HomeMy WebLinkAbout00 Draft EIR - Poplar South Distribution Center June 2023
Draft Environmental
Impact Report
POPLAR SOUTH DISTRIBUTION CENTER
SCH 2022090611
prepared for:
City of Fontana
8353 Sierra Avenue
Fontana, CA 92335
prepared with the assistance of:
EPD, Solutions Inc.
Irvine, CA 92614
(949) 794-1180
www.epdsolutions.com
Poplar South Distribution Center Table of Contents
City of Fontana i
Draft EIR
June 2023
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
LIST OF FIGURES .................................................................................................................................................... ii
LIST OF TABLES ..................................................................................................................................................... iii
APPENDICES .......................................................................................................................................................... v
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS...................................................................................................................... vi
1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................................................. 1-1
2.0 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................ 2-1
3.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ................................................................................................................................ 3-1
4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING .......................................................................................................................... 4-1
5.0 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS ......................................................................................................... 5-1
SECTION 5.1, AESTHETICS ................................................................................................................................................................ 5.1-1
SECTION 5.2, AIR QUALITY .............................................................................................................................................................. 5.2-1
SECTION 5.3, BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES ........................................................................................................................................... 5.3-1
SECTION 5.4, CULTURAL RESOURCES ............................................................................................................................................... 5.4-1
SECTION 5.5, ENERGY ..................................................................................................................................................................... 5.5-1
SECTION 5.6, GEOLOGY AND SOILS ............................................................................................................................................... 5.6-1
SECTION 5.7, GREENHOUSE GAS .................................................................................................................................................... 5.7-1
SECTION 5.8, HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ..................................................................................................................... 5.8-1
SECTION 5.9, HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY ........................................................................................................................... 5.9-1
SECTION 5.10, LAND USE AND PLANNING .................................................................................................................................... 5.10-1
SECTION 5.11, NOISE ................................................................................................................................................................... 5.11-1
SECTION 5.12, POPULATION AND HOUSING ................................................................................................................................ 5.12-1
SECTION 5.13, PUBLIC SERVICES ................................................................................................................................................... 5.13-1
SECTION 5.14, TRANSPORTATION ................................................................................................................................................. 5.14-1
SECTION 5.15, TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES ................................................................................................................................ 5.15-1
SECTION 5.16, UTILITIES ................................................................................................................................................................ 5.16-1
6.0 OTHER CEQA CONSIDERATIONS ................................................................................................................. 6-1
7.0 EFFECTS FOUND NOT SIGNIFICANT ............................................................................................................. 7-1
8.0 ALTERNATIVES ............................................................................................................................................ 8-1
9.0 PREPARERS AND PERSONS CONTACTED .................................................................................................... 9-1
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Page
FIGURE 3-1 REGIONAL LOCATION ........................................................................................................................................ ......... 3-3
FIGURE 3-2 LOCAL VICINITY .................................................................................................................................................. ......... 3-5
FIGURE 3-3 AERIAL VIEW ...................................................................................................................................................... ......... 3-7
FIGURE 3-4 EXISTING GENERAL PLAN LAND USE ................................................................................................................. ...... 3-15
FIGURE 3-5 PROPOSED GENERAL PLAN LAND USE .............................................................................................................. ...... 3-17
FIGURE 3-6 EXISTING SWIP LAND USE ............................................................................................................................... ...... 3-19
FIGURE 3-7 PROPOSED SWIP LAND USE ............................................................................................................................ ...... 3-21
FIGURE 3-8 CONCEPTUAL SITE PLAN ..................................................................................................................................... ...... 3-23
FIGURE 3-9 ELEVATIONS ....................................................................................................................................................... ...... 3-25
FIGURE 3-10 TRUCK ROUTES .................................................................................................................................................. ...... 3-27
FIGURE 3-11 LANDSCAPE PLAN .............................................................................................................................................. ...... 3-29
FIGURE 3-12 UTILITY PLAN ..................................................................................................................................................... ...... 3-31
FIGURE 4-1A EXISTING SITE PHOTOS ..................................................................................................................................... ......... 4-3
FIGURE 4-1B EXISTING SITE PHOTOS ..................................................................................................................................... ......... 4-5
FIGURE 4-1C EXISTING SITE PHOTOS ..................................................................................................................................... ......... 4-7
FIGURE 5-1A CUMULATIVE PROJECTS ..................................................................................................................................... ......... 5-7
FIGURE 5-1B CUMULATIVE PROJECTS ..................................................................................................................................... ......... 5-8
FIGURE 5.2-1 SENSITIVE RECEPTOR LOCATIONS ....................................................................................................................... ... 5.2-19
FIGURE 5.11-1 NOISE MEASUREMENT LOCATIONS ..................................................................................................................... ... 5.11-7
FIGURE 5.11-2 ONTARIO AIRPORT NOISE CONTOURS ............................................................................................................. ... 5.11-9
FIGURE 5.14-1 SBCTA VMT SCREENING TOOL RESULTS ......................................................................................................... ... 5.14-9
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LIST OF TABLES
Table Page
TABLE 1-1 SUMMARY OF IMPACTS, MITIGATION MEASURES, AND LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE .......................................... ....... 1-5
TABLE 2-1 ENVIRONMENTAL TOPICS IDENTIFIED IN THE NOP FOR FURTHER EVALUATION ............................................. ....... 2-2
TABLE 2-2 SUMMARY OF NOP COMMENT LETTERS ....................................................................................................... ....... 2-3
TABLE 3-1 PROJECT PARKING ........................................................................................................................................ .... 3-12
TABLE 3-2 CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE ........................................................................................................................... .... 3-33
TABLE 3-3 CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT ......................................................................................................................... .... 3-34
TABLE 4-1 SURROUNDING EXISTING LAND USE, ZONING, AND SPECIFIC PLAN DESIGNATIONS ................................... ....... 4-2
TABLE 4-2 SUMMARY OF 24-HOUR AMBIENT NOISE LEVEL MEASUREMENTS ................................................................ .... 4-20
TABLE 4-3 POPULATION TRENDS IN THE CITY OF FONTANA ........................................................................................... .... 4-21
TABLE 4-4 HOUSING TRENDS IN THE CITY OF FONTANA ............................................................................................... .... 4-21
TABLE 4-5 EMPLOYMENT TRENDS IN THE CITY OF FONTANA .......................................................................................... .... 4-22
TABLE 4-6 JOBS - HOUSING TRENDS IN THE CITY OF FONTANA ................................................................................... .... 4-22
TABLE 4-7 FIRE STATIONS ............................................................................................................................................... .... 4-23
TABLE 5-1 CUMULATIVE PROJECTS LIST .......................................................................................................................... ....... 5-4
TABLE 5.1-1 SED DEVELOPMENT STANDARD CONSISTENCY ............................................................................................. ... 5.1-6
TABLE 5.2-1 AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARDS FOR CRITERIA POLLUTANTS ................................................................... ... 5.2-2
TABLE 5.2-2 AIR QUALITY MONITORING SUMMARY 2019-2021 .................................................................................. . 5.2-16
TABLE 5.2-3 ATTAINMENT STATUS OF CRITERIA POLLUTANTS IN THE SOUTH COAST AIR BASIN (SCAB) ......................... . 5.2-17
TABLE 5.2-4 SCAQMD REGIONAL AIR QUALITY THRESHOLDS ........................................................................................ . 5.2-21
TABLE 5.2-5 SCAQMD LOCALIZED SIGNIFICANCE THRESHOLDS ..................................................................................... . 5.2-22
TABLE 5.2-6 MAXIMUM PEAK CONSTRUCTION EMISSIONS ............................................................................................... . 5.2-25
TABLE 5.2-7 SUMMARY OF PEAK OPERATIONAL EMISSIONS ............................................................................................. . 5.2-26
TABLE 5.2-8 TRAFFIC VOLUMES FOR INTERSECTIONS EVALUATED IN 2003 AQMP ......................................................... . 5.2-28
TABLE 5.2-9 LOCALIZED SIGNIFICANCE EMISSIONS PEAK CONSTRUCTION ....................................................................... . 5.2-28
TABLE 5.2-10 LOCALIZED SIGNIFICANCE EMISSIONS FROM PROJECT OPERATION .............................................................. . 5.2-29
TABLE 5.2-11 HEALTH RISKS FROM PROJECT CONSTRUCTION ............................................................................................ . 5.2-31
TABLE 5.2-12 HEALTH RISKS FROM PROJECT OPERATIONS ................................................................................................. . 5.2-31
TABLE 5.3-1 POTENTIAL SPECIAL-STATUS PLAN SPECIES LIST ............................................................................................ ... 5.3-4
TABLE 5.3-2 POTENTIAL SPECIAL-STATUS ANIMAL SPECIES LIST ........................................................................................ . 5.3-10
TABLE 5.5-1 ESTIMATED CONSTRUCTION FUEL CONSUMPTION ........................................................................................ ... 5.5-7
TABLE 5.5-2 ESTIMATED ANNUAL OPERATIONAL VEHICLE FUEL CONSUMPTION ............................................................... ... 5.5-7
TABLE 5.7-1 PROJECT GENERATED GREENHOUSE EMISSIONS ........................................................................................... . 5.7-15
TABLE 5.7-2 PROJECT CONSISTENCY WITH THE CARB 2022 SCOPING PLAN ................................................................ . 5.7-16
TABLE 5.7-3 PROJECT CONSISTENCY WITH FONTANA GENERAL PLAN CONSERVATION ELEMENT POLICIES .................... . 5.7-19
TABLE 5.8-1 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SITES NEAR PROJECT SITE ..................................................................................... . 5.8-14
TABLE 5.9-1 IMPERVIOUS SURFACE AREA FOR PROJECT SITE ............................................................................................ . 5.9-11
TABLE 5.10-1 SCAG RTP/SCS CONSISTENCY ANALYSIS ................................................................................................. . 5.10-8
TABLE 5.10-2 GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY ...................................................................................................................... 5.10-10
TABLE 5.10-3 SOUTHWEST INDUSTRIAL PARK SPECIFIC PLAN CONSISTENCY ...................................................................... 5.10-14
TABLE 5.11-1 OPERATIONAL NOISE STANDARDS ................................................................................................................ . 5.11-5
TABLE 5.11-2 CONSTRUCTION NOISE STANDARDS ............................................................................................................. . 5.11-5
TABLE 5.11-3 SUMMARY OF 24-HOUR AMBIENT NOISE LEVEL MEASUREMENTS ................................................................ . 5.11-6
TABLE 5.11-4 CONSTRUCTION REFERENCE NOISE LEVELS ................................................................................................... 5.11-13
TABLE 5.11-5 CONSTRUCTION NOISE LEVELS AT RECEPTOR LOCATIONS ............................................................................ 5.11-14
TABLE 5.11-6 CONSTRUCTION NOISE LEVEL COMPLIANCE ................................................................................................. 5.11-14
TABLE 5.11-7 DAYTIME OPERATIONAL NOISE LEVELS ......................................................................................................... 5.11-16
TABLE 5.11-8 NIGHTTIME OPERATIONAL NOISE LEVELS ...................................................................................................... 5.11-16
TABLE 5.11-9 VIBRATION SOURCE LEVELS FOR CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT ..................................................................... 5.11-17
TABLE 5.11-10 CONSTRUCTION VIBRATION LEVELS .............................................................................................................. 5.11-18
TABLE 5.12-1 POPULATION TRENDS IN THE CITY OF FONTANA ........................................................................................... . 5.12-3
TABLE 5.12-2 HOUSING TRENDS IN THE CITY OF FONTANA ............................................................................................... . 5.12-3
TABLE 5.12-3 EMPLOYMENT TRENDS IN THE CITY OF FONTANA .......................................................................................... . 5.12-4
TABLE 5.12-4 JOBS - HOUSING TRENDS IN THE CITY OF FONTANA ................................................................................... . 5.12-4
TABLE 5.13-1 FIRE STATIONS ............................................................................................................................................... . 5.13-5
TABLE 5.14-1 PROPOSED PROJECT TRIP GENERATION ........................................................................................................ . 5.14-6
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TABLE 5.14-2 DAILY CONSTRUCTION VEHICLE TRIPS ........................................................................................................... . 5.14-7
TABLE 5.16-1 FWC WATER SUPPLY 2020 ....................................................................................................................... . 5.16-4
TABLE 5.16-2 FWC PROJECTED WATER SUPPLY (AF)........................................................................................................ . 5.16-5
TABLE 5.16-3 FWC PROJECTED WATER DEMAND (AF) ..................................................................................................... . 5.16-5
TABLE 5.16-4 FWC PROJECTED WATER DEMAND IN NORMAL, SINGLE AND MULTIPLE DRY YEARS (AF) ......................... . 5.16-6
TABLE 8-1 ALTERNATIVE 2 TRIP GENERATION ................................................................................................................ .... 8-11
TABLE 8-2 IMPACT COMPARISON OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT AND ALTERNATIVES ...................................................... .... 8-13
TABLE 8-3 COMPARISON OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT AND ALTERNATIVES’ ABILITY TO MEET OBJECTIVES ................... .... 8-14
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APPENDICES
Appendix Title
APPENDIX A ....................................................................................................................................................... NOP AND NOP COMMENTS
APPENDIX B ................................................................................................................................. AQ, GHG, ENERGY, AND HRA ANALYSIS
APPENDIX C .......................................................................................................................................... GENERAL BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
APPENDIX D ......................................................................................................................................................................... ARBORIST STUDY
APPENDIX E ...................................................................................................................................................... CULTURAL RESOURCES STUDY
APPENDIX F ............................................................................................................................................. HISTORICAL RESOURCES SUMMARY
APPENDIX G ................................................................................................................................................. GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION
APPENDIX H ..................................................................................................................................... PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES STUDY
APPENDIX I ................................................................................................................................ PHASE I ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ASSESSMENT
APPENDIX J ................................................................................................................................................ PRELIMINARY HYDROLOGY STUDY
APPENDIX K .................................................................................................................................................................. PRELIMINARY WQMP
APPENDIX L ..................................................................................................................................................................... NOISE ASSESSMENT
APPENDIX M ....................................................................... TRIP GENERATION AND VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED (VMT) SCREENING ANALYSIS
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ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
°C degrees celsius
µg/m3 micrograms per cubic meter
AB 52 California Assembly Bill 52
ACM asbestos-containing material
AF acre-feet
ALUC Airport Land Use Commission
ALUCP Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan
amsl above mean sea level
AQMP Air Quality Management Plan
APN Assessor’s Parcel Number
ATCM airborne toxic control measure
BACM best available control measure
BACT best available control technology
Basin South Coast Air Quality Basin
BAU business as usual
BFE base flood elevation
bgs below ground surface
BMPs Best Management Practices
CAA Clean Air Act of 1970
CAAA CAA Amendments of 1990
CAAQS California Ambient Air Quality Standards
CalEEMod California Emissions Estimator Model
CALGreen California Green Building Standards Code
CAP Climate Action Plan of 2013
CARB California Air Resources Board
CBC California Building Code
CCAA California Clean Air Act of 1988
CDFW California Department of Fish and Wildlife
CC&Rs Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions
CEC California Energy Commission
CEQA California Environmental Quality Act
CESA California Endangered Species Act
CGEU California Gas and Electric Utilities 2016 California Gas Report
CGS California Geological Survey
CH4 methane
CHAPIS Community Health Air Pollution Information System (CARB)
CHRIS California Historical Resources Inventory System
CNDDB California Natural Diversity Database
CNEL community noise equivalent level
CNPS California Native Plant Society
CO carbon monoxide
CO2 carbon dioxide
CO2e carbon dioxide equivalent
CRHR California Register of Historical Resources
CTP Clean Truck Program
CUP Conditional Use Permit
dB decibel
dBA A-weighted decibels
DPM diesel particulate matter
DTSC Department of Toxic Substances Control
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EIR Environmental Impact Report
EMS Emergency Medical Services
ESA Environmental Site Assessment
FAR floor area ratio
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
FESA Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973
FMMP Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program
gal/day gallons per day
GHG greenhouse gas
GWP global warming potential
Handbook Air Quality and Land Use Handbook: A Community Health Perspective (CARB
2005)
HAPs hazardous air pollutants
HCM Highway Capacity Manual
HCP Habitat Conservation Plan
HDT Heavy Duty Trucks
HFCs hydroflourocarbons
Hot Spots Act Air Toxics Hot Spots Information and Assessment Act of 1987
HP horsepower
HPLV High Pressure Low Volume
HVAC heating, ventilating, and air conditioning
ICU intersection capacity utilization
I Interstate
I-10 Interstate 10
LBP lead-based paint
LCFS Low Carbon Fuel Standard
LEED Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
LEV Low Emission Vehicle
LID low impact development
LOS level of service
LSTs localized significance thresholds
MACT maximum available control technology
MBTA Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918
MCC Material Culture Consulting
mgd million gallons per day
MMRP Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
MMT million metric tons
MPO metropolitan planning organization
MT metric tons
MT CO2e metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent
NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standards
N2O nitrous oxide
NAHC Native American Heritage Commission
NALs numeric action levels
NCCP Natural Community Conservation Plan
NESHAP national emissions standards for HAPs
NH3 ammonia
NHPA National Historic Preservation Act of 1966
NHTSA National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration
NOP Notice of Preparation
NO2 nitrogen oxide
NOx nitrogen oxide
NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
NRCS U.A. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service
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O3 ozone
ODC Ontario Development Code
ONT Ontario International Airport
PA Planning Area
Pb lead
PDF project design feature
PFCs perflourocarbons
PM2.5 particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers in aerodynamic diameter
PM10 particulate matter less than 10 micrometers in aerodynamic diameter
ppb parts per billion
PPP Plans, Programs, and Policies
PRC Public Resources Code
PRIMP Paleontological Resources Impact Mitigation Plan
PWS public water supplier
REC recognized environmental conditions
ROG reactive organic gas
RTP Regional Transportation Plan
RWQCB Regional Water Quality Control Board
SB Senate Bill
SB 18 California Senate Bill 18, Ch. 905 (2004)
SC Standard Condition
SCAB South Coast Air Basin
SCAG Southern California Association of Governments
SCAQMD South Coast Air Quality Management District
SCCIC South Central Coastal Information Center
SCE Southern California Edison Company
SCS Sustainable Communities Strategy
SF square feet
SF6 sulfur hexaflouride
SIP state implementation plan
SO2 sulfur dioxide
SO3 sulfur trioxide
SO4 sulfates
SoCalGas Southern California Gas Company
SOx sulfur oxides
SP Specific Plan
SR State Route
SRA Source Receptor Area
SWPPP Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan
SWQMP Storm Water Quality Management Plan
SWRCB Storm Water Resources Control Board
TACs toxic air contaminants
TIA Traffic Impact Analysis
tpy tons per year
TTCP traditional tribal cultural places
TUA traditional use area
USDA United States Department of Agriculture
USEPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service
UTRs utility tractors
UWMP Urban Water Management Plan
VdB velocity levels expressed in decibel notation
VMT vehicle miles travelled
VOC volatile organic compounds
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WDR Waste Discharge Requirements
Williamson Act California Land Conservation Act of 1965
WQC Water Quality Certification
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1.0 Executive Summary
This Draft Environmental Impact Report (Draft EIR) evaluates the environmental effects that may result from
the construction and operation of the proposed Poplar South Distribution Center Project (proposed Project).
This EIR has been prepared in conformance with State and City of Fontana environmental policy guidelines
for implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
The EIR is being circulated for review and comment by the public and other interested parties, agencies and
organizations for 45 days in accordance with Section 15087 and Section 15105 of the CEQA Guidelines.
During the 45-day review period, the Draft EIR will be available for public review at the City’s website
(https://www.fontana.org/2137/Environmental-Documents).
Written comments related to environmental issues in the Draft EIR should be addressed to:
Mr. Alejandro Rico, Associate Planner
City of Fontana, Community Development Department
8353 Sierra Avenue
Fontana, CA 92335
arico@fontana.org
A Notice of Availability of the Draft EIR was published concurrently with distribution of this document.
1.1 PROJECT LOCATION
The proposed Project is located within the southern portion of the City of Fontana in the southwest portion of
San Bernardino County. The Project site surrounds the existing Rose Avenue south of Santa Ana Avenue, west
of Catawba Avenue, north of Jurupa Avenue, and east of Poplar Avenue. Regional access to the Project site
is provided by Interstate 10 (I-10) off the Citrus Avenue exit. Local access is provided via Poplar Avenue
and Catawba Avenue. Specifically, the Project site is located within Section 25, Township 1 South, Range 6
West, within the Fontana United States Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle.
The Project site encompasses approximately 19.08 gross acres (18.82 net acres) and is comprised of 41
parcels identified as Assessor’s Parcel Numbers (APNs) 0237-171-01 through -19, 0237-172-01 through -
12, -19, -22, -23, -26, -27, -28, and -30 through -33. The Project site, and surrounding area, is shown in
Figure 3-1, Regional Location, Figure 3-2, Local Vicinity and Figure 3-3, Aerial View.
1.2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
The Project proposes demolition of the existing 40 residences, and associated structures, on the site and a
Tentative Tract Map for the merger of the 41 existing parcels into one 19.08-acre parcel, as well as the
construction of a 490,565-square foot (SF) warehouse building. The proposed Project would also include a
General Plan Amendment (GPA) to change the land use designation from Residential Trucking (R-T) to
General Industrial (I-G) and a Specific Plan Amendment (SPA) to change the Southwest Industrial Park
Specific Plan (SWIP) designation from Residential Trucking District (RTD) to Slover East Industrial District
(SED).
The Project would be constructed on a site that is currently zoned and developed with residential uses;
therefore, the Project is required to comply with the Housing Accountability Act (Senate Bill [SB] 330) which
addresses the displacement and replacement of housing. On October 11, 2022, the City of Fontana adopted
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an ordinance referred to as the “No Net Loss Program” that establishes a program for residential
replacement units in order to meet the requirements of SB 330. As it relates to the proposed Project, the
applicant is utilizing this program to comply with the requirements of SB 330. The loss of 38 dwelling units
would be added to the “No Net Loss Bank” to be used by subsequent residential developers to build their
residential site at a higher density than what the zoning designation allows for.
Building and Architecture. The proposed building would consist of a new 51-foot-tall industrial building that
would support warehouse and office uses. The proposed building area would be 490,565 SF, inclusive of
480,565 SF of warehouse space and 10,000 SF of mezzanine, which would be used for office space. The
building would have a 480,565 SF footprint, resulting in a FAR of 0.6. Figure 3-8, Conceptual Site Plan,
illustrates the proposed site plan. The building would include 42 dock doors along the southern side of the
building.
Circulation and Street Improvements. Access would be provided via four proposed driveways: two from
Poplar Avenue and two from Catawba Avenue. The northern driveway on Poplar Avenue would be 35-feet-
wide and limited to passenger vehicles while the southern driveway would be 56-feet-wide and would
provide truck access. The northern driveway on Catawba Avenue would be 35-feet-wide and limited to
passenger vehicles while the southern driveway would be 56-feet-wide and would provide truck access.
Trucks are expected to primarily utilize Santa Ana Avenue and Citrus Avenue, as well as Cherry Avenue and
Jurupa Avenue, which are all designated truck routes within the city (See Figure 3-10, Truck Routes). Onsite
circulation would be provided by internal drive aisles around the building. Sidewalks would be constructed
along the Project frontages on Poplar Avenue and Catawba Avenue. Sidewalks would be six-feet wide. The
sidewalk area would be dedicated to the City as part of the Project.
Parking. The Project would provide a total of 98 trailer parking spaces located along the southern side of
the building and along the southern property line. Additionally, 210 passenger vehicle spaces, inclusive of
electric vehicle (EV) and accessible (ADA) spaces, would be provided for employees and visitors in surface
lots to the north of the warehouse and in the southeast portion of the site. The Project would also provide
bike parking along the northeast side of the warehouse.
Landscaping. The Project would include approximately 62,000 SF of ornamental landscaping around the
perimeter of the site and in-between parking areas. The proposed building would also include 8-foot-high
gates and 14-foot-tall screenwalls at the southwest and southeast entrances of the truck yard to provide
controlled access and screening.
Infrastructure. The existing 6-inch domestic water line within Rose Avenue is to be abandoned. The Project
would install new 3-inch water lines that would connect to the existing 4-inch water line in Poplar Avenue,
and new 8-inch sewer lines to connect to the existing 8-inch sewer lines in Poplar Avenue and Catawba
Avenue. A sewer lift station is proposed in the northwest portion of the site. The Project would install new
onsite storm drain lines throughout the site that would convey drainage flows to the proposed underground
infiltration basin.
1.3 PROJECT OBJECTIVES
The following objectives have been identified in order to aid decision makers in their review of the proposed
Project and its associated environmental impacts.
1. To make efficient use of property in the City of Fontana by adding to its potential for employment-
generating uses.
2. To attract new business and employment to the City of Fontana and thereby promote economic
growth.
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3. To reduce the need for members of the local workforce to commute outside the Project vicinity to
work.
4. To increase temporary and permanent employment opportunities while improving the local balance
of housing and jobs.
5. To redesignate and develop a property surrounded by industrial uses with an industrial warehouse
building near available infrastructure, including roads and utilities, to help meet demand for logistics
business in the City and surrounding region.
6. To develop an industrial building in south Fontana that is similar to and compatible with other
industrial buildings that were recently built or recently approved for construction in south Fontana.
7. Develop a project that does not contribute to surface and groundwater quality degradation by
treating surface and stormwater flows.
1.4 SUMMARY OF ALTERNATIVES
Section 8.0, Alternatives, of this EIR analyzes a range of reasonable alternatives to the proposed Project.
The alternatives that are analyzed in detail in Section 8.0 are summarized below.
• Alternative 1: No Project/No Build Alternative. Under this alternative, the Project would not be
developed, and no development would occur. The Project site would remain vacant and
undeveloped. In accordance with the CEQA Guidelines, the No Project/No Build Alternative for a
development project on an identifiable property consists of the circumstance under which the project
does not proceed. Section 15126.6(e)(3)(B) of the CEQA Guidelines states that, “In certain instances,
the no project alternative means ‘no build’ wherein the existing environmental setting is maintained.”
Accordingly, Alternative 1: No Project/No Build provides a comparison between the environmental
impacts of the Project in contrast to the result from not approving, or denying, the Project. Thus, this
alternative is intended to meet the requirements of CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.6(e) for
evaluation of a no project alternative.
• Alternative 2: Reduced Project Alternative. Under this alternative, the building would be
developed at a FAR of 0.44 which would result in a 367,924 SF warehouse building. Parking area
for vehicles and trucks, as well as landscaping, would occur in the Reduced Project Alternative. This
alternative assumes that access to the site would be similar to the Project with access from two
driveways on Poplar Avenue and two driveways on Catawba Avenue.
1.5 SUMMARY OF IMPACTS
Table 1-1 summarizes the conclusions of the environmental analysis contained in this EIR. Section 7.0, Effects
Not Found Significant, establishes that the proposed Project would not result in impacts related to certain
thresholds from CEQA Appendix G including Agriculture and Forest Resources, Mineral Resources, Recreation,
and Wildfire. Thus, no further assessment of those impacts was required in the Draft EIR. Therefore, the
numbering of impacts shown in Table 1-1 reflects the omission of further evaluation for certain thresholds.
Relevant standard conditions of approval are identified, and mitigation measures are provided for all
potentially significant impacts. The level of significance of impacts after the proposed mitigation measures
are applied are identified as either significant and unavoidable, less than significant, or no impact.
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Table 1-1: Summary of Impacts, Mitigation Measures, and Level of Significance
Impact Applicable Standard Conditions,
Plan, Program, Policy (PPP), or
Project Design Feature (PDF)
Level of Significance
before Mitigation
Mitigation Measures Significance after
Mitigation
5.1 Aesthetics
Impact AE-1: Would the Project have
a substantial adverse effect on a scenic
vista?
Less than significant None required Less than significant
Impact AE-2: Would the Project in non-
urbanized areas, substantially
degrade the existing visual character
or quality of public views of the site
and its surroundings? (Public views are
those that are experienced from
publicly accessible vantage point). If
the Project is in an urbanized area,
would the project conflict with
applicable zoning and other
regulations governing scenic quality?
No impact None required No impact
Impact AE-3: Would the Project create
a new source of substantial light or
glare that would adversely affect day
and nighttime views in the area?
Less than significant None required Less than significant
Cumulative Less than significant None required Less than significant
5.2 Air Quality
Impact AQ-1: Would the Project
conflict with or obstruct implementation
of the applicable air quality plan?
Significant and unavoidable None Significant and
unavoidable
Impact AQ-2: Would the Project result
in a cumulatively considerable net
increase of a criteria pollutant for
which the project region is non-
attainment under an applicable
federal or state ambient air quality
standard?
PPP AQ-1: Rule 403. The Project is
required to comply with the
provisions of South Coast Air
Quality Management District
(SCAQMD) Rule 403, which includes
the following:
- All clearing, grading, earth-
moving, or excavation activities shall
cease when winds exceed 25 mph
per SCAQMD guidelines in order to
limit fugitive dust emissions.
Less than significant None required Less than significant
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- The contractor shall ensure that all
disturbed unpaved roads and
disturbed areas within the project
are watered, with complete
coverage of disturbed areas, at
least 3 times daily during dry
weather; preferably in the mid-
morning, afternoon, and after work
is done for the day.
- The contractor shall ensure that
traffic speeds on unpaved roads
and project site areas are reduced
to 15 miles per hour or less.
PPP AQ-2: Rule 1113. The Project
is required to comply with the
provisions of South Coast Air
Quality Management District Rule
(SCAQMD) Rule 1113. Only “Low-
Volatile Organic Compounds”
paints (no more than 50 gram/liter
of VOC) and/or High Pressure Low
Volume (HPLV) applications shall be
used.
PPP AQ-4: Rule 1470 –
Requirements for Stationary Diesel-
Fueled Internal Combustion and
Other Compression Ignition Engines.
The Project is required to obtain a
permit from SCAQMD for the
proposed diesel fire pump and
would be required to comply with
Rule 1470, regulating the use of
diesel-fueled internal combustion
engines.
Impact AQ-3: Would the Project
expose sensitive receptors to
substantial pollutant concentrations?
Less than significant None required Less than significant
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Impact AQ-4: Would the Project result
in other emissions adversely affecting
a substantial number of people?
PPP AQ-3: Rule 402. The Project is
required to comply with the
provisions of South Coast Air
Quality Management District
(SCAQMD) Rule 402. The Project
shall not discharge from any source
whatsoever such quantities of air
contaminants or other material
which cause injury, detriment,
nuisance, or annoyance to any
considerable number of persons or
to the public, or which endanger the
comfort, repose, health or safety of
any such persons or the public, or
which cause, or have a natural
tendency to cause, injury or damage
to business or property.
Less than significant None required Less than significant
Cumulative PPP AQ-1: Rule 403, as listed
above.
PPP AQ-2: Rule 1113, as listed
above.
PPP AQ-3: Rule 402, as listed
above.
PPP AQ-4: Rule 1470, as listed
above.
Less than significant None required Less than significant
5.3 Biological Resources
Impact BIO-1: Would the Project have
a substantial adverse effect, either
directly or through habitat
modifications, on any species identified
as a candidate, sensitive, or special
status species in local or regional plans,
policies, or regulations, or by the
California Department of Fish and
Wildlife or U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service?
No Impact None required No Impact
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Impact BIO-2: Would the Project have
a substantial adverse effect on any
riparian habitat or other sensitive
natural community identified in local or
regional plans, policies, regulations or
by the California Department of Fish
and Wildlife or US Fish and Wildlife
Service?
No Impact None required No Impact
Impact BIO-3: Would the Project have
a substantial adverse effect on state or
federally protected wetlands
(including, but not limited to, marsh,
vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through
direct removal, filling, hydrological
interruption, or other means?
No Impact None required No Impact
Impact BIO-4: Would the Project
interfere substantially with the
movement of any native resident or
migratory fish or wildlife species or
with established native resident or
migratory wildlife corridors, or impede
the use of native wildlife nursery sites?
PPP BIO-1: California Fish and
Game Code, Sections 3503.5,
3511, 3515. Section 3503.5 of the
California Fish and Game Code
states that it is “unlawful to take,
possess, or destroy any birds in the
order Falconiformes or Strigiformes
(birds of prey) or to take, possess,
or destroy the nest or eggs of any
such bird except as otherwise
provided by this code or any
regulation adopted pursuant
thereto.” Activities that result in the
abandonment of an active bird of
prey nest may also be considered in
violation of this code. In addition,
California Fish and Game Code,
Section 3511 prohibits the taking of
any bird listed as fully protected,
and California Fish and Game
Code, Section 3515 states that is it
unlawful to take any non-game
migratory bird protected under the
MBTA.
Potentially significant Mitigation Measure BIO-1: Nesting Bird
Survey. Vegetation removal should occur
outside of the nesting bird season (generally
between February 1 and August 31). If
vegetation removal is required during the
nesting bird season, the applicant must
conduct take avoidance surveys for nesting
birds prior to initiating vegetation
removal/clearing. Surveys will be conducted
by a qualified biologist(s) within three days
of vegetation removal. If active nests are
observed, a qualified biologist will
determine appropriate minimum disturbance
buffers and other adaptive mitigation
techniques (e.g., biological monitoring of
active nests during construction-related
activities, staggered schedules, etc.) to ensure
that impacts to nesting birds are avoided
until the nest is no longer active. At a
minimum, construction activities will stay
outside of a 200-foot buffer around the
active nests. The approved buffer zone shall
be marked in the field with construction
fencing, within which no vegetation clearing
or ground disturbance shall commence until
Less than significant
Poplar South Distribution Center 1.0 Executive Summary
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the qualified biologist and San Bernardino
County Environmental Planning &
Maintenance Division verify that the nests are
no longer occupied, and the juvenile birds
can survive independently from the nests.
Once the young have fledged and left the
nest, or the nest otherwise becomes inactive
under natural conditions, normal construction
activities may occur.
Impact BIO-5: Would the Project
conflict with any local policies or
ordinances protecting biological
resources, such as a tree preservation
policy or ordinance?
No Impact None required No Impact
Impact BIO-6: Would the Project
conflict with the provisions of an
adopted habitat conservation plan,
natural community conservation plan,
or other approved local, regional, or
state habitat conservation plan?
No Impact None required. No Impact
Cumulative PPP BIO-1: California Fish and
Game Code, Sections 3503.5,
3511, 3515, listed above.
Less than significant Mitigation Measure BIO-1: Nesting Bird
Survey, listed above.
Less than significant
5.4 Cultural Resources
Impact CUL-1: Would the Project
cause a substantial adverse change in
the significance of a historical resource
pursuant to § 15064.5?
Less than significant None required Less than significant
Impact CUL-2: Would the Project
cause a substantial adverse change in
the significance of an archaeological
resource pursuant to § 15064.5?
Potentially significant Mitigation Measure CUL-1: Archaeological
Monitoring. Prior to the issuance of the first
grading permit, the applicant shall provide a
letter to the City Planning Division, or
designee, from a qualified professional
archeologist meeting the Secretary of
Interior’s Professional Qualifications for
Archaeology as defined at 36 CFR Part 61,
Appendix A, stating that qualified
archeologists have been retained and will be
Less than significant
Poplar South Distribution Center 1.0 Executive Summary
City of Fontana 1-10
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present at pre-grade meetings and for all
initial ground disturbing activities, up to five
feet in depth. Additionally, tribal monitor(s)
shall be required on-site during all ground-
disturbing activities.
Archaeological and Native American
monitoring and excavation during
construction shall be consistent with current
professional standards. All feasible care to
avoid any unnecessary disturbance, physical
modification, or separation of human remains
and associated funerary objects shall be
taken.
Upon discovery of any tribal cultural or
archaeological resources, construction
activities shall be halted within 60 feet of the
find until the find can be assessed. All
cultural, tribal and archaeological resources
unearthed by Project construction activities
shall be evaluated by the qualified
archaeologist and tribal monitor. If the
resources are Native American in origin,
interested Tribes (as a result of
correspondence with area Tribes) shall
coordinate with the landowner regarding
treatment and curation of these resources.
Typically, the Tribe will request preservation
in place or recovery for educational
purposes. Work may continue on other parts
of the project while evaluation takes place.
Preservation in place shall be the preferred
manner of treatment. If preservation in place
is not feasible, treatment may include
implementation of archaeological data
recovery excavation to remove the resource
along the subsequent laboratory processing
Poplar South Distribution Center 1.0 Executive Summary
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and analysis. All Tribal Cultural Resources
shall be returned to the Tribe. Any historic
archaeological material that is not Native
American in origin shall be curated at a
public, non-profit institution with a research
interest in the materials, if such an institution
agrees to accept the material. If no institution
accepts the archaeological material, they
shall be offered to the Tribe or a local school
or historical society in the area for
educational purposes.
Impact CUL-3: Would the Project
disturb any human remains, including
those interred outside of formal
cemeteries?
PPP CUL-1: Human Remains. If
human remains are found on this site,
the developer/permit holder or any
successor in interest shall comply
with State Health and Safety Code
Section 7050.5. Pursuant to State
Health and Safety Code Section
7050.5, if human remains are
encountered, no further disturbance
shall occur until the San Bernardino
County Coroner has made the
necessary findings as to origin.
Further, pursuant to Public Resources
Code Section 5097.98 (b), remains
shall be left in place and free from
disturbance until a final decision as
to the treatment and their
disposition has been made. If the
San Bernardino County Coroner
determines the remains to be Native
American, the Native American
Heritage Commission shall be
contacted by the Coroner within the
period specified by law (24 hours).
Subsequently, the Native American
Heritage Commission shall identify
the “Most Likely Descendant”. The
Most Likely Descendant shall then
make recommendations and
Less than significant None required Less than significant
Poplar South Distribution Center 1.0 Executive Summary
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engage in consultation with the
property owner concerning the
treatment of the remains as
provided in Public Resources Code
Section 5097.98.
Cumulative PPP CUL-1: Human Remains, as
listed above.
Potentially significant Mitigation Measure CUL-1: Archaeological
Monitoring, listed above.
Less than significant
5.5 Energy
Impact E-1: Would the Project result in
potentially significant environmental
impact due to wasteful, inefficient, or
unnecessary consumption of energy
resources, during project construction or
operation?
Less than significant None required Less than significant
Impact E-2: Would the Project conflict
with or obstruct a state or local plan for
renewable energy or energy
efficiency?
PPP E-1: CalGreen Compliance:
The Project is required to comply
with the CalGreen Building Code to
ensure efficient use of energy.
CalGreen specifications are
required to be incorporated into
building plans as a condition of
building permit approval
Less than significant None required Less than significant
Cumulative PPP E-1: CalGreen Compliance, as
listed above.
Less than significant None required Less than significant
5.6 Geology and Soils
Impact GEO-1 i: Would the Project
directly or indirectly cause potential
substantial adverse effects, including
the risk of loss, injury, or death
involving rupture of a known
earthquake fault, as delineated on the
most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake
Fault Zoning Map issued by the State
Geologist for the area or based on
other substantial evidence of a known
fault?
No Impact None required No Impact
Impact GEO-1 ii: Would the Project
directly or indirectly cause potential
substantial adverse effects, including
PPP GEO-1: CBC Compliance. The
project is required to comply with
the California Building Standards
Less than significant None required Less than significant
Poplar South Distribution Center 1.0 Executive Summary
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the risk of loss, injury, or death
involving strong seismic ground
shaking?
Code as included in Chapter 5,
Article III, Section 6-51 of the
Fontana Municipal Code to preclude
significant adverse effects
associated with seismic and soils
hazards. CBC related and geologist
and/or civil engineer specifications
for the proposed Project are
required to be incorporated into
grading plans and building
specifications as a condition of
construction permit approval.
Impact GEO-1 iii: Would the Project
directly or indirectly cause potential
substantial adverse effects, including
the risk of loss, injury, or death
involving seismic-related ground
failure, including liquefaction?
PPP GEO-1: CBC Compliance, as
listed above.
Potentially significant [MM-GEO-1] Less than significant
Impact GEO-1 iv: Would the Project
directly or indirectly cause potential
substantial adverse effects, including
the risk of loss, injury, or death
involving landslides?
No Impact None required No Impact
Impact GEO-2: Would the Project
result in substantial soil erosion or the
loss of topsoil?
Less than significant None required Less than significant
Impact GEO-3: Would the Project be
located on a geologic unit or soil that is
unstable, or that would become
unstable as a result of the project, and
potentially result in on- or off-site
landslide, lateral spreading,
subsidence, liquefaction or collapse?
PPP GEO-1: CBC Compliance, as
listed above.
Potentially significant [MM-GEO-1] Less than significant
Impact GEO-4: Would the Project be
located on expansive soil, as defined
in Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building
Code (1994), creating substantial
direct or indirect risks to life or
property?
No Impact None required No Impact
Impact GEO-5: Would the Project have
soils incapable of adequately
No Impact None required No Impact
Poplar South Distribution Center 1.0 Executive Summary
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supporting the use of septic tanks or
alternative wastewater disposal
systems where sewers are not
available for the disposal of
wastewater?
Impact GEO-6: Would the Project
directly or indirectly destroy a unique
paleontological resource or site or
unique geologic feature?
Potentially significant MM PAL-1: Paleontological Monitoring.
Prior to the issuance of grading permits, the
Project Applicant/developer shall submit to
and receive approval from the City, a
Paleontological Resource Impact Mitigation
Program (PRIMP). The PRIMP shall include the
provision for a qualified professional
paleontologist (or his or her trained
paleontological representative) to conduct
monitoring during mass grading and
excavation activities in undisturbed
Pleistocene alluvial fan sediment, starting at
a depth of five feet.
If a fossil(s) is found at shallower depths,
earth disturbance activities should be halted
within a radius of 50 feet from the location
of the fossil, and the approved Project
paleontologist shall be consulted to
determine the significance of the fossilized
remains. If the fossil is deemed significant by
the paleontologist, full-time monitoring should
be initiated at the Project. The paleontologist
shall be prepared to quickly salvage fossils
as they are unearthed to avoid construction
delays. The paleontologist shall also remove
samples of sediments which are likely to
contain the remains of small fossil
invertebrates and vertebrates. The
paleontologist shall have the power to
temporarily halt or divert grading equipment
to allow for removal of abundant or large
specimens.
Collected samples of sediments shall be
washed to recover small invertebrate and
Less than significant
Poplar South Distribution Center 1.0 Executive Summary
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vertebrate fossils. Recovered specimens shall
be prepared so that they can be identified
and permanently preserved. Specimens shall
be identified and curated and placed into an
accredited repository (such as the San
Bernardino County Museum) with permanent
curation and retrievable storage. Prior to
curation, the City of Fontana shall be
consulted on the repository/museum to
receive the fossil material.
A report of findings, including an itemized
inventory of recovered specimens, shall be
prepared upon completion of the steps
outlined above. The report shall include a
discussion of the significance of all recovered
specimens. The report and inventory, when
submitted to the City of Fontana Planning
Department, will signify completion of the
program to mitigate impacts to
paleontological resources.
Cumulative PPP GEO-1: CBC Compliance, as
listed above.
Less than significant MM PAL-1: Paleontological Monitoring, as
listed above.
Less than significant
5.7 Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Impact GHG-1: Would the Project
generate greenhouse gas emissions,
either directly or indirectly, that may
have a significant impact on the
environment?
PPP GHG-1: City of Fontana’s
Industrial Commerce Centers
Sustainability Standards. Prior to
issuance of a business license, the
City of Fontana Planning Director
shall ensure that the proposed
Project implements the requirements
set forth in the City of Fontana’s
Industrial Commerce Centers
Sustainability Standards that are
applicable to the Project.
Less than significant None required Less than significant
Impact GHG-2: Would the Project
conflict with any applicable plan,
policy or regulation of an agency
adopted for the purpose of reducing
the emissions of greenhouse gases?
PPP E-1: CALGreen Compliance,
listed above.
Less than significant None required Less than significant
Poplar South Distribution Center 1.0 Executive Summary
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Cumulative PPP GHG-1: City of Fontana’s
Industrial Commerce Centers
Sustainability Standards, listed
above.
PPP E-1: CALGreen Compliance,
listed above.
Less than significant None required Less than significant
5.8 Hazards and Hazardous
Materials
Impact HAZ-1: Would the Project
create a significant hazard to the
public or the environment through the
routine transport, use, or disposal of
hazardous materials?
PPP HAZ-1: SCAQMD Rule 1403.
Prior to issuance of a Demolition
Permit, the Project
Applicant/Developer shall submit
verification to the County Building
Division that an asbestos survey has
been conducted at all existing
buildings located on the Project site.
If asbestos is found, the Project
Applicant/Developer shall follow
all procedural requirements and
regulations of SCAQMD 1403. Rule
1403 regulations require the
following actions be taken:
notification of SCAQMD prior to
construction activity, asbestos
removal in accordance with
prescribed procedures, placement
of collected asbestos in leak-tight
containers or wrapping, and proper
disposal.
PPP HAZ-2: Transportation of
Hazardous Waste. Hazardous
materials and hazardous wastes will
be transported to and/or from the
project developed as required by
the County of San Bernardino’s
Hazardous Materials Division in
compliance with any applicable
Less than significant None required Less than significant
Poplar South Distribution Center 1.0 Executive Summary
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state and federal requirements,
including the U.S. Department of
Transportation regulations listed in
the Code of Federal Regulations
(CFR) (Title 49, Hazardous Materials
Transportation Act); California
Department of Transportation
standards; and the California
Occupational Safety and Health
Administration standards.
PPP HAZ-3: Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act.
Hazardous waste generation,
transportation, treatment, storage,
and disposal will be conducted in
compliance with the Subtitle C of the
Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act (RCRA) (Code of
Federal Regulations, Title 40, Part
263), including the management of
nonhazardous solid wastes and
underground tanks storing
petroleum and other hazardous
substances. The San Bernardino
County Fire Department serves as
the designated Certified Unified
Program Agency (CUPA) which
implements state and federal
regulations for the following
programs: (1) Hazardous Materials
Release Response Plans and
Inventory Program, (2) California
Accidental Release Prevention
(CalARP) Program, (3)
Aboveground Petroleum Storage
Act Program, and (4) UST Program
(5) Hazardous Waste Generator
Poplar South Distribution Center 1.0 Executive Summary
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and Onsite Hazardous Waste
Treatment Programs (6) Hazardous
Materials Management Plan and
Hazardous Material Inventory
Statement Program.
PPP HYD-1: Comply with NPDES.
Since this Project is one acre or
more, the permit holder shall comply
with all of the applicable
requirements of the National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES) and shall conform
to NPDES Best Management
Practices for Stormwater Pollution
Prevention Plans during the life of
this permit.
Impact HAZ-2: Would the Project
create a significant hazard to the
public or the environment through
reasonably foreseeable upset and
accident conditions involving the
release of hazardous materials into the
environment?
PPP HAZ-2: Transportation of
Hazardous Materials, as listed
above.
PPP HAZ-3: Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act, as
listed above.
PPP HYD-2: NPDES/SWPPP. Prior
to issuance of any grading or
construction permits - whichever
comes first - the applicant shall
provide the Building and Safety
Department evidence of submitting
a Notice of Intent (NOI), develop
and implement a Stormwater
Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)
and a monitoring program and
reporting plan for the construction
site.
Less than significant None required Less than significant
Poplar South Distribution Center 1.0 Executive Summary
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PPP HYD-3: WQMP. Pursuant to
City Municipal Code Section 30-
526, Infrastructure, the Project
Applicant shall prepare a Water
Quality Management Plan (WQMP)
that is consistent with the San
Bernardino County Flood Control
District Standards and follows the
WQMP guidance.
Impact HAZ-3: Would the Project emit
hazardous emissions or handle
hazardous or acutely hazardous
materials, substances, or waste within
one-quarter mile of an existing or
proposed school?
Less than significant None required Less than significant
Impact HAZ-4: Would the Project be
located on a site that is included on a
list of hazardous materials sites
compiled pursuant to Government
Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result,
create a significant hazard to the
public or the environment?
Less than significant None required Less than significant
Impact HAZ-5: Would the Project for
a project located within an airport land
use plan or, where such a plan has not
been adopted, within two miles of a
public airport or public use airport,
result in a safety hazard or excessive
noise for people residing or working in
the project area?
No impact None required No impact
Impact HAZ-6: Would the Project
impair implementation of or physically
interfere with an adopted emergency
response plan or emergency
evacuation plan?
Less than significant Non required Less than significant
Impact HAZ-7: Would the Project
expose people or structures, either
directly or indirectly, to a significant
risk of loss, injury, or death involving
Less than significant Non required Less than significant
Poplar South Distribution Center 1.0 Executive Summary
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wildland fires, including where
wildlands are adjacent to urbanized
areas or where residences are
intermixed with wildlands?
Cumulative PPP HAZ-1: SCAQMD Rule 1403,
as listed above.
PPP HAZ-2: Transportation of
Hazardous Materials, as listed
above.
PPP HAZ-3: Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act, as
listed above.
PPP HYD-1: Comply with NPDES,
as listed above.
PPP HYD-2: NPDES/SWPPP, as
listed above.
PPP HYD-3: WQMP, as listed
above.
Less than significant None required Less than significant
5.9 Hydrology and Water Quality
Impact HYD-1: Would the Project
violate any water quality standards or
waste discharge requirements or
otherwise substantially degrade
surface or groundwater quality?
PPP HYD-1: Comply with NPDES,
as listed above.
PPP HYD-2: NPDES/SWPPP., as
listed above.
PPP HYD-3: WQMP, as listed
above.
Less than significant None required Less than significant
Impact HYD-2: Would the Project
substantially decrease groundwater
supplies or interfere substantially with
groundwater recharge such that the
Project may impede sustainable
groundwater management of the
basin?
PPP HYD-1: Comply with NPDES,
listed above.
PPP HYD-3: WQMP, as listed
above.
Less than significant None required Less than significant
Poplar South Distribution Center 1.0 Executive Summary
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Impact HYD-3i: Would the Project
substantially alter the existing
drainage pattern of the site or area,
including through the alteration of the
course of a stream or river or through
addition of impervious surfaces, in a
manner which would result in
substantial erosion or siltation on- or
off-site?
PPP HYD-1: Comply with NPDES,
as listed above.
PPP HYD-2: NPDES/SWPPP, as
listed above.
PPP HYD-3: WQMP, as listed
above.
Less than significant None required Less than significant
Impact HYD-3ii: Would the Project
substantially alter the existing
drainage pattern of the site or area,
including through alteration of the
course of a stream or river, or through
the addition of impervious surfaces, in
a manner which would substantially
increase the rate or amount of surface
runoff in a manner which would result
in flooding on-site or off-site?
PPP HYD-1: Comply with NPDES,
as listed above.
PPP HYD-2: NPDES/SWPPP, as
listed above.
PPP HYD-3: WQMP, as listed
above.
Less than significant None required Less than significant
Impact HYD-3iii: Would the Project
substantially alter the existing
drainage pattern of the site or area,
including through alteration of the
course of a stream or river, or through
the addition of impervious surfaces, in
a manner which would exceed the
capacity of existing or planned
stormwater drainage systems or
provide substantial additional sources
of polluted runoff?
PPP HYD-1: Comply with NPDES,
as listed above.
PPP HYD-3: WQMP, as listed
above.
Less than significant None required Less than significant
Impact HYD-3iv: Would the Project
substantially alter the existing
drainage pattern of the site or area,
including through alteration of the
course of a stream or river, or through
the addition of impervious surfaces, in
a manner which would impede or
redirect flood flows?
PPP HYD-1: Comply with NPDES,
as listed above.
PPP HYD-3: WQMP, as listed
above.
Less than significant None required Less than significant
Impact HYD-4: Would the Project
substantially alter the existing
PPP HYD-1: Comply with NPDES,
listed above.
Less than significant None required Less than significant
Poplar South Distribution Center 1.0 Executive Summary
City of Fontana 1-22
Draft EIR
June 2023
Impact Applicable Standard Conditions,
Plan, Program, Policy (PPP), or
Project Design Feature (PDF)
Level of Significance
before Mitigation
Mitigation Measures Significance after
Mitigation
drainage pattern of the site or area,
including through the alteration of the
course of a stream or river or through
addition of impervious surfaces, in a
manner which would substantially
increase the rate or amount of surface
runoff in a manner which would result
in flooding on- or off-site?
PPP HYD-2: NPDES/SWPPP, as
listed above.
PPP HYD-3: WQMP, as listed
above.
Impact HYD-5: Would the Project
substantially alter the existing
drainage pattern of the site or area,
including through the alteration of the
course of a stream or river or through
addition of impervious surfaces, in a
manner which would create or
contribute runoff water which would
exceed the capacity of existing or
planned stormwater drainage systems
or provide substantial additional
sources of polluted runoff?
PPP HYD-1: Comply with NPDES,
as listed above.
PPP HYD-2: NPDES/SWPPP, as
listed above.
PPP HYD-3: WQMP, as listed
above.
Less than significant None required Less than significant
Impact HYD-6: Would the Project
substantially alter the existing
drainage pattern of the site or area,
including through the alteration of the
course of a stream or river or through
the addition of impervious surfaces, in
a manner which would impede or
redirect flood flows?
PPP HYD-1: Comply with NPDES,
as listed above.
PPP HYD-3: WQMP, as listed
above.
Less than significant None required Less than significant
Impact HYD-7: Would the Project be
located in flood hazard, tsunami, or
seiche zones, and risk release of
pollutants due to Project inundation?
Less than significant None required Less than significant
Impact HYD-8: Would the Project
conflict with or obstruct implementation
of a water quality control plan or
sustainable groundwater management
plan?
PPP HYD-1: Comply with NPDES,
as listed above.
PPP HYD-2: NPDES/SWPPP, as
listed above.
PPP HYD-3: WQMP, listed above.
Less than significant None required Less than significant
Cumulative PPP HYD-1: Comply with NPDES,
as listed above.
Less than significant None required Less than significant
Poplar South Distribution Center 1.0 Executive Summary
City of Fontana 1-23
Draft EIR
June 2023
Impact Applicable Standard Conditions,
Plan, Program, Policy (PPP), or
Project Design Feature (PDF)
Level of Significance
before Mitigation
Mitigation Measures Significance after
Mitigation
PPP HYD-2: NPDES/SWPPP, as
listed above.
PPP HYD-3: WQMP, as listed
above.
5.10 Land Use and Planning
Impact LU-1: Would the Project
physically divide an established
community?
No impact None required No Impact
Impact LU-2: Would the Project conflict
with any applicable land use plan,
policy, or regulation of an agency with
jurisdiction over the project (including,
but not limited to the general plan,
specific plan, local coastal program, or
zoning ordinance) adopted for the
purpose of avoiding or mitigating an
environmental effect?
Less than significant Refer to all mitigation measures presented in
this Admin Draft EIR.
Less than significant
Cumulative Less than significant None required Less than significant
5.11 Noise
Impact NOI-1: Would the Project result
in generation of a substantial
temporary or permanent increase in
ambient noise levels in the vicinity of
the Project in excess of standards
established in the local general plan or
noise ordinance, or applicable
standards of other agencies?
PPP NOI-1: Construction Noise. As
required by Fontana Municipal
Code Section 18-63(b)(7),
construction activities shall only take
place between the hours of 7:00
a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on weekdays
and 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on
Saturdays. Construction activities
conducted outside of these hours
would require previous approval
from the City of Fontana.
Less than significant None required Less than significant
Impact NOI-2: Would the Project result
in generation of excessive
groundborne vibration or groundborne
noise levels?
Less than significant None required Less than significant
Impact NOI-3: Would the Project for
a project located within the vicinity of
a private airstrip or an airport land use
plan or, where such a plan has not been
Less than significant None Required Less than significant
Poplar South Distribution Center 1.0 Executive Summary
City of Fontana 1-24
Draft EIR
June 2023
Impact Applicable Standard Conditions,
Plan, Program, Policy (PPP), or
Project Design Feature (PDF)
Level of Significance
before Mitigation
Mitigation Measures Significance after
Mitigation
adopted, within two miles of a public
airport or public use airport, would the
project expose people residing or
working in the project area to
excessive noise levels?
Cumulative PPP NOI-1: Construction Noise, as
listed above.
Less than significant None required Less than significant
5.12 Population and Housing
Impact POP-1: Would the Project
induce substantial unplanned
population growth in an area, either
directly (for example, by proposing
new homes and businesses) or indirectly
(for example, through extension of
roads or other infrastructure)?
Less than significant None required Less than significant
Impact POP-2: Would the Project
displace substantial numbers of
existing people or housing,
necessitating the construction of
replacement housing elsewhere?
Less than significant None required Less than significant
Cumulative Less than significant None required Less than significant
5.13 Public Services
Impact PS-1: Would the Project result
in substantial adverse physical impacts
associated with fire protection services
or the provision of new or altered fire
station facilities, the construction of
which could cause significant
environmental impacts, in order to
maintain acceptable service ratios,
response times or other performance
objectives?
Less than significant None required Less than significant
Impact PS-2: Would the Project result
in substantial adverse physical impacts
associated with police services or the
provision of new or altered police
facilities, the construction of which could
cause significant environmental
impacts, in order to maintain
Less than significant None required Less than significant
Poplar South Distribution Center 1.0 Executive Summary
City of Fontana 1-25
Draft EIR
June 2023
Impact Applicable Standard Conditions,
Plan, Program, Policy (PPP), or
Project Design Feature (PDF)
Level of Significance
before Mitigation
Mitigation Measures Significance after
Mitigation
acceptable service ratios, response
times or other performance objectives?
Impact PS-3: Would the Project result
in substantial adverse physical impacts
associated with school services or the
provision of new or physically altered
school facilities?
PPP PS-1: School Impact Fees.
Prior to the issuance of either a
certificate of occupancy or prior to
building permit final inspection, the
applicant shall provide payment of
the appropriate fees set forth by
the Fontana Unified School District
related to the funding of school
facilities pursuant to Government
Code Section 65995 et seq.
Less than significant None required Less than significant
Impact PS-4: Would the Project result
in substantial adverse physical impacts
associated with park and recreational
facilities or the provision of new or
physically altered park facilities?
Less than significant None required Less than significant
Impact PS-5: Would the Project result
in substantial adverse physical impacts
associated with other government
services or the provision of new or
physically altered public facilities?
Less than significant None required Less than significant
Cumulative PPP PS-1: School Impact Fees, as
listed above
Less than significant None required Less than significant
5.14 Transportation
Impact TR-1: Would the Project conflict
with a program, plan, ordinance, or
policy addressing the circulation
system, including transit, roadway,
bicycle, and pedestrian facilities?
Less than significant None required Less than significant
Impact TR-2: Would the Project conflict
or be inconsistent with CEQA
Guidelines § 15064.3, subdivision (b)?
Less than significant None required Less than significant
Impact TR-3: Would the Project
substantially increase hazards due to a
geometric design feature (e.g., sharp
curves or dangerous intersections) or
incompatible uses (e.g., farm
equipment); or
Less than significant None required Less than significant
Impact TR-4: Would the Project result
in inadequate emergency access?
Less than significant None required Less than significant
Poplar South Distribution Center 1.0 Executive Summary
City of Fontana 1-26
Draft EIR
June 2023
Impact Applicable Standard Conditions,
Plan, Program, Policy (PPP), or
Project Design Feature (PDF)
Level of Significance
before Mitigation
Mitigation Measures Significance after
Mitigation
Cumulative Less than significant None required Less than significant
5.15 Tribal Cultural Resources
Impact TCR-1: Would the Project
cause a substantial adverse change in
the significance of a tribal cultural
resource, defined in Public Resources
Code section 21074 as either a site,
feature, place, cultural landscape that
is geographically defined in terms of
the size and scope of the landscape,
sacred place, or object with cultural
value to a California Native American
tribe, and that is listed or eligible for
listing in the California Register of
Historical Resources, or in a local
register of historical resources as
defined in Public Resources Code
section 5020.1(k)?
Potentially Significant Mitigation Measure CUL-1: Archaeological
Monitoring, listed above.
Less than significant
Impact TCR-2: Would the Project
cause a substantial adverse change in
the significance of a tribal cultural
resource, defined in Public Resources
Code section 21074 as either a site,
feature, place, cultural landscape that
is geographically defined in terms of
the size and scope of the landscape,
sacred place, or object with cultural
value to a California Native American
tribe, and that is a resource
determined by the lead agency, in its
discretion and supported by
substantial evidence, to be significant
pursuant to criteria set forth in
subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code
Section 5024.1. In applying the criteria
set forth in subdivision (c) of Public
Resources Code Section 5024.1, the
lead agency shall consider the
significance of the resource to a
California Native American tribe?
PPP CUL-1: Human Remains, listed
above.
Potentially significant Mitigation Measure CUL-1: Archaeological
Monitoring, listed above.
Less than significant
Poplar South Distribution Center 1.0 Executive Summary
City of Fontana 1-27
Draft EIR
June 2023
Impact Applicable Standard Conditions,
Plan, Program, Policy (PPP), or
Project Design Feature (PDF)
Level of Significance
before Mitigation
Mitigation Measures Significance after
Mitigation
Cumulative PPP CUL-1, listed above. Potentially significant Mitigation Measure CUL-1: Archaeological
Monitoring, listed above.
Less than significant
5.16 Utilities and Service Systems
Impact UT-1: Would the Project
require or result in the relocation or
construction of new water facilities, the
construction or relocation of which
could cause significant environmental
effects?
Less than significant None required Less than significant
Impact UT-2: Would the Project have
sufficient water supplies available to
serve the Project and reasonably
foreseeable development during
normal, dry, and multiple dry years?
Less than significant None required Less than significant
Impact UT-3: Would the Project
require or result in the construction of
new or expanded wastewater
facilities, or expansion of existing
facilities, the construction of which could
cause significant environmental effects?
Less than significant None required Less than significant
Impact UT-4: Would the Project result
in a determination by the wastewater
treatment provider which serves or
may serve the Project that it has
adequate capacity to serve the
Project’s projected demand in addition
to the provider’s existing commitments?
Less than significant None required Less than significant
Impact UT-5: Would the Project
require or result in the construction of
new storm water drainage facilities or
expansion of existing facilities, the
construction of which could cause
significant environmental effects?
Less than significant None required Less than significant
Impact UT-6: Would the Project
generate solid waste in excess of state
or local standards, or in excess of the
capacity of local infrastructure, or
otherwise impair the attainment of
solid waste reduction goals?
Less than significant None required Less than significant
Impact UT-7: Would the Project
comply with federal, state, and local
No impact None required No impact
Poplar South Distribution Center 1.0 Executive Summary
City of Fontana 1-28
Draft EIR
June 2023
Impact Applicable Standard Conditions,
Plan, Program, Policy (PPP), or
Project Design Feature (PDF)
Level of Significance
before Mitigation
Mitigation Measures Significance after
Mitigation
statutes and regulations related to
solid waste?
Impact UT-8: Would the Project
require or result in the relocation or
construction of a new or expanded
electric power, natural gas, or
telecommunications facilities, the
construction of which could cause
significant environmental effects?
Less than significant None required Less than significant
Cumulative Less than significant None required Less than significant
Poplar South Distribution Center 2.0 Introduction
City of Fontana 2-1
Draft EIR
June 2023
2.0 Introduction
This Draft Environmental Impact Report (Draft EIR) is an informational document that evaluates the
environmental effects that may result from the planning, construction, and operation of the proposed Poplar
South Distribution Center Project (Project), which requires approval of the Development Plan Review,
Tentative Parcel Map, General Plan Amendment, and Specific Plan Amendment. The term Project includes
all discretionary and administrative approvals and permits required for its implementation.
2.1 PURPOSE OF CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires that all state and local governmental agencies
consider the environmental consequences of projects over which they have discretionary authority prior to
taking action on those projects. The CEQA Guidelines provide the following information regarding the
purpose of an EIR:
• Project Information and Environmental Effects. An EIR is an informational document that will inform
public agency decision-makers and the public generally of the significant environmental effect(s) of
a project, identify possible ways to minimize the significant effects, and describe reasonable
alternatives to the project. The public agency shall consider the information in the EIR along with
other information that may be presented to the agency (State CEQA Guidelines Section 15121(a)).
• Standards for Adequacy of an EIR. An EIR should be prepared with a sufficient degree of analysis
to enable decision makers to make an intelligent decision that takes account of environmental
consequences. An evaluation of the environmental effects of a proposed project need not be
exhaustive, but the sufficiency of an EIR is to be reviewed in the light of what is reasonably feasible.
Disagreement among experts does not make an EIR inadequate, but the EIR should summarize the
main points of disagreement among the experts. The courts have looked not for perfection but for
adequacy, completeness, and a good faith effort at full disclosure (State CEQA Guidelines Section
15151).
As a public disclosure document, the purpose of an EIR is not to recommend either approval or denial of a
project, but to provide information regarding the physical environmental changes that would result from an
action being considered by a public agency to aid in the agency’s decision-making process.
2.2 LEGAL AUTHORITY
This Draft EIR has been prepared in accordance with all criteria, standards, and procedures of CEQA
(California Public Resource Code Section 21000 et seq.) and the State CEQA Guidelines (California Code
of Regulations, Title 14, Division 6, Chapter 3, Section 15000 et seq.).
Pursuant to CEQA Section 21067 and State CEQA Guidelines Article 4 and Section 15367, the City of
Fontana (City) is the Lead Agency under whose authority this Draft EIR has been prepared. “Lead Agency”
refers to the public agency that has the principal responsibility for carrying out or approving a project.
Serving as the Lead Agency and before taking action on any approvals for the Project, the City has the
obligation to: (1) ensure that this Draft EIR has been completed in accordance with CEQA; (2) review and
consider the information contained in this Draft EIR as part of its decision making process; (3) make a
statement that this Draft EIR reflects the City’s independent judgment; (4) ensure that all significant effects
on the environment are eliminated or substantially lessened where feasible; and, if necessary, (5) make
written findings for each unavoidable significant environmental effect stating the reasons why mitigation
measures or project alternatives identified in this Draft EIR are infeasible and citing the specific benefits of
Poplar South Distribution Center 2.0 Introduction
City of Fontana 2-2
Draft EIR
June 2023
the proposed project that outweigh its unavoidable adverse effects (State CEQA Guidelines Sections 15090
through 15093).
Pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Sections 15040 through 15043, and upon completion of the CEQA
review process, the City will have the legal authority to do any of the following:
• Approve the Project; or
• Require feasible changes in any or all activities involved in the Project in order to substantially lessen
or avoid significant effects on the environment; or
• Disapprove the Project, if necessary, in order to avoid one or more significant effects on the
environment that would occur if the Project was approved as proposed; or
• Approve the Project even though the Project would cause a significant effect on the environment if
the City makes a fully informed and publicly disclosed decision that: 1) there is no feasible way to
lessen the effect or avoid the significant effect; and 2) expected benefits from the Project will
outweigh significant environmental impacts of the Project.
2.3 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT PROCESS
A project-level analysis has been provided pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15161. This Draft
EIR meets the content requirements discussed in State CEQA Guidelines Article 9, beginning with State CEQA
Guidelines Section 15120.
Notice of Preparation
Pursuant to the requirements of CEQA, the City issued a Notice of Preparation (NOP) for the Project, which
was distributed on September 30, 2022, for a public review period of 30 days through October 31, 2022.
The purpose of the NOP was to solicit early comments from public agencies with expertise in subjects that
are discussed in this Draft EIR and to solicit comments from the public regarding potential Project
environmental impacts. As provided in the NOP, the City determined through the initial review process that
impacts related to the following topics shown on Table 2-1 are potentially significant and required a
detailed level of analysis in this Draft EIR:
Table 2-1: Environmental Topics Identified in the NOP for Further Evaluation
• Aesthetics
• Agriculture & Forestry Resources
• Air Quality
• Biological Resources
• Cultural Resources
• Energy
• Geology and Soils
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions
• Hazards & Hazardous Materials
• Hydrology and Water Quality
• Land Use and Planning
• Mineral Resources
• Noise
• Population and Housing
• Public Services
• Recreation
• Transportation
• Tribal Cultural Resources
• Utilities and Service Systems
• Wildfire
The NOP requested members of the public and public agencies to provide input on the scope and content
of environmental impacts that should be included in the EIR being prepared. Comments received on the NOP
are included in Appendix A and summarized in Table 2-2, which also includes a reference to the Draft EIR
section(s) in which issues raised in the comment letters are addressed.
Table 2-2: Summary of NOP Comment Letters
Poplar South Distribution Center 2.0 Introduction
City of Fontana 2-3
Draft EIR
June 2023
Comment Letter and Comment Relevant Draft EIR Section
State Agencies
Native American Heritage Commission, September 30, 2022
This letter provides details regarding the mission of the Native American
Heritage Commission, a background of AB 52 and SB 18, and the Native
American Heritage Commission’s interest in the Project’s cultural and historical
impacts. The letter also details the requirements for CEQA compliance with
AB 52 and SB 18, as well as the NAHC Recommendations for Cultural
Resources Assessments.
Cultural Resources & Tribal Cultural
Resources
Organization Comments
CARE CA, October 11, 2022
This comment requests the City send a copy of all records related to the
Project, including notices of any and all actions or hearings related to the
Project.
Not Applicable
Center for Biological Diversity, October 31, 2022
This letter requests a complete analysis of potential impacts and imposition of
all feasible mitigation measures. The letter also requests that the EIR fully
analyze cumulative impacts. The letter states that the EIR should discuss a plan
for replacement housing for the 38 dwelling units that would be displaced.
The letter also requests that the EIR disclose and analyze the Project’s
potential impacts to air quality and greenhouse gas emissions and adopt best
practice measures to mitigate them. The comment requests that the Project
show adequate compliance with Fontana General Plan mitigation measures
and the Municipal Code, including Ordinance No. 1891.
Project Description, Air Quality,
Greenhouse Gas Emissions,
Population and Housing
Public Scoping Meeting
Pursuant to Section 15082(c)(1) of the CEQA Guidelines, the City hosted a public scoping meeting for
members of the public and public agencies to provide input as to the scope and content of the environmental
information and analysis to be included in the Draft EIR for the Project. A virtual scoping meeting was held
on October 12, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. via Zoom. No comments were received on the Project during the public
scoping meeting.
Draft EIR
Topics requiring a detailed level of analysis that are evaluated in this Draft EIR have been identified based
upon the responses to both the NOP and a review of the Project by the City. Pursuant to State CEQA
Guidelines Section 15125.2(a) which states, “[a]n EIR shall identify and focus on the significant effects on the
environment,” the City determined that Project impacts on the below topics would not to be significant.
Consequently, these topics are not analyzed in this Draft EIR, but are further discussed in Section 7.0, Effects
Found Not to Be Significant. The Draft EIR analyzes the remaining topics listed in Table 2-1, above.
• Agriculture and Forestry Resources
• Mineral Resources
• Recreation
• Wildfire
The City has filed a Notice of Completion with the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research, State
Clearinghouse, indicating that this Draft EIR has been completed and is available for review and comment.
The Project requires a General Plan Amendment; thus, the Project meets the definition of a project of
Poplar South Distribution Center 2.0 Introduction
City of Fontana 2-4
Draft EIR
June 2023
statewide, regional, or areawide significance pursuant to Section 15206 of the State CEQA Guidelines and
is subject to noticing requirements accordingly. A Notice of Availability of the Draft EIR was published
concurrently with distribution of this document. The Draft EIR is being circulated for review and comment by
the public and other interested parties, agencies and organizations for 45 days in accordance with State
CEQA Guidelines Sections 15087 and 15105. During the 45-day review period, the Draft EIR is available
for public review digitally on the City’s Planning Department website
(https://www.fontana.org/2137/Environmental-Documents) or physically at the following location:
City of Fontana
Planning Department
8353 Sierra Avenue
Fontana, CA 92335
Written comments related to environmental issues in the Draft EIR should be addressed to:
Alejandro Rico, Associate Planner
City of Fontana
8353 Sierra Avenue
Fontana, CA 92335
Phone: (909) 350-6558
Email: arico@fontana.org
Final EIR
Upon completion of the 45-day review period, written responses to all comments related to the environmental
issues in the Draft EIR will be prepared and incorporated into a Final EIR. The written responses to comments
will be made available at least 10 days prior to the public hearing at which the certification of the Final EIR
will be considered by the Planning Commission. These comments, and their responses, will be included in the
Final EIR for consideration by the City, as well as other responsible and trustee agencies per CEQA. The
Final EIR may also contain corrections and additions to the Draft EIR, and other information relevant to the
environmental issues associated with the Project. The Final EIR will be available for public review prior to its
certification by the City. Notice of the availability of the Final EIR will be sent to all who comment on the
Draft EIR.
2.4 ORGANIZATION OF THIS DRAFT EIR
The Draft EIR is organized into the following Sections. To help the reader locate information of interest, a
brief summary of the contents of each chapter of this Draft EIR is provided.
• Section 1 Executive Summary: This section provides a brief summary of the Project area, the Project,
and alternatives. The section also provides a summary of environmental impacts and mitigation
measures, applicable Project design features, applicable regulations and regulatory requirements,
and the level of significance after implementation of the mitigation measure(s). The level of
significance after implementation of the proposed mitigation measure(s) will be characterized as
either less than significant or significant and unavoidable.
• Section 2 Introduction: This section provides an overview of the purpose and use of the EIR, the
scope of this Draft EIR, a summary of the legal authority for the Draft EIR, a summary of the
environmental review process, and the general format of the document.
• Section 3 Project Description: This section provides a detailed description of the Project, its
objectives, and a list of Project-related discretionary actions.
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Draft EIR
June 2023
• Section 4 Environmental Setting: This section provides a discussion of the existing conditions within
the Project area.
• Section 5 Environmental Impact Analysis: This section includes a summary of the existing statutes,
ordinances and regulations that apply to the environmental impact area being discussed; the
analysis of the Project’s direct and indirect environmental impacts on the environment, including
potential cumulative impacts that could result from the Project; any applicable Project design
features; standard conditions and plans, policies, and programs that could reduce potential impacts;
and the feasible mitigation measures that would reduce or eliminate the significant adverse impacts
identified. Impacts that cannot be mitigated to less than significant are identified as significant and
unavoidable.
• Section 6 Other CEQA Considerations: This section summarizes the significant and unavoidable
impacts that would occur from implementation of the Project and provides a summary of the
environmental effects of the implementation of the Project that were found not to be significant.
Additionally, this section provides a discussion of various CEQA-mandated considerations including
growth-inducing impacts and the identification of significant irreversible changes that would occur
from implementation of the Project. In addition, this section provides a discussion of impacts found
not to be significant.
• Section 7 Effects Found Not to be Significant: This section summarizes the potential environmental
effects related to the Project that were determined not to be significant during preparation of this
EIR.
• Section 8 Alternatives: This section describes and analyzes a reasonable range of alternatives to
the Project. The CEQA-mandated No Project Alternative is included along with alternatives that
would reduce one or more significant effects of the proposed Project. As required by the CEQA
Guidelines, the environmentally superior alternative is also identified.
• Section 9 Report Preparation and Persons Contacted: This section lists authors of the Draft EIR and
City staff that assisted with the preparation and review of this document. This section also lists other
individuals and/or organizations that were contacted for information that is included in this Draft
EIR document.
2.5 INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
State CEQA Guidelines Section 15150 allows for the incorporation “by reference all or portions of another
document…[and is] most appropriate for including long, descriptive, or technical materials that provide
general background but do not contribute directly to the analysis of a problem at hand.” The purpose of
incorporation by reference is to assist the Lead Agency in limiting the length of this Draft EIR. Where this
Draft EIR incorporates a document by reference, the document is identified in the body of the Draft EIR,
citing the appropriate section(s) of the incorporated document and describing the relationship between the
incorporated part of the referenced document and this Draft EIR.
The Project is within the geographical limits of the City of Fontana and is covered by its General Plan. The
General Plan was approved by the City on November 13, 2018, and provides the fundamental basis for
the City’s land use and development policies. The General Plan was the subject of an environmental review
under CEQA; and a Draft EIR for the General Plan was certified by the City in 2018 (State Clearinghouse
Number (SCH) 2016021099). The Draft EIR contains information relevant to the Project. Accordingly, the
Draft EIR for the General Plan is herein incorporated by reference in accordance with State CEQA Guidelines
Section 15150. The documents are available at https://www.fontana.org/2632/General-Plan-Update-
2015---2035 and the City of Fontana Planning Department, 8353 Sierra Avenue, Fontana, CA 92335.
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June 2023
Additionally, the Project is covered by the Southwest Industrial Park Specific Plan (SWIP SP). The SWIP SP
was originally created by the City on December 6, 1983, and was intended to develop the City’s industrial
uses south of Interstate 10 (I-10). The SWIP SP originally encompassed approximately 1,800 acres. Since
its adoption, the SWIP SP has been amended 14 times, with the most recent amendment occurring in early
2008. These amendments have accommodated past annexations into the Specific Plan area, changes in land
use designations, and modifications to design and land use regulations. On May 8, 2012, the City adopted
Resolution No. 2012-035, certifying the Final Program Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) for the SWIP
Specific Plan Update and Annexation, SCH No. 2009091089, in compliance with CEQA and the CEQA
Guidelines. Accordingly, the Draft EIR for the SWIP is herein incorporated by reference with State CEQA
Guidelines Section 15150. The documents are available at https://www.fontana.org/1297/Southwest-
Industrial-Park-Specific-Plan and the City of Fontana Planning Department, 8353 Sierra Avenue, Fontana,
CA 92335.
Poplar South Distribution Center 3.0 Project Description
City of Fontana 3-1
Draft EIR
June 2023
3.0 Project Description
3.1 PROJECT LOCATION
The proposed Project is located within the southern portion of the City of Fontana in the southwest portion of
San Bernardino County. The Project site surrounds the existing Rose Avenue south of Santa Ana Avenue, west
of Catawba Avenue, north of Jurupa Avenue, and east of Poplar Avenue. Regional access to the Project site
is provided by Interstate 10 (I-10) off the Citrus Avenue exit. Local access is provided via Poplar Avenue
and Catawba Avenue. Specifically, the Project site is located within Section 25, Township 1 South, Range 6
West, within the Fontana United States Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle.
The Project site encompasses approximately 19.08 gross acres (18.82 net acres) and is comprised of 41
parcels identified as Assessor’s Parcel Numbers (APNs) 0237-171-01 through -19, 0237-172-01 through -
12, -19, -22, -23, -26, -27, -28, and -30 through -33. The Project site, and surrounding area, is shown in
Figure 3-1, Regional Location, Figure 3-2, Local Vicinity and Figure 3-3, Aerial View.
3.2 PROJECT BACKGROUND
The Project site is currently developed with 40 existing vacant and uninhabited single-family residential units
and accessory structures. Existing residential units are located on the north and south side of Rose Avenue,
which is a local roadway that runs east-west through the center of the site. There is an existing concrete
masonry unit (CMU) block wall along the north property line and metal fencing along the southern property
line. The site is currently accessible via Rose Avenue, with the western entrance on Poplar Avenue and the
eastern entrance on Catawba Avenue. The existing land uses and conditions of the Project site are further
described in Chapter 4, Environmental Setting.
Poplar South Distribution Center 3.0 Project Description
City of Fontana 3-2
Draft EIR
June 2023
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Poplar South Distribution Center
City of Fontana
Regional Location
Figure 3-1
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Poplar South Distribution Center 3.0 Project Description
City of Fontana 3-4
Draft EIR
June 2023
This page intentionally left blank.
Poplar South Distribution Center
City of Fontana
Local Vicinity
Figure 3-2
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Poplar South Distribution Center 3.0 Project Description
City of Fontana 3-6
Draft EIR
June 2023
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Poplar South Distribution Center
City of Fontana
Aerial View
Figure 3-3
Project Site
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Poplar South Distribution Center 3.0 Project Description
City of Fontana 3-8
Draft EIR
June 2023
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Poplar South Distribution Center 3.0 Project Description
City of Fontana 3-9
Draft EIR
June 2023
3.3 PROJECT OBJECTIVES
The Project site plan has been designed to meet a series of Project-specific objectives that have been
carefully crafted in order to aid decision makers in their review of the Project, its associated environmental
impacts, and the consideration of alternatives to the Project. The primary purpose and goal of the Project is
to develop an underutilized property with a speculative industrial use, an employment-generating use, to
help grow the economy in the City of Fontana. The Project would achieve this goal through the following
objectives:
1. To make efficient use of property in the City of Fontana by adding to its potential for employment-
generating uses.
2. To attract new business and employment to the City of Fontana and thereby promote economic
growth.
3. To reduce the need for members of the local workforce to commute outside the Project vicinity to
work.
4. To increase temporary and permanent employment opportunities while improving the local balance
of housing and jobs.
5. To redesignate and develop a property surrounded by industrial uses with an industrial building
near available infrastructure, including roads and utilities, to help meet demand for logistics business
in the City and surrounding region.
6. To develop an industrial building in south Fontana that is similar to and compatible with other
industrial buildings that were recently built or recently approved for construction in south Fontana.
7. Develop a project that does not contribute to surface and groundwater quality degradation by
treating surface and stormwater flows.
3.4 PROJECT CHARACTERISTICS
“Project,” as defined by the State CEQA Guidelines, means:
the whole of an action, which has a potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment,
or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, and that is any of the following:
(1)…enactment and amendment of zoning ordinances, and the adoption and amendment of local General
Plans or elements thereof pursuant to Government Code Sections 65100–65700.” (14 Cal. Code of Reg. §
15378(a).)
The Project analyzed in this Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) would be developed in one phase and
constructed over approximately 10 months. The Draft EIR analyzes buildout at a Project level of detail,
based upon entitlement applications being considered by the City of Fontana, compared to the existing
conditions.
3.5 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT
Project Overview
The Project applicant proposes demolition of the existing 40 residences, and associated structures, on the
site, vacation of Rose Avenue, and a Tentative Tract Map for the merger of the 41 existing parcels into one
19.08-acre parcel, as well as the construction of an approximately 490,565 square foot (SF) building with
approximately 480,565 SF of warehouse space and 10,000 SF of mezzanine, which would be used for
office space. The proposed Project would also include a General Plan Amendment (GPA) to change the land
use designation from Residential Trucking (R-T) to General Industrial (I-G) and a Specific Plan Amendment
Poplar South Distribution Center 3.0 Project Description
City of Fontana 3-10
Draft EIR
June 2023
(SPA) to change the Southwest Industrial Park Specific Plan (SWIP) designation from Residential Trucking
District (RTD) to Slover East Industrial District (SED). Additionally, the Project would require a Development
Plan Review and approval of proposed Tentative Parcel Map.
The proposed building would have a building footprint of 480,565 SF and a mezzanine of 10,000 SF.
Additional improvements would include landscaping, sidewalks, utility connections, implementation of
stormwater facilities, and pavement of parking areas and drive aisles.
Senate Bill 330
The Project would be constructed on a site that is currently zoned and developed with residential uses;
therefore, the Project is required to comply with the Housing Accountability Act (Senate Bill [SB] 330) which
addresses the displacement and replacement of housing. SB 330 requires in part that where a development
project results in reducing the number of housing units allowed under existing city zoning, the city must identify
a way in which an equivalent number of units could be accommodated in the city. The potential loss of
residential units is determined by what is allowed on the project site by the current General Plan and zoning
designations. Thus, while the Project site is developed with 40 existing residential units, the Project site’s RTD
designation allows for a maximum development density of 2.0 dwelling units per acre. The Project site is
19.08 acres, therefore, the proposed Project would result in the "loss" of the equivalent of 38 residential
units that are allowed by the current General Plan and zoning designation development standards of the
site. The Project site is not identified as a housing site within the City’s certified 2021-2029 Housing Element.
On October 11, 2022, the City of Fontana adopted an ordinance referred to as the “No Net Loss Program”
that establishes a program for residential replacement units in order to meet the requirements of SB 330.
Rather than rezoning or upzoning an alternative site to ensure no net loss in residential capacity, the “No
Net Loss Program” provides that concurrent with the approval of any change in zone from a residential use
to a less intensive or non-residential use, replacement units in the form of a density bonus will become
available to project applicants subsequently seeking to develop property for residential use within the City.
As it relates to the proposed Project, the applicant is utilizing this program to comply with the requirements
of SB 330. The loss of 38 dwelling units would be added to the “No Net Loss Bank” to be used by subsequent
residential developers to build their residential site at a higher density than what the zoning designation
allows for.
As described under Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines, the project shall include “the whole of an
action, which has a potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a
reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment”. The future withdrawal from the “No
New Loss Bank” and future development of the 38 units is not directly addressed within this EIR since
conditions such as location, density, surrounding conditions, are too speculative for reasonably foreseeable
indirect physical changes in the environment to be analyzed at this time.
Tentative Parcel Map
The Project proposes the merging of 41 existing parcels identified as APNs 0237-171-01 through -19,
0237-172-01 through -12, -19, -22, -23, -26, -27, -28, -30 through -33. The resulting parcel would be
19.08-acres. Additionally, the Rose Avenue and roadway right-of-way (ROW) would be abandoned via
the Parcel Map.
General Plan Amendment and Specific Plan Amendment
The Project would include a General Plan Amendment to change the existing land use designation from R-T
to I-G (see Figure 3-4, Existing General Plan Land Use, and Figure 3-5, Proposed General Plan Land Use) and
a Specific Plan Amendment to change the site’s existing SWIP designation from RTD to SED (see Figure 3-6,
Existing SWIP Land Use, and Figure 3-7, Proposed SWIP Land Use).
Poplar South Distribution Center 3.0 Project Description
City of Fontana 3-11
Draft EIR
June 2023
The I-G land use designation is intended to support uses such as manufacturing, warehousing, fabrication,
assembly, processing, trucking, equipment, automobile and truck sales and services developed at a maximum
floor area ratio (FAR) of 0.6. The SED SWIP designation is intended to provide opportunities for light and
heavy manufacturing activities that are supported by trucking routes and the existing rail spur developed
at a maximum FAR of 0.55. The SED allows projects seeking green building certification by a third-party
entity, such as LEED, to be eligible for by-right development incentives, including a density bonus increase of
15 percent. The Applicant is committing to constructing the proposed building to LEED standards and
therefore is eligible for the density bonus increase.
The Project would be subject to Development Plan Review by the City, in which the Project would be reviewed
for consistency with the I-G land use and SED SWIP designations of the site, with application of density bonus
provisions, prior to Project approval.
Building and Architecture
The proposed building would consist of a new industrial building that would support warehouse and office
uses. The proposed building area would be 490,565 SF, inclusive of 480,565 SF of warehouse space and
10,000 SF of mezzanine, which would be used for office space. The building would have 480,565 SF
footprint, resulting in a FAR of 0.6. Figure 3-8, Conceptual Site Plan, illustrates the proposed site plan.
As shown in Figure 3-9, Elevations, the proposed Project building would be single-story and approximately
51 feet tall. The building would establish an architectural presence through an emphasis on building finish
materials and consistent material usage and color scheme. The building would be white and shades of grey
with highlights of red. The use of landscaping, building layout, finish materials, and accenting on the Project
site would create a quality architectural presence along the Poplar Avenue and Catawba Avenue frontages.
The building would be oriented to the north, with frontages along Poplar Avenue to the west and Catawba
Avenue to the east. The building would be set back 81.5 feet from the northern property line, a minimum of
20 feet from Catawba Avenue, a minimum of 185 feet from the southern property line, and a minimum of
20 feet from Poplar Avenue.
Access and Circulation
Access would be provided via four proposed driveways: two from Poplar Avenue and two from Catawba
Avenue. The northern driveway on Poplar Avenue would be 35-feet-wide and limited to passenger vehicles
while the southern driveway would be 56-feet-wide and would provide truck access. The northern driveway
on Catawba Avenue would be 35-feet-wide and limited to passenger vehicles while the southern driveway
would be 56-feet-wide and would provide truck access. Trucks are expected to primarily utilize Santa Ana
Avenue and Citrus Avenue, as well as Cherry Avenue and Jurupa Avenue, which are all designated truck
routes within the city (See Figure 3-10, Truck Routes). Onsite circulation would be provided by internal drive
aisles around the building.
Sidewalks would be constructed along the Project frontages on Poplar Avenue and Catawba Avenue.
Sidewalks would be six-feet wide. Sidewalk area would be dedicated to the City as part of the Project.
Parking
The warehouse would include 42 dock doors located along the southern side of the building and 98 trailer
parking spaces located along the southern side of the building and along the southern property line.
Additionally, 210 passenger vehicle spaces, inclusive of electric vehicle (EV) and accessible (ADA) spaces,
would be provided for employees and visitors in surface lots to the north of the warehouse and in the
southeast portion of the site. The Project would also provide bike parking along the northeast side of the
warehouse. Table 3-1 describes the proposed Project’s parking breakdown.
Poplar South Distribution Center 3.0 Project Description
City of Fontana 3-12
Draft EIR
June 2023
Table 3-1: Project Parking
Parking Type Parking Required Parking Provided
Standard Stalls 158 198
Accessible Stalls - 8
Electric Vehicle/Clean Air Stalls - 2
Accessible Electric Vehicle Stalls - 2
Auto Parking Total 158 210
Trailer Parking Total 98 98
Landscaping and Walls
The Project would include approximately 62,000 SF of ornamental landscaping around the perimeter of the
site and in-between parking areas. Landscaping would include 24-inch and 36-inch box trees, 5-gallon
shrubs, accents, and groundcover to screen the proposed building, parking, and loading areas from off-site
viewpoints as shown in Figure 3-11, Conceptual Landscape Plan.
The proposed building would also include 8-foot-high gates and 14-foot-tall screenwalls at the southwest
and southeast entrances of the truck yard to provide controlled access and screening. Fire department
approved knox locks would be provided at all gates. A 6-foot-tall retaining wall would be provided along
the northeast portion of the northern property line. A 6-foot-tall retaining wall with an 8-foot-tall screening
wall is proposed along the southern property line. A 3-foot-tall retaining wall is proposed along the eastern
side of the building.
Energy and Communications Utilities
Regulated electrical, gas, and communication utilities would be extended to the site from existing facilities
along Poplar Avenue and Catawba Avenue.
Water
The existing 6-inch domestic water line within Rose Avenue is to be abandoned. The Project would install new
3-inch water lines that would connect to the existing 4-inch water line in Poplar Avenue (see Figure 3-12,
Utility Plan).
Sewer
The Project applicant would also install new 8-inch sewer lines to connect to the existing 8-inch sewer lines in
Poplar Avenue and Catawba Avenue. A sewer lift station is proposed in the northwest portion of the site
(See Figure 3-12, Utility Plan).
Drainage
The proposed development would be consistent with the drainage pattern of the existing site. The proposed
Project would collect drainage via grate inlets and catch basins, which would convey storm water though an
onsite underground storm drain system located beneath the proposed truck trailer parking. The storm drain
system would discharge to a proposed onsite underground infiltration basin designed to meet the regional
LID structural treatment control best management practices (BMPs). Large storm events with water volume in
excess of infiltration basin design capacity would outfall via a storm drain connection to the existing 72-inch
storm drain line located on Poplar Avenue. The Project would also extend the existing 72-inch storm drain
line in Poplar Avenue the northerly property line (See Figure 3-12, Utility Plan).
Poplar South Distribution Center 3.0 Project Description
City of Fontana 3-13
Draft EIR
June 2023
Street Improvements
The Project includes a 14-foot ROW dedication along Poplar Avenue and a 4-foot ROW dedication along
Catawba Avenue, including road improvements of streetlights, curb, gutter, sidewalk, and parkway
landscape.
Poplar South Distribution Center 3.0 Project Description
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Draft EIR
June 2023
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Poplar South Distribution Center
City of Fontana
Figure 3-4
Existing General Plan Land Use
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PHILAOELP'tU.AVE
GENERAL PLAN LAND USE LEGEND
RESIDENTIAL DESIGNATIONS
R-E Residential Estates (2 du/ac)
-R-PC Residential Planned Community (3.0-6.4 du/ac)
R-SF Single Family Residential (2.1-5 du/ac)
-R-M Medium Density Residential (5.1-12 du/ac) LJ R-MF Multi Family Residential (12.1-24 du/ac)
-R-MFMH Multi Family Medium/High Residential (24.1-39 du/ac)
-R-MFH Multi Family High Residential (39.1-50 du/ac)
-R-T Residential Trucking (2 du/ac)
i
~ ALISO OR ~
§ 0
~ .
'I. MANllAST
~ #5 < ! SANTAANA AVE
WALKABLE MIXED USE DESIGNATIONS PUBLIC DESIGNATIONS -WMXU-1 Walkable Mixed Use Corridor & Downtown (0.2-2 FAR, 3-39 du/ac) -P-PF Public Facilities -WMXU-2 Walkable Mixed Use Urban Village (0.2-1 FAR, 2.1-24 du/ac)
COMMERCIAL DESIGNATIONS
-C-C CommunityCommercial (0.1-1.0FAR)
-C-G GeneraICommercial(0_1-1_0FAR)
-RMU Regional Mixed Use (0.1-1 FAR 12-24du/ac)
INDUSTRIAL DESIGNATIONS
I-l light Industrial (0.1-0.6 FAR)
-I-G General Industrial (0.1-0.6 FAR)
-P-R Recreational Facilities
P-UC Public Utility
PUBLIC DESIGNATIONS
-OS Open Space
SPECIFIC PLAN LEGEND
#1 Southricloe Vilbge *16 Sierui Lakes
#2 Rancho Fontana !1'17 We~ale
#3 Walnut v•iage #18 Si.mmit Heights
#4 Rescinded t1Q Coyote Canyon
"5 Southwest lmh..1stnal Parle #20 Citrus Hetghls Nofth
P6 Northgale ..-21 Citrus Hetghls South
•7 Rescinded fl22 Summrt al Roso!'na
,a West End
'9 Font.Jna Gatw .... .a:,i
#10 Rescinded
111 Sooth Par11.
112 Huocer's Ridge
#13 Empire Center
#14 Re-M:Inded
J15 Califomia Llndl"lgs
#23 Ventana at Duncan Canyon
•2<1V.alleyTrails
#25 Promenade
126 PrO\'ldcncc Point
1127 Arboretum
#28 Fontana SIEN"
#29 Momk',gside
•30 Bellegrove II
~31 Centerstone at the Landings
...
#24
N
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Poplar South Distribution Center 3.0 Project Description
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Draft EIR
June 2023
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Rose Avenue Warehouse
City of San Fontana
Proposed General Plan Land Use
Project Site
Figure 3-5
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MARLAYAVE #5
PHILAOELP'tU.AVE
GENERAL PLAN LAND USE LEGEND
RESIDENTIAL DESIGNATIONS
R-E Residential Estates (2 du/ac)
-R-PC Residential Planned Community (3.0-6.4 du/ac)
R-SF Single Family Residential (2.1-5 du/ac)
-R-M Medium Density Residential (5.1-12 du/ac) LJ R-MF Multi Family Residential (12.1-24 du/ac)
-R-MFMH Multi Family Medium/High Residential (24.1-39 du/ac)
-R-MFH Multi Family High Residential (39.1-50 du/ac)
-R-T Residential Trucking (2 du/ac)
i
~ ALISO OR ~
§ 0
~ .
'I. MANllAST
~ #5 < ! SANTAANA AVE
WALKABLE MIXED USE DESIGNATIONS PUBLIC DESIGNATIONS -WMXU-1 Walkable Mixed Use Corridor & Downtown (0.2-2 FAR, 3-39 du/ac) -P-PF Public Facilities -WMXU-2 Walkable Mixed Use Urban Village (0.2-1 FAR, 2.1-24 du/ac)
COMMERCIAL DESIGNATIONS
-C-C CommunityCommercial (0.1-1.0FAR)
-C-G GeneraICommercial(0_1-1_0FAR)
-RMU Regional Mixed Use (0.1-1 FAR 12-24du/ac)
INDUSTRIAL DESIGNATIONS
I-l light Industrial (0.1-0.6 FAR)
-I-G General Industrial (0.1-0.6 FAR)
-P-R Recreational Facilities
P-UC Public Utility
PUBLIC DESIGNATIONS
-OS Open Space
SPECIFIC PLAN LEGEND
#1 Southricloe Vilbge *16 Sierui Lakes
#2 Rancho Fontana !1'17 We~ale
#3 Walnut v•iage #18 Si.mmit Heights
#4 Rescinded t1Q Coyote Canyon
"5 Southwest lmh..1stnal Parle #20 Citrus Hetghls Nofth
P6 Northgale ..-21 Citrus Hetghls South
•7 Rescinded fl22 Summrt al Roso!'na
,a West End
'9 Font.Jna Gatw .... .a:,i
#10 Rescinded
111 Sooth Par11.
112 Huocer's Ridge
#13 Empire Center
#14 Re-M:Inded
J15 Califomia Llndl"lgs
#23 Ventana at Duncan Canyon
•2<1V.alleyTrails
#25 Promenade
126 PrO\'ldcncc Point
1127 Arboretum
#28 Fontana SIEN"
#29 Momk',gside
•30 Bellegrove II
~31 Centerstone at the Landings
...
#24
N D A
Poplar South Distribution Center 3.0 Project Description
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Draft EIR
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Poplar South Distribution Center
City of Fontana
Figure 3-6
Existing SWIP Land Use
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I Speedway Industrial District (SID) == I Freeway lndustri1"Comme1cial District (FIO) == I Slo,er East lndustnal Distticl (SEO) == .__ _ __,! Slo,er West Industrial District (SWD)
I Junupa North Research and Development District (JND) == I Residential Trucking District (RTD) == I Public F acililies District (Pf) == .__ _ __,! Junupa Sculh Industrial Districl (JSO)
Fonlana City Limits ..---.I District Boundary
,__ _ __,! SWIP Boundary ---l-10Freeway II I II I Railway
N
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Poplar South Distribution Center 3.0 Project Description
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Draft EIR
June 2023
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Poplar South Distribution Center
City of Fontana
Figure 3-7
Proposed SWIP Land Use
Project Site t:J
l Speedway lndustlial District (SID)
::==::::::, Freeway lnduslrial/Comme1cial Dist!iel (FID)
I Slover East lnduslrial Dislrict (SEO)
:===:I Slover West lnduslrial Districl (SWD)
::==:::::: Slover Centtal Ma11ufacturing / Industrial District (SCO) Fontana Ctty Limits
Jurupa North Research and Development Dislrict (JND) ;:I ===il District Boundary :===: ResidenUalTrucking Dislrict(RTD) L I SWIP Boundary
Public Fa-;ililies DiStricl (PF] 1· 10 Freeway
:===:I Jurupa South Industrial District (JSD) 111111 Railway
N
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Poplar South Distribution Center 3.0 Project Description
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Draft EIR
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Poplar South Distribution Center
City of Fontana
Figure 3-8
Conceptual Site Plan
EVEVEVEV
WB-
6
7
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WB-67 - Interstate Semi-Tr
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RGA
Office of Architectural Design
15231 Alton Parkway, Suite 100 Irvine, CA 92618
T 949-341-0920 FX 949-341-0922
POPLAR SOUTH DISTRIBUTION CENTER
FONTANA, CA SHEET TITLE
MARK DESCRIPTIONDATE A1-1P
COPYRIGHT: RGA, OFFICE OF ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
CHK'D BY:
DRAWN BY:
CAD FILE NAME:
RGA PROJECT NO:
CS
CS
22016-00-A1-01
22016.00
SCHEMATIC SITE PLAN
SCALE: 1" = 50'-0"
Scott Irwin Senior Vice President – Southern California SEEFRIED INDUSTRIAL PROPERTIES, INC.2301 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 3165 El Segundo, CA 90245Office: +1 310 536 7900 Cell: +1 562 484 8761 scottirwin@seefriedproperties.com
PLANNING SUBMITTAL5/20/22
50' MIN.
2ND PLANNING SUBMITTAL9/2/22
C
A
T
A
W
B
A
A
V
E
.
TYPE III-B DRY STORAGE WAREHOUSE
40' CLR. MAX. HT.: 50'
P
O
P
L
A
R
A
V
E
.
0' 10' 20'100'50'
30'
34'
30'
44'
81
.
5
'
39
2
'
-
0
"
18
5
'
1,196'-0"
GENERAL PROJECT INFO:ZONE: SPECIFIC PLAN: APN:SOUTHWEST INDUSTRIAL PARK SLOVER EAST INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT PROJECT DATA:NET SITE AREA: FOOTPRINT AREA: MEZZANINE AREA: TOTAL FLOOR AREA: OFFICE AREA: WAREHOUSE AREA: TOTAL: BASE ALLOWABLE F.A.R.: ** DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVE FOR LEED CERTIFICATION PROPOSED F.A.R. AUTO PARKING REQUIRED 10,000 SF OFFICE (1/250 SF) 0 SF MANUFACTURING (1/600 SF) 480,070 SF WAREHOUSE 1 TO 20,000 SF (1/1,000 SF) 20K TO 40,000 SF (1/2,000 SF) > 40,0000 SF (1/5,000 SF) TOTAL REQUIRED:
AUTO PARKING PROVIDED
TRAILER PARKING REQUIRED - 1/5,000 SF
LANDSCAPE: REQUIRED: 818,382 - 483,500 X 15% PROVIDED:
819,701 SF / 18.82 AC 480,565 SF 10,000 SF 490,565 SF 10,000 SF 480,565, SF 490,565 SF 0.55 0.6325 0.60 40 STSALLS 0 STALLS
20 STALLS 10 STALLS 88 STALLS 158 STALLS
210 STALLS
98 98
50,232 SF 62,000 SF
VICINITY MAP:
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
ONE NEW 490,565 SF SPECULATIVE WAREHOUSE BUILDING INTENDED FOR HIGH CUBE STORAGE, INCLUDING DOCK HIGH LOADING FACILITIES, TRAILER PARKING, 210 AUTO PARKING STALLS, AND LANDSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS. THE PROJECT WILL BE PURSUING LEED CERTIFICATION, AND PROPOSES TO UTILIZE THE AVAILABLE INTENSITY BONUS RELATED TO THE GREEN BUILDING INCENTIVE IN TABLE 10-10 OF THE S.W.I.P. SPECIFIC PLAN.
CODE ANALYSIS:CONSTRUCTION TYPE: OCCUPANCY: FIRE SPRINKLERS: BUILDING HEIGHT: MAX. ALLOWABLE: PROPOSED: STORIES: MAX. ALLOWABLE: PROPOSED: ALLOWABLE AREA III-B S-1 PRIMARY OCC. B / F-1 ACCESSORY FULLY SPRINKLERED 75' 50' 3 2 UNLIMITED PER CBC 507
21 DOCK POSITIONS
77 TRAILER STALLS
8'H
G
A
T
E
OFFICEOFFICE
RA
M
P
20'20'
490,565 SF
8 TRAILER STALLS
RA
M
P
202 AUTO STALLS
TRASH ENCLOSURE PER CITY STD.
FIRE PUMP ROOM - SCREEN W/ LANDSCAPE
942'-8" - 6'H RETAINING WALL + 8'H SCREENWALL
(11) BIKE RACKS SEATING AREA
SANTA ANA AVE.
JURUPA AVE.
PO
P
L
A
R
A
V
E
.
CA
T
A
W
B
A
A
V
E
.
CITRUS AVE.SITE
7'
19
'
30
'
19
'
6.5
'
56
'
153'146'
56
'
8 AUTOS
35
'
35
'
RIDGELINE - 46'-7"RIDGELINE - 46'-7"
9'TYP.
8'H
G
A
T
E
14'
DE
D
I
C
A
T
I
O
N
SET
B
A
C
K
SET
B
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SET
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A
C
K
RAD.:
5
0
'
RAD.: 50
'
RAD.: 50
'
RAD.: 5
0
'
RAD.:
2
5
'
RAD.: 25
'
RAD.: 25'
RAD.:
2
5
'
1. ANY EXISTING STRUCTURES ONSITE ARE TO BE DEMOLISHED. 2. ALL PROPOSED NEW ONSITE UTILITY SERVICES SHALL BE UNDERGROUND. 3. CONCRETE BANDS, 24" IN WIDTH, SHALL BE PROVIDED AT LANDSCAPE FINGERS. 4. DRIVEWAYS SHALL BE CONSTRUCTED PER CITY STANDARD PLANS. 5. STATE OF CALIFORNIA "GENERAL CONSTRUCTION NPDES PERMITS AND WDID NUMBERS MUST BE OBTAINED PRIOR TO PERMIT. 6. PARKING STALL DIMENSIONS: 9'W X 19'D - DOUBLE STRIPED PER CITY REQUIREMENTS. CLEAN AIR / CARPOOL PARKING SHALL BE PROVIDED PER CALGREEN REQUIREMENTS.
7. FIRE DEPT. APPROVED KNOX LOCKS SHALL BE PROVIDED AT ALL GATES.
8. FIRE DEPT. ACCESS SHALL BE PROVIDED PER STANDARDS: ACCESS LANE WIDTH: 30'-0" ACCESS LANE HEIGHT: 14'-6" INSIDE TURN RADIUS: 19'-0"
GENERAL NOTES:
T
12'TYP.
8 TRAILER STALLS
55'
60
'
70
'
5 TRAILER STALLS
21 DOCK POSITIONS
13'TYP.
6" X 6" CONC. CURB 3" WIDE WHITE TRAFFIC PAINT STRIPING 24" WIDE STEP-OFF CURB AT LANDSCAPE FINGERS / END STALLS9'-0"9'-0"9'-0"AUTO PARKING DETAIL:STANDARD STALLEND STALL 19'-0"24" TYP.EA. SIDE
9'TYP.7'
PARKING FINGER
14'H SCREENWALL
14'H SCREENWALL
14'H SCREENWALL 14'H SCREENWALL
STRIPED MEDIANSTRIPED MEDIAN
50'
RETAINING WALL - SPLITFACE BLOCK
680' - PROPERTY LINE RET. WAL PER CIVIL
6' MAX. HEIGHT
'
: I
' I ; l
: I
\.1
N
A
Poplar South Distribution Center 3.0 Project Description
City of Fontana 3-24
Draft EIR
June 2023
This page intentionally left blank.
Poplar South Distribution Center
City of Fontana
Figure 3-9
Elevations
SHEET TITLE
MARK DESCRIPTIONDATE A3-1P
COPYRIGHT: RGA, OFFICE OF ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
CHK'D BY:
DRAWN BY:
CAD FILE NAME:
RGA PROJECT NO:
CS
CS
22016-00-A3-1
22016.00
0' 10' 20'100'50'SCALE: 1" = 30'-0"
RGA
Office of Architectural Design
15231 Alton Parkway, Suite 100 Irvine, CA 92618
T 949-341-0920 FX 949-341-0922
POPLAR SOUTH DISTRIBUTION CENTER
FONTANA, CA
SCHEMATIC ELEVATIONS
Scott Irwin Senior Vice President – Southern California SEEFRIED INDUSTRIAL PROPERTIES, INC.2301 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 3165 El Segundo, CA 90245Office: +1 310 536 7900 Cell: +1 562 484 8761 scottirwin@seefriedproperties.com
P-1 SHERWIN WILLIAMS SW 7005 - PURE WHITE
P-2 SHERWIN WILLIAMS SW 7072 - ONLINE
P-3 SHERWIN WILLIAMS SW 7073 - NETWORK GRAY
P-4 SHERWIN WILLIAMS SW 7005 - SOFTWARE
P-5 CLARION RED PANTONE 7626C
GL-1 SOLARBAN 60 (2) SOLARGRAY + CLEAR INSULATED
2ND PLANNING SUBMITTAL9/2/22
3RD PLANNING SUBMITTAL11/16/22
NORTH ELEVATION
EAST ELEVATION
WEST ELEVATION
SOUTH ELEVATION
51'-
0
"
51'-
0
"
47
'
-
0
"
51'-
0
"
47
'
-
0
"
51
'
-
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-
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"
45'
-
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"
49'
-
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"
49'
-
0
"
45'
-
0
"
FINISH LEGEND
14
'
14'
PAINTED DOCK DOOR
8' HIGH BLACK TUBE STEEL ROLLING GATE AT TRUCK ENTRANCE
FORMLINER VERTICAL BAND
14' PAINTED CONCRETE TILT-UP SCREENWALL
CLERESTORY WAREHOUSE WINDOWS
FORMLINER VERTICAL BAND PRIMARY ENTRANCEPRIMARY ENTRANCE STEEL TRELLIS OVER ENTRY
PAINTED GRADE RAMP DOOR
8' HIGH BLACK TUBE STEEL ROLLING GATE AT TRUCK ENTRANCE
14' PAINTED CONCRETE TILT-UP SCREENWALL
NOTES:
1. ALL ROOFTOP MECH. EQUIPMENT SHALL BE SCREENED FROM VIEW.
PLANNING SUBMITTAL5/20/22
14'H FIRE PUMP BUILDING
4'
51'-
0
"
51'-
0
"
47'-
0
"
4'
4'
4'
4'4'4'
4'4'
51'-
0
"
4'
SHEET TITLE
MARK DESCRIPTIONDATE A3-1P
COPYRIGHT: RGA, OFFICE OF ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
CHK'D BY:
DRAWN BY:
CAD FILE NAME:
RGA PROJECT NO:
CS
CS
22016-00-A3-1
22016.00
0' 10' 20'100'50'SCALE: 1" = 30'-0"
RGA
Office of Architectural Design
15231 Alton Parkway, Suite 100 Irvine, CA 92618
T 949-341-0920 FX 949-341-0922
POPLAR SOUTH DISTRIBUTION CENTER
FONTANA, CA
SCHEMATIC ELEVATIONS
Scott Irwin Senior Vice President – Southern California SEEFRIED INDUSTRIAL PROPERTIES, INC.2301 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 3165 El Segundo, CA 90245Office: +1 310 536 7900 Cell: +1 562 484 8761 scottirwin@seefriedproperties.com
P-1 SHERWIN WILLIAMS SW 7005 - PURE WHITE
P-2 SHERWIN WILLIAMS SW 7072 - ONLINE
P-3 SHERWIN WILLIAMS SW 7073 - NETWORK GRAY
P-4 SHERWIN WILLIAMS SW 7005 - SOFTWARE
P-5 CLARION RED PANTONE 7626C
GL-1 SOLARBAN 60 (2) SOLARGRAY + CLEAR INSULATED
2ND PLANNING SUBMITTAL9/2/22
3RD PLANNING SUBMITTAL11/16/22
NORTH ELEVATION
EAST ELEVATION
WEST ELEVATION
SOUTH ELEVATION
51'
-
0
"
51'
-
0
"
47'
-
0
"
51'
-
0
"
47'
-
0
"
51'
-
0
"
47'
-
0
"
49
'
-
0
"
45
'
-
0
"
49
'
-
0
"
49
'
-
0
"
45'
-
0
"
FINISH LEGEND
14'
14'
PAINTED DOCK DOOR
8' HIGH BLACK TUBE STEEL ROLLING GATE AT TRUCK ENTRANCE
FORMLINER VERTICAL BAND
14' PAINTED CONCRETE TILT-UP SCREENWALL
CLERESTORY WAREHOUSE WINDOWS
FORMLINER VERTICAL BAND PRIMARY ENTRANCEPRIMARY ENTRANCE STEEL TRELLIS OVER ENTRY
PAINTED GRADE RAMP DOOR
8' HIGH BLACK TUBE STEEL ROLLING GATE AT TRUCK ENTRANCE
14' PAINTED CONCRETE TILT-UP SCREENWALL
NOTES:
1. ALL ROOFTOP MECH. EQUIPMENT SHALL BE SCREENED FROM VIEW.
PLANNING SUBMITTAL5/20/22
14'H FIRE PUMP BUILDING
4'
51'
-
0
"
51'
-
0
"
47'
-
0
"
4'
4'
4'
4'4'4'
4'4'
51'
-
0
"
4'
SHEET TITLE
MARK DESCRIPTIONDATE A3-1P
COPYRIGHT: RGA, OFFICE OF ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
CHK'D BY:
DRAWN BY:
CAD FILE NAME:
RGA PROJECT NO:
CS
CS
22016-00-A3-1
22016.00
0' 10' 20'100'50'SCALE: 1" = 30'-0"
RGA
Office of Architectural Design
15231 Alton Parkway, Suite 100 Irvine, CA 92618
T 949-341-0920 FX 949-341-0922
POPLAR SOUTH DISTRIBUTION CENTER
FONTANA, CA
SCHEMATIC ELEVATIONS
Scott Irwin Senior Vice President – Southern California SEEFRIED INDUSTRIAL PROPERTIES, INC.2301 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 3165 El Segundo, CA 90245Office: +1 310 536 7900 Cell: +1 562 484 8761 scottirwin@seefriedproperties.com
P-1 SHERWIN WILLIAMS SW 7005 - PURE WHITE
P-2 SHERWIN WILLIAMS SW 7072 - ONLINE
P-3 SHERWIN WILLIAMS SW 7073 - NETWORK GRAY
P-4 SHERWIN WILLIAMS SW 7005 - SOFTWARE
P-5 CLARION RED PANTONE 7626C
GL-1 SOLARBAN 60 (2) SOLARGRAY + CLEAR INSULATED
2ND PLANNING SUBMITTAL9/2/22
3RD PLANNING SUBMITTAL11/16/22
NORTH ELEVATION
EAST ELEVATION
WEST ELEVATION
SOUTH ELEVATION
51'
-
0
"
51'
-
0
"
47'
-
0
"
51'
-
0
"
47'
-
0
"
51'
-
0
"
47'
-
0
"
49'-
0
"
45
'
-
0
"
49'-
0
"
49
'
-
0
"
45
'
-
0
"
FINISH LEGEND
14'
14'
PAINTED DOCK DOOR
8' HIGH BLACK TUBE STEEL ROLLING GATE AT TRUCK ENTRANCE
FORMLINER VERTICAL BAND
14' PAINTED CONCRETE TILT-UP SCREENWALL
CLERESTORY WAREHOUSE WINDOWS
FORMLINER VERTICAL BAND PRIMARY ENTRANCEPRIMARY ENTRANCESTEEL TRELLIS OVER ENTRY
PAINTED GRADE RAMP DOOR
8' HIGH BLACK TUBE STEEL ROLLING GATE AT TRUCK ENTRANCE
14' PAINTED CONCRETE TILT-UP SCREENWALL
NOTES:
1. ALL ROOFTOP MECH. EQUIPMENT SHALL BE SCREENED FROM VIEW.
PLANNING SUBMITTAL5/20/22
14'H FIRE PUMP BUILDING
4'
51'
-
0
"
51'
-
0
"
47'
-
0
"
4'
4'
4'
4'4'4'
4'4'
51'
-
0
"
4'
SHEET TITLE
MARK DESCRIPTIONDATE A3-1P
COPYRIGHT: RGA, OFFICE OF ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
CHK'D BY:
DRAWN BY:
CAD FILE NAME:
RGA PROJECT NO:
CS
CS
22016-00-A3-1
22016.00
0' 10' 20'100'50'SCALE: 1" = 30'-0"
RGA
Office of Architectural Design
15231 Alton Parkway, Suite 100 Irvine, CA 92618
T 949-341-0920 FX 949-341-0922
POPLAR SOUTH DISTRIBUTION CENTER
FONTANA, CA
SCHEMATIC ELEVATIONS
Scott Irwin Senior Vice President – Southern California SEEFRIED INDUSTRIAL PROPERTIES, INC.2301 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 3165 El Segundo, CA 90245Office: +1 310 536 7900 Cell: +1 562 484 8761 scottirwin@seefriedproperties.com
P-1 SHERWIN WILLIAMS SW 7005 - PURE WHITE
P-2 SHERWIN WILLIAMS SW 7072 - ONLINE
P-3 SHERWIN WILLIAMS SW 7073 - NETWORK GRAY
P-4 SHERWIN WILLIAMS SW 7005 - SOFTWARE
P-5 CLARION RED PANTONE 7626C
GL-1 SOLARBAN 60 (2) SOLARGRAY + CLEAR INSULATED
2ND PLANNING SUBMITTAL9/2/22
3RD PLANNING SUBMITTAL11/16/22
NORTH ELEVATION
EAST ELEVATION
WEST ELEVATION
SOUTH ELEVATION
51'-
0
"
51'-
0
"
47
'
-
0
"
51'-
0
"
47
'
-
0
"
51
'
-
0
"
47'
-
0
"
49'
-
0
"
45'
-
0
"
49'
-
0
"
49'
-
0
"
45'-
0
"
FINISH LEGEND
14
'
14'
PAINTED DOCK DOOR
8' HIGH BLACK TUBE STEEL ROLLING GATE AT TRUCK ENTRANCE
FORMLINER VERTICAL BAND
14' PAINTED CONCRETE TILT-UP SCREENWALL
CLERESTORY WAREHOUSE WINDOWS
FORMLINER VERTICAL BAND PRIMARY ENTRANCEPRIMARY ENTRANCESTEEL TRELLIS OVER ENTRY
PAINTED GRADE RAMP DOOR
8' HIGH BLACK TUBE STEEL ROLLING GATE AT TRUCK ENTRANCE
14' PAINTED CONCRETE TILT-UP SCREENWALL
NOTES:
1. ALL ROOFTOP MECH. EQUIPMENT SHALL BE SCREENED FROM VIEW.
PLANNING SUBMITTAL5/20/22
14'H FIRE PUMP BUILDING
4'
51'-
0
"
51'-
0
"
47
'
-
0
"
4'
4'
4'
4'4'4'
4'4'
51'-
0
"
4'
SHEET TITLE
MARK DESCRIPTIONDATE A3-1P
COPYRIGHT: RGA, OFFICE OF ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
CHK'D BY:
DRAWN BY:
CAD FILE NAME:
RGA PROJECT NO:
CS
CS
22016-00-A3-1
22016.00
0' 10' 20'100'50'SCALE: 1" = 30'-0"
RGA
Office of Architectural Design
15231 Alton Parkway, Suite 100 Irvine, CA 92618
T 949-341-0920 FX 949-341-0922
POPLAR SOUTH DISTRIBUTION CENTER
FONTANA, CA
SCHEMATIC ELEVATIONS
Scott Irwin Senior Vice President – Southern California SEEFRIED INDUSTRIAL PROPERTIES, INC.2301 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 3165 El Segundo, CA 90245Office: +1 310 536 7900 Cell: +1 562 484 8761 scottirwin@seefriedproperties.com
P-1 SHERWIN WILLIAMS SW 7005 - PURE WHITE
P-2 SHERWIN WILLIAMS SW 7072 - ONLINE
P-3 SHERWIN WILLIAMS SW 7073 - NETWORK GRAY
P-4 SHERWIN WILLIAMS SW 7005 - SOFTWARE
P-5 CLARION RED PANTONE 7626C
GL-1 SOLARBAN 60 (2) SOLARGRAY + CLEAR INSULATED
2ND PLANNING SUBMITTAL9/2/22
3RD PLANNING SUBMITTAL11/16/22
NORTH ELEVATION
EAST ELEVATION
WEST ELEVATION
SOUTH ELEVATION
51
'
-
0
"
51
'
-
0
"
47
'
-
0
"
51
'
-
0
"
47
'
-
0
"
51
'
-
0
"
47
'
-
0
"
49
'
-
0
"
45'
-
0
"
49
'
-
0
"
49
'
-
0
"
45'
-
0
"
FINISH LEGEND
14
'
14
'
PAINTED DOCK DOOR
8' HIGH BLACK TUBE STEEL ROLLING GATE AT TRUCK ENTRANCE
FORMLINER VERTICAL BAND
14' PAINTED CONCRETE TILT-UP SCREENWALL
CLERESTORY WAREHOUSE WINDOWS
FORMLINER VERTICAL BAND PRIMARY ENTRANCEPRIMARY ENTRANCESTEEL TRELLIS OVER ENTRY
PAINTED GRADE RAMP DOOR
8' HIGH BLACK TUBE STEEL ROLLING GATE AT TRUCK ENTRANCE
14' PAINTED CONCRETE TILT-UP SCREENWALL
NOTES:
1. ALL ROOFTOP MECH. EQUIPMENT SHALL BE SCREENED FROM VIEW.
PLANNING SUBMITTAL5/20/22
14'H FIRE PUMP BUILDING
4'
51
'
-
0
"
51
'
-
0
"
47
'
-
0
"
4'
4'
4'
4'4'4'
4'4'
51
'
-
0
"
4'
51
’
-
0
”
51
’
-
0
”
49
’
-
0
”
49
’
-
0
”
CJ ----
Poplar South Distribution Center 3.0 Project Description
City of Fontana 3-26
Draft EIR
June 2023
This page intentionally left blank.
Poplar South Distribution Center
City of Fontana
Project Site
Source: City of Fontana General Plan
Traffic Circulation
Figure 3-10
Legend
-Truck Routes
C:.J Fontana Sphere of Influence
WILSON
T
□
J
c,: w 0 ...J <(
r ,
Bloomington
N
A
Poplar South Distribution Center 3.0 Project Description
City of Fontana 3-28
Draft EIR
June 2023
This page intentionally left blank.
Poplar South Distribution Center
City of Fontana
Figure 3-11
Landscape Plan
206 AUTOSTALLS
9'
5'-
9
"
5'-
9
"
5'-
9
"
9'9'9'
2
2
1
1
FOUNDATION PLANTING / HEDGE SCREEN - MED WATER - 5 GALBuxus microphylla japonica `Green Beauty` / Green Beauty BoxwoodJuniperus chinensis `Spartan` / Spartan JuniperLigustrum texanum / Texas PrivetNandina domestica / Heavenly BambooPodocarpus gracilior `Column` / Fern PineRhaphiolepis indica `Jack Evans` / Indian HawthornXylosma congestum / Shiny Xylosma
SCREEN PLANTING - LOW WATER - 5 & 15 GALCallistemon citrinus `Little John` / Dwarf Bottle BrushEleagnus pungens / SilverberryRosmarinus officinalis `Tuscan Blue` / Tuscan Blue RosemaryWestringia fruticosa / Coast Rosemary
CONCEPT PLANT SCHEDULE
TREES BOTANICAL / COMMON NAME CONT WUCOLS QTY
Geijera parviflora / Australian Willow 24"box Med 14
Koelreuteria bipinnata / Chinese Flame Tree - Standard 24"box Med 16
Koelreuteria bipinnata / Chinese Flame Tree Standard 36"box Med 20
Lagerstroemia x `Muskogee` / Lavender Crape Myrtle Std. 24"box Med 15
Pinus eldarica / Afghan Pine 24"box Low 52SIZE - 24" BOX - WATER USE - WULCOL - LOW
Pinus eldarica / Afghan Pine 36"box Low 5
Rhus lancea / African Sumac 24"box Low 40
Tristania conferta / Brisbane Box 24"box Med 32
TREE LEGEND
ACCENT SHRUBS - LOW WATER USE - 5 GAL.Agave desmettiana `Variegata` / Variegated AgaveAgave x `Blue Flame` / Blue Flame AgaveCallistemon citrinus `Little John` / Dwarf Bottle BrushLeucophyllum frutescens `Green Cloud` TM / Green Cloud Texas RangerMuhlenbergia capillaris / Pink MuhlyMuhlenbergia capillaris `Autumn Blush` / Pink MuhlyRosmarinus officinalis `Tuscan Blue` / Tuscan Blue RosemarySalvia clevelandii `Allen Chickering` / Cleveland SageSalvia greggii `Furmans Red` / Furman`s Red SalviaWestringia fruticosa / Coast Rosemary
SHRUB PALETTE - MEDIUM WATER USEBuxus x `Green Gem` / Green Gem BoxwoodLigustrum texanum / Texas PrivetNandina domestica / Heavenly BambooRhaphiolepis indica `Clara` / Indian HawthornRhaphiolepis indica `Jack Evans` / Indian HawthornRosa floribunda `Iceberg` / Iceberg RoseXylosma congestum / Shiny Xylosma
GROUND COVER PALETTE - LOW WATER USE - 1 GALAcacia redolens `Desert Carpet` TM / Bank Catclaw Space 4` o.c.Baccharis pilularis `Pigeon Point` / Coyote Brush - Space 4` o.c.Myoporum parvifolium `Putah Creek` / Putah Creek Myoporum Space 3` o.c.Rosmarinus officinalis `Huntington Carpet` / Huntington Carpet Rosemary - Space 3` o.c.
GROUND COVER PALETTE - MEDIUM WATER USE - 1 GALRosa x `Flower Carpet Pink` / RoseRosa x `Flower Carpet Red` / RoseTrachelospermum jasminoides / Star Jasmine
EARTHWORKS (951)782-0260
SHREDDED MULCH NOTEALL PLANTER AREAS TO RECEIVE A 3" LAYER OF SHREDDED COVER MULCH AVAILABLE FROM
BOTH DIRECTIONS FOR A TOTAL OF 10'
1. ALL TREES WITHIN 6' OF HARDSCAPE SHALL BE IN A SHAWTOWN LINEAR (WRAP AROUND NOT ALLOWED) ROOT BARRIER 24" HIGH LINEAR ROOT BARRIER SHALL BE CENTERED ON TREE AND EXTEND 5' IN
NOTES
2. NOTE: QUANTITIES AND AREA CALCULATIONS SHOWN IN LEGEND ARE FOR REFERENCE ONLY . CONTRACTOR REPONSIBLE FOR ALL QUANTITY TAKE-OFFS AND AREA CALCULATIONS FORDETERMINING COST AND DELIVERY OF MATERIALS TO SITE.
SYMBOL DESCRIPTION
3" THICK 3/4" NATURAL COLORED CRUSHED ROCK OVER WEEDBARRIER
6"X6" CONCRETE MOW CURB TO SEPARATE SHRUB AREAS FROMDECORATIVE GRAVEL
1
2
REFERENCE NOTES SCHEDULE
09/06/22
RGA00152
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RETAINING WALL- SEE CIVIL / ARCH. PLANS
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OFFICE AREAOFFICE AREA
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DRIVE ENTRY
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RETAINING WALL- SEE CIVIL'S PLANS P.L.
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0 feet80
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40 120 160
RETAINING WALL- SEE CIVIL'S PLANS
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206 AUTOSTALLS9'5'-9"5'-9"5'-9"9'9'9'
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FOUNDATION PLANTING / HEDGE SCREEN - MED WATER - 5 GALBuxus microphylla japonica `Green Beauty` / Green Beauty BoxwoodJuniperus chinensis `Spartan` / Spartan JuniperLigustrum texanum / Texas PrivetNandina domestica / Heavenly BambooPodocarpus gracilior `Column` / Fern PineRhaphiolepis indica `Jack Evans` / Indian HawthornXylosma congestum / Shiny Xylosma
SCREEN PLANTING - LOW WATER - 5 & 15 GALCallistemon citrinus `Little John` / Dwarf Bottle BrushEleagnus pungens / SilverberryRosmarinus officinalis `Tuscan Blue` / Tuscan Blue RosemaryWestringia fruticosa / Coast Rosemary
CONCEPT PLANT SCHEDULE
TREES BOTANICAL / COMMON NAME CONT WUCOLS QTY
Geijera parviflora / Australian Willow 24"box Med 14
Koelreuteria bipinnata / Chinese Flame Tree - Standard 24"box Med 16
Koelreuteria bipinnata / Chinese Flame Tree Standard 36"box Med 20
Lagerstroemia x `Muskogee` / Lavender Crape Myrtle Std. 24"box Med 15
Pinus eldarica / Afghan Pine 24"box Low 52SIZE - 24" BOX - WATER USE - WULCOL - LOW
Pinus eldarica / Afghan Pine 36"box Low 5
Rhus lancea / African Sumac 24"box Low 40
Tristania conferta / Brisbane Box 24"box Med 32
TREE LEGEND
ACCENT SHRUBS - LOW WATER USE - 5 GAL.Agave desmettiana `Variegata` / Variegated AgaveAgave x `Blue Flame` / Blue Flame AgaveCallistemon citrinus `Little John` / Dwarf Bottle BrushLeucophyllum frutescens `Green Cloud` TM / Green Cloud Texas RangerMuhlenbergia capillaris / Pink MuhlyMuhlenbergia capillaris `Autumn Blush` / Pink MuhlyRosmarinus officinalis `Tuscan Blue` / Tuscan Blue RosemarySalvia clevelandii `Allen Chickering` / Cleveland SageSalvia greggii `Furmans Red` / Furman`s Red SalviaWestringia fruticosa / Coast Rosemary
SHRUB PALETTE - MEDIUM WATER USEBuxus x `Green Gem` / Green Gem BoxwoodLigustrum texanum / Texas PrivetNandina domestica / Heavenly BambooRhaphiolepis indica `Clara` / Indian HawthornRhaphiolepis indica `Jack Evans` / Indian HawthornRosa floribunda `Iceberg` / Iceberg RoseXylosma congestum / Shiny Xylosma
GROUND COVER PALETTE - LOW WATER USE - 1 GALAcacia redolens `Desert Carpet` TM / Bank Catclaw Space 4` o.c.Baccharis pilularis `Pigeon Point` / Coyote Brush - Space 4` o.c.Myoporum parvifolium `Putah Creek` / Putah Creek Myoporum Space 3` o.c.Rosmarinus officinalis `Huntington Carpet` / Huntington Carpet Rosemary - Space 3` o.c.
GROUND COVER PALETTE - MEDIUM WATER USE - 1 GALRosa x `Flower Carpet Pink` / RoseRosa x `Flower Carpet Red` / RoseTrachelospermum jasminoides / Star Jasmine
EARTHWORKS (951)782-0260
SHREDDED MULCH NOTEALL PLANTER AREAS TO RECEIVE A 3" LAYER OF SHREDDED COVER MULCH AVAILABLE FROM
BOTH DIRECTIONS FOR A TOTAL OF 10'
1. ALL TREES WITHIN 6' OF HARDSCAPE SHALL BE IN A SHAWTOWN LINEAR (WRAP AROUND NOT ALLOWED) ROOT BARRIER 24" HIGH LINEAR ROOT BARRIER SHALL BE CENTERED ON TREE AND EXTEND 5' IN
NOTES
2. NOTE: QUANTITIES AND AREA CALCULATIONS SHOWN IN LEGEND ARE FOR REFERENCE ONLY . CONTRACTOR REPONSIBLE FOR ALL QUANTITY TAKE-OFFS AND AREA CALCULATIONS FORDETERMINING COST AND DELIVERY OF MATERIALS TO SITE.
SYMBOL DESCRIPTION
3" THICK 3/4" NATURAL COLORED CRUSHED ROCK OVER WEEDBARRIER
6"X6" CONCRETE MOW CURB TO SEPARATE SHRUB AREAS FROMDECORATIVE GRAVEL
1
2
REFERENCE NOTES SCHEDULE
09/06/22
RGA00152
2
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OFFICE AREAOFFICE AREA
TRASH ENCLOSURE
BIKE RACKSSEATING AREA
SIDEWALK
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DRIVE ENTRY
SIDEWALK
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DRIVE ENTRY DRIVE ENTRYRETAINING WALL- SEE CIVIL'S PLANS P.L.
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Poplar South Distribution Center 3.0 Project Description
City of Fontana 3-30
Draft EIR
June 2023
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Poplar South Distribution Center
City of Fontana
Figure 3-12
Utility Plan
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LEGEND ----FlRE WATER ----DOMESTIC WATER ----SEIIER
----STORM DRAIN
FIRE HYDRANT
490,565 SF_
1015.6 FF
N
A
Poplar South Distribution Center 3.0 Project Description
City of Fontana 3-32
Draft EIR
June 2023
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Poplar South Distribution Center 3.0 Project Description
City of Fontana 3-33
Draft EIR
June 2023
Operations
The Project would be operated as a warehouse with ancillary office uses. The building is not designed to
accommodate and will not include any warehouse cold storage or refrigerated uses. For purposes of
evaluation in this Draft EIR, the proposed development is assumed to be operational 24 hours a day, 7 days
a week, with exterior loading and parking areas illuminated at night. Lighting would be subject to City
Municipal Code Section 30-697, which states that all outdoor lighting shall be directed and shielded so that
no direct light extends onto neighboring properties.
A warehouse is primarily used for the storage and/or consolidation of manufactured goods prior to their
distribution to retail locations or other warehouses. The building is designed such that business operations
would be conducted entirely within the building, with the exception of traffic movement, parking, trailer
connection and disconnection, storage and the loading and unloading of trailers at designated loading bays.
The outdoor cargo handling equipment used during loading and unloading of trailers (e.g., yard trucks,
hostlers, yard goats, pallet jacks, forklifts) would be non-diesel powered, in accordance with contemporary
industry standards.
