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Home My WebLink AboutAppendix J - Limited Phase II ESA ENGINEERS + GEOLOGISTS + ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTISTS Offices Strategically Positioned Throughout Southern California RIVERSIDE COUNTY OFFICE 40880 County Center Drive, Suite M, Temecula, CA 92591 T: 951.600.9271 F: 951.719.1499 For more information visit us online at www.petra-inc.com June 23, 2021 J.N. 21-177 NEWBRIDGE HOMES 500 Newport Center Drive, Suite 570 Newport Beach, California 92660 Attention: Mr. Rob Meserve Subject: Report of Limited Phase II Soil Residue Survey: Live Oak Project, Southeast of Live Oak Drive and Village Drive, APN 0237-411-14, City of Fontana, San Bernardino County, California References: See Attached List Dear Mr. Meserve: Petra Geosciences, Inc. (Petra) is presenting herein our Limited Phase II Soil Residue Survey at the subject property in the city of Fontana, San Bernardino County, California. This assessment has been conducted in accordance with our Revised Amendment No. 21-177, dated June 9, 2021. The purpose of this limited survey is to assess detectable metal residues in near surface soils related to the usage of railroad spurs on the subject property during historic quarry operations. Brief Summary of Site History Information obtained during our concurrent geotechnical feasibility assessment of the subject property (forthcoming), indicated that the subject property was used as a work/staging area during rock quarry activities on the offsite hill along the eastern property boundary. Based upon information provided in a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) by Dudek (dated January 8, 2019), the adjacent hillside was possibly quarried before 1900. A residence was noted on the subject property, which appeared to be a support area for the quarry in the 1930s. The residence was removed from the subject property by the 1940s, but the quarry remained active. The subject site may have been later used for rock crushing. By the 1980s or 1990s, the subject property was vacant and not used. The Phase I ESA (Dudek, 2019) noted that it is possible that a boiler, fueled by oil or coal, was used to power steam drills used in quarry operations; however, there is no evidence that a boiler or any other fuel storage was located on the subject property. Since the subject site was a portion of the Declezville Quarry, it is possible that such equipment may have been located off the subject property. NEWBRIDGE HOMES June 23, 2021 Live Oak Project / Fontana J.N. 21-177 Page 2 The Phase I ESA (Dudek, 2019) concluded that there were no indications of environmental impacts at the subject site during the site reconnaissance or based on the agency records searches. Based upon Dudek’s findings, no recognized environmental conditions (REC) were identified for the site. Based upon our review of historical aerial photographs from 1938 to 2016 (EDR, 2021), the subject property was used as a staging and work area during quarry operations of the hillside to the east. A railroad line was observed along the northwest edge of the subject property. Small rail spurs were observed within the site. Overburden or spoils from the quarry were placed as fill within the subject property, typically identified by irregular slopes, or mounds. SITE DESCRIPTION The irregular-shaped undeveloped property is comprised of approximately 27 acres of land in the City of Fontana identified by San Bernardino County Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN) 0237-411-14 (San Bernardino County, 2021). The site is bounded to the north by Village Drive, to the east by an abandoned rock quarry and granitic hillside (Jurupa Mountains), to the west by an existing park (Southridge Park), and to the south by existing residential tracts. The proposed residential development is a part of the Southridge Village Specific Plan. Multiple dirt roads are located within the subject site. Native vegetation cover is well established within the subject property. From a surface perspective, multiple areas of irregular slopes, depressions, dumped soils, and boulders suggest portions of the subject site may have been previously graded. For example, the slope along the southwest edge of the subject site, fronting Southridge Park, is a fill slope with large rock fragments exposed in the slope