HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC AG PKT 2008-02-11 #Q
AGENDA STAFF REPORT
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DATE: February 11, 2008
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
THRU: David Carmany, City Manager
FROM: Lee Whittenberg, Director of Development Services
SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF COMMENT LETTERS RE: DRAFT 2008
REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN AND THE 2008
REGiONAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN DRAFT
PROGRAM EIR
SUMMARY OF REQUEST:
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Authorize Mayor to sign comment letters regarding the Draft 2008 Regional
Transportation Plan (2008 RTP) and the Draft Program Environmental Impact
Report (Draft PEIR), with any revisions determined appropriate. Instruct Staff to
forward staff report and con:tment letters to Planning Commission for information
upon execution of the comment letters by the Mayor and EQCB Chairman.
BACKGROUND:
The City has received a copy of the above-referenced 2008 RTP and Draft PEIR
and has forwarded those documents to the Environmental Quality Control Board for
review and consideration. The EQCB considered these items on January 30, 2008
and is recommending comment letters regarding the 2008 RTP and Draft PEIR be
approved and forwarded to the Southem Califomia Association of Govemments
(SCAG). Please refer to Attachments A and B, respectively, to review the
recommended comment letters.
Please refer to Attachment C to review the Environmental Quality Control Board
Staff Report, dated January 30, 2008, which proVides detailed background
information regarding the matters being considered by the City Council.
The EQCB recommended a slight modification to the language in the comment
letter regarding the 2008 RTP Draft PEIR, and that suggested language is indicated
by bold and italicized text on page 3 of the comment letter provided as Attachment
2.
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Agenda Item ~
\ISBNASlUserslLWhillenberglMy DocumentslSCAG\2008 RTP-RCPlConslderaUon of Comment Letters.CC Staff
Repolldoc\lw\Ot-3t-oS
Approval of Comment Letters re:
Draft 2008 Regional Transporfalion Plan and th&
2008 Regional Transporlation Plan Draft Program E1R
City Council Agenda Staff Report _
February 11, 2008 .
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Adoption of the 2008 RTP is anticipated to conform the regional transportation
and air quality planning efforts to ensure the continued flow of appropriate federal
transportation and air quality funds to the region. If the plan is not adopted, or if
the region falls out of conformity with the required air quality management plans,
the region would be faced with the loss of substantial Federal and State funds for
important and necessary transportation projects identified in the 2008 RTP,
including projects that would be of benefit to Seal Beach.
RECOMMENDATION:
Authorize Mayor to sign comment letters regarding the Draft 2008 Regional
Transportation Plan (2008 RTP) and the Draft Program Environmental Impact
Report (Draft PEIR). with any revisions determined appropriate. Instruct Staff to
forward staff report and comment letters to Planning Commission for information
upon execution of the comment letters by the Mayor and EQCB Chairman.
SUBMITTED BY:
NOTED AND APPROVED:
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~~-
David carman~
City Manager
Attachments: (3)
A. Draft Comment Letter Re: "Draft 2008 Regional Transportation Plan",
dated February 12, 2008
B. Draft Comment Letter Re: "Draft 2008 Regional Transportation Plan Draft
Program Environmental Impact Report", dated February 12, 2008
C. Environmental Quality Control Board Staff Report, dated January 30,
2008, without Attachments
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Consideration of Commenll.etlers.CC Staff Report 2
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Approval of Comment Letters re:
Draff 2008 Regional Transportation Plan and the
2008 Regional Transportation Plan Draff Program EIR
City Council Agenda Staff Report
February 11, 2008
ATTACHMENT A
DRAFT COMMENT LETTER RE: "DRAFT
2008 REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION
PLAN" , DATED FEBRUARY 12, 2008
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COnSideration of Comment Letters.CC SlslI Report 3
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Approval of Comment Letters re:
Draft 2008 Regional Transportation Plan and the
2008 Regional Transportation Plan Draft Program EIR
City Council Agenda Staff Report
February 11, 2008
February 12, 2008
Southern California Association of Govemments
Attn: Jessica M~any
818 West Seventh Street, 12th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Dear Ms. Meany:
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SUBJECT: CITY OF SEAL BEACH COMMENTS ON "DRAFT 2008
REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN"
The City of Seal Beach has reviewed the Executive Summary and other portions of the
Draft 2008 Regional Transportation PIan (''2008 RTP"), and has several comments and
concerns relating to the subject document This document provides a clear and concise
overview of the transportation problems, opportunities, and proposed programs and projects
to meet the demands upon the transportation system, given fiscal and air quality constraints
within the SCAG region through the year 2035.
The City wishes to initially recognize and express appreciation to SCAG staff for their
efforts to assist the cities within the Orange County Council of Governments in gaining a
better understanding of the program proposals and the "growth forecast' implications of the
various policy options contained within the 2008 RTP regarding growth forecasts. Those
efforts have been well received and allow for Us to provide focused comments to SCAG on
issues of concern as identified by our Director ofDevelopm.ent Services.
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The remainder of the comment letter will address the following major points:
o Lonll-Ranlle Growth Pro;ections
o "Baseline" and "Policv Growth" PODRlation. Housinll. and Enwlovment
Forecasts
o - Conformitv Analvsis
o SRDDort of aCTA's List of TransDortaJion Pro;ects, and
o SUODort for Identified "Goods Movement" Projects Relllted to Port Activities
Consideration of Comment Letters.CC SlBff Report 4
Approval of Comment Letters re:
Draft 2008 Regional Transportation Plan and !he
2008 Regional Transportation Plan Draft Program EIR
City Council Agenda Staff Reporl _
February 11, 2008 .
Lon!!-Ranee Growth Pro;ections:
The primary concern of the City of Seal Beach is related to the issue of long-range
growth projections that are not in conformance with local agency growth projections,
particularly in the years after 2015. The issue of acceptable growth patterns in the region,
and particularly at the local city and county level is an area of extreme sensitivity to the
local residents of those particular communities. The Executive Summary states on pages
13 and 14:
"Using an integratedforecasting approach and a consensus-built growth
visioning process, SCAG developed growth policies that shape the 2008
RTP Policy Growth Alternative in order to irifluence development patterns
that reduce driving. The growth assumptions, vision, and policies were all
developed in coordination with technical analyses, local input, land use
and growth experts, and on-the-ground "reality checks." The resulting
2008 RTP Policy Growth Alternative indicates that modified growth
patterns based on these policies are modeled to show a direct positive
impact on air quality in the region. SCAG's Compass Blueprint Program,
in addition to legislative efforts, shapes the implementation progr~m for
enacting these policies and programs through partnerships with and
services offered to cities, counties, subregions and county transportation
commissions to ensure these positive effects on air quality."
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"Baseline" and "Policv Growth" PODulation. Housin!!. and Emolovment
Forecasts:
Review of the 2008 RTP growth forecast datasets shows the growth forecasts developed
and transmitted by all SCAG sub-regions as local input have been incorporated into the
2008 RTP Baseline forecasts. For Orange County, the Orange County Projections 2006
(OCP-2006) database, which was developed in coordination with the Center for
Demographic Research (CDR) at Cal State Fullerton, Orange County Transportation
Authority (OCTA), and all local governmental agencies within Orange County, is
included in the 2008 RTP "Baseline" forecast at Year 2003 (the RTP base year) and for
Year 2035 (horizon).
SCAG has also included within the 2008 RTP a "Policy Growth" forecast that promotes
an advisory and voluntary re-direction of future growth in the SCAG region. This
"Policy Growth" forecast proposes intensifying land use near transit stations and
employment centers and reducing growth in outlying areas to achieve objectives such as
reduced congestion and reduced vehicle miles. This "Policy Growth" forecast is
consistent with OCP-2006 projections through 2015, but after that a redirection of
population, housing and employment is projected that is not consistent with the OCP-
2006 approved projections for the County of Orange.