Dock doors on the warehouse building would not be occupied by a truck at all times of the day. There are
typically many more dock door positions on warehouse buildings than are needed for receiving and shipping
volumes. The dock doors that are in use at any given time are usually selected based on interior building
operation efficiencies (i.e., trucks dock closest to where the goods carried by the truck are stored inside the
warehouse). As a result, many dock door positions are frequently inactive throughout the day. Pursuant to
state law and regulation, on-road diesel-fueled trucks are required to comply with air quality and
greenhouse gas emission standards, including but not limited to the type of fuel used, engine model year
stipulations, aerodynamic features, and idling time restrictions.
Construction
Project development is estimated to take approximately 10 months, beginning April 2024 and concluding
January 2025. Construction activities for the Project would occur over one phase and include demolition and
removal of existing structures, foundations, asphalt/pavement, utilities, and other subsurface improvements;
grading and excavation; site preparation, which includes clearing any remaining infrastructure, utilities, and
trenching for the new utilities and services; building construction; and landscape installation, paving, and
application of architectural coatings. Grading work of soils is expected to result in cut of 48,492 cubic yards
(CY) and fill of 39,749 CY of soils for a net export of 8,743 CY. Table 3-2 provides the anticipated
construction schedule.
Table 3-2: Construction Schedule
Construction Activity Working Days
Demolition 20
Grading and Excavation 15
Site Preparation 15
Building Construction 150
Landscaping 10
Architectural Coating 75
Construction would occur within the hours allowable by the Fontana Municipal Code Section 18.63, which
states that construction shall occur only between the hours of 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM on weekdays and
between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM on Saturdays.
Poplar South Distribution Center 3.0 Project Description
City of Fontana 3-34
Draft EIR
June 2023
Table 3-3: Construction Equipment
Construction Phase
Off-Road Equipment Type
Off-Road
Equipment
Unit Amount
Hours Used
per Day
Horsepower
Load Factor
Demolition
Concrete/Industrial Saws 1 8 33 0.73
Excavators 3 8 36 0.38
Rubber Tired Dozers 2 8 367 0.4
Site Preparation Rubber Tired Dozers 3 8 367 0.4
Tractors/Loaders/Backhoes 4 8 84 0.37
Grading
Excavators 2 8 36 0.38
Graders 1 8 148 0.41
Rubber Tired Dozers 1 8 367 0.4
Scrapers 2 8 423 0.48
Tractors/Loaders/Backhoes 2 8 84 0.37
Building Construction
Cranes 1 7 367 0.29
Forklifts 3 8 82 0.2
Generator Sets 1 8 14 0.74
Tractors/Loaders/Backhoes 3 7 84 0.37
Welders 1 8 46 0.45
Paving
Pavers 2 8 81 0.42
Paving Equipment 2 8 89 0.36
Rollers 2 8 36 0.38
Architectural Coating Air Compressors 1 6 37 0.48
Source: Compiled by LSA using CalEEMod defaults (January 2023).
CalEEMod = California Emissions Estimator Model
3.6 PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES AND EXISTING PLANS, PROGRAMS, OR
POLICIES
Throughout the impact analysis in this Draft EIR, reference is made to existing Plans, Programs, or Policies
(PPPs) currently in place which effectively reduce environmental impacts. Where applicable, PPPs are listed
to show their effect in reducing potential environmental impacts. The Project proponent has also incorporated
into the Project various measures which serve to reduce potentially significant impacts. These voluntary
measures are referred to as Project Design Features (PDFs) and are identified and discussed in the impact
analysis. Where the application of these measures does not reduce an impact to below a level of
significance, Project-specific mitigation is introduced. The City of Fontana would include these PPPs and PDFs
along with Mitigation Measures in the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) for the Project
to ensure their implementation.
Sustainable Design Features
The Project would comply with the California Green Building Standards Code, California Code of Regulations,
Title 24, Part 11) (CALGreen Code) policies related to sustainable design and energy conservation by
incorporating the following features into Project development and/or operation.
• Installation of enhanced insulation
• Design structure to be solar ready
• Design electrical system to accommodate future renewable energy technologies, solar PV systems,
and battery storage systems
• Installation of energy efficient lighting, heating and ventilation systems, and appliances
• Installation of drought-tolerant landscaping and water-efficient irrigation systems
• Implementation of a City construction waste diversion program
Poplar South Distribution Center 3.0 Project Description
City of Fontana 3-35
Draft EIR
June 2023
3.7 DISCRETIONARY APPROVALS AND PERMITS
The City of Fontana and responsible agencies are expected to use the information contained in this Draft
EIR for consideration of approvals related to and involved in the implementation of this Project. These include,
but may not be limited to, the permits and approvals described below.
As part of the proposed Project, the following discretionary actions and subsequent approvals are being
requested by the Project proponent from the City of Fontana:
• Development Plan Review
• Tentative Parcel Map No. 20638
• General Plan Amendment
• Specific Plan Amendment
• Certification of this EIR with the determination that the EIR has been prepared in compliance with the
requirements of CEQA
• Approvals and permits necessary to execute the proposed Project, including but not limited to,
demolition permit, grading permit, building permit, etc.
As part of the proposed Project, subsequent approvals are anticipated to be requested from following
responsible agencies:
• South Coast Air Quality District
Poplar South Distribution Center 3.0 Project Description
City of Fontana 3-36
Draft EIR
June 2023
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Poplar South Distribution Center 4.0 Environmental Setting
City of Fontana 4-1
Draft EIR
June 2023
4.0 Environmental Setting
The purpose of this section is to provide a description of the environmental setting of the Project, as they
existed at the time the Notice of Preparation (NOP) was published, from both a local and a regional
perspective. In addition to the summary below, detailed environmental setting descriptions are provided in
each subsection of Section 5 of this Draft EIR.
4.1 REGIONAL SETTING AND LOCATION
The proposed Project is located of the City of Fontana in southwest San Bernardino County. The City of
Fontana encompasses approximately 52 square miles and is located east of the cities of Ontario and Rancho
Cucamonga, west of the City of Rialto and the unincorporated community of Bloomington, and north of the
City of Jurupa Valley. Interchanges with Interstate 10 (I-10), I-15, and State Route 210 (SR-210) provide
regional highway access to the City. I-15 runs northeast/southwest along the northwest edge of the City
while I-10 and SR-210 run east/west.
4.2 LOCAL SETTING AND LOCATION
The Project site is located within the southern portion of the City of Fontana and surrounds the existing Rose
Avenue south of Santa Ana Avenue, west of Catawba Avenue, north of Jurupa Avenue, and east of Poplar.
Regional access to the Project site is provided by I-10 off the Citrus Avenue exit. Local access is provided
via Poplar Avenue and Catawba Avenue. Specifically, the Project site is located within Section 25, Township
1 South, Range 6 West, within the Fontana United States Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5-minute topographic
quadrangle. The Project site and surrounding area is shown in Figure 3-1, Regional Location, and Figure 3-
2, Local Vicinity.
The Project site is comprised of 41 parcels encompassing approximately 19.08 gross acres (18.82 net acres).
These parcels are identified as Assessor Parcel Numbers (APNs): 0237-171-01 through -19, 0237-172-01
through -12, -19, -22, -23, -26, -27, -28, -30 through -33. The Project site is currently developed with 40
existing single-family residential units and accessory structures. The residential units are located on the north
and south side of Rose Avenue, which runs east west through the center of the site. There is an existing
concrete masonry unit (CMU) block wall along the north property line and metal fencing along the southern
property line. Existing access to the site is via Rose Avenue, with one entrance on Poplar Avenue and one on
Catawba Avenue. The Project site’s existing conditions are shown in Figure 4-1a-c, Existing Site Photos.
4.3 EXISTING LAND USE AND ZONING
The Project site has a General Plan land use designation of Residential Trucking (R-T) and a City zoning
designation of Specific Plan (SP). The Project is within the Slover East Industrial District (SED) of the Southwest
Industrial Park Specific Plan (SWIP SP). Within the SWIP SP, the Project site is designated as Residential
Trucking District (RTD). The RTD designation is “intended to allow the continued use of residences in existing
residential neighborhoods for a home-based business related to truck use”.
According to the SWIP SP, the maximum number of dwelling units per acre (du/ac) allowed in the RTD is 2.0
du/ac. The 19.08-acre Project site currently includes 41 parcels, 40 of which are d03eveloped with single-
family residential structures, which yields a density of approximately 2.1 du/ac.
4.4 SURROUNDING GENERAL PLAN AND ZONING DESIGNATIONS
The Project site is located within a developed area surrounded by light industrial development. The
surrounding land uses are described in Table 4-1 below.
Poplar South Distribution Center 4.0 Environmental Setting
City of Fontana 4-2
Draft EIR
June 2023
Table 4-1: Surrounding Existing Land Use, Zoning, and Specific Plan Designations
Existing Land Use General Plan
Designation
Zoning Designation SWIP Designation
North Industrial warehouse
south of Santa Ana
Avenue and light
industrial uses north of
Santa Ana Avenue.
General Industrial (I-G) Southwest Industrial
Specific Plan (SWIP)
Slover East Industrial
District (SED)
West Poplar Avenue followed
by a Motor Vehicle
Dealer and a beverage
manufacturer.
General Industrial (I-G) Southwest Industrial
Specific Plan (SWIP)
Slover East Industrial
District (SED)
South Distribution Warehouse
followed by Jurupa
Avenue.
General Industrial (I-G) Southwest Industrial
Specific Plan (SWIP)
Slover East Industrial
District (SED)
East Catawba Avenue
followed by a trucking
company and light
industrial warehouse
uses.
General Industrial (I-G) Southwest Industrial
Specific Plan (SWIP)
Slover East Industrial
District (SED)
Poplar South Distribution Center
City of Fontana
Existing Site Photos
Figure 4-1a
View of residential properties at the corner of Poplar Ave and Rose Ave on the west side of project site.
Catawba Ave and Rose Ave interesection on the east side of site.
Poplar South Distribution Center 4.0 Environmental Setting
City of Fontana 4-4
Draft EIR
June 2023
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Poplar South Distribution Center 4.0 Environmental Setting
City of Fontana 4-6
Draft EIR
June 2023
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Poplar South Distribution Center
City of Fontana
Existing Site Photos
Figure 4-1c
Catawba Avenue facing south.
Catawba Avenue facing north.
Poplar South Distribution Center 4.0 Environmental Setting
City of Fontana 4-8
Draft EIR
June 2023
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Poplar South Distribution Center 4.0 Environmental Setting
City of Fontana 4-9
Draft EIR
June 2023
4.5 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
The comparative baseline used for the EIR is the physical environmental condition in the vicinity of the Project
as it existed at the time the EIR’s NOP was released for public review (CEQA Guidelines § 15125(a)(1))..
The NOP for this Draft EIR was released for public review on September 30, 2022. The following pages
include a description of the physical environmental condition (“existing conditions”) on a regional and local
basis of that approximate date. More information regarding the Project site’s environmental setting is
provided in the specific subsections of EIR Section 5.0, Environmental Analysis.
4.5.1 AESTHETICS
Scenic Vistas
Scenic vistas are panoramic views of important visual features, as seen from public viewing areas. The Project
site is located within the SWIP SP. The SWIP SP aims to preserve regionally significant scenic vistas and
natural features, including the Jurupa Mountains to the south as well as the San Gabriel and San Bernardino
Mountains to the north. The Project is located in a developed area with multiple industrial developments in
each direction. According to the General Plan, the surrounding foothills are visible from Jurupa Avenue.
Views of the surrounding foothills are available from public vantage points traveling north to south on Poplar
Avenue and Catawba Avenue. However, there are no scenic vistas designated by the City’s General Plan
or SWIP SP within the Project vicinity.
State Scenic Highway
There are no officially designated state scenic highways in the vicinity of the proposed Project (Caltrans
2022). The closest Officially Designated State Scenic Highway is State Route 30 near Highlands,
approximately 15 miles east from the Project site. Likewise, there are no County‐designated scenic highways
that run through the Project vicinity.
Visual Character of Project Site and Surrounding Area
The Project site is currently zoned as a Residential Trucking District (RTD), which allows for single-family
residential uses which are utilized for home-based trucking/heavy equipment business. RTD areas lack any
significant visual resources or unique aesthetic characteristics. The Project site consists of 40 residential homes
and storage lots that are used for truck trailer storage.
Visual Character of Adjacent Areas
The existing visual character of the area surrounding the Project site consists primarily of industrial
warehouses and industrial uses. There is no consistent architectural or visual theme within the surrounding
area. The parcels adjacent to the Project site directly north, south and east contain large industrial buildings.
There is also a car dealership located to the west across Poplar Street.
Light and Glare
The Project site is currently developed with 40 residences and includes minimal sources of nighttime lighting
associated with residential use (interior lighting, landscape lights, and intermittent lighting from vehicles
utilizing Rose Avenue). However, the Project site is surrounded by sources of nighttime lighting that includes
streetlights along Poplar Street, illumination from vehicle headlights, offsite exterior lighting, and interior
illumination passing through windows. Sensitive receptors relative to lighting and glare include motorists
passing through the Project area. Existing glare in the Project vicinity is generated by building and vehicle
windows reflecting light.
4.5.2 AIR QUALITY
The Project site is located within the South Coast Air Basin (Basin), which is under the jurisdiction of the South
Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). The Basin is a 6,600-square-mile coastal plain bounded
by the Pacific Ocean to the southwest and the San Gabriel, San Bernardino, and San Jacinto Mountains to
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the north and east. The Basin includes the non-desert portions of Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino
counties, and all of Orange County.
SCAQMD maintains monitoring stations within district boundaries, Source/Receptor Areas (SRAs), that monitor
air quality and compliance with associated ambient standards. The SCAQMD monitors levels of various
criteria pollutants at 38 permanent monitoring stations and 5 single-pollutant source Lead (Pb) air monitoring
sites throughout the air district. The Project site is located within the Central San Bernardino Valley (SRA 34).
The air quality monitoring station closest to the Project site located at 14360 Arrow Boulevard in the City of
Fontana, approximately 3.57 miles northwest of the Project site.
As indicated in the monitoring results included in Table 5.2-2, the federal PM10 standard had no exceedances
in 2019, only one in 2020 and no exceedances 2021. The State PM10 standard was exceeded 11 times in
2019, 6 times in 2020, and an unknown number of times in 2021. The PM2.5 federal standard had 3
exceedances in 2019, 4 exceedances in 2020, and no exceedances in 2021. The 1-hour ozone State
standard was exceeded 41 times in 2019, 56 times in 2020, and an unknown number of times in 2021. The
8-hour ozone State standard was exceeded 71 times in 2019, 91 times in 2020, and an unknown number
of times in 2021. The 8-hour ozone federal standard was 67 times in 2019, 89 times in 2020, and 81 times
in 2021. In addition, the CO, SO2, and NO2 standards were not exceeded in this area during the 3-year
period.
4.5.3 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
The Project site is currently developed with residential uses and contains multiple non-native, ornamental
trees. The approximately 18.82-acre project site consists of two rows of single-family residences north and
south of Rose Avenue. The entire site is developed and contains ornamental vegetation in the yards of each
house. Elevations on the site range from 1,003 feet above mean sea level (AMSL) to 1,023 feet AMSL. The
project site is bordered by a parking lot to the west and industrial development to the north, east, and south.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Web Soil Survey, one soil class occurs on
the project site. Soils on the project site are classified as: Tujunga loamy sand (TuB), 0 to 5 percent slopes.
The Project site is bound to the east by Poplar Avenue and Catawba Avenue to the west. The parcels adjacent
to the Project site directly north and south are developed with industrial warehouses. The parcels adjacent
to the Project site directly to the west are used for vehicle parking lot for trucks, trailers, RVs and cars.
Vegetation Communities and Land Covers
The Project site is dominated by one habitat type which includes approximately 19.08 acres of developed
area. Developed area consist of two rows of single-family residences with associated ornamental vegetation
and Rose Avenue. Plant species observed were primarily non-native, including the Aleppo pine (Pinus
halepensis), deodar cedar (Cedrus deodara), century plant (Agave americana), tree of heaven (Ailanthus
altissima), paper flower (Bougainvillea glabra), lemon-scented gum (Corymbia citriodora), weeping fig (Ficus
benjamina), blue jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia), crepe-myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), southern
magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora), chinaberry (Melia azedarach), oleander (Nerium oleander), blue myrtle
cactus (Myrtillocactus geometrizans), and Mexican fan palm (Washingtonia robus).
Heritage, Significant, and Specimen Trees
Section 28-63 of the City’s Municipal Code includes the following species as protected trees: Oak (Quercus
sp.), California Walnut (Juglans Californica), Western Sycamore (Plantanus racemosa), London Plane
(Platanus acerifolia) or Deodora cedar (Cedrus deodora) that have at least one trunk (a) 6 inches in diameter
at breast height (DBH) as measured four and one-half feet above mean natural grade or (b) a combination
of any two trunks measuring a total of 8 inches in DBH as measured four and one-half feet above mean
natural grade. According to the Arborist Study and Tree Protection Plan, none of the protected trees as
defined by the City’s Municipal Code were found on the Project site (Ramirez 2023).
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Special-Status Plant Species
Sensitive plant species include plants listed as state and/or federally Threatened, Endangered, Rare, or
Candidate species or listed as 1B.1 on the CNPS Rare Plant Inventory. A total of 16 special-status plant
species were identified as having a potential to occur in the vicinity of the Project site, based on the literature
review but none of the species were observed during biological field surveys. Additionally, based on habitat
requirements for these species and the availability, the quality of onsite habitat, and the routine onsite
disturbances, it was determined that no special-status plant species have potential to occur onsite and are
all presumed absent (Hernandez 2022).
Special-Status Wildlife Species
Sensitive animal species include federal, and state listed endangered and threatened species, candidate
species for listing by USFWS or CDFW, and/or are species of special concern (SSC) pursuant to CDFW. A
total of 16 special-status wildlife species were identified as having a potential to occur in the vicinity of the
Project site, based on the literature review, but none of the species were observed during biological field
surveys (Hernandez 2022).
Jurisdictional Waters and Wetlands
No jurisdictional drainage or wetland features were observed on the Project site during the field
investigation.
Wildlife Movement
Wildlife corridors connect otherwise isolated pieces of habitat and allow movement or dispersal of plants
and animals. Corridors can be local or regional in scale. Their functions may vary temporally and spatially
based on conditions and species present. Local wildlife corridors allow access to resources such as food,
water, and shelter within the framework of their daily routine. Animals use these corridors, which are often
hillsides or tributary drainages, to move between different habitats. Regional corridors provide these
functions over a larger scale and link two or more large habitat areas, allowing the dispersal of organisms
and the consequent mixing of genes between populations.
The Project site has not been identified as occurring within a wildlife corridor or linkage. Furthermore, the
Project site has been heavily disturbed and is isolated from regional wildlife corridors and linkages. There
are no riparian corridors, creeks, or useful patches of natural areas within or connecting the site to a
recognized corridor or linkage (Hernandez, 2022). However, existing trees within the Project site may serve
as nesting habitat for migratory bird species.
Critical Habitat
Critical Habitat refers to specific areas within the geographical range of a species at the time it is listed that
include the physical or biological features that are essential to the survival and eventual recovery of that
species. The Project site is not located within federally designated Critical Habitat. The nearest designated
Critical Habitat is located approximately 0.60 miles south of the Project site for Coastal California
gnatcatcher within a mountain range.
4.5.4 CULTURAL RESOURCES
Historic
In 1903, San Bernardino contractor and agriculturist A.B. Miller and his Fontana Development Company
purchased Rosena, a settlement platted by the Semi-Tropic Land and Water Company in 1887. Miller
oversaw the construction of an irrigation system that utilized the water from Lytle Creek in order to expand
agricultural operations in the area.
In 1926, the National Old Trails (N.O.T.) alignment running through Fontana became part of the newly
created U.S. Highway 66. By 1930 the Fontana Company had subdivided more than three thousand
homesteads, half occupied by full-time settlers. Kaiser Steel was founded in Fontana in the 1940s and
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became one of the main producers of steel west of the Mississippi River. To provide for his workers’ health
needs, Henry J. Kaiser constructed the Fontana Kaiser Permanente medical facility, which is now the largest
managed care organization in the United States. Kaiser steel closed in the 1980s and Fontana transitioned
to being a transportation hub for trucking due to the number of highways tat intersect in the area.
Between 1980 and 1987, Fontana’s population doubled from 35,000 to 70,000, assisted by the Fontana
Redevelopment Agency, who provided incentives for housing developers to build within the city. This process
led to the first specific plan and development agreement for the Southridge residential area. Residential
development continued to grow through the 1990s; however, commercial activities in the downtown area
declined as new commercial developments near freeways and the new residential areas pulled shopping
away from the historic downtown core.
Currently, the Project site is entirely developed with 40 residential structures on 41 parcels, many with
associated detached garages, sheds, and other ancillary structures. Based on historical aerials from 1938,
the Project site was used for agricultural uses. Additional historical aerials show that by 1948 the Project site
was being developed for residential uses. Subsequent aerial photographs show the steady regular
residential development of the site throughout the twentieth century. The Cultural Resources Study identified
24 previously recorded resources within one-half mile of the boundaries of the Project site consisting of a
prehistoric habitation site and artifact scatter, a prehistoric isolate scatter, 16 historic single-family
residences, one site consisting of five historic buildings, one site consisting of historic footings and a trash
scatter, the historic Gertrude Smith Complex, and three historic transmission line alignments (BFSA 2022a).
None of these resources are within the Project site.
The field survey conducted as part of the Cultural Resources Study, identified 33 historic era (older than 50
years) structures within the Project site; however, none were determined to be historically significant.
Archaeologic
The Paleo Indian Period is associated with the terminus of the late Pleistocene (11,500 to circa 9,000 years
ago). Paleo Indians were likely attracted to multiple habitat types, including mountains, marshlands, estuaries,
and lakeshores. These people likely subsisted using more generalized hunting, gathering, and collecting of
birds, mollusks, and large and small animals.
The Project is within an area where the traditional use territories of the Gabrielino, Serrano, and Cahuilla
meet. The Archaic Period (circa 9,000 to 1,300 years ago) was a period where increased moisture allowed
for more extensive occupation of the region. The material culture related to this time period include mortar
and pestle, dart points, and arrow points.
Approximately 1,500 years ago, during the Late Prehistoric Period, bow and arrow technology started to
emerge. Brownware and buffware pottery vessels started to diffuse across the Southern California deserts.
The shift in material culture assemblages is largely attributed to the emergence of Shoshonean (Takic-
speaking) people who entered California from the east.
Sedentism continued to intensify through the Protohistoric Period (410 to 180 years ago). Ceramic technology
appeared in the region during the Protohistoric Period, which ended with the beginning of Spanish settlement
in 1769.
The Cultural Resources Study identified two prehistoric resources recorded within one-half mile of the Project
site. These prehistoric resources include a habitation site and artifact scatter as well as isolate scatter. None
of the archaeological resources identified are within the Project site.
4.5.5 ENERGY
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Electricity
The Southern California Edison Company (SCE) is the electrical purveyor in the City of Fontana. SCE provides
electricity service to more than 14 million people in a 50,000 square-mile area of central, coastal and
Southern California. California utilities are experiencing increasing demands that require modernization of
the electric distribution grid to, among other things, accommodate two-way flows of electricity and increase
the grid's capacity. SCE is in the process of implementing infrastructure upgrades to ensure the ability to
meet future demands. In addition, as described by the Edison International 2021 Annual Report, the SCE
electrical grid modernization effort supports implementation of California Senate Bill 32 that requires the
State to cut greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 and 80 percent from the same
baseline by 2050 in order to help achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. It describes that in 2021
approximately 42 percent of power that SCE delivered to customers came from carbon-free resources.
The Project site is currently served by the electricity distribution systems that exist along the roadways
adjacent to the Project site.
Natural Gas
The Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) is the natural gas purveyor in the City of Fontana and is
the principal distributor of natural gas in Southern California. SoCalGas estimates that gas demand will
decline at an annual rate of 1.1 percent each year through 2035 due to modest economic growth, mandated
energy efficiency standards and programs, renewable electricity goals, and conservation savings linked to
advanced metering infrastructure. The gas supply available to SoCalGas is regionally diverse and includes
supplies from California sources (onshore and offshore), Southwestern U.S. supply sources, the Rocky
Mountains, and Canada. SoCalGas designs its facilities and supplies to provide continuous service during
extreme peak demands and has identified the ability to meet peak demands through 2035 in its 2022
report.
The Project site is currently served by the natural gas distribution system that exists within the roadways that
are adjacent to the site.
4.5.6 GEOLOGY AND SOILS
The City of Fontana generally lies within the northern and northwestern portion of the Peninsular Ranges
Geomorphic Province of Southern California. The Peninsular Ranges are characterized by northwest-
southeast trending faults, folds, and mountain ranges. Prior to the mid-Mesozoic period, the region was
covered by seas and thick marine sediment and volcanic sequences were deposited. The bedrock geology
that dominates the elevated areas of the Peninsular Ranges consists of high-grade metamorphic rocks
intruded by Mesozoic plutons. During the Cretaceous period, extensive mountain building occurred during
the emplacement of the southern California batholith.
The Peninsular Ranges have been significantly disrupted by Tertiary and Quaternary strike-slip faulting
along the Elsinore and San Jacinto faults. This tectonic activity has resulted in the present terrain. The Project
site is mostly flat with a gentle gradient to the south. According to the Geotechnical Investigation, there is
approximately 13 feet of elevation differential throughout the site.
Faults and Ground Shaking
The Project site is not within an Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone. There are no known active faults within
500 feet of the Project site. According to the Geotechnical Investigation, there is no evidence of faulting on
the Project site, therefore the possibility of fault rupture is low. The nearest active fault zones are the Sierra
Madre Fault Zone, located approximately eight miles north of the Project site and the San Jacinto Fault
Zone, located approximately nine miles east of the Project site. Both of these faults, as well as other faults
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in the southern California region could cause moderate to intense ground shaking during the lifetime of the
Project.
Ground Rupture
Ground rupture occurs when movement on a fault breaks the rough to the surface. Surface rupture usually
occurs along pre-existing fault traces where zones of weakness exist. The State has established Earthquake
Fault Zones for the purpose of mitigating the hazard of fault rupture by prohibiting the location of most
human occupancy structures across the traces of active faults. Earthquake fault zones are regulatory zones
that encompass surface traces of active faults with a potential for future surface fault rupture. The nearest
Earthquake Fault Zone is the Sierra Madre Fault Zone. There are no fault zones within vicinity of the Project
site. Therefore, ground rupture is considered to be low at the Project site.
Soils
The Geotechnical Investigation describes that artificial fill soils were encountered at the ground surface of
all eight boring locations and extended to depths of approximately 2.5 to 4.5 feet below existing site
grades. The artificial fill soils consist of very loose to medium dense silty fine sands with trace medium to
coarse sand content and occasional gravel content. Native alluvium was encountered at the ground surface
of all of the boring locations, extending at least to the maximum depth explored of 25 feet below ground
surface (bgs). The alluvium generally consists of medium dense to dense fine to coarse sands, medium dense
to very dense gravelly fine to coarse sands, loose to medium dense silty fine sands, and medium dense fine
sandy silts.
Expansive Soils
Expansive soils are soils containing water-absorbing minerals that expand as they take in water. These soils
can damage buildings due to the force they exert as they expand. Expansive soils contain certain types of
clay minerals that shrink or swell as the moisture content changes; the shrinking or swelling can shift, crack,
or break structures built on such soils. Arid or semiarid areas with seasonal changes of soil moisture
experience a much higher frequency of problems from expansive soils than areas with higher rainfall and
more constant soil moisture. The Geotechnical Investigation describes that the near-surface Project site soils
consist of gravelly sands, sands, and silty sands with no appreciable clay content. The Geotechnical
Investigation explains that these materials are classified as non-expansive.
Groundwater
Groundwater was not encountered at any of the boring locations, which extended at least 25 feet bgs.
Based on the lack of groundwater within the borings, and the low moisture contents of the recovered soil
samples, the static groundwater table is considered to have existed at a depth in excess of 25 feet bgs.
Liquefaction, Lateral Spreading, and Settlement
Liquefaction occurs when vibrations or water pressure within a mass of soil cause the soil particles to lose
contact with one another. As a result, the soil behaves like a liquid, has an inability to support weight, and
can flow down very gentle slopes. This condition is usually temporary and is most often caused by an
earthquake vibrating water-saturated fill or unconsolidated soil. Soils that are most susceptible to
liquefaction are clean, loose, saturated, and uniformly graded fine-grained sands that lie below the
groundwater table within approximately 50 feet below ground surface. Clayey (cohesive) soils or soils which
possess clay particles in excess of 20 percent are generally not considered to be susceptible to liquefaction,
nor are those soils which are above the historic static groundwater table.
Different phenomena associated with liquefaction are described below:
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Lateral Spreading: Lateral spreading is the lateral movement of stiff, surficial blocks of sediments as a
result of a subsurface layer liquefying. The lateral movements can cause ground fissures or extensional,
open cracks at the surface as the blocks move toward a slope face, such as a stream bank or in the
direction of a gentle slope. When the shaking stops, these isolated blocks of sediments come to rest in a
place different from their original location and may be tilted.
Ground Oscillation: Ground oscillation occurs when liquefaction occurs at depth but the slopes are too
gentle to permit lateral displacement. In this case, individual blocks may separate and oscillate on a
liquefied layer. Sand boils and fissures are often associated with this phenomenon.
Bearing Strength Loss: Bearing strength decreases with a decrease in effective stress. Loss of bearing
strength occurs when the effective stresses are reduced due to the cyclic loading caused by an
earthquake. Even if the soil does not liquefy, the bearing of the soil may be reduced below its value
either prior to or after the earthquake. If the bearing strength is sufficiently reduced, structures supported
on the sediments can settle, tilt, or even float upward in the case of lightly loaded structures such as gas
pipelines.
Ground Fissuring and Sand Boils: Ground fissuring and sand boils are surface manifestations associated
with liquefaction and lateral spreading, ground oscillation and flow failure. As apparent from the above
descriptions, the likelihood of ground fissures developing is high when lateral spreading, ground
oscillations, and flow failure occur. Sand boils occur when the high water pressures are relieved by
drainage to the surface along weak spots that may have been created by fissuring. As the water flows
to the surface, it can carry sediments, and if the pore water pressures are high enough create a gusher
(sand boils) at the point of exit.
▪ Sediments must be relatively young in age and must not have developed large amounts of
cementation;
▪ Sediments must consist mainly of cohesionless sands and silts;
▪ The sediment must not have a high relative density;
▪ Free groundwater must exist in the sediment; and
▪ The site must be exposed to seismic events of a magnitude large enough to induce straining
of soil particles.
As discussed previously, the borings conducted as part of the site-specific geotechnical report for the Project
site did not encounter groundwater. Thus, Project site soils are not susceptible liquefaction (SCG 2022). The
Geotechnical Investigation concluded that the soils within the Project site have a very low potential for lateral
spreading. The Geotechnical Investigation concluded that post-construction soils within the Project site have
an estimated differential settlement of less than 1.0 and 0.5 inches, respectively and that differential
movements are expected to occur over a 30-foot span, thereby resulting in an angular distortion of less than
0.002 inches per inch.
Subsidence
Ground subsidence is the gradual settling or sinking of the ground surface with little or no horizontal
movement, and occurs in areas with subterranean oil, gas, or groundwater. Effects of subsidence include
fissures, sinkholes, depressions, and disruption of surface drainage. According to the Geotechnical
Investigation, an estimated shrinkage potential of four to 14 percent is expected during removal and
recompaction of the artificial fill and near-surface native soils. A subsidence of 0.1 feet is estimated to occur
within the Project site (SCG 2022).
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Landslides
Earthquake-induced landsliding often occurs in areas where previous landslides have moved and in areas
where the topographic, geologic, geotechnical and subsurface groundwater conditions are conducive to
permanent ground displacements.
As discussed in the Geotechnical Investigation, the site and surrounding vicinity is relatively flat and would
not be susceptible to landslides (SCG 2022).
Unique Geologic Feature
Unique geologic features are those that are unique to the field of geology. The Project site is underlain by
Holocene and late Pleistocene (present day to approximately 120,000 years ago) young alluvial fan
sediments (Qyfl) of the Lytle Creek fan. These deposits are underlain by late to middle Pleistocene
approximately 11,700 to 780,000 years ago) old alluvial fan deposits (Qof3). The geologic processes that
occurred on the Project site and in the vicinity are generally the same as those in other parts of San
Bernardino County and state.
Paleontological Resources
Paleontological resources include fossilized remains, traces, or imprints of organisms, preserved in or on the
earth’s crust, that are of paleontological interest and that provide information about the history of life on
earth. Significant paleontological resources are defined as fossils or assemblages of fossils that are unique,
unusual, rare, uncommon, or important to define a particular time frame or geologic strata, or that add to
an existing body of knowledge in specific areas, in local formations, or regionally.
The young alluvial fan deposits mapped at the surface in the Project are considered to have low potential
to yield significant paleontological resources. However, the underlying late Pleistocene alluvial fan deposits
are considered to have high paleontological sensitivity.
A paleontological literature review and records search was conducted for the Project site. The records search
revealed two previous reports conducted in the Project vicinity. The first report identified seven previously
recorded fossil localities located approximately two miles west of the Project site. The localities consist of
the bones of large and small Pleistocene-age mammals and terrestrial snails and freshwater clams.
Additionally, a Sabertooth cat specimen was reportedly discovered approximately one mile south of the
Project site in the Declezville neighborhood. Based on the presence of nearby significant fossil localities, the
underlying Pleistocene old alluvial fan deposits mapped at the Project site are considered to have a high
potential to yield significant paleontological resources.
4.5.7 GREENHOUSE GAS
Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere are called GHGs. The major concern with GHGs is that increases in
their concentrations are contributing to global climate change. Global climate change is a change in the
average weather on Earth that can be measured by wind patterns, storms, precipitation, and temperature.
Although there is disagreement as to the rate of global climate change and the extent of the impacts
attributable to human activities, most in the scientific community agree that there is a direct link between
increased emissions of GHGs and long-term global temperature increases.
The principal GHGs are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6),
perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Because different GHGs have different warming
potential, and CO2 is the most common reference gas for climate change, GHG emissions are often quantified
and reported as CO2 equivalents (CO2e). For example, SF6 is a GHG commonly used in the utility industry
as an insulating gas in circuit breakers and other electronic equipment. SF6, while comprising a small fraction
of the total GHGs emitted annually world-wide, is a much more potent GHG, with 22,800 times the global
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warming potential as CO2. Therefore, an emission of one metric ton (MT) of SF6 could be reported as an
emission of 22,800 MT of CO2e. Large emission sources are reported in million metric tons (MMT) of CO2e.
The Project site is located in the City of Fontana. The primary GHG emissions in the City of Fontana are from
on-road transportation; building energy; and waste. The 19.08-acre Project site is currently developed with
40 single-family residential units. Some of the residences operate an additional use or business, such as truck
transportation, auto storage, and auto repair facilities. GHG emissions are currently generated by the
operation of these uses and the related vehicle trips.
4.5.8 HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Environmental Site Conditions
The Project site is currently developed with 40 existing single-family residential units and accessory structures.
Existing residential units are located on the north and south side of Rose Avenue, which runs east-west through
the center of the site. Uses surrounding the Project site include light industrial uses.
• South: Distribution Warehouse followed by Jurupa Avenue.
• North: Industrial warehouse south of Santa Ana Avenue and light industrial uses north of Santa Ana
Avenue.
• East: Catawba Avenue followed by a trucking company and light industrial warehouse uses.
• West: Poplar Avenue followed by a Motor Vehicle Dealer and a beverage manufacturer.
The Project site was historically utilized for agricultural purposes as early as 1938 and for residential
purposes as early as the 1948 (BFSA 2022a).
The Phase I Environmental Site Assessment did not identify any recognized environmental conditions (RECs)
associated with the Project site. However, the Phase I concluded that based on the construction dates, it is
likely that asbestos containing materials are present at the existing buildings on the Project site.
No gasoline service stations or dry cleaners are in the immediate vicinity (approximately 500 feet) of the
Project site. There are no off-site hazardous material sources of environmental concern surrounding the
Project site.
Other Environmental Conditions
According to the City of Fontana General Plan Draft Environmental Impact Report and the Department of
Conservation California Earthquake Hazards Zone Application ("EQ Zapp"), the Project site is not within:
▪ Geologic: Alquist Priolo earthquake fault zone; County-identified fault zone; rockfall/debris-flow
hazard area, medium or high liquefaction area (low to high and localized).
▪ Fire: high or very high fire hazard severity zone.
According to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), published by the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) (06071C8665H), the Project site is primarily located in “Zone X”, which is an area that is
not located in a flood zone with a known base flood elevation. According to the Preliminary Drainage Report
for the Project, “Zone X” is defined as an area outside of the 100-year floodplain.
Evacuation Routes
According to the Fontana General Plan Noise and Safety Element, the City has no designated evacuation
routes.
4.5.9 HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY
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Regional Hydrology
The City of Fontana is in the in the Santa Ana River Basin, a 2,700-square-mile area in the Coastal Range
Province of Southern California located roughly between Los Angeles and San Diego.
Watershed
The Project site is located in the Santa Ana River Watershed. The upper and lower watersheds are divided
at Prado Dam located just east of the Santa Ana Mountains. Below the dam, the river channel passes through
the mountains into Orange County, and ultimately reaches the Pacific Ocean between the cities of Newport
Beach and Huntington Beach (City of Fontana, 2018). The City of Fontana is located within the lower Lytle
Creek subwatershed. As mentioned above, the SARWQCB has the authority to implement water quality
protection standards through the issuance of permits for discharges to waters at locations within its jurisdiction,
which includes the Santa Ana River Watershed and its subwatersheds.
Groundwater Basin
The Project area overlies the Chino Subbasin of the Upper Santa Ana Valley Groundwater basin. The Chino
Subbasin is bounded on the east by the Rialto-Colton fault; on the southeast by the contact with impermeable
rocks forming the Jurupa Mountains and low divides connecting the exposures. On the south the subbasin is
bounded by contact with impermeable rocks of the Puente Hills and by the Chino fault; on the northwest by
the San Jose fault; and on the north by impermeable rocks of the San Gabriel Mountains and by the
Cucamonga fault. Ground water recharge to the subbasin occurs by direct infiltration or precipitation on the
subbasin floor, by infiltration of surface flow, and by underflow of ground water from adjacent basins. The
five recharge facilities in the subbasin are Deer Creek, Day Creek, East Etiwanda, San Sevaine, and Victoria
(California Department of Water Resources, 2006). The most serious water quality problems for the
groundwater basin continue to be high concentrations of dissolved solids and nitrate-nitrogen.
Water Quality
Surface
The nearest channel to the Project site is Declez Channel approximately 0.5 mile to the south, which is
underground and drains to the Declez Basin. The nearest surface water to the Project site is Santa Ana River
approximately six miles to the east. The Santa Ana River is the main receiving water for the Project site. The
Santa Ana River Reach 3 is classified as impaired for copper, indicator bacteria, and lead and has been
placed on the 303(d) list. Further, a TMDL was developed for indicator bacteria. Other receiving waters
include the Declez Channel and the San Sevaine Channel, which are not listed as impaired.
The City of Fontana has adopted the EPA’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
regulations in an effort to reduce pollutants in urban runoff and stormwater flows. The Santa Ana RWQCB
issued the City a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit (Order No. R8-2002-0011), which
establishes pollution prevention requirements for planned developments. The City participates in an Area-
wide Urban Stormwater Runoff Management Program to comply with the MS4 permit requirements. Runoff
is managed and regulated under the NDPES MS4 permit and associated Storm Water Management
Program.
Groundwater
The Project site is location in the Chino Subbasin of the Upper Santa Ana Groundwater Basin. The Chino
Basin is one of the largest groundwater basins in southern California and encompasses about 235 square
miles of the Upper Santa Ana River watershed. It lies within portions of San Bernardino, Riverside, and Los
Angeles counties. The Chino Basin has approximately five to seven million-acre feet of water in storage and
an estimated one million acre-feet of additional unused storage capacity. Prior to 1978, the Basin was in
overdraft. After 1978, the Basin has been managed via adjudication by the Chino Basin Watermaster.
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Existing Drainage
According to the City of Fontana Master Drainage Plan, the Project site is located in the Declez North
drainage area. The Project site is bordered to the west by drainage facility DZ-10 and to the east by
drainage facility DZ-9. Drainage facilities in the City of Fontana are operated under a partnership between
the City of Fontana and the San Bernardino County Flood Control District. Topographically, the Project site
is relatively flat with an elevation range from 1,003 feet above mean sea level (AMSL) to 1,023 feet AMSL.
The existing site is developed as a residential neighborhood. The residential area north of Rose Avenue
drains southerly towards Rose Avenue. Runoff from Rose Avenue is then conveyed along Rose Avenue
towards Poplar Avenue via overland flow. Flows are collected via curbs and gutters and discharged into the
existing 72-inch storm drain within Poplar Avenue. The residential area south of Rose Avenue drains northeast
to southwest and into a drainage ditch immediately south of the Project site within the adjacent property.
Flood Zone
According to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), published by the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) (16071C8665H), the Project site is primarily located in “Zone X” flood plain area. The “Zone
X” is defined as area outside of the 100-year floodplain.
4.5.10 LAND USE AND PLANNING
The Project site surrounds the existing Rose Avenue south of Santa Ana Avenue, west of Catawba Avenue,
north of Jurupa Avenue, and east of Poplar Avenue in the southern portion of the City of Fontana within the
County of San Bernardino. The 19.08 gross acre (18.82 net acres) site consists of the following Assessor
Parcel Numbers (APNs): 0237-171-01 through -19, 0237-172-01 through -12, -19, -22, -23, -26, -27, -
28, -30 through -33. The Project site has a General Plan designation and zoning designation of Residential
Trucking (R-T) within the SWIP SP. Additionally, the site is located within the Fontana United States Geological
Survey (USGS) 7.5-Minute Quadrangle; Section 25, Township 1 South, Range 6 West.
The surrounding uses, described below, are dominated by industrial uses.
• North: Industrial warehouse south of Santa Ana Avenue and light industrial uses north of Santa Ana
Avenue.
• West: Poplar Avenue followed by a Motor Vehicle Dealer and a beverage manufacturer.
• South: Distribution Warehouse followed by Jurupa Avenue.
• East: Catawba Avenue followed by a trucking company and light industrial warehouse uses.
4.5.11 NOISE
Existing Noise Levels
To assess the existing noise level environment, 24-hour noise level measurements were taken at various
locations, which are shown in Figure 5.11-1. The noise level measurements were positioned as close to the
Project site as possible to assess the existing ambient hourly noise levels. The background ambient noise
levels in the Project site are dominated by the transportation-related noise associated with surface streets.
A description of these locations and the existing noise levels are provided in Table 4-1.
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Table 4-2: Summary of 24-Hour Ambient Noise Level Measurements
Location Daytime
Noise
Levels1
(dBA Leq)
Evening
Noise
Levels2
(dBA Leq)
Nighttime
Noise
Levels3
(dBA Leq)
Daily Noise
Levels
(dBA CNEL)
LT-1 11053 Catawba Ave., on a power line
pole approximately 25 feet east of
Catawba Ave. centerline and 40 feet
from the east boundary of the Project
site
57.0–64.7 56.9–59.2 49.9–60.9 65.0
LT-2 On a tree near southeast corner of
Catawba Ave. and Jurupa Ave.
intersection, approximately 100 feet
away from Jurupa Ave. centerline
65.9–69.2 63.9–65.9 58.1–65.5 69.8
Source: Compiled by LSA (2023).
Note: Noise measurements were conducted from April 25 to April 26, 2022, starting at 11:00 a.m.
1 Daytime Noise Levels = noise levels during the hours from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
2 Evening Noise Levels = noise levels during the hours from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
3 Nighttime Noise Levels = noise levels during the hours from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. dBA = A-weighted decibels
CNEL = Community Noise Equivalent Level
Leq = equivalent continuous sound level
Existing Vibration
Aside from periodic construction work that may occur in the vicinity of the Project area, other sources of
groundborne vibration include heavy-duty vehicular travel (e.g., refuse trucks and delivery trucks) on area
roadways. Trucks traveling at a distance of 50 feet typically generate groundborne vibration velocity levels
of around 63 VdB (approximately 0.006 in/sec PPV) and could reach 72 VdB (approximately 0.016 in/sec
PPV) when trucks pass over bumps in the road (FTA, 2006).
Existing Airport Noise
The noise contour boundaries used to determine the potential aircraft-related noise impacts at the Project
site are found on Policy Map 2-3 of the ONT ALUCP. As shown on Figure 5.11-2, the Project site is located
within the 60-65 dBA CNEL noise level contour boundaries. Industrial land uses are considered normally
compatible land use within the 60-65 dBA CNEL noise contour boundaries.
Sensitive Receivers
Noise sensitive receivers are generally defined as locations where people reside or where the presence of
unwanted sound could otherwise adversely affect the use of the land. Noise-sensitive land uses are generally
considered to include: residences, schools, hospitals, and recreation areas. The closest sensitive receptors to
the Project site are residential uses such as single-family homes located approximately 1,325 feet northeast
of the Project northern boundary, south of Tyrol Drive, and single-family homes located approximately 1,500
feet south of the Project boundary line, south of Jurupa Avenue. Other sensitive land uses in the Project study
area that are located at greater distances than those identified in this noise study will experience lower
noise levels than those presented in this report due to the additional attenuation from distance and the
shielding of intervening structures.
4.5.12 POPULATION AND HOUSING
The Project site contains 41 parcels, 40 of which are currently developed single-family residences and
associated structures (40 total single family residential units). The Project site has a General Plan land use
designation of Residential Trucking (R-T) and a zoning designation of Specific Plan (SP). The Project site is
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within the Slover East Industrial District (SED) of the SWIP SP. Within the SWIP, the Project site is designated
as Residential Trucking District (RTD).
The proposed Project would include a General Plan Amendment (GPA) to change the land use designation
from R-T to General Industrial (I-G) and a Specific Plan Amendment (SPA) to change the SWIP SP designation
from RTD to SED. The proposed Project would include a GPA to change the land use designation from R-T
to General Industrial (I-G) and a SPA to change the SWIP designation from RTD to SED. The SED is intended
to provide opportunities for light and heavy manufacturing activities that are supposed by trucking routes
and the existing rail spur in addition to the continued use and expansion of existing industrial, distribution
and logistics-based warehousing developments, and strategically located service commercial facilities.
Permitted uses within the SED include but are not limited to warehousing facilities, logistics and distribution
facilities, and general manufacturing.
Population
According to the Southern California Association of Government’s (SCAG) 2020-2045 Regional
Transportation Plan / Sustainable Community Strategy (RTP/SCS), the population of Fontana is anticipated
to increase from 211,000 persons in 2016 to 286,700 persons in 2045, an increase in 75,700 persons
(Table 4-2). This represents a 36 percent increase between 2016 and 2045. Assuming the City of Fontana’s
population increased at a consistent rate between 2016 and 2045, the City would add approximately
2,610 persons per year. Comparatively, the entire population of San Bernardino County is anticipated to
increase from 2,141,000 persons in 2016 to 2,815,000 persons in 2045, an increase in 674,000 persons.
This represents a 31 percent increase. Assuming the County’s population increased at a consistent rate
between 2016 and 2045, the County would add approximately 32,241 persons per year.
Table 4-3: Population Trends in the City of Fontana
Jurisdiction 2016 2045 2016 – 2045 Increase
City of Fontana 211,000 286,700 75,700
(36%)
San Bernardino County 2,141,000 2,815,000 674,000
(31%)
Source: SCAG 2020
Housing
According to SCAG’s 2020-2045 RTP/SCS, the City of Fontana is projected to add approximately 26,300
households by 2045 (Table 4-3). Assuming the City of Fontana adds to the housing stock at a consistent rate
between 2016 and 2045, the City would add approximately 907 dwelling units per year. Comparatively,
the County as a whole is expected to add approximately 245,000 households by 2045. Assuming the County
added to the housing stock at a consistent rate between 2016 and 2045, the County would add
approximately 8,448 dwelling units per year.
Table 4-4: Housing Trends in the City of Fontana
Jurisdiction 2016 2045 2016 – 2045 Increase
City of Fontana 51,500 77,800 26,300 (51%)
San Bernardino County 630,000 875,000 245,000 (39%)
Source: SCAG 2020
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Employment
According to SCAG’s 2020-2045 RTP/SCS, the City of Fontana is projected to add approximately 18,400
jobs between 2016 and 2045 (Table 4-4). This represents an increase of approximately 32 percent.
Assuming the City of Fontana added employment opportunities at a consistent rate between 2016 and
2045, the City would add approximately 635 jobs per year. Comparatively, the entire County is projected
to add approximately 273,000 jobs (or 35 percent) between 2016 and 2045. Assuming the entire County
added employment opportunities at a consistent rate between 2016 and 2045, the County would add
approximately 9,414 jobs per year.
Table 4-5: Employment Trends in the City of Fontana
Jurisdiction 2016 2045 2016 – 2045 Increase
City of Fontana 56,700 75,100 18,400 (32%)
San Bernardino County 791,000 1,064,000 273,000 (35%)
Source: SCAG 2020
Jobs – Housing Ratio
The jobs-housing ratio is a general measure of the total number of jobs and housing units in a defined
geographic area, without regard to economic constraints or individual preferences. SCAG applies the jobs-
housing ratio at the regional and subregional levels to analyze the fit between jobs, housing, and
infrastructure. A major focus of SCAG’s regional planning efforts has been to improve this balance. SCAG
defines the jobs-housing balance as follows:
Jobs and housing are in balance when an area has enough employment opportunities for
most of the people who live there and enough housing opportunities for most of the people
who work there. The region as a whole is, by definition, balanced…. Job-rich subregions
have ratios greater than the regional average; housing-rich subregions have ratios lower
than the regional average. Ideally, job-housing balance would… assure not only a
numerical match of jobs and housing but also an economic match in type of jobs and housing.
SCAG considers an area balanced when the jobs-housing ratio is 1.36; communities with more than 1.36
jobs per dwelling unit are considered jobs-rich; those with fewer than 1.36 are “housing rich,” meaning that
more housing is provided than employment opportunities in the area. A job-housing imbalance can indicate
potential air quality and traffic problems associated with commuting. Table 4-5 provides the projected jobs-
to-housing ratios, based on SCAG’s 2020-2045 RTP/SCS, for the City.
Table 4-6: Jobs - Housing Trends in the City of Fontana
Jurisdiction Employment
in 2016
Number of
Dwelling
Units in
2016
2016 Jobs
to Housing
Ratio
Employment
in 2045
Number of
Dwelling
Units in
2045
2045 Jobs
to Housing
Ratio
City of Fontana 56,700 51,500 1.10 75,100 77,800 0.97
San Bernardino
County
791,000 630,000 1.26 1,064,000 875,000 1.22
Source: SCAG 2020
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As shown on Table 4-5, the projected 2045 jobs-to-housing ratio for the City of Fontana and San Bernardino
County are 0.97 and 1.22, respectively; that is, both the City of Fontana and San Bernardino County are
housing-rich. Therefore, it is possible that residents in the City of Fontana commute to other incorporated
cities or other counties for employment.
4.5.13 PUBLIC SERVICES
Fire Services
The Project site would be served by the Fontana Fire Protection District (FFPD) which contracts with the San
Bernardino County Fire Department (SBCoFD) to provide fire and emergency services. FFPD provides fire
suppression, emergency medical services (paramedic and non-paramedic), ambulance services, hazardous
materials (HAZMAT) response, arson investigation, technical rescue, hazard abatement, acts of terrorism and
natural disaster response. The FPPD consists of 132 full-time personnel, including 116 safety employees and
16 non-safety employees.
The City of Fontana is served by a total of seven fire stations as listed in Table 4-6. The fire station closest
to the Project site is Station 74 located at 11500 Live Oak Ave., approximately 1.8 miles southwest.
Table 4-7: Fire Stations
Fire
Station
Location Distance
from Site
Estimated
Response
Time
Equipment Staffing
Station 74 11500 Live Oak Ave.
Fontana, CA 92335
1.8 miles 6 minutes, 55
seconds
-One Medic Engine 3
crewmembers
Station 77 17459 Slover
Fontana, CA 92335
2.8 miles 7 minutes, 8
seconds
-One Medic Truck
-One Medic Squad
5
crewmembers
Station 72 15380 San Bernardino Ave.
P.O. Box 1040
Fontana, CA 92335
3.0 miles 7 minutes, 7
seconds
-One Medic Engine
-One Squad Vehicle
5
crewmembers
Station 71 16980 Arrow Blvd.
Fontana, CA 92335
5.0 miles 5 minutes, 49
seconds
-One Medic Engine
-One Medic Truck
-One Squad Vehicle
8
crewmembers
Station 78 7110 Citrus
Fontana, CA 92333
5.4 miles 6 minutes, 49
seconds
-One Medic Engine
-One Squad Vehicle
5
crewmembers
Station 73 14360 Arrow
Fontana, CA 92335
5.9 miles 6 minutes, 22
seconds
-One Medic Engine 4
crewmembers
Station 79 5075 Coyote Canyon Rd.
Fontana, CA 92336
9.0 miles 7 minutes, 18
seconds
-One Medic Engine 3
crewmembers
Information provided by City of Fontana FY 19-20 Adopted Operating Budget, SBCoFD Website and Lauri Lockwood at SBCoFD
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Law Enforcement Services
Law enforcement services in the City are provided by the Fontana Police Department (FPD). The city is served
by the central station located at 17005 Upland Avenue in downtown Fontana, which is approximately 4.9
miles northwest of the Project site. The FPD has four divisions including Office of the Chief of Police,
administrative services, field services and special operations and consists of 305 personnel, including 202
sworn officers and 103 non-sworn employees to provide for community policing services. In addition, the
average response time for the FPD is 4 minutes and 39 seconds (2021 FPD Annual Report). Using the
estimated population of 210, 761 in 2021 for the City of Fontana, the ratio of existing FPD personnel per
1,000 residents is estimated to be 1.4 (US Census Bureau 2021).
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department also operates a station in the City of Fontana located at
17780 Arrow Blvd, approximately 5.7 miles away from the Project site. This station is staffed with 50
employees and services unincorporated areas of several cities including that of Fontana, Bloomington, Rialto,
San Antonio Heights and the communities of Rosena Ranch and Lytle Creek.
The FPD and crime statistics indicate that Fontana does not have any ongoing serious crime problems and
that the City of Fontana has become one of the safest in the region in recent decades (City of Fontana 2018).
Park Services
Existing parks within the City include 41 parks on a total of approximately 366 acres (City of Fontana,
2018). At the estimated population of 210,761 in 2021, the ratio of existing parkland acres per 1,000
residents is 1.7 (US Census Bureau 2021). The parks and recreation facilities closest to the Project site include
Catawba Park at 11411 Catawba Place (approximately 0.9 miles from the Project site), Village Park at
15601 Village Drive East (approximately 0.9 miles from the Project site), and Mary Vagle Nature Center
at 11501 Cypress Avenue East (approximately 1.6 miles from the Project site).
School Services
The Project site is within the Fontana Unified School District (FUSD) boundary. The FUSD currently operates
45 schools, including: 30 elementary schools, seven middle schools, five high schools, two alternative high
schools and one adult school (FUSD 2022). As of the 2021/2022 school year, the FUSD had a total
enrollment of 35,101 students (California Dept. of Education 2022). The Project site is closest to Jurupa Hills
High School, at 10700 Oleander Avenue (approximately 1.1 miles from the Project site), Citrus Continuation
High School at 10760 Cypress Avenue (approximately 1.1 miles from the Project site), and Truman Middle
School at 16224 Mallory Drive (approximately 2.0 miles from the Project site).
Other Public Facilities
Other governmental services include a variety of public and quasi-public services including libraries, medical
clinics, urgent care facilities, hospitals, social service centers, senior centers, and other facilities. The library
closest to the Project site and surrounding area is the Fontana Lewis Library & Technology Center, located
at 8437 Sierra Avenue, approximately 4.8 miles northwest of the Project site.
Additionally, the nearest medical facilities to the Project site are the Metropolitan Industrial Medical Clinic,
located approximately 1.9 miles northeast, Kaiser Emergency Services located approximately 3.0 miles
northwest, and the Fontana Medical Center, located approximately 3.2 miles northwest.
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4.5.14 TRANSPORTATION
Existing Roadway Network
The existing roadway network in the vicinity of the Project site includes the following:
• Interstate 10. The Interstate (I) 10 provides regional access to the Project site and is located
approximately 0.9 mile north of the Project site and accessible via the Citrus Avenue interchange. In
this location, the freeway consists of four lanes in both directions. From Citrus Avenue, the I-10
connects to I-15 approximately 5 miles to the west and State Route (SR) 215 approximately 14
miles east.
• Interstate 15. The Interstate (I) 15 provides regional access to the Project site and is located
approximately 5 miles west of the Project site and accessible via the Jurupa Avenue interchange. In
this location, the freeway consists of four lanes in both directions.
• Citrus Avenue. Primary access to the Project site from I-10 is provided by Citrus Avenue, which is a
north-south roadway that is identified as a primary highway by the City’s General Plan in the vicinity
of the Project site. Citrus Avenue has four lanes of travel and Class II bike lane north of Santa Ana
Avenue in both directions. A Class II bike lane is provided by a stripe on the pavement.
• Santa Ana Avenue. Santa Ana Avenue is a four-lane east-west roadway, mostly lined with
landscaped sidewalks, that is to the north of the project site. Santa Ana Avenue connects the streets
adjacent to the Project site to Citrus Avenue, the primary access street to the I-10. The roadway is
identified as a secondary highway by the City’s General Plan.
• Catawba Avenue. Catawba Avenue is a two-lane north-south roadway, designated as a collector
street in the General Plan. The roadway is adjacent to the east side of the Project site. Portions of
the roadway are developed with landscaped sidewalks. No sidewalks currently exist adjacent to
the Project site.
• Poplar Avenue. Poplar Ave is a north-south roadway adjacent to the Project site, designated as a
secondary highway in the General Plan. Poplar Avenue is a four-lane roadway, with the northbound
lanes merging into one lane near to the project site. Portions of the roadway are developed with
landscaped sidewalks. No sidewalks currently exist adjacent to the Project site.
• Rose Avenue. Rose Avenue is a local roadway that currently bisects the Project site.
• Jurupa Avenue. Jurupa Avenue is an east-west six lane divided roadway with a landscaped
median that is located to the south of the Project site. Jurupa Avenue is identified as a Modified
Major Highway by the City’s General Plan and connects to I-15 that is approximately 5-miles west
of the site. Jurupa Avenue is identified as a primary highway in the City’s General Plan.
Existing Truck Routes
Truck routes in the Project vicinity include Santa Ana Avenue to the north, Citrus Avenue to the east, Jurupa
Avenue to the south, and Beech Avenue to the west.
Existing Site Access
Access to the Project site is provided by Poplar Avenue to the west and Catawba Avenue to the east, both
of which connect to Rose Avenue that bisects the Project site.
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Existing Transit Service
OmniTrans provides bus service in the City. The closest route is along Jurupa Avenue, which is served by
Route 82 that runs along Milliken Avenue, Jurupa Avenue, and Citrus Avenue; with stops at Victoria Gardens,
Kaiser High School, and Summit High School. The closest bus stop to the Project site is located 0.25 mile south
at the intersection of Poplar Avenue and Jurupa Avenue.
Existing Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities
Citrus Avenue has Class II bicycle lanes north of Santa Ana Avenue in both directions. The City’s General
Plan identifies proposed Class II bicycle lanes along Poplar Avenue adjacent to the project and Santa Ana
Avenue to the north. Sidewalks currently exist on both Polar Avenue and Catawba Avenue except for the
area adjacent to the Project site. Sidewalks also line most of both sides of Santa Ana Avenue as well as
Jurupa Avenue.
Existing Vehicle Miles Traveled
The San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) provides VMT data for each of its member
agencies and for the County of San Bernardino region via its San Bernardino Transportation Analysis Model
(SBTAM). The SBTAM identifies a baseline VMT per service population value, which calculates the number of
daily vehicles miles traveled by each member of the “service population,” which includes area employees
and residents. The baseline VMT for San Bernardino County is 17.1 VMT per employee.
4.5.15 TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES
Native American Tribes
The Project is within the traditional use territories of the Gabrielino and Serrano people. The prehistoric
setting discussion begins at the Paleo Indian Period (11,500 to circa 9,000 years ago). Paleo Indians were
likely attracted to multiple habitat types, including mountains, marshlands, estuaries, and lakeshores. These
people likely subsisted using more generalized hunting, gathering, and collecting of birds, mollusks, and
large and small animals.
The Archaic Period (circa 9,000 to 1,300 years ago) was a period where increased moisture allowed for
more extensive occupation of the region. The material culture related to this time period include mortar and
pestle, dart points, and arrow points.
At approximately 1,500 years ago, during the Late Prehistoric Period, bow and arrow technology started
to emerge. Brownware and buffware pottery vessels started to diffuse across the Southern California
deserts. The shift in material culture assemblages is largely attributed to the emergence of Shoshonean
(Takic-speaking) people who entered California from the east.
Sedentism continued to intensify through the Protohistoric Period (410 to 180 years ago). Ceramic technology
appeared in the region during the Protohistoric Period, which ended with the beginning of Spanish settlement
in 1769.
The Cultural Resources Assessment identified two prehistoric resources within one half mile of the Project site.
These prehistoric resources include a prehistoric habitation site and artifact scatter and a prehistoric isolate
scatter. None of the archaeological resources are within the Project site.
Based on historical aerials, the Project site was used agriculturally as early as the 1930s. By 1948, the
Project site was in the process of being cleared and developed for rural residential use which continued
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throughout the twentieth century. The Project site is currently entirely developed with 41 individual residential
parcels 40 of which are developed with residences with associated detached garages, sheds, and other
ancillary structures. The Cultural Resources Study identified 33 historic-era structures within the Project site
located at 11005-11093 Poplar Avenue, 15731-15878 Rose Avenue, and 11006-11098 Catawba
Avenue (BFSA 2022a). However, results of the historic structure evaluation determined that the structures at
11005-11093 Poplar Avenue, 15731-15878 Rose Avenue, and 11006-11098 Catawba Avenue
properties do not qualify for designation under the Fontana Local Register and do not meet the definition
of a historical resource under the CRHR or pursuant to CEQA Guidelines § 15064.5 (Urbana 2022). The
Project site is not listed on the NAHC Sacred Lands File.
4.5.16 UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS
Water Supply and Demand
The Project site is located within the water service area of the Fontana Water Company (FWC), which
provides retail water service to an area of approximately 52 square miles in San Bernardino County. FWC’s
service area boundaries include most of Fontana, portions of Rialto and Rancho Cucamonga, and
unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County.
FWC participates in the San Gabriel Valley Water Company Fontana Water Company Division Urban
Water Management Plan (2020). This Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) is a tool that provides a
summary of anticipated water supplies and demands for the next 20 years for the region that FWC services
including most of the City of Fontana, portions of the Cities of Rialto and Rancho Cucamonga and
unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County.
Currently, there is an existing 6-inch domestic water line located in Rose Avenue and an existing 4-inch
domestic water line in Poplar Avenue. The existing 6-inch domestic water line within Rose Avenue is to be
abandoned. The Project would install new 3-inch water lines that would connect to the existing 4-inch water
line in Poplar Avenue.
FWC has four sources of water supply: groundwater pumped from FWC-owned and operated wells from
the underlying Chino Basin, Rialto-Colton/No Man’s Land Basins, and Lytle Basin; local surface water
diverted from Lytle Creek, treated at the Summit Plant; untreated, imported surface water from the State
Water Project (SWP) purchased from the Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA) and San Bernardino Valley
Municipal Water District (SBVMWD), treated at the Summit Plant; and recycled water purchased from IEUA.
In 2020, the FWC obtained the majority of its water supply from non-desalinated groundwater in the Chino
Basin.
The 2045 projections anticipate that approximately 35 percent of supply would be from purchased or
imported water, approximately 50 percent would be from groundwater, approximately 9 percent from
surface water, and approximately 6 percent from recycled water.
Projected demands for FWC were developed using populations projections and recent per capita water use
for FWC’s service area. Using SB X7-7’s method (80 percent of base daily per capita water use), daily
average water use was divided by the service area population to obtain baseline and target GPCD. Growth
rates were based on a forecast of future population prepared by the Southern California Association of
Governments (SCAG). Further, FWC selected a baseline demand of 165 gallons per capita per day (GPCD)
to project future water demands from 2025 through 2045. According to the UWMP, FWC has adequate
supplies to serve 100 percent of its customers during normal, dry year, and multiple dry year demand
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through 2045 with projected population increases and accompanying increases in water demand if
conservation measures are implemented as expected.
Groundwater: FWC produces potable groundwater from three basins: the Chino Basin, the Rialto-Colton
Basin and the Lytle Basin, all of which are subbasins of the Upper Santa Ana Valley Basin. The Chino Basin,
(Basin Number 8-2.01) contains 235 square miles of the upper Santa Ana River, from which FWC sources
most of its water. FWC currently receives groundwater from 12 active wells in the Chino Basin at a pumping
capacity of 23,123 gallons per minute (gpm). Additionally, the FWC produces water from seven active wells
in the Rialto-Colton Basin (Basin Number 8-2.04) with a pumping capacity of 4,659 gpm and from ten active
wells in the Lytle Basin at a current pumping capacity of 9,440 gpm.
Purchased or Imported Water: FWC purchases untreated, imported water from both IEUA and San
Bernardino Municipal Water District (SBVMWD) for non-potable uses. Untreated imported SWP water
purchased from IEUA is sourced by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) which is
then treated at FWC’s Summit Plant. The Summit Plant receives SWP water from IEUA through MWD’s Rialto
Pipeline via a 30-inch turnout/raw water line to the energy dissipation facility located at the northwest
corner of the Summit Plant.
FWC’s current SWP allocation with IEUA is 10,000 AFY, with additional carryover water available on a
year-to-year basis. FWC obtained 10,027 AF of water in 2020 This current allocation will expire on
December 31, 2024. However, FWC will request a new allocation of 15,000 AFY of SWP water from IEUA
when the allocation is renewed for the Summit Plant Expansion in 2025.
Untreated, imported SWP water purchased from SBVMD is treated at FWC’s Summit Plant. SBVMWD is an
independent SWP contractor with a service area covering approximately 353 square miles in southwestern
San Bernardino County. Since a portion of FWC’s service area is within SBVMWD’s service boundary, FWC
can receive imported untreated SWP water to serve the designated service area via a 14 cubic feet per
second connection. However, FWC has not received any water from SBVMWD from 2016 to 2020.
