Urban Crossroads,January 29,2009. As identified in Table C, changes in the operation of the existing motocross facility would continue to generate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The SCAQMD has issued an interim significance threshold for GHG emissions from industrial projects of 10,000 metric tons (MT) CO2 eq/yr. The SCAQMD considered performance standards focused on energy efficiency measures that exceeded Title 24 standards and a screening level of 3,000 MT CO2 eq/yr. The CARB has identified an interim industrial significance threshold for GHG of 7,000 MT CO2 eq/yr. To date, these preliminary or interim standards have not yet been formally adopted by CARB, SCAQMD or other regulatory body. Changes in operation of the existing motocross facility would result in emissions of approximately 2,829 metric tons of CO2 eq/yr. This volume of emissions represents approximately 0.00059 percent of the State's total CO2 emissions in 2004. Table C: Greenhouse Gas Emissions (Tons per year) Project Operations CO2 CH, NZO Heavy Construction Equipment Off-Road Equipment Emissions 2,228 1 0.36 0.06 Off-Road Vehicles(Off Road Motorcycles and Four-Wheeled Vehicles) Off-Road Vehicle Emissions 0.43 0.005 0.00056 Worker/Patron Trips On-Road Vehicular Emissions 560 0.17 0.033 Total Tons per Year 2,788.43 0.535 0.09356 Total Tons per Year(CO2 eq) 2,828.665 Source:Lake Elsinore Motocross Park Air Quality Impact Analysis,Urban Crossroads.January 29,2009. CO2:carbon dioxide,CH4:methane,N20:nitrous oxide Due to the global nature of potential climate change impacts, it is reasonable to conclude that changes in operation of the existing motocross facility would not significantly or directly impact or influence global climate change (GCC). The project's GHG emissions would combine with those generated with other regional, national, and global GHG emission, resulting cumulatively in potential GCC impacts. As GHG-emissions generated on-site do not exceed the preliminary or interim standards identified by CARB or SCAQMD, it is reasonable to conclude that no cumulatively significant GHG/GCC impact would result from the proposed change in operations at the existing motocross facility. Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities-Change in Operations 25 Since a change in the operations of the existing motocross facility would not violate air quality standards or exceed AQMD significance thresholds, impacts associated with this issue would be less than significant.No mitigation is required. c) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)? Less Than Significant Impact. Please refer to Checklist Response III.B. d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations? Less Than Significant Impact. Sensitive receptors are defined as populations that are more susceptible to the effects of pollution than the population at large. A localized significance threshold (LST) analysis was conducted for the project. The localized significant threshold analysis was performed per SCAQMD Final Localized Significance Threshold Methodology. Following the SCAQMD LST methodology, the analysis only includes emissions produced on the project site. Existing sensitive land uses within the project area consist of residential uses. For purposes of this analysis, sensitive receptors are assumed to be located at 530 feet (162 meters) for emissions of CO, PM10, and PM2.5. For emissions of NO2, discrete receptors were placed at intervening distances from the fence-line of the project site to account for the change in NOx to NO2 as a function of distance. Table D compares the anticipated operational emissions against the localized significance threshold. Table D: Summary of Localized Significance of Operational Emissions CO NOx PM,,, I PM,.3. :,' Averaging Time Project Operations 1-Hour 8-Hour 1-Hour 24-Hours Peak Day Localized Emissions 0.027 0.020 1.30E-04 0.60 0.59 Background Concentration 2.0 1.0 0.07 n/a n/a Total Concentration 2.027 1.02 0.07 0.60 0.59 Localized Significance Threshold 20 9 0.18 2.5 2.5 Significant Impact? I No No No No No Source:Lake Elsinore Molocross Park Air Quality Impact Analysis,Urban Crossroads,January 29,2009. As indicated in Table D, emissions generated during the operational phase of the project would not exceed the localized significant thresholds for CO,NOx, PM10, and PM2.5 for sensitive receptors in the area. Because the proposed project would not result in any localized significant air quality impacts during its operational phase, impacts would be less than significant.No mitigation is required. A CO hotspot is a localized concentration of carbon monoxide that is above State and/or Federal 1- hour or 8-hour ambient air standards that is generally associated with idling or slow moving traffic. Because the proposed project does not have the potential to worse level of service (LOS) delays on adjacent roadways, a CO hotspot analysis is not required and a less than significant impact to sensitive receptors is anticipated. No mitigation measure-is required. Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 26 e) Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people? Less Than Si(_,nilicant Impact. The potential for the project to generate objectionable odors has been considered. Land uses generally associated with odor complaints include: agricultural uses, wastewater treatment plants, food processing plant, chemical plants, composting operations, refineries, landfills, and dairies. The proposed project doe not contain land uses typically associated with emitting objectionable odors. Potential odor sources associated with the proposed project may result from equipment exhaust and the temporary storage of typical solid waste associated with the motocross facility. However, the solid waste would be stored in covered containers and removed at regular intervals in compliance with the City's solid waste regulations. The proposed project is also required to comply with SCAQMD Rule 402 to prevent occurrences of public nuisances associated with odor. Therefore, odors associated with the proposed project would be less than significant and no mitigation is required. MITIGATION MEASURES None Required. IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? Less Than Sianilicant Impact. No threatened or endangered species occur on the project site. The site is not within designated critical habitat of any species. The nearest designated critical habitat is for the California gnatcatcher (CAGN) approximately 1.5 miles northeast of the proposed project site. Critical habitat for Munz's onion occurs approximately 3 miles southwest of the proposed project site. No suitable habitat for CAGN, Munz's onion, or any other threatened or endangered species occurs on site. No impacts will occur to listed species. Assessments were performed to determine Additional Survey Needs and Procedures (LSA 2009). The project site is within the Burrowing Owl Survey Area. A Burrowing Owl HSA was conducted on May 21, 2009 for the entire project site. The entire project site was walked and potentially suitable habitat areas were identified based on the presence of low-growing vegetation in areas large enough to allow foraging. Areas identified with suitable vegetation were then searched for the presence of small mammal burrows, and manmade structures such as earthen berms, debris piles, or concrete pipes, that would support burrowing owls. The majority of the site does not contain suitable habitat to support burrowing owls due to its existing use as a motocross facility. Constant vehicle use and grading of track and parking areas preclude burrowing owl establishment. Vegetation within the tamarisk scrub vegetation community at the southeastern portion of the site contains too many trees to provide suitable burrowing owl habitat. Suitable habitat was determined to occur in the disturbed/bare ground vegetation community in the northeastern corner of the site. Vegetation in this area is low and sparse. Several small mammal burrows were observed, as well as a concrete pipe that could provide a suitable burrow, however no owls or owl sign (pellets, whitewash, feathers, prey remains, etc.) were observed at the time of the HSA. Although suitable burrowing owl habitat occurs in a small portion of the site, focused surveys were not conducted and are not necessary as no activities associated with the proposed project would occur in the suitable habitat area of the site. Areas with proposed activities associated with the CUP do Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 27 not provide suitable burrowing owl habitat due to high disturbance. Therefore, a less than significant impact would occur.No mitigation measures are required. b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? Less Than Significant Impact. The existing motocross facility consists of dirt tracks, a hardpacked dirt parking area, scattered weedy vegetation and small trees, portable restroom enclosures, wooden observation towers, and trailers housing maintenance and administrative offices. Based on the MSHCP Consistency Determination Applicationb completed, the soils on site are highly disturbed and compacted. Vegetation communities identified on site include disturbed/bare ground, tamarisk/willow scrub, and tamarisk scrub. The disturbed/bare ground community occurs throughout the majority of the site as the site is maintained as motocross tracks and parking areas consisting of bare ground. Small patches of disturbed vegetation occur in depressions throughout the site where water from watering trucks used to reduce dust collects. The northeastern corner of the site consists of disturbed/bare ground as well as an area of tamarisk/willow scrub and a population of smooth tarplant (Centromadia pungens ssp. laevis). The tamarisk/willow scrub community is highly disturbed and contains dumped furniture, concrete, tires, and other trash. The smooth tarplant population consists of approximately 100 plants and occurs in a mostly open area. This area would not be affected by activities proposed in the CUP. The southeastern portion of the study area consists of highly disturbed tamarisk scrub. This portion of the site would also not be affected by activities proposed in the CUP. No washes, streams, oak trees,juniper trees or rock outcroppings occur in proposed impact areas. No impacts to unique biological features are anticipated by activities proposed in the CUP. The project site is located within the MSHCP Criteria Area Species Survey Area (CASSA), and Narrow Endemic Plant Species Survey Area (NEPSSA).' Less than 1 percent of the project site is within the NEPSSA; a small fragment near the western corner and another small fragment at the southwestern corner. The fragment at the southwestern corner is intended to remain vacant and would not be affected by activities associated with the proposed CUP. The fragment at the western corner is highly disturbed and consists of bare ground as it is currently in use as part of the existing motocross facility. A Habitat Suitability Assessment (HSA) was conducted at the time of the site visit (May 21, 2009) to determine the habitat suitability within the NEPSSA areas for the seven NEPSSA target species identified for the project site [Munz's onion (Allium munzii), San Diego ambrosia (Ambrosia pumila), Many-stemmed dudleya (Dudleya multicaulis), Spreading navarretia (Navarretia fossalis), California Orcutt grass (Orcuttia californica), Hammitt's clay-cress (Sibaropsis hammittii), and Wright's trichocoronis (Trichocoronis wrightii var. wrightii)]. Due to the disturbed nature of the majority of the site and absence of clay and Traver-Domino-Willows soils on site, suitable habitat conditions and/or soils do not occur in the NEPSSA portions of the site for any of the NEPSSA target species listed above. As previously identified, the project site is within the CASSA survey area for eight plant species [San Jacinto Valley crownscale (Atriplex coronata var. notation), Parish's brittlescale (Atriplex parishii), 6 MSHCP Consistency Determination Application for Conditional Use Permit No.2008-12, City of Lake Elsinore Community Development Department Planning Division. 