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Consideration of Comment Lellers.cc stat! Report 5
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Approval of Comment Letters re:
Draft 2008 Regional Trensportation Plan and the
2008 Regional Transportation Plan Dreft Program EIR
City Council Agenda Staff Report
February 11. 2008
Any dataset other than the Baseline forecast that is adopted by SCAG's Regional Council
as the official growth forecast for the SCAG region for the 2008 RTP would supersede
the 2006 Orange County Projections, and raises concerns on the integrity of Orange
County's transportation projects. Local governments and agencies that rely on the OCP
and the RTP projections for future planning would be impacted. For example,
identifying growth in areas where no growth is likely to occur could result in a required
allocation of funds to improve infrastructure that will not be used and/or a lengthy
justification for not doing so. It also may impact funding and revenue projections as
growth is shifted. There is also the potential for environmental litigation against an
agency not implementing the growth vision identified in a regional plan to alleviate air
pollution impacts that when not implemented result in health impacts.
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CDR has conducted a comparative analysis of the "Policy Growth" forecast and has
determined that it is not consistent with OCP-2006 as follows:
o The county level projections for population, households, and employment at Year
2035 differ within Orange County to the extent of an additional 45,000 persons,
15,000 households, and 9,500 jobs above the OCP-2006 projections, and
o Within Orange County at the census tract/traffic analysis zone level, the locations
of future growth sometimes are shifted significantly among the census tract/traffic
analysis zone levels, up to a 377% increase over the OCP-2006 projections.
The Seal Beach Department of Development Services has reviewed the "Policy Growth"
forecasts for each census tract in Seal Beach and is of the opinion that the following
"Policy Growth" forecasts are overstated and not consistent with the adopted growth
policies of Seal Beach, as articulated in its General Plan and Zoning Land Use
development standards as indicated below.
The City of Seal Beach requests that SCAG modify it "Policy Growth" Forecast as
indicated in the following Table.
All remaining census tracts within the City are within I % of the OCP-2006 projections
and our City staffhas no concerns regarding those very slight modifications.
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At a meeting of SCAG, CDR, OCTA, and OCCOG representatives on January 15, 2008
the growth forecast issues were again discussed and SCAG committed to working with
Orange County to make all necessary corrections to the growth forecast. The City of Seal
Beach appreciates SCAG staff's willingness to work with OCCOG, CDR, and OCTA to
ensure that the growth assumptions for Orange County population, households and
employment in the 2008 Draft RTP are consistent with the locally approved growth
forecasts. A consistent set of growth projections between SCAG and Orange County is
critical for major planning projects, environmental documentation, and transportation
modeling efforts. That cooperation is greatly appreciated.
Consideration of Comment Lders.cc Stat! Report 6
Approval of Comment Letters re:
Draft 2008 Regional Transportation Plan and the
2008 Regional Transportation Plan Draft Program EIR
CiIy Council Agenda staff Report
February 11, 2008
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995.04
Households
995.04
Employment
995.10
Employment
Projects an additional 399 housing units in an area
developed with an existing, stable, single family
residential area, public facilities and a recently approved
business park. Area is built out and all remaining
undeveloped areas are deed restricted by Coastal
Development Permits to only allowing fOT wetland and
upland habitat restoration projects. The OCP-2006
iuformation should be retained.
Projects a loss of 49 jobs. The 182 jobs allocated to
Census Tract 995.10 (Leisure World) should be allocated
to this Census Tract as a new business parlt development
has recently been completed which would create the
additional employment opportunities.
Projects an additional 182 jobs in an area that is 99%
developed as a senior retirement living community. Jobs
should be allocated to Census Tract 995.04, as discussed
above.
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Conformitv Analvsis:
The Draft 2008 RTP forecasts transportation needs through 2035. SCAG must include
all regionally significant transportation improvements for these projects to be eligible for
Federal or State funding or to receive the necessary approvals for implementation. In
addition, the RTP must identify reasonably available funding sources for all projects
(financially constrained) and demonstrate "conformity" with the air quality requirements
of the State Implementation Plan (SIP). SCAG indicates the following regarding
"Transportation Conformity Analysis":
"This Plan must pass the following tests and analyses to meet the
requirements for a positive conformity finding:
. Regional Emission Analysis
. Timely Implementation of Transportation Control Measures
(I'CMs) Analysis
. Financial Constraint Analysis
. Interagency Consultation and Public Involvement Analysis
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COnsideration of Comment letters.cc Stall Repoll 7
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Approval of Comment Letters re:
Draft 2008 Regional Transportation Plan and the
2008 Regional Transportation Plan Draft Program EIR
City Council Agenda Staff Report
February 11, 2008
The draft conformity analysis indicates a positive conformity finding for
the Draft 2008 RTP based on the draft emission budgets received by the
Air Resources Board and the other required tests. The formal coriformity
finding will be based on the finalized emission budgets analyzed in
comparison to the RTP as prepared for adoption. The detailed
tra1lliportation conformity analyses for the 2008 RTP are included in the
2008 RTP Conformity Report."
(2008 RTP, Executive Summary, Pliges 27 and 28)
The above discussion regarding "Conformity Analysis" within the 2008 RTP seems to
indicate that the 2008 RTP "Baseline" Project meets the conformity requirements.
However, at the December II, 2007 OCCOG- T AC Meeting, a response from Jacob Lieb,
SCAG Acting Manager of Environment, was read to the attendees indicating that:
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"given all the moving pieces associated with the 2008 RTP projects, that
there is every indication that the Baseline growth forecast will meet air
quality conformity, and fUrther, that the baseline growth forecast will be
modeled and run. At present, SCAG staff cannot state that the Baseline
growth forecast meets conformity because the modeling runs have yet to
be completed"
This statement was issued 4 days after the release of the 2008 RTP.
It is imperative that the SCAG decision-makers adopting the 2008 RTP clearly know if
the "Baseline" growth forecast meets the necessary conformity requirements. If the
"Baseline" growth forecast does not meet the conformity requirements, then the SCAG
region would not be eligible for receipt of Federal and State transportation funds and the
larger issue of land use and the "Policy Growth" forecasts (discussed in greater detail
below) will need to be re-visited.
SUDDort of aCTA's List of TransDortation Pro;ects:
Throughout the RTP development process, OCTA, as Orange County's Transportation
Commission, has been working with SCAG and the neighboring county transportation
commissions, to ensure that Orange County's list of transportation projects - as adopted
in OCTA's Long Range Transportation Plan and the Renewed Measure M Major
Investment Plan - is appropriately identified and designated in the 2008 RTP, and that
OCT A-adopted policy directives regarding these documents is maintained.
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Seal Beach supports the inclusion of Orange County's list of transportation projects, as
adopted in OCTA's Long Range Transportation Plan and the Renewed Measure M Major
Investment Plan in the 2008 RTP.
Consideration of Comment Letters.cc Staff Report 8
Approval of Comment Letl8rs /'9:
D/'9ft 2008 Regional Transportation Plan and the
2008 Regional Transportation Plan Draft Program EIR
City Council Agenda staff Report
February 11, 2008
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SUDDort for Identified "Goods Movement" Pro/ects Related to Port
Activities:
Seal Beach has provided comments over the past few years to the Ports of Long Beach
and Los Angeles, SCAG, the South Coast Air Quality Management District, and the State
Air Resources Board in support of programs to reduce air emissions related to both ship
and vehicle transport activities at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. The RTP
identifies a total of $36.3 billion in projects to address "Goods Movement" activities
throughout the SCAG region, with many of those actions and projects directly related to
the Ports of Los Angels and Long Beach.
Seal Beach is clearly identified within the April 2006 ARB report titled <<Diesel
Particulate Matter Exposure Assessment Study for the Ports of Los Angeles and Long
Beach" as being impacted adversely by the health risks identified within the study, and is
almost totally located within the identified 100-200 isopleths for all emission sources
from the port facilities I. In addition to the general exposure to citizens discussed in the
document a llli'ge portion of Seal Beach is developed with a 7,700 person senior living
community, Seal Beach Leisure World. This senior living community is completely
located within the identified 100-200 isopleths for all emission sources from the port
facilities. Leisure World comprises approximately 6,000 housing units, with a population
of approximately 6,600 persons 65 or older, or approximately 86.5% of the total
population of Leisure World.