Recycled Water: FWC sources recycled water from the IEUA. IEUA operates four Regional Water Recycling
Plants (RPs), including RP-1, RP- 4, RP-5, and the Carbon Canyon Water Recycling Facility (CCWRF) which
treat wastewater within IEUA’s overall service area. The Regional Water Recycling Plant that treats local
wastewater generated by the City of Fontana is RP-4 and is located in the City of Rancho Cucamonga. On
average, RP-4 treats approximately 10 MGD of wastewater and is operated in conjunction with RP-1 to
provide recycled water to customers.
Recycled water can be used for groundwater recharge and storage and for irrigation or other approved
industrial processes. FWC’s recycled water supply is expected to increase since FWC established an
agreement with the City of Fontana for the direct use of recycled water in the southern portion of FWC’s
service area known as IEUA’s 1158 Zone. This agreement, known as the 1158 Zone Recycled Water Project,
is expected to provide up to approximately 2,000 AFY of recycled water to schools, parks, and commercial
customers in the City of Fontana. The 1158 Zone Recycled Water Project began delivering recycled water
to customers in late 2016. Additional facilities are required to accept delivery of recycled water from IEUA
for delivery to FWC’s customers in other portions of the City of Fontana.
In addition, the City of Fontana is entitled to use up to approximately 12,000 AFY of tertiary treated
recycled water as part of an existing agreement with IEUA. In 2020, FWC signed an agreement with the
City of Fontana to purchase its balance of tertiary treated recycled water recharged into the Chino Basin
by IEUA. The recharge will offset FWC’s replenishment obligation, when available.
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Surface Water: FWC has the right to divert and pump groundwater up to a maximum of 50,400 AFY out of
the Lytle Creek Region. This allotted amount includes up to 36,200 AFY of allowable combined surface and
groundwater extractions to augment deficiencies in surface water diversions (UWMP 2020).
As shown in Table 5.16-2, it is projected that approximately 4,860 AFY will be available from Lytle Creek
in normal years for the next 25 years. However, Lytle Creek surface water supplies have the potential to
be reduced by as much as 83 percent future single-dry or multiple dry years.
Water Infrastructure
The Project site is currently served by the FWC water utility and would connect to the existing water
infrastructure. In addition, the existing 6-inch domestic water line within Rose Avenue would be abandoned
and the Project would install new 3-inch water lines that would connect to the existing 4-inch water line along
Poplar Avenue.
Wastewater
FWC provides wastewater collection, treatment, and recycled water services throughout its service area,
including to the Project site. Treatment services in FWC’s area are provided by both the IEUA and the City
of Rialto. The City of Rialto services only the portion of FWC’s service area located in the City of Rialto.
Therefore, the City of Fontana, which includes the Project area receives treatment services only from the
IEUA. IEUA operates four Regional Water Recycling Plants (RPs) within its service area including RP-1, RP-
4, RP-5, and the Carbon Canyon Water Recycling Facility (CCWRF) which treat wastewater and recycled
water within IEUA’s overall service area. The four RP’s have a combined capacity of 86 MGD which is
equivalent to 96,396 AFY (UWMP 2020). RP-4, located in the City of Rancho Cucamonga is the designated
plant to treat wastewater generated by the City of Fontana. In 2020, RP-4 collected and treated
approximately 13,807 AFY of wastewater from the City of Fontana (UWMP 2020). On average, RP-4
treats approximately 10 million gallons per day and has a capacity to treat 14 million gallons per day
(UWMP 2020).
The Project would install new 8-inch sewer lines to connect to the existing 8-inch sewer lines in Poplar Avenue
and Catawba Avenue that would serve the Project site. A sewer lift station is also proposed in the northwest
portion of the site.
Drainage
Topographically, the Project site is relatively flat with an elevation of 1,003 feet above mean sea-level to
1,023 feet above mean sea-level with no areas of significant topographic relief. The existing site is
developed as a residential neighborhood. The residential area north of Rose Avenue drains southerly
towards Rose Avenue. Runoff from Rose Avenue is then conveyed along Rose Avenue towards Poplar Avenue
via overland flow. Flows are collected via curbs and gutters and discharged into the existing 72-inch storm
drain within Poplar Avenue. The residential area south of Rose Avenue drains northeast to southwest and into
a drainage ditch immediately south of the Project site within the adjacent property.
Solid Waste
The City of Fontana is currently served by Burrtec Waste Industries for solid waste and recycling services.
Solid waste generated by the Project would be disposed of at the Mid-Valley Sanitary Landfill, located
approximately 8.9 roadway miles from the site in Rialto. The Mid-Valley Sanitary Landfill has a current
remaining capacity of 61,219,377 tons. The Mid-Valley Sanitary Landfill is permitted to accept 7,500 tons
per day of solid waste and is permitted to operate through April 2045. In 2021, the average tonnage
received was 2,289 tons per day.
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Dry Utilities
Electricity: Electricity is provided to the Project by SCE. SCE provides electric power to more than 15 million
persons within its 50,000 square mile service area. According to SCE’s 2021 Power Content Label Mix, SCE
derives electricity from varied energy resources including: fossil fuels, hydroelectric generators, nuclear
power plants, geothermal power plants, solar power generation, and wind farms. SCE also purchases power
from independent power producers and utilities, which includes out-of-state providers.
Natural Gas: Natural gas would be provided to the Project by the Southern California Gas Company (SoCal
Gas).
Telecommunications: Telecommunications would be provided to the Project by AT&T.
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REFERENCES
Brian F. Smith and Associates, Inc. A Cultural Resources Study for the Poplar South Distribution Center Project.
5 August 2022. (BFSA 2022a). Appendix E.
Brian F. Smith and Associates. “Paleontological Assessment for the Poplar South Distribution Center Project.”
5 August 2022. (BFSA 2022). Appendix H.
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). California State Scenic Highway System Map. 2018.
Accessed: 9 January 2022.
https://caltrans.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=465dfd3d807c46cc8e8057116f1
aacaa
California Energy Commission. “2022 Title 24 Building Energy Standards” (CEC 2022). Accessed:
https://www.energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/building-energy-efficiency-standards/2022-
building-energy-efficiency
California Gas and Electric Utilities. 2022 California Gas Report (CEU). Accessed:
https://www.socalgas.com/sites/default/files/Joint_Utility_Biennial_Comprehensive_California_Gas_Repo
rt_2022.pdf
CalRecycle. 2022. SWIS Facility/Site Activity Details - Mid-Valley Sanitary Landfill (36-AA 0055) Accessed:
https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/SolidWaste/Site/Details/2662
City of Fontana General Plan. Accessed: 9 January 2023.
https://www.fontana.org/DocumentCenter/View/28271/Complete-Document---Approved-General-Plan-
Documents-11-13-2018
City of Fontana General Plan Final Program Environmental Impact Report. Accessed: 9 January 2023.
https://www.fontana.org/DocumentCenter/View/29524/Draft-Environmental-Impact-Report-for-the-
General-Plan-Update
City of Fontana. Police Department Annual Report 2021. Accessed: 16 January 2023.
https://www.fontana.org/DocumentCenter/View/37288/ANNUAL-REPORT-2021
Edison International 2021 Annual Report (SCE 2021). Accessed:
https://s3.amazonaws.com/cms.ipressroom.com/405/files/202210/2021-eix-sce-annual-report.pdf
Fontana Police Department. Accessed: 04 January 2023. https://www.fontana.org/112/Police-Department
Fontana Unified School District. Accessed: 04 January 2023. https://www.fusd.net/
Fontana Water Company. 2020 Urban Water Management Plan. Accessed:
https://www.fontanawater.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/FWC-2020-UWMP-June-2021-Final.pdf
Hazard Management Consulting. “Phase I Environmental Site Assessment.” 31 January 2022. Appendix I.
Hernandez Environmental Services. “General Biological Assessment for Assessor’s Parcel Numbers 0237-171-
01 through-19, 0237-172-01 through -12, -19, -22, -23, -26, through -28, and -30 through -33.” August
2022. Appendix C.
Ramirez, Rico. “Arborist Study and Tree Protection Plan” January 2023. Appendix D.
San Bernardino County Fire Department. Accessed: 04 January 2023: https://sbcfire.org/
Poplar South Distribution Center 4.0 Environmental Setting
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June 2023
San Bernardino County Library. Accessed: 04 January 2023. https://sbclib.org/
San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. Accessed: 24 January 2023.
https://wp.sbcounty.gov/sheriff/patrol-stations/fontana/
SCAG. 2020-2045 Regional Transportation Plan/ Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCAG 2020).
Accessed 16 January 2023. https://www.connectsocal.org/Pages/Connect-SoCal-Final-Plan.aspx.
Southern California Geotechnical. “Geotechnical Investigation Proposed Warehouse, Poplar Avenue, South
of Santa Ana Avenue Fontana, California for Seefried Industrial Properties, Inc.” 11 February 2022 (SCG
2022). Appendix G.
Southwest Industrial Park Specific Plan (City of Fontana, 2012). Accessed: 9 January
2023.https://www.fontana.org/DocumentCenter/View/29312/Southwest-Industrial-Specific-Plan---
Combined-Document
Southwest Industrial Park Specific Plan Environmental Impact Report (City of Fontana, 2011). Accessed: 9
January 2023. https://www.fontana.org/DocumentCenter/View/36382/SWIP-Public-Review-Draft-
Program-EIR
US Census Bureau. Accessed: 04 January 2023.
https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/fontanacitycalifornia/PST045221
Poplar South Distribution Center 5.0 Environmental Impact Analysis
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5.0 Environmental Impact Analysis
Chapter 5 examines the environmental setting of the Project, analyzes its effects and the significance of its
impacts, and recommends mitigation measures to reduce or avoid impacts. This chapter has a separate
section for each environmental issue area that was determined to need further study in the Draft EIR through
the NOP review and comment process (see Appendix A). Environmental issues and their corresponding
sections are:
5.1 Aesthetics
5.2 Air Quality
5.9 Hydrology and Water Quality
5.10 Land Use and Planning
5.3 Biological Resources 5.11 Noise
5.4 Cultural Resources
5.5 Energy
5.12 Population and Housing
5.13 Public Services
5.6 Geology and Soils 5.14 Transportation
5.7 Greenhouse Gas Emissions
5.8 Hazards and Hazardous Materials
5.15 Tribal Cultural Resources
5.16 Utilities and Service Systems
This Draft EIR evaluates the direct and indirect impacts resulting from the planning, construction, and
operations of the Project. Under CEQA, EIRs are intended to focus their discussion on significant impacts and
may limit discussion of other impacts to a brief explanation of why the impacts are not significant.
Format of Environmental Topic Sections
Each environmental topic section generally includes the following main subsections:
• Introduction: This describes the purpose of analysis for the environmental topic and referenced
documents used to complete the analysis. This subsection may define terms used.
• Regulatory Setting: This subsection describes applicable federal, state, and local plans, policies,
and regulations that the Project must address and may affect its implementation.
• Environmental Setting: This subsection describes the existing physical environmental conditions
(environmental baseline) related to the environmental topic being analyzed.
• Thresholds of Significance: This subsection sets forth the thresholds of significance (significance
criteria) used to determine whether impacts are “significant.” The thresholds of significance used to
assess the significance of impacts are based on those provided in Appendix G of the CEQA
Guidelines.
• Methodology: This subsection provides a description of the methods used to analyze the impact and
determine whether it would be significant or less than significant.
• Environmental Impacts: This subsection provides an analysis of the impact statements for each
identified significance threshold. The analysis of each impact statement is organized as follows:
• A statement of the CEQA threshold being analyzed.
• The Draft EIR’s conclusion as to the significance of the impact.
• An impact assessment that evaluates the changes to the physical environment that would
result from the Project.
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• An identification of significance comparing identified impacts of the Project to the
significance threshold with implementation of existing regulations, prior to implementation
of any required mitigation.
• Cumulative Impacts: This subsection describes the potential cumulative impacts that would occur
from the Project’s environmental effects in combination with other cumulative projects (See Table 4-
10).
• Existing Regulations and Regulatory Requirements. A list of applicable laws and regulations that
would reduce potentially significant impacts.
• Level of Significance Before Mitigation. A determination of the significance of the impacts after
the application of applicable existing regulations and regulatory requirements.
• Mitigation Measures. For each impact determined to be potentially significant after the application
of applicable laws and regulations, feasible mitigation measure(s) to be implemented are provided.
Mitigation measures include enforceable actions to:
• avoid a significant impact;
• minimize the severity of a significant impact;
• rectify an impact by repairing, rehabilitating, or restoring the effected physical
environment;
• reduce or eliminate the impact over time through preservation and/or maintenance
operations during the life of the Project; and/or
• compensating for the impact by replacing or providing substitute resources or environmental
conditions.
• Level of Significance after Mitigation. This section provides the determination of the impact’s level
of significance after the application of regulations, regulatory requirements, and mitigation
measures.
Cumulative Impacts
Cumulative impacts refer to the combined effect of the proposed Project’s impacts with the impacts of other
past, present, and reasonably foreseeable probable future projects. Both CEQA and the CEQA Guidelines
require that cumulative impacts be analyzed in an EIR. As set forth in the CEQA Guidelines Section 15130(b),
“the discussion of cumulative impacts shall reflect the severity of the impacts and their likelihood of
occurrence, but the discussion need not provide as great detail as is provided for the effects attributable to
the project alone.” The CEQA Guidelines direct that the discussion should be guided by practicality and
reasonableness and focus on the cumulative impacts that would result from the combination of the proposed
project and other projects, rather than the attributes of other projects which do not contribute to cumulative
impacts.
According to Section 15355 of the CEQA Guidelines,
‘Cumulative impacts’ refer to two or more individual effects which, when considered together,
are considerable or which compound or increase other environmental impacts.
a) The individual effects may be changes resulting from a single project or a number of
separate projects.
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b) The cumulative impact from several projects is the change in the environment which results
from the incremental impact of the project when added to other closely related past,
present, and reasonably foreseeable probable future projects. Cumulative impacts can
result from individually minor but collectively significant projects taking place over a
period of time.
Therefore, the cumulative discussion in this Draft EIR focuses on whether the impacts of the proposed Project are
cumulatively considerable within the context of impacts caused by other past, present, and reasonably
foreseeable future projects. Additionally, pursuant to the CEQA Guidelines Section 15130(a)(1), an EIR should
not discuss cumulative impacts that do not result at least in part from the project being evaluated in the EIR. Thus,
cumulative impact analysis is not provided for any environmental issue where the proposed Project would have
no environmental impact. Analysis of cumulative impacts is, however, provided for all Project impacts that are
evaluated within this Draft EIR.
CEQA Guidelines Section 15130(b)(1) states that the information utilized in an analysis of cumulative impacts
should come from one of the following, or a reasonable combination of the two:
• A list of past, present and probable future projects producing related or cumulative impacts, including
those projects outside the control of the lead agency; or
• A summary of projections contained in an adopted local, regional, or statewide plan or related planning
document that describes or evaluates conditions contributing to the cumulative effect.
The cumulative analysis for air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and transportation relies on projections
contained in adopted local, regional, or statewide plans or related planning documents, such as Southern
California Regional Transportation Plan, Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) growth
projections, and the San Bernardino County Transportation Analysis Model (SBTAM). The cumulative analyses
for other environmental issues use the list of projects approach.
Different types of cumulative impacts occur over different geographic areas. For example, the geographic
scope of the cumulative air quality analysis, where cumulative impacts occur over a large area, is different
from the geographic scope considered for cumulative analysis of aesthetic resources, for which cumulative
impacts are limited to project area viewsheds. Thus, in assessing aesthetic resources impacts, only
development within and immediately adjacent to the Project area would contribute to a cumulative visual
effect is analyzed, whereas cumulative transportation impacts are based upon annual growth projections
and the other proposed and/or foreseeable development within the traffic study area of roadways and
intersections. Because the geographic scope and other parameters of each cumulative analysis discussion can
vary, the cumulative geographic scope, and the cumulative projects included in the geographic scope (when
the list of projects approach is used), are described for each environmental topic. Table 5-1 provides a list
of projects considered in this cumulative environmental analysis, which was compiled per information
provided by each agency, and Figure 5-1 shows the locations.
Poplar South Distribution Center 5.0 Environmental Impact Analysis
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June 2023
Table 5-1. Cumulative Projects List
# Project Land Use Quantity
1 Fontana Corporate Center Warehouse 355.370 TSF
2 Fontana Trailer Storage Yard Truck Trailer Storage Yard 17.4 AC
3 MG Home International Warehouse Warehouse 15.570 TSF
4 Calabash Industrial Building Warehouse 64.692 TSF
5 Cherry Av. Warehouse Warehouse 174.280 TSF
6 Beech & Santa Ana Warehouse Warehouse 174.000 TSF
7 Banana & Rose Warehouse 85.730 TSF
8 MCN No. 19-040 Warehouse 106.500 TSF
9 MCN No. 21-074 Warehouse 42.000 TSF
10 TPM No. 20236 (MCN No. 20-040) Warehouse (2 Buildings) 158.223 TSF
11 MCN No. 19-094 Warehouse 192.000 TSF
12 MCN No. 19-057 Warehouse 146.800 TSF
13 Slover and Redwood Industrial Truck Trailer Storage Yard 5.1 AC
14 14801 Slover Avenue Warehouse Warehouse 308.211 TSF
15 MCN No. 21-049 Warehouse 210.400 TSF
16 Banana and Santa Ana Warehouse Warehouse 299.041 TSF
17 Chaffey College - Fontana Junior/Community College 854 STU
18 GLC Fontana III Warehouse 362.416 TSF
High-Cube Cold Storage Warehouse 90.604 TSF
19 Fontana Foothills High-Cube Warehouse / Distribution
Center
754.408 TSF
20 Slover Industrial Center High-Cube Warehouse (Cold Storage) 20.421 TSF
Warehousing 115.719 TSF
21 La Quinta Inn Hotel 104 Room
22 Townplace Suites Hotel 116 Room
23 Citrus / Slover Warehouse (SEC of Citrus
Av. & Slover Av.)
Warehousing 194.212 TSF
24 Cypress and Slover Warehouse High-Cube Warehouse (Cold Storage) 156.365 TSF
High-Cube Fulfillment Center 469.095 TSF
25 Slover Avenue Office/Warehouse Warehouse 41.000 TSF
26 Sierra Business Center High-Cube Warehouse Fulfillment Center
(Sort)
707.735 TSF
27 Affordable Housing Project Affordable Homes 130 DU
28 The Heights as Southridge Single Family Detached Residential 255 DU
29 Southridge Dog Park Dog Park 0.53 AC
30 Elm Warehouse Warehousing 88.619 TSF
31 Boyle Industrial Warehousing 126.655 TSF
32 Clover Industrial Warehousing 148.028 TSF
33 16025 Slover Avenue Warehouse High-Cube Fulfillment Center 400.000 TSF
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34 Catawba & Aliso Industrial Warehousing 14.955 TSF
35 James Hardie Development Research and Development 200.600 TSF
36 Hemlock Warehouse Warehousing 220.500 TSF
37 First Industrial Catawba Warehouse Warehousing 18.467 TSF
38 Jurupa and Citrus Warehouse Warehousing 77.558 TSF
39 CHI Fontana Citrus Warehousing 174.888 TSF
40 Santa Ana Ave. Industrial Development Warehousing 554.300 TSF
41 Fontana Business Center 2 Warehousing 40.800 TSF
42 SWC Slover and Cherry Warehousing 165.400 TSF
43 Cherry and Valley Retail Center Coffee Shop with Drive-Thru 2.500 TSF
Automobile Parts Store 7.381 TSF
44 Hemlock Warehouse Warehousing 220.500 TSF
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Poplar South Distribution Center
City of Fontana
Figure 5-1a
Cumulative Projects Map
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Poplar South Distribution Center 5.0 Environmental Impact Analysis
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Poplar South Distribution Center
City of Fontana
Figure 5-1b
Cumulative Projects Map
Poplar South Distribution Center 5.0 Environmental Impact Analysis
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Draft EIR
June 2023
Impact Significance Classifications
The below classifications are used throughout the impact analysis in this Draft EIR to describe the level of
significance of environmental impacts. Although the criteria for determining significance are different for
each topic area, the environmental analysis applies a uniform classification of the impacts based on
definitions consistent with CEQA and the CEQA Guidelines.
• No Impact. The Project would not change the environment.
• Less Than Significant. The Project would not cause any substantial, adverse change in the
environment.
• Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. The Draft EIR includes mitigation measures that
avoid substantial adverse impacts on the environment.
• Significant and Unavoidable. The Project would cause a substantial adverse effect on the
environment, and no feasible mitigation measures are available to reduce the impact to a less than
significant level.
Poplar South Distribution Center 5.1 Aesthetics
City of Fontana 5.1-1
Draft EIR
June 2023
5.1 Aesthetics
5.1.1 INTRODUCTION
This section describes the visual setting and aesthetic character of the Project site and evaluates the potential
for the Project to impact scenic vistas, the visual character and quality of the Project sites, and cause light,
and glare impacts. The analysis focuses on changes that would be seen from public viewpoints and provides
an assessment of whether aesthetic changes from Project implementation would result in substantially
degraded aesthetic conditions. Descriptions of existing aesthetic/visual conditions are based, in part, on site
visits by the consulting team, analysis of aerial photography (Google Earth Pro 2020), and the Project
application materials, such as the site plan, building elevations, and landscape plan, submitted to the City of
Fontana described in Section 3.0, Project Description, of this EIR. This section is also based, in part, on the
following documents and resources:
• California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Scenic Highway Mapping System (Caltrans
2018).
• City of Fontana General Plan Update 2015-2035, Adopted November 2018
• City of Fontana General Plan Update 2015-2035 Environmental Impact Report, Certified November
2018
• City of Fontana Code of Ordinances
• Southwest Industrial Park Specific Plan, Adopted June 2012
• Southwest Industrial Park Specific Plan Environmental Impact Report, Certified October 2011
Aesthetics Terminology
• Aesthetic Resources include a combination of numerous elements, such as landforms, vegetation,
water features, urban design, and/or architecture, that provide an overall visual impression that is
pleasing to, or valued by, its observers. Factors important in describing the aesthetic resources of an
area include visual character, scenic resources, and scenic vistas. These factors together not only
describe the intrinsic aesthetic appeal of an area, but also communicate the value placed upon a
landscape or scene by its observers.
• Scenic Resources are visually significant hillsides, ridges, water bodies, and buildings that are
critical in shaping the visual character and scenic identity of the area and surrounding region.
• Scenic Vistas are defined as panoramic views of important visual features, as seen from public
viewing areas. This definition combines visual quality with information about view exposure to
describe the level of interest or concern that viewers may have for the quality of a particular view
or visual setting.
Visual Character broadly describes the unique combination of aesthetic elements and scenic
resources that characterize a particular area. The quality of an area’s visual character can be
qualitatively assessed considering the overall visual impression or attractiveness created by the
particular landscape characteristics. In urban settings, these characteristics largely include land use
type and density, urban landscaping and design, architecture, topography, and background setting.
5.1.2 REGULATORY SETTING
5.1.2.1 Federal Regulations
There are no federal regulations concerning aesthetic impacts that are applicable to the Project.
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June 2023
5.1.2.2 State Regulations
California State Scenic Highways
In 1963, the State Legislature established the California Scenic Highway Program through Senate Bill 1467.
The purpose of the program is to protect and enhance the natural scenic beauty of California highways and
adjacent corridors, through special conservation treatment. A highway may be designated as scenic
depending upon how much of the natural landscape can be seen by travelers, the scenic quality of the
landscape, and the extent to which development intrudes upon the traveler’s enjoyment of the view. Scenic
corridors consist of land that is visible from, adjacent to, and outside the highway right-of-way, and is
comprised primarily of scenic and natural features. Topography, vegetation, viewing distance, and/or
jurisdictional lines determine the corridor boundaries. Scenic highways are classified as either Officially
Designated or Eligible for designation and Caltrans maintains the lists of these highways. (Caltrans, 2021)
There are no officially designated scenic road or highway corridors within or adjacent to the Project site, or
within the larger City of Fontana (Caltrans, 2021).
5.1.2.3 Local Regulations
Fontana General Plan
The Fontana General Plan contains the following policies related to aesthetics that are applicable to the
Project:
Conservation, Open Space, Parks and Trails Element
Goal 1 Fontana continues to preserve sensitive natural open space in the foothills of the San Gabriel
Mountains and Jurupa Hills.
Policy
▪ Consider permanent protection for sensitive foothills through potential partnerships with
conservation organizations or acquisition and deed restrictions.
Southwest Industrial Park Specific Plan
The SWIP SP includes the following objectives and policies related to aesthetics and the proposed Project:
Objective LU-4 Incorporate modulated building volumes, mass, height, and articulated facades to create
spaces suitable for industrial development throughout the SWIP Specific Plan Area.
Objective D-4 Prepare design guidelines as a tool to facilitate exemplary and innovative design; promote
development that is compatible with the surrounding environment; serve as a resource of
ideas for project applicants; and perform as an objective reference for City review of
project applications.
City of Fontana Municipal Code
Sec. 30-426 - Land use compatibility. The site and design of a project shall recognize that conflicts
between abutting or nearby land uses can arise due to such factors as the operating characteristics of an
existing use, hazards posed by a use, or the physical orientation of a building. On a citywide scale, the
General Plan land use map establishes a pattern of land use designed to minimize land uses conflicts. At
the project level, the features described in this section should be incorporated into a project as appropriate
to ensure the compatibility of different land uses.
Sec. 30-544 – Light and glare. All lights shall be directed and/or shielded to prevent the light from
adversely affecting adjacent properties. No structure or lighting feature shall be permitted which creates
Poplar South Distribution Center 5.1 Aesthetics
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adverse glare. A photometric plan shall be provided that indicates the amount of light emanating from
the proposed/existing light fixtures.
5.1.3 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
Aesthetic resources include a combination of numerous elements, such as landforms, vegetation, water
features, urban design, and/or architecture, that impart an overall visual impression that is pleasing to, or
valued by, its observers. Factors important in describing the aesthetic resources of an area include visual
character, scenic resources, and scenic vistas. These factors together not only describe the intrinsic aesthetic
appeal of an area, but also communicate the value placed upon a landscape or scene by its observers.
Scenic Vistas
Scenic vistas are panoramic views of important visual features, as seen from public viewing areas. The Project
site is located within the SWIP SP. Per the SWIP SP Environmental Impact Report (EIR), the SWIP SP aims to
preserve regionally significant scenic vistas and natural features, including the Jurupa Mountains to the south
as well as the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains to the north (City of Fontana, 2011). The City of
Fontana General Plan describes that in addition to scenic corridors, scenic resources include distant views
that provide visual relief from less attractive views of nearby features. As discussed in the General Plan,
other designated federal and state lands, as well as local open space or recreational areas, may also offer
scenic vistas if they represent a valued aesthetic view within the surrounding landscape.
The Project is located in a developed area with multiple industrial developments in each direction. According
to the General Plan, the surrounding foothills are visible from Jurupa Avenue. Views of the surrounding
foothills are available from public vantage points on traveling north to south on Poplar Avenue and Catawba
Avenue. However, there are no scenic vistas within the Project vicinity.
State Scenic Highway
There are no officially designated state scenic highways in the vicinity of the proposed Project (Caltrans
2022). The closest Officially Designated State Scenic Highway is State Route 30 near Highlands,
approximately 15 miles east from the Project site. Likewise, there are no County‐designated scenic highways
that run through the Project vicinity.
Visual Character of the Project Site
The Project site is currently zoned Residential Trucking District (RTD), which allows for single-family residential
uses which are utilized to a great extent for home-based trucking/heavy equipment business. RTD areas lack
any significant visual resources or unique aesthetic characteristics. The Project site consists of 40 residential
homes and storage lots that are used for truck trailer storage.
Visual Character of Adjacent Areas
The existing visual character of the area surrounding the Project site consists primarily of industrial
warehouses and industrial uses. There is no consistent architectural or visual theme within the surrounding
area.
The parcels adjacent to the Project site directly north, south and east contain large industrial buildings. There
is also a car dealership located to the west across Poplar Street.
Light and Glare
The Project site is currently developed with 40 residences and includes minimal sources of nighttime lighting
associated with residential use (interior lighting, landscape lights, and intermittent lighting from vehicles
utilizing Rose Avenue). However, the Project site is surrounded by sources of nighttime lighting that includes
streetlights along Poplar Street, illumination from vehicle headlights, offsite exterior lighting, and interior
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illumination passing through windows. Sensitive receptors relative to lighting and glare include motorists
passing through the Project area.
Glare can emanate from many different sources, some of which include direct sunlight, sunlight reflecting
from cars or buildings, and bright outdoor or indoor lighting. Glare in the Project vicinity is generated by
building and vehicle windows reflecting light. The nearest occupied residences are located approximately
0.3 mile to the north, south of Jurupa Avenue.
5.1.4 THRESHOLDS OF SIGNIFICANCE
Appendix G of State CEQA Guidelines indicates that a project could have a significant effect if it were to:
AE-1 Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista; or
AE-2 Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings,
and historic buildings within a state scenic highway; or
AE-3 In nonurbanized areas, substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of
public views of the site and its surroundings? (Public views are those that are experienced
from publicly accessible vantage point.) If the project is in an urbanized area, would the
project conflict with applicable zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality?; or
AE-4 Create new sources of substantial light or glare, which would adversely affect day or
nighttime views in the area.
5.1.5 METHODOLOGY
Aesthetic resources were assessed based on the visual quality of the Project site and surrounding areas and
the changes that would occur from Project implementation. The significance determination for scenic vistas is
based on whether the vista can be viewed from public areas within or near the Project site and the potential
for the Project to either hinder views of the scenic vista or result in its visual degradation. The evaluation of
aesthetic character identifies the Project’s development characteristics and its expected appearance, and
compares it to the site’s existing appearance and character, and to the character of adjacent existing and
future planned uses to determine whether and/or to what extent a degradation of the visual character of
the area could occur (considering factors such as the blending/contrasting of new and existing buildings
given the proposed uses, density, height, bulk, setbacks, signage, etc.).
The analysis of light and glare identifies light-sensitive land uses and describes the Project’s proposed light
and glare sources, and the extent to which Project lighting could spill off the Project site onto adjacent
existing and future light-sensitive areas. The analysis also considers the potential for sunlight to reflect off
building surfaces (glare) and the extent to which such glare would interfere with the operation of motor
vehicles or other activities.
5.1.6 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
IMPACT AE-1: WOULD THE PROJECT HAVE A SUBSTANTIAL ADVERSE EFFECT ON A SCENIC
VISTA?
Less than Significant Impact. The City’s General Plan identifies the Jurupa Mountains are considered a
dominant scenic feature for the City. The only scenic vista cited in the SWIP SP is located 0.73 miles south of
the Project site and is identified as views of the Jurupa Mountains, landscaped medians and parkway
features on the south side of Jurupa Ave. Public views are those that are experienced from a publicly
accessible vantage point. Public views of the Jurupa Mountains are visible to vehicles and pedestrians
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traveling north to south on Catawba Avenue and Poplar Avenue. The views are interrupted by existing
vegetation, residential and industrial buildings, landscaping, streetlights and utility poles.
The Project site is currently developed with single family residential homes, one story in height, which typically
range from 10 to 15 feet. The setbacks are consistent with the RTD designation within the SWIP SP, which
requires a minimum front yard setback of 25 feet. Existing residential lots include trees and vegetation that
extend over the single family residences, partially obstructing existing views of the mountains from Rose
Avenue. The Project would develop an industrial warehouse building that would be 51 feet tall and would
be set back from the adjacent streets so as not to encroach into the existing public long-distance views. The
proposed Project has a minimum landscaped setback of 20 feet along Catawba Avenue and Poplar Avenue.
In addition, the Project would also install a 6 foot-wide sidewalk and additional 20 foot-wide street
landscaping. The total building setback from the Catawba Avenue and Poplar Avenue right of way would
be 26 feet, which is greater than the existing residential setbacks. Further, the existing electrical utilities
along the Project frontage would be undergrounded as part of the Project. The proposed building height,
massing, setbacks, new sidewalks and layered landscaping along Catawba Avenue and Poplar Avenue is
consistent with surrounding industrial development and would ensure that public views of the Jurupa
Mountains remain visible to vehicles and pedestrians traveling north to south. The building would be a similar
height to surrounding industrial buildings in the area, which continue to provide long range views of the
surrounding foothills. Thus, future long range views of the Jurupa Mountains would be consistent with existing
conditions and views would continue to be available from public vantage points on surrounding streets.
Therefore, the Project has a less than significant impact on any scenic vistas in the area.
IMPACT AE-2: WOULD THE PROJECT SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGE SCENIC RESOURCES,
INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, TREES, ROCK OUTCROPPINGS, AND
HISTORIC BUILDINGS WITHIN A STATE SCENIC HIGHWAY?
No Impact. The Project site is currently developed with single family residences, many of which are used for
truck trailer storage. There are no officially designated state scenic highways in the vicinity of the Project
(Caltrans 2022). The closest Officially Designated State Scenic Highway is State Route 30 near Highlands,
approximately 15 miles east from the Project site. Likewise, there are no City‐designated scenic highways
that run through the Project vicinity. Therefore, the Project would not substantially damage scenic resources
within a state scenic highway and there would be no impact.
IMPACT AE-3: WOULD THE PROJECT CONFLICT WITH APPLICABLE ZONING AND OTHER
REGULATIONS GOVERNING SCENIC QUALITY?
Less than Significant Impact. The Project site is located in an urban area surrounded by industrial uses. The
Project site has a General Plan land use designation of Residential Trucking (R-T) as shown in Figure 3-4,
Existing General Plan Land Use. The Project is within the City’s SWIP SP zone and is designated RTD in the
SWIP SP as shown in Figure 3-6, Existing SWIP Land Use. The Project includes a General Plan Amendment
(GPA) to change the land use designation from R-T to General Industrial (I-G) and a Specific Plan Amendment
(SPA) to change the site’s existing SWIP designation from RTD to Slover East Industrial District (SED) as shown
in Figure 3-5, Proposed General Plan Land Use and Figure 3-7, Proposed SWIP Land Use.
The proposed building would consist of a new industrial building that would support warehouse and office
uses. The proposed building area would be 490,565 SF, inclusive of 480,565 SF of warehouse space and
10,000 SF of mezzanine, which would be used for office space. The building would have 480,565 SF
footprint, resulting in a FAR of 0.6. Figure 3-8, Conceptual Site Plan, illustrates the proposed site plan.
As shown in Figure 3-9, Elevations, the proposed Project building would be single-story and approximately
51 feet tall. The building would establish an architectural presence through an emphasis on building finish
materials and consistent material usage and color scheme. The building would be white and shades of grey
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with highlights of red. The use of landscaping, building layout, finish materials, and accenting on the Project
site would create a quality architectural presence along the Poplar Avenue and Catawba Avenue frontages.
The building would be oriented to the north, with frontages along Poplar Avenue to the west and Catawba
Avenue to the east. The building would be set back 81.5 feet from the northern property line, a minimum of
20 feet from Catawba Avenue, a minimum of 185 feet from the southern property line, and a minimum of
20 feet from Poplar Avenue.
Thus, the following regulatory standards in the SED of the SWIP are applicable to development of the Project
site. Table 5.1-1 illustrates Project consistency between the SED development standards and the proposed
Project.
Table 5.1-1: SED Development Standard Consistency
City Development Standard Project Consistency
Minimum Lot Size 40,000 SF 19.08 acres (831,124.8 SF)
Minimum Residential Setback 10 feet N/A
Maximum Height 60 feet 51 feet
Minimum Landscape Area (50,232 SF) 15% 62,000 SF (18.5%)
Maximum Floor Area Ratio 00.55 + 15% Green Building
Development Incentive
.6325
0.6
Minimum Street Setback 20 feet The Project would be setback a minimum
of 20 feet from Catawba Avenue and a
minimum of 20 feet from Poplar Avenue.
Parking 1 space/250 SF of office
1 to 20,000 SF (1 space/1,000
SF of warehouse)
20,000 to 40,000 SF
(1 space/2,000 SF)
>40,000 SF (1/1,500 SF)
158 required
210 stalls
Source: Southwest Industrial Park Specific Plan, Chapter 10.4: Slover East Industrial District Development Standards
As discussed in Table 5.10-2, General Plan Consistency, the proposed Project would be consistent with the
citywide goals and policies. Additionally, the Project would be consistent with the SWIP SP goals and policies
applicable to the Project and Project site, as shown in Table 5.10-3, Southwest Industrial Park Specific Plan
Consistency. Overall, the Project would meet the City objectives related to scenic quality of the Project site
and SWIP SP area by complying with the SWIP SP development standards for the SED district and providing
high quality development consistent with visual character and quality of surrounding industrial development.
The proposed Project would not conflict with any applicable General Plan goals or policies, SWIP SP goals
or policies, or SWIP SP SED development standards. Therefore, the Project would not conflict with applicable
zoning or other regulations governing scenic quality. Thus, impacts would be less than significant.
IMPACT AE-4: WOULD THE PROJECT CREATE NEW SOURCES OF SUBSTANTIAL LIGHT OR
GLARE, WHICH WOULD ADVERSELY AFFECT DAY OR NIGHTTIME VIEWS IN THE
AREA?
Less than Significant Impact. Development of the Project would introduce new sources of light and glare
into the area from street lighting, parking lot, and outdoor lighting. The proposed Project is located in a
developed area that is primarily developed with industrial uses. The nearest occupied residences are located
approximately 0.3 mile to the north, south of Jurupa Avenue, which are screened from the Project site by
existing industrial development directly south. Potential spill of light onto surrounding properties and “night
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glow” would be reduced by using hoods and other design features on the light fixtures used within the
proposed Project. Implementation of the existing regulatory requirements per City of Fontana Ordinance
No. 30-544 (Light and Glare), included as PPP AE-1, would occur during the County’s permitting process
and would ensure that impacts related to light and glare are less than significant.
The proposed building materials do not consist of highly reflective materials, lights would be shielded
consistent with Ordinance Sec. 30-544 requirements included as PPP AE-1, and the proposed landscaping
along Project boundaries would screen sources of light and reduce the potential for glare. The proposed
Project would create limited new sources of light or glare from security and site lighting but would not
adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area given the similarity of the existing lighting in the
surrounding urban environment. Thus, impacts would be less than significant.
5.1.7 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
The cumulative study area for purposes of aesthetics would be the viewshed surrounding the Project site.
Cumulative analysis includes an assessment of past, present, and probable future projects in the surrounding
viewshed, including proposed James Hardie Development (#35) at the corner of Santa Ana Avenue and
First Industrial Catawba Warehouse (#37) at the corner of Catawba Avenue north of Jurupa Avenue in
Section 5.0, Environmental Impact Analysis, Table 5-1, Cumulative Projects.
As discussed in Impact AE-2, the Project site is not within proximity to any designated State or County scenic
routes. Therefore, the Project has no potential to contribute to a cumulatively significant impact to scenic
resources within a designated scenic route.
As noted in Impact AE-1, the Project site is relatively flat and does not contribute to any prominent scenic
vistas under existing conditions. Additionally, these views are available throughout the cumulative study area
and are not unique to the Project site. Other developments proposed in the cumulative study area would be
required to comply with the applicable governing policies, which include policies and regulations to preserve
vistas and important scenic resources. Accordingly, with buildout of the Project and other developments within
the Project’s viewshed, impacts to scenic vistas would not be cumulatively significant and the Project’s
contributions would be less than cumulatively considerable.
The Project would not conflict with applicable design regulations of the City of Fontana General Plan, SWIP
SP, or SED design standards. Therefore, the Project has no potential to contribute to cumulatively
considerable scenic quality impacts. Moreover, any new development in the surrounding area would be
subject to applicable development regulations and design standards imposed by the governing jurisdiction,
which would ensure that development incorporates high quality building materials, architectural design, and
landscaping to avoid potential adverse effects to local scenic quality.
With respect to potential cumulative light and glare impacts, the Project would be required to comply with
City of Fontana Ordinance Sec. 30-544, included as PPP AE-1, which sets standards for exterior
lighting/fixtures. Any development project in the cumulative study area would be required to comply with
the light reduction requirements applicable in their respective jurisdiction. Although cumulative development
in the Project’s surrounding area is expected to introduce new sources of artificial lighting and potentially
reflective materials, the required compliance with the governing development code requirements would
ensure that future cumulative development does not introduce substantial sources of artificial lighting or
glare. As such, the Project would not contribute to cumulatively considerable adverse impacts to the existing
daytime or nighttime views of the Project sites or their surroundings.
5.1.8 EXISTING REGULATIONS AND PLANS, PROGRAMS, OR POLICIES
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Existing Regulations
• City of Fontana Sec. 30-544
• City of Fontana Sec. 30-426
Plans, Programs, or Policies (PPPs)
These actions will be included in the Project’s mitigation monitoring and reporting program (MMRP):
PPP AE-1: Light and Glare. All lights shall be directed and/or shielded to prevent the light from adversely
affecting adjacent properties. No structure or lighting feature shall be permitted which creates adverse
glare. A photometric plan shall be provided that indicates the amount of light emanating from the
proposed/existing light fixtures to comply with City of Fontana Ordinance 30-544.
5.1.9 PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES
None.
5.1.10 LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE BEFORE MITIGATION
The Project would result in no impact related to Impact AE-2 and less than significant impacts to Impact AE-
1 and Impacts AE-3 and 4.
5.1.11 MITIGATION MEASURES
None required.
5.1.12 LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE AFTER MITIGATION
Upon implementation of existing regulatory requirements, impacts related to aesthetics would be less than
significant. No significant and unavoidable aesthetic impacts would occur.
REFERENCES
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). California State Scenic Highways. 2021. Accessed
https://dot.ca.gov/programs/design/lap-landscape-architecture-and-community-livability/lap-liv-i-scenic-
highways
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). California State Scenic Highway System Map. 2018.
Accessed: 9 January 2022.
https://caltrans.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=465dfd3d807c46cc8e8057116f1
aacaa
City of Fontana General Plan. Accessed: 9 January 2023.
https://www.fontana.org/DocumentCenter/View/28271/Complete-Document---Approved-General-Plan-
Documents-11-13-2018
City of Fontana General Plan Final Program Environmental Impact Report. Accessed: 9 January 2023.
https://www.fontana.org/DocumentCenter/View/29524/Draft-Environmental-Impact-Report-for-the-
General-Plan-Update
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Southwest Industrial Park Specific Plan (City of Fontana, 2012). Accessed: 9 January
2023.https://www.fontana.org/DocumentCenter/View/29312/Southwest-Industrial-Specific-Plan---
Combined-Document
Southwest Industrial Park Specific Plan Environmental Impact Report (City of Fontana, 2011). Accessed: 9
January 2023. https://www.fontana.org/DocumentCenter/View/36382/SWIP-Public-Review-Draft-
Program-EIR
Poplar South Distribution Center 5.2 Air Quality
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5.2 Air Quality
5.2.1 INTRODUCTION
This section provides an overview of the existing air quality within the Project site and surrounding region, a
summary of applicable regulations, and analyses of potential short-term and long-term air quality impacts
from implementation of the proposed Project. Mitigation measures are recommended as necessary to reduce
significant air quality impacts. This analysis is based on the following City documents and reports prepared
by LSA (LSA 2023) and are included as appendices to this Draft EIR:
• City of Fontana General Plan Update 2015-2035, Adopted 13 November 2018
• City of Fontana General Plan Update 2015-2035 Environmental Impact Report, Certified 13
November 2018
• Southwest Industrial Park Specific Plan, Adopted 12 June 2012
• Southwest Industrial Park (SWIP) Specific Plan Update and Annexation, Certified 12 June 2012
• City of Fontana Municipal Code
• Air Quality, Health Risk, Greenhouse Gas, and Energy Impact Report Poplar South Distribution Center,
LSA, January 2023, Appendix B
5.2.2 REGULATORY SETTING
5.2.2.1 Federal Regulations
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Criteria Air Pollutants
At the federal level, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has been charged with
implementing national air quality programs. The USEPA’s air quality mandates are drawn primarily from the
federal Clean Air Act (CAA), which was enacted in 1970. The most recent major amendments to the CAA
were made by Congress in 1990.
The CAA requires the USEPA to establish National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The USEPA has
established primary and secondary NAAQS for the following criteria air pollutants: ozone, CO, NO2, SO2,
PM10, PM2.5, and lead. Table 5.2-1 shows the NAAQS for these pollutants. The CAA also requires each state
to prepare an air quality control plan, referred to as a state implementation plan (SIP). The CAA Amendments
of 1990 (CAAA) added requirements for states with nonattainment areas to revise their SIPs to incorporate
additional control measures to reduce air pollution. The SIP is modified periodically to reflect the latest
emissions inventories, planning documents, and rules and regulations of the air basins, as reported by their
jurisdictional agencies. The USEPA is responsible for reviewing all SIPs to determine whether they conform to
the mandates of the CAA and its amendments, and to determine whether implementing the SIPs will achieve
air quality goals. If the USEPA determines a SIP to be inadequate, a federal implementation plan that
imposes additional control measures may be prepared for the nonattainment area.
The USEPA also has regulatory and enforcement jurisdiction over emission sources beyond state waters (outer
continental shelf), and those that are under the exclusive authority of the federal government, such as aircraft,
locomotives, and interstate trucking. The USEPA’s primary role at the state level is to oversee state air quality
programs. The USEPA sets federal vehicle and stationary source emissions standards and provides research
and guidance in air pollution programs.
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Hazardous Air Pollutants
The USEPA has programs for identifying and regulating hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). Title III of the CAAA
directed the USEPA to promulgate national emissions standards for HAPs (NESHAP). The NESHAP may differ
for major sources than for area sources of HAPs. Major sources are defined as stationary sources with
potential to emit more than 10 tons per year (tpy) of any HAP or more than 25 tpy of any combination of
HAPs; all other sources are considered area sources. The emissions standards are to be promulgated in two
phases. In the first phase (1992–2000), the USEPA developed technology-based emission standards
designed to produce the maximum emission reduction achievable. These standards are generally referred
to as requiring maximum achievable control technology (MACT). For area sources, the standards may be
different, based on generally available control technology. In the second phase (2001–2008), the USEPA
promulgated health-risk-based emissions standards that were deemed necessary to address risks remaining
after implementation of the technology-based NESHAP standards.
Table 5.2-1: Ambient Air Quality Standards for Criteria Pollutants
Pollutant
Averaging
Time
State
Standard
National
Standard
Pollutant Health and
Atmospheric Effects Major Pollutant Sources
Ozone 1 hour 0.09 ppm --- High concentrations can
directly affect lungs, causing
irritation. Long-term
exposure may cause
damage to lung tissue.
Formed when ROG and NOX
react in the presence of
sunlight. Major sources include
on-road motor vehicles,
solvent evaporation, and
commercial/industrial mobile
equipment.
8 hours 0.07 ppm 0.075
ppm
Carbon
Monoxide
(CO)
1 hour 20 ppm 35 ppm Classified as a chemical
asphyxiant, carbon
monoxide interferes with the
transfer of fresh oxygen to
the blood and deprives
sensitive tissues of oxygen.
Internal combustion engines,
primarily gasoline-powered
motor vehicles. 8 hours 9.0 ppm 9 ppm
Nitrogen
Dioxide
(NOx)
1 hour 0.18 ppm 0.100
ppm
Irritating to eyes and
respiratory tract. Colors
atmosphere reddish-brown.
Motor vehicles, petroleum
refining operations, industrial
sources, aircraft, ships, and
railroads. Annual
Arithmetic
Mean
0.030
ppm
0.053
ppm
Sulfur
Dioxide
(SO2)
1 hour 0.25 ppm 75 ppb Irritates upper respiratory
tract; injurious to lung tissue.
Can yellow the leaves of
plants, destructive to
marble, iron, and steel.
Limits visibility and reduces
sunlight.
Fuel combustion, chemical
plants, sulfur recovery plants,
and metal processing. 3 hours --- 0.50 ppm
24 hours 0.04 ppm 0.14 ppm
Annual
Arithmetic
Mean
--- 0.03 ppm
Respirable
Particulate
Matter
(PM10)
24 hours 50 µg/m3 150
µg/m3
May irritate eyes and
respiratory tract, decreases
in lung capacity, cancer and
increased mortality.
Produces haze and limits
visibility.
Dust and fume-producing
industrial and agricultural
operations, combustion,
atmospheric photochemical
reactions, and natural
Annual
Arithmetic
Mean
20 µg/m3 ---
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Pollutant
Averaging
Time
State
Standard
National
Standard
Pollutant Health and
Atmospheric Effects Major Pollutant Sources
activities (e.g., wind-raised
dust and ocean sprays).
Fine
Particulate
Matter
(PM2.5)
24 hours --- 35 µg/m3 Increases respiratory
disease, lung damage,
cancer, and premature
death. Reduces visibility and
results in surface soiling.
Fuel combustion in motor
vehicles, equipment, and
industrial sources; residential
and agricultural burning; Also,
formed from photochemical
reactions of other pollutants,
including NOx, sulfur oxides,
and organics.
Annual
Arithmetic
Mean
12 µg/m3 12 µg/m3
Lead (Pb) 30 Day
Average
1.5
µg/m3
--- Disturbs gastrointestinal
system, and causes anemia,
kidney disease, and
neuromuscular and
neurological dysfunction (in
severe cases).
Present source: lead smelters,
battery manufacturing and
recycling facilities. Past source:
combustion of leaded
gasoline.
Calendar
Quarter
--- 1.5
µg/m3
Rolling 3-
Month
Average
--- 0.15
µg/m3
Hydrogen
Sulfide
1 hour 0.03 ppm … Nuisance odor (rotten egg
smell), headache and
breathing difficulties (higher
concentrations)
Geothermal power plants,
petroleum production and
refining
Sulfates
(SO4)
24 hour 25 µg/m3 … Decrease in ventilatory
functions; aggravation of
asthmatic symptoms;
aggravation of cardio-
pulmonary disease;
vegetation damage;
degradation of visibility;
property damage.
Industrial processes.
Visibility
Reducing
Particles
8 hour Extinction
of
0.23/km;
visibility
of 10
miles or
more
… Reduces visibility, reduced
airport safety, lower real
estate value, and
discourages tourism.
See PM2.5.
ppm = parts per million; ppb = parts per billion; µg/m3 = micrograms per cubic meter.
The CAAA also required the USEPA to promulgate vehicle or fuel standards containing reasonable
requirements that control toxic emissions of, at a minimum, benzene and formaldehyde. Performance criteria
were established to limit mobile-source emissions of toxics, including benzene, formaldehyde, and 1,3-
butadiene. In addition, Section 219 required the use of reformulated gasoline in selected areas with the
most severe ozone nonattainment conditions to further reduce mobile-source emissions.
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5.2.2.2 State Regulations
California Air Resources Board
Criteria Air Pollutants
The California Air Resources Board (CARB), a department of the California Environmental Protection Agency,
oversees air quality planning and control throughout California. CARB is responsible for coordination and
oversight of state and local air pollution control programs in California and for implementation of the
California Clean Air Act (CCAA). The CCAA, which was adopted in 1988, requires CARB to establish the
California Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS). CARB has established CAAQS for sulfates, hydrogen
sulfide, vinyl chloride, visibility-reducing particulate matter, and the above-mentioned criteria air pollutants.
Applicable CAAQS are shown in Table 5.2-1.
The CCAA requires all local air districts in the state to endeavor to achieve and maintain the CAAQS by the
earliest practical date. The act specifies that local air districts shall focus particular attention on reducing the
emissions from transportation and area-wide emission sources and provides districts with the authority to
regulate indirect sources.
Among CARB’s other responsibilities are overseeing compliance by local air districts with California and
federal laws, approving local air quality plans, submitting SIPs to the USEPA, monitoring air quality,
determining and updating area designations and maps, and setting emissions standards for new mobile
sources, consumer products, small utility engines, off-road vehicles, and fuels.
Toxic Air Contaminants
Air quality regulations also focus on toxic air contaminants (TACs). In general, for those TACs that may cause
cancer, there is no concentration that does not present some risk. In other words, there is no safe level of
exposure. This contrasts with the criteria air pollutants, for which acceptable levels of exposure can be
determined and for which the ambient standards have been established. Instead, the USEPA and CARB
regulate HAPs and TACs, respectively, through statutes and regulations that generally require the use of the
MACT or best available control technology (BACT) for toxics and to limit emissions. These statutes and
regulations, in conjunction with additional rules set forth by the districts, establish the regulatory framework
for TACs.
TACs in California are regulated primarily through the Tanner Air Toxics Act (Assembly Bill [AB] 1807
[Chapter 1047, Statutes of 1983]) (Health and Safety Code Section 39650 et seq.) and the Air Toxics Hot
Spots Information and Assessment Act (Hot Spots Act) (AB 2588 [Chapter 1252, Statutes of 1987]) (Health
and Safety Code Section 44300 et seq.). AB 1807 sets forth a formal procedure for CARB to designate
substances as TACs. This includes research, public participation, and scientific peer review before CARB can
designate a substance as a TAC. To date, CARB has identified more than 21 TACs and adopted the USEPA’s
list of HAPs as TACs. Most recently, diesel PM was added to the CARB list of TACs. Once a TAC is identified,
CARB then adopts an airborne toxics control measure (ATCM) for sources that emit that particular TAC. If
there is a safe threshold for a substance at which there is no toxic effect, the control measure must reduce
exposure below that threshold. If there is no safe threshold, the measure must incorporate BACT to minimize
emissions.
The Air Toxics Hot Spots Information and Assessment Act requires existing facilities emitting toxic substances
above a specified level to prepare a toxic-emission inventory, prepare a risk assessment if emissions are
significant, notify the public of significant risk levels, and prepare and implement risk reduction measures.
CARB published the Air Quality and Land Use Handbook: A Community Health Perspective (Handbook),
which provides guidance concerning land use compatibility with TAC sources. Although it is not a law or
adopted policy, the Handbook offers advisory recommendations for the siting of sensitive receptors near
uses associated with TACs, such as freeways and high-traffic roads, commercial distribution centers, rail
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yards, ports, refineries, dry cleaners, gasoline stations, and industrial facilities, to help keep children and
other sensitive populations out of harm’s way. Based on CARB’s Community Health Air Pollution Information
System (CHAPIS), no major TAC sources are located in proximity to the Project area. In addition, CARB has
promulgated the following specific rules to limit TAC emissions:
• CARB Rule 2485 (13 CCR, Chapter 10 Section 2485), Airborne Toxic Control Measure to Limit
Diesel-Fueled Commercial Motor Vehicle Idling
• CARB Rule 2477 (13 CCR Section 2477 and Article 8), Airborne Toxic Control Measure for In-Use
Diesel Fueled Transport Refrigeration Units (TRU) and TRU Generator Sets and Facilities Where TRUs
Operate
California Assembly Bill 1493– Pavley
In 2002, the California Legislature adopted AB 1493 requiring the adoption of regulations to develop fuel
economy standards for the transportation sector. In September 2004, pursuant to AB 1493, the CARB
approved regulations to reduce fuel use and emissions from new motor vehicles beginning with the 2009
model year (Pavley Regulations). CARB, EPA, and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway
Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) have coordinated efforts to develop fuel economy standards for
model 2017-2025 vehicles, which are incorporated into the “Low Emission Vehicle” (LEV) Regulations.
California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 13, Motor Vehicles, Section 2449(d)(3)
No vehicle or engines subject to this regulation may idle for more than 5 consecutive minutes. The idling limit
does not apply to:
• idling when queuing,
• idling to verify that the vehicle is in safe operating condition,
• idling for testing, servicing, repairing or diagnostic purposes,
• idling necessary to accomplish work for which the vehicle was designed (such as operating a
crane),
• idling required to bring the machine system to operating temperature, and
• idling necessary to ensure safe operation of the vehicle.
Title 24 Energy Efficiency Standards and California Green Building Standards
California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 24 Part 6: The California Energy Code (CalGreen) was first
adopted in 1978 in response to a legislative mandate to reduce California’s energy consumption.
CALGreen is updated on a regular basis, with the most recent approved update consisting of the 2019
California Green Building Code Standards that became effective January 1, 2020.
The 2022 Energy Code encourages efficient electric heat pumps, establishes electric-ready requirements
for new homes, expands solar photovoltaic and battery storage standards, and strengthens ventilation
standards, among other requirements.
The 2022 CALGreen standards that reduce air quality pollutant emissions and are applicable to the
proposed Project include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Short-term bicycle parking. If the new project or an additional alteration is anticipated to generate
visitor traffic, provide permanently anchored bicycle racks within 200 feet of the visitors’ entrance,
readily visible to passers-by, for 5% of new visitor motorized vehicle parking spaces being added,
with a minimum of one two-bike capacity rack (5.106.4.1.1).
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• Long-term bicycle parking. For new buildings with tenant spaces that have 10 or more tenant-
occupants, provide secure bicycle parking for 5% of the tenant-occupant vehicular parking spaces
with a minimum of one bicycle parking facility (5.106.4.1.2).
• Designated parking for clean air vehicles. In new projects or additions to alterations that add 10
or more vehicular parking spaces, provide designated parking for any combination of low-emitting,
fuel-efficient and carpool/van pool vehicles as shown in Table 5.106.5.2 (5.106.5.2).
• EV charging stations. New construction shall facilitate the future installation of EV supply equipment.
The compliance requires empty raceways for future conduit and documentation that the electrical
system has adequate capacity for the future load. The number of spaces to be provided for is
contained in Table 5.106. 5.3.3 (5.106.5.3). Additionally, Table 5.106.5.4.1 specifies requirements
for the installation of raceway conduit and panel power requirements for medium- and heavy-duty
electric vehicle supply equipment for warehouses, grocery stores, and retail stores.
The 2022 CalGreen Building Standards Code has been adopted by the City of Fontana as Ordinance No.
1907.
5.2.2.3 Regional Regulations
South Coast Air Quality Management District
Criteria Air Pollutants
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) attains and maintains air quality conditions in
the South Coast Air Basin (Basin) through a comprehensive program of planning, regulation, enforcement,
technical innovation, and promotion of the understanding of air quality issues. The clean air strategy of
SCAQMD includes preparation of plans for attainment of ambient air quality standards, adoption and
enforcement of rules and regulations concerning sources of air pollution, and issuance of permits for
stationary sources of air pollution. SCAQMD also inspects stationary sources of air pollution and responds to
citizen complaints; monitors ambient air quality and meteorological conditions; and implements programs
and regulations required by the CAA, CAAA, and CCAA. Air quality plans applicable to the proposed
Project are discussed below.
Air Quality Management Plan
SCAQMD and the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) are responsible for preparing
the air quality management plan (AQMP), which addresses federal and state CAA requirements. The AQMP
details goals, policies, and programs for improving air quality in the Basin.
The 2012 AQMP was adopted by the SCAQMD Governing Board on December 12, 2012. The purpose of
the 2012 AQMP for the Basin is to set forth a comprehensive and integrated program that will lead the
region into compliance with the federal 24-hour PM2.5 air quality standard, and to provide an update to the
Basin’s commitment towards meeting the federal 8-hour ozone standards. The AQMP would also serve to
satisfy recent USEPA requirements for a new attainment demonstration of the revoked 1-hour ozone
standard, as well as a vehicle miles travelled (VMT) emissions offset demonstration. The 2012 AQMP, as
approved by CARB, serves as the official SIP submittal for the federal 2006 24-hour PM2.5 standard. In
addition, the AQMP updates specific new control measures and commitments for emissions reductions to
implement the attainment strategy for the 8-hour ozone SIP. The 2012 AQMP set forth programs which
require integrated planning efforts and the cooperation of all levels of government: local, regional, state,
and federal.
In March 2017 AQMD finalized the 2016 AQMP, which continued to evaluate integrated strategies and
control measures to meet the NAAQS, as well as explore new and innovative methods to reach its goals.
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Some of these approaches include utilizing incentive programs, recognizing existing co-benefit programs
from other sectors, and developing a strategy with fair-share reductions at the federal, state, and local
levels. Similar to the 2012 AQMP, the 2016 AQMP incorporated scientific and technological information
and planning assumptions, including the 2016 RTP/SCS and updated emission inventory methodologies for
various source categories.
The 2022 AQMP was adopted by the SCAQMD Governing Board on December 2, 2022. The 2022 AQMP
builds upon measures already in place from previous AQMPs. It also includes a variety of additional
strategies such as regulation, accelerated deployment of available cleaner technologies (e.g., zero emissions
technologies, when cost-effective and feasible, and low NOx technologies in other applications), best
management practices, co-benefits from existing programs (e.g., climate and energy efficiency), incentives,
and other CAA measures to achieve the 2015 federal 8-hour ozone standard. SCAQMD proposes a total
of 49 control measures for the 2022 AQMP, including control measures focused on widespread deployment
of zero emission and low NOx technologies through a combination of regulatory approaches and incentives.
SCAQMD Rules and Regulations
All projects are subject to SCAQMD rules and regulations. Specific rules applicable to the proposed Project
include the following:
Rule 203 – Permit to Operate. A person shall not operate or use any equipment or agricultural permit unit,
the use of which may cause the issuance of air contaminants, or the use of which may reduce or control the
issuance of air contaminants, without first obtaining a written permit to operate from the Executive Officer
or except as provided in Rule 202. The equipment or agricultural permit unit shall not be operated contrary
to the conditions specified in the permit to operate.
Rule 401 – Visible Emissions. A person shall not discharge into the atmosphere from any single source of
emission whatsoever any air contaminant for a period or periods aggregating more than three minutes in
any 1 hour that is as dark or darker in shade as that designated No. 1 on the Ringelmann Chart, as published
by the United States Bureau of Mines.
Rule 402 – Nuisance. A person shall not discharge from any source whatsoever such quantities of air
contaminants or other material that cause injury, detriment, nuisance, or annoyance to any considerable
number of persons or to the public, or that endanger the comfort, repose, health, or safety of any such
persons or the public, or that cause, or have a natural tendency to cause, injury or damage to business or
property. The provisions of this rule do not apply to odors emanating from agricultural operations necessary
for the growing of crops or the raising of fowl or animals.
Rule 403 – Fugitive Dust. SCAQMD Rule 403 governs emissions of fugitive dust during and after
construction. Compliance with this rule is achieved through application of standard Best Management
Practices, such as application of water or chemical stabilizers to disturbed soils, covering haul vehicles,
restricting vehicle speeds on unpaved roads to 15 miles per hour, sweeping loose dirt from paved site access
roadways, cessation of construction activity when winds exceed 25 mph, and establishing a permanent
ground cover on finished sites.
Rule 403 requires project applicants to control fugitive dust using the best available control measures such
that dust does not remain visible in the atmosphere beyond the property line of the emission source. In
addition, Rule 403 requires implementation of dust suppression techniques to prevent fugitive dust from
creating an offsite nuisance. Applicable Rule 403 dust suppression (and PM10 generation) techniques to
reduce impacts on nearby sensitive receptors may include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Apply nontoxic chemical soil stabilizers according to manufacturers’ specifications to all inactive
construction areas (previously graded areas inactive for 10 days or more).
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• Water active sites at least three times daily. Locations where grading is to occur shall be thoroughly
watered prior to earthmoving.
• Cover all trucks hauling dirt, sand, soil, or other loose materials, or maintain at least 0.6 meters (2
feet) of freeboard (vertical space between the top of the load and top of the trailer) in accordance
with the requirements of California Vehicle Code Section 23114.
• Reduce traffic speeds on all unpaved roads to 15 miles per hour (mph) or less.
• Suspend all grading activities when wind speeds (including instantaneous wind gusts) exceed 25
mph.
• Provide bumper strips or similar best management practices where vehicles enter and exit the
construction site onto paved roads, or wash off trucks and any equipment leaving the site each trip.
• Replant disturbed areas as soon as practical.
• Sweep onsite streets (and offsite streets if silt is carried to adjacent public thoroughfares) to reduce
the amount of particulate matter on public streets. All sweepers shall be compliant with SCAQMD
Rule 1186.1, Less Polluting Sweepers.
Rule 481 – Spray Coating. This rule applies to all spray painting and spray coating operations and
equipment and states that a person shall not use or operate any spray painting or spray coating equipment
unless one of the following conditions is met:
• The spray coating equipment is operated inside a control enclosure, which is approved by the
Executive Officer. Any control enclosure for which an application for permit for new construction,
alteration, or change of ownership or location is submitted after the date of adoption of this rule
shall be exhausted only through filters at a design face velocity not less than 100 feet per minute
nor greater than 300 feet per minute, or through a water wash system designed to be equally
effective for the purpose of air pollution control.
• Coatings are applied with high-volume low-pressure, electrostatic and/or airless spray equipment.
• An alternative method of coating application or control is used which has effectiveness equal to or
greater than the equipment specified in the rule.
Rule 1108 - Volatile Organic Compounds. This rule governs the sale, use, and manufacturing of asphalt
and limits the volatile organic compound (VOC) content in asphalt used in the Basin. This rule also regulates
the VOC content of asphalt used during construction. Therefore, all asphalt used during construction of the
Project must comply with SCAQMD Rule 1108.
Rule 1113 – Architectural Coatings. No person shall apply or solicit the application of any architectural
coating within the SCAQMD with VOC content in excess of the values specified in a table incorporated in
the Rule.
Rule 1143 – Paint Thinners and Solvents. This rule governs the manufacture, sale, and use of paint thinners
and solvents used in thinning of coating materials, cleaning of coating application equipment, and other
solvent cleaning operations by limiting their VOC content. This rule regulates the VOC content of solvents
used during construction. Solvents used during the construction phase must comply with this rule.
Rule 2305 – Warehouse Indirect Source Rule. On May 7, 2021, the SCAQMD Governing Board approved
Rule 2305. The stated purpose of the Indirect Source Rule “is to reduce local and regional emissions of
nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, and to facilitate local and regional emission reductions associated
with warehouses and the mobile sources attracted to warehouses in order to assist in meeting state and
federal air quality standards for ozone and fine particulate matter.” The rule applies to owners and
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operators of new and existing warehouses located in the Basin “with greater than or equal to 100,000
square feet of indoor space in a single building that may be used for warehousing activities by one or more
warehouse operators.” The rule imposes a “Warehouse Points Compliance Obligation” (WPCO) on
warehouse operators. Operators would be allowed to satisfy the WPCO by accumulating “Warehouse
Actions and Investments to Reduce Emissions Points” (WAIRE Points) in a given 12-month period. WAIRE Points
will be awarded by implementing measures to reduce emissions listed on the WAIRE Menu, or by
implementing a custom WAIRE Plan approved by the SCAQMD.