face. Considering the proximity of the subject property to the abandoned rock quarry, and the irregular cut face to the hillside along the east edge of the subject site, suggests overburden materials may have been placed onsite; however, mining records for the quarry could not be readily found. PURPOSE Petra’s review of historical aerial photographs from 1938 to 2016 (EDR, 2021) and a Phase I ESA (Dudek, 2019) indicated that the subject property was historically used as a staging and/or work area for the rock quarry operations on the hillside just east and above the eastern property boundary. Aerial photographs from 1938 depict what appears to be a main rail line along the northwestern portion of the subject property. From at least 1948 through 1959, there appeared to be two smaller spurs within the central portion of the subject property; however, by 1967, the main spur along the northwestern site boundary appears to stop at NEWBRIDGE HOMES June 23, 2021 Live Oak Project / Fontana J.N. 21-177 Page 3 the northwest corner of the subject property. At that time, one spur is visible within the middle of the subject property, orientated in a north-south direction. It appears that the existing dirt road providing access to the central portion of the site from Village Drive, is in proximity to the former onsite spur. There is a potential that metal residues from the railroad tracks are present that may have resulted in detectable soil residues onsite. To assess this potential within the subject property, Petra has conducted a Limited Phase II Soil Residue Survey to evaluate the potential for detectable concentrations of metal residues to exist onsite. Detectable concentrations of near surface metal residues would then be compared to generic human health risk goals for residential development. SCOPE OF SERVICES Petra conducted this Limited Phase II Soil Residue Survey to evaluate the potential for the presence of Title 22 Metals soil residues from the historical railroad spurs on the property. This work consisted of the following tasks: Task 1 – Research. Petra reviewed the referenced Phase I ESA report (Dudek, 2019), historical aerial photographs dating back to 1938 (EDR, 2021) and relatively recent historic aerial photographs from Goggle Earth™ to determine the most appropriate sample locations. Task 2 – Soil Sampling. A stainless-steel hand auger and trowel was used to excavate shallow test sample holes at six locations within the property in proximity to the former railroad tracks (HS-1 through HS-6). In addition, three samples were selected from the previous geotechnical borings (B-1, B-5, and B-8) drilled on May 14, 2021 (holding time for metals is 6 months). Due to the dense and rocky nature of near surface soils, the six hand auger borings were advanced to approximately 0.5 to 1 foot below the ground surface where practical refusal was achieved. Each test hole was backfilled with native soils at the conclusion of sampling. Samples selected from the geotechnical boring included B-1 at 2 feet, B-5 at 2 feet, and B-8 at 5 feet. A sample location map is provided as Figure 2. Task 3 – Laboratory Analysis. All soil samples collected were submitted under chain-of-custody documentation to Enviro-Chem, Inc., a state-certified laboratory, in Pomona, California. Soil samples were collected at a depth of 0-to-1.0-foot bgs in all hand sample locations excavated onsite, except HS-1 where refusal was encountered at 0.5 feet bgs. All 6 shallow soil samples and three boring samples were analyzed discretely for Title 22 Metals according to EPA Method 6010B/7471A. Task 4 – Data Evaluation and Reporting. Petra reviewed the laboratory findings, and a discussion of these findings is presented herein. A copy of the laboratory results and chain-of-custody forms are provided in Appendix A. NEWBRIDGE HOMES June 23, 2021 Live Oak Project / Fontana J.N. 21-177 Page 4 Soil Sampling Six shallow hand samples were excavated utilizing a stainless-steel hand auger and trowel. Samples were collected by hand directly from each excavation. Former geotechnical samples were collected from either bag or ring samples stored in Petra’s laboratory in Corona, California. The discrete soil samples were placed in a sterilized glass jar (provided by the laboratory) and immediately covered with a Teflon-lined plastic screw cap. The soil samples were immediately placed