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The impacts of the port complex diesel particulate emissions upon our community, and
particularly within the Leisure World retirement community are of extreme concern to
our citizens. The April 2006 ARB report indicates on page 4 that "The most vulnerable
populations are those with preexisting respiratory or cardiovascular disease especially
the elderly". The identified health effects on the young, elderly, and infirm are of
particular concern to our residents.
Because of the above-discussed impact, Seal Beach continues to support those activities
and projects which address the congestion and air quality impacts related to the goods
movement activities that are focused on the ports and the supporting highway and
railroad transportation systems.
Thank you for your consideration of the comments of the City of Seal Beach. We look
forward to positive responses from your organization regarding the above concerns.
Please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Lee Whittenberg, Director of Development Services,
City Hall, 211 Eighth Street, Seal Beach, 90740, telephone (562) 431-2527, extension 1313
if you have any questions regarding this matter. Mr. Whittenberg can also be contacted at
Iwhittenberll@cLseal-beach.ca.us.
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I Figure I, "Estimated Diesel PM Cancer Risk from POLA and POLB", page 8, "Diesel Particulate Matter
Exposure Assessment Study for the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach - Final Report," April 2006
ConsideraUon of Comment Lell8l\1.CC Sial! Report 9
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Approval of Comment Letters re:
Draft 2008 Regionel Transportation Plan and the
2008 Regional Transportation Plen Draft Program EIR
City Council Agenda Staff Report
Februery 11,2008
In addition, please provide four (4) copies of the adopted 2008 Regional Transportation PIan
to Mr. Whittenberg for distribution to the appropriate Commissions and the City Council
when it is available.
Sincerely,
Charles Antos
Mayor, City of Seal Beach
Mario Voce
Chairman, Environmental Quality Control Board
Distribution:
Seal Beach City Council Seal Beach Planning Commission
Seal Beach Environmental Quality Control Board
City Manager Director of Development Services
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Orange County Council of Governments
Orange County Transportation Authority
Center for Demographic Research
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Consideration of Comment L_IlI.CC Stefl Report 10
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Approval of Comment Letters re:
Draft 2008 Regional Transportation Plan and the
2008 Regional Transportation Plan Draft Program EIR
City Council Agenda Staff Report
February 11,2008
ATTACHMENT B
DRAFT COMMENT LETTER RE: "DRAFT
2008 REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN
DRAFT PROGRAM ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT REPORT", DATED FEBRUARY 12,
2008
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Consideration of Comment Letters CC Staff Report 11
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Approval of Comment Letters re:
Drat! 2008 Regional Transportation Plan and the
2008 Regional Transportation Plan Drat! Program EIR
City Council Agenda Staff Report
February 11, 2008
February 12, 2008
Southern California Association of Governments
Attn: Jessica Kirchner
818 West 7th S~et, 12th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Dear Ms. Kirchner:
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SUBJECT: CITY OF SEAL BEACH COMMENTS ON "DRAFT 2008
REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN PROGRAM
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT"
The City of Seal Beach bas reviewed the Draft 2008 Regional Transportation Plan Program.
Environmental Impact Report (''2008 RTP PEIR''), and bas several cornments and concerns
relating to the subject document. This document provides a clear and concise overview of
the potential environmental impacts of the proposed 2008 RTP.
The 2008 RTP PEIR evaluates the 2008 RTP and the regional impacts associated with the
proposed major public infrastructure and transportation demand management projects
and programs for the time frame of this plan, 2003 to 2035. The identified environmental
impacts are not project specific, but evaluate the impacts on various areas of concern on
the program level of evaluation. As our staff bas reviewed the proposed "mitigation
measures", they appear to be reasonable arid appropriate to respond to the identified
impacts at this "program." level of analysis.
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l:l ReQuest Removal of PEIR Mitiflation Measures that are Not Related to
TransDortation Product Deliverv and ImDlementation:
The Draft PEIR for the 2008 RTP includes more than 60 pages of mitigation
measures that would be applied to and be binding upon transportation agencies and
local governments responsible for implementing the transportation projects included
in the final adopted 2008 RTP. In conducting a review of the proposed mitigation
measures, City staff supports the OCCOG slated concerns on mitigation measures
Consideration of Comment Letiel8.CC stell Report 12
Approval of Comment Letters re:
Oreft 2008 Regional Transportation Plan and the
2008 Regional Transportation Plan Draft progrem EIR
City Council Agenda Staff Report _
February 11,2008 ..
that have no bearing on the mitigation of transportation project delivery, and
recommend that these measures be rem.oved from the 2008 Draft PEIR.
OCCOG and OCTA also raise concerns on mitigation measures that impose
questionable requirements on transportation project delivery, and recommend that
such measures be removed or revised. For purposes of illustration, such examples
include the following:
D MM-LU.I0: Local governments should provide for new housing consistent with
state housing law to accommodate their share of the forecasted regional growth.
D MM-LU-l1: Local governments should adopt and implement General Plan
Housing Elements that accommodate the housing need identified through the
RHNA process.
D MM-PS.20: Local jurisdictions shall implement or expand city or county-wide
recycling and composting programs for residents and businesses.
Many of the mitigation measures of concern appear to be draft Regional
Comprehensive Plan policies that are been carried over into the 2008 RTP as
proposed mitigation measures. A complete listing of mitigation measures proposed
for deletion is being compiled as a cooperative effort with OCOCG, OCTA and local
jurisdictions of Orange County, and will be transmitted to SCAG prior to the close of
the public comment period. Seal Beach is in support of the recommendations of
OCCOG and OCT A regarding this issue.
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[J Technical ADDendix B: Air Oualitv - "Screenin1! Risk Assessment of
Samole Selected Projects Included in the Southern California
Association of Governments. Draft 2008 Re1!ional Transoortation
Plan":
Technical Appendix B: Air Quality includes a "Screening Risk Assessment of Sample
Selected Projects Included in the Souther:n California Association of Governments,
Draft 2008 Regional Transportation Plan," prepared by Sierra Research for SCAG.
This document was prepared to assist SCAG in the analysis of environmental impacts
resulting from construction and operation of freeway links proposed in the Draft 2008
RTP. The analysis was focused on the potential changes in cancer risk impacts
associated with operation characteristics from six operating freeway segments, one
located in each of the counties in SCAG's planning jurisdiction.
The findings indicate that cancer risks resulting from vehicle operations on freeways
will decline over the time frame of the RTP, but that impacts at maximum exposed
residences will remain in excess of minimum accepted risk levels (i.e., loin-one
million increased lifetime cancer risk).
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COASidera\lDn of Comment Letters.CC Stall Report 13
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Approval of Comment Letters 19:
Drafl 2008 Regional Transportation Plan and the
2008 Regional Transportation Plan Drafl Program EIR
City Council Agenda Staff Report
February 11. 2008
The segment modeled in Orange County was the 1-405 in Seal Beach, east of the 1-
605 Interchange. As such, the information regarding this "screening risk assessment"
is very important to Seal Beach.
The Technical Appendix does not include the documentation referenced within the
Appendix as Attachment I. Seal Beach is clearly identified within the April 2006
ARB report titled "Diesel Particulate Matter Exposure Assessment Study for the
Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach" as being impacted adversely by the health
risks identified within the study, and is almost totally located within the identified
100-200 isopleths for all emission sources from the port faciIities2. In addition to the
general exposure to citizens discussed in the document a large portion of S!,al Beach
is develope4 with a 7,700 person senior living community, Seal Beach Leisure
World. This senior living community is completely located within the identified 100-
200 isopleths for all emission sources from the port facilities. Leisure World
comprises approximately 6,000 housing units, with a population of approximately
6,600 persons 65 or older, or approximately 86.5% of the total population of Leisure
World. In addition, there fll'e 725 elementary school students within the community
that are also indicated as being within the identified 100-200 isopleths for aU
emission sources from the portfacilities.
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The impacts of the port complex diesel particulate emissions upon our community,
and particularly within the Leisure World retirement community are of extreme
concem to our citizens. The April 2006 ARB report indicates on page 4 that "The
most vulnerable populations are those with preexisting respiratory or cardiovascular
disease especially the elderly". The identified health effects on the young, elderly,
and infirm are of particular concern to our residents.