5.2.2.4 Local Regulations
City of Fontana General Plan Update 2015-2035
The City of Fontana General Plan Update 2015-2035 contains the following policies related to air quality
that are applicable to the Project:
Goal 6.1 The average lifespan in Fontana is consistently within the top ten of all southern California
cities.
Policy
▪ Support local and regional initiatives to improve air quality in order to reduce
asthma while actively discouraging development that may exacerbate asthma
rates.
City of Fontana Municipal Code
Chapter 9, Section V: Industrial Commerce Centers Sustainability Standards. Establishes sustainability
standards applicable to all warehouse development projects that are intended to improve local air and
environmental quality. Standards required by Chapter 9, Section V of the Fontana Municipal Code that
would directly reduce local air pollution emissions include:
Buffering and screening/adjacent uses
• Unless physically impossible, loading docks and truck entries shall be oriented away from abutting
sensitive receptors. To the greatest extent feasible, loading docks, truck entries, and truck drive
aisles shall be located away from nearby sensitive receptors. In making feasibility decisions, the city
must comply with existing laws and regulations and balance public safety and the site development's
potential impacts to nearby sensitive receptors. Therefore, loading docks, truck entries, and drive
aisles may be located nearby sensitive receptors at the discretion of the planning director, but any
such site design shall include measures designed to minimize overall impacts to nearby sensitive
receptors.
• For any warehouse building larger than 400,000 square feet in size, the building's loading docks
shall be located a minimum of 300 feet away, measured from the property line of the sensitive
receptor to the nearest dock door which does not exclusively serve electric trucks using a direct
straight-line method.
Signage and Traffic Patterns
• Anti-idling signs indicating a three-minute diesel truck engine idling restriction shall be posted at
industrial commerce facilities along entrances to the site and in the dock areas and shall be strictly
enforced by the facility operator.
• Signs shall be installed in public view with contact information for a local designated representative
who works for the facility operator and who is designated to receive complaints about excessive
dust, fumes, or odors, and truck and parking complaints for the site, as well as contact information
for the SCAQMD's on-line complaint system and its complaint call-line: 1-800-288-7664. Any
complaints made to the facility operator's designee shall be answered within 72 hours of receipt.
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Alternative Energy
• On-site motorized operational equipment shall be ZE (zero emission).
• All building roofs shall be solar-ready, which includes designing and constructing buildings in a
manner that facilitates and optimizes the installation of a rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system at
some point after the building has been constructed.
• The office portion of a building's rooftop that is not covered with solar panels or other utilities shall
be constructed with light colored roofing material with a solar reflective index ("SRI") of not less than
78. This material shall be the minimum solar reflective rating of the roof material for the life of the
building.
• On buildings over 400,000 square feet, prior to issuance of a business license, the city shall ensure
rooftop solar panels are installed and operated in such a manner that they will supply 100 percent
of the power needed to operate all non-refrigerated portions of the facility including the parking
areas.
• At least ten percent of all passenger vehicle parking spaces shall be electric vehicle (EV) ready, with
all necessary conduit and related appurtenances installed. At least five percent of all passenger
vehicle parking spaces shall be equipped with working Level 2 Quick charge EV charging stations
installed and operational, prior to building occupancy. Signage shall be installed indicating EV
charging stations and specifying that spaces are reserved for clean air/EV vehicles. Unless superior
technology is developed that would replace the EV charging units, facility operator and any
successors in interest shall be responsible for maintaining the EV charging stations in working order
for the life of the facility.
• Unless the owner of the facility records a covenant on the title of the underlying property ensuring
that the property cannot be used to provide chilled, cooled, or freezer warehouse space, a conduit
shall be installed during construction of the building shell from the electrical room to 100 percent of
the loading dock doors that have potential to serve the refrigerated space. When tenant
improvement building permits are issued for any refrigerated warehouse space, electric plug-in units
shall be installed at every dock door servicing the refrigerated space to allow transport
refrigeration units (TRUs) to plug in. Truck operators with TRUs shall be required to utilize electric
plug-in units when at loading docks.
• Bicycle racks are required per section 30-714 and in the amount required for warehouse uses by
table 30-714 of the zoning and development code. The racks shall include locks as well as electric
plugs to charge electric bikes. The racks shall be located as close as possible to employee
entrance(s). Nothing in this section shall preclude the warehouse operator from satisfying this
requirement by utilizing bicycle parking amenities considered to be superior such as locating bicycle
parking facilities indoors or providing bicycle lockers.
Operation and Construction
• Cool surface treatments shall be added to all drive aisles and parking areas or such areas shall be
constructed with a solar-reflective cool pavement such as concrete.
• To ensure that warehouse electrical rooms are sufficiently sized to accommodate the potential need
for additional electrical panels, either a secondary electrical room shall be provided in the building,
or the primary electrical room shall be sized 25 percent larger than is required to satisfy the service
requirements of the building or the electrical gear shall be installed with the initial construction with
25 percent excess demand capacity.
• Use of super-compliant VOC architectural and industrial maintenance coatings (e.g., paints) shall be
required.
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• The following environmentally responsible practices shall be required during construction:
o The applicant shall use reasonable best efforts to deploy the highest rated CARB Tier
technology that is available at the time of construction. Prior to permit issuance, the
construction contractor shall submit an equipment list confirming equipment used is compliant
with the highest CARB Tier at the time of construction. Equipment proposed for use that does
not meet the highest CARB Tier in effect at the time of construction, shall only be approved
for use at the discretion of the planning director and shall require proof from the construction
contractor that, despite reasonable best efforts to obtain the highest CARB Tier equipment,
such equipment was unavailable.
o Use of electric-powered hand tools, forklifts, and pressure washers.
o Designation of an area in any construction site where electric-powered construction vehicles
and equipment can charge.
o Identification in site plans of a location for future electric truck charging stations and
installation of a conduit to that location.
o Diesel-powered generators shall be prohibited except in case of emergency or to establish
temporary power during construction.
• Property owner shall provide facility operator with information on incentive programs such as the
Carl Moyer Program and voucher incentive program and shall require all facility operators to enroll
in the United States Environmental Protection Agency's SmartWay Program.
The City would ensure compliance with the requirements of Chapter 9, Section V of the Municipal Code as
part of their standard building permit review/approval and site inspection processes.
5.2.3 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
Climate and Meteorology
The Project area is located within the Basin, which is under the jurisdiction of the SCAQMD. The Basin is a
6,600-square-mile coastal plain bounded by the Pacific Ocean to the southwest and the San Gabriel, San
Bernardino, and San Jacinto Mountains to the north and east. The Basin includes the non-desert portions of
Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties, and all of Orange County.
The ambient concentrations of air pollutants are determined by the amount of emissions released by sources
and the atmosphere’s ability to transport and dilute such emissions. Natural factors that affect transport and
dilution include terrain, wind, atmospheric stability, and sunlight. Therefore, existing air quality conditions in
the area are determined by such natural factors as topography, meteorology, and climate, in addition to
the amount of emissions released by existing air pollutant sources.
Atmospheric conditions such as wind speed, wind direction, and air temperature gradients interact with the
physical features of the landscape to determine the movement and dispersal of air pollutants. The
topography and climate of Southern California combine to make the Basin an area of high air pollution
potential. The Basin is a coastal plain with connecting broad valleys and low hills, bounded by the Pacific
Ocean to the west and high mountains around the rest of the perimeter. The general region lies in the semi-
permanent high-pressure zone of the eastern Pacific, resulting in a mild climate tempered by cool sea
breezes with light average wind speeds. The usually mild climatological pattern is disrupted occasionally by
periods of extremely hot weather, winter storms, or Santa Ana winds. During the summer months, a warm air
mass frequently descends over the cool, moist marine layer produced by the interaction between the ocean’s
surface and the lowest layer of the atmosphere. The warm upper layer forms a cap over the cool marine
layer and inhibits the pollutants in the marine layer from dispersing upward. In addition, light winds during
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the summer further limit ventilation. Furthermore, sunlight triggers the photochemical reactions which produce
ozone.
Criteria Air Pollutants
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)
currently focus on the following air pollutants as indicators of ambient air quality: ozone, carbon monoxide
(CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), respirable particulate matter with an aerodynamic
diameter of 10 micrometers or less (PM10), fine particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5
micrometers or less (PM2.5), and lead. These pollutants are referred to as “criteria air pollutants” because
they are the most prevalent air pollutants known to be injurious to human health. Extensive health-effects
criteria documents regarding the effects of these pollutants on human health and welfare have been
prepared over the years.1 Standards have been established for each criteria pollutant to meet specific
public health and welfare criteria set forth in the federal Clean Air Act (CAA). California has generally
adopted more stringent ambient air quality standards for the criteria air pollutants (referred to as State
Ambient Air Quality Standards, or state standards) and has adopted air quality standards for some
pollutants for which there is no corresponding national standard, such as sulfates, hydrogen sulfide, vinyl
chloride, and visibility-reducing particles.
Ozone
Ozone, the main component of photochemical smog, is primarily a summer and fall pollution problem. Ozone
is not emitted directly into the air; but is formed through a complex series of chemical reactions involving
other compounds that are directly emitted. These directly emitted pollutants (also known as ozone precursors)
include reactive organic gases (ROGs) or volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and oxides of nitrogen (NOx).
While both ROGs and VOCs refer to compounds of carbon, ROG is a term used by CARB and is based on
a list of exempted carbon compounds determined by CARB. VOC is a term used by the USEPA and is based
on its own exempt list. The time period required for ozone formation allows the reacting compounds to
spread over a large area, producing regional pollution problems. Ozone concentrations are the cumulative
result of regional development patterns rather than the result of a few significant emission sources.
Once ozone is formed, it remains in the atmosphere for one or two days. Ozone is then eliminated through
reaction with chemicals on the leaves of plants, attachment to water droplets as they fall to earth (“rainout”),
or absorption by water molecules in clouds that later fall to earth with rain (“washout”).
Short-term exposure to ozone can irritate the eyes and cause constriction of the airways. In addition to
causing shortness of breath, ozone can aggravate existing respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis,
and emphysema.
Carbon Monoxide
CO is a colorless, odorless gas produced by the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels, such as
gasoline or wood. CO concentrations tend to be the highest during the winter morning, when little to no wind
and surface-based inversions trap the pollutant at ground levels. Because CO is emitted directly from internal
combustion engines, unlike ozone, motor vehicles operating at slow speeds are the primary source of CO in
the Basin. The highest ambient CO concentrations are generally found near congested transportation
corridors and intersections.
1 Additional sources of information on the health effects of criteria pollutants can be found at CARB and USEPA’s websites at
http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/health/health.htm and http://www.epa.gov/air/airpollutants.html, respectively.
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Nitrogen Dioxide
NO2 is a reddish-brown gas that is a by-product of combustion processes. Automobiles and industrial
operations are the main sources of NO2. Combustion devices emit primarily nitric oxide (NO), which reacts
through oxidation in the atmosphere to form NO2. The combined emissions of NO and NO2 are referred to
as NOx, which are reported as equivalent NO2. Aside from its contribution to ozone formation, NO2 can
increase the risk of acute and chronic respiratory disease and reduce visibility. NO2 may be visible as a
coloring component of a brown cloud on high pollution days, especially in conjunction with high ozone levels.
Sulfur Dioxide
SO2 is a colorless, extremely irritating gas or liquid that enters the atmosphere as a pollutant mainly as a
result of burning high sulfur-content fuel oils and coal, and from chemical processes occurring at chemical
plants and refineries. When SO2 oxidizes in the atmosphere, it forms sulfur trioxide (SO3). Collectively, these
pollutants are referred to as sulfur oxides (SOx).
Major sources of SO2 include power plants, large industrial facilities, diesel vehicles, and oil-burning
residential heaters. Emissions of SO2 aggravate lung diseases, especially bronchitis. This compound also
constricts the breathing passages, especially in people with asthma and people involved in moderate to
heavy exercise. SO2 potentially causes wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing. Long-term SO2
exposure has been associated with increased risk of mortality from respiratory or cardiovascular disease.
Particulate Matter
PM10 and PM2.5 consist of particulate matter that is 10 microns or less in diameter and 2.5 microns or less in
diameter, respectively (a micron is one-millionth of a meter). PM10 and PM2.5 represent fractions of particulate
matter that can be inhaled into the air passages and the lungs and can cause adverse health effects. Acute
and chronic health effects associated with high particulate levels include the aggravation of chronic
respiratory diseases, heart and lung disease, and coughing, bronchitis and respiratory illnesses in children.
Particulate matter can also damage materials and reduce visibility. One common source of PM2.5 is diesel
exhaust emissions.
PM10 consists of particulate matter emitted directly into the air (e.g., fugitive dust, soot, and smoke from
mobile and stationary sources, construction operations, fires, and natural windblown dust) and particulate
matter formed in the atmosphere by condensation and/or transformation of SO2 and ROG. Traffic generates
particulate matter emissions through entrainment of dust and dirt particles that settle onto roadways and
parking lots. PM10 and PM2.5 are also emitted by burning wood in residential wood stoves and fireplaces
and open agricultural burning. PM2.5 can also be formed through secondary processes such as airborne
reactions with certain pollutant precursors, including ROGs, ammonia (NH3), NOx, and SOx.
Lead
Lead is a metal found naturally in the environment and present in some manufactured products. There are a
variety of activities that can contribute to lead emissions, which are grouped into two general categories,
stationary and mobile sources. On-road mobile sources include light-duty automobiles; light-, medium-, and
heavy-duty trucks; and motorcycles.
Emissions of lead have dropped substantially over the past 40 years. The reduction before 1990 is largely
due to the phase-out of lead as an anti-knock agent in gasoline for on-road automobiles. Substantial emission
reductions have also been achieved due to enhanced controls in the metals processing industry. In the Basin,
atmospheric lead is generated almost entirely by the combustion of leaded gasoline and contributes less
than one percent of the material collected as total suspended particulates.
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Toxic Air Contaminants
Concentrations of toxic air contaminants (TACs), or in federal parlance, hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), are
also used as indicators of ambient air quality conditions. A TAC is defined as an air pollutant that may cause
or contribute to an increase in mortality or in serious illness, or that may pose a hazard to human health.
TACs are usually present in minute quantities in the ambient air; however, their high toxicity or health risk
may pose a threat to public health even at low concentrations.
According to the California Almanac of Emissions and Air Quality, the majority of the estimated health risk
from TACs can be attributed to relatively few compounds, the most important being particulate matter from
diesel-fueled engines (DPM). DPM differs from other TACs in that it is not a single substance, but rather a
complex mixture of hundreds of substances. Although DPM is emitted by diesel-fueled internal combustion
engines, the composition of the emissions varies depending on engine type, operating conditions, fuel
composition, lubricating oil, and whether an emission control system is present.
Unlike the other TACs, no ambient monitoring data are available for DPM because no routine measurement
method currently exists. However, CARB has made preliminary concentration estimates based on a
particulate matter exposure method. This method uses the CARB emissions inventory’s PM10 database,
ambient PM10 monitoring data, and the results from several studies to estimate concentrations of diesel PM.
In addition to diesel PM, the TACs for which data are available that pose the greatest existing ambient risk
in California are benzene, 1,3-butadiene, acetaldehyde, carbon tetrachloride, hexavalent chromium, para-
dichlorobenzene, formaldehyde, methylene chloride, and perchloroethylene.
CO Hotspots
An adverse CO concentration, known as a “hot spot” is an exceedance of the state one-hour standard of 20
ppm or the eight-hour standard of 9 ppm. It has long been recognized that CO hotspots are caused by
vehicular emissions, primarily when idling at congested intersections. In response, vehicle emissions standards
have become increasingly stringent in the last twenty years. Currently, the allowable CO emissions standard
in California is a maximum of 3.4 grams/mile for passenger cars (there are requirements for certain vehicles
that are more stringent). With the turnover of older vehicles, introduction of cleaner fuels, and implementation
of increasingly sophisticated and efficient emissions control technologies, CO concentration in the SCAB is
now designated as attainment, and CO concentrations in the Project vicinity have steadily declined (AQ
2022).
Odorous Emissions
Odors are generally regarded as an annoyance rather than a health hazard. However, manifestations of a
person’s reaction to foul odors can range from psychological (e.g., irritation, anger, or anxiety) to
physiological (e.g., circulatory and respiratory effects, nausea, vomiting, and headache). Offensive odors
are unpleasant and can lead to public distress generating citizen complaints to local governments. Although
unpleasant, offensive odors rarely cause physical harm. The occurrence and severity of odor impacts depend
on the nature, frequency, and intensity of the source, wind speed, direction, and the sensitivity of receptors.
EXISTING CONDITIONS
SCAQMD maintains monitoring stations within district boundaries, Source/Receptor Areas (SRAs), that monitor
air quality and compliance with associated ambient standards. The Project site is located within the Central
San Bernardino Valley (SRA 34). The air quality monitoring station closest to the Project site located at
14360 Arrow Boulevard in the City of Fontana, approximately 3.57 miles northwest of the Project site.
Both CARB and the USEPA use this type of monitoring data to designate areas with air quality problems and
to initiate planning efforts for improvement. The three basic designation categories are nonattainment,
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attainment, and unclassified. Nonattainment is defined as any area that does not meet, or that contributes
to ambient air quality in a nearby area that does not meet the primary or secondary ambient air quality
standard for the pollutant. Attainment is defined as any area that meets the primary or secondary ambient
air quality standard for the pollutant. Unclassifiable is defined as any area that cannot be classified on the
basis of available information as meeting or not meeting the primary or secondary ambient air quality
standard for the pollutant. California designations include a subcategory of nonattainment-transitional, which
is given to nonattainment areas that are progressing and nearing attainment.
The SCAQMD monitors levels of various criteria pollutants at 38 permanent monitoring stations and 5 single-
pollutant source Lead (Pb) air monitoring sites throughout the air district. As indicated in the monitoring results
included in Table 5.2-2, the federal PM10 standard had no exceedances in 2019, only one in 2020 and no
exceedances 2021. The State PM10 standard was exceeded 11 times in 2019, 6 times in 2020, and an
unknown number of times in 2021. The PM2.5 federal standard had 3 exceedances in 2019, 4 exceedances
in 2020, and no exceedances in 2021. The 1-hour ozone State standard was exceeded 41 times in 2019,
56 times in 2020, and an unknown number of times in 2021. The 8-hour ozone State standard was exceeded
71 times in 2019, 91 times in 2020, and an unknown number of times in 2021. The 8-hour ozone federal
standard was 67 times in 2019, 89 times in 2020, and 81 times in 2021. In addition, the CO, SO2, and NO2
standards were not exceeded in this area during the 3-year period. See Table 5.2-3, for attainment
designations for the SCAB.
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Table 5.2-2: Air Quality Monitoring Summary 2019-2021
Pollutant Standard 2019 2020 2021
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Maximum 1-hour concentration (ppm) 2.7 1.5 1.9
Number of days exceeded: State: > 20 ppm 0 0 0
Federal: > 35 ppm 0 0 0
Maximum 8-hour concentration (ppm) 1.0 1.2 1.4
Number of days exceeded: State: > 9 ppm 0 0 0
Federal: > 9 ppm 0 0 0
Ozone (O3)
Maximum 1-hour concentration (ppm) 0.124 0.151 0.125
Number of days exceeded: State: > 0.09 ppm 41 56 ND
Maximum 8-hour concentration (ppm) 0.109 0.112 0.103
Number of days exceeded: State: > 0.07 ppm 71 91 ND
Federal: > 0.07 ppm 67 89 81
Coarse Particulates (PM10)
Maximum 24-hour concentration (µg/m3) 85.1 73.6 73.0
Number of days exceeded: State: > 50 µg/m3 11 6 ND
Federal: > 150 µg/m3 0 0 0
Annual arithmetic average concentration (µg/m3) 33.7 ND ND
Exceeded for the year: State: > 20 µg/m3 Yes ND ND
Federal: > 50 µg/m3 No ND ND
Fine Particulates (PM2.5)
Maximum 24-hour concentration (µg/m3) 81.3 57.6 55.1
Number of days exceeded: Federal: > 35 µg/m3 3 4 0
Annual arithmetic average concentration (µg/m3) ND 12.8 12.0
Exceeded for the year: State: > 12 µg/m3 ND Yes No
Federal: > 15 µg/m3 ND No No
Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
Maximum 1-hour concentration (ppm) 0.076 0.066 0.067
Number of days exceeded: State: > 0.250 ppm 0 0 0
Annual arithmetic average concentration (ppm) 0.017 0.018 0.019
Exceeded for the year: Federal: > 0.053 ppm No No No
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
Maximum 1-hour concentration (ppm) 0.0024 0.0025 0.005
Number of days exceeded: State: > 0.25 ppm 0 0 0
Maximum 24-hour concentration (ppm) 0.0009 0.0009 0.0009
Number of days exceeded: State: > 0.04 ppm 0 0 0
Federal: > 0.14 ppm 0 0 0
Annual arithmetic average concentration (ppm) 0.00035 0.0004
1
0.00024
Exceeded for the year: Federal: > 0.030 ppm No No No
Sources: AQ, 2022 (Appendix B)
µg/m3 = micrograms per cubic meter
CARB = California Air Resources Board
ND = No data. There were insufficient (or no) data to determine the value. ppm = parts per million
USEPA = United States Environmental Protection Agency
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Table 5.2-3: Attainment Status of Criteria Pollutants in the South Coast Air Basin (SCAB)
Criteria Pollutant State Designation Federal Designation
O3 – 1-hour standard Nonattainment Extreme Nonattainment
O3 – 8-hour standard Nonattainment Extreme Nonattainment
PM10 Nonattainment Attainment/Maintenance
PM2.5 Nonattainment Serious Nonattainment
CO Attainment Attainment/Maintenance
NO2 Attainment Attainment/Maintenance
SO2 - Unclassifiable/Attainment
Pb2 Attainment Attainment1
1Except in Los Angeles County
Source: AQ, 2023 (Appendix B).
The 19.08-acre Project site is currently developed with 40 single-family residential units. Some of the
residences operate an additional use or business, such as truck transportation, auto storage, and auto repair
facilities. Air quality emissions are currently generated by the operation of these uses and the related vehicle
trips.
Sensitive Land Uses
Land uses such as schools, children’s daycare centers, hospitals, and convalescent homes are considered to
be more sensitive to poor air quality than the general public because the population groups associated with
these uses have increased susceptibility to respiratory distress. In addition, residential uses are considered
more sensitive to air quality conditions than commercial and industrial uses, because people generally spend
longer periods of time at their residences, resulting in greater exposure to ambient air quality conditions.
Recreational land uses are considered moderately sensitive to air pollution. Exercise places a high demand
on respiratory functions, which can be impaired by air pollution, even though exposure periods during
exercise are generally short. In addition, noticeable air pollution can detract from the enjoyment of
recreation. The Project site is bordered to the east by Catawba Avenue followed by industrial uses, to the
south by a warehouse, to the west by Poplar Avenue followed by industrial uses, and to the north by industrial
uses. There are no sensitive receptors located within 1,000 feet of the Project site. The closest sensitive
receptors to the Project site are residential uses such as single-family homes located approximately 1,325
feet northeast of the Project northern boundary, south of Tyrol Drive, and single-family homes located
approximately 1,500 feet south of the Project boundary line, south of Jurupa Avenue.
2 The federal nonattainment designation for lead is only applicable towards the Los Angeles County portion of the SCAB.
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Project Site Sensitive Receptor Locations
Sensitive Receptor Locations
Figure 5.2-1
□ •
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5.2.4 THRESHOLDS OF SIGNIFICANCE
According to Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines, a project could have a significant adverse effect on air
quality resources if it would:
AQ-1 Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan;
AQ-2 Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the
project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality
standard;
AQ-3 Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations; or
AQ-4 Result in other emissions (such as those leading to odors) adversely affecting a substantial
number of people.
Regional Thresholds
The SCAQMD’s most recent regional significance thresholds from April 2019 for regulated pollutants are listed
in Table 5.2-4. The SCAQMD’s CEQA air quality methodology provides that any projects that result in daily
emissions that exceed any of the thresholds in Table 5.2-4 would be considered to have both an individually
(project-level) and cumulatively considerable air quality impacts.
Table 5.2-4: SCAQMD Regional Air Quality Thresholds
Pollutant Construction Operations
NOx 100 lbs/day 55 lbs/day
VOC 75 lbs/day 55 lbs/day
PM10 150 lbs/day 150 lbs/day
PM2.5 55 lbs/day 55 lbs/day
SOx 150 lbs/day 150 lbs/day
CO 550 lbs/day 550 lbs/day
Lead 3 lbs/day 3 lbs/day
Localized Significance Thresholds
SCAQMD has also developed localized significance thresholds (LSTs) that represent the maximum emissions
from a project that are not expected to cause or contribute to an exceedance of the most stringent applicable
federal or state ambient air quality standards, and thus would not cause or contribute to localized air quality
impacts. LSTs are developed based on the ambient concentrations of that pollutant for each of the 38 source
receptor areas (SRAs) in the Basin. The localized thresholds, which are found in the mass rate look-up tables
in the “Final Localized Significance Threshold Methodology” document prepared by SCAQMD, were
developed for use on projects that are less than or equal to 5-acres in size and are only applicable to the
following criteria pollutants: NOx, CO, PM10, and PM2.5.
For the proposed Project, the appropriate SRA for the LST is the nearby Central San Bernardino Valley (SRA
34). SCAQMD provides LST screening tables for 25, 50, 100, 200, and 500-meter source-receptor
distances. As identified above, there are no sensitive receptors located within 1,000 feet of the Project site.
The closest sensitive receptors to the Project site are residential uses such as the single-family homes located
approximately 1,325 feet (404 meters) northeast of the Project’s northern boundary south of Tyrol Drive.
Based on the anticipated construction equipment, it is assumed that the maximum daily disturbed acreage
for the proposed Project would be 3.5 acres. Table 5.2-5 lists the thresholds that are used to evaluate LST
emissions.
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Table 5.2-5: SCAQMD Localized Significance Thresholds
Emissions Source Pollutant Emissions Threshold (lbs/day)
NOx CO PM10 PM2.5
Construction 635.0 19,715.0 178.0 86.0
Operations 635.0 19,715.0 43.0 21.0
Source: South Coast Air Quality Management District (2008).
CO = carbon monoxide
lbs/day = pounds per day
NOx = nitrogen oxides
PM10 = particulate matter less than 10 microns in size
PM2.5 = particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in size
CO Hotspots
Areas of vehicle congestion have the potential to create pockets of CO called hotspots. These pockets have
the potential to exceed the state one-hour standard of 20 ppm or the eight-hour standard of 9 ppm. Because
CO is produced in greatest quantities from vehicle combustion and does not readily disperse into the
atmosphere, adherence to ambient air quality standards is typically demonstrated through an analysis of
localized CO concentrations. Hotspots are typically produced at intersections, where traffic congestion is
highest because vehicles queue for longer periods and are subject to reduced speeds. With the turnover of
older vehicles and introduction of cleaner fuels as well as implementation of control technology on industrial
facilities, CO concentrations in the South Coast Air Basin and the state have steadily declined. The analysis
of CO hotspots compares the volume of traffic that has the potential to generate a CO hotspot and the
volume of traffic with implemenation of the proposed Project.
Diesel Mobile Source Health Risk Threshold
Cancer risk is expressed in terms of expected incremental incidence per million population. The SCAQMD
has established an incidence rate of 10 persons per million as the maximum acceptable incremental cancer
risk due to diesel particulate matter (DPM) exposure. This threshold serves to determine whether or not a
given project has a potentially significant development-specific and cumulative impact. Projects that exceed
the project-specific significance thresholds are considered by the SCAQMD to be cumulatively considerable.
Thus, the project-specific and cumulative significance thresholds are the same. Conversely, projects that do
not exceed the project-specific thresholds are not considered to be cumulatively significant.
5.2.5 METHODOLOGY
This analysis focuses on the nature and magnitude of the change in the air quality environment due to
implementation of the proposed Project, based on the maximum development assumptions that are outlined
in Section 3.0, Project Description.
Air pollutant emissions associated with the proposed Project would result from construction equipment usage
and from construction-related traffic. Additionally, emissions would be generated from operations of the
future warehouse and from traffic volumes generated by this new use. The net increase in emissions
generated by these activities and other secondary sources have been quantitatively estimated and
compared to the applicable thresholds of significance recommended by SCAQMD.
AQMP Consistency
SCAQMD’s CEQA Handbook suggests an evaluation of the following two criteria to determine whether a
project involving a legislative land use action (such as the proposed General Plan land use and zoning
designation changes) would be consistent or in conflict with the AQMP:
1. The Project would not generate population and employment growth that would be inconsistent with
SCAG’s growth forecasts.
I I
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2. The Project would not result in an increase in the frequency or severity of existing air quality
violations or cause or contribute to new violations or delay the timely attainment of air quality
standards or the interim emissions reductions specified in the AQMP.
Consistency Criterion No. 1 refers to the SCAG’s growth forecast and associated assumptions included in the
AQMP. The future air quality levels projected in the AQMP are based on SCAG’s growth projections, which
are based, in part, on the general plans of cities and counties located within the SCAG region, and, in part,
on SCAG’s three Land Development Categories. Therefore, if the level of housing or employment related to
the proposed Project are consistent with the applicable assumptions used in the development of the AQMP,
the Project would not jeopardize attainment of the air quality levels identified in the AQMP.
Consistency Criterion No. 2 refers to the California Ambient Air Quality Standards. An impact would occur
if the long-term emissions associated with the proposed Project would exceed SCAQMD’s regional
significance thresholds for operation-phase emissions.
Construction
Short-term construction-generated emissions of criteria air pollutants and ozone precursors from development
of the Project were assessed in accordance with methods recommended by SCAQMD. The Project’s regional
emissions were modeled using the California Emissions Estimator Model (CalEEMod), as recommended by
SCAQMD. CalEEMod was used to determine whether short-term construction-related emissions of criteria air
pollutants associated with the proposed Project would exceed applicable regional thresholds and where
mitigation would be required. Modeling was based on Project-specific data and predicted short-term
construction-generated emissions associated with the Project and were compared with applicable SCAQMD
regional thresholds for determination of significance. Consistent with the requirements set forth in the City of
Fontana’s Industrial Commerce Centers Sustainability Standards, the Project would be required to utilize
CARB Tier IV construction equipment, which was assumed to be utilized in Project modeling.
In addition, to determine whether or not construction activities associated with development of the Project
would create significant adverse localized air quality impacts on nearby sensitive receptors, the worst-case
daily emissions contribution from the proposed Project was compared to SCAQMD’s LSTs that are based on
the pounds of emissions per day that can be generated by a project without causing or contributing to
adverse localized air quality impacts. The daily total onsite combustion, mobile, and fugitive dust emissions
associated with construction was combined and evaluated against SCAQMD’s LSTs for a 3.5-acre site.
Operations
Long-term (i.e., operational) regional emissions of criteria air pollutants and precursors, including mobile-
and area-source emissions from the Project, were also quantified using the CalEEMod computer model. Area-
source emissions were modeled according to the size and type of the land uses proposed. Mass mobile-
source emissions were modeled based on the increase in daily vehicle trips that would result from the
proposed Project. Trip generation rates were available from the Trip Generation and Vehicle Miles Traveled
(VMT) Screening Analysis prepared for the proposed Project (Appendix M). Predicted long-term operational
emissions were compared with applicable SCAQMD thresholds for determination of significance.
No emission reductions were assumed for compliance with SCAQMD’s Rule 2305 – Warehouse Indirect
Source Rule for project modeling.
Trip Length
SCAQMD recommends utilizing a trip length of 15.3 miles for 2-axle trucks (LHDT1, LHDT2), of 14.2 miles
for 3-axle trucks (MHDT), and 39.9 miles for 4+-axle trucks (HHDT) based on the SCAG 2016 RTP/SCS
(SCAQMD, 2021). To determine emissions from passenger car vehicles, 2-axle trucks (LHDT1, LHDT2), and
3-axle trucks (MHDT), the CalEEMod defaults of 16.6 miles were utilized for trip length to provide a
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conservative analysis. To determine emissions from trucks for the proposed industrial uses, the analysis
incorporated the SCAQMD recommended truck trip length of 40 miles for 4+-axle (HHDT) trucks.
Onsite Equipment Emissions
It is anticipated that the Project would utilize a 200-horsepower diesel fire pump. For analytical purposes,
it is anticipated that the emergency diesel generator would result in a maximum operating time of 1 hour
per month.
5.2.6 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
IMPACT AQ-1: WOULD THE PROJECT CONFLICT WITH OR OBSTRUCT IMPLEMENTATION OF AN
APPLICABLE AIR QUALITY PLAN?
Significant and Unavoidable Impact. The SCAQMD’s 2022 AQMP is the applicable air quality plan for
the proposed Project site. Pursuant to Consistency Criterion No. 1, the SCAQMD’s 2022 AQMP is the
applicable air quality plan for the proposed Project. Projects that are consistent with the regional population,
housing, and employment forecasts identified by SCAG are considered to be consistent with the AQMP
growth projections, since the forecast assumptions by SCAG forms the basis of the land use and transportation
control portions of the AQMP. Additionally, because SCAG’s regional growth forecasts are based upon,
among other things, land uses designated in general plans, a project that is consistent with the land use
designated in a general plan would also be consistent with the SCAG’s regional forecast projections, and
thus also with the AQMP growth projections.
The proposed Project would require a General Plan Amendment (GPA) to change the existing land use
designation from Residential Trucking (R-T) to General Industrial (I-G) and a Specific Plan Amendment to
change the site’s existing SWIP designation from Residential Trucking District (RTD) to Slover East Industrial
District (SED). The projections contained in the AQMP for achieving air quality goals are based on the
assumptions in SCAG’s RTP/SCS regarding population, housing, and employment growth trends. The buildout
of the Project site would be more labor-intensive under the proposed Project than under the existing General
Plan and SWIP designations for the site. Accordingly, the 2022 AQMP does not reflect the proposed land
use designation for the Project site and buildout of the site would result in greater employment increases
than assumed by SCAQ’s regional forecast projections and the AQMP growth projections. Therefore, the
Project is inconsistent with the SCAQMD 2022 AQMP and would result in an impact related to Criterion No.1.
Regarding Consistency Criterion No. 2, which evaluates the potential of the proposed Project to increase the
frequency or severity of existing air quality violations; as described previously, an impact related to
Consistency Criterion No. 2 would occur if the long-term emissions associated with the proposed Project would
exceed SCAQMD’s regional significance thresholds for operation-phase emissions. As detailed below in
Impact AQ-2, the Project’s anticipated regional operational-source emissions would not exceed the SCAQMD
thresholds of significance. Therefore, the Project would not result in an increase in the frequency or severity
of existing air quality violations and would not contribute to new violations or delay the timely attainment
of air quality standards or the interim emissions reductions specified in the AQMP. Therefore, the proposed
Project would not result in an impact related to Consistency Criterion No. 2.
Overall, because SCAG’s regional growth forecasts and the AQMP are based upon land uses designated
in general plans, which would change to be more employee-intensive, the Project would result in an
exceedance of SCAG’s growth projections. Therefore, the proposed Project would result in a conflict with,
or obstruct, implementation of the AQMP and impacts would be significant and unavoidable.
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IMPACT AQ-2: WOULD THE PROJECT RESULT IN A CUMULATIVELY CONSIDERABLE NET INCREASE
OF A CRITERIA POLLUTANT FOR WHICH THE PROJECT REGION IS NON-
ATTAINMENT UNDER AN APPLICABLE FEDERAL OR STATE AMBIENT AIR QUALITY
STANDARD?
Construction
Less than Significant Impact. Construction activities associated with the Project would result in emissions of
CO, VOCs, NOx, SOx, PM10, and PM2.5. Pollutant emissions associated with construction would be generated
from the following construction activities: (1) demolition of existing structures; (2) site preparation, grading,
and excavation; (3) construction workers traveling to and from the Project site; (4) delivery and hauling of
construction supplies to, and debris from, the Project site; (5) fuel combustion by onsite construction equipment;
(6) building construction; application of architectural coatings; and (7) paving. These construction activities
would temporarily create emissions of dust, fumes, equipment exhaust, and other air contaminants. In
addition, emissions would result from the export of approximately 8,743 cubic yards of soil during the
grading phase.
Construction emissions are short-term and temporary. The maximum daily construction emissions for the
proposed Project were estimated using CalEEMod; and the modeling includes compliance with SCAQMD
Rules 403 and 1113 (described above), which are included as PPP AQ-1 and PPP AQ-2, and would reduce
air contaminants during construction. Table 5.2-6 provides the maximum daily emissions of criteria air
pollutants from construction of the Project. As shown, emissions resulting from Project construction would not
exceed the thresholds established by the SCAQMD and impacts would be less than significant.
Table 5.2-6: Maximum Peak Construction Emissions
Project Construction Maximum Pollutant Emissions (lbs/day)
VOCs NOX CO SOX PM10 PM2.5
Demolition 0.8 28.0 21.1 <0.1 4.7 1.4
Site Preparation 1.2 39.9 29.8 <0.1 9.0 5.0
Grading 1.5 55.2 40.6 0.1 6.7 3.2
Building Construction 1.8 22.8 33.3 <0.1 4.1 1.5
Paving 1.8 13.4 11.5 <0.1 0.8 0.6
Architectural Coating 61.6 1.3 3.4 <0.1 0.6 0.2
Maximum (lbs/day) 63.4 55.2 40.6 0.1 9.0 5.0
SCAQMD Thresholds 75.0 100.0 550.0 150.0 150.0 55.0
Exceeds? No No No No No No
Source: LSA (January 2023).
Note: Maximum emissions of VOCs and CO occurred during the overlapping building construction and architectural coating phases.
CO = carbon monoxide
lbs/day = pounds per day NOX = nitrogen oxides
PM2.5 = particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in size
PM10 = particulate matter less than 10 microns in size
SCAQMD = South Coast Air Quality Management District SOX = sulfur oxides
VOCs = volatile organic compounds
Operation
Less than Significant Impact. Implementation of the proposed Project would result in long-term regional
emissions of criteria air pollutants and ozone precursors associated with area sources, such as natural gas
consumption, landscaping, applications of architectural coatings, and consumer products. Operation of the
proposed Project would include emissions from vehicles traveling to the Project site and from vehicles in the
parking lots and loading areas. Area source emissions would occur from operation of a 200-horsepower
diesel fire pump, which would be regulated and require a permit from SCAQMD (PPP AQ-4). As shown in
Table 5.2-7, the Project’s net operational activities would not exceed the numerical thresholds of significance
established by the SCAQMD for emissions of any criteria pollutants and impacts would be less than
significant.
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Table 5.2-7: Summary of Peak Operational Emissions
Emission Type Pollutant Emissions (lbs/day)
VOCs NOX CO SOX PM10 PM2.5
Existing Uses Operational Emissions
Area Sources 12.5 0.8 22.6 <0.1 2.9 2.8
Energy Sources <0.1 0.3 0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1
Mobile Sources 1.8 1.8 15.7 <0.1 1.1 0.2
Total Existing Uses Emissions 14.3 2.9 38.4 <0.1 4.0 3.0
Proposed Project Operational Emissions
Area Sources 15.3 0.2 21.3 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1
Energy Sources 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Mobile Sources – Vehicle Trips
and Light Duty Trucks
2.2 2.7 25.9 0.1 2.3 0.4
Mobile Sources – Heavy
Heavy Duty Truck Trips
0.2 13.2 6.8 0.1 1.8 0.6
Stationary Sources <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1
Total Proposed Project
Emissions
17.7 16.1 54.0 0.2 4.1 1.0
Total Net Operational
Emissions
3.4 13.2 15.6 0.2 0.1 -2.0
SCAQMD Thresholds 55.0 55.0 550.0 150.0 150.0 55.0
Significant? No No No No No No
Source: LSA (January 2023).
CO = carbon monoxide
NOx = nitrogen oxides PM2.5 = particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in size
PM10 = particulate matter less than 10 microns in size
SCAQMD = South Coast Air Quality Management District
SOX = sulfur oxides VOCs = volatile organic compounds
Health Impacts of Emissions. The potential health impacts of criteria pollutants are analyzed on a regional
level, not on a facility/project level. The SCAQMD and the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control
District (SJVAPD), experts in the area of air quality, both recognize that a meaningful, accurate analysis of
potential health impacts resulting from criteria pollutants is not currently possible and not likely to yield
substantive information that promotes informed decision making. The SJVAPD, in its amicus curiae brief for
the recent California Supreme Court decision in Sierra Club v. County of Fresno (2018) 6 Cal.5th 502,
explained that “it is not feasible to conduct a [health impact analysis] for criteria air pollutants because
currently available computer modeling tools are not equipped for this task.” The SJVAPD described a
project-specific health impact analysis as “not practicable and not likely to yield valid information” because
“currently available modeling tools are not well suited for this task.” The SJVAPD further noted that “the
CEQA air quality analysis for criteria pollutants is not really a localized, project-level impact analysis but
one of regional” cumulative impacts.
Most local agencies, including the City of Fontana, lack the data to do their own assessment of potential
health impacts from criteria air pollutant emissions, as would be required to establish customized, locally-
specific thresholds of significance based on potential health impacts from an individual development project.
The use of national or “generic” data to fill the gap of missing local data would not yield accurate results
because such data does not capture local air patterns, local background conditions, or local population
characteristics, all of which play a role in how a population experiences air pollution. Because it is
impracticable to accurately isolate the exact cause of a human disease (for example, the role a particular
air pollutant plays compared to the role of other allergens and genetics in causing asthma), existing scientific
tools cannot accurately estimate health impacts of the Project’s air emissions without undue speculation.
Instead, readers are directed to the Project’s air quality impact analysis above, which provides extensive
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information concerning the quantifiable and non-quantifiable health risks related to the Project’s construction
and long-term operation.
As further discussed in Impact AQ-3, in response to Sierra Club v. County of Fresno (2018) 6 Cal.5th 502,
SCAQMD discusses that it may be infeasible to quantify health risks associated with criteria air pollutant
emissions from projects similar to the proposed Project due to many factors. On the other hand, for extremely
large regional projects (unlike the proposed Project), the SCAQMD states that it has been able to correlate
potential health outcomes for very large emissions sources – as part of their rulemaking activity, specifically
6,620 lbs./day of NOX and 89,180 lbs./day of VOC were expected to result in approximately 20
premature deaths per year and 89,947 school absences due to O3.
The proposed Project does not generate anywhere near 6,620 lbs/day of NOX or 89,190 lbs/day of VOC
emissions. As shown previously on Tables 5.2-6 and 5.2-7, the Project would generate up to 55.2 lbs/day
of NOX during construction and net 13.2 lbs/day of NOX during operations (0.83% and 0.20% of 6,620
lbs/day, respectively). The VOC emissions would be a maximum of 63.4 lbs/day during construction and
net 3.4 lbs/day of during operations (0.07% and 0.003% of 89,190 lbs/day, respectively). Therefore, the
emissions are not sufficiently high enough to use a regional modeling program to correlate health effects
from criteria pollutants on a basin-wide level.
Notwithstanding, this EIR does analyze localized operational impacts associated with the Project’s emissions
below under Impact AQ-3, and concludes that such impacts would be less than significant. The SCAQMD’s
Localized Significance Thresholds (“LST”) represent the maximum emissions from a project that are not
expected to cause or contribute to an exceedance of the most stringent applicable federal or state ambient
air quality standard with implementation of mitigation. LST’s are developed based on the ambient
concentrations of each particular pollutant for each source receptor area and the distance to the nearest
sensitive receptor. Therefore, the Project would not generate emissions on a localized scale that are expected
to result in an exceedance of applicable standards, which are intended to be protective of public health. As
discussed above, the Project’s regional emissions would be less than the SCAQMD’s regional thresholds. As
discussed above, given the regional nature of such emissions and numerous unpredictable factors, an analysis
that correlates health with regional emissions is not possible. It should also be noted that the EIR does identify
health concerns related to criteria pollutant emissions. Table 5.2-1 includes a list of criteria pollutants and
summarizes common sources and effects. Thus, the EIR’s analysis is reasonable and intended to foster informed
decision making and the proposed Project would not result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of
any criteria pollutant.
IMPACT AQ-3: WOULD THE PROJECT EXPOSE SENSITIVE RECEPTORS TO SUBSTANTIAL POLLUTANT
CONCENTRATIONS?
CO Hotspots
Less than Significant Impact. An adverse CO concentration, known as a “hot spot,” would occur if an
exceedance of the State’s one-hour standard of 20 ppm or the eight-hour standard of 9 ppm were to occur.
The 2003 AQMP estimated traffic volumes that could generate CO concentrations to result in a “hot spot.”
As shown on Table 5.2-8, the busiest intersection had a daily traffic volume of approximately 100,000
vehicles per day, and the 1-hour CO concentration was 4.6 ppm. This indicates that, even with a traffic
volume of 400,000 vehicles per day, CO concentrations (4.6 ppm x 4 = 18.4 ppm) would still not exceed
the most stringent 1-hour CO standard (20.0 ppm).3
3 Based on the ratio of the CO standard (20.0 ppm) and the modeled value (4.6 ppm).
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Table 5.2-8: Traffic Volumes for Intersections Evaluated in 2003 AQMP
Intersection
Location
Peak Traffic Volumes (vph)
Eastbound
(a.m./p.m.)
Westbound
(a.m./p.m.)
Southbound
(a.m./p.m.)
Northbound
(a.m./p.m.)
Total
(a.m./p.m.)
Wilshire-Veteran 4,954/2,069 1,830/3,317 721/1,400 560/933 8,062/7,719
Sunset-Highland 1,417/1,764 1,342/1,540 2,304/1,832 1,551/2,238 6,614/5,374
La Cienega-Century 2,540/2,243 1,890/2,728 1,384/2,029 821/1,674 6,634/8,674
Long Beach-Imperial 1,217/2,020 1,760/1,400 479/944 756/1,150 4,212/5,514
Source: SCAQMD 2003 AQMP
Operation of the proposed Project at buildout during AM peak hour would result in a total of 23 new trips
through area intersections and a total of 25 new trips in the PM peak hour through area intersections. These
trips distributed throughout the vicinity of the Project would not result in daily traffic volumes of 100,000
vehicles per day or more. As such, Project-related traffic volumes are less than the traffic volumes identified
in the 2003 AQMP; and are not high enough to generate a CO “hot spot.” Therefore, impacts related to
CO “hot spots” from operation of the proposed Project would be less than significant.
Localized Construction Air Quality Impacts
Less than Significant Impact. As discussed previously, the daily construction emissions generated onsite by
the proposed Project are evaluated against SCAQMD’s LSTs for a 3.5-acre site for construction activities to
determine whether the emissions would cause or contribute to adverse localized air quality impacts.
The appropriate SRA for the LST analysis is the Central San Bernardino Valley (SRA 34). SCAQMD provides
LST screening tables for 25, 50, 100, 200, and 500-meter source-receptor distances. As identified
previously, there are no sensitive receptors located within 1,000 feet of the Project site. The closest sensitive
receptors to the Project site are residential uses such as the single-family homes located approximately
1,325 feet (404 meters) northeast of the project’s northern boundary south of Tyrol Drive.
Table 5.2-9 identifies daily localized onsite emissions that are estimated to occur during construction of the
Project. As shown, emissions during the peak construction activity would not exceed the SCAQMD’s localized
significance thresholds under this scenario, and impacts would be less than significant.
Table 5.2-9: Localized Significance Emissions Peak Construction
Source NOx CO PM10 PM2.5
On-Site Project Emissions 24.9 18.2 3.8 1.2
Localized Significance Threshold 635.0 19,715.0 178.0 86.0
Exceeds Threshold? No No No No
Source: LSA (January 2023)
Note: Source Receptor Area 34, based on a 3.5-acre construction disturbance daily area, at a distance of 404 meters from the
Project boundary.
Localized Operational Air Quality Impacts
Less than Significant Impact. As shown on Table 5.2-10, emissions from operation of the Project would not
exceed the SCAQMD’s localized significance thresholds for any criteria pollutant at the nearest sensitive
receptor. Therefore, implementation of the proposed Project would result in a less than significant impact
related to localized operational emissions.
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Table 5.2-10: Localized Significance Emissions from Project Operation
Source NOx CO PM10 PM2.5
On-Site Project Emissions 1.0 22.9 0.2 0.1
Localized Significance Threshold 635.0 19,715.0 43.0 21.0
Exceeds Threshold? No No No No
Source: LSA (January 2023)
Note: Source Receptor Area 34, based on a 3.5-acre construction disturbance daily area, at a distance of 404 meters from
the Project boundary.
Friant Ranch Case
In December 2018, in the case of Sierra Club v. County of Fresno (2018) 6 Cal.5th 502, the California
Supreme Court held that an EIR's air quality analysis must meaningfully connect the identified air quality
impacts to the human health consequences of those impacts, or meaningfully explain why that analysis cannot
be provided. As noted in the Brief of Amicus Curiae by the SCAQMD in the Friant Ranch case (April 6, 2015,
Appendix 10.1), SCAQMD has among the most sophisticated air quality modeling and health impact
evaluation capability of any of the air districts in the State, and thus it is uniquely situated to express an
opinion on how lead agencies should correlate air quality impacts with specific health outcomes.
The SCAQMD discusses that it may be infeasible to quantify health risks caused by projects similar to the
proposed Project, due to many factors. It is necessary to have data regarding the sources and types of air
toxic contaminants, location of emission points, velocity of emissions, the meteorology and topography of the
area, and the location of receptors (worker and residence4). The Brief states that it may not be feasible to
perform a health risk assessment for airborne toxics that will be emitted by a generic industrial building that
was built on "speculation" (i.e., without knowing the future tenant(s)). Even where a health risk assessment can
be prepared, however, the resulting maximum health risk value is only a calculation of risk--it does not
necessarily mean anyone will contract cancer as a result of the Project. The Brief also cites the author of the
CARB methodology, which reported that a PM2.5 methodology is not suited for small projects and may yield
unreliable results. Similarly, SCAQMD staff does not currently know of a way to accurately quantify O3-
related health impacts caused by NOX or VOC emissions from relatively small projects, due to photochemistry
and regional model limitations. The Brief concludes, with respect to the Friant Ranch EIR, that although it may
have been technically possible to plug the data into a methodology, the results would not have been reliable
or meaningful.
On the other hand, for extremely large regional projects (unlike the proposed Project), the SCAQMD states
that it has been able to correlate potential health outcomes for very large emissions sources – as part of
their rulemaking activity, specifically 6,620 lbs./day of NOX and 89,180 lbs./day of VOC were expected
to result in approximately 20 premature deaths per year and 89,947 school absences due to O3.
The proposed Project does not generate anywhere near 6,620 lbs/day of NOX or 89,190 lbs/day of VOC
emissions. As shown previously on Tables 5.2-6 and 5.2-7:
• The Project would generate up to 55.2 lbs/day of NOX during construction and net 13.2 lbs/day
of NOX during operations (0.83% and 0.20% of 6,620 lbs/day, respectively). The VOC emissions
would be a maximum of 63.4 lbs/day during construction and net 3.4 lbs/day of during operations
(0.07% and 0.003% of 89,190 lbs/day, respectively).
4 Worker receptor locations include areas zoned for manufacturing, light or heavy industry, retail activity, or other locations that are regular work
sites. Residential receptor locations include current residential land uses and areas that may be developed for residential uses in the future, based
on existing and planned zoning.
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Therefore, the emissions are not sufficiently high enough to use a regional modeling program to correlate
health effects on a basin-wide level. Notwithstanding, this evaluation does evaluate each of the Project’s
development scenarios localized impacts to air quality for emissions of CO, NOX, PM10, and PM2.5 by
comparing the onsite emissions to the SCAQMD’s applicable LST thresholds. In addition, a Construction and
Operational Health Risk Assessment was prepared, which is discussed below. As described previously, the
proposed Project would not result in emissions that exceeded the SCAQMD’s LSTs. Therefore, the proposed
Project would not be expected to exceed the most stringent applicable federal or state ambient air quality
standards for emissions of CO, NOX, PM10, and PM2.5.
Diesel Mobile Source Health Risk
A Construction and Operational Health Risk Assessment, included as Appendix B, was prepared to evaluate
the health risk impacts as a result of exposure to DPM as a result of heavy-duty diesel trucks traveling to
and from the site, maneuvering onsite, and entering and leaving the site during construction and operation
of the proposed buildings. Onsite truck idling was estimated to occur as trucks enter and travel through the
facility. Although the proposed uses are required to comply with the City of Fontana’s Industrial Commerce
Centers Sustainability Standards diesel truck idling limit of 3 minutes and CARB’s idling limit of 5 minutes,
SCAQMD recommends that the onsite idling emissions should be estimated for 15 minutes of truck idling,
which takes into account onsite idling that occurs while the trucks are waiting to pull up to the truck bays,
idling at the bays, idling at check-in and check-out, etc. As such, this analysis estimated truck idling at 15
minutes, consistent with SCAQMD’s recommendation.
SCAQMD’s CEQA Air Quality Handbook states that emissions of TACs are considered significant if a Health
Risk Assessment shows an increased risk of greater than 10 in one million. A risk level of 10 in one million
implies a likelihood that up to 10 people out of one million equally exposed people would contract cancer
if exposed continuously (24 hours per day) to the levels of TACs over a specified duration of time.
Construction Impacts
The land use with the greatest potential exposure to Project construction-source DPM emissions is the single-
family residence located at the northeast corner Santa Ana Avenue and Citrus Avenue, approximately 0.3
miles northeast of the Project site. Consistent with the requirements set forth in the City of Fontana’s Industrial
Commerce Centers Sustainability Standards, the Project would be required to utilize CARB Tier IV construction
equipment. Therefore, this analysis assumed use of Tier IV construction equipment. The maximally exposed
worker receptor includes the industrial uses located to the east of the Project site across Catawba Avenue.
As shown in Table 5.2-11, the maximum cancer risk for the sensitive receptor maximally exposed individual
(MEI) would be 0.23 in one million, which would not exceed the SCAQMD cancer risk threshold of 10 in one
million. The worker receptor risk would be lower given that worker receptors are only exposed to Project
emissions for 12 hours each day in comparison to 24 hours a day for residential receptors and are exposed
fewer days per year than residential receptors. The work receptor risk would be 0.04 in one million, which
would also not exceed the SCAQMD cancer risk thresholds. The total chronic hazard index would be 0.003
for the worker receptor MEI and 0.000 for the sensitive receptor MEI, which is below the threshold of 1.0. In
addition, the total acute hazard index would be nominal (0.000), which would also not exceed the threshold
of 1.0.
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Table 5.2-11: Health Risks from Project Construction
Location
Carcinogenic
Inhalation Health
Risk in One
Million
Chronic Inhalation
Hazard Index
Acute Inhalation
Hazard Index
Worker Receptor Risk 0.04 0.003 0.000
Sensitive Receptor Risk 0.23 0.000 0.000
SCAQMD Significance
Threshold 10.0 in one million 1.0 1.0
Significant? No No No
Source: LSA (January 2023)
As such, the Project will not cause a significant human health or cancer risk to adjacent land uses as a result
of Project construction activity. All other receptors during construction activity would experience less risk than
what is identified for this location. As such, construction of the Project would not cause a significant human
health or cancer risk to nearby residences and impacts would be less than significant.
Operational Impacts
The land use with the greatest potential exposure to Project operational-source DPM emissions is the single-
family residence located at the northeast corner Santa Ana Avenue and Citrus Avenue , approximately 0.3
miles northeast of the Project site. The residential risk incorporates both the risk for a child living in a nearby
residence for 9 years (the standard period of time for child risk) and an adult living in a nearby residence
for 30 years (considered a conservative period of time for an individual to live in any one residence). The
maximally exposed worker receptor includes the industrial uses located to the east of the Project site across
Catawba Avenue. As shown in Table 5.2-12, the maximum cancer risk for the sensitive receptor maximally
exposed individual (MEI) would be 2.34 in one million, which would not exceed the SCAQMD cancer risk
threshold of 10 in one million. The worker receptor risk would be lower at 0.40 in one million, which would
also not exceed the SCAQMD cancer risk thresholds. The worker receptor risk would be lower given that
worker receptors are only exposed to Project emissions for 12 hours each day in comparison to 24 hours a
day for residential receptors and are exposed fewer days per year than residential receptors. The total
chronic hazard index would be 0.001 for the worker receptor MEI and 0.001 for the sensitive receptor MEI,
which is below the threshold of 1.0. In addition, the total acute hazard index would be nominal (0.000),
which would also not exceed the threshold of 1.0.
Table 5.2-12: Health Risks from Project Operations
Location
Carcinogenic
Inhalation Health
Risk in One
Million
Chronic Inhalation
Hazard Index
Acute Inhalation
Hazard Index
Worker Receptor Risk 0.40 0.001 0.000
Sensitive Receptor Risk 2.34 0.001 0.000
SCAQMD Significance
Threshold 10.0 in one million 1.0 1.0
Significant? No No No
Source: LSA (January 2023)
As such, the Project will not cause a significant human health or cancer risk to adjacent land uses as a result
of Project construction activity. All other receptors during construction activity would experience less risk than
what is identified for this location. As such, construction of the Project would not cause a significant human
health or cancer risk to nearby residences and impacts would be less than significant.
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IMPACT AQ-4 WOULD THE PROJECT RESULT IN OTHER EMISSIONS (SUCH AS THOSE LEADING TO
ODORS) ADVERSELY AFFECTING A SUBSTANTIAL NUMBER OF PEOPLE?
Less Than Significant Impact. The proposed Project would not emit other emissions, such as those generating
objectionable odors, that would affect a substantial number of people. The threshold for odor is identified
by SCAQMD Rule 402, Nuisance, which states:
A person shall not discharge from any source whatsoever such quantities of air contaminants
or other material which cause injury, detriment, nuisance, or annoyance to any considerable
number of persons or to the public, or which endanger the comfort, repose, health or safety
of any such persons or the public, or which cause, or have a natural tendency to cause, injury
or damage to business or property. The provisions of this rule shall not apply to odors
emanating from agricultural operations necessary for the growing of crops or the raising of
fowl or animals.
The type of facilities that are considered to result in other emissions, such as objectionable odors, include
wastewater treatments plants, compost facilities, landfills, solid waste transfer stations, fiberglass
manufacturing facilities, paint/coating operations (e.g., auto body shops), dairy farms, petroleum refineries,
asphalt batch plants, chemical manufacturing, and food manufacturing facilities.
The proposed Project would implement industrial development within the Project site. This land use does not
involve the types of uses that would emit objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people.
Odors generated by industrial land uses are generated from uses such as manufacturing facilities,
paint/coating operations, refineries, chemical manufacturing, and food manufacturing facilities. At the
current time the specific tenants and uses of the proposed industrial building are unknown. However, new
tenants for these types of uses would be required to be reviewed through the City’s permitting process. If
potential concerns related to odors are identified for future building uses, the City would require appropriate
hazardous materials permitting (as detailed in Section 5.8, Hazards and Hazardous Materials) and odor
minimization plans or features would be required in compliance with SCAQMD Rule 402, included as PPP
AQ-3, which would prevent nuisance odors.
During construction, emissions from construction equipment, architectural coatings, and paving activities may
generate odors. However, these odors would be temporary, intermittent in nature, and would not affect a
substantial number of people. The noxious odors would be confined to the immediate vicinity of the
construction equipment. Also, the short-term construction-related odors would cease upon the drying or
hardening of the odor-producing materials.
In addition, all Project-generated solid waste would be stored in covered containers and removed at regular
intervals in compliance with solid waste regulations and would not generate objectionable odors. Therefore,
impacts associated with other operation- and construction-generated emissions, such as odors, would be less
than significant.
5.2.7 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
The SCAQMD 2022 AQMP evaluates regional conditions within the Basin and sets regional emission
significance thresholds for both construction and operation of development projects that apply to project-
specific impacts and cumulatively-considerable impacts. Therefore, per SCAQMD’s methodology, if an
individual project would result in air emissions of criteria pollutants that exceeds the SCAQMD’s thresholds
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for project-specific impacts, then it would also result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of these
criteria pollutants.
As described in Impact AQ-1, the proposed Project would result in conflict with the 2022 AQMP as the
Project would result in more employee-intensive uses onsite than forecasted by the SCAG 2020-2045
RTP/SCS and 2022 AQMP. Therefore, the Project would also result in a cumulatively considerable impact
related to conflict with the AQMP and cumulative impacts would be significant and unavoidable.
As described in Impacts AQ-2 and AQ-3 above, emissions from construction and operation of the proposed
Project would not exceed SCAQMD’s thresholds for any criteria pollutant at the regional or local level after
implementation of existing regulations. Therefore, construction and operational-source emissions would not
be cumulatively considerable.
As discussed in Impact AQ-4, the Project would not expose surrounding uses to objectionable odors. Thus,
there is no potential for odors from the Project to combine with odors from surrounding development Projects
and expose nearby sensitive receptors to offensive odors. Therefore, the Project would not result in significant
cumulative impacts related to odors. Overall, cumulative air quality impacts would be less than significant.
5.2.8 EXISTING REGULATIONS AND PLANS, PROGRAMS, OR POLICIES
Existing Regulations
State
• Airborne Toxic Control Measure to Limit Diesel-Fuel Commercial Vehicle Idling (13 CCR 2485)
• In-Use Off-Road Diesel Idling Restriction (13 CCR 2449)
• California Green Building Standards Code (Code of Regulations, Title 24 Part 6)
Regional
• SCAQMD Rule 201: Permit to Construct
• SCAQMD Rule 402: Nuisance Odors
• SCAQMD Rule 403: Fugitive Dust
• SCAQMD Rule 1113: Architectural Coatings
• SCAQMD Rule 1186: Street Sweeping
• SCAQMD Rule 1403: Asbestos Emissions from Demolition/Renovation Activities
• SCAQMD Rule 2305: Indirect Source Rule
Local
• City of Fontana Industrial Commerce Centers Sustainability Standards (Municipal Code Chapter 9,
Article V)
Plans, Programs, or Policies (PPPs)
These actions will be included in the Project’s mitigation monitoring and reporting program (MMRP):
PPP AQ-1: Rule 403. The Project is required to comply with the provisions of South Coast Air Quality
Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 403, which includes the following:
• All clearing, grading, earth-moving, or excavation activities shall cease when winds exceed 25 mph
per SCAQMD guidelines in order to limit fugitive dust emissions.
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• The contractor shall ensure that all disturbed unpaved roads and disturbed areas within the project
are watered, with complete coverage of disturbed areas, at least 3 times daily during dry weather;
preferably in the mid-morning, afternoon, and after work is done for the day.
• The contractor shall ensure that traffic speeds on unpaved roads and project site areas are reduced
to 15 miles per hour or less.
PPP AQ-2: Rule 1113. The Project is required to comply with the provisions of South Coast Air Quality
Management District Rule (SCAQMD) Rule 1113. Only “Low-Volatile Organic Compounds” paints (no more
than 50 gram/liter of VOC) and/or High Pressure Low Volume (HPLV) applications shall be used.
PPP AQ-3: Rule 402. The Project is required to comply with the provisions of South Coast Air Quality
Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 402. The Project shall not discharge from any source whatsoever such
quantities of air contaminants or other material which cause injury, detriment, nuisance, or annoyance to any
considerable number of persons or to the public, or which endanger the comfort, repose, health or safety of
any such persons or the public, or which cause, or have a natural tendency to cause, injury or damage to
business or property.
PPP AQ-4: Rule 1470 – Requirements for Stationary Diesel-Fueled Internal Combustion and Other
Compression Ignition Engines. The Project is required to obtain a permit from SCAQMD for the proposed
diesel fire pump and would be required to comply with Rule 1470, regulating the use of diesel-fueled
internal combustion engines.
5.2.9 PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES
None.
5.2.10 LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE BEFORE MITIGATION
Upon implementation of existing regulations, Impacts AQ-2, AQ-3, and AQ-4 would be less than significant.
Without mitigation, the following impacts would be potentially significant:
Impact AQ-1: The land use changes from proposed Project would conflict with or obstruct implementation
of the applicable air quality plan.
5.2.11 MITIGATION MEASURES
None.
5.2.12 LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE AFTER MITIGATION
Upon implementation of existing regulatory requirements, Impacts AQ-2, AQ-3, and AQ-4 related to air
quality would be less than significant.
Impact AQ-1: Land use change of the Project would result in an exceedance of SCAG’s growth projections.
There are no feasible mitigation measures available to reduce impacts related to the land use change
associated with the Project. Therefore, the proposed Project would result in a conflict with, or obstruct,
implementation of the AQMP and impacts would be significant and unavoidable.
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REFERENCES
City of Fontana. General Plan Update 2015-2035 Noise and Safety Element. 13 November 2018.
Accessed from: https://www.fontana.org/DocumentCenter/View/26750/Chapter-11---Noise-and-Safety
City of Fontana. General Plan Update 2015-2035 Environmental Impact Report. 13 November 2018.
Accessed from: https://www.fontana.org/DocumentCenter/View/29524/Draft-Environmental-Impact-
Report-for-the-General-Plan-Update
City of Fontana. Municipal Code. Accessed from:
https://library.municode.com/ca/fontana/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CO_CH9ENPRREEX_ARTVI
NCOCESUST_S9-71BUSCADUS
SCAQMD. WAIRE Implementation Guidelines. June 2021. Accessed from:
http://www.aqmd.gov/docs/default-source/planning/fbmsm-docs/waire-implementation-
guidelines.pdf?sfvrsn=12
Southwest Industrial Park Specific Plan. 12 June 2012. Accessed from:
https://www.fontana.org/DocumentCenter/View/29312/Southwest-Industrial-Specific-Plan---Combined-
Document
Southwest Industrial Park (SWIP) Specific Plan Update and Annexation Public Review Draft Program
Environmental Impact Report. 12 June 2012. Accessed from:
https://www.fontana.org/DocumentCenter/View/36382/SWIP-Public-Review-Draft-Program-EIR
LSA. “Air Quality, Health Risk, Greenhouse Gas, and Energy Impact Report Poplar South Distribution Center
Project.” February 2023. Appendix B.
