HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 86250 0
RESOLUTION NO. 8625
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF AZUSA CERTIFYING AND APPROVING
THE NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR THE
AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION NO. 4520
MODIFYING CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL FOR ROCK
PROCESSING AT THE OWL ROCK PRODUCTS
COMPANY PLANT
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA DOES RESOLVE
AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The City Council of the City of Azusa
does hereby find, determine and declare that:
A. Applicant Owl Rock Products seeks an amendment of
Resolution No. 4520, adopted by the City Council on
August 19, 1963, to confirm its authority to bring
offsite rock onto the property described in and
subject to Resolution 4520 ("Subject Property") for
processing and to modify the conditions of approval
of Resolution 4520 regarding rock processing
(hereinafter "Project").
B. An Initial Study of Environmental Impact and a
Negative Declaration have been duly prepared and
circulated for public review for the Project in
accordance with the provisions of the California
Environmental Quality Act and the State CEQA
Guidelines. Additionally, the "Preliminary
Environmental Assessment, Owl Rock Products Company
Application to Haul Quarry Material Across
San Gabriel River Channel, Azusa, California" was
prepared for the United States Army Corps of
Engineers in connection with Owl Rock Products
Company's application to the Corps of Engineers for
permission to cross the Corps' property near the
Subject Property. This document further describes
the environmental effects of the project and has
been incorporated into the Initial Study prepared
by the City for the City application.
C. A duly -noticed public hearing was held by the
Planning Commission for the City of Azusa on March
29, 1989, and a subsequent duly -noticed public
hearing was held by the City Council of the City of
Azusa on May 1, 1989, at which time evidence was
heard on the proposed project and on the proposed
Negative Declaration.
D. Prior to approving the Project, the City Council of
the City of Azusa considered the Initial Study of
Environmental Impact and the Negative Declaration
together with any comments received during the
public review process.
SECTION 2. The City Council further finds,
determines and declares that on the basis of the Initial
5/12/89
PMT/RES7683
Study and any comments received in the public review
process, that the Initial Study identified potentially
significant environmental effects, but that conditions of
approval and revisions in the Project plans made by or
agreed to by the applicant before the proposed 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 and there is no substantial
evidence before the Agency that the Project as revised may
have a significant effect upon the environment. Such
conditions and revisions were specifically described in the
Initial Study of Environmental Impact.
SECTION 3. Based upon the foregoing findings, the
City Council of the City of Azusa hereby certifies and
approves the Negative Declaration for the Project, which is
attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and by this reference
incorporated herein, and further orders that said Negative
Declaration shall be filed with the County Clerk for the
County of Los Angeles.
SECTION 4. Pursuant to the provisions of Public
Resources Code Section 21081.6, the City Council of the City
of Azusa hereby approves the following monitoring program to
monitor the implementation of those portions of the Project
and the conditions of approval which mitigate potential
environmental effects:
A. The existing access road across the San Gabriel
River channel ("Roadway") shall be inspected every
six months by the staff of the Community
Development Department for compliance with the
mitigation measures pertaining to said Roadway.
Roadside posts, watering and dust control measures
on the Roadway, the amount of vehicle fluids on the
Roadway and the existence of flagmen or other
traffic hazard signals shall be checked by such
personnel.
B. Within six months from the date of the resolution
approving the project, the revegetation plan for
the Roadway shall be required to be on file with
the City Planning Department and the Corps of
Engineers. The Community Development Department
employees shall determine whether or not such plan
has been filed.
C. The applicant shall report to the Planning
Division, on a quarterly basis, the tonnage of
material which is processed as a result of the
additional rock brought onto the site from other
quarrying locations. Employees of the Community
Development Department shall check to see that this
report is prepared and submitted to the Planning
Division.
D. At the end of two years and thirty days following
approval of the Project by the City Council,
employees of the Community Development Department
shall inspect the Roadway to insure that its use
has been discontinued and that the revegetation
plan is under way. Said employees shall inspect
the Roadway every three months thereafter to
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PMT/RES7683
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determine whether the revegetation plan has been
properly implemented.
E. Pursuant to the authority of Chapter 15.08 of the
Azusa Municipal Code, employees of the Community
Development Department may bring a nuisance
abatement action against the owners of the property
subject to this resolution to insure that the
conditions of approval and, specifically, the
conditions mitigating potential environmental
effects are being implemented and are being fully
complied with.
SECTION 5. The City Clerk shall certify the
adoption of this Resolution.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 15th day
of May , 1989.
�✓__�_ i ate.
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Resolution was
duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Azusa at a
regular meeting thereof, held on the 15th day
of May , 1989, by the following vote of the
Council:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS
AVILA, STEMRICH, NARANJO
Mffelllm
NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS LATTTA, MOSES
/CITYC-
LERK
-3-
5/12/89
PMT/RES7683
• Op • P
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CITY OF
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L15AZUSA-
DECLARATION
Date: 3/29/89
NOTICE: Pursuant to the provisions of the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA-Public Resources Code, Section 21100 et. seg.),
the City of Azusa has determined that the project referenced
hereinafter will not have a significant effect on the environment.
PROJECT TITLE: AMENDMENT TO AN OLD USE VARIANCE (RES.4520)
TO PERMIT EXPANSION OF AN EXISTING QUARRYING BUSINESS TO ALL014 ADDITIONAL
MATERIAL TO BE BROUGHT TO THE SITE FOR PROCESSING.
PROJECT LOCATION: 1201 North Todd -Avenue
Azusa, California 91702
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: THIS AMENDMENT WOULD PERMIT AN EXISTING
ROAD ACROSS THE SAN GABRIEL RIVER TO BE USED TO TRUCK MATERIAL TO THE SI
THIS ROUTE WOULD BE UTILIZED FOR A TWO-YEAR PERIOD ONLY.
PROJECT PROPONENT: OIJL ROCK COMPANY
5435 Peck Road
Arcaida, Ca. 91006
A copy of the Initial Study, docume^.t'-ng
findings that said project will not have a
containing any mitigating measures prcposed
project to avoid potentially significant
hereto for public review.
JOHNNY E. JOHNSON
12631 E.Imperal Hwgy,$2C
Santa Fe Springs, Ca.9CG7
reasons to support the
significant effect and
to be included in the
effects, is attached
An Environmental Impact Report is not required for this project.
APPEALS. Any person or agency aggrieved by this decision may appeal
to the Azusa City Council in ccmpliance with all provisions for
filing of such appeals. Any such appeal must be filed within thirty
(30).days after the issuance of th'-s decision, or it shall be dis-
missed by the City Council.
Daniel M. Watrous, Senior Planner
CONTACT PERSON TITLE
818) 334-5125 Ext. 262
TELEPHONE
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CITYOOF
�. INITIAL STUDY OF
CITYOF.
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>CITYOFV ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
JOAZUW '
I.BACKGROUND
1. Name of Proponent/Applicant:
2
3
Owl Rock Company
Johnny E. Johnson
Address and phone number of Proponent/Ap-olicant: .
5435 Peck Road
Arcadia, Ca. 91006
(818) 443-0111
Name o.f Project (if applicable):
AMENDMENT TO RESOLUTION NO. 4520
12631 East Imperal Highway
Suite 201
Santa Fe Springs, Ca. 90670
(213) 941-7106
4. Description of Project and Address:
AMENDMENT TO AN OLD USE VARIANCE TO PER`fIT EXPANSION OF AN EXISTING QUARRYING
BUSINESS TO ALLOW ADDITIONAL MATERIAL TO BE BROUGHT TO THE SITE FOR PROCESS-
ING. THIS AMENDMENT WOULD PERMIT AN EXISTING ROAD ACROSS THE SAN GABRIEL
RIVER TO BE USED TO TRUCK MATERIAL TO THE SITE. THIS ROUTE WOULD BE UTILIZED
FOR A TWO-YEAR PERIOD ONLY.
1201 North Todd Avenue
Azusa, Ca. 91702
5. Identification of Environmental Settinc
EXISTING ROCK QUARRY PLANT ADJACENT TO THE SAN GABRIEL RIVER BED.
TRUCKS WILL BE UTILIZING EXISTING ROAD ACROSS RIVER BED TO BRING
MATERIALS FRO?l ANOTHER QUARRY TO THE PLANT. ROADWAY IS ALREADY
DISTURBED, BUT IS ADJACENT TO EXISTING VEGETATION AND WILDLIFE HABITATS.
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E*AcZUSA,;
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
tINITIAL STUDY
iASSESSMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
A copy of the Initial Study for Community Development Department projects will be available to the public
in the Community Development Department and in the Azusa Public Library. Comments from the public on the
projects may be made in writing to the Community Development Director or at the public hearings on the
project.