The City requests that SCAG work with Sierra Research to schedule a presentation
before the City Environmental Quality Control Board regarding the findings of the
above screening risk assessment, with a particular emphasis of the presentation to the
identified impacts upon Leisure World and Rossmoor.
Thank you for your consideration of the comments of the City of Seal Beach. We look
forward to positive responses from your organization regarding the above concerns.
Please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Lee Whittenberg, Director of Development Services,
City Hall, 211 Eighth Street, Seal Beach, 90740, telephone (562) 431-2527, extension 1313
if you have any questions regarding this matter. Mr. Whittenberg can also be contacted at
lwhitlenberl!:@ci.seal-beach.ca.us.
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In addition, please provide four (4) copies of the adopted 2008 Regional Transportation Plan
Program. Environmental Impact Report to Mr. Whittenberg for distribution to the
appropriate Commissions and the City Council when it is available.
2 Figure 1, "Estimated Diesel PM Cancer Risk from POLA and POLB", page 8, "Diesel Particulate Matter
Exposure Assessment Study for lbe Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach - Final R.eport," April 2006
Consideration of Comment Letters.CC Staff Report 14
Approval of Comment Letters re:
Dreft 2008 Regional Transportation Plan and the
2008 Regional Transportation Plan Draft Program EIR
City Council Agenda Slaff Report
February 11,2008
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Sincerely,
Charles Antos
Mayor, City ofSea1 Beach
Mario Voce
Chairman, Environmental Quality Control Board
Distribution:
Seal Beach City Council Seal Beach Planning Commission
Seal Beach Environmental Quality Control Board
City Manager Director of Development Services
Orange County Council of Governments
Orange County Transportation Authority
Center for Demographic Research
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Consideration of Comment Let\e11l.CC staff Report 15
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Approval of Comment Letters re:
Draft 2008 Regional Transportation Plan and the
2008 Regional Transportation Plan Draft Program EIR
City Counci/ Agenda Staff Report
February 11, 2008
ATTACHMENT C
ENVIRONMENTAL
BOARD STAFF
JANUARY 30,
ATTACHMENTS
QUALITY CONTROL
REPORT, DATED
2008, WITHOUT
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Consideration of Comment Letters.CC Staff Report 16
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January 30, 2008
STAFF REPORT
To:
Chairman and Members of the Environmental Quality Control Board
From:
Lee Whittenberg, Director of Development Services
Subject:
APPROVAL OF COMMENT LETTERS RE DRAFT 2008
REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN AND THE 2008
REGIONAL TRANSPQRTATION PLAN DRAFT
. PROGRAM EIR
SUMMARY OF REQUEST
,
Authorize Chairman to sign comment letters regarding the Draft 2008 Regional Transportation
Plan (2008 RTP) and the Draft Program Environmental Impact Report (Draft PEIR), with any
revisions determined appropriate. Instruct Staff to forward staff report and comment letters to
the City Council for final consideration and execution of comment letters. Forward comment
letters to plAnning Commission for information upon execution by the Mayor and EQCB
Chairman.
DISCUSSION
The Southern. California Association of Governments (SCAG) is required by federal and state
manrlate to prepare a long-range Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) every 3 years. As the
metropolitan plAnning organization for a six-county region, SCAG has completed preparation of
a 2008 Draft Regional Transportation Plan and has released the core component documents: a
2008 Draft Regional Transportation Plan, a Draft Program Environmental Impact Report (pEIR),
and associated alternative growth forecasts for the SCAG region through Year 2035 which have
been analyzed against the proposed RTP transportation projects and policies.
On December 6, 2001 the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) released the
Draft 2008 Regional Transportation Plan (2008 RTP), and on January 3, 2008 the PEIR was
released for public review and comments.
The complete documents are not provided due to' the length of each document, with the 2008
RTP being 222 pages in length, not including the 19 "Supplemental Reports (Appendices)"
which comprise an addi~onal 1,447 pages of documentation. The Draft PEIR is 684 pages in
length, with an additional 321 pages of "Appendices." The complete documents are available for
\'SBNASlU'OlSILWhitlonbc:rglMy DoCWDoots\SCAGIl008 RTP.RCP\CoDsidorati... ofCommoot LetIas.EQCB StaffRepOItdocILWlDl-24-08
ApprOllal ofCDmment Lelfers re: Drqft 2008 RBgional Transportation Plan A
and the 2008 Regional Transportation Plan Draft Program EIR .,
Environmental Quality Control Board SlqlfReport
Jt1mlory 30, 2008
review at the Department of Development Services and will be available at the Board meeting for
review.
Public Comment Period:
The public comment period has commenced on both documents, and will end on February 19,
2008. Written comments will be accepted until 5:00 pm on FebruaIy 19, 2008 and may be
submitted electronically or by U. S. mail to:
Draft 2008 RTP
Southern California Association of
Governments
Attn: Jessica Meany
818 West Seventh Street, 12th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90017
e-mail: meany@scag.ca.gov
Draft 2008 RTP PEIR
Southern California Association of
Governments
Attn: Jessica Kirchner
818 West Seventh Street, 12th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90017
e-mail: kirchner@scag.ca.gov
Overview of Re1!ional Tra1lSDortatWn Plan Reauirements:
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The subject document identifies long-term strategies to address mobility and air quality
conformity through the year 2035. SCAG Regional Council adopted the current RTP in 2006.
The Draft 2008 RTP updates the 2006 RTP. The SCAG Regional Council will consider
adoption of the 2008 RTP in Apri12009.
Please refer to Attachment 1 to review the draft comment letter regarding the 2008 RTP and to
Attachment 2 to review the following portions of the Draft 2008 RTP:
Q SCAG Web Page Information
Q Draft 2008 Regional Transportation Plan
Q Table of Contents
[J Executive SummAry
Q Chapter 2: Transportation Planning Challenges
Q Chapter 3: Transportation Strategy
Q Project Listing Report: Orange County RTP Projects
Please refer to Attachment 3 to review the draft comment letter regarding the Draft PEIR and to
Attachment 4 to review the following portions of the Draft 2008 RTP PEIR:
Q SCAG Web Page Information
Q Draft 2008 Regional Transportation Plan Program Environmental Impact Report
o Table of Contents
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o Executive Summary
o Chapter I: Introduction
o Chapter 3.2: Air Quality
o Appendix B: Air Quality - "Screening Risk Assessment of Sample Selected Projects
Included in the Southern California Association of Governments, Draft 2008
Regional Transportation Plan"
Overview of Concerns of Staff of Subject Documents:
City staff has reviewed the documents and in addition has attended several meetings of the
Orange County COl)ncil of Governments Technical Advisory Committee (QCCOG-TAC) that
have discussed the subject documents and received technical presentations by SCAG staff
regarding the 2008 RTP and the "Policy Growth" forecast that is part of the 2008 RTP. The
concerns of OCCOG- T AC and City staff are directly addressed in the proposed comment letters.
.'
o Conformitv Analvsis:
The Draft 2008 RTP forecasts transportation needs through 2035. SCAG must include all
regionally significant transportation improvements for these projects to be eligible for Federal
or State funding or to receive the necessary approvals for implementation. In addition, the
RTP must identify reasonably available funding sources for all projects (financially
constrained) and demonstrate "conformity" with the air quality requirements of the State
Implementation PIan (SIP). SCAG indicates the following regarding ''Transportation
Conformity Analysis":
"This Plan must pass the following tests and analyses to meet the requirements
for a positive conformity finding:
. Regional Emission Analysis
. Timely Implementation of Transportation Control Measures (I'CMs)
Analysis
. Financial Constraint Analysis
. Interagency Consultation and Public Involvement Analysis
The draft conformity analysis indicates a positive conformity finding for the Draft
2008 RTP based on the draft emission budgets received by the Air Resources
Board and the other required tests. The formal conformity finding will be based
on the finalized emission budgets analyzed in comparison to the RTP as prepared
for adoption. The detailed transportation conformity analyses for the 2008 RTP
are included in the 2008 RTP Conformity Report." (2008 RTP, Executive
.Summary, pages 27 and 28)
Coosidmtioo of CDIlID1cllI Lcttm.EQCB StalfRoport
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and the 2008 Regional Transportation Plan Draft Program ElR ,.,
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The 2008 RTP Conformity Report is an Appendix Document to the 2008 RTP and has not
been provided due to the length of the document, 70 pages. A copy is available for review at
the Department of Development Services and will be available at the Board meeting for
review.