7 Lake Elsinore Motocross Facility General Biological Resources and MSHCP Compliance Report, LSA Associates, June 2009. Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 28 Davidson's saltscale (Atriplex serenana var. davidsonii), Thread-leaved brodiaea (Brodiaea filifolia), Round-leaved filaree (California macrophylla), Smooth tarplant (Centromadia pungens ssp. laevis), Coulter's goldfields (Lasthenia glabrata ssp. coulteri), and Little mousetail (Myosurus minimus ssp. apus). Less than 1 percent of the project site, in the southeastern corner, is within the CASSA. A Habitat Suitability Assessment (HSA) was conducted on May 21, 2009 to determine the habitat suitability within the CASSA areas on site for the eight species listed above. Suitable soils and/or habitat conditions for the eight target species do not occur in the CASSA portion of the site and focused surveys are not required. Smooth tarplant, a CASSA species, occurs within the northeastern corner of the project site. However, this corner is outside of the CASSA survey area and will not be affected by activities associated with the proposed project. No other CASSA species were observed within the project site. Since the proposed project would not riparian habitat or a sensitive natural community, impacts associated with this issue would be less than significant. No mitigation is required. c) Have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal,filling,hydrological interruption,or other means? Less Than Significant Impact. Riparian/riverine areas are lands that contain habitat dominated by trees, shrubs, and persistent emergents, which occur close to or depend upon soil moisture from a nearby water source; or areas with fresh water flowing during all or a portion of the year. Unvegetated drainages (ephemeral streams) may be included if alterations to that drainage have the potential to affect Covered Species and Conservation Areas. No riparian/riverine or vernal pools occur within the portion of the project site within Cell 5131.8 Plant species indicative of riparian areas, including narrow-leaved cattail, rabbitfoot grass, and alkali bulrush, occur in small patches throughout the bare ground/disturbed areas of the project site. However, these species are growing in depressions that exist as a result of creation and maintenance of the motocross tracks and associated parking facilities. Water from water trucks used multiple times daily to reduce dust from the tracks collects in these depressions and provides sufficient water to support riparian vegetation species. However, these depressions are not naturally occurring and sufficient water would not exist to support this vegetation without artificial water sources. A small patch of arroyo willow trees, also associated with riparian areas, occurs in the northeast corner of the study area. No above-ground water sources were observed in this area and the trees likely either receive water from an underground source or from watering trucks. This vegetation would not be affected by the proposed project activities. No other riparian/riverine areas occur in the study area. Project activities would not impact any riparian/riverine areas; therefore, no surveys for riparian birds will be required. Additionally, no vernal pools or similar habitats suitable for special interest fairy shrimp species are present on the project site; therefore, no surveys for fairy shrimp species would be required. Therefore, impacts associated with this issue would be less than significant. No mitigation measures are required. d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites? Less Than Significant Impact. Wildlife movement includes seasonal migration along corridors, as 8 Lake Elsinore Motocross Facility General Biological Resources and MSHCP Compliance Report, LSA Associates, June 2009. Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 29 well as daily movements for foraging and reaching water sources. Migrational corridors may include areas of unobstructed movement for deer, riparian corridors providing cover for migrating birds, routes between breeding waters and upland habitat for amphibians, and between roosting and feeding areas for birds. The project site is not adjacent to any existing or proposed linkage or core areas as identified in the MSHCP. The site is surrounded by recreational and commercial uses on the south and east. A small amount of open space occurs to the north, but residential development less than '/3 of a mile north of the site blocks any potential wildlife movement in this direction. Undeveloped areas of the site could provide wildlife movement for species associated with Lake Elsinore to the west; however,there is no habitat to the east to which the site would provide a wildlife connection for. In addition, no nursery sites, such as bat roosting sites or bird rookeries, were identified on the project site during site reconnaissance. Impacts associated with issue would be less than significant. No mitigation is required. e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance? No Impact. The City of Lake Elsinore has determined that several species of palms are important to maintaining the character of the local community and at protecting the local environment. According to the provisions of Ordinance 1044, no Significant Palm may be removed or relocated without a permit from the Director of Community Services. Significant Palms are defined as any palm taller than five feet in height (as measured from the ground to the base of crown) for the following species: California Date Palm (washingtonia fflifara), Canary Island Date Palm (phoenix canariensis), Mediterranean Fan Palm (chamaerops humilis), Pindo Palm (butia capitata), Pygmy Palm (phoenix roebelenii), Senegal Date Palm (phoenix reclinata), and Windmill Palm (trachycarpus fortunei). There were no palms observed on the project site during site reconnaissance.9 Since no palms are located on site, implementation of the proposed project would not result in a conflict with the City's local policy of preserving palm trees. Therefore, no impacts associated with this issue would occur.No mitigation measures are required. f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan,or other approved local, regional,or state habitat conservation plan? Less Than Significant Impact. The proposed project is located within the adopted Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) area. The MSHCP is a comprehensive, multi jurisdictional Habitat Conservation Plan focusing on conservation of species and associated habitats in Western Riverside County. An approximately 15-acre portion of the study area at the southeastern portion of the site is located within MSHCP Criteria Area Cell 5131. This cell lies within the Elsinore Area Plan, Subunit 3. The portion of the project site within Cell 5131 currently contains undeveloped disturbed habitat classified as Tamarisk Scrub and a graded access road leading from Cereal Street to the entrance of the motocross facility.No new activities are proposed in this portion of the project site. Additionally, due to the disturbed nature of the project site, this area contains little to no habitat value for any of the planning species identified for the Elsinore Area Plan Subunit 3. The site is surrounded by development to the east and south and therefore does not provide linkage habitat for any species. A Linkage is a connection between Core Areas with adequate size, configuration, and vegetation characteristics to generally provide for "Live-In" habitat and/or provide for genetic flow for identified planning species. A Core is a block of habitat that supports the life history requirements of Covered 9 Lake Elsinore Motocross Facility General Biological Resources and MSHCP Compliance Report, LSA Associates, June 2009. Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 30 Species. The proposed project site lies within a cell containing land identified for potential use to extend Existing Core 3. According to the MSHCP, this extension consists of two blocks of land extending from the southern border of Existing Core 3. It is intended to conserve Traver series soils which provide habitat for several Narrow Endemic Plant Species. The northern portion of the extension also provides for movement of species along the lower San Jacinto River to Proposed Linkage 8 (Sedco Hills/Wildomar). Potential areas identified for extension of Existing Core 3 are not within the study area;therefore, approval of the CUP will be in compliance with MSHCP conservation goals related to Cores and Linkages. As indicated previously, the project would be consistent with MSHCP policies which include riverine/riparian protection, vernal pool protection, urban/wildland interface policies, and MSHCP survey requirements. Other adopted Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs) in the area include the Stephens' Kangaroo Rat HCP. The project site is not within the Stephens' Kangaroo Rat Habitat Conservation Plan (SKR HCP) fee area. As a result, the proposed project is not in conflict with the requirements of the HCP. The project site is not subject to any other adopted HCP. Based upon the information provided, the proposed project implements and is consistent with the requirements of the MSHCP, and the Stephens Kangaroo Rat HCP.As a result, no significant impacts are anticipated. MITIGATION MEASURES None required. V. CULTURAL RESOURCES a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource as defined in §15064.5? No Impact. A "historic resource" includes, but is not limited to any object, building, site, area, place, record, or manuscript that is historically or archaeologically significant, or is significant in the architectural, engineering, scientific, economic, agricultural, educational, social, political, military, or cultural annals of California.10 CEQA mandates that Lead Agencies consider a resource to be "historically significant" if it meets the criteria for listing on the California Register of Historic Resources. Such resources meet this requirement if they are (1) associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of California history, (2) associated with the lives of important persons in the past, (3) embody distinctive characteristics of a type, period, region, or method of construction, and/or (4) represent the work of an important creative individual or possesses high artistic value. As identified in Draft East Lake District Plan, the area encompassed within the East Lake District is a generally flat area that has historically remained mostly undeveloped and does not contain any registered historic structures." The project site is an existing motocross facility and does not contain any registered historic structures. In addition, no City identified historical resources have been identified on the project site.12 The proposed project entails a change of operations at the existing motocross facility in an area already disturbed by motocross activities. Since no historic resources are located within the project site and because the proposed project would not result in additional land disturbance, no significant impact to any historic resources would result from implementation of the 10 Public Resources Code, Section 6020.10). 11 Draft East Lake District Plan,City of Lake Elsinore,http://www.lake-elsinore.orpJindex.asgx?pace=232,website accessed October 6,2009. 