Poplar South Distribution Center 5.3 Biological Resources
City of Fontana 5.3-1
Draft EIR
June 2023
5.3 Biological Resources
5.3.1 INTRODUCTION
This section addresses potential environmental effects of the Project related to biological resources. The
information and analysis herein rely on the following technical reports and documents regarding the
biological resources and conditions of the Project site.
• General Biological Assessment for Assessor’s Parcel Numbers 0237-171-01 through-19, 0237-172-
01 through -12, -19, -22, -23, -26, through -28, and -30 through -33; Hernandez Environmental
Services; August 2022; Appendix C
• Arborist Study and Tree Protection Plan; Rico Ramirez; January 2022; Appendix D
• City of Fontana General Plan Update 2015-2035, Adopted November 2018
• City of Fontana General Plan Update 2015-2035 Environmental Impact Report, Certified November
2018
• City of Fontana Code of Ordinances
• Southwest Industrial Park Specific Plan, Adopted June 2012
• Southwest Industrial Park Specific Plan Environmental Impact Report, Certified October 2011
5.3.2 REGULATORY SETTING
5.3.2.1 Federal Regulatory Setting
Federal Endangered Species Act
The Federal Endangered Species Act (FESA) of 1973 defines an endangered species as “any species which
is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range.” A threatened species is defined
as “any species which is likely to become an Endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout
all or a significant portion of its range.” Under provisions of Section 9(a)(1)(B) of the FESA, unless properly
permitted, it is unlawful to “take” any endangered or threatened listed species. “Take” is defined in Section
3(18) of FESA as: “harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to
engage in any such conduct.” Further, the USFWS, through regulation, has interpreted the terms “harm” and
“harass” to include certain types of habitat modification as forms of “take.” These interpretations, however,
are generally considered and applied on a case-by-case basis and often vary from species to species. In a
case where a property owner seeks permission from a federal agency for an action which could affect a
federally listed plant or animal species, the property owner and agency are required to consult with USFWS
pursuant to Section 7 of the FESA if there is a federal nexus, or consult with USFWS and potentially obtain
a permit pursuant to Section 10 of the FESA in the absence of a federal nexus. Section 9(a)(2)(b) of the FESA
addresses the protections afforded to listed plants.
Migratory Bird Treaty Act
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) protects individuals as well as any part, nest, or eggs of any bird
listed as migratory. In practice, federal permits issued for activities that potentially impact migratory birds
typically have conditions that require pre-disturbance surveys for nesting birds. In the event nesting is
observed, a buffer area with a specified radius must be established, within which no disturbance or intrusion
is allowed until the young have fledged and left the nest, or it has been determined that the nest has failed.
Poplar South Distribution Center 5.3 Biological Resources
City of Fontana 5.3-2
Draft EIR
June 2023
If not otherwise specified in the permit, the size of the buffer area varies with species and local circumstances
(e.g., presence of busy roads, intervening topography, etc.), and is based on the professional judgment of a
monitoring biologist. A list of migratory bird species protected under the MBTA is published by USFWS.
5.3.2.2 State Regulatory Setting
California Endangered Species Act
Under the California’s Endangered Species Act (CESA) (Fish and Game Code § 2050 et seq.), California
Species of Special Concern are species designated as vulnerable to extinction due to declining population
levels, limited ranges, and/or continuing threats. Informally listed species are not protected per se but
warrant consideration in the preparation of biological resource assessments. For some species, the CNDDB
is only concerned with specific portions of the life history, such as roosts, rookeries, or nest areas. The
California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) administers CESA and enforces relevant statutes from
the California Fish and Game Code and Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR).
California Rare Plant Ranks (CRPR)
The California Native Plant Society (CNPS) maintains a list of special-status plant species based on collected
scientific information. Although CNPS’s designations have no legal status or protection under federal or state
endangered species legislation (CNPS 2015), three designations meet the criteria of Section 15380 of the
CEQA Guidelines—CRPR 1A, plants presumed extinct; CRPR 1B, plants rare, threatened, or endangered in
California and elsewhere; and CRPR 2, plants rare, threatened, or endangered in California, but more
numerous elsewhere.
California Fish and Game Code, Sections 3503.5, 3511, 3515
Section 3503.5 of the California Fish and Game Code states that it is “unlawful to take, possess, or destroy
any birds in the order Falconiformes or Strigiformes (birds of prey) or to take, possess, or destroy the nest
or eggs of any such bird except as otherwise provided by this code or any regulation adopted pursuant
thereto.” Activities that result in the abandonment of an active bird of prey nest may also be considered in
violation of this code. In addition, California Fish and Game Code, Section 3511 prohibits the taking of any
bird listed as fully protected, and California Fish and Game Code, Section 3515 states that is it unlawful to
take any non-game migratory bird protected under the MBTA.
Native Plant Protection Act of 1977
This act (Fish and Game Code § 1900 et seq.) directed CDFW to “preserve, protect and enhance rare and
endangered plants in this State.” It gave the California Fish and Game Commission the power to designate
native plants as “endangered” or “rare” and protect endangered and rare plants from take. CESA, which
came later, entered all “rare” animals as “threatened” species, but not rare plants. Thus, there are three
listings for plants in California: rare, threatened, and endangered. Because rare plants are not included in
CESA, mitigation measures for impacts to rare plants are specified in a formal agreement between CDFW
and the project proponent.
5.3.2.3 Local & Regional Regulatory Setting
Poplar South Distribution Center 5.3 Biological Resources
City of Fontana 5.3-3
Draft EIR
June 2023
City of Fontana General Plan
The City of Fontana General Plan contains the following policies related to biological resources that are
applicable to the Project:
Conservation, Open Space, Parks and Trails Element
Goal 1 Fontana continues to preserve sensitive natural open space in the foothills of the San Gabriel
Mountains and Jurupa Hills.
Policy
▪ Consider permanent protection for sensitive foothill lands through potential partnerships
with conservation organizations or acquisition and deed restrictions.
Goal 2 Large city parks and open spaces include plantings and natural areas attractive to birds
and other wildlife.
Policies
▪ Inform the public about the natural ecological character of Fontana.
▪ Use public open space to support wildlife habitat where appropriate.
Goal 3 Fontana has a healthy, drought-resistant urban forest.
Policies
▪ Support tree conservation and planting that enhances shade and drought resistance.
▪ Expand Fontana’s tree canopy.
City of Fontana Municipal Code
Chapter 28, Article III – Preservation of Heritage, Significant and Specimen Trees: The purpose of this
article is “… to establish regulations for the preservation and protection of heritage, significant and/or
specimen trees within the city located on both private and public property. The city council finds that such
trees are worthy of preservation in order to enhance the scenic beauty of the city, provide wind protection,
prevent soil erosion, promote urban forestation, conserve the city's tree heritage for the benefit of all, and
thereby promote the public health, safety and welfare.”
5.3.3 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
The Project site is currently developed with residential uses and contains multiple non-native, ornamental
trees. The approximately 19.08-acre project site consists of two rows of single-family residences north and
south of Rose Avenue. The entire site is developed and contains ornamental vegetation in the yards of each
house. Elevations on the site range from 1,003 feet above mean sea level (AMSL) to 1,023 feet AMSL. The
Project site is bordered by a parking lot to the west and industrial development to the north, east, and south.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Web Soil Survey, one soil class occurs on
the Project site. Soils on the Project site are classified as: Tujunga loamy sand (TuB), 0 to 5 percent slopes.
The Project site is bound to the east by Poplar Avenue and Catawba Avenue to the west. The parcels adjacent
to the Project site directly north and south are developed with industrial warehouses. The parcels adjacent
to the Project site directly to the west are used for vehicle parking lot for trucks, trailers, RVs and cars.
Poplar South Distribution Center 5.3 Biological Resources
City of Fontana 5.3-4
Draft EIR
June 2023
Vegetation Communities and Land Covers
The Project site is dominated by one habitat type which includes approximately 19.08 acres of developed
areas. Developed areas consist of two rows of single-family residences with associated ornamental
vegetation and Rose Avenue. Plant species observed were primarily non-native, including the Aleppo pine
(Pinus halepensis), deodar cedar (Cedrus deodara), century plant (Agave americana), tree of heaven (Ailanthus
altissima), paper flower (Bougainvillea glabra), lemon-scented gum (Corymbia citriodora), weeping fig (Ficus
benjamina), blue jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia), crepe-myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), southern magnolia
(Magnolia grandiflora), chinaberry (Melia azedarach), oleander (Nerium oleander), blue myrtle cactus
(Myrtillocactus geometrizans), and Mexican fan palm (Washingtonia robus).
Heritage, Significant, and Specimen Trees
Section 28-63 of the City’s Municipal Code includes the following species as protected trees: Oak (Quercus
sp.), California Walnut (Juglans Californica), Western Sycamore (Plantanus racemosa), London Plane (Platanus
acerifolia) or Deodora cedar (Cedrus deodora) that have at least one trunk (a) 6 inches in diameter at breast
height (DBH) as measured four and one-half feet above mean natural grade or (b) a combination of any
two trunks measuring a total of 8 inches in DBH as measured four and one-half feet above mean natural
grade. According to the Arborist Study and Tree Protection Plan, none of the protected trees as defined by
the City’s Municipal Code were found on the Project site (Ramirez 2023).
Special-Status Plant Species
A total of 16 plant species are listed as state and/or federally Threatened, Endangered, Rare, or Candidate
species; or are 1B.1 listed plants on the CNPS Rare Plant Inventory. Table 5.3-1 shows special-status plant
species known to exist in the region. No special-status plant species were observed onsite during the field
survey. Additionally, based on habitat requirements for these species and the availability, the quality of
onsite habitat, and the routine onsite disturbances, it was determined that no special-status plant species
have potential to occur onsite and are all presumed absent (Hernandez 2022).
Table 5.3-1: Potential Special-Status Plant Species List
Species Name Common
Name Status Habitat Potential to Occur
Abronia villosa var.
aurita
chaparral sand-
verbena
1B.1
Chaparral | Coastal scrub
| Desert dunes
No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Ambrosia monogyra
singlewhorl
burrobrush
2B.2
Chaparral | Sonoran desert
scrub
No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Ambrosia pumila
San Diego
ambrosia
1B.1
Chaparral | Coastal scrub
| Valley & foothill
grassland
No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Arctostaphylos
glandulosa ssp.
gabrielensis
San Gabriel
manzanita
1B.2
Chaparral
No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Arenaria paludicola
marsh sandwort
1B.1
Freshwater marsh | Marsh &
swamp | Wetland
No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
Poplar South Distribution Center 5.3 Biological Resources
City of Fontana 5.3-5
Draft EIR
June 2023
Species Name Common
Name Status Habitat Potential to Occur
site. This species is not
present.
Astragalus hornii var.
hornii
Horn's milk- vetch
1B.1
Alkali playa | Meadow &
seep | Wetland
No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Berberis nevinii
Nevin's barberry
1B.1
Chaparral | Cismontane
woodland | Coastal scrub |
Riparian scrub
No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Brodiaea filifolia
thread-leaved
brodiaea
1B.1
Chaparral | Cismontane
woodland | Coastal scrub |
Valley & foothill grassland
| Vernal pool | Wetland
No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
California
Walnut Woodland
California
Walnut
Woodland
None
Cismontane woodland Not present.
Calochortus palmeri
var. palmeri
Palmer's
mariposa-lily
1B.2
Chaparral | Lower
montane coniferous forest
| Meadow &
seep
No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Calochortus
plummerae
Plummer's
mariposa-lily
4.2
Chaparral | Cismontane
woodland | Coastal scrub |
Lower montane coniferous
forest | Valley & foothill
grassland
No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Calochortus weedii
var. intermedius
intermediate
mariposa-lily
1B.2
Chaparral | Coastal scrub
| Valley & foothill
grassland
No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Carex comosa
bristly sedge
2B.1
Coastal prairie
| Freshwater marsh | Marsh
& swamp | Valley &
foothill grassland |
Wetland
No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Castilleja lasiorhyncha
San Bernardino
Mountains owl's-
clover
1B.2
Chaparral | Meadow
& seep | Pavement
plain | Riparian
woodland | Upper
montane coniferous
forest |
Wetland
No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Centromadia pungens
ssp. laevis
smooth tarplant
1B.1
Alkali playa | Chenopod
scrub | Meadow & seep |
Riparian woodland |
Valley & foothill grassland
| Wetland
No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Chloropyron
maritimum ssp.
maritimum
salt marsh bird's-
beak
1B.2
Coastal dunes
| Marsh & swamp | Salt
marsh | Wetland
No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Poplar South Distribution Center 5.3 Biological Resources
City of Fontana 5.3-6
Draft EIR
June 2023
Species Name Common
Name Status Habitat Potential to Occur
Chorizanthe parryi
var. parryi
Parry's
spineflower
1B.1
Chaparral | Cismontane
woodland | Coastal scrub |
Valley & foothill grassland
No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Chorizanthe xanti var.
leucotheca
white-bracted
spineflower
1B.2
Coastal scrub | Mojavean
desert scrub | Pinon &
juniper woodlands
No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Cladium californicum
California saw-
grass
2B.2
Alkali marsh | Freshwater
marsh | Meadow & seep |
Wetland
No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Claytonia peirsonii
ssp. peirsonii
Peirson's spring
beauty
1B.2
Subalpine coniferous forest
| Upper montane coniferous
forest
No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Coastal and Valley
Freshwater
Marsh
Coastal and
Valley
Freshwater
Marsh
None
Marsh & swamp | Wetland Not present.
Cuscuta obtusiflora
var. glandulosa
Peruvian dodder
2B.2
Marsh & swamp | Wetland
No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Dodecahema
leptoceras
slender- horned
spineflower
1B.1
Chaparral | Cismontane
woodland | Coastal scrub
No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Dudleya multicaulis
many- stemmed
dudleya
1B.2
Chaparral | Coastal scrub
| Valley & foothill
grassland
No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Eriastrum densifolium
ssp. sanctorum
Santa Ana River
woollystar
1B.1
Chaparral | Coastal scrub No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Eriogonum
microthecum var.
johnstonii
Johnston's
buckwheat
1B.3
Limestone | Subalpine
coniferous forest | Upper
montane coniferous forest
No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Fimbristylis thermalis
hot springs
fimbristylis
2B.2
Meadow & seep | Wetland No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Galium californicum
ssp. primum
Alvin Meadow
bedstraw
1B.2
Chaparral | Lower montane
coniferous forest
No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Helianthus nuttallii ssp.
parishii
Los Angeles
sunflower
1A
Freshwater marsh | Marsh &
swamp | Salt marsh |
Wetland
No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Poplar South Distribution Center 5.3 Biological Resources
City of Fontana 5.3-7
Draft EIR
June 2023
Species Name Common
Name Status Habitat Potential to Occur
Horkelia cuneata var.
puberula
mesa horkelia
1B.1
Chaparral | Cismontane
woodland | Coastal scrub
No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Imperata brevifolia
California
satintail
2B.1
Chaparral | Coastal scrub
| Meadow & seep |
Mojavean desert scrub |
Riparian scrub
| Wetland
No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Lasthenia glabrata
ssp. coulteri
Coulter's
goldfields
1B.1
Alkali playa | Marsh &
swamp | Salt marsh |
Vernal pool | Wetland
No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Lepidium virginicum
var. robinsonii
Robinson's
pepper-grass
4.3
Chaparral | Coastal scrub No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Lilium parryi
lemon lily
1B.2
Lower montane coniferous
forest | Meadow & seep |
Riparian forest | Upper
montane coniferous forest |
Wetland
No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Linanthus concinnus
San Gabriel
linanthus
1B.2
Chaparral | Lower montane
coniferous forest | Upper
montane coniferous forest
No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Lycium parishii
Parish's desert-
thorn
2B.3
Coastal scrub | Sonoran
desert scrub
No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Malacothamn us
parishii
Parish's bush-
mallow
1A
Chaparral | Coastal scrub No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Monardella australis
ssp. jokerstii
Jokerst's
monardella
1B.1
Chaparral | Lower montane
coniferous forest
No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Monardella pringlei
Pringle's
monardella
1A
Coastal scrub No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Muhlenbergia
californica
California muhly
4.3
Chaparral | Coastal scrub
| Lower montane coniferous
forest | Meadow & seep
No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Muhlenbergia utilis
aparejo grass
2B.2
Chaparral | Cismontane
woodland | Coastal scrub
| Marsh & swamp |
Meadow & seep |
Ultramafic
No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Poplar South Distribution Center 5.3 Biological Resources
City of Fontana 5.3-8
Draft EIR
June 2023
Species Name Common
Name Status Habitat Potential to Occur
Nasturtium gambelii
Gambel's water
cress
1B.1
Brackish marsh
| Freshwater marsh | Marsh
& swamp | Wetland
No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Navarretia prostrata
prostrate vernal
pool navarretia
1B.2
Coastal scrub | Meadow
& seep | Valley & foothill
grassland | Vernal pool |
Wetland
No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Opuntia basilaris var.
brachyclada
short-joint
beavertail
1B.2
Chaparral | Joshua tree
woodland | Mojavean
desert scrub | Pinon &
juniper
woodlands
No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Oreonana vestita
woolly mountain-
parsley
1B.3
Lower montane coniferous
forest | Subalpine
coniferous forest | Upper
montane coniferous forest
No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Phacelia stellaris
Brand's star
phacelia
1B.1
Coastal dunes
| Coastal scrub
No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Pseudognapha lium
leucocephalu m
white rabbit-
tobacco
2B.2
Chaparral | Cismontane
woodland | Coastal scrub |
Riparian woodland
No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Ribes divaricatum var.
parishii
Parish's
gooseberry
1A
Riparian woodland No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Riversidian Alluvial
Fan
Sage Scrub
Riversidian
Alluvial Fan
Sage Scrub
None Coastal scrub Not present.
Sagittaria sanfordii
Sanford's
arrowhead
1B.2
Marsh & swamp | Wetland No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Schoenus nigricans
black bog-rush
2B.2
Marsh & swamp | Wetland No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Senecio aphanactis
chaparral
ragwort
2B.2
Chaparral | Cismontane
woodland | Coastal scrub
No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Sidalcea neomexicana
salt spring
checkerbloom
2B.2
Alkali playa | Chaparral
| Coastal scrub | Lower
montane coniferous forest |
Mojavean desert scrub |
Wetland
No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Poplar South Distribution Center 5.3 Biological Resources
City of Fontana 5.3-9
Draft EIR
June 2023
Species Name Common
Name Status Habitat Potential to Occur
Southern California
Arroyo Chub/Santa
Ana Sucker
Stream
Southern
California
Arroyo
Chub/Santa
Ana Sucker
Stream
None Not present.
Southern Cottonwood
Willow Riparian
Forest
Southern
Cottonwood
Willow Riparian
Forest
None
Riparian forest
Not present.
Southern Riparian
Forest
Southern
Riparian Forest
None
Riparian forest
Not present.
Southern Riparian
Scrub
Southern
Riparian Scrub
None
Riparian scrub
Not present.
Southern Sycamore
Alder Riparian
Woodland
Southern
Sycamore Alder
Riparian
Woodland
None
Riparian woodland
Not present.
Southern
Willow Scrub
Southern
Willow Scrub
None Riparian scrub Not present.
Sphenopholis obtusata
prairie wedge
grass
2B.2
Cismontane woodland |
Meadow & seep | Wetland
No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Streptanthus
bernardinus
Laguna
Mountains
jewelflower
4.3
Chaparral | Lower montane
coniferous forest | Upper
montane coniferous forest
No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Streptanthus
campestris
southern
jewelflower
1B.3
Chaparral | Lower montane
coniferous forest | Pinon &
juniper woodlands
No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Symphyotrichu m
defoliatum
San Bernardino
aster
1B.2
Cismontane woodland |
Coastal scrub | Lower
montane coniferous forest |
Marsh & swamp | Meadow
& seep | Valley & foothill
grassland
No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Viola pinetorum ssp.
grisea
grey-leaved
violet
1B.2
Meadow & seep |
Subalpine coniferous forest
| Upper montane coniferous
forest
No suitable habitat
occurs on the project
site. This species is not
present.
Source: General Biological Assessment (Appendix C)
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Fed)- Federal: END-Federal Endangered, THR- Federal threatened; California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CA)- California: END-California Endangered, THR-California Threatened, Candidate-Candidate for listing under the California Endangered
Species Act, FP-California Fully Protected, SSC- Species of Special Concern, WL- Watch List; California Native Plant Society (CNPS) California
Rare Plant Rank: 1B- Plants Rare, Threatened, or Endangered in California or Elsewhere, 2B-Plants Rare, Threatened, or Endangered in California,
but more common elsewhere, 3- Plants about which more information is needed- a review list, 4- Plants of Limited Distribution- a watch list; CNPS
Threat Ranks: 0.1-seriously threatened in California, 0.2-moderately threatened in California, 0.3- not very threatened in California
Poplar South Distribution Center 5.3 Biological Resources
City of Fontana 5.3-10
Draft EIR
June 2023
Special-Status Wildlife Species
Sensitive animal species include federally, and state listed endangered and threatened species, candidate
species for listing by USFWS or CDFW, and/or are species of special concern (SSC) pursuant to CDFW.
Sixteen special-status wildlife species were identified as having a potential to occur in the vicinity of the
Project site, based on the literature review, but none of the species were observed during biological surveys.
Table 5.3-2 shows special-status animal species which were previously recorded within the Fontana
quadrangle and their potential to occur onsite.
Table 5.3-2 Potential Special Status Animal Species List
Species
Name
Common
Name
Status Habitat Potential to
Occur
Accipiter
cooperii
Cooper's hawk
CDFW_WL-
Watch List | IUCN_LC-
Least Concern
Cismontane woodland |
Riparian forest
| Riparian woodland |
Upper montane coniferous
forest
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Agelaius
tricolor
tricolored
blackbird
State- Threatened |
BLM_S-
Sensitive |
CDFW_SSC-
Species of Special
Concern |
IUCN_EN-
Endangered |
NABCI_RWL-
Red Watch List
| USFWS_BCC-
Birds of Conservation
Concern
Freshwater marsh | Marsh &
swamp | Swamp |
Wetland
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Aimophila
ruficeps
canescens
southern
California
rufous-
crowned
sparrow
CDFW_WL-
Watch List
Chaparral | Coastal scrub
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Anniella
stebbinsi
Southern
California
legless lizard
CDFW_SSC-
Species of Special
Concern | USFS_S-
Sensitive
Broadleaved upland forest
| Chaparral | Coastal
dunes
| Coastal scrub
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Arizona
elegans
occidentalis
California
glossy snake
CDFW_SSC-
Species of Special
Concern
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Artemisiospiza
belli belli
Bell’s sage
sparrow
CDFW_WL-
Watch List |
USFWS_BCC-
Chaparral | Coastal scrub
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
Poplar South Distribution Center 5.3 Biological Resources
City of Fontana 5.3-11
Draft EIR
June 2023
Species
Name
Common
Name
Status Habitat Potential to
Occur
Birds of Conservation
Concern
species is not
present.
Aspidoscelis
hyperythra
orange-
throated
whiptail
CDFW_WL-
Watch List | IUCN_LC-
Least Concern | USFS_S-
Sensitive
Chaparral, Cismontane
woodland, Coastal scrub
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Aspidoscelis
tigris stejnegeri
coastal
whiptail
CDFW_SSC-
Species of Special
Concern
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Athene
cunicularia
burrowing owl
BLM_S-
Sensitive |
CDFW_SSC-
Species of Special
Concern | IUCN_LC-
Least Concern |
USFWS_BCC-
Birds of Conservation
Concern
Coastal prairie,
Coastal scrub,
Great Basin grassland,
Great Basin scrub,
Mojavean desert
scrub,Sonoran desert
scrub,Valley & foothill
grassland
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Batrachoseps
gabrieli
San Gabriel
slender
salamander
IUCN_DD-Data Deficient
| USFS_S-
Sensitive
Talus slope
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Bombus crotchii
Crotch bumble
bee
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Buteo swainsoni
Swainson's
hawk
State- Threatened |
BLM_S-
Sensitive | IUCN_LC-
Least Concern |
USFWS_BCC-
Birds of Conservation
Concern
Great Basin grassland,
Riparian forest, Riparian
woodland, Valley & foothill
grassland
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Catostomus
santaanae
Santa Ana
sucker
Federal-Threatened |
AFS_TH-
Threatened |
IUCN_VU-
Vulnerable
Aquatic, South coast
flowing waters
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
Poplar South Distribution Center 5.3 Biological Resources
City of Fontana 5.3-12
Draft EIR
June 2023
Species
Name
Common
Name
Status Habitat Potential to
Occur
Ceratochrysis
longimala
Desert cuckoo
wasp
project site. This
species is not
present.
Chaetodipus
fallax fallax
northwestern
San Diego
pocket mouse
CDFW_SSC-
Species of Special
Concern
Chaparral, Coastal scrub
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Chaetodipus
fallax pallidus
pallid San
Diego pocket
mouse
CDFW_SSC-
Species of Special
Concern
Desert wash, Pinon & juniper
woodlands, Sonoran desert
scrub
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Charina
umbratica
southern
rubber boa
State- Threatened |
USFS_S-
Sensitive
Meadow & seep, Riparian
forest, Riparian woodland,
Upper montane coniferous
forest, Wetland
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Cicindela
tranquebarica
viridissima
greenest tiger
beetle
Riparian woodland
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Coccyzus
americanus
occidentalis
western
yellow-billed
cuckoo
State- Threatened |
Federal- Endangered |
BLM_S-
Sensitive |
NABCI_RWL-
Red Watch List
| USFS_S-
Sensitive |
USFWS_BCC-
Birds of Conservation
Concern
Riparian forest
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Coleonyx
variegatus
abbotti
San Diego
banded gecko
CDFW_SSC-
Species of Special
Concern
Chaparral, Coastal scrub
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Coturnicops
noveboracensi s
yellow rail CDFW_SSC-
Species of Special
Concern | IUCN_LC-
Least Concern |
NABCI_RWL-
Red Watch List
| USFS_S-
Freshwater marsh, Meadow
& seep
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Poplar South Distribution Center 5.3 Biological Resources
City of Fontana 5.3-13
Draft EIR
June 2023
Species
Name
Common
Name
Status Habitat Potential to
Occur
Sensitive |
USFWS_BCC-
Birds of Conservation
Concern
Crotalus ruber red-diamond
rattlesnake
CDFW_SSC-
Species of Special
Concern | USFS_S-
Sensitive
Chaparral, Mojavean
desert scrub, Sonoran
desert scrub
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Diadophis
punctatus
modestus
San
Bernardino
ringneck snake
USFS_S-
Sensitive
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Dipodomys
merriami
parvus
San
Bernardino
kangaroo rat
Federal- Endangered |
State- Candidate |
Endangered
CDFW_SSC-
Species of Special
Concern
Coastal scrub No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Dipodomys
stephensi
Stephens'
kangaroo rat
Federal- Endangered |
State-Threatened |
IUCN_EN-
Endangered
Coastal scrub, Valley &
foothill grassland
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Empidonax
traillii extimus
southwestern
willow
flycatcher
State and Federal-
Endangered |
NABCI_RWL-
Red Watch List
Riparian woodland
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Emys
marmorata
western pond
turtle
BLM_S-
Sensitive |
CDFW_SSC-
Species of Special
Concern |
IUCN_VU-
Vulnerable | USFS_S-
Sensitive
Aquatic, Artificial flowing
waters, Klamath/North
coast flowing waters,
Klamath/North coast
standing waters, Marsh &
swamp, Sacramento/S an
Joaquin flowing
waters,Sacramento/San
Joaquin standing waters,
South coast flowing
waters, South coast
standing waters, Wetland
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Eremophila
alpestris actia
California
horned lark
CDFW_WL-
Watch List | IUCN_LC-
Least Concern
Marine intertidal & splash
zone communities, Meadow
& seep
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Poplar South Distribution Center 5.3 Biological Resources
City of Fontana 5.3-14
Draft EIR
June 2023
Species
Name
Common
Name
Status Habitat Potential to
Occur
Euchloe hyantis
andrewsi
Andrew's
marble
butterfly
Lower montane coniferous
forest
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Eugnosta
busckana
Busck's
gallmoth
Coastal dunes, Coastal
scrub
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Eumops perotis
californicus
western
mastiff bat
BLM_S-
Sensitive |
CDFW_SSC-
Species of Special
Concern |
WBWG_H-
High Priority
Chaparral, Cismontane
woodland, Coastal scrub,
Valley & foothill grassland
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Euphydryas
editha quino
quino
checkerspot
butterfly
Federal- Endangered Chaparral, Coastal scrub No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Falco
columbarius
merlin
CDFW_WL-
Watch List | IUCN_LC-
Least Concern
Estuary, Great Basin
grassland, Valley & foothill
grassland
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Gila orcuttii
Arroyo chub
AFS_VU-
Vulnerable |
CDFW_SSC-
Species of Special
Concern | USFS_S-
Sensitive
Aquatic, South coast
flowing waters
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Glaucomys
oregonensis
californicus
San
Bernardino
flying squirrel
CDFW_SSC-
Species of Special
Concern | USFS_S-
Sensitive
Broadleaved upland forest,
Lower montane coniferous
forest
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Icteria virens
yellow-
breasted chat
CDFW_SSC-
Species of Special
Concern | IUCN_LC-Least
Concern
Riparian forest, Riparian
scrub, Riparian woodland
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Lanius
ludovicianus
loggerhead
shrike
CDFW_SSC-
Species of Special
Concern | IUCN_LC-
Least Concern |
Broadleaved upland forest,
Desert wash, Joshua tree
woodland, Mojavean desert
scrub, Pinon & juniper
woodlands, Riparian
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Poplar South Distribution Center 5.3 Biological Resources
City of Fontana 5.3-15
Draft EIR
June 2023
Species
Name
Common
Name
Status Habitat Potential to
Occur
USFWS_BCC-
Birds of Conservation
Concern
woodland, Sonoran desert
scrub
Lasiurus
xanthinus
western
yellow bat
CDFW_SSC-
Species of Special
Concern | IUCN_LC-
Least Concern |
WBWG_H-
High Priority
Desert wash
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Laterallus
jamaicensis
coturniculus
California
black rail
State Threatened
|BLM_S-
Sensitive | CDFW_FP-
Fully Protected |
IUCN_NT-Near
Threatened |
NABCI_RWL-
Red Watch List
| USFWS_BCC-
Birds of Conservation
Concern
Brackish marsh, Freshwater
marsh, Marsh & swamp,
Salt marsh, Wetland
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Lepus
californicus
bennettii
San Diego
black-tailed
jackrabbit
Coastal scrub
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Neolarra alba
white cuckoo
bee
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Neotoma
lepida
intermedia
San Diego
desert
woodrat
CDFW_SSC-
Species of Special
Concern
Coastal scrub
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Nyctinomops
femorosaccus
pocketed
free- tailed
bat
CDFW_SSC-
Species of Special
Concern | IUCN_LC-
Least Concern |
WBWG_M-
Medium Priority
Joshua tree woodland,
Pinon & juniper
woodlands, Riparian
scrub, Sonoran desert
scrub
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Oncorhynchus
mykiss irideus
pop. 10
steelhead -
southern
California DPS
Federal- Endangered |
AFS_EN-
Endangered
Aquatic, South coast
flowing waters
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Poplar South Distribution Center 5.3 Biological Resources
City of Fontana 5.3-16
Draft EIR
June 2023
Species
Name
Common
Name
Status Habitat Potential to
Occur
Onychomys
torridus ramona
southern
grasshopper
mouse
CDFW_SSC-
Species of Special
Concern
Chenopod scrub
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Ovis canadensis
nelsoni
desert bighorn
sheep
BLM_S-
Sensitive | CDFW_FP-
Fully Protected |
USFS_S-
Sensitive
Alpine, Alpine dwarf scrub,
Chaparral, Chenopod scrub,
Great Basin scrub,
Mojavean desert scrub,
Montane dwarf scrub, Pinon
& juniper woodlands,
Riparian woodland,
Sonoran desert scrub
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Perognathus
longimembris
brevinasus
Los Angeles
pocket mouse
CDFW_SSC-
Species of Special
Concern
Coastal scrub
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Phrynosoma
blainvillii
coast horned
lizard
BLM_S-
Sensitive |
CDFW_SSC-
Species of Special
Concern | IUCN_LC-Least
Concern
Chaparral, Cismontane
woodland, Coastal bluff
scrub, Coastal scrub,
Desert wash, Pinon &
juniper woodlands,
Riparian scrub, Riparian
woodland, Valley &
foothill grassland
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Polioptila
californica
californica
coastal
California
gnatcatcher
Federal- Threatened |
CDFW_SSC-
Species of Special
Concern |
NABCI_YWL-
Yellow Watch List
Coastal bluff scrub, Coastal
scrub
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Rana muscosa
southern
mountain
yellow-legged
frog
Federal and State -
Endangered |
CDFW_WL-
Watch List |
IUCN_EN-
Endangered | USFS_S-
Sensitive
Aquatic
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Rhaphiomidas
terminatus
abdominalis
Delhi Sands
flower-loving
fly
Federal- Endangered
Interior dunes
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Rhinichthys
osculus ssp. 8
Santa Ana
speckled dace
AFS_TH-
Threatened |
Aquatic, South coast
flowing waters
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
Poplar South Distribution Center 5.3 Biological Resources
City of Fontana 5.3-17
Draft EIR
June 2023
Species
Name
Common
Name
Status Habitat Potential to
Occur
CDFW_SSC-
Species of Special
Concern | USFS_S-
Sensitive
project site. This
species is not
present.
Setophaga
petechia
yellow
warbler
CDFW_SSC-
Species of Special
Concern |
USFWS_BCC-
Birds of Conservation
Concern
Riparian forest, Riparian
scrub, Riparian woodland
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Spea
hammondii
western
spadefoot
BLM_S-
Sensitive |
CDFW_SSC-
Species of Special
Concern | IUCN_NT-Near
Threatened
Cismontane woodland,
Coastal scrub, Valley &
foothill grassland, Vernal
pool, Wetland
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Spinus
lawrencei
Lawrence's
goldfinch
IUCN_LC-Least Concern
| NABCI_YWL-
Yellow Watch List |
USFWS_BCC-
Birds of Conservation
Concern
Broadleaved upland forest,
Chaparral, Pinon & juniper
woodlands, Riparian
woodland
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Streptocephal
us woottoni
Riverside fairy
shrimp
Federal- Endangered
IUCN_EN-
Endangered
Coastal scrub, Valley &
foothill grassland, Vernal
pool, Wetland
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Taxidea taxus
American
badger
CDFW_SSC-
Species of Special
Concern | IUCN_LC-Least
Concern
Alkali marsh,
Alkali playa, Alpine, Alpine
dwarf scrub, Bog & fen,
Brackish marsh,
Broadleaved upland forest,
Chaparral, Chenopod
scrub, Cismontane
woodland, Closed-cone
coniferous forest, Coastal
bluff scrub, Coastal dunes,
Coastal prairie, Coastal
scrub
Desert dunes,
Desert wash,
Freshwater marsh Great
Basin grassland,
Great Basin
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Poplar South Distribution Center 5.3 Biological Resources
City of Fontana 5.3-18
Draft EIR
June 2023
Species
Name
Common
Name
Status Habitat Potential to
Occur
Thamnophis
hammondii
two-striped
gartersnake
BLM_S-
Sensitive |
CDFW_SSC-
Species of Special
Concern | IUCN_LC-
Least Concern | USFS_S-
Sensitive
Marsh & swamp, Riparian
scrub, Riparian woodland,
Wetland
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Vireo bellii
pusillus
least Bell's
vireo
Federal and State-
Endangered |
IUCN_NT-Near
Threatened |
NABCI_YWL-
Yellow Watch List
Riparian forest, Riparian
scrub, Riparian woodland
No suitable habitat
occurs on the
project site. This
species is not
present.
Source: General Biological Assessment (Appendix C)
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Fed)- Federal: END-Federal Endangered, THR- Federal threatened; California Department of Fish and Wildlife
(CA)- California: END-California Endangered, THR-California Threatened, Candidate-Candidate for listing under the California Endangered
Species Act, FP-California Fully Protected, SSC- Species of Special Concern, WL- Watch List
Jurisdictional Waters and Wetlands
No jurisdictional drainage or wetland features were observed on the Project site during the field
investigation.
Wildlife Movement
Wildlife corridors connect otherwise isolated pieces of habitat and allow movement or dispersal of plants
and animals. Corridors can be local or regional in scale. Their functions may vary temporally and spatially
based on conditions and species present. Local wildlife corridors allow access to resources such as food,
water, and shelter within the framework of their daily routine. Animals use these corridors, which are often
hillsides or tributary drainages, to move between different habitats. Regional corridors provide these
functions over a larger scale and link two or more large habitat areas, allowing the dispersal of organisms
and the consequent mixing of genes between populations.
The Project site has not been identified as occurring within a wildlife corridor or linkage. Furthermore, the
Project site has been heavily disturbed and is isolated from regional wildlife corridors and linkages. There
are no riparian corridors, creeks, or useful patches of natural areas within or connecting the site to a
recognized corridor or linkage (Hernandez, 2022).
Critical Habitat
Critical Habitat refers to specific areas within the geographical range of a species at the time it is listed that
include the physical or biological features that are essential to the survival and eventual recovery of that
species. The Project site is not located within federally designated Critical Habitat. The nearest designated
Critical Habitat is located approximately 0.60 miles south of the Project site for Coastal California
gnatcatcher within a mountain range.
5.3.4 THRESHOLDS OF SIGNIFICANCE
Appendix G of State CEQA Guidelines indicates that a project could have a significant effect if it were to:
Poplar South Distribution Center 5.3 Biological Resources
City of Fontana 5.3-19
Draft EIR
June 2023
BIO-1 Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any
species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans,
policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service; or
BIO-2 Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community
identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations or by the California Department of
Fish and Game or US Fish and Wildlife Service; or
BIO-3 Have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined by Section
404 of the Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.)
through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means; or
BIO-4 Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife
species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use
of native wildlife nursery sites; or
BIO-5 Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree
preservation policy or ordinance; or
BIO-6 Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community
Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan.
5.3.5 METHODOLOGY
The analysis within this Draft EIR section is based on the biological studies completed for the Project site:
Habitat Assessment, Arborist Report, the City of Fontana’s General Plan Update, and the City of Fontana
Municipal Code. The assessments are based on literature review of biological resources occurring within the
Project site and surrounding vicinity. The literature review was based on the review of the following:
California Natural Diversity Database, USFWS Endangered Species Lists, and the California Native Plant
Society's (CNPS) Rare Plant Inventory to obtain species information for the project area. A general biological
field survey was conducted to document existing conditions within the Project site and surrounding lands. An
Arborist survey was conducted to comply with the City of Fontana’s Preservation of Heritage, Significant and
Specimen Tree Ordinance.
5.3.6 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
IMPACT BIO-1: WOULD THE PROJECT HAVE A SUBSTANTIAL ADVERSE EFFECT, EITHER
DIRECTLY OR THROUGH HABITAT MODIFICATIONS, ON ANY SPECIES
IDENTIFIED AS A CANDIDATE, SENSITIVE, OR SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES IN
LOCAL OR REGIONAL PLANS, POLICIES, OR REGULATIONS, OR BY THE
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE OR U. S. WILDLIFE
SERVICE?
No Impact.
Plant Species
As described above, no special-status plants were detected on the Project site during the field survey and
no special-status plant species are expected to occur on the Project site due to the absence of suitable
habitat. As a result, Project development and operation would not result in a substantial adverse effect either
Poplar South Distribution Center 5.3 Biological Resources
City of Fontana 5.3-20
Draft EIR
June 2023
directly or indirectly, or through habitat modification, on any plant species identified as a candidate, sensitive
or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulation or by the CDFW or USFWS.
Therefore, no impact would result from Project development and operation.
Animal Species
No animal species listed as state and/or federal Threatened, Endangered, or Candidate were detected on
the site during the reconnaissance surveys. Furthermore, no sensitive animal species have been determined
to have the potential to occur on site due to lack of suitable habitat. Therefore, the development of the
Project would not result in a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modification, on
any animal species identified as a Threatened, Endangered, or Candidate species in local or regional plans,
policies, regulation or by the CDFW or USFWS. Hence, there would be no impact to sensitive animal species
or their habitat.
IMPACT BIO-2: WOULD THE PROJECT HAVE A SUBSTANTIAL ADVERSE EFFECT ON ANY
RIPARIAN HABITAT OR OTHER SENSITIVE NATURAL COMMUNITY IDENTIFIED
IN LOCAL OR REGIONAL PLANS, POLICIES, AND REGULATIONS OR BY THE
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME OR U. S. FISH AND WILDLIFE
SERVICE?
No Impact. The General Biological Assessment describes that the Project site does not contain any drainage,
riparian, or riverine features (Appendix C). The Project site is not located within federally designated Critical
Habitat. The nearest designated Critical Habitat is located approximately 0.60 miles south of the Project
site for Coastal California gnatcatcher within a mountain range. Therefore, the Project would not result in
impacts related to riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community.
IMPACT BIO-3: WOULD THE PROJECT HAVE A SUBSTANTIAL ADVERSE EFFECT ON STATE OR
FEDERALLY PROTECTED WETLANDS (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO,
MARSH, VERNAL POOL, COASTAL, ETC.) THROUGH DIRECT REMOVAL,
FILLING, HYDROLOGICAL INTERRUPTION, OR OTHER MEANS?
No Impact. As described in the previous response, the Project site does not include any wetlands or vernal
pools. As stated above, there are no CDFW, United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), or Regional
Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) jurisdictional waters within the Project site boundaries. Therefore,
the Project would not impact federally protected wetlands.
IMPACT BIO-4: WOULD THE PROJECT INTERFERE SUBSTANTIALLY WITH THE MOVEMENT OF
ANY NATIVE RESIDENT OR MIGRATORY FISH OR WILDLIFE SPECIES OR WITH
ESTABLISHED NATIVE RESIDENT OR MIGRATORY WILDLIFE CORRIDORS, OR
IMPEDE THE USE OF NATIVE WILDLIFE NURSERY SITES?
Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. No wildlife corridors are located on the Project site.
However, The Project site contains shrubs and trees that can support nesting birds and raptors protected
under the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Sections 3503, 3503.5, and 3513 of the California Fish
and Game Code during the nesting season. The Biological Assessment prepared for the Project site indicates
that grading activities or vegetation removal during the nesting bird season of February 1 through
September 15 might result in potential impacts to nesting birds. Therefore, if vegetation is required to be
removed during nesting bird season, Mitigation Measure BIO-1 has been included to require a nesting bird
survey to be conducted three days prior to initiating vegetation clearing. If an active nest is observed, BIO-
1 requires buffering and other adaptive mitigation techniques deemed necessary by a qualified biologist
to ensure that impacts to nesting birds are avoided until the nest is no longer active. With the implementation
Poplar South Distribution Center 5.3 Biological Resources
City of Fontana 5.3-21
Draft EIR
June 2023
of Mitigation Measure BIO-1, impacts related to nesting birds would be reduced to a less than significant
level.
IMPACT BIO-5: WOULD THE PROJECT CONFLICT WITH ANY LOCAL POLICIES OR ORDINANCES
PROTECTING BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES, SUCH AS A TREE PRESERVATION
POLICY OR ORDINANCE?
No Impact. The City of Fontana’s Municipal Code, Chapter 28, Article III, Preservation of Heritage,
Significant and Specimen Trees establishes regulations for the preservation of any tree defined by the
ordinance as heritage, significant, or specimen, and endangered species as specified by federal or state
stature. Removal or relocation of any heritage, significant, or specimen tree requires prior authorization from
the Community Development Department of the City through a permit process and planting of a replacement
tree designated by the designated staff. City of Fontana municipal code also requires that any other living
tree that is not classified as heritage, significant, or specimen tree must be replaced.
The Project site was surveyed by a qualified arborist and there were no protected trees pursuant to Chapter
28 Article III of the City’s Municipal Code found on site (Ramirez 2022). Therefore, the Project would have
no impacts regarding any local polices or ordinances protecting biological resources. All non-heritage,
significant, or specimen trees to be removed would be replaced in accordance with city municipal code.
IMPACT BIO-6: WOULD THE PROJECT CONFLICT WITH THE PROVISIONS OF AN ADOPTED
HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN, NATURAL CONSERVATION COMMUNITY
PLAN, OR OTHER APPROVED LOCAL, REGIONAL, OR STATE CONSERVATION
PLAN?
No Impact. The Project site is not located within the boundary of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan
(HCP) or Natural Community Conservation Plan (NCCP). Thus, no impact would occur in this regard.
5.3.7 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
The cumulative study area for purposes of biological resources would be the area surrounding the Project
site, as well as the larger SWIP SP planning area and city. This cumulative impact analysis for biological
resources considers development of the proposed Project in conjunction with other development projects as
well as the projects identified in Section 5.0, Environmental Impact Analysis, Table 5-1, Cumulative Projects.
None of the projects identified in Table 5-1 are proposed adjacent to the Project site. However, there are
multiple cumulative projects within the Fontana area, in the general vicinity of the Project.
The proposed Project would not have significant impacts related to jurisdictional waters, wildlife movement,
local ordinances or regulations protecting biological resources, habitat conservation plans, plant communities,
and habitat fragmentation. In addition, although the proposed Project could have significant impacts to
nesting birds, compliance with mitigation measures BIO-1 would reduce impacts to less than significant levels.
The cumulative projects would be required to comply with applicable survey requirements pursuant to the
MBTA, the City of Fontana, and mitigation for biological resources. Since all projects would be required to
implement their respective mitigation measures, their contribution would not be cumulatively considerable.
There are no projects that would, in combination with the Project, produce a significant impact to biological
resources.
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5.3.8 EXISTING REGULATIONS AND PLANS, PROGRAMS, OR POLICIES
Existing Regulations
Federal
• Federal Endangered Species Act
• Clean Water Act
• Migratory Bird Treaty Act
State
• California’s Endangered Species Act
• California Fish and Game Code
Local
• Ordinance Number 1126 Regulating the Removal of Trees
Plans, Programs, or Policies (PPPs)
PPP BIO-1: City of Fontana Ordinance No. 1126. Establishes regulations for the preservation of any tree
defined by the ordinance as heritage, significant, or specimen, and endangered species as specified by
federal or state statute. Removal or relocation of any heritage, significant, or specimen tree requires prior
authorization from the Community Development Department of the City through a permit process and
planting of a replacement tree designated by the designated staff. City of Fontana municipal code also
requires that any other living tree that is not classified as heritage, significant, or specimen tree must be
replaced.
PPP BIO-2: California Fish and Game Code, Sections 3503.5, 3511, 3515. Section 3503.5 of the
California Fish and Game Code states that it is “unlawful to take, possess, or destroy any birds in the order
Falconiformes or Strigiformes (birds of prey) or to take, possess, or destroy the nest or eggs of any such bird
except as otherwise provided by this code or any regulation adopted pursuant thereto.” Activities that result
in the abandonment of an active bird of prey nest may also be considered in violation of this code. In
addition, California Fish and Game Code, Section 3511 prohibits the taking of any bird listed as fully
protected, and California Fish and Game Code, Section 3515 states that is it unlawful to take any non-game
migratory bird protected under the MBTA.
5.3.9 PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES
None.
5.3.10 LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE BEFORE MITIGATION
Without mitigation, the following impacts would be potentially significant:
Impact BIO-4 Impacts related to the movement of migratory wildlife.
The following would result in no impacts:
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Impact BIO-1 Impacts to threatened or endangered species.
Impact BIO-2 Impacts to riparian habitat or sensitive communities.
Impact BIO-3 Impacts to state or federally protected wetlands.
Impact BIO-5 Impacts related to conflict with local policies or ordinances.
Impact BIO-6 Impacts related to conflict with a habitat conservation plan.
5.3.11 MITIGATION MEASURES
Mitigation Measure BIO-1: Nesting Bird Survey. Vegetation removal should occur outside of the nesting
bird season (generally between February 1 and September 15). If vegetation removal is required during
the nesting bird season, the applicant must conduct take avoidance surveys for nesting birds prior to initiating
vegetation removal/clearing. Surveys will be conducted by a qualified biologist(s) within three days of
vegetation removal. If active nests are observed, a qualified biologist will determine appropriate minimum
disturbance buffers and other adaptive mitigation techniques (e.g., biological monitoring of active nests
during construction-related activities, staggered schedules, etc.) to ensure that impacts to nesting birds are
avoided until the nest is no longer active. At a minimum, construction activities will stay outside of a 200-foot
buffer around the active nests. The approved buffer zone shall be marked in the field with construction
fencing, within which no vegetation clearing or ground disturbance shall commence until the qualified biologist
and San Bernardino County Environmental Planning and Maintenance Divison verify that the nests are no
longer occupied, and the juvenile birds can survive independently from the nests. Once the young have
fledged and left the nest, or the nest otherwise becomes inactive under natural conditions, normal construction
activities may occur.
5.3.12 LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE AFTER MITIGATION
The mitigation measures listed above, and existing regulations would reduce potential impacts associated
with biological resources to a level that is less than significant. Therefore, no significant unavoidable adverse
impacts related to biological resources would occur.
REFERENCES
California Department of Fish and Wildlife. “California Regional Conservation Plans.” April 2019.
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=68626&inline
Hernandez Environmental Services. “General Biological Assessment for Assessor’s Parcel Numbers 0237-171-
01 through-19, 0237-172-01 through -12, -19, -22, -23, -26, through -28, and -30 through -33.” August
2022. Appendix C.
City of Fontana General Plan. Accessed: 9 January 2023.
https://www.fontana.org/DocumentCenter/View/28271/Complete-Document---Approved-General-Plan-
Documents-11-13-2018
City of Fontana General Plan Final Program Environmental Impact Report. Accessed: 9 January 2023.
https://www.fontana.org/DocumentCenter/View/29524/Draft-Environmental-Impact-Report-for-the-
General-Plan-Update
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Ramirez, Rico. “Arborist Study and Tree Protection Plan” January 2023. Appendix D.
Southwest Industrial Park Specific Plan. Accessed: 9 January
2023.https://www.fontana.org/DocumentCenter/View/29312/Southwest-Industrial-Specific-Plan---
Combined-Document
Southwest Industrial Park Specific Plan Environmental Impact Report. Accessed: 9 January 2023.
https://www.fontana.org/DocumentCenter/View/36382/SWIP-Public-Review-Draft-Program-EIRUnited
States, Fish and Wildlife Service. “National Wetlands Inventory.” 20 May 2022.
https://www.fws.gov/wetlands/data/mapper.html
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5.4 Cultural Resources
5.4.1 INTRODUCTION
This section addresses potential environmental effects of the Project related to cultural resources, which
include built and subsurface historic and archaeological resources. The analysis in this section is based, in
part, on the following documents and resources:
• Cultural Resources Study for the Poplar South Distribution Center Project; Brian F. Smith and Associates;
5 August 2022; Appendix E
• Historical Resource Summary: 11005-11093 Poplar Avenue, 15731-15878 Rose Avenue, 11006-
11098 Catawba Avenue, Fontana, California; Urbana Preservation and Planning; 2 November
2022; Appendix F
• City of Fontana General Plan Update 2015-2035, Adopted November 2018
• City of Fontana General Plan Update 2015-2035 Environmental Impact Report, Certified November
2018
• City of Fontana Code of Ordinances
In accordance with Public Resources Code Section 15120(d), certain information and communications that
disclose the location of archaeological sites and sacred lands are allowed to be exempt from public
disclosure.
5.4.2 REGULATORY SETTING
5.4.2.1 Federal Regulations
National Historic Preservation Act
The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (NHPA) established the National Register of Historic Places
(National Register), which is the official register of designated historic places. The National Register is
administered by the National Park Service, and includes listings of buildings, structures, sites, objects, and
districts that possess historical, architectural, engineering, archaeological, or cultural significance at the
national, state, or local level.
To be eligible for the National Register, a property must be significant under one or more of the following
criteria per 36 Code of Federal Regulations Part 60:
a) Properties that are associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad
patterns of our history;
b) Properties that are associated with the lives of persons significant in our past;
c) Properties that embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction, or
that represent the work of a master, or that possess high artistic values, or that represent a significant
and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction; or
d) Properties that have yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history.
In addition to meeting one or more of the aforementioned criteria, an eligible property must also possess
historic “integrity,” which is “the ability of a property to convey its significance.” The National Register criteria
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recognize seven qualities that define integrity: location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and
association.
Structures, sites, buildings, districts, and objects over 50 years of age can be listed in the National Register
as significant historical resources. Properties under 50 years of age that are of exceptional importance or
are contributors to a district can also be included in the National Register.
Properties listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register are also eligible for listing in the California
Register, and as such, are considered historical resources for CEQA purposes.
5.4.2.2 State Regulations
California Register of Historical Resources
Eligibility for inclusion in the California Register is determined by applying the following criteria:
1) It is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of
California’s history and cultural heritage;
2) It is associated with the lives of persons important in California’s past;
3) embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, region, or method of construction, or
represents the work of an important creative individual, or possesses high artistic value; or
4) It has yielded or is likely to yield information important in prehistory or history. The Register includes
properties which are listed or have been formally determined to be eligible for listing in the National
Register, State Historical Landmarks, and eligible Points of Historical Interest (PRC §5024.1).
In addition to meeting one or more of the above criteria, the California Register requires that sufficient time
has passed since a resource’s period of significance to “obtain a scholarly perspective on the events or
individuals associated with the resources.” (CCR 4852 [d][2]). The California Register also requires that a
resource possess integrity. This is defined as the ability for the resource to convey its significance through
seven aspects: location, setting, design, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association.
California Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5
Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5(b) and (c) provides that if human remains are discovered,
excavation or disturbance in the vicinity of human remains shall cease until the County Coroner is contacted
and has reviewed the remains. If the Coroner recognizes the human remains to be those of a Native American
or has reason to believe that they are those of a Native American, the Coroner is required to contact the
Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) by telephone within 24 hours.
Public Resources Code Section 5097.98
Public Resources Code Section 5097.98 provides guidance on the appropriate handling of Native American
remains. Once the NAHC receives notification from the Coroner of a discovery of Native American human
remains, the NAHC is required to notify those persons it believes to be most likely descended from the
deceased Native American. The descendants may, with the permission of the owner of the land, or his or her
authorized representative, inspect the site of discovery of the Native American human remains and may
recommend to the owner or the person responsible for the excavation work means for treatment or
disposition, with appropriate dignity, of the human remains and any associated grave goods. The
descendants shall complete their inspection and make recommendations or preferences for treatment within
48 hours of being granted access to the site. According to Public Resources Code Section 5097.98(k), the
NAHC is authorized to mediate disputes arising between landowners and known descendants relating to the
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treatment and disposition of Native American human burials, skeletal remains, and items associated with
Native American burials.
CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5
Section 15064.5 provides guidelines for determining the significance of impacts to archaeological and
historical resources. The section provides the definition of historical resources, and how to analyze impacts to
resources that are designated or eligible for designation as a historical resource. Section 15064.5
additionally provides provisions for the accidental discovery or recognition of human remains in any location
other than a dedicated cemetery.
5.4.2.3 Local Regulations
Fontana General Plan
The City of Fontana General Plan contains the following goals and policies related to cultural resources that
are applicable to the Project:
Community and Neighborhoods Element
Goal 1 The integrity and character of historic structures, and cultural resources sites within the City
of Fontana are preserved.
Policies
▪ Coordinate city programs and policies to support preservation goals.
▪ Support and promote community-based historic preservation initiatives.
▪ Collaborate with the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) and local tribal
organizations about land development that may affect Native American cultural
resources and artifacts.
Goal 2 Residents’ and visitors’ experience of Fontana is enhanced by a sense of the city’s history.
Policies
▪ Enhance public awareness of Fontana’s unique historical and cultural legacy and the
economic benefits of historic preservation in Fontana.
▪ Support creation of the Fontana Historical Museum.
Goal 3 Archaeological resources are protected and preserved.
Policy
▪ Collaborate with state archaeological agencies to protect resources.
City of Fontana Municipal Code
Fontana Municipal Code Sections 5.351 – 5.365, Preservation of Historic Resources, establishes provisions
for the identification, preservation, and protection of historic, archaeological and cultural resources within
the City.
5.4.3 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
Historic
In 1903, San Bernardino contractor and agriculturist A.B. Miller and his Fontana Development Company
purchased Rosena, a settlement platted by the Semi-Tropic Land and Water Company in 1887. By 1905,
he and the Fontana Development Company had begun developing a farming complex that included an
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assortment of barns, dining rooms, a 200-man bunk house, a kitchen, a company store, as well as the ranch
house used by the foreman. By 1906, Miller had also taken over the remainder of the Semi-Tropic Land and
Water Company assets and created the Fontana Farms Company and the Fontana Land Company.
Afterward, Miller oversaw the construction of an irrigation system that utilized the water from Lytle Creek.
(BFSA 2022a, pp. 14)
In 1913, the town of Fontana was platted between Foothill Boulevard and the Santa Fe railroad tracks.
During this period, a large chunk of the land to the south of the Fontana townsite was utilized as a hog farm,
while the remainder of the Fontana Farms Company land was subdivided into small farms. The smaller
“starter farms” were approximately 2.5 acres and the new owner was able to choose between grapevines
or walnut trees, all supplied by the Fontana Farms nursery. (BFSA 2022a, pp. 14)
In 1926, the National Old Trails (N.O.T.) alignment running through Fontana became part of the newly
created U.S. Highway 66. By 1930 the Fontana Company had subdivided more than three thousand
homesteads, half occupied by full-time settlers. Kaiser Steel was founded in Fontana in the 1940s and
became one of the main producers of steel west of the Mississippi River. To provide for his workers’ health
needs, Henry J. Kaiser constructed the Fontana Kaiser Permanente medical facility, which is now the largest
managed care organization in the United States. (BFSA 2022a, pp. 14-15)
The Kaiser Steel plant led to huge boom in population due to steel workers migrating to the area. The
additional increased immigration to the area during and after the first world war created a housing boom.
The city of Fontana was incorporated on June 25, 1952 and shortly after, the freeway system in Los Angeles
began to divert traffic away from Route 66 and away from Fontana. Kaiser steel closed in the 1980s and
Fontana transitioned to being a transportation hub for trucking due to the number of highways that intersect
in the area (BFSA 2022a, pp. 15-18)
Between 1980 and 1987, Fontana’s population doubled from 35,000 to 70,000, assisted by the Fontana
Redevelopment Agency, who provided incentives for housing developers to build within the city. This process
led to the first specific plan and development agreement for the Southridge residential area. Residential
development continued to grow through the 1990s; however, commercial activities in the downtown area
declined as new commercial developments near freeways and the new residential areas pulled shopping
away from the historic downtown core (BFSA 2022a, pp. 18).
Project Site
Currently, the Project site is entirely developed with 40 residential structures on 41 parcels, many with
associated detached garages, sheds, and other ancillary structures. Based on historical aerials from 1938,
the Project site was used for agricultural uses. Additional historical aerials show that by 1948 the Project site
was being developed for residential uses. Subsequent aerial photographs show the steady regular
residential development of the site throughout the twentieth century (BFSA 2022a). The Cultural Resources
Study identified 24 previously recorded resources within one-half mile of the boundaries of the Project site
consisting of a prehistoric habitation site and artifact scatter, a prehistoric isolate scatter, 16 historic single-
family residences, one site consisting of five historic buildings, one site consisting of historic footings and a
trash scatter, the historic Gertrude Smith Complex, and three historic transmission line alignments (BFSA
2022a). None of these resources are within the Project site.
The field survey conducted as part of the Cultural Resources Study, identified 33 historic era (older than 50
years) structures within the Project site (BFSA 2022a).
Archaeological
The Paleo Indian Period is associated with the terminus of the late Pleistocene (11,500 to circa 9,000 years
ago). Paleo Indians were likely attracted to multiple habitat types, including mountains, marshlands, estuaries,
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and lakeshores. These people likely subsisted using more generalized hunting, gathering, and collecting of
birds, mollusks, and large and small animals.
The Archaic Period (circa 9,000 to 1,300 years ago) was a period where increased moisture allowed for
more extensive occupation of the region. The material culture related to this time period include mortar and
pestle, dart points, and arrow points. The Project is within an area where the traditional use territories of the
Gabrielino, Serrano, and Cahuilla meet.
Approximately 1,500 years ago, during the Late Prehistoric Period, bow and arrow technology started to
emerge. Brownware and buffware pottery vessels started to diffuse across the Southern California deserts.
The shift in material culture assemblages is largely attributed to the emergence of Shoshonean (Takic-
speaking) people who entered California from the east.
Sedentism continued to intensify through the Protohistoric Period (410 to 180 years ago). Ceramic technology
appeared in the region during the Protohistoric Period, which ended with the beginning of Spanish settlement
in 1769.
The Cultural Resources Study identified two prehistoric resources recorded within one-half mile of the Project
site. These prehistoric resources include a habitation site and artifact scatter as well as isolate scatter. None
of the archaeological resources are within the Project site.
5.4.4 THRESHOLDS OF SIGNIFICANCE
Appendix G of State CEQA Guidelines indicates that a project could have a significant effect if it were to:
CUL-1 Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource pursuant to
Section 15064.5; or
CUL-2 Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant
to Section 15064.5; or
CUL-3 Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries.
Historic Resources Thresholds
Historic resources are usually 50 years old or older and must meet at least one of the criteria for listing in
the California Register (such as association with historical events, important people, or architectural
significance), in addition to maintaining a sufficient level of physical integrity (CEQA Guidelines Section
15064.5[a][3]). Additionally, CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5(b), states that a project with an effect that
may cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource is a project that would
have a significant effect on the environment. A substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical
resource means physical demolition, destruction, relocation, or alteration of the resource or its immediate
surroundings such that the significance of a historical resource would be materially impaired. The significance
of a historical resource is materially impaired when a project:
a) Demolishes or materially alters in an adverse manner those physical characteristics of an historical
resource that convey its historical significance and that justify its inclusion in, or eligibility for, inclusion
in the California Register of Historical Resources; or
b) Demolishes or materially alters in an adverse manner those physical characteristics that account for
its inclusion in a local register of historical resources pursuant to Section 5020.1(k) of the Public
Resources Code or its identification in an historical resources survey meeting the requirements of
Section 5024.1(g) of the Public Resources Code, unless the public agency reviewing the effects of
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the project establishes by a preponderance of evidence that the resource is not historically or
culturally significant; or
c) Demolishes or materially alters in an adverse manner those physical characteristics of a historical
resource that convey its historical significance and that justify its eligibility for inclusion in the
California Register of Historical Resources as determined by a lead agency for purposes of CEQA.
5.4.5 METHODOLOGY
The cultural resources analysis below is based on the Cultural Resources Study (BFSA 2022a) and Historic
Resources Assessment (Urbana 2022) and contains information that was compiled through field
reconnaissance, record searches, and reference materials. These studies are included as Appendix E and F.
Archaeological and Historic Records Search. An archaeological and historical records search was
completed at the South Central Coastal Information Center (SCCIC) at California State University, Fullerton
on June 16, 2022. This search included the Project site with an additional one-half mile buffer.
Archaeological and Historic Field Surveys. A pedestrian reconnaissance survey was conducted that was
conducted in 10-meter interval transects where possible, and all exposed ground was inspected for cultural
materials. The survey of the Project site was conducted on June 7, 2022. Due to the developed nature of the
Project site, access to all areas of many of the parcels was compromised by limited access due to locked
gates, dogs, and uncooperative renters. Photographs were taken to document Project conditions during the
survey.
Historic Resource Assessment. A Historical Resource Assessment was conducted to evaluate the subject
historic-age (older than 50 years) structures present on the Project site for eligibility under the Fontana Local
Register and California Register of Historical Structures (CRHR) to identify whether the buildings meet the
definition of an historical resource under the CRHR and pursuant to § 15064.5 of the CEQA Guidelines.
5.4.6 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
IMPACT CUL-1: WOULD THE PROJECT CAUSE A SUBSTANTIAL ADVERSE CHANGE IN THE
SIGNIFICANCE OF A HISTORICAL RESOURCE PURSUANT TO SECTION 15064.5?
Less than Significant Impact. Historical resources are defined as “a resource listed or eligible for listing on
the California Register of Historical Resources” (CRHR) (Public Resources Code, Section 5024.1; 14 CCR
15064.5). Under CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5(a), the term “historical resources” includes the following:
(1) A resource listed in, or determined to be eligible by the State Historical Resources Commission for
listing in, the California Register of Historical Resources (Public Resources Code, Section 5024.1).
(2) A resource included in a local register of historical resources, as defined in Section 5020.1(k) of the
Public Resources Code or identified as significant in a historical resource survey meeting the
requirements of Section 5024.1(g) of the Public Resources Code, will be presumed to be historically
or culturally significant. Public agencies must treat any such resource as significant unless the
preponderance of evidence demonstrates that it is not historically or culturally significant.
(3) Any object, building, structure, site, area, place, record, or manuscript which a lead agency
determines to be historically significant or significant in the architectural, engineering, scientific,
economic, agricultural, educational, social, political, military, or cultural annals of California may be
considered to be a historical resource, provided the lead agency’s determination is supported by
substantial evidence in light of the whole record. Generally, a resource shall be considered by the
lead agency to be “historically significant” if the resource meets the criteria for listing on the
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California Register of Historical Resources (Public Resources Code Section 5024.1) including the
following:
(A) Is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of
California’s history and cultural heritage;
(B) Is associated with the lives of persons important in California’s past;
(C) Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, region, or method of construction,
or represents the work of an important creative individual, or possesses high artistic values;
or
(D) Has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history.
(4) The fact that a resource is not listed in, or determined to be eligible for listing in the California
Register of Historical Resources, not included in a local register of historical resources (pursuant to
Section 5020.1(k) of the Public Resources Code), or identified in a historical resources survey
(meeting the criteria in Section 5024.1(g) of the Public Resources Code) does not preclude a lead
agency from determining that the resource may be an historical resource as defined in Public
Resources Code Sections 5020.1(j) or 5024.1.