The above discussion regarding "Conformity Analysis" within the 2008 RTP seems to
indicate that the 2008 RTP "Baseline" Project meets the conformity requirements. However,
at the December 11, 2007 OCCOO-TAC Meeting, a response from Jacob Lieb, SCAG
Acting Manager of Environment, was read to the attendees indicating that:
-
"given all the moving pieces associated with the 2008 RTP projects, that there
is every indication that the Baseline growth forecast will meet air quality
conformity, and further, that the baseline growth forecast will be modeled and
run. At present, SCAG stqff cannot state that the Baseline growth forecast
meets conformity because the modeling runs hav.e yet to be completed."
This statement was issued 4 days after the release of the 2008 RTP.
It is imperative that the SCAG decision-makers adopting the 2008 RTP clearly know if the
"Baseline" growth forecast meets the necessary conformity requirements. If the "Baseline"
growth forecast does not meet the conformity requirements, then the SCAG region would not
be eligible for receipt of Federal and State transportation funds and the larger issue of land
use and the "Policy GrowtW' forecasts (discussed in greater detail below) will need to be re-
visited.
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CJ "Baseline" and "Policv Growth" Pooulation. Housinl!. and Emolovment Forecasts:
Review of the 2008 RTP growth forecast datasets shows the growth forecasts developed and
transmitted by all SCAG sub-regions as local input have been incorporated into the 2008
RTP Baseline forecasts. For Orange County, the Orange County Projections 2006 (OCP-
2006) database - which was developed in coordination with the Center for Demographic
Research (COR) at Cal State Fullerton, Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA),
and all local governmenta1 agencies within Orange Cowty, is included in the 2008 RTP
"Baseline" forecast at Year 2003 (the RTP base year) and for Year 2035 (horizon).
SCAG has also included within the 2008 RTP a "Policy Growth" forecast that promotes an
advisory and voluntary re-direction of future growth in the SCAG region. This "Policy
Growth" forecast proposes intensifying land use near transit stations and employment centers
and reducing growth in outlying areas to achieve objectives such as reduced congestion and ..
reduced vehicle miles. This "Policy Growth" forecast is consistent with OCP-2006 ,.,
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projections through 2015, but after that a redirection of population, housing and employment
is projected that is not consistent with the OCP-2006 approved projections for the County of
Orange.
Any dataset other than the Baseline forecast that is adopted by SCAG's Regional Council as
the official growth forecast for the SCAG region for the 2008 RTP would supersede the 2006
Orange County Projections, and raises concerns on the integrity of Orange County's
transportation projects. Local governments and agencies that rely on the OCP and the RTP
projections for future p]Ann;'1g would be impacted. For example, identifying growth in areas
where no growth is likely to occur could result in a required allocation of funds to improve
infrastructure that will not be used and/or a lengthy justification for not doing so. It also may
impact funding and revenue projections as growth is shifted. There is also the potential for
environmental litigation against an agency not implementing the growth vision identified in a .
regional plan to alleviate air pollution impacts that when not implemented result in health
impacts.
CDR has conducted a comparative analysis of the "Policy Growth" forecast and has
detennined that it is not consistent with OCP-2006 as follows:
CJ The county level projections for population, households, and employment at Year 2035
differ within Orange County to the extent of an additional 45,000 persons, 15,000
households, and 9,500 jobs above the OCP-2006 projections, and
CJ Within Orange County at the census tract/traffic analysis zone level, the locations of
future growth sometimes is shifted significantly among the census tractltraffic analysis
zone levels, up to a 377% increase over the OCP-2006 projections.
Staffhas reviewed the "Policy Growth" forecasts for each census tract in Seal Beach and is of
the opinion that the following "Policy Growth" forecasts are overstated and not consistent
with the adopted growth policies of Seal Beach, as articulated in its General Plan and Zoning
Land Use development standards as indicated on the following page.
Consideratiou ofConunoot Lctlms.EQCB Stafl'Rqx>rt
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and the 2008 Regional Transportation Plan Draft Program EIR .
Environmental Quality Control Board Staff Report
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995.10
(Leisure
World)
Employment
Projects an additional 399 housing units in an area developed
with an existing, stable, single family residential area, public
facilities and a recently approved business park. Area is built
out and all remaining undeveloped areas are deed restricted by
Coastal Development Permits to only allowing for wetland and
upland habitat restoration projects.
Projects a loss of 49 jobs. The 182 jobs allocated to Census
Tract 995.I 0 (Leisure Warld) should be allocated to this
Census Tract as a new business park development has recently
been completed which would create the additional
employment opportunities.
Projects an additional 182 jobs in an area that is 99%
developed as a senior retirement living community. Jobs
should be allocated to Census Trsct 995.04, as discussed
above.
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995.04 (Hill) Households
995.04 (Hill) Employment
All reI)'1A;n;ng census tracts within the City are within 1 % of the OCP-2006 projections and
staffhas no concerns regarding those very slight modifications.
At a subsequent meeting of SeAG, CDR, OCTA, and OCCOG representatives on January
15,2008 the growth forecast issues were again discussed and SCAG committed to working
with Orange County to make all necessary corrections to the growth forecast. SCAG staff
again stressed the importance of providing written comments that identify errors in the
"Policy Growth" forecast so that appropriate corrections can be made.
Staff has included the above discussion and comments in the proposed comment letter, with
an overriding recomftl""tlatiCln that SCAG use OCP-2006 in any growth forecast that is
adopted.
See also the following discussion regarding "Integrated Land Use and Demand
Management."
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[J SUDDon of aCTA '$ List of TransDonatWn Proiects:
Throughout the RTP development process, aCTA, as Orange County's Transportation
Commission, has been working with SCAG and the neighboring county transportation
commissions, to ensure that Orange County's list of transportation projects - as adopted in
aCTA's Long Range Transportation Plan and the Renewed Measure M Major Investment
Plan - is appropriately identified and designated in the 2008 RTP, and that aCTA-adopted
policy directives regarding these documents is maintained. The proposed comment letter
supports this position.
[J SWDon for Identified "Goods Movement" Proiects Related to Pon Activities:
Seal Beach has provided comments over the past few years to the Ports of Long Beach and
Los Angeles, SCAG, the South Coast Air Quality Management District, and the State Air
Resources Board in support of programs to reduce air emissions related to both ship and
vehicle transport activities at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. The RTP identifies a
total of $36.3 billion in projects to address "Goods Movement" activities throughout the
SCAG region, with many of those actions and projects directly related to the Ports of Los
Angels and Long Beach.
The proposed comment letter indicates continuing support from Seal Beach to undertake
those activities and projects to address the congestion and air quality impacts related to the
goods movement activities that are focused on the ports and the supporting highway and
railroad transportation systems.
[J Removal of PEIR Mitil!atWlI Measures that are Not Related to TransDonatioll Product
DelivenJ and Inwlenrentation:
The draft PEIR for the 2008 RTP includes more than 60 pages of mitigation measures that
would be applied to and be binding upon transportation agencies and local governments
responsible for implementing the transportation projects included in the final adopted 2008
RTP. In conducting a review of the proposed mitigation measures, City staff supports the
aCCaG stated concerns on mitigation measures that have no bearing on the mitigation of
transportation project delivery, and reco=end that these measures be removed from the
2008 Draft PEIR.
aCcaG and aCTA also raise concerns on mitigation measures that impose questionable
requirements on transportation project delivery, and recommend that such measures be
removed or revised. For purposes of illustration, such examples include the following:
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and the 2008 Regional Transportation Plan Drqft Program ElR _
Environmental Quality Control Board StqffReport
January 30. 2008
t:J MM-LU.I0: Local governments should provide for new housing consistent with state
housing law to accommodate their share of the forecasted regional growth.
t:J MM-LU-ll: Local governments should adopt and implement General Plan Housing
Elements that accommodate the housing need identified through the RENA process.
t:J MM-PS.20: Local jurisdictions shall implement or expand city or county-wide recycling
and composting programs for residents and businesses.