in a cooler with ice for subsequent laboratory analysis. Chain-of-custody procedures, including sample labeling, preservation, and handling protocols were followed for identification and tracking of all samples obtained. Petra collected the nine samples for the limited Phase II Soil Residue Survey on June 11, 2021. All samples collected were transported to, and analyzed by Enviro-Chem, Inc. in Pomona, California, (a state certified laboratory). Sample security was maintained and documented using sample labels and chain-of-custody records. Copies of the official laboratory reports and chain-of-custody records are included in Appendix A. Laboratory Analysis All soil samples analyzed during this assessment were analyzed by Enviro-Chem, Inc. (ECI) in Pomona, California. ECI is accredited by the California Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Health Services, Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP). Analyses were requested on a chain- of-custody record. Below is a discussion of laboratory tests and results. The following analytical tests were performed: • Title 22 CAM Metals using EPA Method 6010B/7471A Laboratory Test Results Title 22 Metals All nine soil samples were tested for metals. No metal concentrations were detected above the Total Threshold Limit Concentration (TTLC) for any of the samples tested (The TTLC analysis is generally performed first and determines the total concentration of each target analyte in a sample. When any target analyte exceeds the TTLC limit, the waste is classified as hazardous, and further testing is required). Detected concentrations of metal residues were also compared with the most recent US EPA Region 9 Regional Screening Levels (RSL) for residential soil use, dated May 2021. None of the Title 22 CAM Metals soil residues detected in the nine samples exceeded their respective RSL, except potentially arsenic. The RSL for inorganic arsenic is 0.68 mg/kg. Additionally, no residential soil RSL is provided for total NEWBRIDGE HOMES June 23, 2021 Live Oak Project / Fontana J.N. 21-177 Page 5 chromium or nickel. A summary of the detected total chromium, arsenic and nickel concentrations are provided below. A summary of the laboratory results is provided in Table 1 at the end of this report. Total Chromium Total chromium TTLC was reported in all nine soil samples analyzed, ranging from 28.4 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) to 53.0 mg/kg. California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 22, Chapter 11, Article 3 indicates that if the sample result for total chromium is ten times (by rule of thumb) the Soluble Threshold Limit Concentration (STLC) value (5 milligrams per liter [mg/L]) found in the TTLC, the Waste Extraction Test (WET) should be completed to assess the hazardous nature. If any substance in the sample analyzed equals or exceeds the STLC value, it is considered a hazardous toxic waste. The TTLC total chromium result from one discrete soil sample collected from HS-1 at 0-0.5 foot was 53.0 mg/kg exceeding the CCR criteria of 50 mg/kg. WET analysis was completed on the sample with the STLC result reported as 0.143 mg/L. Arsenic Arsenic was reported in eight of the nine soil samples analyzed, ranging from 1.16 mg/kg to 5.78 mg/kg. The nineth sample reported an arsenic concentration of non-detect. Based upon generally accepted research by California EPA Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) scientists (Chernoff, Bosan and Oudiz, 2008), a concentration of 12.0 mg/kg is considered a useful screening tool for background levels of arsenic in southern California. Additional discussion on background levels is provided below. Nickel Nickel was reported in eight of nine soil samples analyzed, ranging from 4.09 mg/kg to 9.33 mg/kg. A RSL (USEPA, 2021) is not provided for nickel. Recommended Screening Levels (SLs) for residential soils by Cal EPA Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) lists a recommended SL of 15,000 mg/kg for nickel (DTSC, 2019). Background Metal Concentrations To compare metal soil residue concentrations detected on the subject site with concentrations near the subject property, Petra reviewed the USGS National Geochemical Database (NGDB) and National Geochemical Survey (NGS). The database provides near surface element soil concentrations from specific locations and average