12 Figure 3.2-2 Historical Resources, City of Lake Elsinore General Plan Draft Environmental Impact Report, Jones & Stokes, December 2007. Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 31 proposed project.No mitigation is required. b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to §15064.5? Less Than Significant Impact With Mitigation Incorporated The project site has been extensively modified through the grading required to create the existing motocross facility. Routine track maintenance includes daily dragging of tracks, resurfacing of jump faces, and ripping of surfaces to prevent soils from becoming hardpacked. No prehistoric archaeological resources were identified during any of these activities. The proposed project would result in a change in operations which would include an extension of operating hours, the conversion of an existing motocross track into an off-road track, and the creation of an outdoor seating area for occasional use (which involves only the seeding of the existing area). As no evidence of archaeological resources was identified during the operation of the existing motocross facility, the potential for the discovery of archaeological resources on the project site is low. However, there is still potential for archaeological resources to be uncovered during the course of any ground-disturbing activities. Mitigation Measure CUL-1 has been identified in the event that cultural resources are discovered during the course of any ground-disturbing activities. Adherence to Mitigation Measure CUL-1 would reduce impacts associated with this issue to a less than significant level.No mitigation is required. c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature? Less Than Significant Impact. With the exception of the tracks created for vehicle usage,the project site is relatively flat. No unique geologic feature is located within the project site. The Quaternary alluvium underlying the East Lake District area is considered too young to contain important fossileferous material"; however, these deposits form only a thin veneer over older deposits that may contain fossiliferous materials. Although there is potential for fossiliferous materials in the East Lake District, the project site itself has a"low potential" for paleontological resources.14 No paleontological resources have been identified during previous on-site ground disturbances, on-site operations, or routine maintenance. Proposed changes in operation of the existing motocross facility would not alter the amount or location of ground disturbance. Routine track maintenance includes daily dragging of tracks, resurfacing of jump faces, and ripping of surfaces to prevent soils from becoming hardpacked. Because of the site's "low" paleontological sensitivity and absence of any previously detected resources, it is reasonable to conclude the change in operations in the existing motocross facility would not result in a significant impact to paleontological resources. Therefore,no mitigation is required. d) Disturb any human remains,including those interred outside of formal cemeteries? Less Than Significant Impact. The project site is currently developed with a motocross facility. As such, the project site has been extensively graded as a result of the operation of the existing motocross facility. No evidence is in place to suggest the project site has been used for human burials. The California Health and Safety Code (Section 7050.5) states that if human remains are discovered on site, no further disturbance shall occur until the County Coroner has made a determination of origin and disposition pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 5097.98. No significant impact is anticipated to result from changes in operation of the existing motocross facility. As adherence to State regulations is required for all development, no additional measures are required. 13 Final Environmental Impact Report East Lake Specific Plan, Chambers Group, Inc., May 1993. 14 Riverside County Land Information System, Liquefaction Potential for APN 370-030-012. site accessed October 6,2009. Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 32 MITIGATION MEASURES CUL-1 In the event any suspected archaeological resource is uncovered during the course of the track maintenance, ground-disturbing activities in the vicinity of the find shall be redirected until the City has been notified and the find has been evaluated by a qualified (as determined by the City) archeologist. Any suspected archeological resource shall be evaluated and a final report prepared. The report shall include a list of the resources recovered, documentation of each site/locality, and interpretation of resources recovered per applicable City and/or State regulations. If the find is determined to be a historical or unique archaeological resource, as defined in Section 15064.5 of the CEQA Guidelines, avoidance or other appropriate measures shall be implemented pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5(f). VI. GEOLOGY AND SOILS a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury,or death involving: i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning map, issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault? (Refer to Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42.) No Impact. While the project site is located in a seismically active region, the existing motocross facility is not located within a known "Earthquake Fault Zone" as defined by Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map Act. The nearest Alquist-Priolo Special Study Zone to the motocross facility is the Elsinore (Wildomar) Fault, which at its nearest, is located approximately 0.80 miles southeast of the site.15 Previous seismic investigations prepared for SPA No. 6 and summarized in the Draft SEIR for SPA No. 8 do not identify any active faults within the limits of the existing motocross facility. The proposed changes in operation at the existing motocross facility would not result in the construction of habitable structures or features; therefore, no potential for the loss, injury , or death resulting from fault rupture would occur. No mitigation is required. ii) Strong seismic ground shaking? Less Than Significant Impact. Like all of southern California, the project site is located in a seismically active area and,therefore, will continue to be subject to ground shaking resulting from activity on local and regional faults. The proposed project site is located within Seismic Zone 4, which includes those areas of California that have experienced major historic earthquakes (Richter magnitude greater than seven) and high levels of recent seismicity.16 While the project site may be subject to strong ground shaking on-site, the proposed changes in operation at the existing motocross facility do not include the construction of structures designed for human occupancy. Therefore, the proposed changes would not expose people or structures to adverse ground shaking events, including the risk of loss, injury, or death that may result from structural failure. Impacts related to this issue would be less than significant and no mitigation would be required. 75 Section 3.4, Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report Eastlake Specific Plan No. 93-3/Amendment No. 8, HDR,August 2005. 1 e Preliminary Geotechnical Investigation Report Adelanto Project Approximately 36.45 Acres Southwest Comer of Highway 395 and Mojave Drive,City ofAdelanto,California,Converse Consultants,March 14,2007,page 8 updated July 10,2008. Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 33 iii) Seismic-related ground failure,including liquefaction? No Impact. Liquefaction occurs when loose, unconsolidated, water-laden soils are subjected to shaking as a result of an earthquake, causing the soils to lose cohesion. The possibility of liquefaction occurring at a project site is dependent upon the occurrence of a significant earthquake in the vicinity, sufficient groundwater to cause high pore pressures, and on the grain size, plasticity, relative density, and confining pressures of the soil at the project site. Based on the Riverside County Land Information System, the project site has a very low liquefaction susceptibility. Since the project site has a very low liquefaction susceptibility and because the proposed project does not envision the construction of structures or facilities that would be occupied, changes in operation at the existing motocross would not expose people to adverse liquefaction hazards. Therefore, no impact related to this issue would occur. No mitigation is required. iv) Landslides? No Impact. The project site is located in a relatively flat area with on-site elevations ranging from approximately 1,250 to 1,262 feet above mean sea level (amsl.) In addition, the project site is not within an area of identified steep slopes or susceptible to landslide hazards nor is located near lands identified as having a landslide susceptibility; therefore, landslides are not a geotechnical constraint for the site. Track features, such as jumps and banked curves, are maintained on the active portions of the site. Track maintenance includes daily re-facing of all jumps, thereby ensuring no unstable slope conditions would result from the proposed changes in track operations. As the proposed project and on-site track features would not result in a landslide hazard,no impact related to this issue would occur. No mitigation is required. b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? Less Than Significant. As with any movement of soil, the continual maintenance of the existing track facilities has the potential to loosen surface soils, thereby making soils susceptible to wind and/or water erosion. The City has required the submittal of detailed Erosion Control Plans as a condition of approval for previous CUP applications for the motocross facility.' It is anticipated that a similar condition would be required as part of the proposed CUP application. The preparation, approval, and implementation of the required erosion control plan would address any issues related to potential on- site erosion. Because operation of the motocross facility in compliance with the required erosion control plan is mandated as a condition of operation, it is reasonable to anticipate the necessary actions to prevent erosion would be implemented. Therefore, no significant impact related to this issue would result from changes in operation at the motocross facility and no mitigation is required. c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable,or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on- or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse? Less Than Significant Impact. Subsidence is the sudden sinking or gradual downward settling of the earth's surface with little or no horizontal motion. Subsidence is caused by a variety of activities, which includes (but is not limited to) withdrawal of groundwater, pumping of oil and gas from underground, the collapse of underground mines, liquefaction, and hydro-compaction. The project does not include the withdrawal of groundwater or other resources from underground. The project site 17 Conditions 37-38, Conditions of Approval for CUP No. 2001-05 lake Elsinore Motcross Facility Interim Motocross Facility, Approved August 7, 2002 Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 34 is identified as being susceptible to subsidence.18 Although the project site is susceptible to subsidence, the nature of activities currently occurring on the project site are unlikely to be impacted as activities are of a temporary nature unlike other activities which require a building. The proposed project would result in a change in operation of the existing motocross facility. Lateral spreading during a seismic event involves