As described previously, the Project site includes 41 individual residential parcels, 40 of which are developed
with residences with associated detached garages, sheds, and other ancillary structures. A cultural records
search and review of historical photos conducted as part of the Cultural Resources Study performed for the
Project indicated that the Project site was used agriculturally as early as the 1930s. By 1948, the Project
site was in the process of being cleared and developed for rural residential use which continued throughout
the twentieth century. The Cultural Resources Study identified 33 historic-era structures within the Project site
that may be eligible for listing under the Fontana Local Register and the CRHR. These properties are
identified as 11005-11093 Poplar Avenue, 15731-15878 Rose Avenue, and 11006-11098 Catawba
Avenue. As such, an evaluation of the structures was prepared to identify whether the buildings meet the
definition of an historical resource under the CRHR and pursuant to § 15064.5 of the CEQA Guidelines
(Appendix F).
Results of the historic structure evaluation determined that the structures at 11005-11093 Poplar Avenue,
15731-15878 Rose Avenue, and 11006-11098 Catawba Avenue properties do not qualify for designation
under the Fontana Local Register and do not meet the definition of a historical resource under the CRHR or
pursuant to CEQA Guidelines § 15064.5 (Urbana 2022). As discussed in the historical structure assessment,
the majority of the evaluated properties were constructed during the initial suburbanization of the City of
Fontana. Thus, although the properties were constructed during pivotal moments in the history of Fontana, no
specific information was identified to indicate that the properties, in and of itself, exemplifies or represents
a special element of Fontana and California’s history and cultural heritage under CRHR Local Register
Criterion. As such, the properties are not identified as being of historical significance and the removal of the
structures would not result in an adverse change in the significance of a historical resource pursuant to
§15064.5. Therefore, the Project would result in less than significant impacts related to historical resources.
IMPACT CUL-2: WOULD THE PROJECT CAUSE A SUBSTANTIAL ADVERSE CHANGE IN THE
SIGNIFICANCE OF AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCE PURSUANT TO SECTION
15064.5?
Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. No prehistoric or historic-period archaeological
resources were identified within the Project site during the records search or pedestrian field survey (BFSA
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2022a). Additionally, since the existing structures within Project site do not qualify as historical resources
under CEQA Guidelines § 15064.5 (see Impact CUL-1), the Project site does not contain historical resources.
As discussed above, the Project site has been previously disturbed; therefore, there is reduced potential for
the Project to impact archaeological resources. However, the field survey conducted as part of the Cultural
Resources Study encountered hinderances in some locations due to the lack of access and poor visibility from
the existing structures onsite. Thus, the presence of archaeological resources on the Project site could not be
fully explored. As a result, the potential for archaeological resources exists on site are unknown to low. To
fully explore the potential of archaeological resources, Mitigation Measures CUL-1 would be implemented,
which requires a qualified archeologist to attend pre-grade meetings and monitor all initial ground
disturbing activities up to five feet in depth. In the event that a resource is inadvertently discovered during
ground-disturbing activities, work would be halted within 50 feet of the find until it can be evaluated by the
qualified archaeologist. With the implementation of CUL-1, the Project’s impacts related to archaeological
resources would be reduced to a less than significant level.
IMPACT CUL-3: WOULD THE PROJECT DISTURB ANY HUMAN REMAINS, INCLUDING THOSE
INTERRED OUTSIDE OF FORMAL CEMETERIES?
Less than Significant Impact. The Project site has not been previously used as a cemetery. Thus, human
remains are not anticipated to be uncovered during project construction. In addition, California Health and
Safety Code Section 7050.5, CEQA Section 15064.5, and Public Resources Code Section 5097.98, included
as PPP CUL-1, mandate the process to be followed in the event of an accidental discovery of any human
remains. Specifically, California Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5 requires that if human remains are
discovered, disturbance of the site shall remain halted until the coroner has conducted an investigation into
the circumstances, manner, and cause of death, and made recommendations concerning the treatment and
disposition of the human remains to the person responsible for the excavation, or to his or her authorized
representative, in the manner provided in Section 5097.98 of the Public Resources Code. If the coroner
determines that the remains are not subject to his or her authority and if the coroner has reason to believe
the human remains to be those of a Native American, he or she shall contact, by telephone within 24 hours,
the Native American Heritage Commission. Compliance with existing law would ensure that significant
impacts to human remains would not occur. Therefore, impacts from development of the Project on human
remains would be less than significant.
5.4.7 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
The cumulative study area for purposes of cultural resources would be the area surrounding the Project site,
as well as the larger SWIP SP planning area and city. This cumulative impact analysis for cultural resources
considers development of the proposed Project in conjunction with other development projects as well as the
projects identified in Section 5.0, Environmental Impact Analysis, Table 5-1, Cumulative Projects. None of the
projects identified in Table 5-1 are proposed adjacent to the Project site. However, there are multiple
cumulative projects within the Fontana area, in the general vicinity of the Project.
Historic Resources: The Project’s contribution to cumulative impacts to historical resources was analyzed in
context with past projects in the Fontana region of San Bernardino County that were once similarly influenced
by the historical agricultural industry in the region. Record searches and field surveys indicate the absence
of significant historical sites and resources within the Project site. Therefore, Project implementation would
have no potential to contribute towards a significant cumulative impact to historical sites and/or resources.
With compliance with City regulations and project-specific mitigation, the Project’s contribution to cumulative
impacts would not be cumulatively considerable.
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Archaeological Resources: The Project’s impact to prehistoric archaeological resources was analyzed in the
context of the Fontana region of San Bernardino County, which is identified as sensitive for archaeological
resources. Construction activities within the Project site – as with other development projects in the region –
may uncover subsurface prehistoric archaeological resource that meet the CCR § 15064.5 definition.
However, mitigation has been included to reduce the potential of the Project to contribute to a significant
cumulative impact to archaeological resources. With compliance with Project-specific mitigation, the Project’s
contribution to cumulative impacts would not be cumulatively considerable.
Disturbance of Human Remains: The Project’s impact to human remains was analyzed in the context of the
Fontana region of San Bernardino County, that were once similarly occupied by the same tribes and
settlements. Mandatory compliance with the provisions of California Health and Safety Code § 7050.5,
Public Resources Code § 5097 et seq., and CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5 would assure that the Project,
in addition to all development projects, treat human remains that may be uncovered during development
activities in accordance with prescribed, respectful and appropriate practices. As such, the Project’s
contribution to cumulative impacts would not be cumulatively considerable.
5.4.8 EXISTING REGULATIONS AND PLANS, PROGRAMS, OR POLICIES
Existing Regulations
• California Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5
• Public Resources Code Section 5097.98
Plans, Programs, or Policies (PPPs)
PPP CUL-1: Human Remains. If human remains are found on this site, the developer/permit holder or any
successor in interest shall comply with State Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5. Pursuant to State Health
and Safety Code Section 7050.5, if human remains are encountered, no further disturbance shall occur until
the San Bernardino County Coroner has made the necessary findings as to origin. Further, pursuant to Public
Resources Code Section 5097.98 (b), remains shall be left in place and free from disturbance until a final
decision as to the treatment and their disposition has been made. If the San Bernardino County Coroner
determines the remains to be Native American, the Native American Heritage Commission shall be contacted
by the Coroner within the period specified by law (24 hours). Subsequently, the Native American Heritage
Commission shall identify the “Most Likely Descendant”. The Most Likely Descendant shall then make
recommendations and engage in consultation with the property owner concerning the treatment of the
remains as provided in Public Resources Code Section 5097.98.
5.4.9 PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES
None.
5.4.10 LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE BEFORE MITIGATION
Impact CUL-1 would be less than significant. Upon implementation of Plans, Programs, or Policies, Impact
CUL-3 would be reduced to less than significant.
Without mitigation, the following impacts would be potentially significant:
• Impact CUL-2: Implementation of the Project may impact an archaeological resource.
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5.4.11 MITIGATION MEASURES
Mitigation Measure CUL-1: Archaeological Monitoring. Prior to the issuance of the first grading permit,
the applicant shall provide a letter to the City Planning Division, or designee, from a qualified professional
archeologist meeting the Secretary of Interior’s Professional Qualifications for Archaeology as defined at
36 CFR Part 61, Appendix A, stating that qualified archeologists have been retained and will be present at
pre-grade meetings and for all initial ground disturbing activities, up to five feet in depth.
In the event that a resource is inadvertently discovered during ground-disturbing activities, work must be
halted within 50 feet of the find until it can be evaluated by the qualified archaeologist. Construction
activities could continue in other areas. If the find is considered a “resource” the archaeologist shall pursue
either protection in place or recovery, salvage and treatment of the deposits. Recovery, salvage and
treatment protocols shall be developed in accordance with applicable provisions of Public Resource Code
Section 21083.2 and State CEQA Guidelines 15064.5 and 15126.4 in consultation with the City. Per CEQA
Guidelines Section 15126.4(b)(3), preservation in place shall be the preferred means to avoid impacts to
archaeological resources qualifying as historical resources. Consistent with CEQA Guidelines Section
15126.4(b)(3)(C), if unique archaeological resources cannot be preserved in place or left in an undisturbed
state, recovery, salvage, and treatment shall be required at the developer/applicant’s expense.
5.4.12 LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE AFTER MITIGATION
With implementation of Mitigation Measures CUL-1, and compliance with regulatory requirements, included
herein as PPPs, Project impacts to cultural resources in the Project site would be less than significant.
REFERENCES
Brian F. Smith and Associates, Inc. A Cultural Resources Study for the Poplar South Distribution Center Project.
5 August 2022. (BFSA 2022a). Appendix E.
City of Fontana. General Plan Update 2015-2035. 13 November 2018. Accessed: 10 January 2023.
https://www.fontana.org/2632/General-Plan-Update-2015---2035
City of Fontana. General Plan Update 2015-2035 Draft Environmental Impact Report. 8 June 2018.
Accessed: 10 January 2023. https://www.fontana.org/DocumentCenter/View/29524/Draft-
Environmental-Impact-Report-for-the-General-Plan-Update
Urbana Preservation and Planning. Historical Resource Summary 11005-11093 Poplar Avenue, 15731-
15878 Rose Avenue, 11006-11098 Catawba Avenue, Fontana, California. 3 November 2022. (Urbana
2022). Appendix F.
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5.5 Energy
5.5.1 INTRODUCTION
This section of the Draft EIR assesses the significance of the use of energy, including electricity, natural gas
and gasoline, and diesel fuels, that would result from implementation of the proposed Project. It discusses
existing energy use patterns and examines whether the proposed Project (including development and
operation) would result in the consumption of large amounts of fuel or energy or use such resources in a
wasteful manner.
Refer to Section 5.7, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, for a discussion of the relationship between energy
consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and Section 5.17, Utilities and Service Systems, for a
discussion of water consumption. This section includes data from the following City documents and reports
prepared by LSA and are included in Appendix B to this Draft EIR:
• City of Fontana General Plan Update 2015-2035, Adopted 13 November 2018
• City of Fontana General Plan Update 2015-2035 Environmental Impact Report, Certified 13
November 2018
• Southwest Industrial Park Specific Plan, Adopted 12 June 2012
• Southwest Industrial Park (SWIP) Specific Plan Update and Annexation, Certified 12 June 2012
• City of Fontana Municipal Code
• Air Quality, Health Risk, Greenhouse Gas, and Energy Impact Report Poplar South Distribution Center,
LSA, January 2023, Appendix B
5.5.2 REGULATORY SETTING
5.5.2.1 Federal Regulations
Energy Independence and Security Act, Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency Standards
On December 19, 2007, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 was signed into law, requiring
an increased Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standard of 35 miles per gallon (mpg) for the
combined fleet of cars and light trucks by the 2020 model year.
In addition to setting increased CAFE standards for motor vehicles, the Energy Independence and Security
Act includes the following additional provisions:
• Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) (Section 202)
• Appliance and Lighting Efficiency Standards (Sections 301–325)
• Building Energy Efficiency (Sections 411–441)
Additional provisions of the Act address energy savings in government and public institutions, promoting
research for alternative energy, additional research in carbon capture, international energy programs, and
the creation of green jobs.
5.5.2.2 State Regulations
California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 13, Motor Vehicles, Section 2449(d)(3)
No vehicle or engines subject to this regulation may idle for more than 5 consecutive minutes. The idling limit
does not apply to:
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• idling when queuing,
• idling to verify that the vehicle is in safe operating condition,
• idling for testing, servicing, repairing or diagnostic purposes,
• idling necessary to accomplish work for which the vehicle was designed (such as operating a crane),
• idling required to bring the machine system to operating temperature, and
• idling necessary to ensure safe operation of the vehicle.
Senate Bill 1020
Senate Bill (SB) 1020 aims to significantly accelerate California’s ambitious clean energy targets by
requiring state agencies to purchase 100 percent eligible renewable and zero carbon electricity by 2030,
instead of 2045 under current law while also cutting carbon emissions by 85 percent the same year.
Assembly Bill 1279
Assembly Bill (AB) 1279 requires the state to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) as soon as
possible, but no later than 2045, and achieve and maintain net negative greenhouse gas emissions
thereafter. The bill also requires California to reduce statewide GHG emissions by 85 percent compared to
1990 levels, and directs the California Air Resources Board to work with relevant state agencies to achieve
these goals.
Title 24 Energy Efficiency Standards and California Green Building Standards
California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 24 Part 6: The California Energy Code (CalGreen) is updated
every three years. The most recent update was the 2022 California Green Building Code Standards that
will become effective on January 1, 2023.
The 2022 Energy Code encourages efficient electric heat pumps, establishes electric-ready requirements
for new homes, expands solar photovoltaic and battery storage standards, and strengthens ventilation
standards, among other requirements. The California Energy Commission anticipates that the 2022 energy
code will provide $1.5 billion in consumer benefits and reduce GHG emissions by 10 million metric tons.
The 2022 CALGreen standards that reduce GHG emissions and are applicable to the proposed Project
include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Short-term bicycle parking. If the new project or an additional alteration is anticipated to generate
visitor traffic, provide permanently anchored bicycle racks within 200 feet of the visitors’ entrance,
readily visible to passers-by, for 5% of new visitor motorized vehicle parking spaces being added,
with a minimum of one two-bike capacity rack (5.106.4.1.1).
• Long-term bicycle parking. For new buildings with tenant spaces that have 10 or more tenant-
occupants, provide secure bicycle parking for 5% of the tenant-occupant vehicular parking spaces
with a minimum of one bicycle parking facility (5.106.4.1.2).
• Designated parking for clean air vehicles. In new projects or additions to alterations that add 10
or more vehicular parking spaces, provide designated parking for any combination of low-emitting,
fuel-efficient and carpool/van pool vehicles as shown in Table 5.106.5.2 (5.106.5.2).
• EV charging stations. New construction shall facilitate the future installation of EV supply equipment.
The compliance requires empty raceways for future conduit and documentation that the electrical
system has adequate capacity for the future load. The number of spaces to be provided for is
contained in Table 5.106. 5.3.3 (5.106.5.3). Additionally, Table 5.106.5.4.1 specifies requirements
for the installation of raceway conduit and panel power requirements for medium- and heavy-duty
electric vehicle supply equipment for warehouses, grocery stores, and retail stores.
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• Outdoor light pollution reduction. Outdoor lighting systems shall be designed to meet the backlight,
uplight and glare ratings per Table 5.106.8 (5.106.8).
• Construction waste management. Recycle and/or salvage for reuse a minimum of 65% of the
nonhazardous construction and demolition waste in accordance with Section 5.408.1.1. 5.405.1.2,
or 5.408.1.3; or meet a local construction and demolition waste management ordinance, whichever
is more stringent (5.408.1).
• Excavated soil and land clearing debris. 100% of trees, stumps, rocks and associated vegetation
and soils resulting primarily from land clearing shall be reused or recycled. For a phased project,
such material may be stockpiled on site until the storage site is developed (5.408.3).
• Recycling by Occupants. Provide readily accessible areas that serve the entire building and are
identified for the depositing, storage, and collection of non-hazardous materials for recycling,
including (at a minimum) paper, corrugated cardboard, glass, plastics, organic waste, and metals
or meet a lawfully enacted local recycling ordinance, if more restrictive (5.410.1).
• Water conserving plumbing fixtures and fittings. Plumbing fixtures (water closets and urinals) and
fittings (faucets and showerheads) shall comply with the following:
• Water Closets. The effective flush volume of all water closets shall not exceed 1.28 gallons
per flush (5.303.3.1).
• Urinals. The effective flush volume of wall-mounted urinals shall not exceed 0.125 gallons per
flush (5.303.3.2.1). The effective flush volume of floor- mounted or other urinals shall not
exceed 0.5 gallons per flush (5.303.3.2.2).
• Showerheads. Single showerheads shall have a minimum flow rate of not more than 1.8 gallons
per minute and 80 psi (5.303.3.3.1). When a shower is served by more than one showerhead,
the combine flow rate of all showerheads and/or other shower outlets controlled by a single
valve shall not exceed 1.8 gallons per minute at 80 psi (5.303.3.3.2).
• Faucets and fountains. Nonresidential lavatory faucets shall have a maximum flow rate of not
more than 0.5 gallons per minute at 60 psi (5.303.3.4.1). Kitchen faucets shall have a maximum
flow rate of not more than 1.8 gallons per minute of 60 psi (5.303.3.4.2). Wash fountains shall
have a maximum flow rate of not more than 1.8 gallons per minute (5.303.3.4.3). Metering
faucets shall not deliver more than 0.20 gallons per cycle (5.303.3.4.4). Metering faucets for
wash fountains shall have a maximum flow rate not more than 0.20 gallons per cycle
(5.303.3.4.5).
• Outdoor potable water uses in landscaped areas. Nonresidential developments shall comply with
a local water efficient landscape ordinance or the current California Department of Water
Resources’ Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO), whichever is more stringent
(5.304.1).
• Water meters. Separate submeters or metering devices shall be installed for new buildings or
additions in excess of 50,000 SF or for excess consumption where any tenant within a new building
or within an addition that is project to consume more than 1,000 gallons per day (GPD) (5.303.1.1
and 5.303.1.2).
• Outdoor water uses in rehabilitated landscape projects equal or greater than 2,500 SF.
Rehabilitated landscape projects with an aggregate landscape area equal to or greater than
2,500 SF requiring a building or landscape permit (5.304.3).
• Commissioning. For new buildings 10,000 SF and over, building commissioning shall be included in
the design and construction processes of the building project to verify that the building systems and
components meet the owner’s or owner representative’s project requirements (5.410.2).
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The 2022 CalGreen Building Standards Code has been adopted by the City of Fontana as Ordinance No.
1907.
5.5.2.3 Local Regulations
City of Fontana General Plan Update 2015-2035
The City of Fontana General Plan Update 2015-2035 contains the following policies related to energy that
are applicable to the Project:
Goal 12.3 Renewable sources of energy, including solar and wind, and other energy-conservation
strategies are available to city households and businesses.
Policies
▪ Promote renewable energy programs for government, Fontana businesses, and Fontana
residences.
Goal 12.5 Green building techniques are used in new development and retrofits.
Policies
▪ Promote green building through guidelines, awards and nonfinancial incentives.
Actions
▪ Establish a residential “cool roofs” program to reduce air conditioning costs and the
urban heat island effect.
▪ Establish an annual award for green development projects, including retrofits, in
Fontana.
Goal 12.6 Fontana is a leader energy-efficient development and retrofits.
Policies
▪ Promote energy-efficient development in Fontana.
▪ Meet or exceed state goals for energy-efficient new construction.
Actions
▪ Provide incentives for energy-efficient residential and non-residential construction.
City of Fontana Municipal Code
Ordinance No. 1907. Ordinance No. 1907 was enacted October 25, 2022, but has yet to be codified
within the City of Fontana Municipal Code. Within Ordinance No. 1907, the City adopted the California
Building Standards Code (2022 Edition), including its Building Code, Energy Code, and Green Building Code
(CalGreen) components. The City’s Building Code regulates and controls the minimum energy and resource
efficiencies of all new development within the City.
Chapter 9, Section V: Industrial Commerce Centers Sustainability Standards. Establishes sustainability
standards applicable to all warehouse development projects that are intended to improve local air and
environmental quality. Standards required by Chapter 9, Section V of the Fontana Municipal Code that
would directly reduce local air pollution emissions include but are not limited to:
• Requiring the use of the highest rated CARB Tier technology that is available at the time of
construction;
• Orientation of loading docks and truck entries away from sensitive receptors;
• Prohibiting idling for more than three minutes;
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• Requiring each warehouse development to prepare and implement a Truck Routing Plan that utilizes
designated truck routes and avoids routes that pass sensitive receptors, to the greatest extent
possible;
• Requiring motorized cargo-handling equipment used at warehouses to be zero emission;
• Requiring buildings with more than 400,000 SF of building area to install rooftop solar panels that
supply 100 percent of the power needed for non-refrigerated building space; and
• Requiring the installation of electric plug-ins at all loading dock positions that would be utilized by
trucks fitted with transport refrigeration units (TRUs).
The City would ensure compliance with the requirements of Chapter 9, Section V of the Municipal Code as
part of their standard building permit review/approval and site inspection processes.
5.5.3 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
Electricity
The Southern California Edison Company (SCE) is the electrical purveyor in the City of Fontana. SCE provides
electricity service to more than 14 million people in a 50,000 square-mile area of central, coastal and
Southern California. California utilities are experiencing increasing demands that require modernization of
the electric distribution grid to, among other things, accommodate two-way flows of electricity and increase
the grid's capacity. SCE is in the process of implementing infrastructure upgrades to ensure the ability to
meet future demands. In addition, as described by the Edison International 2021 Annual Report, the SCE
electrical grid modernization effort supports implementation of California Senate Bill 32 that requires the
state to cut greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 and 80 percent from the same
baseline by 2050 in order to help achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. It describes that in 2021
approximately 42% of power that SCE delivered to customers came from carbon-free resources (SCE 2021).
The Project site is currently served by the electricity distribution systems that exist along the roadways
adjacent to the Project site.
Natural Gas
The Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) is the natural gas purveyor in the City of Fontana and is
the principal distributor of natural gas in Southern California. SoCalGas estimates that gas demand will
decline at an annual rate of 1.1 percent each year through 2035 due to modest economic growth, mandated
energy efficiency standards and programs, renewable electricity goals, and conservation savings linked to
advanced metering infrastructure (CGEU 2022). The gas supply available to SoCalGas is regionally diverse
and includes supplies from California sources (onshore and offshore), Southwestern U.S. supply sources, the
Rocky Mountains, and Canada (CGEU 2022). SoCalGas designs its facilities and supplies to provide
continuous service during extreme peak demands and has identified the ability to meet peak demands
through 2035 in its 2022 report (CGEU 2022).
The Project site is currently served by the natural gas distribution system that exists within the roadways that
are adjacent to the site.
5.5.4 THRESHOLDS OF SIGNIFICANCE
According to Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines, a project could have a significant adverse effect on
energy resources if it were to:
E-1: Result in potentially significant environmental impact due to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary
consumption of energy resources, during project construction or operation.
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E-2: Conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency.
5.5.5 METHODOLOGY
A number of factors are considered when weighing whether a project would use a proportionately large
amount of energy or whether the use of energy would be wasteful in comparison to other projects. Factors
such as the use of on-site renewable energy features, energy conservation features or programs, and relative
use of transit are considered.
According to Appendix F of the CEQA Guidelines, conserving energy is defined as decreasing overall per
capita energy consumption, decreasing reliance on natural gas and oil, and increasing reliance on renewable
energy sources. Neither Appendix F of the CEQA Guidelines nor Public Resources Code Section 21100(b)(3)
offer a numerical threshold of significance that might be used to evaluate the potential significance of energy
consumption of a project. Rather, the emphasis is on reducing “the wasteful, inefficient, and unnecessary
consumption of energy.”
Construction activities would result in wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary use of energy if construction
equipment is old or not well maintained, if equipment is left to idle when not in use, if travel routes are not
planned to minimize vehicle miles traveled, or if excess lighting or water is used during construction activities.
Energy usage during project operation would be considered “wasteful, inefficient, and unnecessary” if the
project were to violate federal, state, and/or local energy standards, including Title 24 of the California
Code of Regulations, inhibit pedestrian or bicycle mobility, inhibit access to transit, or inhibit feasible
opportunities to use alternative energy sources, such as solar energy, or otherwise inhibit the conservation of
energy.
5.5.6 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
IMPACT E-1: WOULD THE PROJECT RESULT IN POTENTIALLY SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACTS DUE TO WASTEFUL, INEFFICIENT, OR UNNECESSARY CONSUMPTION OF
ENERGY RESOURCES, DURING PROJECT CONSTRUCTION OR OPERATION?
Construction
Less than Significant Impact. During construction of the proposed Project, energy would be consumed in
three general forms:
1. Petroleum-based fuels used to power off-road construction vehicles and equipment, construction
worker travel to and from the Project site, as well as delivery truck trips;
2. Electricity associated with providing temporary power for lighting and electric equipment; and
3. Energy used in the production of construction materials, such as asphalt, steel, concrete, pipes, and
manufactured or processed materials such as lumber and glass.
Construction activities related to the proposed Project and the associated infrastructure are not expected to
result in demand for fuel greater on a per-unit-of-development basis than other development projects in
Southern California. Also, CCR Title 13, Motor Vehicles, section 2449(d)(3) Idling, limits idling times of
construction vehicles to no more than 5 minutes, thereby precluding unnecessary and wasteful consumption of
fuel due to unproductive idling of construction equipment. Transportation energy represents the largest
energy use during construction and would occur from the transport and use of construction equipment,
delivery vehicles and haul trucks, and construction worker vehicles that would use petroleum fuels (e.g., diesel
fuel and/or gasoline). Therefore, the analysis of energy use during construction focuses on fuel consumption.
As shown in Table 5.5-1, Project construction would result in the consumption of approximately 71,954.2
gallons of diesel fuel and 48,144.7 gallons of gasoline.
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Table 5.5-1: Estimated Construction Fuel Consumption
Energy Type Total Energy
Consumption
Percentage of Increase
Countywide
Diesel Fuel (total gallons) 71,954.2 0.02
Gasoline (total gallons) 48,144.7 <0.01
Source: LSA (January 2023).
Construction contractors are required to demonstrate compliance with applicable California Air Resources
Board (CARB) regulations governing the accelerated retrofitting, repowering, or replacement of heavy-duty
diesel on- and off-road equipment. In addition, compliance with existing CARB idling restrictions and the use
of newer engines and equipment would reduce fuel combustion and energy consumption.
Based on fuel consumption obtained from EMFAC2021, approximately 907.3 million gallons of gasoline
and approximately 325.0 million gallons of diesel will be consumed from vehicle trips in San Bernardino
County in 2023. Therefore, construction of the proposed Project would increase the annual construction
generated fuel use in San Bernardino County approximately by approximately 0.02 percent for diesel fuel
usage and by less than 0.01 percent for gasoline fuel usage. As such, Project construction would have a
negligible effect on local and regional energy supplies. Overall, construction activities would require limited
energy consumption, would comply with all existing regulations, and would therefore not be expected to use
large amounts of energy or fuel in a wasteful manner. Thus, impacts related to construction energy usage
would be less than significant.
Operation
Less than Significant Impact. Once operational, the proposed Project would generate demand for
electricity, natural gas, as well as gasoline for motor vehicle trips. Operational use of energy includes the
heating, cooling, and lighting of the building, water heating, operation of electrical systems and plug-in
appliances within the building, parking lot and outdoor lighting, and the transport of electricity, natural gas,
and water to the areas where they would be consumed. This use of energy is typical for urban development,
and no operational activities or land uses would occur that would result in extraordinary energy consumption.
As detailed in Table 5.5-2, operation of the Project is estimated to result in a net gasoline consumption of
48,748.4 gallons per year and a net diesel consumption of 211,497.9 gallons per year. CCR Title 13, Motor
Vehicles, section 2449(d)(3) Idling, limits idling times of vehicles to no more than 5 minutes and the City of
Fontana’s Industrial Commerce Centers Sustainability Standards limits idling times of diesel trucks to no more
than 3 minutes. The idling restrictions would preclude unnecessary and wasteful consumption of fuel due to
unproductive idling of trucks.
Table 5.5-2: Estimated Annual Operational Vehicle Fuel Consumption
Energy Type Annual Energy Consumption
Existing Uses Energy Estimates
Electricity Consumption (kWh/year) 304,385.0
Natural Gas Consumption (therms/year) 12,518.0
Automotive Fuel Consumption
Gasoline (gallons/year) 53,587.3
Diesel Fuel (gallons/year) 8,213.6
Proposed Project Energy Estimates
Electricity Consumption (kWh/year) 2,440,679.0
Natural Gas Consumption (therms/year) 0.0
Automotive Fuel Consumption
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
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Gasoline (gallons/year) 102,335.7
Diesel Fuel (gallons/year) 219,711.5
Total Net Electricity Consumption 2,136,294.0
Total Net Natural Gas Consumption -12,518.0
Total Net Gasoline Consumption 48,748.4
Total Net Diesel Consumption 211,497.9
Source: LSA (January 2023).
kWh = kilowatt-hours
Table 5.5-2 details that operation of the Project would result in a net decrease of 12,518 therms per year
and a net consumption of 2,136,294 kilowatts (kWh) per year of electricity. Because this use of energy is
typical for urban development, no operational activities or land uses would occur that would result in
extraordinary energy consumption, and through City permitting assurance would be provided that existing
regulations related to energy efficiency and consumption, such as Title 24 regulations and CCR Title 13,
Motor Vehicles, section 2449(d)(3) related to idling, would be implemented. Further, the Project would be
required to comply with the City of Fontana’s Industrial Commerce Centers Sustainability Standards, which
would further reduce energy consumption during Project operations. Therefore, impacts related to
operational energy consumption would be less than significant.
IMPACT E-2: WOULD THE PROJECT CONFLICT WITH OR OBSTRUCT A STATE OR LOCAL PLAN FOR
RENEWABLE ENERGY OR ENERGY EFFICIENCY?
Less than Significant Impact. As described previously, the proposed Project would be required to meet the
CCR Title 24 energy efficiency standards in effect during permitting of proposed Project. The City’s
administration of the CCR Title 24 requirements includes review of design components and energy
conservation measures that occurs during the permitting process, which ensures that all requirements are met.
In line with standard City conditions of approval, Project plans and specifications shall require signs at
loading dock facilities that identify the City of Fontana’s Industrial Commerce Centers Sustainability
Standards anti-idling regulations. Thus, the Project would not conflict with the idling limits imposed by CCR
Title 13, Motor Vehicles, section 2449(d)(3) Idling and the City of Fontana’s Industrial Commerce Centers
Sustainability Standards. Furthermore, the Project would not conflict with or obstruct opportunities to use
renewable energy, such as solar energy. The proposed buildings would be solar-ready and would be
required to install solar panels in order to offset 100 percent of the future tenant’s energy needs. Although
the Project’s future tenants are not currently known, and the use of solar panels is generally tailored to the
electrical demands of the tenant, the building tenants would be able to install solar panels in order to meet
100 percent of their energy needs. Thus, the proposed Project would not obstruct use of renewable energy
or energy efficiency. Overall, the Project would not conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan for
renewable energy or energy efficiency.
5.5.7 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
The geographic context for analysis of cumulative impacts regarding energy includes past, present, and
future development within southern California because energy supplies (including electricity, natural gas,
and petroleum) are generated and distributed throughout the southern California region.
All development projects throughout the region would be required to comply with the energy efficiency
standards in the Title 24 requirements. Additionally, some of the developments could provide for additional
reductions in energy consumption by use of solar panels, sky lights, or other LEED type energy efficiency
infrastructure. With implementation of the existing energy conservation regulations, cumulative electricity
and natural gas consumption would not be cumulatively wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary.
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Petroleum consumption associated with the proposed Project would be primarily attributable to
transportation, especially vehicular use. However, state fuel efficiency standards and alternative fuels
policies (per AB 1007 Pavley) would contribute to a reduction in fuel use, and the federal Energy
Independence and Security Act and the state Long Term Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan would reduce
reliance on non-renewable energy resources. For these reasons, the consumption of petroleum would not
occur in a wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary manner and would be less than cumulatively considerable.
5.5.8 EXISTING REGULATIONS AND PLANS, PROGRAMS, OR POLICIES
Existing Regulations
State
• California Energy Code (Code of Regulations, Title 24 Part 6).
• CalGreen Building Standards Code
Local
• City of Fontana Industrial Commerce Centers Sustainability Standards (Municipal Code Chapter 9,
Article V)
Plans, Programs, or Policies (PPPs)
These actions will be included in the Project’s mitigation monitoring and reporting program (MMRP):
PPP E-1: CalGreen Compliance: The Project is required to comply with the CalGreen Building Code to
ensure efficient use of energy. CalGreen specifications are required to be incorporated into building plans
as a condition of building permit approval.
5.5.9 PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES
None.
5.5.10 LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE BEFORE MITIGATION
Upon implementation of regulatory requirements, Impacts E-1and E-2 would be less than significant.
5.5.11 MITIGATION MEASURES
Impacts related to energy would be less than significant and no mitigation measures are required.
5.5.12 LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE AFTER MITIGATION
Impacts related to energy would be less than significant.
REFERENCES
California Energy Commission. “2022 Title 24 Building Energy Standards” (CEC 2022). Accessed:
https://www.energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/building-energy-efficiency-standards/2022-
building-energy-efficiency
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California Gas and Electric Utilities. 2022 California Gas Report (CEU). Accessed:
https://www.socalgas.com/sites/default/files/Joint_Utility_Biennial_Comprehensive_California_Gas_Repo
rt_2022.pdf
Edison International 2021 Annual Report (SCE 2021). Accessed: City of Fontana. General Plan Update
2015-2035 Noise and Safety Element. 13 November 2018. Accessed from:
https://www.fontana.org/DocumentCenter/View/26750/Chapter-11---Noise-and-Safety
City of Fontana. General Plan Update 2015-2035 Environmental Impact Report. 13 November 2018.
Accessed from: https://www.fontana.org/DocumentCenter/View/29524/Draft-Environmental-Impact-
Report-for-the-General-Plan-Update
City of Fontana. Municipal Code. Accessed from:
https://library.municode.com/ca/fontana/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CO_CH9ENPRREEX_ARTVI
NCOCESUST_S9-71BUSCADUS
Southwest Industrial Park Specific Plan. 12 June 2012. Accessed from:
https://www.fontana.org/DocumentCenter/View/29312/Southwest-Industrial-Specific-Plan---Combined-
Document
Southwest Industrial Park (SWIP) Specific Plan Update and Annexation Public Review Draft Program
Environmental Impact Report. 12 June 2012. Accessed from:
https://www.fontana.org/DocumentCenter/View/36382/SWIP-Public-Review-Draft-Program-EIR
LSA. “Air Quality, Health Risk, Greenhouse Gas, and Energy Impact Report Poplar South Distribution Center
Project.” February 2023. Appendix B.
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5.6 Geology and Soils
5.6.1 INTRODUCTION
This section addresses potential environmental effects of the Project related to geology, soils, seismicity, and
paleontological resources. The impacts examined include risks related to geologic hazards such as
earthquakes, liquefaction, expansive soils; impacts on the environment related to soil erosion and
sedimentation; and impacts related to paleontological resources. The analysis in this section is based, in part,
on the following documents and resources:
• Geotechnical Investigation Proposed Warehouse, Poplar Avenue, South of Santa Ana Avenue Fontana,
California for Seefried Industrial Properties, Inc., Southern California Geotechnical; 11 February
2022 (SCG 2022); Appendix G
• Paleontological Assessment for the Poplar South Distribution Center Project; Brian F. Smith and
Associates, Inc.; 5 August 2022 (BFSA 2022b); Appendix H
• City of Fontana General Plan Update 2015-2035, Adopted November 2018
• City of Fontana General Plan Update 2015-2035 Environmental Impact Report, Certified November
2018
• City of Fontana Code of Ordinances
5.6.2 REGULATORY SETTING
5.6.2.1 Federal Regulations
Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act
The Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act was enacted in 1997 to “reduce the risks to life and property from
future earthquakes in the United States through the establishment and maintenance of an effective
earthquake hazards and reduction program.” To accomplish this, the Act established the National Earthquake
Hazards Reduction Program that provides characterization, and prediction of hazards and vulnerabilities;
improvement of building codes and land use practices; risk reduction through post-earthquake investigations
and education; development and improvement of design and construction techniques; improvement of
mitigation capacity; and accelerated application of research results. Programs under this Act provide
building code requirements such as emergency evacuation responsibilities and seismic code standards such
as those to which development under the proposed Project would be required to adhere.
5.6.2.2 State Regulations
Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act
The Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act requires the State Geologist to establish “Earthquake Fault
Zones” and publish appropriate maps that depict these zones. The boundary of an Earthquake Fault Zone
is generally about 500 feet from major active faults and 200 to 300 feet from well-defined minor faults.
The Act also requires local agencies to regulate development within Earthquake Fault Zones. Before a
development project can be permitted within an Earthquake Fault Zone, a geologic investigation is required
to demonstrate that proposed buildings would not be constructed across active faults. A site-specific
evaluation and written report must be prepared by a licensed geologist. If an active fault is found, a structure
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for human occupancy cannot be placed over the trace of the fault and must be set back a minimum of 50
feet from the fault.
Seismic Hazards Mapping Act
The Seismic Hazards Mapping Act addresses earthquake hazards related to liquefaction and seismically
induced landslides. Under the Act, seismic hazard zones are mapped by the State Geologist to assist local
governments in land use planning. The Act states “it is necessary to identify and map seismic hazard zones
in order for cities and counties to adequately prepare the safety element of their general plans and to
encourage land use management policies and regulations to reduce and mitigate those hazards to protect
public health and safety.” Section 2697(a) of the Act states that “cities and counties shall require, prior to
the approval of a project located in a seismic hazard zone, a geotechnical report defining and delineating
any seismic hazard.”
California Building Code
The California Building Code (CBC) is included in Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations. The current
CBC was adopted by the City of Fontana and is included in Chapter 5 of the Municipal Code. The code
provides standards to protect property and public safety. The CBC regulates the design and construction of
excavations, foundations, building frames, retaining walls, and other building elements, and thereby mitigate
the effects of seismic shaking and adverse soil conditions. The code also regulates grading activities, including
drainage and erosion control.
California Construction General Permit
The State of California adopted a Statewide National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit
for General Construction Activity (Construction General Permit) that regulates construction site storm water
management. Dischargers whose projects disturb one or more acres of soil, or whose projects disturb less
than one acre but are part of a larger common plan of development that in total disturbs one or more acres,
are required to obtain coverage under the general permit for discharges of storm water associated with
construction activity.
To obtain coverage under this permit, project operators must electronically file Permit Registration
Documents, which include a Notice of Intent, a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), and other
compliance-related documents, including a risk-level assessment for construction sites, an active storm water
effluent monitoring and reporting program during construction, rain event action plans, and numeric action
levels (NALs) for pH and turbidity, as well as requirements for qualified professionals to prepare and
implement the plan. The Construction General Permit requires the SWPPP to identify Best Management
Practices (BMPs) that will be implemented to reduce soil erosion. Types of BMPs include preservation of
vegetation and sediment control (e.g., fiber rolls). The SWPPP must contain a visual monitoring program; a
chemical monitoring program for “non-visible” pollutants to be implemented if there is a failure of BMPs;
and a monitoring plan if the site discharges directly to a water body listed on the state’s 303(d) list of
impaired waters.
Requirements for Geotechnical Investigations
Requirements for geotechnical investigations are included in CBC Appendix J, Grading, Section J104;
additional requirements for subdivisions requiring tentative and final maps and for other specified types of
structures are in the California Health and Safety Code Sections 17953 to 17955 and in CBC Section 1803.
Testing of samples from subsurface investigations is required, such as from borings or test pits. Studies must
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be done as needed to evaluate site geology, slope stability, soil strength, position and adequacy of load-
bearing soils, the effect of moisture variation on load-bearing capacity, compressibility, liquefaction,
differential settlement, and expansiveness. CBC Section J105 sets forth requirements for inspection and
observation during and after grading.
Public Resources Code (PRC) Section 5097.5
Requirements for paleontological resource management are included in the PRC Division 5, Chapter 1.7,
Section 5097.5, and Division 20, Chapter 3, Section 30244, which states: No person shall knowingly and
willfully excavate upon, or remove, destroy, injure or deface any historic or prehistoric ruins, burial grounds,
archaeological or vertebrate paleontological site, including fossilized footprints, inscriptions made by human
agency, or any other archaeological, paleontological or historical feature, situated on public lands, except
with the express permission of the public agency having jurisdiction over such lands. Violation of this section
is a misdemeanor. These statutes prohibit the removal, without permission, of any paleontological site or
feature from lands under the jurisdiction of the state or any city, county, district, authority, or public
corporation, or any agency thereof. As a result, local agencies are required to comply with PRC 5097.5 for
their own activities, including construction and maintenance, as well as for permit actions (e.g., encroachment
permits) undertaken by others. PRC Section 5097.5 also establishes the removal of paleontological resources
as a misdemeanor and requires reasonable mitigation of adverse impacts to paleontological resources from
developments on public (state, county, city, and district) lands.
5.6.2.3 Regional Regulations
SCAQMD Rule 403
SCAQMD Rule 403 governs emissions of fugitive dust during and after construction. Compliance with this rule
is achieved through application of standard Best Management Practices, such as application of water or
chemical stabilizers to disturbed soils, covering haul vehicles, restricting vehicle speeds on unpaved roads to
15 miles per hour, sweeping loose dirt from paved site access roadways, cessation of construction activity
when winds exceed 25 mph, and establishing a permanent ground cover on finished sites.
Rule 403 requires project applicants to control fugitive dust using the best available control measures such
that dust does not remain visible in the atmosphere beyond the property line of the emission source. In
addition, Rule 403 requires implementation of dust suppression techniques to prevent fugitive dust from
creating a, off-site nuisance. Applicable Rule 403 dust suppression (and PM10 generation) techniques to
reduce impacts on nearby sensitive receptors may include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Apply nontoxic chemical soil stabilizers according to manufacturers’ specifications to all inactive
construction areas (previously graded areas inactive for 10 days or more).
• Water active sites at least three times daily. Locations where grading is to occur shall be thoroughly
watered prior to earthmoving.
• Cover all trucks hauling dirt, sand, soil, or other loose materials, or maintain at least 0.6 meters (2
feet) of freeboard (vertical space between the top of the load and top of the trailer) in accordance
with the requirements of California Vehicle Code Section 23114.
• Reduce traffic speeds on all unpaved roads to 15 miles per hour (mph) or less.
• Suspend all grading activities when wind speeds (including instantaneous wind gusts) exceed 25
mph.
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• Provide bumper strips or similar best management practices where vehicles enter and exit the
construction site onto paved roads or wash off trucks and any equipment leaving the site each trip.
• Replant disturbed areas as soon as practical.
• Sweep on-site streets (and off-site streets if silt is carried to adjacent public thoroughfares) to reduce
the amount of particulate matter on public streets. All sweepers shall be compliant with SCAQMD
Rule 1186.1, Less Polluting Sweepers.
5.6.2.4 Local Regulations
City of Fontana General Plan 2015-2035
The City of Fontana General Plan 2015-2035 contains the following policies related to geology and soils
that are applicable to the Project:
Noise and Safety Element
Goal 4 Seismic injury and loss of life, property damage, and other impacts caused by seismic
shaking, fault rupture, ground failure, earthquake-induced landslides, and other
earthquake-induced ground deformation are minimized in the City of Fontana.
Policies
▪ The City shall review development or re-development in areas where faults have been
mapped through the city.
▪ The City shall ensure that current geologic knowledge is incorporated into the design,
planning, and construction stages of a project and that site-specific data are applied
to each project.
▪ The City shall ensure to the fullest extent possible that, in the event of a major disaster,
essential structures and facilities remain safe and functional, as required by current law,
including hospitals, police stations, fire stations, emergency operation centers,
communication centers, generators and substations, and reservoirs.
Goal 5 The risk to life or limb, and property damage resulting from geologic hazards is minimized
in the City of Fontana.
Policy
▪ The City shall continue to participate in regional programs designed to protect
groundwater resources and to protect the area from the hazard of regional ground
subsidence through careful management of the regional groundwater basin that
underlies the area
City of Fontana Municipal Code
Article III: California Building Code. The City of Fontana adopts the California Building Standards Code
(CCR Title 24) with some adaptations. These codes set site-specific investigation requirements, construction
standards and inspection procedures to ensure that development projects within the City do not pose a threat
to the public. The California Building Standards Code contains baseline standards to prevent unsafe building
development.
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City of Fontana Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2017
The purpose of the Fontana’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) is to demonstrate the plan for reducing
and/or eliminating risk of hazards in City of Fontana. The LHMP process encourages communities to develop
goals and projects that will reduce risk and build a more disaster resilient community by analyzing potential
hazards. The LHMP update is a “living document” that should be reviewed, monitored, and updated to reflect
changing conditions and new information. As required, the LHMP must be updated every five (5) years to
remain in compliance with regulations and Federal mitigation grant conditions. Additionally, with an
approved (and adopted) LHMP, City of Fontana is eligible for federal disaster mitigation funds/grants
(Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, Pre-Disaster Mitigation, and Flood Management Assistance) aimed to
reduce and/or eliminate risk.
5.6.3 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
Regional Setting
The City of Fontana generally lies within the northern and northwestern portion of the Peninsular Ranges
Geomorphic Province of Southern California. The Peninsular Ranges are characterized by northwest-
southeast trending faults, folds, and mountain ranges. Prior to the mid-Mesozoic period, the region was
covered by seas and thick marine sedimentary and volcanic sequences were deposited. The bedrock
geology that dominates the elevated areas of the Peninsular Ranges consists of high-grade metamorphic
rocks intruded by Mesozoic plutons. During the Cretaceous period, extensive mountain building occurred
during the emplacement of the southern California batholith.
The Peninsular Ranges have been significantly disrupted by Tertiary and Quaternary strike-slip faulting
along the Elsinore and San Jacinto faults. This tectonic activity has resulted in the present terrain. The Project
site is mostly flat with a gentle gradient to the south. According to the Geotechnical Investigation, there is
approximately 13 feet of elevation differential throughout the site.
Faults and Ground Shaking
The Project site is located in an area which is subject to strong seismic ground motions due to earthquakes.
The Geotechnical Investigation did not perform a site-specific seismic hazards analysis was. However,
numerous faults capable of producing significant ground motions are located near the Project site. Due to
economic considerations, it is not generally considered reasonable to design a structure that is not susceptible
to earthquake damage. Therefore, significant damage to structures may be unavoidable during large
earthquakes. The proposed structures should, however, be designed to resist structural collapse and thereby
provide reasonable protection from serious injury, catastrophic property damage and loss of life (SCG
2022).
The Project site is not within an Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone. There are no known active faults within
500 feet of the Project site. According to the Geotechnical Investigation, there is no evidence of faulting on
the Project site, therefore the possibility of fault rupture is low. The nearest active fault zones are the Sierra
Madre Fault Zone, located approximately eight miles north of the Project site and the San Jacinto Fault
Zone, located approximately nine miles east of the Project site. Both of these faults, as well as other faults
in the southern California region could cause moderate to intense ground shaking during the lifetime of the
Project.
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Ground Rupture
Ground rupture occurs when movement on a fault breaks the rough to the surface. Surface rupture usually
occurs along pre-existing fault traces where zones of weakness exist. The State has established Earthquake
Fault Zones for the purpose of mitigating the hazard of fault rupture by prohibiting the location of most
human occupancy structures across the traces of active faults. Earthquake fault zones are regulatory zones
that encompass surface traces of active faults with a potential for future surface fault rupture. The nearest
Earthquake Fault Zone is the Sierra Madre Fault Zone. There are no fault zones within vicinity of the Project
site. Therefore, ground rupture is considered to be low at the Project site.
Soils
The Geotechnical Investigation describes that artificial fill soils were encountered at the ground surface of
all eight boring locations and extended to depths of approximately 2.5 to 4.5 feet below existing site
grades. The artificial fill soils consist of very loose to medium dense silty fine sands with trace medium to
coarse sand content and occasional gravel content. Native alluvium was encountered at the ground surface
of all of the boring locations, extending at least to the maximum depth explored of 25 feet below ground
surface (bgs). The alluvium generally consists of medium dense to dense fine to coarse sands, medium dense
to very dense gravelly fine to coarse sands, loose to medium dense silty fine sands, and medium dense fine
sandy silts (SCG 2022).
Expansive Soils
Expansive soils are soils containing water-absorbing minerals that expand as they take in water. These soils
can damage buildings due to the force they exert as they expand. Expansive soils contain certain types of
clay minerals that shrink or swell as the moisture content changes; the shrinking or swelling can shift, crack,
or break structures built on such soils. Arid or semiarid areas with seasonal changes of soil moisture
experience a much higher frequency of problems from expansive soils than areas with higher rainfall and
more constant soil moisture. The Geotechnical Investigation describes that the near-surface Project site soils
consist of gravelly sands, sands, and silty sands with no appreciable clay content. The Geotechnical
Investigation explains that these materials are classified as non-expansive (SCG 2022).
Groundwater
Groundwater was not encountered at any of the boring locations, which extended at least 25 feet bgs.
Based on the lack of groundwater within the borings, and the low moisture contents of the recovered soil
samples, the static groundwater table is considered to have existed at a depth in excess of 25 feet bgs
(SCG 2022)
Liquefaction, Lateral Spreading, and Settlement
Liquefaction occurs when vibrations or water pressure within a mass of soil cause the soil particles to lose
contact with one another. As a result, the soil behaves like a liquid, has an inability to support weight, and
can flow down very gentle slopes. This condition is usually temporary and is most often caused by an
earthquake vibrating water-saturated fill or unconsolidated soil. Soils that are most susceptible to
liquefaction are clean, loose, saturated, and uniformly graded fine-grained sands that lie below the
groundwater table within approximately 50 feet below ground surface. Clayey (cohesive) soils or soils which
possess clay particles in excess of 20 percent are generally not considered to be susceptible to liquefaction,
nor are those soils which are above the historic static groundwater table.
Different phenomena associated with liquefaction are described below:
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Lateral Spreading: Lateral spreading is the lateral movement of stiff, surficial blocks of sediments as a
result of a subsurface layer liquefying. The lateral movements can cause ground fissures or extensional,
open cracks at the surface as the blocks move toward a slope face, such as a stream bank or in the
direction of a gentle slope. When the shaking stops, these isolated blocks of sediments come to rest in a
place different from their original location and may be tilted.
Ground Oscillation: Ground oscillation occurs when liquefaction occurs at depth but the slopes are too
gentle to permit lateral displacement. In this case, individual blocks may separate and oscillate on a
liquefied layer. Sand boils and fissures are often associated with this phenomenon.
Bearing Strength Loss: Bearing strength decreases with a decrease in effective stress. Loss of bearing
strength occurs when the effective stresses are reduced due to the cyclic loading caused by an
earthquake. Even if the soil does not liquefy, the bearing of the soil may be reduced below its value
either prior to or after the earthquake. If the bearing strength is sufficiently reduced, structures supported
on the sediments can settle, tilt, or even float upward in the case of lightly loaded structures such as gas
pipelines.
Ground Fissuring and Sand Boils: Ground fissuring and sand boils are surface manifestations associated
with liquefaction and lateral spreading, ground oscillation and flow failure. As apparent from the above
descriptions, the likelihood of ground fissures developing is high when lateral spreading, ground
oscillations, and flow failure occur. Sand boils occur when the high water pressures are relieved by
drainage to the surface along weak spots that may have been created by fissuring. As the water flows
to the surface, it can carry sediments, and if the pore water pressures are high enough create a gusher
(sand boils) at the point of exit.
▪ Sediments must be relatively young in age and must not have developed large amounts of
cementation;
▪ Sediments must consist mainly of cohesionless sands and silts;
▪ The sediment must not have a high relative density;
▪ Free groundwater must exist in the sediment; and
▪ The site must be exposed to seismic events of a magnitude large enough to induce straining
of soil particles.
As discussed previously, the borings conducted as part of the site-specific geotechnical report for the Project
site did not encounter groundwater. Thus, Project site soils are not susceptible liquefaction (SCG 2022). The
Geotechnical Investigation concluded that the soils within the Project site have a very low potential for lateral
spreading (SCG 2022). The Geotechnical Investigation concluded that post-construction soils within the
Project site have an estimated differential settlement of less than 1.0 and 0.5 inches, respectively and that
differential movements are expected to occur over a 30-foot span, thereby resulting in an angular distortion
of less than 0.002 inches per inch (SCG 2022).
Subsidence
Ground subsidence is the gradual settling or sinking of the ground surface with little or no horizontal
movement, and occurs in areas with subterranean oil, gas, or groundwater. Effects of subsidence include
fissures, sinkholes, depressions, and disruption of surface drainage. According to the Geotechnical
Investigation, an estimated shrinkage potential of four to 14 percent is expected during removal and
recompaction of the artificial fill and near-surface native soils. A subsidence of 0.1 feet is estimated to occur
within the Project site (SCG 2022).
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Landslides
Earthquake-induced landsliding often occurs in areas where previous landslides have moved and in areas
where the topographic, geologic, geotechnical and subsurface groundwater conditions are conducive to
permanent ground displacements.
As discussed in the Geotechnical Investigation, the site and surrounding vicinity is relatively flat and would
not be susceptible to landslides (SCG 2022).
Unique Geologic Feature
Unique geologic features are those that are unique to the field of geology. The Project site is underlain by
Holocene and late Pleistocene (present day to approximately 120,000 years ago) young alluvial fan
sediments (Qyfl) of the Lytle Creek fan. These deposits are underlain by late to middle Pleistocene
approximately 11,700 to 780,000 years ago) old alluvial fan deposits (Qof3). The geologic processes that
occurred on the Project site and in the vicinity are generally the same as those in other parts of San
Bernardino County and state.
Paleontological Resources
Paleontological resources include fossilized remains, traces, or imprints of organisms, preserved in or on the
earth’s crust, that are of paleontological interest and that provide information about the history of life on
earth. Significant paleontological resources are defined as fossils or assemblages of fossils that are unique,
unusual, rare, uncommon, or important to define a particular time frame or geologic strata, or that add to
an existing body of knowledge in specific areas, in local formations, or regionally.
The young alluvial fan deposits mapped at the surface in the Project are considered to have low potential
to yield significant paleontological resources. However, the underlying late Pleistocene alluvial fan deposits
are considered to have high paleontological sensitivity.
A paleontological literature review and records search was conducted for the Project site. The records search
revealed two previous reports conducted in the Project vicinity. The first report identified seven previously
recorded fossil localities located approximately two miles west of the Project site. The localities consist of
the bones of large and small Pleistocene-age mammals and terrestrial snails and freshwater clams.
Additionally, a Sabertooth cat specimen was reportedly discovered approximately one mile south of the
Project site in the Declezville neighborhood (BFSA 2022b). Based on the presence of nearby significant fossil
localities, the underlying Pleistocene old alluvial fan deposits mapped at the Project site are considered to
have a high potential to yield significant paleontological resources.
5.6.4 THRESHOLDS OF SIGNIFICANCE
Appendix G of State CEQA Guidelines indicates that a project could have a significant effect if it were to:
GEO-1 Directly or indirectly cause potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss,
injury, or death involving:
GEO-1i Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent
Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist
for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault. (Refer
to Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42),
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GEO-1ii Strong seismic ground shaking,
GEO-1iii Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction;
GEO-1iv Landslides;
GEO-2 Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil; or
GEO-3 Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a
result of the project, and potentially result in on- or off-site landslide, lateral spreading,
subsidence, liquefaction or collapse;
GEO-4 Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code
(1994), creating substantial direct or indirect risks to life or property;
GEO-5 Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative
wastewater disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of
wastewater; or
GEO-6 Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic
feature.
5.6.5 METHODOLOGY
A site-specific Geotechnical Investigation was prepared for the Project site (SCG 2022). The following were
conducted as part of the site-specific Geotechnical Investigation: visual site reconnaissance, subsurface
exploration, field and laboratory testing, and geotechnical engineering analysis to provide criteria for
preparing the design of the building foundations, building floor slab, and parking lot pavements along with
site preparation recommendations and construction considerations for the proposed development.
In determining whether a geotechnical related impact would result from the Project, the analysis includes
consideration of state law, including the California Building Code that is integrated into the City of Fontana
Municipal Code, and implemented/verified during permitting approvals. In general, existing state law,
building codes, and ordinances that are implemented by the approving agency provide for an adequate
level of safety or reduction of potential effects such that projects developed and operated to code reduce
potential of impacts.
A Paleontological Assessment was prepared to determine the Project’s potential impacts to paleontological
resources. The analysis included record searches of past identified resources, consideration of the types of
soils that exist, the paleontological sensitivity of those soils, the past disturbance on the site and offsite
infrastructure areas, and the proposed excavation. The analysis combines these factors to identify the
potential of the proposed construction to impact unknown paleontological resources on the site. As described
in the Paleontological Assessment, a resource records search was conducted at the San Bernardino County
Museum to identify any previously discovered fossil localities in or near the Project site.
5.6.6 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
IMPACT GEO-1i: WOULD THE PROJECT DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY CAUSE POTENTIAL
SUBSTANTIAL ADVERSE EFFECTS, INCLUDING THE RISK OF LOSS, INJURY, OR
DEATH INVOLVING RUPTURE OF A KNOWN EARTHQUAKE FAULT, AS
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DELINEATED ON THE MOST RECENT ALQUIST-PRIOLO EARTHQUAKE FAULT
ZONING MAP ISSUED BY THE STATE GEOLOGIST FOR THE AREA OR BASED
ON OTHER SUBSTANTIAL EVIDENCE OF A KNOWN FAULT?
No Impact. The Project site is not within an Alquist Earthquake Fault Zone, and there are no known active
faults within 500 feet. The nearest active fault zones are the Sierra Madre Fault Zone, located
approximately eight miles north of the Project site and the San Jacinto Fault Zone, located approximately
nine miles east of the Project site (California Department of Conservation 2021). Since no known faults exist
within a mile of the Project site, and the site is not located within an Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone,
impacts related to rupture of a known earthquake fault would not occur.
IMPACT GEO-1ii: WOULD THE PROJECT DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY CAUSE POTENTIAL
SUBSTANTIAL ADVERSE EFFECTS, INCLUDING THE RISK OF LOSS, INJURY, OR
DEATH INVOLVING STRONG SEISMIC GROUND SHAKING?
Less than Significant Impact. The Project site is located within a seismically active region, with numerous
faults capable of producing significant ground motions. Project development could subject people and
structures to hazards from ground shaking. However, seismic shaking is a risk throughout southern California,
and the Project site is not at greater risks of seismic activity or impacts as compared to other areas within
the region.
The California Building Code (CBC) includes provisions to reduce impacts caused by major structural failures
or loss of life resulting from earthquakes or other geologic hazards. Chapter 16 of the CBC contains
requirements for design and construction of structures to resist loads, including earthquake loads. The CBC
provides procedures for earthquake resistant structural design that include consideration for onsite soil
conditions, occupancy, and the configuration of the structure, including the structural system and height.
The City has adopted the CBC as part of the Municipal Code (Chapter 5, Article III, Section 5-61), which
regulates all building and construction projects within the County and implements a minimum standard for
building design and construction that includes specific requirements for seismic safety, excavation,
foundations, retaining walls, and site demolition. All structures within the City are required to be built in
compliance with the CBC. Because the Project would be required to be constructed in compliance with the
CBC and the Municipal Code, which would be verified through the City’s plan check and permitting process
and is included as PPP GEO-1, the Project would result in a less than significant impact related to strong
seismic ground shaking.
IMPACT GEO-1iii: WOULD THE PROJECT DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY CAUSE POTENTIAL
SUBSTANTIAL ADVERSE EFFECTS, INCLUDING THE RISK OF LOSS, INJURY, OR
DEATH INVOLVING SEISMIC-RELATED GROUND FAILURE, INCLUDING
LIQUEFACTION?
Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. Liquefaction occurs when vibrations or water pressure
causes soil particles to lose its friction properties. As a result, soil behaves like a liquid, has an inability to
support weight, and can flow down very gentle slopes. This condition is usually temporary and is most often
caused by an earthquake vibrating water-saturated fill or unconsolidated soil. However, effects of
liquefaction can include sand boils, settlement, and structural foundation failures. Soils that are most
susceptible to liquefaction are clean, loose, saturated, and uniformly graded fine-grained sands in areas
where the groundwater table is within approximately 50 feet below ground surface.
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The California Geological Survey (CGS) has not conducted detailed seismic hazards mapping in the area
of the Project site. As such, the general liquefaction susceptibility of the Project site was determined by
research of the San Bernardino County Land Use Plan, General Plan, Geologic Hazard Overlays. As
indicated on Map FH29C, the Project site is not located within an area of liquefaction susceptibility. Further,
the Geotechnical Investigation did not encounter groundwater during the drilling of any of the onsite borings
and estimates that groundwater exists at a depth in excess of 25 feet bgs (SCG 2022). Further, the Phase I
Environmental Site Assessment conducted for the Project site indicates that the groundwater depth in the
vicinity of the Project is greater than 100 feet bgs (Hazard Management Consulting 2022, Appendix I).
Therefore, based on the mapping performed by the County of San Bernardino and the subsurface conditions
encountered at the boring locations, the Geotechnical Investigation concluded that the Project site is not
susceptible to liquefaction. Furthermore, all structures built in the City are required to be developed in
compliance with the CBC (California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2), which is adopted as City of
Fontana Municipal Code Chapter 5, Article III, Section 5-61. Compliance with the CBC would require proper
construction of building footings and foundations so that it would withstand the effects of potential ground
movement, including liquefaction. Furthermore, the Geotechnical Investigation prepared for the Project
includes recommendations for grading and foundation strength that would ensure that the Project would be
consistent with CBC requirements for reducing risk related to liquefaction. Therefore, Mitigation Measure
GEO-1 has been incorporated into the Project to require that the Project’s building plans demonstrate that
they incorporate all applicable recommendations of the Geotechnical Investigation and comply with all
applicable requirements of the latest adopted version of the California Building Code.
Additionally, the City of Fontana Building and Safety Department reviews structural plans and geotechnical
data prior to issuance of a grading permit and conducts inspections during construction, which would ensure
that all required CBC measures are incorporated. Compliance with Mitigation Measure GEO-1 and the CBC,
as included as a condition of approval and verified by the City’s review process, would ensure that impacts
related to liquefaction are less than significant.
IMPACT GEO-1iv: WOULD THE PROJECT DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY CAUSE POTENTIAL
SUBSTANTIAL ADVERSE EFFECTS, INCLUDING THE RISK OF LOSS, INJURY, OR
DEATH INVOLVING LANDSLIDES?
No Impact. Landslides are the downhill movement of masses of earth and rock and are often associated
with earthquakes. However, other factors such as slope, moisture content of the soil, composition of the
subsurface geology, heavy rains, and improper grading can influence the occurrence of landslides. According
to the Geotechnical Investigation, the Project site and the adjacent parcels are relatively flat, with a slight
slope in the southerly direction, and do not contain any hills or steep slopes. As such, no landslides on or
adjacent to the Project site would occur. Therefore, no impact related to landslides would occur.
IMPACT GEO-2: WOULD THE PROJECT WOULD RESULT IN SUBSTANTIAL SOIL EROSION OR THE
LOSS OF TOPSOIL?
Less than Significant Impact.
Construction
Construction of the proposed Project has the potential to contribute to soil erosion and the loss of topsoil.
Grading activities that would be required for the Project would expose and loosen topsoil, which could be
eroded by wind or water. Fontana Municipal Code Chapter 23, Article IX, Preventing Discharge of Pollutants
into Storm Drains, implements the requirements of the California Regional Water Quality Control Board
(RWQCB) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Storm Water Permit Order No. R8-
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2002-0011 (MS4 Permit) which establishes minimum stormwater management requirements and controls that
are required to be implemented for the Project.
To reduce the potential for soil erosion and the loss of topsoil, a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan
(SWPPP) is required by these City and RWQCB regulations to be developed by a QSD (Qualified SWPPP
Developer), which would be implemented by the City’s conditions of approval. The SWPPP is required to
address site-specific conditions related to specific grading and construction activities that could cause erosion
and the loss of topsoil and provide erosion control BMPs to reduce or eliminate the erosion and loss of topsoil.
Erosion control BMPs include use of silt fencing, fiber rolls, or gravel bags, stabilized construction
entrance/exit, hydroseeding, etc. With compliance with the Municipal Code Chapter 23, Article IX,
stormwater management requirements, RWQCB SWPPP requirements, and installation of BMPs, which would
be implemented by the City’s Project review by the Building and Safety Division, construction impacts related
to erosion and loss of topsoil would be less than significant.
Operation
The proposed Project includes installation of landscaping adjacent to the proposed building and throughout
the proposed parking areas. With this landscaping, areas of loose topsoil that could erode by wind or
water, would not exist upon operation of the proposed Project. In addition, as described in Draft EIR Section
5.9, Hydrology and Water Quality, the hydrologic features of the proposed Project have been designed to
slow, filter, and retain stormwater within landscaping and the proposed underground infiltration basins, which
would also reduce the potential for stormwater to erode topsoil. Furthermore, implementation of the Project
requires City approval of a Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP), which would ensure that RWQCB
requirements and appropriate operational BMPs would be implemented to minimize or eliminate the
potential for soil erosion or loss of topsoil to occur. As a result, with implementation of existing requirements,
impacts related to substantial soil erosion or loss of topsoil would be less than significant.
IMPACT GEO-3: WOULD THE PROJECT BE LOCATED ON A GEOLOGIC UNIT OR SOIL THAT IS
UNSTABLE, OR THAT WOULD BECOME UNSTABLE AS A RESULT OF THE
PROJECT, AND POTENTIALLY RESULT IN ON- OR OFF-SITE LANDSLIDE,
LATERAL SPREADING, SUBSIDENCE, LIQUEFACTION OR COLLAPSE?
Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. Landslides are the downhill movement of masses of
earth and rock and are often associated with earthquakes; but other factors, such as the slope, moisture
content of the soil, composition of the subsurface geology, heavy rains, and improper grading can influence
the occurrence of landslides. As discussed previously, there is approximately 13 feet of elevation differential
throughout the site (SCG 2022). The Project site and the adjacent parcels are relatively flat and do not
contain any hills or steep slopes. As such, no landslides on or adjacent to the Project site would occur.
Therefore, impacts related to landslides or rock falls would not occur from implementation of the proposed
Project.