Project Description: Mundrient to Resolution No. 4520, e.\p3I1sion of an e�dsting
quarr}-ing
business
to
allow additional material to be brought to the site for processing.
trees, shrubs, grass, crops,
microflora and aquatic plants)?
II.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
b.
Changes in absorption rates, drainage patterns, or the rate and
(Explanations
of all "yes" and "maybe" answers are required on attached sheets.)
amount of surface water runoff?
X
C.
YES
MAYBE N0
1.
EARTH Will the project result in:
d. Reduction in acreage of any
e.
a.
Unstable earth conditions or in changes in geologic substructures?
c.
X
b.
Disruptions, displacements, compaction or overcovering of the soil?
turbidity? _
X
c.
Change in topography or ground surface relief features?
d.
A
d.
The destruction., covering, or modification of any unique geologic
6.
additions or withdrawals, or through interception of an aquafler
or physical features? �
by cuts or excavations?
X
e.
Any increase in wind or water erosion of soils, either on or off
b.
i.
Substantial reduction in the amount of water otherwise avai
the site?
7.
for public water supplies?
f.
Changes in deposition or erosion of beach sands, or chances
Exposure of people or property to water related hazards soda as
LAND USE Will the project result in:
in siltation, deposition or erosion which may modify the channel of
A
Substantial alteration of the present or planned land use of an area?
a river or stream or the bed of the ocean or any bay, inlet or lake?
o.
X
g.
Exposure of people or property to geologic hazards such as earth-
-1
plan, or other applicable land use control? X
quakes, landslides, mudslides, ground failure, or similar hazards?
X
2.
AIR Will the project result in:
a.
Substantial air emmissions or deterioration of ambient air quality?
X
b.
The creation of objectionable odors?
X
c.
Alteration of air movement, moisture or temperature, or any change
in climate, either locally or regionally?
_X
3.
WATER Will the project result in:
a. Change in the diversity of
a.
Changes in currents, or the course of direction of water movements,
trees, shrubs, grass, crops,
microflora and aquatic plants)?
in either marine or fresh waters?
X
b.
Changes in absorption rates, drainage patterns, or the rate and
or plants?
amount of surface water runoff?
X
C.
Alterations to the course or flow of flood waters?
to the normal replenishment
d.
Change in the amount of surface water in any water body?
d. Reduction in acreage of any
e.
discharge into surface waters, or in any alteration of surface water
c.
earth including but not limited to temperature, dissolved oxygen or
turbidity? _
_X
f.
Alteration of the direction or rate of flow of ground waters?_
d.
g.
Change in the quality of ground waters, either through direct
X
6.
additions or withdrawals, or through interception of an aquafler
by cuts or excavations?
X
h.
Chance in quality of ground water?
b.
i.
Substantial reduction in the amount of water otherwise avai
X
7.
for public water supplies?
X
j.
Exposure of people or property to water related hazards soda as
LAND USE Will the project result in:
.Loading or tidal waves?
A
5. PLANT LIFE Will the project result in:
ANIMAL LIFE Will the project result in:
a. Change in the diversity of
species, or number of plants (including
a.
trees, shrubs, grass, crops,
microflora and aquatic plants)?
X
b. Reduction of the numbers of
any unique, rare or endangered species
or plants?
X
c. Introduction of new species
of plants into an area, or in a barrier
b.
to the normal replenishment
of existing species?
X
d. Reduction in acreage of any
agricultural crop?
X
5.
ANIMAL LIFE Will the project result in:
a.
Change in the diversity of species, or numbers of any socces of
animals (birds, land animals, including reptiles, fish and s:-.elifis'^,
benthic organisms, insects, or mcrofauna)?
X
b.
Reduction of the numbers of any unique, rare or endangered species
of animals?
X
c.
Introduction of new species or animals into an area, or result in a
barrier to the migration or movement of animals?
X
d.
Deterioration of existing fish or wildlife habitat?
X
6.
NOISE Will the project result in:
a.
Increase in existing noise levels?
X
b.
Exposure of people to severe noise levels?
X
7.
LIGHT AND GLARE Will the project produce new light or glare?
X
8.
LAND USE Will the project result in:
a.
Substantial alteration of the present or planned land use of an area?
X
o.
Incompatibility with existing zoning, the General Plan, any specific
-1
plan, or other applicable land use control? X
0 a 0
17. HUMAN HEALTH Will the project result in:
a. Creation of any health hazard or potential health hazard (excluding
mental health)? _X—
b. Exposure of people to potential health hazards? T
18. AESTHETICS Will the project result in the obstruction of any
scenic vista or view open to the public, or will the proposal
result in tie creation of an aesthetically offensive s'te open
to public view? X
19. RECREATION Will the project result in an impact upon t -e ecality
or quantity of existing recrea Ccnal opportunities? X
20. ARCHEOLCGiCAL/HISTORICAL Will the project result in an alteration
of a significant archeological or historical site, structures,
object or building? X
21. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE
a. Does the project have the potential to degrade the ccal_ty of the
YES
MAYBE NO
9.
NATURAL RESOURCES Will the project result in:
self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal
a.
Increase in the rate of use of any natural resources?
endangered plant or animal or eliminate important exacples of the
X
b.
Substantial depletion of any non-renewable natural resource.
b. Does the project have the potential to achieve short-term, to the
30.
RISK OF UPSET Does the project involve a risk of an exolosion or
impact on the environment is one which occurs in a relatively
brief definitive period of time while long-term impacts ':ill
the release of hazardous substances (including, but not limited to
endure well into the future.)
X
c. Does the project have impacts which are individually mated but
oil, pesticides, chemicals or radiation) in the event of an accident
cumulatively considerable? ( A project may impact on two or more
separate resources where the impact on each resource is relatively
or upset conditions?
small, but where the effect of the total of those impacts on the
X
11.
POPULATION Will the project alter the location, distribution,
d. Does the project have environmental effects which will cause
substantial adverse effects on human beings directly or
density or growth rate of the human population of an area,
indirectly?
X
12.
HOUSING Will the project affect existing housing or create a
demand for additional housing?
X
13.
TRANSPORTATION Will the project result in:
a.
Generation of substantial additional vehicular movement?
X
b.
Effects on existing parking facilities or demand for new parking?
X
c.
Substantial impact ucon existing transportation systems?
X
d.
Alterations to present patterns of circulation or movement of
people/and or goods?
X
e.
Alterations to waterborne, rail or air traffic?
X
f.
Increase in traffic hazards to motor vehicles, bicyclists
X
or pedestrians?
14.
PUBLIC SERVICES Will the project have an effect upon, or result in a
need for new or altered cevernmental services in any one of the areas:
a.
Fire protection?
X
b.
Police protection?
c.
Schools?
d.
Parks or other recreational activities?
X
e.
Maintenance of public facilities, including roads?
I.
Other governmental services?
15.
ENERGY Will the project result in:
a.
Use of substantial amounts of energy or fuel?�'
b.
Substantial increase in demand upon existing sources of energy, or
require the development of new sources of energy?
X
16.
UTILITIES Will the project result in a need for new systems, or
substantial alterations to the following utilities?
a.
Power or natural gas?
X
b.
Communications systems?
y`
c.
Water?
X
d.
Sewer or septic tanks?
X-
e.
e.
Storm water drainage?
X
f.
Solid waste and disposal?
X
17. HUMAN HEALTH Will the project result in:
a. Creation of any health hazard or potential health hazard (excluding
mental health)? _X—
b. Exposure of people to potential health hazards? T
18. AESTHETICS Will the project result in the obstruction of any
scenic vista or view open to the public, or will the proposal
result in tie creation of an aesthetically offensive s'te open
to public view? X
19. RECREATION Will the project result in an impact upon t -e ecality
or quantity of existing recrea Ccnal opportunities? X
20. ARCHEOLCGiCAL/HISTORICAL Will the project result in an alteration
of a significant archeological or historical site, structures,
object or building? X
21. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE
a. Does the project have the potential to degrade the ccal_ty of the
environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish cr wild-
life species, cause a fish or wildlife populatlen to dreg celow
self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal
ecm—unity, reduce the nli-Ler or restrict the ranee of a rare or
endangered plant or animal or eliminate important exacples of the
major periods of California history or prehistory?
X
b. Does the project have the potential to achieve short-term, to the
disadvantage of long-term, environaental goals? ( A. short-term
impact on the environment is one which occurs in a relatively
brief definitive period of time while long-term impacts ':ill
endure well into the future.)