Many of the mitigation measures of concern appear to be 0Iaft Regional Comprehensive Plan
policies that are been carried over into the 2008 RTP as proposed mitigation measures. A
complete listing of mitigation measures proposed for deletion shall be compiled as a cooperative
effort with OCOCG, OCTA and local jurisdictions, and be transmitted to SCAG prior to the
close of the public comment period.
The proposed comment letter supports this position of OCCOG and indicates to SCAG the
support of Seal Beach in the recommendations of OCCOG and OCT A regarding this issue.
Discussion of RTP (hoerall Proiections to Year 2035:
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The 2008 RTP projects that by 2035 the region will be home to 24,056,000 residents (estimated
population of 18,600,000 as ofJuly 2007) and 10,287,000 jobs (estimated job base of7,771,OOO
as of July 2005).
This represents a population increase of 5,456,000 people between 2007 and 2035, a 29 percent
increase. An employment increase of 2,516,000 jobs between 2005 and 2035, a 32 percent
increase, is projected. This projected growth in population and jobs will place an unprecedented
demand on the cmrent transportation and good movement systems of the region.
The Draft 2008 RTP incorporates input of several SCAG task forces that met during the last year
to develop policies presented inthe plan. Several technical advisory committees also contributed
to the development of the RTP. OCCOG and OCTA participated throughout this process and
maintained a cooperative relationship with SCAG staff and regional stakeholders during the
development of the Draft 2008 RTP.
(hoerview of RTP and Dranee Countv Proiects and Profll'ams:
The draft 2008 RTP document discusses the following major areas of challenge in addressing the
transportation needs of a projected population in excess of 24 million persons by 2035. Those
identifi~ challenges are:
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CJ The shape and pattern of future
growth;
CJ Mobility;
CJ Aging infrastructure;
CJ Explosive growth in goods
movement;
CJ Aviation capacity and ground access
constraints;
CJ Air quality, climate change, and energy
challenges; and
CJ Transportation finance.
Pages 16 through 20 of the Executive SnmmAry provide a broad overview of the various
transportation imprdvements and implementation costs proposed in the 2008 RTP. The overall
implementation costs of the identified "System Completion and Expansion Projects are estimated
at $213.8 billion. A snmmAry of the project types and related implementation costs can be found
on page 20 of the Executive Summary, Table 2: SnmmAry of System Completion and Expansion
Project Types. .
The 2008 RTP inclUdes an Appendix document titled "Project Listing Report" that includes all
of the proposed projects to be funded by County as part of the 2008 RTP. Attachment 2 includes
the listing for all Orange County projects in the Draft 2008 RTP. The following table shows
select key Orange County projects in the Draft 2008 RTP that have been identified by staff as
impacting or potentially impacting Seal Beach:
ORA000193 22 HIOV CONNECTORS ON 22/405 BETWEEN SEAL $469,525
BEACH BLVD & VALLEY VIEW & ON 4051605
BETWEEN KATELLA AVE & SEAL BEACH BLVD
WITH 2ND HOV LANE IN EACH DIRECTION ON 405
BETWEEN CONNECTORS EA: 071631
ORA030605 405 CONSTRUCT ONE ADDITIONAL ALL PURPOSE $635,234
LANE IN EACH DIRECTION ON 1-405 AND J:lROVIDE
ADDITIONAL CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS FROivl SR
73 THROUGH THE LA COUNTY LINE #317
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,. ,":.,
. ,- ~ .-~-- - '
~~ ,-
.,'
"
,".-, '.... -'.' ,..
ORA110634 NA 1% TRANSIT ENHANCEMENTS - BICYCLE AND
PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES COUNTYWIDE (OCTA)
ORA120330 NA SEAL BEACH - SEAL BEACH BLVD, OVERPASS $2,220
BRIDGE LENGTHENING AND RAMPS REALIGNMENT
(FROM BEVERLY MANOR RD TO OLD RANCH
PARKWAY)
ORA151 NA BOLSA CHICA RD (DUNCANNON TO RTE 405) $430
WIDEN FROM 4 TO 6 LANES
ORA110625 NA VARIOUS PLANNING & TRANSPORTATION $1,196
PROJECTS DETERMINED BY THE ORANGE COUNTY
COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS (OCCOG) TO REDUCE _
CONGESTION IN OC, INCLUDING SMARTH GROWTH _
AND INCREASED TRANSIT
ORA120532 NA BUS RAPID TRANIST (WESTMINSTER/17TH BRT) - $41,713
22 MILE FIXED RT BRT BETWEEN SANTA ANA AND
LONG BEACH; INCLUDES STRUCTURES AND
ROLLING STOCK
ORA981102 NA '1%' TRANSIT ENHANCEMENTS BUS STOP ADA $564
IMPROVEMENTS COUNTYWIDE (OCTA)
Integrated Land Use and Demand Management:
With the growing population, transportation infrastructure planning and technological innovation
are essential to improving air quality as people drive more often, more cars get on the road, and
trip lengths increase. However, in the opinion of SCAG, these strategies alone will not be
enough to mitigate the potential effects on regional mobility and air quality. Through the
integration of land use pllU1ning and transportation infrastructure investments, as proposed by
SCAG, land use strategies can encourage development patterns which increase transportation
options and the use of alternate modes of travel to reduce vehicle miles traveled. 'i
Using an integrated forecasting approach and a consensus-built growth visioning process, SCAG
developed growth policies that shape the 2008 RTP Policy Growth Alternative in order to
influence development patterns that reduce driving. The growth assumptions, vision, and e
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policies were all developed in coordination with technical analyses, local input, land use and
growth experts, and on-the-ground "reality checks." The resulting 2008 RTP Policy Growth
Alternative indicates that modified growth patterns based on these policies are modeled to show
a direct positive impact on air quality in the region. SCAG's Compass Blueprint Program, in
addition to legislative efforts, shapes the implementation program for enacting these policies and
programs through partnerships with and services offered to cities, counties, subregions and
county transportation commissions to ensure these positive effects on air quality. .
Comvass BluelJrint Growth Vision:
SCAG's Compass Blueprint Growth Vision, one of the first large-scale regional growth visioning
efforts in the nation, seeks to integrate land use and transportation with the goal of
accommodating the 5.5 million additional residents expected by 2035, while improving mobility
for all residents, fostering livability in all communities, enabling prosperity for all people, and
promoting sustai~bility for future generations.
The policies at the foundation of the 2004 Growth Vision Alternative encourage changes to the
urban form that improve accessibility to transit, and create more compact development, thereby
yielding a number of transportation benefits to the region. These included reductions in travel
time, vehicle miles traveled, vehicle hours traveled, and vehicle hours of delay. Concurrently, the
alternative yielded increased transit use and mode share, and all of these effects lead to both
mobility and air quality improvements.
Policies.'
Based on the land use assumptions developed by SCAG and its local partners, the Regional
Council adopted the following set of policies to be incorporated into Compass Blueprint and
used in developing the 2008 RTP Policy Growth Alternative. These policies were founded upon
the Compass Principles developed through the regional growth visioning efforts in preparation
for the 2004 RTP. Refinements were made in accordance with changing dynamics in the region,
as well as stakeholder discussions, demonstration project results, workshop input and the "reality
check" analysis done throughout the region.
The following policies, in the opinion of SCAG, have proven to be both regionally beneficial
relative to their transportation performance, and in tune with the emerging public policy,
development patterns and community needs throughout the region:
[J IdentifY regional strategic areas for infill and investment;
[J Structure the plan on a three-tiered system of centers development;
[J Develop "complete communities";
[J Develop nodes on a corridor;
Q Plaii for additional housing andjobs near transit;
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CI Plan for a c....nging demand in types of housing;
CI Continue to protect stable existing single-family areas;
CI Ensure adequate access to open space and preservation of habitat;
CI Incorporate local input and feedback on future growth; and
CI Promote land use patterns supportive of goods movement and logistic industries.