concentrations of elements on a county-by-county basis. Total chromium is not provided. For arsenic in San Bernardino County, the mean concentration is 6.980 parts per million (ppm), NEWBRIDGE HOMES June 23, 2021 Live Oak Project / Fontana J.N. 21-177 Page 6 the standard deviation is 5.075, the minimum concentration is listed as 0.410 ppm and the maximum is listed as 65.441 ppm. Concentrations of arsenic detected onsite are below the mean. A surface sample location (D380223) was mapped in the database at the intersection of Jurupa Avenue and Live Oak Avenue, approximately 1,700 feet north of the subject property. The sample was collected in December 1979. Based upon historical photographs, this lot was vacant or may have been agricultural from at least 1975 to 2018. Units of measure for arsenic was listed as 10 ppm by weight and 84 ppm by weight for chromium. Nickel was listed at 34 ppm by weight. Concentrations of arsenic, total chromium, and nickel detected in near surface soils within the subject site are below these concentrations. A second near surface sample (D380225) was mapped in a natural drainage with Martin Tudor Jurupa Hills Regional Park, approximately 2 miles east of the subject property. The sample was collected in December 1979. Due to the natural condition of this location situated at the base of a granitic hillside in the Jurupa Hills , we consider the data from this location as background concentrations. Units of measure for arsenic was listed as <10 ppm by weight, 55 ppm by weight chromium, and 22 ppm by weight nickel. Concentrations of arsenic, chromium and nickel detected in near surface soils within the subject site are below these concentrations. CONCLUSIONS Where available, none of the soil samples analyzed from the subject property contained detectable concentrations of Title 22 CAM Metals above the applicable regulatory agency screening levels (USEPA, 2021) for residential soil use; however, arsenic levels detected on the subject property exceeded the RSL for inorganic arsenic of 0.68 mg/kg in all samples and required further assessment. RSLs were not provided for total chromium and nickel; however, the DTSC-recommended Screening Level for nickel was listed as 15,000 mg/kg (DTSC, 2019). Additional assessment was undertaken to evaluate whether arsenic concentrations found on the subject property are anthropogenic (man-made) or background levels, and whether detected levels of total chromium and nickel are within background levels. A summary of results is provided below. Total Chromium Detectable TTLC concentrations for total chromium was reported in all nine soil samples analyzed, ranging from 26.4 mg/kg to 53.0 mg/kg. A RSL (USEPA, 2021) for total chromium is not provided. Results from one discrete soil sample collected from HS-1 at 0-0.5 foot (53 mg/kg) exceeded the CCR criteria of 50 mg/kg chromium. CCR criteria states that if the concentration exceeding ten times the STLC value (5 NEWBRIDGE HOMES June 23, 2021 Live Oak Project / Fontana J.N. 21-177 Page 7 milligrams per liter [mg/L]) found in the TTLC test, a WET analysis shall be completed on the sample. A WET test was conducted on the sample and the result was reported as 0.143 mg/L. This sample is not considered hazardous toxic waste. None of the other sample results for total chromium require additional assessment. To further assess background levels in proximity to the subject property, we reviewed the NGS database (USGS, 2021). A near surface sample was mapped in a natural drainage within Martin Tudor Jurupa Hills Regional Park, approximately 2 miles east of the subject property (USGS, 2021). Due to the natural condition of this location situated at the base of a granitic hillside in the Jurupa Hills, we consider the data from this location as background concentrations. Units of measure for chromium was listed 55 ppm by weight. Detected levels of total chromium on the subject property are considered within background concentrations. No further assessment is required. Arsenic Detectable TTLC levels of arsenic were reported in eight of the nine soil samples analyzed, ranging from 1.16 mg/kg to 5.78 mg/kg. The nineth sample reported an arsenic concentration of non-detect. Arsenic is known to have been historically used along railroad tracks to prevent the overgrowth of vegetation and as preservation of rail ties. Levels of arsenic