X
c. Does the project have impacts which are individually mated but
cumulatively considerable? ( A project may impact on two or more
separate resources where the impact on each resource is relatively
small, but where the effect of the total of those impacts on the
environment is significant.)
X
d. Does the project have environmental effects which will cause
substantial adverse effects on human beings directly or
indirectly?
�X
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�AZUSAi:�
nCITYOF�e ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
�OV1
Vf 0 `Sy v
>,CITYOF � EXPLANATIONS/MITIGATION DISCUSSION
AZUSA'
III. DISCUSSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION
SEE ATTACHED SHEET
IV. MITIGATION MEASURES
Describe mitigation measures included in the project, if any are
needed, to avoid potentially significant effects:
SEE ATTACHED SHEET
DETERMINATION
(To be completed by Lead Agency)
On the basis of this initial evaluation:
I find the proposed project CCULD NOT HAVE a significant
effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE DECARATION has
been prepared and is attached.
I find that although the proposed project could have a
significant effect on the envircr_-.ent, there will not be a
significant effect in this case because the mitigation
measures described on an attached sheet have been added to
the project. A NEGATIVE DE_=:.�,TiO`J WILL BE PREPARED.
I find the proposed project h_aY have a significant effect
effect on the environment and an EhVIRONMIENTAL IMPACT
REPORT is required.
Date: 3/15/89
Signature :1 {. �1., 1. '1(»S
ANIEL h1. WATROUS
Title:_ SENIOR PLANNER
III. DISCUSSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION
AMENDMENT TO RESOLUTION NO. 4520
l.a. Roadway is existing, and requires no additional grading
or compaction for its use.
l.e. Use of the existing haulage roadway will result in the
generation of dust. This impact is reduced to
insignificant levels through the use of frequent water
application and use of dust preventative chemicals. A
non-toxic, biodegradable product such as Coherex will be
used for dust control.
2.a. Dust impacts will be mitigated to insignificant levels
through the use of water and dust control chemicals.
3.c. Existing roadway does not interfere with the flow of
flood waters, as it isprimarily at grade with the river
bed.
4.a.&b. Roadway path consists of disturbed material, with
vegetation and wildlife only viable on adjacent areas.
Posts will be placed along the sides of the roadway to
prevent trucks from travelling across habitat areas.
3.h. Ground water could be contaminated by fluids emitted by
trucks as they travel across the river bed.
5.a. Implementation of this project will have the potential
to disrupt wildlife movements during the hours of
operation. Since the roadway is already disturbed and
most wildlife movement would be during the evening hours
when operation is not underway, the impact is not
considered significant.
5.b. The area is potential habitat for the candidate San
Diego coast horned lizard. Since no habitat would be
lost by utilizing an existing roadway, no significant
impact is anticipated.
6.a. Noise will be generated in the river channel from the
use of trucks on the haul road. No sensitive receptors
will be affected by the operation (see noise study in
the attached Preliminary Environmental Assessment), and
no significant impacts are anticipated.
S.a. This roadway has been utilized for truck traffic
purposes over the past few years.
8.b. Existing quarrying operation to be expanded is permitted
through the use variance approved in 1963.
1
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ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION FOR AMENDMENT TO RESOLUTION NO. 4520
PAGE 3 OF 3
watered on a frequent basis to prevent dusting of
vegetation and the vegetation within 25 feet of the
roadway will be washed twice per month.
Owl rock will commit to the revegetation of the roadway
after operations are curtailed at the end of two years.
A revegetation plan will be submitted within six months
of initiation of operation and will include such
features as soil cultivation, revegetation (plant pallet
and replanting techniques) and arundo/weed control.
H drolo and Water Qualit
The use of a biodegradable produce such as Coherex will
be used for dust control since this material is non-
toxic and biodegradable. Measures will be taken to keep
trucks in proper operating conditions to minimize
possibility of vehicle fluids leaking onto roadway and
into water supplies.
Air Ouality
In order to assure that no air quality impacts will
occur, the road surface will be stabilized to sustain a
high degree of emissions control, and hauling activities
Air Quality - continued
will not occur when wind conditions are such that they
may carry dust emissions toward Duarte and Irwindale
receptors. Regular watering and scheduled treatment with
a soil binding agent such as Coherex will be used to
keep the road dust lofting rate within acceptable
limits.
Health and Safety
Owl Rock Products Company will provide a flagman at the
bike and equestrian trail during all hours of operation
and will assure that truck speeds are limited to 20 mph.
An additional mitigation measure could include signs
posted within 200 feet of each side of each of the
trails to warn trail users of the potential danger, and
electric barricades could be operated by the flagman to
insure against accidents.
Other mitigation measures are described in more detail
in the aforementioned Preliminary Environmental
Assessment.
3
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ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION FOR AMENDMENT TO RESOLUTION NO. 4520
PAGE 2 OF 3
13.a. No additional vehicular movement will' be generated.
Existing traffic which currently utilizes surface
streets would now travel across this roadway.
13.d. Truck traffic which currently utilizes Encanto Parkway
will be diverted to an existing road across the San
Gabriel River.
13.f. The haul road will cross the bicycle path and equestrian
path. There would be a potential for significant
impact. The applicant proposes the use of flagmen,
signs and railroad type signals to prevent any potential
danger.
14.d. &
19. Existing bicycle trail route will be interrupted when
trucks cross the path.
17.a.&b. Trucks crossing bicycle path could endanger cyclists
along this route.
21.a. Nearby sensitive vegetation and wildlife habitats will
not be disturbed, as trucks will utilize an existing
road which has produced an pathway devoid of nature
vegetation.
21.b. Although this project is of a short-term nature, no
long-term effects on the environment are projected.
A preliminary Environmental Assessment prepared for the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers further describes the project, its effects and
potential mitigation measures. A copy of this assessment is
attached and is incorporated by reference.
All other environmental impact reports or other environmental
analyses conducted within the city of Azusa are also incorporated
by reference and utilized in assessing the impacts of this
project.
IV. MITIGATION MEASURES
..E
The existing roadway will be marked by monument posts at
25 -foot intervals on both sides of the roadway through
the alluvial scrub habitat to assure that the existing
roadway is not changed or widened. The roadway will be
F
rCAZUSA �
CITYOF
NOTICE OF DETERMINATION
! �ClTYOF E
AZUSA`�
TO: COUNTY CLERIC FROM: CITY OF AZUSA
CORPORATIONS DIVISIO`! -- Room 106 213 E. Foothill Blvd.
P.O. Box 151 Azusa, California 917
Los Angeles, Ca. 90053
OFFICE OF PLANNING AND RESEARCH
1400 Tenth Street
Sacramento, Ca. 95814 Date: March 29, 1989
PROjnCT TITLE: AMENDMENT TO RESOLUTION NO. 4520 - AN OLD VARIANCE
PRO.,�CT LOCATION: 1201 North Todd Avenue
Azusa, Ca. 91702
DESCRIPTION: THIS AMENDMENT 4i0ULD PERMIT AN EXISTING ROAD ACROSS III
SAN GA13RIEL RIFER TO BE USED TO TRUCK ELAIERIAL TO THE STTE. THIS RC(TE hCULD BE UIT i7FI) FCR A
7%0-YT1R PERIOD C LY.
This is to advise that the City of Azusa has approved the above de-
scri"ed project and has made the f„ -_ coming determinations regarding
same;
1. The project in its approved form ❑ will„may will not have
significant effect on the environment.
2. ❑ An Environmental Impact Repert was prepared for this pro-
ject pursuant to the provisicns of CEQA.
3.�] A Negative Declaration was prepared for this project pur-
suant to the provisions of CEQA.
4. A Statement of Overriding Considerations ❑ was,0 was not,
adcpted for this project.
S. mitigation measures � were, ❑ were not, made a condition
of approval o_' the project.
DANE(, M. WATROUS, SENIOR PLANNER (81 9) 334-5125 Ext. 262
CC::TACT PERSON T_17:E TELEPHO:'E NUI•_=_R
PRELIMINARY ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSME9T
OWL ROCK PRODUCTS CO. APPLICATION TO HAUL QUARRY MATERIAL
ACROSS SAN GABRIEL RIVER CHANNEL, AZUSA, CALIFORNIA
SECTION 1 - PROJECT INFORMATION
1.1 PROJECT PROPONENT
Owl Rock Products Company
5435 Peck Road
Arcadia, California 91006
Attention: Jack Smith,.Senior Vice President
1.2 PROJECT TYPE
The project involves the transportation of construction grade
quarry material across an existing dirt road on Corps of
Engineers -administered lands at the San Gabriel River Channel in
Azusa. A license from the Corps of Engineers is required. No
construction activities are associated with the proposed action.