Financing the Draft 2008 RTP:
An overview of the "Financial Plan" is provided on pages 22 through 25 of the "Executive
Snmmary" and disc~ed in greater detail in Chapter IV: Financial Plan. Several new revenue
sources and innovative financing strategies are set forth that mayor not ultimately become
available. As proposed, the 2008 RTP indicates that total costs and revenues are equal at an
estimated amount of $568.9 billion. The "new revenue sources and innovative financint!'
sources set forth in Table 3 of the Executive Summary comprise $156.3 billion, or 27% of the
indicated funding sources.
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'-Regionallssues
The Draft 2004 RTP addresses several regionally significant issues that OCCOG and OCTA will e
continue to monitor for impacts to Orange County's transportation system:
CI Air Oualitv Conformity:
The Draft 2008 RTP is believed to meet air quality conformity requirements by a narrow
margin. The feasibility of implementing some of the components of the Draft 2008 RTP is
unknown, such as required changes to local land use policies or securing significant private
flluding for majo.r _~gional projects. However, without these components, air quality
conformity will be difficult to achieve and key projects may be threatened.
CI Investine: in Existine: Infrastructure:
Significant discussion occurred during the: development of the Draft 2008 RTP about
preservation of the existing state and local highway and arterial systems. As the region's
infrastructure ages, significant cost savings occur with maintaining the system. The Draft
2008 RTP identifies $54.3 billion for operation and maintenance costs for highway and local
streets and roads, with an additional $163.7 billion for transit operations and maintenance.
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Draft ProffflJm EIR:
The Draft Program EIR evaluates the 2008 RTP and the regional impacts associated with the
proposed major public infrastructure and transportation demand management projects and
programs for the time frame of this Plan. 2005 to 2035. The identified environmental impacts are
not project specific, but evaluate the impacts on various areas of concern on the program level of
evaluation. As staff has reviewed the proposed "mitigation measures", most appear to be
reasonable and appropriate to respond to the identified impacts that this "program" level of
analysis provides. As discussed above, many of the proposed "mitigation measures" appear to
have no bearing on the mitigation of transportation project delivery, and it is recommended that
these measures be removed from the 2008 Draft PEIR.
a Technical Appendix B: Air Oualitv - "Screeninll RiskAssessment of Sample Selected Proiects
Included in the Southern California Association of Governments. Draft 2008 Regional
Tra7llilJortation Plan":
Technical Appendix B: Air Quality includes a "Screening Risk Assessment of Sample
Selected Projects Included in the Southern California Association of Governments, Draft
2008 Regional Transportation Plan," prepared by Sierra Research for SCAG. This
document was prepared to assist SCAG in the analysis of environmental impacts resulting
from construction and operation of freeway Iinks proposed in the Draft 2008 RTP. The
analysis was focused on the potential changes in cancer risk impacts associated with
operation characteristics from six operating freeway segments, one located in each of the
counties in SCAG's pJ~nnhlgjurisdiction.
The finrling.q indicate that cancer risks resulting from vehicle operations on freeways will
decline over the time frame of the RTP, but that impacts at maximum exposed residences
will remain in excess of minimum accepted risk levels (i.e., l-in-one million increased
lifetime cancer risk).
The segment modeled in Orange County was the 1-405 in Seal Beach, east of the I-60S
Interchange. Presented below are the major conclusions of the analysis related to the subject
Freeway link in Seal Beach:
"Table 4 presents the UR Vs for the toxic pollutants considered and the calculation of
risk emission factors for one of the links modeled in the analysis, the northbound
mixed-use link of 1-405 (the first link listed in the preceding tables). As noted, these
calculations were performed for the 2035 Baseline analysis scenario. For each
species, the risk emission factor is the product of the emissionfactor and the unit risk
value.
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Po1ItDlIat
Bea2lI...
PclrDaI
Table 4
Fleet-wide Compost. RIsk RmI"61on Factor for
for:zms Baseline 1-405 NB Mhed-1JIe IJDk
IlmfIll!lm Ulllt Rlst VBilII lllld: PmI......1'acIor
1'Iotar k r m' risb'mI
U1s.1 2.!lI.1 4.S4ltla
2.%1ll1 6,0lt1 1.3~1
!Ulllltl 2.'7l<1 2.~1
4..32><1 1.7s.1 7.35ltJ
8.2AltJ 3,0lt1 2.41s.
:l.61111
RlIIaIi.oe
l\oI' {'lo}
u..
lI.R
0.1'11I
2.lI'iIi
M.8'iII
loo.ll'lo
J,3 B 118
DIesoIlIIb. PM (DPM)
TOlIJ
At the bottom of Table 4, a "composite" fleet-wide risk emission factor is calculated
as the sum of the risk emission factors for each species. The rightmost column of
Table 4 ShClWS the relative weight or contribution of each species to increased cancer
risk (on this modeling link). As eluded to earlier, the overall cancer risk is heavily
dominated by DPM, comprising nearly 95% of the overall risk as reported in Table 4.
Receptor grids surrounding each freeway segment were designed to identify the
highest exposed residential locations near each segment. Initial receptor grids of i 00
meter spacing were designed to extend olft 0.5 kilometers in all directions from the
boundaries of each roadway segment. After the first dispersion modeling analyses
were conducted, the results were plotted and compared to images from a topographic
mapping program to determine the general locations of residences receiving the
highest impacts. Aerial photo images generated by an internet programi2 were then
visually inspected to determine the exact locations of residences near the sites of the
highest forecasted impacts, and these locations were manually plotted on the
topographic map program images to determine the map coordinates of these
residential structures. These map coordinates were then added to the ISCST3 input
files as discrete receptor sites, and subsequent modeling runs were conducted to
compute the changes in cancer risk impacts at these highest impacted residences.
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Modelmll Results
Increased cancer risk estimates were generated by the dispersion modeling runs for
the most exposed residences near the sample selected freeway segments. For the
analysis of freeway segment operations, the cancer risk values reported by the model
represent the increased chance of contracting cancer from exposure to freeway
emissions if a person lived at the same location for a period of 70 years and if
freeway emissions did not change over the 70 years from forecasted levels. The risk
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values reported-at the maximum exposed residence by model rti1IIi for each of the frve
planning scenarios and each of the six freeway segments studied are presented in
Table 6.
Tabla(j
IDI:reased r.JlDte.r Risk at I\I-mmJD bposed llisIdeDfe from Vehicle Opentl1oD
bJPlaDDing SalDmO and FrNwlQ' Corridor
llaelllld CImI:Ilr RlIk IMlr 11). Year l!llplIal8 (per 1IIiIllan)
J.4lIj 1-710 J.Il Sll60 5a9l US LOl
1'IaImlaR SceIlII1la (0Ilmp) (1.IliI A1IaeleS) (lmpe1l.a1) (SIIlBemm\1no) (,lIi1eIBldo) (Vellhml)
~S&1sIIII& 9111 563 ~ l74 479 llSO
2035 BueIlPI (No PIID) ~ 206 'EI ,., 12.0 55
1ll1l5f\.~PIID m 174- M 5l IDS 54
2035 MDdlflod :l.OlI4Jl'IP 2%7 lB1 2ii " In 53
)20331!1R'11il11
S4 ~
so
lag
175
~
:zu
As shown in Table 6, the risk values are much higher under existing (2008)
conditions; the decline in risk values across all fUture scenarios and freeway
segments is the result of continued decreases in per-vehicle fleet emissions projected
to occur during that period. As discussed earlier, this decrease occurs from
continued emission control technology improvements in new vehicles for which
certification standards continue to tighten up to 2018. (!'he analysis assumed no
fUrther tightening of these vehicle standards beyond 2018 and is thus conservative or
over-predictive if standards decline rifter 2018.)
Comparing the risk values across the four future planning scenarios shows the
Preferred Plan alternative generally exhibits the lowest risk increase, although this
varies by freeway corridor. Of those freeway corridors analyzed, 1-405 exhibits the
highest increased cancer risk, folluwed by 1-710. Not surprisingly, the segments
modeled along these corridors contained the highest total vehicle and heavy-duty
truck volumes, respectively. Of note, the Preferred Plan alternative shuwed the
lowest cancer risk value on 1-405.