lateral movement of earth materials due to ground shaking. The project site is not located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on-site or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction, or collapse;therefore, impacts associated with these issues are less than significant. No mitigation is required. d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating substantial risks to life or property? No Impact. Expansive soils generally have a significant amount of clay particles, which can give up water (shrink) or take on water (swell). The change in volume exerts stress on buildings and other loads placed on these soils. The extent of shrink/swell is influenced by the amount and kind of clay in the soil. The occurrence of these soils is often associated with geologic units having marginal stability. The distribution of expansive soils can be widely dispersed, and they can occur in hillside areas as well as low-lying alluvial basins. Soils in the project consist predominantly of granular and non-expansive material. The proposed project consists of changes in operation at an existing motocross facility and does not include the installation of any structure or feature intended for human occupancy. Because the nature of activities that would occur on the project site would remain the same under the proposed project, the proposed changes would not create risks to life or property due to expansive soils. No impact related to this issue would occur.No mitigation is required. e) Have soils capable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of wastewater? No Impact. The existing motocross facility is not connected to a public wastewater conveyance and treatment. Currently the motocross facility utilizes potable toilet systems that are maintained in accordance with applicable City and County requirements. The proposed change in on-site operations does not envision modifications to the current system of wastewater disposal. Because septic systems will not be utilized on-site, no impact related to this issue will occur.No mitigation is required. MITIGATION MEASURES None required. VII. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use or disposal of hazardous materials? Less than Shmificant Impact. The proposed project consists of a change in operations at the existing motocross facility. Potentially hazardous materials, such as petroleum products, and other household products such as paint products, solvents, and cleaning products may be stored on-site. However, all activity involving hazardous substances is currently conducted in accordance with applicable local, 18 Riverside County Land Information System, Subsidence Potential for APN 370-030-012, site accessed October 6,2009. Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 35 State, and Federal safety standards. Since the proposed project is a change in operations, it is anticipated that the same type and quantity of petroleum projects, paints, solvent, and cleaning products would be utilized. The proposed project would still be required to adhere to any applicable local, State, and Federal safety standards associated with the handling of these materials. In addition, the amount of such materials utilized at the project site are anticipated to be used in small quantities on an as needed basis. Therefore, potential impacts associated with the use, transport, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials will be less than significant. No mitigation is required. b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonable foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment? Less than Significant Impact Refer to response VII a. c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school? No Impact. The closest existing or proposed school to the proposed project site is Jean Hayman Elementary School located approximately 0.5 mile southeast of the project site. Since no existing schools or proposed schools are within one-quarter mile of the project site, no impacts associated with this issue would occur. No mitigation is required. 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? No Impact. The Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC) and the State Water Resources Board that designate the sites for the Hazardous Waste and Substance Site (Cortese) List do not indicate any underground storage tanks, hazardous waste generators, landfills, or other potentially hazardous materials located on the site.19 No conditions of hazardous material concern were identified as occurring on the proposed project site. Therefore, no impact would occur. No mitigation is required. e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles or a public airport or public use airport,would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? No Impact. According to the City of Lake Elsinore's General Plan, there are no public use airports in the City. The closet public use airport to the project site is the March Air Field that is 14 miles northeast of the project site. Due to the distance of this airport from the proposed project, implementation of the proposed project would not result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the area.No mitigation is required. f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? Less Than Significant. The existing motocross facility is located directly adjacent to Skylark Field, a private air facility utilized for sky diving (Skydive Elsinore). Skylark Airport is a privately owned airport that occupies approximately 150 acres of land located at the southern city limits on Corydon Road. The airport houses 21 single-engine aircraft, five multi-engine aircraft, and four gliders. The Skylark Airport is utilized for skydiving and other recreational air uses. There is no approved airport land use plan for this air facility. The proposed project would result in a change of operations to an 'B Department of Toxic Substance Control, Hazardous Waste and Substance Site (Cortese) List, htto://www.dtsg-gg.gov/SiteC[eangg/Cortese List cfm,site accessed October 6,2009. Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 36 existing motocross facility. It is anticipated that no additional new safety hazards associated with Skylark Airport would be generated for people working in the project area as the airport is primarily used for sky diving and other recreational air activities. A less than significant impact is anticipated to occur and no mitigation is required. g) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? No Impact. The proposed project would not conflict with any emergency response or evacuation plans. The track and parking areas are provided separate emergency vehicle entry off the dirt access road (which extends off Cereal Street from Corydon Street.) This access would continued to be maintained at the existing motocross facility. As sufficient emergency vehicle access is currently provided (and will be maintained), the proposed changes in operation at the existing motocross facility would not interfere with any emergency response or evacuation plan. Therefore, no impacts associated with this issue would occur and no mitigation is required. h) 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? Less than Significant Impact. The project site is identified as being within a "low" wildfire zone. 20 However, the project site is currently developed with a series of dirt tracks, parking areas, and access roads. The project site is currently sparsely vegetated and surrounded by developed industrial uses and an active airport utilized for sky diving. The proposed change in operations at the existing motocross facility would not expose people or property to new increased wildland fire risks. Therefore, a less than significant impact would result from implementation of the proposed project. No mitigation is required. MITIGATION MEASURES None required. VIII. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements? Less Than Significant Impact. The project site is located within the Lake Elsinore Sub-area (San Jacinto River Basin) and located within the Santa Ana River Watershed (via the Lake Elsinore Outlet Channel and Temescal Creek). The approved Basin Plan identified four beneficial uses for Lake Elsinore. Though indicated as a potentially supporting the Municipal and Domestic Water Supply (MUN) Beneficial Use, the lake has been exempted from attaining these standards. The established Beneficial Uses for Lake Elsinore are as follows. Water Contact Recreation (REC-1) is defined as the use of water for recreational activities involving body contact with water, where ingestion of the water is reasonably possible. These uses include, but are not limited to, swimming, wading, water-skiing, skin and scuba diving, surfing, white water activities, fishing, and the use of natural hot springs. 20 Figure 3.9-2 Elsinore Area Plan: Wildfire, Draft City of Lake Elsinore General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report, Jones&Stokes,December 2007. Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 37 • Non-Contact Water Recreation (REC-2) is defined as the use of water for recreational activities involving proximity to water but not normally involving contact with the water where ingestion of the water is reasonably possible. These uses include, but are not limited to,picnicking, sunbathing, hiking, beachcombing, camping, boating, tide pool and marine life study, hunting, sightseeing, or aesthetic enjoyment in conjunction with the above activities. • Warm Freshwater Fishery (WARM) is defined as the use water to supports warm water ecosystems including but not limited to, preservation or enhancement of aquatic habitats, vegetation, fish and wildlife, including invertebrates. • Wildlife Habitat (WILD) is defined as the use of water that supports terrestrial ecosystems including, but not limited to, the preservation or enhancement of terrestrial habitats, vegetation, wildlife (e.g. mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates), or wildlife water and food sources. The Santa Ana RWQCB has determined that Lake Elsinore is an impaired water body(i.e. that it does not support all of the designated beneficial uses). This impairment is believed to be caused by high nutrient levels and organic enrichment which results in low dissolved oxygen concentrations (also described as hyper-eutrophication), sedimentation/siltation, and unidentified toxicity levels from unknown sources. The sources of the sedimentation and siltation in the lake are believed to be from natural background conditions, urban runoff, and storm sewers. The high nutrient/low dissolved oxygen levels in Lake Elsinore result in the REC-1, REC-2, WARM, and WILD Beneficial Uses not being supported on a year round basis. This is most common during warm weather conditions when weather conditions promote extreme algal growth. Implementation of the proposed project would result in a change of operations at the existing motocross facility. It is anticipated that the type and frequency of motocross activities that would occur would be the same as the activities that currently occur on the project site. As with any movement of soil, the continual maintenance of the existing track facilities has the potential to loosen surface soils, thereby resulting in a potential for sediment to make its way into Lake Elsinore due to wind and/or water erosion. The City has required the submittal of detailed Erosion Control Plans as a condition of approval for previous CUP applications for the motocross facility.2' It is anticipated that a similar condition would be required as part of the proposed CUP application. The preparation, approval, and implementation of the required erosion control plan would address any water quality issues related to potential on-site erosion