1.3 LOCATION
The proposed project area is located in the City of Azusa, County
of Los Angeles in the San Gabriel River Channel approximately
1-1/2 miles north of the intersection of Foothill Boulevard and
Encanto Parkway(Vicinity Plap, Figure 1). The haul road is
approximately 2,800 feet long crossing the San Gabriel River
Waterway just downstream of Drop Structure No. 5, north of the
abandoned railroad bridge (Site Map, Figure 2) between Azusa Rock
Co.and Owl Rock Products Co. properties.
1.4 DESCRIPTION
During the
experienced past six months 0141 Rock Products Company has
reductions in available mineral resources for
processing for construction grade materials at their facility
(see Figure 3). Since the mid -1960x, Owl Rock has participated
in a joint effort with the city of Azusa and the L.A. County
Flood Control District to dredge and extract material from
percolation basins on the Owl Rock property. This project has
provided Owl Rock with its major source of quarry material. As
this project comes to completion, the volume
extracted from the ponds lessens per of materials
month. From April 1986 to
October 1988 the monthly average was just over 185,300 tons down
from over 269,400 tons during the Previous 22 -month period.
Owl rock has entered into an agreement with Azusa Rock, located
across the San Gabriel River Channel, to purchase and transport
0
Ul
a at
Facility INDUSTRIAL
INDUSTRIALS,/
SITE MAP
4. 61
PROPOSED
OWL ROCK
PLANT
N
-�Azusa
Hock
3
Plan
itriel
c k Co. Azus San Gabriel
Rock Valley Rifl
Range
S a n Gabriel
CITY OF AZUSA
WATER DEPT.
OWL ROCK Percolation Basins
/GRE S
COUNTRY
CLUB
PURLI
GOLF
bOURS
RESIDENT A
�OLF COURSE,,,
---------------
N,
RESIDENTIAL
0
I 1000
-- F Z �ET
3
--4
RESIDENTIAL �
0
Q
a at
Facility INDUSTRIAL
INDUSTRIALS,/
SITE MAP
4. 61
PROPOSED
OWL ROCK
PLANT
N
-�Azusa
Hock
3
Plan
itriel
c k Co. Azus San Gabriel
Rock Valley Rifl
Range
S a n Gabriel
CITY OF AZUSA
WATER DEPT.
OWL ROCK Percolation Basins
/GRE S
COUNTRY
CLUB
PURLI
GOLF
bOURS
RESIDENT A
�OLF COURSE,,,
---------------
N,
RESIDENTIAL
0
I 1000
-- F Z �ET
3
f
400
H
C
O I
N
O
0 300 I 291,000
w_ I
J
0
> 200
0 I 223,000
Lu
J
ul
Q
100
J JASONDJ FMAMJ J ASONDJ F M A M J J ASO Future Range
1986 1987
1988
'•'� i nL- r OhkLCJ VULUME
OWL ROCK PRODUCTS COMPANY
up to a maximum of 70,000 tons per month of •quarry material
across the channel for processinq and distribution. It is Owl
Rock Products, intent to bring their monthly volume back up to
the 269,000 ton per month average level experienced prior to
April 1988.
Owl Rock Products Co, is applying to the Corps of Engineers
(Corps) for a license to utilize an existing dirt haulage road
crossing Corps property in the San Gabriel River Channel at the
location described above. Most of this road has been previously
utilized for operations by the San Gabriel Rock Co. for the
transport and removal of sediment material from the dreo
structures. San Gabriel Rock was licensed through the Corps to
remove this material.
Owl Rock proposes to transport material via truck on an existing
haul road from the Azusa Rock Plant on the west side of the Corns
property to the Owl Rock facility on the east. The haul road
crosses the northern extension of Encanto Parkway at the Azusa
Rock facility gate and extend southeast through the equipment
yard of Azusa Rock to join the existing unsurfaced haul road
around San Gabriel Rock, and cross the remainder of the channel
to the Owl Rock gate on the east side of the channel (Figure 2).
The roadway at Encanto Parkway at the point of crossing is
privately owned by Azusa Rock.
Construction grade material will be initially processed by a
primary rock crusher at Azusa Rock and transported to the Owl
Rock facility for final processing. It is proposed that 5,000
tons of processed material will be the maximum amount of material
to be transported on a daily basis. Either Euclid B -70s (bottom
dumps) or, as an option, Euclid end dumb trucks will be utilized
over a 10—hour day (7:00 AM to 5:00 Pr, five days per week. The
carrying capacity of a Euclid B-70 is 70 tons, thus 72 truck
round trips per day or 7 truck round trips per hour will be
required. It is expected that the average transport will be
4,000 tons per day, or 57 truck round trips per day. Overall
production would not exceed 70,000 tons per month.
During operation, Owl Rock proposes to use a flagman at the
Encanto Road crossing as well as at the bike and equestrian paths
on the eastern portion of the Corps property. Owl Rock will also
be responsible for maintenance of the haulage roadway and for
control of dust during transport operations. Speed limits across
the Channel will be limited to 20 mph. An electric gate, similar
to that used for a railroad crossing, could be used and manned by
the flagman to ensure operations safety.
This assessment includes the brief examination of alternatives to
crossing at the proposed location for transport of materials.
These alternatives include the Use of conveyors, alternative
truck routes through the Sar -;—F.riol Channel, alternative
schedules, and the No Action Alters.?ti.ve.
3
1.5 DATE BEGIN/COMPLETE
Owl Rock proposes to begin transport of materials as soon as the
license is granted by the Corps and upon approval of a use
variance by the City of Azusa. Use of this roadway is not
proposed to exceed a two-year period.
1.6 PURPOSE AND NEED
This Preliminary Environmental Assessment (PEA) is being
submitted for approval to use the haulage roadway to transport
construction -grade materials across the river. Use of the
f crossing would allow for the continued production of aggregates
at the Owl Rock site and could limit further increases in traffic
on Encanto Parkway. In addition, a reduction in traffic on
Encanto Parkway by Azusa Rock Products trucks may actually be
attained by shifting the production of 1 -inch nominal and smaller
aggregates to the Owl Rock Products Company facility.
1.7 PROJECT PLANS
Please refer to Figures 1 and 2 showing the vicinity map and and
a map of the existing haulage road. With the exception of minor
grading between the Azusa Rock and San Gabriel Rock sites to
reduce the grade of the roadway, no construction activities are
proposed.
2
SECTION 2 — AFFECTED Ef7VIRONMENT
2.1 LAND USE
The land segment proposed for use for the transport of materials
is Corps of Engineers administered lands, specifically the San
Gabriel River Channel. The San Gabriel River Channel is used for
flood control purposes with secondary uses of recreation and
ground water recharge. An existing dirt haulage road crosses the
property at the 5th and 6th drop structures north of the
abandoned railroad bridge as shown in Figure 2. A majority of
this road was previously utilized for San Gabriel Rock Co.
operations under approval by the Corps. Another road runs
parallel to the channel south toward the railroad bridge.
Land use in areas immediately adjacent to the proposed crossing
include the Azusa Rock property on the west and the Owl Rock
Products facility on the east.
Immediately north of the Azusa Rock property is the San Gabriel
Valley Rifle Range. The entrance of the Azusa Rock property is
accessed via Huntington Drive/Foothill Blvd north to Encanto
Parkway. Single family homes and park areas front the west side
of Encanto Parkway in the City of Duarte. The residential area
ends just north of Narkwood St. Just south of Narkwood St.,
Fish Canyon Road merges with Encanto Parkway and heads north to
the Azusa Rock property. Land to the north and east of Markwood
St. is within the City of Azusa and is undeveloped. Encanto
Parkway just south of the Azusa Rock property becomes a private
road owned by Azusa Rock.
The entrance to the Owl Rock Products facility is at the
intersection of Todd Avenue and Sierra riadre Blvd. The property
is comprised of rock crushing and sizing operations in addition
to sediment removal from two percolation basins. Drainage and
water usage of the basins is operated under a three party
agreement between Owl Rock, the City of Azusa, and the L.A.
County Flood Control District. The property immediately
adjacent to the Owl Rock facility comprises the Azusa Greens
Country Club, while property adjacent to and South of the
facility is industrial. The industrial property borders the
northern end of Cal plat's gravel operations.