residues along railroad tracks can exceed ten times background levels and can range into 100’s mg/kg (Rails to Trails Conservancy, 2004). Based upon historic aerial photographs, the rail line along the northwest portion of the subject property extended offsite to the north and appeared to transport quarry rock to other areas. The smaller rail spurs located within the subject property did not appear to extend offsite or connect with the northwest rail line. Additionally, the onsite rail spurs were not always observed, likely due to quarry activity or leveling of the work and staging area onsite. A historic photograph of the Declezville Quarry depicted a small rail line and cart located near a quarry face (California State Mining Bureau, 1906). The photograph noted that relatively thin wooden planks were used to support the smaller rails. It is unlikely that weed growth was an issue within the interior of the subject property during excavation of the rock face and burial of bedrock overburden. To further assess background levels in proximity to the subject property, we reviewed the NGS and NGDB databases (USGS, 2021). Two near surface sample locations in proximity to the subject property were assessed. The first location was mapped at the intersection of Jurupa Avenue and Live Oak Avenue, approximately 1,700 feet north of the subject site. Units of measure for arsenic was listed as 10 ppm by weight. The second location was mapped in a natural drainage within Martin Tudor Jurupa Hills Regional Park, approximately 2 miles east of the subject property. Due to the natural condition of this location NEWBRIDGE HOMES June 23, 2021 Live Oak Project / Fontana J.N. 21-177 Page 8 situated at the base of a granitic hillside in the Jurupa Hills we consider the data from this location as a background concentration. Units of measure for arsenic was listed as <10 ppm by weight. Based upon the low concentrations of arsenic detected relative to other railroad lines and the close range of concentrations, detected levels of arsenic on the subject property are considered within background concentrations. No further assessment is required. Nickel Nickel was reported in eight of nine soil samples analyzed, ranging from 4.09 mg/kg to 9.33 mg/kg. A RSL is not provided for nickel. The nineth sample reported an arsenic concentration of non-detect. These concentrations are well below the DTSC Screening Level of 15,000 mg/kg. No further assessment is required. RECOMMENDATIONS No further environmental assessment or testing of metal soil residues appears warranted for the intended residential use of the subject property at this time. With redevelopment of any historic quarry property, a certain number of unknown conditions in the subsurface should be anticipated (i.e., buried debris and foundations, tree stumps, utility conduits, etc.). Any discolored soils or unanticipated buried objects should be left in place until an experienced environmental professional has had the opportunity to evaluate the conditions and provide recommendations if needed. LIMITATIONS Petra has completed the above scope of work in general accordance with our Revised Amendment No. 21- 177, dated June 9, 2021. The work activities described herein were conducted to address the specific issues identified by the historical use of the property for support of hard rock quarry activities (as discussed in this report) and is not intended to assess all possible environmental concerns associated with the subject property. This limited assessment should not be inferred to be a numerical study of the subject property but is reasonably intended to provide a preliminary assessment of property impacts from previous site use and/or the release of hazardous materials. If substantial signs of the presence of hazardous materials and/or petroleum contamination are not encountered during this assessment, this does not exclude their presence. NEWBRIDGE HOMES June 23, 2021 Live Oak Project / Fontana J.N. 21-177 Page 9 This opportunity to be of service to you is sincerely appreciated. Please do not hesitate to call this office if you have questions pertaining to this report. Respectfully submitted, PETRA GEOSCIENCES, INC. 6/23/2021 Edward Lump Siamak Jafroudi, PhD Associate Geologist Senior Principal Engineer PG 5975 GE 2024 EL/JC/SJ/lv Attachments: References Table 1 – Summary of Arsenic, Total