By comparison, the average increased cancer risk level to which residents of the
South Coast Air Basin in 2000 were exposed was approximately 1,400 in one million.
This risk results from inhalation of pollutants emitted by all sources: region-wide
mobile, industrial. and commercial product use.
Consicloratioo ofCommolll LotIm.EQCB Staff Report
15
Approval of COMment Letters re: Drqft 2008 Regional TratlSportation Plan _
and the 2008 Regional Transportation Plan Drqft Program ElR ..
Environmental Quality Co11tro/ Boord Stqff Report
January 30, 2008
Spatial distributions of increased cancer risk in areas surrounding each modeled
fre~ay segment under each analysis scenario were plotted and are contained in
Attachment 1.
The maximum exposed residences identified from the modeling runs were typically
those found closest to the boundaries of the freeway segments. Analysis of modeling
output data also revealed that cancer risks declined dramatically with increasing
distance away from the boundaries of the designated project sites. The distances
away from project boundaries at which estimated cancer risks drop by 50% and 90%
are presented in Table 7. The distance values were computed along axes that are
perpendicular to project centerlines near the midpoint of each project.
Table 7
DistDmles at Wbfeh eanalr Risks Drop by SO" and 90...
, SO'J& Reduction 9C'lfIlUlduelian
Freeway Cmrldclr D1s~ Distallllll
~OS (Orange County) 330ft. 1,440 ft.
1-710 (Los Angeles COWl!)') 330ft. 1,080 ft.
1-8 (lmperla1 Cmmty) 280 ft. 1,990 ft.
SR Ii) (San Bemudino Couaty) 415 ft. 1,090 ft.
SR 91 (Riversidll County) 220ft. 590ft.
US 101 (Ventura ComIty) 440ft. 1,415 ft.
e
Conclusions
Thefollowing conclusions can be drawnfrom this study:
. Increased cancer risks from living near the fre~ay segments studied will decline
dramatically between 2008 and 2035, primarily as a result of improvements in
motor vehicle exhaust controls.
. Based on selected fre~ay corridars that were quantitatively modeled, the
Preferred Plan alternative generally exhibits the lowest increased cancer risk
(although risk values for the Preferred Plan, Modified 2004 RTP and Envision
alternatives are generally within the statistical precision of the analysis).
. Of the fre~ay corridors modeled, 1-405 in Orange County, along the segment
just east of its intersection with 1-605 in Seal Beach exhibits the highest increased
cancer risk. ranging from 222 in a million to 227 in a million for the 2035
alternatives considered
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Coosidmlioo ofCooomoul Letlm.EQCB StaffRoport 16
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Approval of Comment Letters re: Drqfl2008 Regional Transportation Plan
and the 2008 Regional Transportation Plan Drqfl Program EIR
Environmental Quality Control Board StqffReport
January 30, 2008
As seen from the modeled freeway segments, significant spatial variations occur in
cancer risk values, both from one corridor to the next as well as distance from the
freeway. It is beyond the scope of this assessment to quantitatively model cancer risk
from on-road vehicle operation on every roadway encompassed in the 2008 RTP.
Huwever, a series of explanatory factors can be used to gauge how the specific
results from this study Can be qualitatively extrapolated across the entire SCAG
planning domain.
First, this analysis showed that unit cancer risk from Diesel exhaust particulate
matter tends to overwhelm risk from several toxic organic species emitted from
gasoline-powered vehicles. Even modest fractions of Diesel-powered vehicles on a
given roadway can significantly increase the composite risk of the fleet. There are
relatively small fractions of light- and medium-duty Diesel vehicles in today 's fleet;
over 95% of Diesel exhaust particulate emissions are emitted by heavy-duty vehicles."
The Technical Appendix does not include the documentation referenced above as Attachment 1.
Staff believes that additional review of this issue by the EQCB would be helpful to obtain a
better l1II4erstanding of the potential health impacts of the 1-405 Freeway upon residents of
Leisure World, and probably Rossmoor. The comment letter expresses support for the
significant reductions identified for diesel particulate matter emissions over the time period of
the RTP, and requests that SCAG work with Sierra Research to schedule a presentation before
the EQCB regarding the :findings of the above summarized analysis, with a particular emphasis
of the presentation to the impacts upon Leisure World and Rossmoor.
Next SteDs:
Overall, the Draft 2008 RTP includes all priority projects listed in OCTA's long range plan,
"Destinll/ion 2030", and incorporates the population, employment, and housing projections that
have been submitted by the Orange County Council of Governments (OCP-2006). Upon
adoption of the Final 2008 RTP by the SCAG Regional Council, projects become eligible for
federal and state funding as well as qualifying for necessary regional approvals. Staff will
continue monitoring the impact on implementation of the adopted 2008 RTP including any
federal or state funding reductions for transportation and outstanding issues between OCCOG
and SCAG growth forecasts. Staff will also continue monitoring and addressing all of the
various transportation projects identified that may have an impact upon Seal Beach.
Comlde2ali.. ofCommODt Lottm.EQCB StalfReport
17
Approval of Comment Letters re: Drqft 2008 Regional Transportation Plan e
and the 2008 Regional Transportation Pion Drlffi Program EIR
Environmental Quality Control Board StqffReport
JfJ1lU/1l')I30. 2008
FISCAL IMPACT:
Adoption of the 2008 RTP is anticipated to conform the regional transportation and air quality
planning efforts to ensure the continued flow of appropriate federal transportation and air quality
funds to the region. If the plan is not adopted, or if the region falls out of conformity with the
required air quality management plans, the region would be fil.ced with the loss of substantial
Federal and State funds for important and necessary transportation projects identified in the 2008
RTP.
RECOMMENDATION:
Authorize Chaizman to sign. comment letters regarding the Draft 2008 Regional Transportation
Plan (2008 RTP) and the Draft Program Environmental Impact Report (Draft PEIR), with any
revisions determined appropriate. Instruct Staff to forward staff report and comment letters to
the City Council for final consideration and execution of comment letters. Forward comment
letters to Planning Commission for information upon execution by the Mayor and EQCB
Chairman.
~
e
'ttenberg, Director
evelopment Services Department
Attachments: (4)
Attachment 1:
Draft Comment Letter Re: "Draft 2008 Regional Transportation
Plan"
Attachment 2:
Draft 2008 Regional Transportation Plan:
CJ SCAG Web Page Information
CJ Draft 2008 Regional Transportation Plan
CJ Table of Contents
CJ Executive Summary
CJ Chapter 2: Transportation Planning Challenges
Q Chapter 3: Transportation Strategy
CJ Project Listing Report: Orange County RTP
Projects
Note: The complete document is not provided due to the length of _
each document, with the 2008 RTP being 222 pages in length. not .
Coosidcration ofCommODl Lellm.EQCB S1llffReport 18
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Attachment 3:
Attachment 4:
Approval of Comment Letters re: Drqft 2008 Rsgionol Tr/lllSportati01l Plan
and the 2008 Regional Transportation Plan Drq/t Program ElR
Environmental Quality Control Board Staff Report
January 30, 2008
including the 19 "Supplemental Reports (Appendices)" which
comprise an additional 1,447 pages of documentation. The
complete document is available for review at the Department of
Development Services and will be available at the Board meeting
for review.
Draft Comment Letter Re: "Draft 2008 Regional Transportation
Plan Draft Program Environmental Impact Report"
"Draft 2008 Regional Transportation Plan Draft Program
Environmental Impact Report"
Cl SCAG Web Page Information
Cl Draft 2008 Regional Transportation Plan Program
Environmental Impact Report
Cl Table of Contents
Cl Executive Summary
Cl Chapter I: Introduction
Cl Chapter 3.2: Air Quality
Cl Appendix B: Air Quality - "Screening Risk
Assessment of Sample Selected Projects Included in
the Southern California Association of
Governments, Draft 2008 Regional Transportation
Plan"
Note: The complete document is not provided due to the length of
each document, with the 2008 RTP Draft PEIR being 684 pages in
length, with an additional 321 pages of "Appendices." The
complete document is available for review at the Department of
Development Services and will be available at the Board meeting
for review.
Consideration of CDIIUIlCnt I..oaOls.EQCB SlllffRoport
19