2.2 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
2.2.1 General Descrintion
The existing dirt roadway propos-
traverses the San Gabriel River ,F
the channel. The roadway has been
7
F..r u5e bV Owl
�r-rroximately a
used previously
Rock Products
right angle to
by San Gabriel
Rock Company to carry material to the Owl Rock facility. This
roadway is 20- to 30 -feet wide and has been compacted by previous
vehicle use with the roadway itself essentially void of
vegetation. The stream channel itself, adjacent to the road, has
been previously disturbed through sediment removal between the
drop structures. The area north of the channel has been
disturbed through its use as a gravel processing facility. The
area south of the channel has undergone less disturbance and is
more characteristic of alluvial scrub vegetation.
2.2.2 Vegetation
The roadway itself is void of vegetation. Areas adjacent to the
roadway which have not been as disturbed do contain native
vegetation. The best developed vegetation is located south of
the drop structures. Alluvial scrub exists along a narrow band
of the channel for an approximately one-half mile stretch of the
river. This alluvial scrub vegetation was once common within the
San Gabriel River Basin but is now restricted to small areas with
the best examples contained on lands of the Santa Fe Dam
Recreation area. The roadway crosses this band of vegetation at
an approximate right angle for approximately 150 feet. The
alluvial scrub in this area contains both pioneer and alluvial
forms with dominant species including California buckwheat
(Eriogonum fasciculatum), scale -broom (Leoidospartum souamatum),
lemonadeberry (Rhus intearifolia), Soanis ayonet (Yucca
whipplei) and California sagebrus (Artemisia californica).
The Corps of Engineers currently has plans to revegetate the
roadway proposed for use by Owl Rock. This revegetation project
would occur in the near future and would include deep plowing to
alleviate soil compaction and replanting with species native to
the alluvial scrub community. The main channel itself has been
extensively disturbed by sand and gravel extraction activities in
the recent past. The channel therefore contains only scattered
plants including mulefat (Baccharis alutinosa) and scale -broom.
The northern portion of the roadway passes through an area
extensively disturbed by sand and gravel processing and storage
of heavy equipment. within this area, there are scattered areas
of giant reed (Arundo donax) where apparently water periodically
collects in low areas.
2.2.3 wildlife
The San Gabriel River Channel is a valuable wildlife corridor
that is expected to support most wildlife species recorded in the
area. Of particular value is the alluvial scrub habitat located
on the southern portion of the site. This area would include a
wide range of amphibians, reptils�, and mammals. Additionally, a
total of 82 bird species have been recorded within the region. A
full discussion of the wildlife component in the area is provided
by MBA (1988) for the proposed Raiders Stadium.
E
0 1P
The San Gabriel
migration
River
Channel also functions as
a wildlife
corridor
mammals and birds
for a
to deer
variety of wildlife ranging
from small
and mammalian carnivores.
2.2.4 Threatened and Endangered Species
Tables 1 and 2 list those plant and wildlife species either
listed or otherwise of concern that may occur within or nearby
the San Gabriel River Channel. Three plant species, the -
slender -horned spineflower (Centroste is le toceras), Braunton's
milk -vetch (Astra alus brauntonii) and the San Ga riel Mountain
dudleya (Dudleva densif ora) could occur in the study area. The
area near the roadway is not habitat for the dudleya, but the
alluvial scrub could support the species. Neither the
spineflower or milk -vetch were noted within 100 feet of the road
during the survey, however the phenology of the two is such that
they would most likely not be identifiable during this time of
year.
The alluvial scrub habitat would be expected to support the San
Diego coast horned lizard (Phrvnosoma coronatum blainvillei), a
candidate species. The site coul a so e posse e aoitat for
the California black -tailed gnatcatcher (Poliootila melanura
californica), although the lack of sightings in t e area in
recent years may indicate that it has been extirpated from the
area. The area could also be considered as habitat for the
burrowing owl (Athena cunicularia), however the area does not
appear as potential nesting a itat.
The area may also be considered as potential foraging habitat for
several raptor species including the northern harrier (Circus
c aneus), Sharp -shinned hawk (Accioiter striatus), CoopersT
Acdrpiter coonerii), golden eagle (Aaui a chrvsaetos) and
prairie falcon (Falco mexicanus).
2.3 SOILS AND GEOLOGY
The channel and surrounding area consists of recent alluvium
which is less than 11,000 years old. This alluvium is underlain
by older alluvium which may extend for several hundred feet.
Soil deposit consists of a layer of coarse rock and
interspersed with silt. sand
This material is of commercial quality
for sand and gravel use.
The site is located in a seismically active area and is very
close to the projection of the Sierra Madre (Duarte Branch)
Fault. This active fault has historirall_v produced an earthquake
of 6.4 and could produce an earths -F magnitude 7.
01
Table 1
SENSITIVE PLANT SPECIES P=T ,rL1LLy OCCURRING
IN PROJECT AREA
Species
Centrosteaia
eoto eras
Sl—e-n-d—er---Tiorned
spineflower
Astragalus
rb auntonii
Braunton's
milk -vetch
Dudle a
censi lora
San Ga rie
Mountain dudleya
Statea
Federal
Biotic
(CDFSG)
(FFvS) C'PS
Community
SE
FE List ld
sandy openings
scrub habitats
--
C2 List 1
scrub habitats
-- C2 List 1 rocky cliffs,
scrub habitats
a Listing agencies/organizations:
CDF&G - California Department of Fish and Game
FWS - U.S. Fish and T9ildlife Service
CLAPS - California Native Plant Scciety
b State endangered
c Federally endangered
d Considered rare and endangered thrcuchcut its rance
e Federal candidate (Category 2) - decline of the species is
suspected; however, insufficient data exist to support a
proposed listing
SOURCE: I'IBA, 1988
10
• ! • 1P
Table 2
SENSITIVE WILDLIFE SPECIES Fd 7L%LLY OCCUfMNG
IN PROTECT AREA
Species
San Diego Coast
horned lizard
(Phrynosoma
coronatum
lainvi ei)
Northern harrier
(Circus
c aneus)
Sharp -shinned
hawk
(Accipiter
striatus)
Cooper's hawk
(Accioiter
coo icer i)
Golden eagle
(Aguila
chrysaetos)
Prairie falcon
(Falco
mexicanus)
Burrowing owl
(Athene
cunicularia)
California
black -tailed
gnatcatcher
(Policotila
me—lanuea
caTifoenica)
State Federal
(CDFSG) (FWS) CIPS
-- C2 —
Biotic
Community
Sandy openings
scrub habitats
SC2 -- *d open fields,
marshes
SC3e -- * mixed woodlands
SC3 —
* mixed and open
woodlands
SC3 --
— open country,
hilly terrain
SC3 --
— open arid
valleys
SC2 --
— Ocenings in
grassland
and scrub
— C2
— dry slopes,
scrub habitats
a Listing agencies/organizations:
CDF&G - California De_cartnent of Fish and Game
17[17S - U.S. Fish and F7ildlife Service
CAPS - California Native Plant Socie-y
b State endangered
C Federally endangered
d Considered rare and endangered thrcuc^:cut its range
e Federal candidate (Category 2) - decline of the species is
suspected; however, insufficient data exist to succort a
proposed listing
SOURCE: IiS4, 1988
11
2.4 HYDROLOGY
The existing earth rcadwav crosses the San Gabriel River Channel
at grade between two drop structures which are intended to retard
river flows. The river is the major drainage in the area with a
100 -year flood plain elevation of 720 feet. One -hundred year
flood flows are therefore contained within the channel.
Morris Dam upstream of the proposed site restricts most summer
flows so that the channel is dry for all but the rainy months of
the year. In the fall of 1988, only small pools of water were
noted between some of the drop structures upstream of the roadway
and may be due to local drainage into the riverbed. This site is
also a groundwater recharge area.
2.5 AIR QUALITY
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Azusa
air monitoring station is located about one mile south of the
project site. Although above averace Smog and particulate levels
are recorded here, there has been a slow, but steady improvement
in air quality in the area over the past several years.
Wind patterns at the project site are very well defined because
of the constraining influence of the San Gabriel River Canyon.
Winds are sharply bi-modal with a persistent upcanyon flow by day
and a downcanyon flow at night. Wind monitoring was conducted
within the Owl Rock property for brief periods in 1986 as part of
the dispersion analysis for a once-crocosed waste to energy plant
in the Calhlat pit near the 210 Freeway. On-site wind monitoring
was also conducted briefly near the frcnt gate of Azusa Rock at
Encanto Parkway in 1988 in supcort of on-site dust monitoring
conducted along the parkway at the nearest Duarte homes.