Chromium and Nickel Test Results Figure 1 – Site Location Map Figure 2 – Sample Location Map Appendix A – Laboratory Test Data and Chain-of-Custody W:\2020-2025\2021\100\21-177 Newbridge Homes (Live Oak Project, Fontana)\Reports\21-177 520 Limited Phase II Report.docx NEWBRIDGE HOMES June 23, 2021 Live Oak Project / Fontana J.N. 21-177 Page 10 REFERENCES California State Mining Bureau, 1906, Declez, San Bernardino County, California – The Declez Quarries (Granite), in The Structural and Industrial Materials of California, Bulletin No. 38. Chernoff, G., Bosan, W. and Oudiz, D., 2008, Determination of a Southern California Regional Background Arsenic Concentration in Soil, DTSC. Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), 2019, DTSC-Recommended Screening Levels, Residential Soil, dated April. Dudek, 2019, Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, APN 0237-411-14-0000, South of Live Oak Avenue and Village Drive, Fontana, CA 92335, for JM Built Corporation, J.N. 11566, dated January 8. EDR, 2021, The EDR Aerial Photo Decade Package, Live Oak Ave. & Village Dr., Fontana, CA 92337, Inquiry Number 6500241.1, dated May 20. Google Earth™ 2021, by Google Earth, Inc., http://www.google.com/earth/index.html, accessed March. Rail To Trails Conservancy, 2004, Understanding Environmental Contaminants, Lessons Learned and Guidance to Keep Your Rail-Trail Project on Track, dated September 24. United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), 2021, EPA Region 9 Regional Screening Levels (RSLs), dated May. United States Geological Survey (USGS), National Geochemical Survey Database (NGDB) and National Geochemical Survey (NGS), 2021, Mineral Resources Online Spatial Data, https://mrdata.usgs.gov/general/map-us.html NEWBRIDGE HOMES June 23, 2021 Live Oak Project / Fontana J.N. 21-177 TABLE 1 Summary of Arsenic, Total Chromium and Nickel Test Results(1) Sample ID and Depth Arsenic (mg/kg)(2) Total Chromium TTLC(3) (mg/kg) Total Chromium STLC/WET(4) (mg/L)(5) Nickel (mg/kg) HS-1 @ 0-1/2’ 4.51 53.0 0.143 4.84 HS-2 @ 0-1’ 4.15 31.2 NT(6) 5.24 HS-3 @ 0-1’ 5.18 41.7 NT ND(7) HS-4 @ 0-1’ 5.45 37.0 NT 9.33 HS-5 @ 0-1’ 1.22 26.4 NT 4.09 HS-6 @ 0-1’ 1.16 40.3 NT 7.83 B-1 @ 2’(8) 4.76 35.4 NT 8.26 B-5 @ 2’(8) ND 42.5 NT 5.81 B-8 @ 5’(8) 4.29 28.4 NT 4.51 Residential Soil Screening Level 0.68(9) 12.0(10) 10(11) NA(9) 55(11) 50(12) 5.0(12) NA(9) 15,000(13) Notes: (1) – EPA Test Method 6010B/7471A (2) - Milligrams per kilogram (3) – Total Threshold Limit Concentration (4) – Soluble Threshold Limit Concentration / Waste Extraction Test (5) – Milligrams per liter (6) – Not Tested (7) – Non-Detect (8) – Sample from Geotechnical Boring (9) – Regional Screening Levels, RSL’s (US EPA, 2021) (10) – Chernoff, G., Bosan, W. and Oudiz, D., 2008 (11) – USGS, 2021 (12) – (CCR), Title 22, Chapter 11, Article 3 (13) – DTSC, 2019 FIGURES Site Location Map PETRA GEOSCIENCES, INC. COSTA MESA MURRIETA PALM DESERT SANTA CLARITA Figure 1J.N.: SCALE: June 2021 21-177 epl NTS DATE: DWG BY: 40880 COUNTY CENTER DRIVE, SUITE M TEMECULA, CALIFORNIA 92591 PHONE: (951) 600-9271 Live Oak Project City of Fontana, San Bernardino County, California - Approximate Site Location LEGEND N N TP-15 - Approximate location of exploratory test pit - Approximate Location of Exploratory Boring LEGEND B-7 Af Qal - Artificial Fill - Quaternary Young Alluvium - Quaternary/Tertiary Sandstone Qls - Quaternary Landslide Deposits QTsw GEOLOGIC UNITS N SITE Scale 0 2 miles - Reproduced from: USGS, 2021, The National Map Viewer Sample Location Map PETRA GEOSCIENCES, INC. COSTA MESA MURRIETA PALM DESERT SANTA CLARITA Figure 2J.N.: SCALE: June 2021 21-177 *** NTS DATE: DWG BY: 40880 COUNTY CENTER DRIVE, SUITE M TEMECULA, CALIFORNIA 92591 PHONE: (951) 600-9271 NewBridge LLC - Live Oak Project Fontana, San Bernardino County, California - Approximate Property Boundary LEGEND N N TP-15 - Approximate location of exploratory test pit - Approximate Location of Exploratory Boring LEGEND B-7 Af Qal - Artificial Fill - Quaternary Young Alluvium - Quaternary/Tertiary Sandstone Qls - Quaternary Landslide Deposits QTsw GEOLOGIC UNITS 1,000 feet N - Reproduced from GoogleEarth, 2021, Photo dated April 2020 - Approximate Hand Sample Location - Approximate Boring Sample Location HS-6 B-8 B-5 B-8 B-1 HS-1 HS-2 HS-3 HS-4 HS-5 HS-6 APPENDIX A LABORATORY TEST DATA AND CHAIN-OF-CUSTODY