due to site activities. Because operation of the motocross facility in compliance with the required erosion control plan is mandated as a condition of operation, it is reasonable to anticipate the necessary actions to prevent erosion would be implemented. Therefore, no significant impact related to this issue would result from changes in operation at the motocross facility and no mitigation is required. b) Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge, such that there would be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of the local groundwater table level (e.g., the production rate of pre-existing nearby wells would drop to a level which would not support existing land uses or planned uses for which permits have been granted)? Less Than Significant Impact. The proposed project involves a change of operation at the existing motocross facility. The change of operation does not require the withdrawal of groundwater, therefore the proposed project would not result in the direct lowering of the local groundwater table. The 21 Conditions 37-38, Conditions of Approval for CUP No. 2001-05lake Elsinore Motcross Facility Interim Motocross Facility, Approved August 7, 2002 Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 38 proposed project would not interfere with groundwater recharge as the project site is not identified as a groundwater recharge area by the City. For these reasons, the proposed change of operations at the project site would not 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. Impacts associated with this issue are less than significant and no mitigation measure is required. c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, in a manner which would result in flooding on- or off-site? No Impact.The project as proposed would not alter the current drainage pattern. The current drainage pattern on the site is from the southeast toward Lake Elsinore in the northwest, and this is expected to remain the same with the change of operations at the existing motocross facility. Consequently no impacts are anticipated and mitigation measures are required. d) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, or substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner,which would result in flooding on- or off-site? No Impact. The proposed project is a change in operations at an existing motocross facility. The change in operations would not alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area or increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner, which would result in flooding on- or off-site. Since implementation would not result in changes in the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, no impacts are anticipated and no mitigation measures are required. e) Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff? No Impact.Please refer to Checklist Response XVI c. f) Otherwise substantially degrade water quality? Less Than Sic_1nificant Impact. The project as proposed will not otherwise substantially degrade water quality. Compliance with the requirements of the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program and the City's erosion control requirements would ensure that significant water quality impacts and violations of standards and requirements do not occur. With these standard requirements, any water quality impacts are expected to be less than significant. No additional mitigation measures are required. g) Place housing within a 100-year flood hazard area as mapped on a federal Flood hazard Boundary of Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood hazard delineation map? No Impact. The project would not place housing within a 100-year flood hazard area as mapped on a federal Flood hazard Boundary of Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood hazard delineation map as the project is a change in operations of an existing motocross facility. The proposed project does not involve housing. Because no housing structures would be located within the 100-year flood hazard area, no impacts are anticipated and no mitigation is required. h) Place within a 100-year flood hazard area structures, which would impede or redirect flood flows? Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 39 No Impact. The proposed project is a change of operations at an existing motocross facility which does not propose the placement of any permanent structures within a 100-year flood hazard area. Therefore, the proposed project would not result in the impediment or redirection of flood flows. As a result, no impacts are anticipated and no mitigation measures are required. i) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving flooding, including flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam? No Impact. The proposed project is a change of operations at an existing motocross facility. Although the project site is in an area that could be inundated by 100-year flooding, the proposed project would not construct habitable structures within a designated flood area or within an identified dam inundation area. In addition, the change of operations itself would not cause loss, injury, or death involving flooding as the motocross activities currently would occur on the project site without the change of operations. Consequently, the project would not 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. No impacts are anticipated and no mitigation required. j) Inundation by seiche,tsunami,or mudflow? Less than Significant Impact. The project is located along near the east corner of Lake Elsinore and is not located in an area that is subject to mudflows or tsunamis. A seiche is a standing wave in an enclosed or partially enclosed body of water (similar to the sloshing of water in a bathtub). Seiches have been observed on larger lakes, reservoirs, harbors and bays, and in smaller ocean areas that are substantially surrounded by land. In contrast to larger bodies of water, Lake Elsinore is relatively small rectangular lake(less than 2 miles in width and about 3 miles in length). Because the project site is located near Lake Elsinore, there a potential a potential that a seismic event could result in a seiche. However, because of the nature of activities occurring on the project site (temporary motocross activities on dirt tracks), it is anticipated that in the event of a seiche, damage to the project site would not be significant as no permanent buildings or structures are located on site. Therefore, impacts associated with this issue would be less than significant and no mitigation measures are required. MITIGATION MEASURES None Required. IX. LAND USE AND PLANNING a) Physically divide an established community? No Impact. The project site is designated in the City's General Plan land use and zoning map as C- General Commercial. The project site is currently developed with the existing motocross facility. The land north of the project site was mass graded for a residential development, however, this residential development was never completed and the property is still vacant. Land to the east and west are also vacant. Land uses to the south include industrial uses. Further to the southwest, land is utilized for skydiving and other recreational air activities. The mix of urban uses and undeveloped land within the surrounding area does not constitute an established neighborhood. Therefore, the site would not be located within or divide an existing neighborhood. In contrast, the division of an established community usually results from the construction of a new feature such as a highway or railroad tracks or removal of removal of access to a community. In addition, the proposed project is a change in operation of the existing motocross facility. The existing motocross facility would still operate with implementation of this change of operations. Since the proposed project would still result in the continuation of motocross activities on the project site and since no division of community would Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 40 occur,no impacts associated with this issue would occur.No mitigation measure is required. b) Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the project (including, but not limited to the general plan, specific plan, local coastal program, or zoning ordinance) adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect? Less Than Significant Impact. As identified in the East Lake Specific Plan, the project site is currently designated R-2 (Medium Density), R-3 (High Density), and Open Space (Park).22 The R-2 district is intended to provide locations for quality residential projects, consisting of products other than single-family detached developments, at densities of up to 12 units to the net acre. The R-3 district is intended to provide locations for multiple-family residential projects at densities of up to 24 dwellings to the net acre. The Open Space district is assigned to areas that are suited for residential or other intensive use for the reason that they may endanger the health, safety, and welfare of persons. Past CUP approvals of the motocross facility recognize that in the event residential plans for the project area are submitted to the City, revocation of any CUP, and closure and/or relocation of the motocross facility would occur. Due to past economic conditions and market demand, development of the project area per the land uses cited in SPA No. 8 has not occurred. The City is not in receipt of nor is it actively processing any application for residential development in the project area. The proposed CUP would allow the changes in operation of the motocross facility which would extend the hours of operation and alter the type of vehicles permitted to utilize the site. In the absence of any active residential development activity in the project area, the motocross facility is a conditionally permitted activity. The continued operation of the existing motocross facility subject to proposed CUP, including changes in the hours of operation and type of vehicles permitted to operate on-site, would not conflict with any current land use plan, policy, or regulation. No significant impact related to this issue would occur; therefore, no mitigation is required. c) Conflict with applicable habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan? Less Than Significant Impact. Please refer to Checklist Respone IVS. X. MINERAL RESOURCES a) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be a value to the region and the residents of the state? No Impact. Based on the Mineral Resource Zones (MRZ) established by California Department of Conservation, the project site is designated as MRZ-3.23 The MRZ-3 classification is assigned when the significance of mineral deposits cannot be determined from the available data. The project site is currently developed with an existing motocross facility. The change in operation proposed would result in the continual operation of the existing motocross facility. The project site is not designated as an area with known significant mineral resource value. In addition, the continued operation of the motocross facility would not result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be a value to the region and the residents of the state. Therefore, no impacts associated with this issue would occur. No mitigation is required. 22 Draft Environmental Impact Report for East Lake Specific Plan Amendment No. 8 Specific Plan Amendment No.8 of the East Lake Specific Plan, HDR,August 2005. 21 Eigure 3.10-4 Mineral Resources, City of Lake Elsinore General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report, Jones&Stokes, December 2007. Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 41 b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan,specific plan or other land use plan? No Impact. The project site is not located in an area designated for mineral resource recovery or production on the City's General Plan or the East Lake Specific Plan. No impact related to this issue would result from the change of operation at the existing motocross facility.No mitigation is required. MITIGATION MEASURES None required. XI. NOISE a) Exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies? Less Than Sieniticant Impact. The most sensitive land use in the project vicinity with respect to a permanent increase of noise are the residential uses located to the northeast (Receptor 4 is approximately 2,235 feet from the existing motocross facility), southeast(Receptor 3 is approximately 2,245 feet from the existing motocross facility), south (Receptor 2 is approximately 4,440 feet from the existing motocross facility), and to the southwest(Receptor 1 is approximately 5,830 feet from the existing motocross facility).24 At the nearest noise sensitive residential areas to the south (Receptors 1 and 2), the existing ambient noise levels measures were 48.2 and 46.7 Lew respectively. At the nearest noise sensitive residential areas to the east (Receptors 3 and 4), the existing noise levels measures 62.5 and 65.5 Leq, respectively. As identified in the Noise Assessment conducted for the proposed project, stationary noise activities such as motocross use cannot produce noise levels above 50 dBA Leq during the daytime hours of 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. or above 40 dBA Leqa during the nighttime hours of 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. at the residential area property line. The results of the noise level measures identify that at a distance of 400 feet, the motocross activities produce an unmitigated existing peak hour noise level of 65.9 dBA Leq. Table E identifies daytime project noise contributions for each of the sensitive noise receptors. Table E: Daytime(7 a.m. to 10 p.m.)Project Noise Contributions Sensitive Exterior Noise Levels (Leq dBA) Receptor Existing(Without project) With Project Increase in Noise Location Attributable to Project 1 48.2 49.3 1.1 2 46.7 48.9 2.2 3 62.5 62.8 0.3 4 65.5 65.7 0.2 Source:lake Elsinore Motocross Park Noise Assessment,Urban Crossroads,January 15,2009. As identified in Table E, increases in noise attributable to the project range from 0.2 to 2.2 dBA. In community noise assessment, changes in noise levels less than 1 dBA are generally unperceptable, 24 Exhibit 6-A Sensitive Receptor Locations, Lake Elsinore Motocross Track Noise Assessment Urban Crossroads, January 15, 2009. Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 42 changes in noise levels greater than 3 dBA are often identified as"barely perceptible," and changes of 5 dBA are "readily perceptible." For the daytime hours of 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., the resulting noise levels at the nearby noise sensitive uses range from 48.9 to 65.7 dBA Leq. During the daytime hours, the resulting noise levels at Receptors 1 and 2 are below the City of Lake Elsinore 50 dBA Leq noise standard for residential uses. At receptors 3 and 4, the noise levels exceed the daytime noise standard for residential uses, however, the noise levels in that area are dominated by traffic noise on Mission Trail. As identified in the Noise Assessment, at these locations, motocross facility impacts are only audible when no vehicle traffic is present on Mission Trail. Based on field observation, even without vehicle traffic present on Mission Trail, noise from motocross activities can only be faintly heard. Based on the analysis contained in the Noise Assessment, although motocross activities may be noticeable at Receptor Sites 3 and 4, nearby residential areas would not experience a significant noise impact associated with the operation of the motocross facility. Therefore, impacts associated with this issue would be less than significant and no mitigation is required. b) Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels? Less Than Significant Impact. Vibration refers to groundbome noise and perceptible motion. Groundborne vibration is almost exclusively a concern inside buildings and is rarely perceived as a problem outdoors, where the motion may be discernable but without the effects associated with the shaking of a building. Building damage from ground vibration is not a factor for normal transportation sources, with the occasional exception of blasting and pile driving during construction.Typical sources of groundborne vibration are construction activities (e.g., blasting, pile driving, and operating heavy- duty earthmoving equipment), steel-wheeled trains, and occasional traffic on rough roads. Problems with groundborne vibration and noise from these sources are usually localized to areas within approximately 100 feet from the vibration source. When roadways are smooth, vibration from traffic (even heavy trucks) is rarely perceptible. Streets surrounding the project site are paved, smooth, and unlikely to cause significant groundborne vibration. In addition, the rubber tires and suspension systems of buses and other on-road vehicles would make it unusual for on-road vehicles to cause groundborne noise or vibration problems. No such vehicular vibration impacts would occur, resulting in a less than significant impact. The proposed project is a change of operations at an existing motocross facility, which include the allowance of off-road trucks (also known as Stadium Trucks or Full Potential Mazda trucks) on an existing race track. The nearest sensitive receptor is located approximately 2,235 feet northeast of the closest track. Given the nature of activities (e.g. no blasting or pile driving activities) and the distance of the nearest sensitive receptor to the race track, any groundbome vibration generated as a result of the motocross activities would be confined within the motocross facility. Since groundborne vibration would not impact nearby sensitive receptors, impacts associated with this issue are less than significant.No mitigation is required. c) A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? Less Than Significant Impact. Please refer to Checklist Response XI a. Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 43 d) A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? Less Than Significant Impact.Please refer to Checklist Response XI a. e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? No Impact. According to the City of Lake Elsinore's General Plan, there are no public use airports in the City. The closet public use airport to the project site is the March Air Field that is 14 miles northeast of the project site. Due to the distance of this airport from the proposed project, implementation of the proposed project would not result in the exposure of people working in the project area to excessive noise.No mitigation is required. f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip,would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? Less Than Significant Impact. The existing motocross facility is located directly adjacent to Skylark Field, a private air facility utilized for sky diving (Skydive Elsinore). The airport houses 21 single- engine aircraft, five multi-engine aircraft, and four gliders. The Skylark Field is utilized for skydiving and other recreational air uses. The proposed project would result in a change of operations to an existing motocross facility. People working on the project site are already exposed to noise coming from Skylark Field in addition to noise generated by the motocross activities. The proposed project would continue the same motocross activities on site and would not result in any new exposure to noise for people working on site. Therefore, a less than significant impact is anticipated to occur and no mitigation is required. MITIGATION MEASURES None Required. XII. POPULATION AND HOUSING a) Induce substantial population growth in an area, either directly (for example, by proposing new homes and businesses) or indirectly (for example, through extension of roads or other infrastructure)? No Impact. While the property encompasses areas envisioned for the development of residential uses under the East Lake Specific Plan, the changes in the operation of the existing motocross facility would not result in the development of residential units. Therefore, no increase in population would result from the proposed action. As the motocross facility currently operates on-site, the changes in operation would not result in any increase in employment that would draw new residents to the City. The proposed changes in operation do not include the installation of public utilities, extension of roads, or provision of public services beyond that which currently exist. Therefore, the proposed changes in operation would not indirectly induce or support growth not anticipated by the City. No impacts associated with this issue would occur with implementation of the proposed project. No mitigation measures are required. b) Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 44 No hul)ict. The project site is currently developed with a motocross facility and does not have any residential units located on-site. Changes in the operation of the motocross facility would not result in the displacement of existing housing or residents. No impacts associated with the displacement of housing or residents would occur with the proposed project.No mitigation is required. c) Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? No Impact. Please refer to Checklist Response XII.b. MITIGATION MEASURES None required. XIII. PUBLIC SERVICES Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for any of the public services: a) Fire protection? No Impact. The City of Lake Elsinore contracts for fire services with the Riverside County Fire Department/CAL FIRE, providing a full range of fire protection services, prevention, suppression, and emergency medical response services. The Fire Department operates from three stations in the City, the nearest to the project site being the Lake Elsinore Station (Station 10), located at 410 W. Graham Avenue. This station is located approximately 3.0 miles northwest of the existing motocross facility. The proposed change in operations at the existing motocross facility does not include the construction of structures or features or changes in operation that would increase demand on fire protection services for the project site or area. Since the proposed project would not increase demand of fire protection services in the area, no impacts associated with this issue are anticipated to occur. No mitigation is required. b) Police protection? No Impact. Police protection services in the City are provided under contract by the Riverside County Sheriffs Department. The Lake Elsinore Sheriffs is located at 333 Limited Street in Lake Elsinore, approximately 2.75 miles northwest of the existing motocross facility. Routine security at the facility is collectively overseen by on-site managers and employees. The proposed changes in operation would reduce the number of riders utilizing the facility at any time from 143 riders to 75 riders.The proposed change in operations at the existing motocross facility does not include the construction of structures or facilities requiring increased police services. As the number of patrons utilizing the site will be reduced, it is reasonable to conclude that no increase in demand for police services would occur. The development of,new or altered police protection facilities to serve the motocross facility is not warranted;therefore, no impact associated with this issue would occur. No mitigation is required. c) Schools? No Impact. The proposed project does not include the development or occupation of residential units, nor are the