The observed bi-modal pattern was excected given the normal
Pattern of onshore, ucslcpe flow by day and downslooe, offshore
flow at night. Observations also show that a strong downcanyon
flow late at night and early in the morning exists at the north
end of the Owl Rock property. Daytime upcanyon flow from the
SS7-WS1,9 averaged around 7 mph (lichter in the morning, stronger
in the afternoon). The downcanyon flow, however, often exceeded
15 mph at night during the Narch-aay monitoring period. That
narrow tongue of cold drainaqe air J ra3idly dissipates in the
canyon mouth as it fans out since th'ere was little sign of an
nocturnal "jet" by the time the drainage flow reached the
210 Freeway. The strong night winds create turbulence that more
readily kicks up loose dust in the ri•:er channel, and keeps it
suspended for longer periods of time. After the winds reverse
(normally about one hour after sunrise), they blow upcanyon all
day (except during Santa Ana conrliri�ns), and create little dust
impact from river channel dust - h -rause the mechanical
turbulence of wind/terrain inr and "thermal
effects along heated sloces creat'' d--r)mixing layer thatncan
better accommodate localized dust _miss_^ns.
12
2.6 NOISE
The major noise sources near the roadway are from sand and gravel
extraction activities at Owl Rock Products to the east of the
channel and by the San Gabriel Rock (currently not in operation)
and the Azusa Rock quarrying operations to the west of the
channel.
Current noise levels within the study area are estimated in the
low 50's CNEL since no vehicles are currently operating on the
roadway. Currently, the closest sensitive receptors are houses
located approximately 3,800 feet from the site.
2.7 CULTURAL RESOURCES
An archival records and literature search revealed that the
subject parcel had not been previously surveyed and no
prehistoric or historic sites had been recorded. Three sites
have been recorded within two miles of the property. These
include a large historic trash scatter to the south, a large
shell midden to the east (now completely destroyed), and a
chipped stone-groundstone artifact scatter on a ridge to the
west.
In view of the potential for sites, especially along a major
drainage like the San Gabriel River, a field survey was conducted
by Dr. Philip de 6arros on September 13, 1988. Most of the
proposed haul road lies within the act4ve floodplain of the San
Gabriel River or within highly distur`ed areas now occupied by
gravel mining occupations. These areas were examined to be
certain no buried cultural resources had been exposed by river
action. The terrace immediately adjacent to the western bank of
the San Gabriel River was examined closely as it appeared to be
relatively undisturbed. A fifty -foot swath on each side of the
haul road was examined carefully using parallel transects, but no
traces of cultural resources were found.
2.6 TRAFFIC
Public traffic near the entrance to t: Azusa Rock facility on
Encanto Parkway is minimal, caterinc mainly to Azusa Rock truck
traffic and users of the San Gabrie'- Valley Rifle Club. The
roadway at this point is privately owned by Azusa Rock.
Encanto Parkway south of the Azusa Roc'' facility provides access
to a residential area of Duarte on the west side of Encanto
Parkway via Markwood Street and vi, 7ish Canyon Road. Stop signs
on Encanto Parkway at Mar,k.aocd ". •...t a -d ri.sh Canvon Road help
to control traffic and keen trv•_[ -c-,2d-0
down adjacent to the
nearby residences. Aoproximatei -00 feet of Encanto Parkway,
13
just north of Foothill Boulevard, is within the' city of Duarte;
the remainder is within the City of Azusa. Huntington Drive
(Foothill Boulevard) also provides access for these residences.
Some residents who back up to the park•.oay have voiced complaints
concerning truck traffic on the roadway. Azusa Rock, Inc. (Kirst
Construction at the time) built and paid for Encanto Parkway in
1966 as a mitigation measure in response to complaints by Duarte
residents about trucks on Fish Canyon Road.
Azusa Rock currently averages production of 50,000 tons of rock
products per month which translate into approximately 2,000 truck
trips (round trips) per month or 100 truck trips per day assuming
operation of 20 days per month.
The Owl Rock facility has a gate bordering the Corps -administered
lands through which trucks crossing the San Gabriel River Channel
would access Owl Rock's property. The main entrance to Owl Rock
is located at the intersection of Todd Avenue and Sierra Madre
Boulevard. Sierra Madre Boulevard provides one of three major
access route to the Azusa Greens residential area and country
club.
The number of Owl Rock trucks utilizing Todd Avenue is dependent
on the volume of material processed and distributed. Prior to
April 1988 when material volumes averaged approximately 269,000
tons per month (or 8,967 tons per day), approximately 350 truck
trips (700 round trip truck trips) were generated based on an
average load of 25.5 tons per truck. Since April, volumes have
averaged only 185,000 tons per month (6,167 tons per day) or 242
truck trips (484 round trip truck trios) per day.
Under the present Use Variance, roadway use is restricted to use
of Todd Avenue and not Sierra Madre Boulevard exiting the plant.
There are no restrictions in Owl Rock's use of Todd Avenue except
for maintenance of the roadway. No plant operation is allowed on
Sundays or major Holidays.
2.9 RECREATION
Recreation facilities in the project area include the bicycle and
equestrian trail which is part of the San Gabriel River Trail,
one of 28 equestrian/hiking trails maintained by the Los Angeles
County Parks and Recreation Department. The adjacent bike trail
is maintained by Los Angeles County Public Plorks Department.
An 18 -hole public golf course is located at the Azusa Greens
Country Club bordering the eastern edge of the Owl Rock facility
property.
The San Gabriel valley Rifle Club also maintains its firing range
just north of the Azusa Rock
14
2.10 HEALTH AND SAFETY
Health and safety concerns center around truck traffic travelling
along Encanto Parkway adjacent to the residential area. Health
issues focus primarily on the dust and noise resulting from the
truck traffic (see Sections 2.5 and 2.6). Secondary safety
issues result from residential traffic merging onto Encanto
Parkway from Markwood Street and Fish Canyon Road. Stop signs on.
Encanto Parkway effectively control truck speeds at these
intersections. The City of Duarte reports that no car -truck
accidents have occurred within the past several years on Encanto
Parkway (City of Duarte, Traffic Engineering, 1988), and does not
consider trucks on the parkway to be a safety issue.
Many Azusa Green residents have access to the community via
Vernon Avenue or Sunset Avenue, thus avoiding trucks on Todd
Avenue.
2.11 AESTHETICS
The area surrounding the proposed project area is characterized
by a mix of land disturbed by quarry -related activities,
industrial facilities and residential development. The Azusa
Greens County Club golf course borders the eastern edge of the
Owl Rock facility. The golf course is bordered with trees and
bushes effectively sheltering the view of the Owl Rock facility
from the golf course. Owl Rock built protecting berm and planted
the trees along this area in compliance with the City of Azusa.
2.12 CUMULATIVE ENVIRONMENT
The general San Gabriel River/Santa Fe Dam area is currently one
of 'relatively high activity and controversy. The Azusa Rock
operation has been a center of controversy with the citizens of
the City of Duarte and City of Azusa primarily due to truck
traffic on Encanto Parkway. The Corps of Engineers has suspended
operations at San Gabriel Rock due to traffic impact on Encanto
Parkway pending completion of an Environmental Assessment. San
Gabriel Rock proposes the transfer of its material across the San
Gabriel River to the Cal flat facility downstream of Owl Rock. In
a recent (November) decision by the City of Azusa, Azusa Rock has
been allowed to continue operation thrcuah the implementtion of a
three -stage program which would include use of the roadway
proposed for this project as an interim solution. The long-term
solution will include the use of a conveyor belt across the San
Gabriel River and the construction of a new roadway on the
eastern side of the San Gabriel River with direct access to
Foothill Boulevard.
The City of Irl:)indale D!'ODOs"' 'Instruction of Raiders
Stadium approximately one-half mil -1- nstream of Owl Rock. One
alternative of this proposal would Le to use Corps' administered
lands containing alluvial scrub fo!' Darking.
15
SECTION 3 - ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION
3.1 LAND USE
No changes in land use will occur as a result of approval of the
proposed action. As the proposed haulage road is already in
place, no modifications will be necessary within the channel bed.
Owl Rock will provide for routine maintenance of the road
including light grading after water flows in the Channel. Access
to the channel on both sides is proposed to enter and leave via
private property which are existing quarry operations. No
mitigation is required as no impacts to land use will occur.
3.2 BIOLOGY
3.2.1 Impact
3.2.1.1 Vegetation
Use of the existing earth roadway will not result in any further
mechanical elimination of alluvial scrub vegetation within the
channel provided that the roadway is kect in its current location
and width. Assurance that the roadway is kept at its present
location will be accomplished by plac_ne 4 x 4 monument stakes
anchored in concrete along both sides of the roadway at 25 -foot
intervals along that portion of the roadway containing alluvial
scrub. These monuments will be inspected daily to assure they are
kept in place. Use of the roadway north of the channel may also
result in loss of less than 0.25 acres of giant reed (Arundo
donax). The direct impact to vegetation from the use of--tl s
exiting road is therefore not considered significant.
Use of the road may result in indirect impact to vegetation
through dusting of vegetation adjacent to the road. This impact
is potentially significant, but can be reduced to insignificant
levels by frequent application of water on the roadway as well as
spraying of water on vegetation within 25 feet of the roadway on
a twice -a -month basis.
The use of the existinq roadway will also delay revegetation of
the roadway by two years. This furt`•:er use will not change the
potential for revegetation however.
3.2.1.2 Wildlife
Use of the roadway across the ri..or c:^annel is expected to have
adverse, but not significant mr on wildlife through
increasing of noise and disturbJl"_- s in the immediate area
of the roadway. There will also b- cartial restriction of the
16
• or • 4t
wildlife migration corridor during the daylight hours. This
impact is not considered significant since most of wildlife
movement would be during evening hours.
3.2.1.2 Threatened or Endangered Species
Since additional alluvial scrub vegetation will not be disturbed,
no impact to threatened or endancered plant species is
anticipated. Additionally, no significant adverse impact is
anticipated to the sensitive raptor species that may forage
within the area since no additional habitat will be lost and
other similar noise disturbances exist in the vicinity of the
roadway. Since it is unlikely that mortality to the San Diego
coast horned lizard would occur from activity on the roadway, the
potential impact to this subspecies is considered low and not
significant.
3.2.2 Mitiqation
The existing roadway will be marked by monument posts at 25 -foot
intervals on both sides of the roadway through the alluvial scrub
habitat to assure that the existing roadway is not changed or
widened. The roadway will be watered on a frequent basis to
prevent dusting of vegetation and the vegetation within 25 feet
of the roadway will be washed twice per month.
Owl Rock will
commit to the revecetation of
the roadway after
operations are
be
curtailed at the end of two years.
A revegetation
plan will
submitted within
six months
of initiation of
operation and
will include such
features as
soil cultivation,
revegetation
(plant pallats and
replanting
techniques) and
arundo/weed control.
3.3 GEOLOGY AND SOILS
Use of the roadway will not create any ceclogical impact since no
structures or other modifications are proposed. Additionally,
the erosion potential for the area will not be increased from
present levels. As no impacts are anticipated, no mitigaticn is
required.
3.4 HYDROLOGY
act is anticipated since there will be no
No hydrological imp
modification to the stream channel and no structures placed with
the channel. There will be no modification to the 100 -year flood
plain nor will there be an nc_=ased erosion potential
downstream. The project o -%ill ner r `h oround'..later recharge
capabilities of the area.
17
• 0 • q,
Dust control chemicals may have the potential to create water
quality impacts to downstream areas. The use of a biodegradable
Products such as Coherex will be used since this material is
non-toxic and biodegradable and no significant impact is
anticipated. 1,10 other mitigation is required.
3.5 AIR QUALITY
Dust emissions from 72 daily round trips were calculated using an
EPA fugitive dust generation factor for unpaved surface travel
(AP -42, Section 11.2.1-1, Equation 1) which predicts that the
following dust emissions will result per round trip:
Full Load - 35.9 pounds/trio
Empty Load - 25.1 pounds/trip
For an empty trip from the Owl Rock facility to Azusa Rock, and a
full load return, an average of around 30 pounds of dust will be
released into the air if no dust control measures are
implemented. with dust control using a water truck, a control
factor of 50 percent is typically achieved. If the surface is
further stabilized with a dust -binding chemical, a control factor
of 75 to 85 percent is achieved in eractice. For purposes of
analysis, it was assumed that a chemical binder -stabilizer will
be used on the haul road across the river.
In order to translate the dust emissions into a corresponding air
quality impact for which there are ambient air quality standards,
a simple screening model was applied to the range of dust
emissions expected from the proposed project. It was assumed
that all dust emissions are uniformly mixed and confined within
the river channel horizontally, and within a 100 -meter deep layer
vertically. Air within this box was assumed to move at 3 m/sec
for the duration of the daily hauling activity. The additional
downwind total suspended particulace (TSP) level above the
existing background resulting from "is calculation was as
follows:
Unpaved
road
control =
750 --
Dcwnwind
dust
level
= 67
ug/m
Unpaved
road
control =
80% --
Downwind
dust
level
= 53
ug/m
Unpaved
road
control =
850 --
Do::n.:i:d
dust
level
= 40
ug/m
Unpaved
road
control =
900 --
Dcwrr.::lad
dust
level
= 28
ug/m
If haul
road
is paved
--
Downwind
dust
level =
23
ug/m
The SCAQttD has a project fence! ---',7e fugitive dust TSP impact
standard of 100 ug/m above the non-crcject background [Rule
403(c)). Even at 75 percent 4st "Ff ciency control, the
standard will be met at 67 ug/,m,Srss_^.t dust control practices
at Owl Rock maintain a high degree of "_ficiency with the use of
M
the control agent Coherex, thus no air quality dust problems
should occur. Any dust impacts would occur upriver where few
receptors are exposed to any incremental project -related dust
increase. Air quality levels within the Owl Rock facility will
approach previous levels from 1986 to early 1988 production
levels. Also, reduced traffic and dust levels may occur along
Encanto Parkway as Azusa Rock would sell more of its raw
materials to Owl Rock under this proposed action, rather than
selling finished product to other sources and hauling out by the
truckload along Encanto Parkway.
In order to assure that no air quality impacts will occur, the
road surface will be stabilized to sustain a high degree of
emissions control, and hauling activities will not occur when
strong winds are blowing downcanyon where they may carry dust
emissions toward Duarte Irwindale and Azusa receptors. Regular
watering and scheduled treatment with a soil binding agent such
as Coherex will be used to keep the road dust lofting rate within
acceptable limits.
3.6 NOISE
Seven round trips per hour across the channel will create a
24-hour CNEL level of 65.8 db at 71 feet from the roadway. The
distance to the 65 db contour is 112 Feet. Since the nearest
residences to the site are at 3,800 feet, there will be no
significant impact. No mitigation is required.
Noise levels along Todd Avenue will ap,-roximate noise operation
levels of 1987 and early 1988. No additional noise impacts will
occur as a result of the proposed action and it is not
anticipated that truck traffic will reach the levels of October
1986 (see Figure 4).
3.7 CULTURAL RESOURCES
There will be no impacts to cultural resources by the proposed
project. As such, no mitiaat'_en measures or further
recommendations are required.
3.8 TRAFFIC
Use of the river bed for truck cressina is expected to result in
no additional increases of truck traff4_c on Encanto Parkway and
Foothill Boulevard, and may actually decrease the truck traffic
on these roads from Azusa Reck's reduction in transport
operations. This option will a11e•:,;ate complaints that the
Cities of Duarte and Azusa now reCeivo concerning noise and dust
generated by trucks traveling alr,, _ c•�to parkway.
19
N
0
500
> I
0 400
¢ I 380
w
a
(n I
Y I
¢ 300
291
I
I
200
J J A S O N D J F M AM J J ASO N D J F M AM J J A So Future Range
1986 1987 1988
AVERAGE DAILY ONE—WAY TRUCK TRIPS ON TODD AVENUE aiauna
(BASED ON MONTHLY SALES VOLUME)
0
E
•
4
The proposed action will result in no additional increases in
truck trips along Todd Avenue over the June 1986 to March 1988
levels (see Figure 9). Trip levels after April 1988 began to
diminish when less resources became available to Owl Rock. Use
of the additional maximum 70,000 tons per month of Azusa Rock
material proposed herein for processing by Owl Rock will bring
the level of material processed and transported back to levels of
operation experienced by Owl Rock prior to April 1988. This
amounts to a maximum of approximately 350 truck trips (700 round
trip truck trips) per day. No additional increases in truck
trips over the April 1988 levels are expected to occur as a
result of the transport of material across the channel. A new
Use Variance specifically for conveyance of the 70,000 tons per
month of material is required by the City of Azusa. Applications
for this variance are currently in process.
3.9 RECREATION
Crossing of the bike and equestrian trails will result in the
intermittent disturbance to trail users which trucks cross.
Safety considerations are discussed in Section 3.10. Owl Rock
Products Co. will be responsible for maintenance of the paved
bikeway and will routinely repair any damage caused by heavy
trucks crossing. Approvals to cross the equestrian trail will be
obtained from the L.A. County Department of Parks and Recreation,
and to cross the bike trail from the L.A. County Public Works
Department. No othermitigation is recuired.