changes in the operation of the existing motocross facility anticipated to increase additional Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 45 employment in the project area. In the absence of any increase in local student enrollment or increased usage of school facilities, the proposed change in existing motocross operations within the project limits would not result in a direct or indirect impact in student enrollment at schools within the Lake Elsinore Unified School District (LEUSD). Therefore, no impacts would occur and no mitigation is required. d) Parks? No Imnact. The proposed project involves changes in the operation of the existing motocross facility on the project site. The proposed project would not result in the development of residential units; therefore, no increase in population would result from the proposed action. In the absence of any increased population, no increased demand on existing park facilities in the City would occur. Therefore, no impacts associated with this issue would result from implementation of the proposed project.No mitigation is required. e) Other public facilities? No Imnact. The existing motocross facility currently provides a venue for recreational motor activities to residents of the City and surrounding region. Since the proposed project is a change in operations at an existing motocross facility, implementation of the proposed project would not result in an increase in the local population. Without an increase in the local population, there would be no increased demand on library, government, or community support services associated with the proposed project. Therefore, no impacts associated with this issue would occur.No mitigation is required. MITIGATION MEASURES None required. XIV. RECREATION a) Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities, such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated? Less than Significant Imnact. The proposed project consists of changes in operation at the existing motocross facility.No residential component or other use that would cause a direct or indirect increase in population is planned; therefore, no direct or indirect demand on neighborhood/regional park or recreational facilities would occur. While the motocross facility is a recreational venue, it is not identified as a City managed neighborhood or regional park. Under the previous CUP, a maximum of 143 motorized bikes were permitted to operate on the site's various tracks at any given time. Subsequent to approval of 2001 CUP, other motocross venues have opened in the region,which tended to decrease the maximum number of riders frequenting the facility. The proposed CUP envisions that a maximum of 75 bikes would operate on-site at any given time. Routine operation of the motocross facility includes daily maintenance of the tracks to ensure safe and enjoyable riding surfaces. As the maximum daily number of bikes utilizing the motocross facility is reduced from previously approved levels, and because of ongoing daily maintenance of track facilities, the proposed change in track operations would not result in a substantial physical deterioration of a recreational facility. No significant impact related to this issue would occur;therefore, no mitigation is required. b) Does the project include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities,which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment? Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 46 No Impact. The proposed project consists of changes in operation at the existing motocross facility. While the type of motor vehicles utilizing the facility and the hours of operation would change, no expansion of the project beyond the current footprint would occur. As previously stated,the number of bikes proposed to operate at the existing motocross facility at any given time is reduced from that allowed under the previously approved CUP.No residential component or other use that would cause a direct or indirect increase in population is planned; therefore, no development or expansion of recreational facilities is required. No impact related to this issue would occur, and no mitigation is warranted. MITIGATION MEASURES None required XV. TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC a) Cause an increase in traffic, which is substantial in relation to the existing traffic load and capacity of the street system (i.e., result in a substantial increase in either the number of vehicle trips,the volume to capacity ratio on roads,or congestion at intersections)? Less Than Significant Impact. The proposed project would result in a change of operations at the existing motocross facility. The proposed CUP would permit the use of the facility by off-road trucks and similar vehicles on a track located at the northwestern corner of the site. Patrons of the facility will continue to utilize the existing tracks located on-site. The proposed CUP would reduce the maximum number of vehicle operating at the motocross facility at any one time by nearly 50 percent. Implementation of the proposed change in operations would cause a decrease in total number of trips made to the project site as the total number of vehicles allowed to operate on the site would be reduced. Given that a reduction of trips would occur with implementation of the proposed project, there would be no increase in traffic that would cause congestion at intersections in the project vicinity. Therefore, impacts associated with this issue would be less than significant and no mitigation is required. b) Exceed, either individually or cumulatively, a level of service standard established by the county congestion management agency for designated roads or highways? Less Than Significant Impact. Please refer to Checklist Response XV.a. c) Result in a change in air traffic patterns,including either an increase in traffic levels or a change in location that results in substantial safety risks? No Impact. The project would result in a change of operations on the existing motocross facility. The same type of motocross activities would still occur with implementation of the proposed project. The proposed project will not 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. Therefore, no impacts associated with this issue would occur and no mitigation measures are required. d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections)or incompatible uses(e.g.,farm equipment)? No Impact. The proposed project would result in a change of operations at an existing motocross Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 47 facility. The change of operations would not increase hazards due to design features as the existing motocross activities on site would remain. No additional access or roadway improvements have been proposed which would substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections)or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment). Therefore, no impacts associated with this issue would occur and no mitigation measures are required. e) Result in inadequate emergency access? No Impact. Please refer to Checklist Response VII.g. f) Result in inadequate parking capacity? No Impact. The proposed project would result in a change of operations at the existing motocross facility. The change in operations would not include any changes to the existing parking area, which currently is a dirt lot. As previously identified, it is anticipated that the proposed CUP would reduce the number of riders allowed on the project site at any given time. With a reduction in the total amount of riders allowed, it is anticipated that the existing parking area would be sufficient to handle patrons utilizing the motocross facility. Therefore, no impacts associated with this issue are anticipated to occur and no mitigation is required. g) Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs supporting alternative transportation (e.g., bus turnouts, bicycle racks)? No Impact. The proposed project is a change in operations of the existing motocross facility. The proposed project would not result in any new development or expand beyond its current existing footprint. Since there would be no new development beyond the existing motocross facility, there would be no changes to the existing alternative transportation network in the project area. The existing motocross facility currently does not conflict with programs or policies pertaining to alternative transportation. The change in operations at the existing motocross facility would result in the same type of activities currently occurring on site. Therefore, the proposed action would not conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs supporting alternative transportation. No impacts associated with this issue would occur and no mitigation is required. MITIGATION MEASURES None required. XVI. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board? No Impact. The Santa Ana RWQCB regulates wastewater discharges within the drainage area around Lake Elsinore. The existing motocross facility is not connected to a public wastewater conveyance and treatment system. Currently the motocross facility utilizes potable toilet systems that are maintained in accordance with applicable City and County requirements. The proposed changes in operation would reduce the number of patrons who can utilize the facility at any given time; therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that the volume of wastewater collected would be correspondingly reduced. Because the proposed changes in operations at the existing motocross facility do not envision modifications in the current system of wastewater disposal, no impact related to this issue will occur. Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 48 No mitigation is required b) Require or result in the construction of new water or wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? No Impact. The project is within the service boundary for the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (EVMWD). On-site water usage is generally limited to the application of water on tracks to control dust. This water is provided by an existing on-site well located in the northeastern portion of the project site. Water from this well is stored in an existing on-site tank. From this tank, an eight-inch pipe carries water to two water fill hookups, from which water trucks are filled. The proposed change in operations at the existing motocross facility does not include the development of uses that require additional potable or treated water, or the connection to existing potable/treated water systems. Consequently, the project will not require or result in the construction of new water or wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing facilities;the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects. As a result, no impact related to this issue would result from implementation of the proposed CUP.No mitigation is required. c) Require or result in the construction of new storm water drainage facilities or expansion of existing facilities,the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? No Impact. Currently, on-site drainage is directed through earthen swales to a point generally located near the western boundary of the site where flows leave the site. The proposed change in operations at the existing motocross facility does not include the construction of structures, features, or hardscaped surfaces requiring changes in location or method of existing on-site drainage. Since no new or expanded storm drain facilities are proposed, no significant impacts would occur and no mitigation is required. d) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project from existing entitlements and resources,or are new or expanded entitlements needed? No Impact.The proposed project is a change in operations at an existing motocross facility. Currently, water use on site is limited to two water trucks cycling through the site to apply water to tracks, access roads, and parking areas to assist with dust control. Water for consumption use in the portable trailers housing maintenance and administrative offices is anticipated to be trucked in by a water supply service. The proposed change in operations would not change the current use of water on site and would not require the installation of any new on-site utility infrastructure. Therefore, the proposed project would not require new or expanded water entitlements to operate. No impacts associated with this issue would occur and no mitigation measures are required. e) Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider,which serves or may serve the project that it has adequate capacity to serve the project's projected demand in addition to the provider's existing commitments? No Impact. The existing motocross facility is not connected to a public wastewater conveyance and treatment system. Currently the motocross facility utilizes potable toilet systems that are maintained in accordance with applicable City and County requirements. The proposed changes in operation would reduce the number of patrons who can utilize the facility at any given time. Therefore, it is anticipated that the volume of wastewater generated would be correspondingly reduced. Because the proposed changes in operation of the existing motocross facility do not envision modifications in the current system of wastewater disposal, no impact related to this issue will occur. No mitigation is required. Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 49 f) Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted capacity to accommodate the project's solid waste disposal needs? Less Than Significant Impact. Waste from the project area is currently collected by the City's trash collection service provider, Waste Management, Inc. Once collected, solid waste is transported to El Sobrante Landfill, located in Temescal Canyon, south of Corona. The El Sobrante Landfill is a 495 acre facility owned and operated by a subsidiary of Waste Management, Inc. with a daily permitted throughput of 10,000 tons per day, a remaining capacity of 118,573,540 tons,25 and an estimated closure date of 2030. Current average daily throughput of in-County waste is estimated at 3,315 tons, and out-of-County waste is estimated at 3,804 tons.26 Current surplus capacity totals 2,881 tons/day.27 The project site is currently developed with a motocross facility. The proposed project would result in a change of operations associated with the existing motocross facility. Activities at the motocross facility would continue to generate solid waste requiring disposal services. Because the proposed changes in operation at the existing motocross facility would reduce the maximum number of riders utilizing the site at any one time, it is reasonable to conclude that the volume of solid waste generated on-site would be correspondingly reduced. Therefore, implementation of the proposed change in operation for the existing motocross facility would not significantly affect current operations or the expected lifetime of the landfill. Impacts associated with landfill capacity would be reduced to a less than significant level.No mitigation is required. g) Comply with federal,state,and local statutes and regulations related to solid waste? Less Than Significant Impact The proposed project is a change in operation for an existing motocross facility. With implementation of this change in operation, the existing motocross facility would still be required to comply with applicable elements of A131327, Chapter 18 (California Solid Waste Reuse and Recycling Access Act of 1991), and other applicable local, State, and Federal solid waste disposal standards. Adherence to these solid waste requirements and standards would ensure that impacts associated with this issue would remain less than significant. No mitigation measures are required. MITIGATION MEASURES None required. 25 Solid Waste Information System (SWIS), Facility/Site Summary Details, http://www.ciwmb.ca.p-ov/SWIS/33-AA- 0217/Detail/,website accessed October 6,2009. 26 Correspondence from Sung Key Ma,Riverside County Waste Management Department Planner,dated August 17,2008. 27 3,315 tons in-County+3,804 out-of-county=7,119 tons. 10,000 tons—7119 tons=2,881 tons. Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 50 V. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE The following are Mandatory Findings of Significance in accordance with Section 15065 of the CEQA Guidelines. a) Does the project have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? Less Than Significant Impact with Mitigation Incorporated. Based on evaluations and discussions contained in this IS/MND, the proposed project has a very limited potential to incrementally degrade the quality of the environment because the site was previously developed, is not in an environmentally sensitive location, and is consistent with the City General Plan. As a result, the proposed project would not significantly affect the environment with mitigation measures contained in this IS/MND. b) Does the project have impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable? ("Cumulatively considerable" means that the incremental effects of a project are considerable when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the effects of probable future projects.) Less Than Significant Impact.The proposed project would have impacts that are individually limited but are not cumulatively considerable with mitigation measures. No cumulative environmental impacts have been identified in association with the proposed project that cannot be mitigated to a less than significant impact level or that were not identified through the City's General Plan program. Therefore, impacts associated with this issue are less than significant and no mitigation measures are required. c) Does the project have environmental effects, which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings,either directly or indirectly? Less Than Significant Impact with Mitigation Incorporated. The proposed project does not have the potential to significantly adversely affect humans, either directly or indirectly with mitigation measures. While a number of the project impacts were identified as having a potential to significantly impact humans, with the identified mitigation measures and standard requirements these impacts are expected to be less than significant. With implementation of the identified measures, the proposed project is not expected to cause significant adverse impacts to humans. Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 51 VI. PERSONS AND ORGANIZATIONS CONSULTED This section identifies those persons who prepared or contributed to preparation of this document. This section is prepared in accordance with Section 15129 of the CEQA Guidelines. A. CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE • Linda Miller, AICP Planning Consultant B. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS • LSA Associates(Biology) • Urban Crossroads(Air Quality) • Urban Crossroads(Noise) C. OTHER AGENCY REPRESENTATIVES None. Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 52 MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION , —City of Lake Elsinore The following Mitigated Negative Declaration is being circulated for public review in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act Section 21091 and 21092 of the Public Resources Code, Project Name: Lake Elsinore Motocross Facility—Change in Operations (Commercial Design Review 2009-03,Conditional Use Permit 2008-12) Project Applicant: Randy Hiner,5367 Aguila Court,Temecula,CA 92592 Project Location: 89.5 acres located approximately 0.75 mile east of Interstate 15 (I-15), northwest of Corydon Street and south and west of Mission Trail in the City of Lake Elsinore, County of Riverside (APN 370-030-012). Project Description: The proposed project is the approval of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for an existing motocross facility and includes the following: • Permit the use of the facility by off-road trucks and similar vehicles on an existing track located at the northwestern corner of the site; • Permit the use of portable, diesel-generator powered lighting. Lighting features will consist of up to 30 lighting units, with each unit consisting of four 1,000-watt fixtures. The portable lighting fixtures will be mounted on standards measuring up to 30 feet in height. As needed, lighting will be provided between the hours of 5:00 and 10:00 (November through March); 6:00 and 10:00 p.m. (April through May, and October);and 7:00 and 10:00 p.m. (June through September);and • Permit the addition of an outdoor seating area to a sloped area adjacent to the multiuse track at the northwest corner of the site. The site of the proposed outdoor seating area is heavily disturbed and is devoid of vegetation.The seating area will be seeded and maintained with a turf surface.The seating area will measure approximately 17 feet in height and will include 4-foot wide benches on which temporary seating(e.g., lawn chairs)provided by the track operator can be used. No other changes to the existing facility are proposed. Patrons of the facility will continue to utilize the existing tracks located on site. Parking will continue to consist of hard packed dirt surfaces. No improved curbs, wheel stops, or pavement will be installed. Operation of the motocross facility will continue the existing maintenance regimen, which consists of daily and weekly track repair including the refacing of jumps and"ripping" of tracks to allow moisture into the soil to assist with dust control. Water trucks are cycled through the site to apply water to tracks, access roads, and parking areas to assist with dust control. FINDING This is to advise that the City of Lake Elsinore, acting as the lead agency, has conducted an Initial Study to determine if the project may have a significant effect on the environmental and is proposing this Mitigated Negative Declaration based upon the following findings: The Initial Study shows that there is no substantial evidence that the project may have a significant effect on the environment and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. ® The Initial Study identifies potentially significant effects but: (1) Proposals made or agreed to by the applicant before this proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration was released for public review would avoid the effects or mitigate the effects to a point where clearly no significant effects would occur. (2) There is no substantial evidence before the agency that the project may have a significant effect on the environment. (3) Mitigation measures are required to ensure all potentially significant impacts are reduced to a less than significance level. Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 53 A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. If adopted, the Mitigated Negative Declaration means that an Environmental Impact Report will not be required. Reasons to support this finding are included in the attached Initial Study. The project file and all related documents are available for review at the City of Lake Elsinore, Planning Division, 130 South Main Street,Lake Elsinore,CA 92530. NOTICE The public is invited to comment on the proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration during the review period. Date of Determination Linda Miller,AICP Planning Consultant Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 54 ATTACHMENT A - CEQA PROCESS DOCUMENTS Lake Elsinore Motocross Facilities—Change in Operations 55