3.10 HEALTH AND SAFETY
The use of the San Gabriel River Channel for material transport
will effectively reduce potential truck safety issues for
citizens living along Encanto Parkway. Similarly, noise impacts
for those bordering Encanto Parkway will be reduced by routing
trucks across the channel. Dust emissions, however, may be
increased by use of the channel, es-Lecially during downwind
conditions. Dust control mitigation includes ceasing operations
during windy conditions and regular watering (see Section 3.5).
A new issue arises in that the trucks must cross the San Gabriel
bicycle and equestrian trails resulti-g in the potential for
accidents between trucks and trail users. Owl Rock Products will
provide a flagman at the trail during all hours of operation and
limit truck speeds to 20 mph. In additicn, signs could be posted
within 100 feet of each side of each of the trails to warn trail
users of the potential danger, and electric barricades (similar
to those at a railroad crossing) could be operated by the flagman
to insure against accidents. Anoth_r advantage is that the
natural terrain of the trails ciIc - a higher elevation then
that of the channel bed, givino ' •;I a clear view of the
trucking operations. This heles �.L,; —J trail users aware of a
potentially dangerous situation.
21
3.11 AESTHETICS
The visual environment will not be affected by use of the haulage
road as the roadway is already in place and no modifications are
necessary.
3.12 CUMULATIVE EFFECTS
As discussed in Section 3.8, the additicn of the approximately
70,000 tons of material from the Azusa Rock operation will result
in the maintenance of traffic at historic levels on Todd Avenue
since this tonage would make-up a current shortfall of material
at the Owl facility. Therefore traffic, air quality and noise
levels will not increase from historic levels.
The Azusa Rock facility is currently fulfilling several contracts
and for the short-term will continue to use Encanto at near
present levels. After these contracts are fulfilled, it is
anticipated that truck traffic on Encanto will be reduced.
The proposed project can be considered as an interim partial
solution for the traffic problems on Encanto Parkway since truck
traffic will probably be reduced. This proposed project would
not curtail the ultimate solution of the use of a conveyor belt
and separate roadway to transport material from Azusa Rock.
22
SECTION 4 — ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED ACTION
Project alternatives considered herein include:
o Construction and operation of a convevor across the channel,
o Selecting another location at which trucks would cross the
channel, and
o The No Action Alternative which includes the options of either
trucking the material on surface streets around the channel or
a decision to not use Azusa Rock material would have no effect
upon the Corps of Engineers.
The environmental issues of these alternatives are presented in
this section.
4.1 CONVEYOR OPERATION
Owl Rock Products Co. would move initially crushed material from
the Azusa Rock facility across the channel to their own facility
via an elevated electric conveyor. Conveyor alignment options
include crossing the channel close_ to the proposed road
alignment, paralleling one side of the channel and crossing at a
sharp angle, or angling across the channel between the two
facilities. Further studies and engineering are required to
determine the best conveyor routing.
This alternative results in an expensive, long-term commitment by
Owl Rock Products Co. and a long-term commitment for use of
channel land by the Corps of Engineers. Cost estimates for
conveyor systems are in the $1 million per mile range. Given
that the proposed transport of material and license request is
only for a two-year period, the conveyor option is not
economically feasible for such a short timeframe.
The benefits of conveyor operation include an almost negligible
dust problem, as the only potential ooints of dust are the
transfer points along the conveyor ::hich can be effectively
controlled with a water spray.
This alternative could also result in no additional surface
street truck traffic along Todd Ave -ue and Foothill Boulevard
causing no additional traffic, noise __ health problems above
existing levels, and could effectively reduce truck traffic along
Encanto Parkway therebv reduci^-+ -resent traffic, noise and
safety concerns.
23
Use of the conveyor system would also allow for' the bridging of
the bicycle/equestrian trail so there would be no interference
between trail uses and the transportation of rock products.
4.2 ALTERNATE CHANNEL CROSSING
This alternative would entail construction of a new roadway
across the San Gabriel River. The impact of this alternative
would probably be equal or greater than the proposed action since
it would still cross the equestrian/bicycle trail. Additionally,
it could result in further disturbance of the alluvial scrub
habitat.
As with the proposed haul road, use of an alternate channel
crossing would effectively alleviate existing traffic, noise and
safety issues along Encanto Parkwav, and not add to existing
problems on Todd Avenue.
Visually, development of an alternate channel crossing would add
to the visual degradation of the channel by possibly destroying
natural habitat in a location previously undisturbed by
activities other than for flood control. while much of the
channel is already disturbed, the preferred environmental
alternative should focus on a roadway that could be utilized with
a minimum of disturbance to the existing terrain.
4.3 NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE
The No Action Alternative of not us'_no Azusa Rock material
results in activities equal to present ocerations from Azusa and
Owl Rock Companies.
If material is trucked from the Azusa Reck facility to Owl Rock
Products facility via surface streets, no action is required by
the Corps, as Corns property is not involved. Similarly, no
action occurs if a decision is made to not use Azusa Rock
material.
The No Action Alternative of using surface streets may result in
an increased number of trucks on public roadways.
24
SECTION 5 - COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS
AND REGULATIONS
Law/Regulation Compliance Action
National Historic The area has been surveyed for sites, and
Preservation Act none were found.
Clean Air Act Public Notice/PEA will be circulated to
the Environmental Protection Agency for
review.
Clean Water Act Public Notice/PEA will be circulated to
the Reginal Water Quality Control Board
for review.
Endangered Species Public Notice/PEA will be circulated to
Act U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service for review.
Fish and wildlife Public Notice/PEA •.pill be circulated to
Coordination Act U.S. Fish & Wild'_i`_e Service and
California Department of Fish & Game for
review.
National Environ- Environmetal doc,=ents prepared for the
mental Policy Act proposed project are consistent with the
requirements of :;EPA as prescribed by
Federal regulations (40 CFR 1500-2508 and
33 CFR Part 230.
Floodplain Management The roadway crosses the flood plain of the
E.O. 11988 San Gabriel river. Alternatives to the
project are provided in Section 4.0.
Protection of wet- Public notice will be circulated in
lands E.O. 11990 accordance with 33 CFR 320 et. seq.
Prime and Unique The site is not 'located on prime or unique
Agricultural Lands agricultural lands.
CEQ Memorandum
25
SECTION 6 — COORDINATION
Copies of the Public Notice/Preliminary Environmental Assessment
will be forwarded to the following agencies and concerned parties
for their review and comments. Comments received will be
addressed in the Final Environmental Assessment.
Local
County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works
County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation
City of Azusa
City of Duarte
State of California
Department of Fish and Game
Regional Water Quality Control Board - Los Angeles Region
Historic Preservation Offices
United States
Army, Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District
Fish and Wildlife Service
Environmental Protection Agency
Adjacent Property Owners
None.
None.
26
SECTION 7 — AGENCIES CONTACTED AND REFERENCES CITED
AGENCIES AND COMPANIES CONTACTED
City of Azusa, Plannning and Traffic Engineering, Mr. Ali
Faramond.
City of Duarte, Traffic Engineerin.a
Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, Mr.
Jim McCarthy
Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, Mr. Ken Erhart
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Cadastral Section, Mr. Richard
Nagel
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Engineering Evaluation, Mr.
Lowell Flannery
Azusa Rock Co., Mr. Tom SheedV
REFERENCES CITED
Chambers Grouo, Inc., 1988
Air Quality Analysis of Proposed Sedi-.ent Removal Projects in
the Santa Fe Dam Flood Control Bas'_n Upstream San Gabriel
River. Prepared for the Los Angeles District Corps o=
Engineers. Draft Report.
Lockman and Associates, 1988
Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Proposed Los Angeles
Raiders Stadium. Prepared for Les Angeles District, U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers
MBA (Michael Brandman & Associates), 1988
Preliminary Draft Report. Biological Resources Assessment for
Raiders' Stadium Project EIR/EIS. Prepared for Lockman and
Associates and the Los Angeles District Army Corps of
Engineers.
27
SECTION B — LIST OF PREPARERS
Name
Title
Responsibility
John F. Westermeier
Project Principal
Biology
Geology/Soils
Hydrology
Linda Brody
Project Manager
Project Coordination
Land use
Traffic
Recreation
Health & Safety
Aesthetics
Hans Giroux
Air/Noise
Air Quality
Specialist
Noise
Dr. Philip de Barros
Cultural Resources
Cultural Resources
T]