Lateral spreading is a type of liquefaction induced ground failure associated with the lateral displacement
of surficial blocks of sediment resulting from liquefaction in a subsurface layer. Once liquefaction transforms
the subsurface layer into a fluid mass, gravity plus the earthquake inertial forces may cause the mass to
move downslope towards a free face (such as a river channel or an embankment). Lateral spreading may
cause large horizontal displacements and such movement typically damages pipelines, utilities, bridges, and
structures. As discussed previously, based on the mapping performed by the Geologic Hazard mapping
performed by the County of San Bernardino and the subsurface conditions encountered at the boring
locations, the Geotechnical Investigation concluded that the Project site is not susceptible to liquefaction As
such, the Geotechnical Investigation concluded that the potential for lateral spreading on the site is also
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considered very low (SCG 2022). In addition, the Project would be required to adhere to CBC requirements
to limit risk associated with lateral spreading. As such, compliance with CBC requirements, as ensured through
the City’s permitting process, would ensure that lateral spreading and liquefaction impacts would be less
than significant.
Ground subsidence is the gradual settling or sinking of the ground surface with little or no horizontal
movement, and occurs in areas with subterranean oil, gas, or groundwater. Effects of subsidence include
fissures, sinkholes, depressions, and disruption of surface drainage. According to the Geotechnical
Investigation, an estimated shrinkage potential of four to 14 percent is expected during removal and
recompaction of the artificial fill and near-surface native soils. A subsidence of 0.1 feet is estimated to occur
within the Project site (SCG 2022). However, risk of subsidence would be lowered through adherence to
CBC grading and site preparation recommendations included in the Geotechnical Investigation such as
remedial grading and recompaction of soils. As discussed in the Geotechnical Investigation, Project site soils
would be graded to remove existing undesirable and/or unstable soils and then recompacted to decrease
the likelihood of settlement after construction. Mitigation Measure GEO-1 is incorporated into the Project to
require the Project follow recommendations of the Geotechnical Investigation. Additionally, compliance with
the CBC would be required by the Fontana Building and Safety Division, as implemented as a condition of
approval. With implementation of Mitigation Measure GEO-1 and compliance with the requirements of the
CBC as part of the building plan check and development review process, impacts related to subsidence
would be less than significant.
In addition, the Geotechnical Investigation describes that native alluvium soils encountered beneath the
artificial fill at all of the boring locations generally possess medium dense to very dense relative densities,
with occasional loose soils in the upper five feet. The Geotechnical Investigation describes that the
recommended remedial grading would remove all undocumented fill soils, any soils disturbed during site
stripping and demolition activities, and a portion of the near-surface native alluvial soils, and replace these
soils as compacted structural fill (SCG 2022). Consistent with Mitigation Measure GEO-1, the Project’s
building plans shall demonstrate that they incorporate all applicable recommendations of the Geotechnical
Investigation and comply with all applicable requirements of the latest adopted version of the California
Building Code. Therefore, any potential impacts related to collapsible soils would be minimized with
implementation of Mitigation Measure GEO-1. As such, excavation and recompaction of the artificial fill soils
in compliance with the CBC as required through the City’s permitting process would ensure that collapse
related impacts would be less than significant.
IMPACT GEO-4: WOULD THE PROJECT BE LOCATED ON EXPANSIVE SOIL, AS DEFINED IN TABLE
18-1-B OF THE UNIFORM BUILDING CODE (1994), CREATING SUBSTANTIAL
DIRECT OR INDIRECT RISKS TO LIFE OR PROPERTY?
No Impact. Expansive soils contain significant amounts of fine-grained silt and clay particles that swell when
wet and shrink when dry. The amount of swelling and contracting is subject to the amount of fine-grained
clay materials present in the soils, and the amount of moisture that the soil is exposed to. Foundations
constructed on expansive soils are subjected to forces caused by the swelling and shrinkage of the soils,
which can cause physical distress on the structure. Without proper measures taken, heaving and cracking of
both building foundations and slabs-on-grade could result.
The Geotechnical Investigation describes that the Project site’s near-surface soils consist of gravelly sands,
sands, and silty sands with no appreciable clay content. According to the Geotechnical Investigation, these
materials are considered non-expansive (SCG 2022). Accordingly, the Project site does not contain
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expansive soils and as such, would not create substantial direct or indirect risks to life or property associated
with the presence of expansive soils. No impact would occur.
IMPACT GEO-5: WOULD THE PROJECT HAVE SOILS INCAPABLE OF ADEQUATELY SUPPORTING
THE USE OF SEPTIC TANKS OR ALTERNATIVE WASTEWATER DISPOSAL
SYSTEMS WHERE SEWERS ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE DISPOSAL OF
WASTEWATER?
No Impact. The Project includes installation of an onsite sewer system that would connect to the existing 8-
inch sewer lines in Poplar Avenue and Catawba Avenue. The Project would not use septic tanks or alternative
wastewater disposal systems. As a result, no impacts related to septic tanks or alternative wastewater
disposal systems would occur from implementation of the proposed Project.
IMPACT GEO-6: WOULD THE PROJECT DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY DESTROY A UNIQUE
PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCE OR SITE OR UNIQUE GEOLOGIC FEATURE?
Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. The Project consists of development of an industrial
warehouse building, parking lot, landscaping, and associated infrastructure improvements. Earthmoving
activities, including grading and trenching activities, have the potential to disturb previously unknown
paleontological resources. The Paleontological Assessment describes that the Project site is underlain by
Holocene and late Pleistocene young alluvial fan sediments of the Lytle Creek fan which are further underlain
by late to middle Pleistocene old alluvial fan deposits. Due to the occurrence of terrestrial vertebrate fossils
at shallow depths from Pleistocene alluvial fan sediments across the Inland Empire, the sediments underlying
the Project site are considered as having high paleontological sensitivity (BFSA 2022b).
The records search completed as part of the Paleontological Resources Assessment did not reveal any
previously recorded fossil localities within the Project site. However, it did reveal two previous reports
conducted in the Project vicinity. The first report identified seven previously recorded fossil localities located
approximately two miles west of the Project site. The localities consist of the bones of large and small
Pleistocene-age mammals and terrestrial snails and freshwater clams. The second report identified a
Sabertooth cat specimen reportedly discovered approximately one mile south of the Project site in the
Declezville neighborhood (BFSA 2022b). Although the records search did not indicate the presence of known
fossil localities within the Project site, it demonstrated that terrestrial vertebrate fossils occur at shallow depths
from Pleistocene older alluvial fan sediments, like those within the Project site, across the Inland Empire. As
such, the Paleontological Resources Assessment concluded that the Project site has a high sensitivity for
paleontological resources. As a result, Mitigation Measure PAL-1 is included to require preparation of a
Paleontological Resources Impact Mitigation Program (PRIMP) and that ground disturbing activities at or
below 5 feet bgs be monitored to identify and recover any significant fossil remains. With implementation
of Mitigation Measure PAL-1, impacts to paleontological resources would be less than significant.
5.6.7 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
Geology and Soils: Geotechnical impacts are site-specific rather than cumulative in nature; therefore, the
cumulative study area for geological impacts would be considered the Project site and areas directly
adjacent to the Project site. Direct and indirect impacts related to geology and soils would be mitigated
through mandatory conformance with the California Building Code, City of Fontana Municipal Code, and
site-specific geotechnical recommendations, which will be incorporated as part of the Project’s design and
construction efforts. With the exception of erosion hazards, potential hazardous effects related to geologic
and soil conditions are unique to each project site, and inherently restricted to the developments proposed.
That is, issues including fault rupture, seismic ground shaking, liquefaction, landslides, and expansive soils
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would involve effects to (and not from) the development, are specific to conditions on the property, and are
not influenced by or additive with the geologic and/or soils hazards that may occur on other, off-site
properties. Because of the site-specific nature of these potential hazards and the measures to address them,
the Project’s cumulative contributions would not be cumulatively considerable. Therefore cumulative impacts
would be considered less than significant.
The cumulative study area regarding erosion impacts would be considered the Santa Ana River watershed.
Impacts related to erosion and loss of topsoil could be cumulatively considerable. However, as discussed in
Impact GEO-2, mandates related to the NPDES permit, preparation of a WQMP, Erosion Control Plan, and
SWPPP, as well as compliance with SCAQMD Rule 403 (Fugitive Dust) incorporate measures during
construction activities to ensure that significant erosion impacts do not occur. Other development projects in
the vicinity of the Project site would be required to comply with the same regulatory requirements as the
Project to preclude substantial adverse water and wind erosion impacts. Because the Project and related
projects within the cumulative study area would be subject to similar mandatory regulatory requirements to
control erosion hazards during construction and long-term operation, cumulative impacts associated with wind
and water erosion hazards would be less than significant.
Paleontological Resources: The geographic area of potential cumulative impacts related to paleontological
resources includes areas that are underlain by similar geologic units from the same time period. A cumulative
impact could occur if development projects incrementally result in the loss of the same types of unique
paleontological resources. As detailed previously, the Project site is underlain by deep sediments that are
sensitive to paleontological resources. However, incorporation of Mitigation Measure PAL-1, the Project’s
cumulative contribution would not be cumulatively considerable. Therefore, cumulative impacts related to
paleontological resources would be less than significant.
5.6.8 EXISTING REGULATIONS AND PLANS, PROGRAMS, OR POLICIES
Existing Regulations
• Public Resources Code (PRC) Section 5097.5
• City of Fontana Municipal Code, Article IX
Plans, Programs, or Policies (PPPs)
PPP GEO-1: CBC Compliance. The project is required to comply with the California Building Standards
Code as included in Chapter 5, Article III, Section 6-51 of the Fontana Municipal Code to preclude significant
adverse effects associated with seismic and soils hazards. CBC related and geologist and/or civil engineer
specifications for the proposed Project are required to be incorporated into grading plans and building
specifications as a condition of construction permit approval.
5.6.9 PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES
None.
5.6.10 LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE BEFORE MITIGATION
Upon implementation of regulatory requirements Impacts GEO-1i-ii, GEO-1iv, GEO-2, GEO-4, and GEO-
5 would be less than significant.
Without mitigation, the following impacts would be potentially significant:
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• Impact GEO-1iii: Project implementation could cause potential adverse effects related to seismic-
related ground failure.
• Impact GEO-3: Project could be located on a soil that could become unstable.
• Impact GEO-6: Project implementation could uncover subsurface paleontological resources.
5.6.11 MITIGATION MEASURES
MM GEO-1: Geotechnical Report Compliance. The Project Applicant/developer shall incorporate the
recommendations of the Geotechnical Investigation prepared by Southern California Geotechnical
(Appendix G) into Project plans related to the proposed Project. The Project’s building plans shall
demonstrate that they incorporate all applicable recommendations of the Geotechnical Investigation and
comply with all applicable requirements of the latest adopted version of the California Building Code.
MM PAL-1: Paleontological Monitoring. Prior to the issuance of grading permits, the Project
Applicant/developer shall submit to and receive approval from the City, a Paleontological Resource Impact
Mitigation Program (PRIMP). The PRIMP shall include the provision for a qualified professional paleontologist
(or his or her trained paleontological representative) to conduct monitoring during mass grading and
excavation activities in undisturbed Pleistocene alluvial fan sediment, starting at a depth of five feet.
If a fossil(s) is found at shallower depths, earth disturbance activities should be halted within a radius of 50
feet from the location of the fossil, and the approved Project paleontologist shall be consulted to determine
the significance of the fossilized remains. If the fossil is deemed significant by the paleontologist, full-time
monitoring should be initiated at the Project. The paleontologist shall be prepared to quickly salvage fossils
as they are unearthed to avoid construction delays. The paleontologist shall also remove samples of
sediments which are likely to contain the remains of small fossil invertebrates and vertebrates. The
paleontologist shall have the power to temporarily halt or divert grading equipment to allow for removal
of abundant or large specimens.
Collected samples of sediments shall be washed to recover small invertebrate and vertebrate fossils.
Recovered specimens shall be prepared so that they can be identified and permanently preserved.
Specimens shall be identified and curated and placed into an accredited repository (such as the San
Bernardino County Museum) with permanent curation and retrievable storage. Prior to curation, the City of
Fontana shall be consulted on the repository/museum to receive the fossil material.
A report of findings, including an itemized inventory of recovered specimens, shall be prepared upon
completion of the steps outlined above. The report shall include a discussion of the significance of all
recovered specimens. The report and inventory, when submitted to the City of Fontana Planning Department,
will signify completion of the program to mitigate impacts to paleontological resources.
5.6.12 LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE AFTER MITIGATION
Compliance with existing regulatory requirements and the implementation of Mitigation Measure GEO-1
would reduce potential impacts related to unstable soils and seismic-related ground failure to a level that is
less than significant. Additionally, compliance with existing regulatory programs and implementation of
Mitigation Measure PAL-1 would reduce potential impacts associated with potential geotechnical hazards
and unique paleontological resource impacts to a level that is less than significant. Therefore, no significant
unavoidable adverse impacts related to geology and soils and paleontological resources would occur.
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REFERENCES
Brian F. Smith and Associates. “Paleontological Assessment for the Poplar South Distribution Center Project.”
5 August 2022. (BFSA 2022). Appendix H.
California Department of Conservation. 2021. EQ Zapp: California Earthquake Hazards Zone Application.
Accessed 17 January 2023: https://www.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/geohazards/eq-zapp
City of Fontana. General Plan 2015-2035. 18 November 2018. Accessed: 16 January 2023.
https://www.fontana.org/2632/General-Plan-Update-2015---2035
City of Fontana. General Plan 2015-2035 Environmental Impact Report. 10 August 2018. Accessed: 16
January 2023. https://www.fontana.org/2632/General-Plan-Update-2015---2035
County of San Bernardino. Geologic Hazard Maps – Map FH29C. Accessed:
https://lus.sbcounty.gov/planning-home/zoning-and-overlay-maps/geologic-hazard-maps/
Southern California Geotechnical. “Geotechnical Investigation Proposed Warehouse, Poplar Avenue, South
of Santa Ana Avenue Fontana, California for Seefried Industrial Properties, Inc.” 11 February 2022 (SCG
2022). Appendix G.
Society of Vertebrate Paleontology. “Society of Vertebrate Paleontology Handbook.” 16 January 2023.
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Poplar South Distribution Center 5.7 Greenhouse Gases
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5.7 Greenhouse Gases
5.7.1 INTRODUCTION
This section of the Draft EIR evaluates greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the proposed Project
and its contribution to global climate change. Specifically, this section evaluates the extent to which GHG
emissions from the Project contribute to elevated levels of GHGs in the Earth’s atmosphere and consequently
contributes to climate change. This section also addresses the Project’s consistency with applicable plans,
policies, and public agency regulations adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of GHGs. The
analysis within this section is based on the following City documents and technical reports by LSA:
• City of Fontana General Plan Update 2015-2035, Adopted 13 November 2018
• City of Fontana General Plan Update 2015-2035 Environmental Impact Report, Certified 13
November 2018
• Southwest Industrial Park Specific Plan, Adopted 12 June 2012
• Southwest Industrial Park (SWIP) Specific Plan Update and Annexation, Certified 12 June 2012
• City of Fontana Municipal Code
• Air Quality, Health Risk, Greenhouse Gas, and Energy Impact Report Poplar South Distribution Center,
LSA, January 2023, Appendix B
5.7.2 REGULATORY SETTING
5.7.2.1 International Regulations
Paris Agreement
The Kyoto Protocol was adopted in December 1997 as an international agreement that aimed to reduce
carbon dioxide emissions and the presence of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The essential tenet of
the Kyoto Protocol was that industrialized nations needed to lessen the amount of their CO2 emissions. Under
the Protocol, 37 industrialized countries and the European Community committed to reducing their greenhouse
gas emissions by an average of 5 percent against 1990 levels over the five-year period of 2008-2012.
The Kyoto Protocol has since been superseded by the Paris Agreement.
The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change. It was adopted by 196
Parties at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in December 2015. At the time of adoption, the
overarching goal of the Paris Agreement was to hold the increase in the global average temperature to
well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C
above pre-industrial levels. However, in recent years, world leaders have stressed the need to limit global
warming to 1.5°C by the end of this century. The Paris Agreement also provides a way for developed
nations to assist developing nations in their efforts to adapt climate control, and it creates a framework for
monitoring and reporting countries’ climate goals transparently.
5.7.2.2 Federal Regulations
Clean Air Act
First enacted in 1955, the Clean Air Act (CAA) is the comprehensive federal law that regulates air emissions
from stationary and mobile sources. Among other things, this law authorizes the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) to establish National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) to protect public health and
public welfare and to regulate emissions of hazardous air pollutants.
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EPA Endangerment Finding
The “Endangerment Finding” reflects the overwhelming scientific evidence on the causes and impacts of
climate change. In 2009, the EPA issued its science-based finding that the mix of atmospheric concentrations
of six key, well-mixed greenhouse gases threaten both the public health and the public welfare of current
and future generations. These six greenhouse gases are: carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide
(N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). The
Endangerment Finding requires the EPA to take action under the CAA to curb emissions of carbon dioxide,
methane, and four other heat-trapping air pollutants from vehicles, power plants, and other industries. The
EPA found that the combined greenhouse gas emissions from new motor vehicles and motor vehicle engines
contribute to the atmospheric concentrations of these key greenhouse gases and hence to the threat of climate
change. These findings were made in response to the April 2007 Massachusetts v. EPA Supreme Court
decision, in which the court found that greenhouse gases are air pollutants under the CAA.
5.7.2.3 State Regulations
California Assembly Bill 1493– Pavley
In 2002, the California Legislature adopted AB 1493 requiring the adoption of regulations to reduce GHG
emissions in the transportation sector. In September 2004, pursuant to AB 1493, the CARB approved
regulations to reduce GHG emissions from new motor vehicles beginning with the 2009 model year (Pavley
Regulations). In September 2009, CARB adopted amendments to the Pavley Regulations to reduce GHG
from 2009 to 2016. CARB, EPA, and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic and
Safety Administration (NHTSA) have coordinated efforts to develop fuel economy and GHG standards for
model 2017-2025 vehicles. The GHG standards are incorporated into the “Low Emission Vehicle” (LEV)
Regulations.
California Executive Order S‐3‐05 – Statewide Emission Reduction Targets
Executive Order S-3-05 was signed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in June 2005. Executive Order
S-3-05 establishes statewide emission reduction targets through the year 2050:
• By 2010, reduce GHG emissions to 2000 levels;
• By 2020, reduce GHG emissions to 1990 levels; and
• By 2050, reduce GHG emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels.
California Assembly Bill 1279
Assembly Bill (AB) 1279 requires the state to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) as soon as
possible, but no later than 2045, and achieve and maintain net negative greenhouse gas emissions
thereafter. The bill also requires California to reduce statewide GHG emissions by 85 percent compared to
1990 levels, and directs the California Air Resources Board to work with relevant state agencies to achieve
these goals.
California Assembly Bill 32 (AB 32), Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (Chapter 488, Statutes of
2006)
In 2006, the Legislature passed the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 [Assembly Bill 32 (AB
32)], which created a comprehensive, multi-year program to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in
California. AB 32 required the California Air Resources Board (CARB or Board) to develop a Scoping Plan
that describes the approach California will take to reduce GHGs to achieve the goal of reducing emissions
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to 1990 levels by 2020. The Scoping Plan was first approved by the Board in 2008 and must be updated
at least every five years. Since 2008, there have been two updates to the Scoping Plan. Each of the Scoping
Plans have included a suite of policies to help the state achieve its GHG targets, in large part leveraging
existing programs whose primary goal is to reduce harmful air pollution. The 2017 Scoping Plan identifies
how the state can reach the 2030 climate target to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 40 percent
from 1990 levels, and substantially advance toward the 2050 climate goal to reduce GHG emissions by 80
percent below 1990 levels.
The AB 32 Scoping Plan also anticipates that local government actions will result in reduced GHG emissions
because local governments have the primary authority to plan, zone, approve, and permit development to
accommodate population growth and the changing needs of their jurisdictions. The Scoping Plan also relies
on the requirements of Senate Bill 375 (discussed below) to align local land use and transportation planning
for achieving GHG reductions.
The Scoping Plan must be updated every five years to evaluate AB 32 policies and ensure that California
is on track to achieve the 2020 GHG reduction goal. In 2017, CARB released the proposed Second Update
to the Scoping Plan, which identifies the state’s post-2020 reduction strategy. The Second Update would
reflect the 2030 target of a 40 percent reduction below 1990 levels, set by Executive Order B-30-15 and
codified by SB 32. In 2014, CARB released the First Update to the Scoping Plan, which builds upon the Initial
Scoping Plan with new strategies and recommendations. The First Update identifies opportunities to leverage
existing and new funds to further drive GHG emission reductions through strategic planning and targeted
low carbon investments. This update defines CARB’s climate change priorities for the next five years and sets
the groundwork to reach long-term goals set forth in Executive Order S-3-05. The update highlights
California’s progress toward meeting the “near-term” 2020 GHG emission reduction goals in the original
2008 Scoping Plan. It also evaluates how to align the state's “longer-term” GHG reduction strategies with
other state policy priorities for water, waste, natural resources, clean energy, transportation, and land use.
On December 15, 2022, CARB adopted the 2022 Scoping Plan. The 2022 Scoping Plan builds on the 2017
Scoping Plan as well as the requirements set forth by AB 1279, which directs the state to become carbon
neutral no later than 2045. To achieve this statutory objective, the 2022 Scoping Plan lays out how California
can reduce GHG emissions by 85% below 1990 levels and achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. The Scoping
Plan scenario to do this is to “deploy a broad portfolio of existing and emerging fossil fuel alternatives and
clean technologies, and align with statutes, Executive Orders, Board direction, and direction from the
governor.” The 2022 Scoping Plan sets one of the most aggressive approaches to reach carbon neutrality
in the world. Unlike the 2017 Scoping Plan, CARB advocates for compliance with a local GHG reduction
strategy (CAP) consistent with CEQA Guidelines section 15183.5.
Senate Bill 97 (Chapter 185, Statutes of 2007)
SB 97 (Health and Safety Code Section 21083.5) was adopted in 2007 and required the Office of Planning
and Research to prepare amendments to the CEQA Guidelines for the mitigation of GHG impacts. The
amendments became effective on March 18, 2010. The CEQA Amendments provide guidance to public
agencies regarding the analysis and mitigation of the effects of GHG emissions in CEQA documents. A new
section, CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.4, was added to assist agencies in determining the significance of
GHG emissions. The CEQA Section gives discretion to the lead agency whether to: (1) use a model of
methodology to quantify GHG emissions resulting from a project, and which model or methodology to use;
or (2) rely on a qualitative analysis or performance-based standards. CEQA does not provide guidance to
determine whether the project’s estimated GHG emissions are significant or cumulatively considerable.
Also amended were CEQA Guidelines Sections 15126.4 and 15130, which address mitigation measures
and cumulative impacts respectively. However, GHG mitigation measures are referenced in general terms,
and no specific measures are identified. Additionally, the revision to the cumulative impact discussion
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requirement (Section 15130) simply directs agencies to analyze GHG emissions in an EIR when a project’s
incremental contribution of emissions may be cumulatively considerable, however it does not answer the
question of when emissions are cumulatively considerable.
Section 15183.5 permits programmatic GHG analysis and later project-specific tiering, as well as the
preparation of Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plans. Compliance with such plans can support a determination
that a project’s cumulative effect is not cumulatively considerable, according to proposed Section
15183.5(b).
Senate Bill 375 (Chapter 728, Statutes of 2008)
In August 2008, the Legislature passed, and on September 30, 2008, Governor Schwarzenegger signed,
SB 375, which addresses GHG emissions associated with the transportation sector through regional
transportation and sustainability plans. Regional GHG reduction targets for the automobile and light-truck
sector for 2020 and 2035, as determined by CARB, are required to consider the emission reductions
associated with vehicle emission standards (see SB 1493), the composition of fuels (see Executive Order S-
1-07), and other CARB-approved measures to reduce GHG emissions. Regional metropolitan planning
organizations (MPOs) will be responsible for preparing a Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) within
their Regional Transportation Plan (RTP). The goal of the SCS is to establish a development plan for the
region, which, after considering transportation measures and policies, will achieve, if feasible, the GHG
reduction targets. If an SCS is unable to achieve the GHG reduction target, an MPO must prepare an
Alternative Planning Strategy demonstrating how the GHG reduction target would be achieved through
alternative development patterns, infrastructure, or additional transportation measures or policies. SB 375
provides incentives for streamlining CEQA requirements by substantially reducing the requirements for
“transit priority projects,” as specified in SB 375, and eliminating the analysis of the impacts of certain
residential projects on global warming and the growth-inducing impacts of those projects when the projects
are consistent with the SCS or Alternative Planning Strategy. On September 23, 2010, CARB adopted the
SB 375 targets for the regional MPOs.
Executive Order B‐30‐15 – 2030 Statewide Emission Reduction Target
Executive Order B-30-15 was signed by Governor Jerry Brown on April 29, 2015, establishing an interim
statewide GHG reduction target of 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030, which is necessary to guide
regulatory policy and investments in California in the midterm, and put California on the most cost-effective
path for long-term emission reductions. Under this Executive Order, all state agencies with jurisdiction over
sources of GHG emissions are required to continue to develop and implement emissions reduction programs
to reach the state’s 2050 target and attain a level of emissions necessary to avoid dangerous climate change.
According to the Governor’s Office, this Executive Order is in line with the scientifically established levels
needed in the United States to limit global warming below 2°C - the warming threshold at which scientists
say there will likely be major climate disruptions such as super droughts and rising sea levels.
Senate Bill 32 (Chapter 249, Statutes of 2016)
Senate Bill 32 was signed on September 8, 2016 by Governor Jerry Brown. SB 32 requires the state to
reduce statewide GHG emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030, a reduction target that was
first introduced in Executive Order B-30-15. The new legislation builds upon the AB 32 goal of 1990 levels
by 2020 and provides an intermediate goal to achieving S-3-05, which sets a statewide GHG reduction
target of 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. A related bill that was also approved in 2016, AB 197
(Chapter 250, Statutes of 2016) creates a legislative committee to oversee regulators to ensure that ARB is
not only responsive to the Governor, but also the Legislature.
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California Assembly Bill 398 – Extension of Cap and Trade Program to 2030 (Chapter 617, Statutes of
2017)
AB 398 was signed by Governor Brown on July 25, 2017 and became effective immediately as urgency
legislation. AB 398, among other things, extending the cap and trade program through 2030.
Title 24 Energy Efficiency Standards and California Green Building Standards
California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 24 Part 6: The California Energy Code (CALGreen) is updated
every three years. The most recent update was the 2022 California Green Building Code Standards that
will become effective on January 1, 2023.
The 2022 Energy Code encourages efficient electric heat pumps, establishes electric-ready requirements
for new homes, expands solar photovoltaic and battery storage standards, and strengthens ventilation
standards, among other requirements. The California Energy Commission anticipates that the 2022 energy
code will provide $1.5 billion in consumer benefits and reduce GHG emissions by 10 million metric tons.
The 2022 CALGreen standards that reduce GHG emissions and are applicable to the proposed Project
include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Short-term bicycle parking. If the new project or an additional alteration is anticipated to generate
visitor traffic, provide permanently anchored bicycle racks within 200 feet of the visitors’ entrance,
readily visible to passers-by, for 5% of new visitor motorized vehicle parking spaces being added,
with a minimum of one two-bike capacity rack (5.106.4.1.1).
• Long-term bicycle parking. For new buildings with tenant spaces that have 10 or more tenant-
occupants, provide secure bicycle parking for 5% of the tenant-occupant vehicular parking spaces
with a minimum of one bicycle parking facility (5.106.4.1.2).
• Designated parking for clean air vehicles. In new projects or additions to alterations that add 10
or more vehicular parking spaces, provide designated parking for any combination of low-emitting,
fuel-efficient and carpool/van pool vehicles as shown in Table 5.106.5.2 (5.106.5.2).
• EV charging stations. New construction shall facilitate the future installation of EV supply equipment.
The compliance requires empty raceways for future conduit and documentation that the electrical
system has adequate capacity for the future load. The number of spaces to be provided for is
contained in Table 5.106. 5.3.3 (5.106.5.3). Additionally, Table 5.106.5.4.1 specifies requirements
for the installation of raceway conduit and panel power requirements for medium- and heavy-duty
electric vehicle supply equipment for warehouses, grocery stores, and retail stores.
• Outdoor light pollution reduction. Outdoor lighting systems shall be designed to meet the backlight,
uplight and glare ratings per Table 5.106.8 (5.106.8).
• Construction waste management. Recycle and/or salvage for reuse a minimum of 65% of the
nonhazardous construction and demolition waste in accordance with Section 5.408.1.1. 5.405.1.2,
or 5.408.1.3; or meet a local construction and demolition waste management ordinance, whichever
is more stringent (5.408.1).
• Excavated soil and land clearing debris. 100% of trees, stumps, rocks and associated vegetation
and soils resulting primarily from land clearing shall be reuse or recycled. For a phased project,
such material may be stockpiled on site until the storage site is developed (5.408.3).
• Recycling by Occupants. Provide readily accessible areas that serve the entire building and are
identified for the depositing, storage, and collection of non-hazardous materials for recycling,
including (at a minimum) paper, corrugated cardboard, glass, plastics, organic waste, and metals
or meet a lawfully enacted local recycling ordinance, if more restrictive (5.410.1).
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• Water conserving plumbing fixtures and fittings. Plumbing fixtures (water closets and urinals) and
fittings (faucets and showerheads) shall comply with the following:
• Water Closets. The effective flush volume of all water closets shall not exceed 1.28 gallons
per flush (5.303.3.1)
• Urinals. The effective flush volume of wall-mounted urinals shall not exceed 0.125 gallons per
flush (5.303.3.2.1). The effective flush volume of floor- mounted or other urinals shall not
exceed 0.5 gallons per flush (5.303.3.2.2).
• Showerheads. Single showerheads shall have a minimum flow rate of not more than 1.8 gallons
per minute and 80 psi (5.303.3.3.1). When a shower is served by more than one showerhead,
the combine flow rate of all showerheads and/or other shower outlets controlled by a single
valve shall not exceed 1.8 gallons per minute at 80 psi (5.303.3.3.2).
• Faucets and fountains. Nonresidential lavatory faucets shall have a maximum flow rate of not
more than 0.5 gallons per minute at 60 psi (5.303.3.4.1). Kitchen faucets shall have a maximum
flow rate of not more than 1.8 gallons per minute of 60 psi (5.303.3.4.2). Wash fountains shall
have a maximum flow rate of not more than 1.8 gallons per minute (5.303.3.4.3). Metering
faucets shall not deliver more than 0.20 gallons per cycle (5.303.3.4.4). Metering faucets for
wash fountains shall have a maximum flow rate not more than 0.20 gallons per cycle
(5.303.3.4.5).
• Outdoor potable water uses in landscaped areas. Nonresidential developments shall comply with
a local water efficient landscape ordinance or the current California Department of Water
Resources’ Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO), whichever is more stringent
(5.304.1).
• Water meters. Separate submeters or metering devices shall be installed for new buildings or
additions in excess of 50,000 SF or for excess consumption where any tenant within a new building
or within an addition that is project to consume more than 1,000 gallons per day (GPD) (5.303.1.1
and 5.303.1.2).
• Outdoor water uses in rehabilitated landscape projects equal or greater than 2,500 SF.
Rehabilitated landscape projects with an aggregate landscape area equal to or greater than
2,500 SF requiring a building or landscape permit (5.304.3).
• Commissioning. For new buildings 10,000 SF and over, building commissioning shall be included in
the design and construction processes of the building project to verify that the building systems and
components meet the owner’s or owner representative’s project requirements (5.410.2).
The 2022 CalGreen Building Standards Code has been adopted by the City of Fontana as Ordinance No.
1907.
5.7.2.4 Local Regulations
City of Fontana General Plan Update 2015-2035
The City of Fontana General Plan Update 2015-2035 contains the following policies related to greenhouse
gas emissions that are applicable to the Project:
Goal 9.7 The city of Fontana participates in shaping regional transportation policies to reduce traffic
congestion and greenhouse gas emissions.
Policies
▪ Participate in the efforts of the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG)
to coordinate transportation planning and services that support greenhouse gas
reductions.
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Actions
▪ Reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with transportation by reducing vehicle
miles traveled and per-mile emissions through use of vehicle technologies to meet the
City’s goals for greenhouse gas reductions by 2035.
Goal 12.4 Fontana meets the greenhouse gas reduction goals for 2030 and subsequent goals set by
the state.
Policies
▪ Continue to collaborate with SBCTA, infrastructure agencies, and utilities on greenhouse
gas reduction studies and goals.
Actions
▪ Build on baseline research completed for greenhouse gas reduction to set local goals
and meet state goals.
▪ Work with regional agencies to meet any future state goals for GHG reductions.
Ordinance No. 1891 - Industrial Commerce Center Sustainability Standards
Establishes sustainability standards applicable to all warehouse development projects that are intended to
improve local air and environmental quality. Standards required by Chapter 9, Section V of the Fontana
Municipal Code that would directly reduce local air pollution emissions include:
Signage and Traffic Patterns
• Anti-idling signs indicating a three-minute diesel truck engine idling restriction shall be posted at
industrial commerce facilities along entrances to the site and in the dock areas and shall be strictly
enforced by the facility operator.
• Signs shall be installed in public view with contact information for a local designated representative
who works for the facility operator and who is designated to receive complaints about excessive
dust, fumes, or odors, and truck and parking complaints for the site, as well as contact information
for the SCAQMD's on-line complaint system and its complaint call-line: 1-800-288-7664. Any
complaints made to the facility operator's designee shall be answered within 72 hours of receipt.
Alternative Energy
• On-site motorized operational equipment shall be ZE (zero emission).
• All building roofs shall be solar-ready, which includes designing and constructing buildings in a
manner that facilitates and optimizes the installation of a rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system at
some point after the building has been constructed.
• The office portion of a building's rooftop that is not covered with solar panels or other utilities shall
be constructed with light colored roofing material with a solar reflective index ("SRI") of not less than
78. This material shall be the minimum solar reflective rating of the roof material for the life of the
building.
• On buildings over 400,000 square feet, prior to issuance of a business license, the city shall ensure
rooftop solar panels are installed and operated in such a manner that they will supply 100 percent
of the power needed to operate all non-refrigerated portions of the facility including the parking
areas.
• At least ten percent of all passenger vehicle parking spaces shall be electric vehicle (EV) ready, with
all necessary conduit and related appurtenances installed. At least five percent of all passenger
vehicle parking spaces shall be equipped with working Level 2 Quick charge EV charging stations
installed and operational, prior to building occupancy. Signage shall be installed indicating EV
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charging stations and specifying that spaces are reserved for clean air/EV vehicles. Unless superior
technology is developed that would replace the EV charging units, facility operator and any
successors in interest shall be responsible for maintaining the EV charging stations in working order
for the life of the facility.
• Unless the owner of the facility records a covenant on the title of the underlying property ensuring
that the property cannot be used to provide chilled, cooled, or freezer warehouse space, a conduit
shall be installed during construction of the building shell from the electrical room to 100 percent of
the loading dock doors that have potential to serve the refrigerated space. When tenant
improvement building permits are issued for any refrigerated warehouse space, electric plug-in units
shall be installed at every dock door servicing the refrigerated space to allow transport
refrigeration units (TRUs) to plug in. Truck operators with TRUs shall be required to utilize electric
plug-in units when at loading docks.
• Bicycle racks are required per section 30-714 and in the amount required for warehouse uses by
table 30-714 of the zoning and development code. The racks shall include locks as well as electric
plugs to charge electric bikes. The racks shall be located as close as possible to employee
entrance(s). Nothing in this section shall preclude the warehouse operator from satisfying this
requirement by utilizing bicycle parking amenities considered to be superior such as locating bicycle
parking facilities indoors or providing bicycle lockers.
Operation and Construction
• To ensure that warehouse electrical rooms are sufficiently sized to accommodate the potential need
for additional electrical panels, either a secondary electrical room shall be provided in the building,
or the primary electrical room shall be sized 25 percent larger than is required to satisfy the service
requirements of the building or the electrical gear shall be installed with the initial construction with
25 percent excess demand capacity.
• The following environmentally responsible practices shall be required during construction:
o The applicant shall use reasonable best efforts to deploy the highest rated CARB Tier
technology that is available at the time of construction. Prior to permit issuance, the
construction contractor shall submit an equipment list confirming equipment used is compliant
with the highest CARB Tier at the time of construction. Equipment proposed for use that does
not meet the highest CARB Tier in effect at the time of construction, shall only be approved
for use at the discretion of the planning director and shall require proof from the construction
contractor that, despite reasonable best efforts to obtain the highest CARB Tier equipment,
such equipment was unavailable.
o Use of electric-powered hand tools, forklifts, and pressure washers.
o Designation of an area in any construction site where electric-powered construction vehicles
and equipment can charge.
o Identification in site plans of a location for future electric truck charging stations and
installation of a conduit to that location.
o Diesel-powered generators shall be prohibited except in case of emergency or to establish
temporary power during construction.
• Property owner shall provide facility operator with information on incentive programs such as the
Carl Moyer Program and voucher incentive program and shall require all facility operators to enroll
in the United States Environmental Protection Agency's SmartWay Program.
The City would ensure compliance with the requirements of Chapter 9, Section V of the Municipal Code as
part of their standard building permit review/approval and site inspection processes.
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5.7.3 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere are called GHGs. The major concern with GHGs is that increases in
their concentrations are contributing to global climate change. Global climate change is a change in the
average weather on Earth that can be measured by wind patterns, storms, precipitation, and temperature.
Although there is disagreement as to the rate of global climate change and the extent of the impacts
attributable to human activities, most in the scientific community agree that there is a direct link between
increased emissions of GHGs and long-term global temperature increases.
The principal GHGs are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6),
perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Because different GHGs have different warming
potential, and CO2 is the most common reference gas for climate change, GHG emissions are often quantified
and reported as CO2 equivalents (CO2e). For example, SF6 is a GHG commonly used in the utility industry
as an insulating gas in circuit breakers and other electronic equipment. SF6, while comprising a small fraction
of the total GHGs emitted annually world-wide, is a much more potent GHG, with 22,800 times the global
warming potential as CO2. Therefore, an emission of one metric ton (MT) of SF6 could be reported as an
emission of 22,800 MT of CO2e. Large emission sources are reported in million metric tons (MMT) of CO2e.
The principal GHGs are described below, along with their global warming potential.
Carbon dioxide: Carbon dioxide (CO2) is an odorless, colorless, natural GHG. Carbon dioxide’s global
warming potential is 1. Natural sources include decomposition of dead organic matter; respiration of
bacteria, plants, animals, and fungus; evaporation from oceans; and volcanic outgassing. Anthropogenic
(manmade) sources are from burning coal, oil, natural gas, and wood.
Methane: Methane (CH4) is a flammable gas and is the main component of natural gas. It has a lifetime of
12 years, and its global warming potential is 28. Methane is extracted from geological deposits (natural
gas fields). Other sources are landfills, fermentation of manure, and decay of organic matter.
Nitrous oxide: Nitrous oxide (N2O) (laughing gas) is a colorless GHG that has a lifetime of 121 years, and
its global warming potential is 265. Sources include microbial processes in soil and water, fuel combustion,
and industrial processes.
Sulfur hexafluoride: Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) is an inorganic, odorless, colorless, and nontoxic,
nonflammable gas that has a lifetime of 3,200 years and a high global warming potential of 23,500. This
gas is manmade and used for insulation in electric power transmission equipment, in the magnesium industry,
in semiconductor manufacturing, and as a tracer gas.
Perfluorocarbons: Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) have stable molecular structures and only break down by
ultraviolet rays about 60 kilometers above Earth’s surface. Because of this, they have long lifetimes, between
10,000 and 50,000 years. Their global warming potential ranges from 7,000 to 11,000. Two main sources
of perfluorocarbons are primary aluminum production and semiconductor manufacturing.
Hydrofluorocarbons: Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are a group of GHGs containing carbon, chlorine, and at
least one hydrogen atom. HFCs have a variety of lifetimes, between 1.4 years to 260 years. Their global
warming potential ranges from 100 to 12,000. Hydrofluorocarbons are synthetic manmade chemicals used
as a substitute for chlorofluorocarbons in applications such as automobile air conditioners and refrigerants.
Some of the potential effects in California of global warming may include loss in snow pack, sea level rise,
more extreme heat days per year, more high ozone days, more forest fires, and more drought years.
Globally, climate change has the potential to impact numerous environmental resources through potential,
though uncertain, impacts related to future air temperatures and precipitation patterns. The projected effects
of global warming on weather and climate are likely to vary regionally, but are expected to include the
following direct effects:
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• Higher maximum temperatures and more hot days over nearly all land areas;
• Higher minimum temperatures, fewer cold days and frost days over nearly all land areas;
• Reduced diurnal temperature range over most land areas;
• Increase of heat index over land areas; and
• More intense precipitation events.
Also, there are many secondary effects that are projected to result from global warming, including global
rise in sea level, impacts to agriculture, changes in disease vectors, and changes in habitat and biodiversity.
While the possible outcomes and the feedback mechanisms involved are not fully understood and much
research remains to be done, the potential for substantial environmental, social, and economic consequences
over the long term may be great.
GHGs are produced by both direct and indirect emissions sources. Direct emissions include consumption of
natural gas, heating and cooling of buildings, landscaping activities and other equipment used directly by
land uses. Indirect emissions include the consumption of fossil fuels for vehicle trips, electricity generation,
water usage, and solid waste disposal.
Existing Project Site Conditions
The 19.08-acre Project site is currently developed with 40 single-family residential units. Some of the
residences operate an additional use or business, such as truck transportation, auto storage, and auto repair
facilities. GHG emissions are currently generated by the operation of these uses and the related vehicle
trips.
The Project site is located in the City of Fontana. The primary GHG emissions in the City of Fontana are from
on-road transportation; building energy; and waste.
5.7.4 THRESHOLDS OF SIGNIFICANCE
According to Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines, a project could have a significant adverse effect on air
quality resources if it would:
GHG-1 Generate GHG emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact
on the environment; or
GHG-2 Conflict with any applicable plan, policy or regulation of an agency adopted for the
purpose of reducing the emissions of GHGs.
CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.4 provides discretion to the lead agency whether to: (1) use a model of
methodology to quantify GHG emissions resulting from a project, and which model or methodology to use;
or (2) rely on a qualitative analysis or performance-based standards. In addition, CEQA does not provide
guidance to determine whether the project’s estimated GHG emissions are significant, but recommends that
lead agencies consider several factors that may be used in the determination of significance of project
related GHG emissions, including:
• The extent to which the project may increase or reduce GHG emissions as compared to the existing
environmental setting.
• Whether the project emissions exceed a threshold of significance that the lead agency determines
applies to the project.
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• The extent to which the project complies with regulations or requirements adopted to implement a
statewide, regional, or local plan for the reduction or mitigation of GHG emissions.
CEQA Guidelines Section 15130(f) describes that the effects of GHG emissions are by their very nature
cumulative and should be analyzed in the context of CEQA’s requirements for cumulative impact analysis.
Additionally, CEQA Guidelines Section 15064(h)3 states that a project’s incremental contribution to a
cumulative impact can be found not cumulatively considerable if the project would comply with an approved
plan or mitigation program that provides requirements to avoid or lessen the cumulative problem.
The SCAQMD formed a working group to identify greenhouse gas emissions thresholds for land use projects
that could be used by local lead agencies in the Basin in 2008. The working group developed several
different options that are contained in the SCAQMD Draft Guidance Document – Interim CEQA Greenhouse
Gas Significance Threshold, that could be applied by lead agencies, which includes the following tiered
approach:
• Tier 1 consists of evaluating whether or not the project qualifies for any applicable exemption under
CEQA.
• Tier 2 consists of determining whether the project is consistent with a greenhouse gas reduction plan.
If a project is consistent with a qualifying local greenhouse gas reduction plan, it does not have
significant greenhouse gas emissions.
• Tier 3 consists of screening values, which the lead agency can choose, but must be consistent with all
projects within its jurisdiction. A project’s construction emissions are averaged over 30 years and are
added to the project’s operational emissions. If a project’s emissions are below one of the following
screening thresholds, then the project is less than significant:
• Option 1: Bright-line threshold for all land use types: 3,000 MTCO2E per year
• Option 2: Threshold based on specific land use type:
• Residential: 3,500 MTCO2E per year
• Commercial: 1,400 MTCO2E per year
• Mixed use: 3,000 MTCO2E per year
• Tier 4 has the following options:
• Option 1: Reduce business as usual emissions by a certain percentage; this percentage is
currently undefined.
• Option 2: Early implementation of applicable AB 32 Scoping Plan measures.
• Option 3, 2020 Target: For service populations (SP), including residents and employees, 4.8
MTCO2E/SP/year for projects and 6.6 MTCO2E/SP/year for plans.
• Option 3, 2035 Target: 3.0 MTCO2E/SP/year for projects and 4.1 MTCO2E/SP/year for
plans.
The SCAQMD’s proposed thresholds used the Executive Order S-3-05-year 2050 goal as the basis for the
Tier 3 screening level. Achieving the Executive Order’s objective would contribute to worldwide efforts to
cap CO2 concentrations at 450 ppm, thus stabilizing global climate.
The 3,000 MTCO2e per year threshold is based on a 90 percent emission “capture” rate methodology. Prior
to its use by the SCAQMD, the 90 percent emissions capture approach was one of the options suggested by
the California Air Pollution Control Officers Association (CAPCOA) in its CEQA & Climate Change white
paper (2008). A 90 percent emission capture rate means that unmitigated GHG emissions from the top 90
percent of all GHG-producing projects within a geographic area – the Basin in this instance – would be
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subject to a detailed analysis of potential environmental impacts from GHG emissions, while the bottom 10
percent of all GHG-producing projects would be excluded from detailed analysis. A GHG significance
threshold based on a 90 percent emission capture rate is appropriate to address the long-term adverse
impacts associated with global climate change because medium and large projects will be required to
implement measures to reduce GHG emissions, while small projects, which are generally infill development
projects that are not the focus of the state’s GHG reduction targets, are allowed to proceed. Further, a 90
percent emission capture rate sets the emission threshold low enough to capture a substantial proportion of
future development projects and demonstrate that cumulative emissions reductions are being achieved while
setting the emission threshold high enough to exclude small projects that will, in aggregate, contribute
approximately one percent of projected statewide GHG emissions in the Year 2050.
In setting the threshold at 3,000 MTCO2e per year, SCAQMD researched a database of projects kept by
the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR). That database contained 798 projects, 87 of which
were removed because they were very large projects and/or outliers that would skew emissions values too
high, leaving 711 as the sample population to use in determining the 90th percentile capture rate. The
SCAQMD analysis of the 711 projects within the sample population combined commercial, residential, and
mixed-use projects. Importantly, the sample of projects included warehouses and other light industrial land
uses, but did not include industrial processes (i.e., oil refineries, heavy manufacturing, electric generating
stations, mining operations, etc.). Emissions from each of these projects were calculated by SCAQMD to
provide a consistent method of emissions calculations across the sample population and from projects within
the sample population. In calculating the emissions, the SCAQMD analysis determined that the 90th percentile
ranged between 2,983 to 3,143 MTCO2e per year. The SCAQMD set their significance threshold at the
low-end value of the range when rounded to the nearest hundred tons of emissions (i.e., 3,000 MTCO2e per
year) to define small projects that are considered less than significant and do not need to provide further
analysis.
The City understands that the 3,000 MTCO2e/yr threshold was proposed by SCAQMD a decade ago and
was adopted as an interim policy; however, no permanent, superseding policy or threshold has since been
adopted. The 3,000 MTCO2e/yr threshold was developed and recommended by SCAQMD, an expert
agency, based on substantial evidence as provided in the Draft Guidance Document – Interim CEQA
Greenhouse Gas Significance Threshold (2008) document and subsequent Working Group meetings (latest of
which occurred in 2010). SCAQMD has not withdrawn its support of the interim threshold and all
documentation supporting the interim threshold remains on the SCAQMD website on a page that provides
guidance to CEQA practitioners for air quality analysis (and where all SCAQMD significance thresholds for
regional and local criteria pollutants and toxic air contaminants also are listed). Further, as stated by
SCAQMD, this threshold “uses the Executive Order S-3-05 goal [80% below 1990 levels by 2050] as the
basis for deriving the screening level” and, thus, remains valid for use in 2022. Lastly, this threshold has been
used for hundreds, if not thousands of GHG analyses performed for projects located within the SCAQMD
jurisdiction.
Based on the foregoing guidance, the City of Fontana has elected to rely on compliance with a local air
district threshold in the determination of significance of Project-related GHG emissions. Specifically, the City
has selected the interim 3,000 MTCO2e/yr threshold recommended by SCAQMD staff for industrial sector
projects against which to compare Project-related GHG emissions.
Thus, for purposes of this analysis, if Project-related net GHG emissions do not exceed the 3,000 MTCO2e/yr
threshold, then Project-related net GHG emissions would clearly have a less-than-significant impact pursuant
to Threshold GHG-1. On the other hand, if Project-related net GHG emissions exceed 3,000 MTCO2e/yr,
the Project would be considered a substantial source of GHG emissions.
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5.7.5 METHODOLOGY
The California Emissions Estimator Model (CalEEMod) v2022.1 has been used to determine construction and
operational GHG emissions for buildout of the proposed Project, based on the maximum development
assumptions outlined in Section 3.0, Project Description.
The purpose of this model is to calculate construction-source and operational-source GHG emissions from
direct and indirect sources; and quantify applicable air quality and GHG reductions achieved from measures
incorporated into the Project to reduce or minimize GHG emissions. For construction phase Project emissions,
GHGs are quantified and, per SCAQMD methodology, the total GHG emissions for construction activities
are divided by 30-years, and then added to the annual operational phase of GHG emissions.
In addition, CEQA requires the lead agency to consider the extent to which the Project complies with
regulations or requirements adopted to implement a statewide, regional, or local plan for the reduction or
mitigation of GHG emissions. However, there is no statewide program or regional program or plan that has
been adopted with which all new development must comply.
5.7.6 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
IMPACT GHG-1: WOULD THE PROJECT GENERATE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS, EITHER
DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN A WAY THAT WOULD HAVE A SIGNIFICANT
IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT?
Less than Significant Impact. Implementation of the proposed Project would generate GHG emissions from
construction activities, operational transportation, energy, waste disposal, and area sources (such as onsite
equipment). For construction emissions, the SCAQMD recommends amortizing emissions over 30 years by
calculating the total GHG emissions for the construction activities, dividing it by a 30-year project life, then
adding that number to the annual operational phase GHG emissions, which is done within this analysis.
Long-term operations of uses proposed by the Project would generate GHG emissions from the following
primary sources:
• Area Source Emissions. Landscape maintenance equipment would generate emissions from fuel
combustion and evaporation of unburned fuel. Equipment in this category would include lawnmowers,
shredders/grinders, blowers, trimmers, chain saws, and hedge trimmers used to maintain the
landscaping.
• Energy Source Emissions. GHGs are emitted from buildings as a result of activities for which
electricity and natural gas are typically used as energy sources. Combustion of any type of fuel
emits CO2 and other GHGs directly into the atmosphere; these emissions are considered direct
emissions associated with a building. GHGs are also emitted during the generation of electricity
from fossil fuels; these emissions are considered to be indirect emissions.
• Mobile Source Emissions. The Project-related GHG emissions are derived primarily from vehicle
trips generated by the Project, including employee trips to and from the site and truck trips
associated with the proposed uses. Trip characteristics from the Trip Generation and Vehicle Miles
Traveled (VMT) Screening Analysis (Appendix M) were utilized to quantify the GHGs from operation
of the Project at buildout. To determine emissions from passenger car vehicles and truck trips, the
CalEEMod defaults were utilized for trip lengths for passenger car vehicles and 2 to 3-axle trucks,
while 4+ axle trucks were assumed to travel approximately 40 miles.
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• Stationary Source Emissions. It is anticipated that the Project would include a 200 horsepower (hp)
diesel fire pump. For analytical purposes, it is assumed that the fire pump would run approximately
one hour per month.
• Water Supply, Treatment, and Distribution. Indirect GHG emissions result from the production of
electricity used to convey, treat, and distribute water and wastewater. The amount of electricity
required depends on the volume of water as well as the sources of the water. For purposes of
analysis, water usage is based on the estimated water demand.
• Solid Waste. The proposed land uses would result in the generation and disposal of solid waste. A
percentage of this waste would be diverted from landfills by a variety of means, such as reducing
the amount of waste generated, recycling, and/or composting. The remainder of the waste not
diverted would be disposed of at a landfill. GHG emissions from landfills are associated with the
anaerobic breakdown of material.
The proposed Project would be required to be developed in compliance with the City of Fontana’s Industrial
Commerce Centers Sustainability Standards, included as PPP GHG-1. Through compliance with PPP GHG-
1, the Project would be designed in a manner that would facilitate the reduction of GHG emissions from
onsite sources, such as through the provision of solar onsite in a manner which would offset 100 percent of
the building’s electricity needs and greatly reduce GHG emissions from energy sources. The annual GHG
emissions associated with the proposed Project are summarized in Table 5.7-1. As shown, construction and
operation of the Project would generate a net total of approximately 2,893.3 MTCO2e/yr with compliance
with the City of Fontana’s Industrial Commerce Centers Sustainability Standards (included herein as PPP
GHG-1); and would not exceed the screening threshold of 3,000 MTCO2e/yr.
As described previously, the proposed Project would be required to implement a number of sustainable
design features that would reduce GHG emissions, pursuant to the City of Fontana’s Industrial Commerce
Centers Sustainability Standards. As the Project is larger than 400,000 SF, prior to issuance of a building
license, the City shall ensure rooftop solar panels are installed and operated in such a manner that they will
supply 100 percent of the electricity needed to operate all non-refrigerated portions of the building,
including parking areas. Further, the Project shall adhere to other requirements of the City of Fontana’s
Industrial Commerce Centers Sustainability Standards, such as:
• Onsite motorized operational equipment shall be zero emission;
• At least ten percent of all passenger vehicle parking spaces shall be electric vehicle (EV) ready and
at least five percent of all passenger vehicle parking spaces shall be equipped with a working Level
2 Quick Charge EV charging station;
• Requiring the use of the highest rated CARB Tier technology that is available at the time of
construction.
Therefore, with implantation of the requirements set forth in the City of Fontana’s Industrial Commerce Centers
Sustainability Standards, included as PPP GHG-1, impacts related to GHG emissions would be less than
significant.
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Table 5.7-1: Project Generated Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Emissions Source Operational Emissions
CO2 CH4 N2O CO2e Percentage of Total
Existing Uses GHG Emissions
Area Sources 13.1 <0.1 0.0 13.5 2
Energy Sources 140.0 <0.1 <0.1 140.0 19
Mobile Sources 548.0 <0.1 <0.1 558.0 77
Waste Sources 3.4 0.3 0.0 12.0 2
Water Sources 3.3 <0.1 <0.1 5.0 <1
Total Existing Uses Emissions 728.5
Proposed Project GHG Emissions
Area Sources 10.0 <0.1 <0.1 10.0 <1
Energy Sources 42.2 <0.1 <0.1 42.3 1
Mobile Sources – Vehicle and Light Duty Trucks 1,060.0 <0.1 0.1 1,078.0 30
Mobile Sources – Heavy Duty Trucks 1,883.0 0.2 0.3 1,980.0 55
Waste Sources 41.1 4.1 0.0 144.0 4
Water Sources 223.0 3.7 0.1 342.0 10
Stationary Sources 0.9 <0.1 <0.1 0.9 <1
Total Project Operational Emissions 3,597.2 -
Amortized Construction Emissions 24.6 -
Total Annual Emissions 3,621.8 -
Total Net Annual Emissions 2,893.3
SCAQMD Threshold 3,000 -
Exceed? No -
Source: LSA (January 2023)
IMPACT GHG-2: WOULD THE PROJECT CONFLICT WITH AN APPLICABLE PLAN, POLICY OR
REGULATION ADOPTED FOR THE PURPOSE OF REDUCING THE EMISSIONS OF
GREENHOUSE GASES?
Less than Significant Impact. The Project would provide contemporary, energy-efficient/energy-conserving
design features and operational procedures. The proposed Project would not interfere with the state’s
implementation of AB 1279’s target of 85 percent below 1990 levels and carbon neutrality by 2045
because it does not interfere with implementation of the GHG reduction measures listed in CARB’s Updated
Scoping Plan (2022), as demonstrated in Tables 5.7-2. CARB’s 2022 Scoping Plan reflects the 2045 target
of an 85 percent reduction below 1990 levels, set by Executive Order B-55-18, and codified by AB 1279.
In addition, the Project would be consistent with the following state policies that were adopted for the
purpose of reducing GHG emissions.
• Pavley emissions standard and Low Carbon Fuel Standard: Pavley emissions standards (AB 1493)
apply to all new passenger vehicles starting with model year 2009, and the Low Carbon Fuel
Standard became effective in 2010 and regulates the transportation fuel used. The second phase
of implementation of the Pavley regulations per AB 1493 is referred to as the Advanced Clean Car
program, which combines the control of smog-causing pollutants and GHG emissions into a single
coordinated package of requirements for model years 2017 through 2025. The regulation will
reduce GHGs from new cars by 34 percent from 2016 levels by 2025. The proposed Project is
consistent with these requirements as they apply to all new passenger vehicles and vehicle fuel
purchased in California.
• Medium/Heavy-Duty Vehicle Regulations: Medium/heavy-duty vehicle regulations are
implemented by the state to reduce emissions from trucks. Since the proposed Project has a large
truck component, these regulations would aid in reducing GHG emissions from the Project. The
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proposed Project is consistent with this measure and its implementation as medium and heavy-duty
vehicles associated with construction and operation of the Project would be required to comply with
the requirements of this regulation.
• Tractor-Trailer Greenhouse Gas Regulation: Tractor-trailers subject to this state regulation are
primarily 53‐foot or longer box‐type trailers, and are required to either use EPA SmartWay
certified tractors and trailers or retrofit their existing fleet with SmartWay verified technologies.
The proposed Project is consistent with this regulation, as it applies to specific trucks that are used
throughout the state.
• Energy Efficiency – Title 24/CALGreen: The proposed Project is subject to the CALGreen Code Title
24 building energy efficiency requirements that offer builders better windows, insulation, lighting,
ventilation systems, and other features as listed in Section 5.7.2, Regulatory Setting that reduce
energy consumption. Compliance with the CALGreen standards would be verified by the City during
the building permitting process.
• Renewable Portfolio Standard. As a customer of Southern California Edison (SCE), the proposed
Project would purchase from an increasing supply of renewable energy sources and more efficient
baseload generations which reduce GHG emissions, and would be consistent with this requirement.
• Million Solar Roofs Program: The proposed Project is consistent with this scoping plan measure as
the Project structure would be required to install rooftop solar panels to provide enough power
needed to operate all non-refrigerated portions of the building, including parking areas pursuant
to Fontana Municipal Code Chapter 9, Section V (Industrial Commerce Center Sustainability
Standards). The total solar power required would be determined at the time the tenant is
particularized; however, the building would be able to sufficiently accommodate required solar
infrastructure based on the permitted uses of the proposed building and anticipated power demand.
• Water Efficiency and Waste Diversion: Development and operation of the proposed Project would
be implemented in consistency with water conservation requirements (as included in Title 24) and
solid waste recycling and landfill diversion requirements of the state.
Table 5.7-2: Project Consistency with the CARB 2022 Scoping Plan
Action Consistency
GHG Emissions Reductions Relative to the SB 32 Target
40% Below 1990 levels by 2030.
Consistent. The Project would comply with the 2022 Title
24, Part 6 building energy requirements along with other
local and state initiatives that aim to achieve the 40%
below 1990 levels by 2030 goal.
Smart Growth/Vehicle Miles Traveled VMT
VMT per capita reduced 25% below 2019 levels by
2030, and 30% below 2019 levels by 2045.
Consistent. As discussed in Chapter 5.14, Transportation,
of this Draft EIR, the Project would result in less than
significant impacts related to VMT. Therefore, the Project
would be consistent with policies aimed at reducing VMT.
Light-Duty Vehicle (LDV) Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEVs)
100% of LDV sales are ZEV by 2035.
Consistent. The proposed Project would be designed and
constructed in accordance with the 2022 Title 24 Part 6
and Part 11 requirements, which includes ZEV designated
parking spaces and charging stations.
Truck ZEVs
100% of medium-duty (MDV)/HDC sales are ZEV by
2040 (AB 74 University of California Institute of
Transportation Studies [ITS] report).
Consistent. The proposed Project would be designed and
constructed in accordance with the 2022 Title 24 Part 6
and Part 11 and City of Fontana Industrial Commerce
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Centers Sustainability Standards requirements, which
includes prewiring for Truck ZEV charging stations at
designated loading docks.
Aviation
20% of aviation fuel demand is met by electricity
(batteries) or hydrogen (fuel cells) in 2045.
Sustainable aviation fuel meets most or the rest of the
aviation fuel demand that has not already transitioned
to hydrogen or batteries.
Not Applicable. The proposed Project would not utilize
aviation fuel.
Ocean-going Vessels (OGV)
2020 OGV At-Berth regulation fully implemented,
with most OGVs utilizing shore power by 2027.
25% of OGVs utilize hydrogen fuel cell electric
technology by 2045.
Not Applicable. The proposed Project would not utilize any
OGVs.
Port Operations
100% of cargo handling equipment is zero-emission
by 2037.
100% of drayage trucks are zero emission by 2035.
Not Applicable. The proposed Project would not impact
any operations at any ports.
Freight and Passenger Rail
100% of passenger and other locomotive sales are
ZEV by 2030.
100% of line haul locomotive sales are ZEV by 2035.
Line haul and passenger rail rely primarily on
hydrogen fuel cell technology, and others primarily
utilize electricity.
Not Applicable. The proposed Project would not involve
any freight or passenger rail operations.
Oil and Gas Extraction
Reduce oil and gas extraction operations in line with
petroleum demand by 2045.
Not Applicable. The proposed Project would not involve
any oil or gas extraction.
Petroleum Refining
CCS on majority of operations by 2030, beginning in
2028.
Production reduced in line with petroleum demand.
Not Applicable. The proposed Project would not involve
any petroleum refining.
Electricity Generation
Sector GHG target of 38 million metric tons of carbon
dioxide equivalent (MMTCO2e) in 2030 and 30
MMTCO2e in 2035.
Retail sales load coverage 20 gigawatts (GW) of
offshore wind by 2045. Meet increased demand for
electrification without new fossil gas-fired resources.
Consistent. The Project would comply with the 2022 Title
24, Part 6 building energy and City of Fontana Industrial
Commerce Centers Sustainability Standards requirements,
including increases in onsite renewable energy generation
requirements as well as improved insulation reducing
energy consumption.
New Residential and Commercial Buildings
All electric appliances beginning 2026 (residential)
and 2029 (commercial), contributing to 6 million heat
pumps installed statewide by 2030.
Consistent. The Project would comply with the 2022 Title
24, Part 6 building energy requirements, including
installing electrical wiring for all built in appliances.
Existing Residential Buildings
80% of appliance sales are electric by 2030 and
100% of appliance sales are electric by 2035.
Appliances are replaced at end of life such that by
2030 there are 3 million all-electric and electric-ready
homes—and by 2035, 7 million homes—as well as
contributing to 6 million heat pumps installed statewide
by 2030.
Not Applicable. The proposed Project would not involve
the operation of any existing residential buildings.
Existing Commercial Buildings
80% of appliance sales are electric by 2030, and
100% of appliance sales are electric by 2045.
Appliances are replaced at end of life, contributing to
6 million heat pumps installed statewide by 2030.
Not Applicable. The proposed Project would not involve
any existing commercial buildings.
Food Products
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7.5% of energy demand electrified directly and/or
indirectly by 2030; 75% by 2045.
Consistent. The proposed Project would not include any
cold storage and no perishable food products would be
associated with the operation of the proposed warehouse.
The proposed Project would comply with the 2022 Title 24,
Part 6 and City of Fontana Industrial Commerce Centers
Sustainability Standards building energy requirements,
including increases in onsite renewable energy generation
requirements as well as improved insulation reducing
energy consumption.
Construction Equipment
25% of energy demand electrified by 2030 and 75%
electrified by 2045.
Consistent. The proposed Project would be required to use
construction equipment that are registered by CARB and
meet CARB’s standards. CARB sets its standards to be in
line with the goal of reducing energy demand by 25% in
2030 and 75% in 2045.
Chemicals and Allied Products; Pulp and Paper
Electrify 0% of boilers by 2030 and 100% of boilers
by 2045.
Hydrogen for 25% of process heat by 2035 and
100% by 2045.
Electrify 100% of other energy demand by 2045.
Not Applicable. The proposed Project would not be
utilized for pulp and/or paper products food products.
Stone, Clay, Glass, and Cement
CCS on 40% of operations by 2035 and on all
facilities by 2045.
Process emissions reduced through alternative
materials and CCS.
Not Applicable. The proposed Project would not include
manufacturing of stone, clay, glass or cement.
Other Industrial Manufacturing
0% energy demand electrified by 2030 and 50% by
2045.
Consistent. The proposed Project would comply with the
2022 Title 24, Part 6 and City of Fontana Industrial
Commerce Centers Sustainability Standards building
energy requirements, including increases in onsite
renewable energy generation requirements as well as
improved insulation reducing energy consumption.
Combined Heat and Power
Facilities retire by 2040. Not Applicable. The proposed Project would not involve
any existing combined heat and power facilities.
Agriculture Energy Use
25% energy demand electrified by 2030 and 75%
by 2045.
Not Applicable. The proposed Project would not involve
any agricultural uses.
Low Carbon Fuels for Transportation
Biomass supply is used to produce conventional and
advanced biofuels, as well as hydrogen.
Not Applicable. The proposed Project would not involve
any production of biofuels.
Low Carbon Fuels for Buildings and Industry
In 2030s, biomethane (also known as renewable
natural gas) blended in pipeline
Renewable hydrogen blended in fossil gas pipeline at
7% energy (~20% by volume), ramping up between
2030 and 2040.
In 2030s, dedicated hydrogen pipelines constructed to
serve certain industrial clusters
Not Applicable. The proposed Project would not involve
any production of fuels for buildings and industry.
Non-combustion Methane Emissions
Increase landfill and dairy digester methane capture.
Some alternative manure management deployed for
smaller dairies.
Moderate adoption of enteric strategies by 2030.
Divert 75% of organic waste from landfills by 2025.
Not Applicable. The proposed Project would not involve
any landfill and/or dairy uses.
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Oil and gas fugitive methane emissions reduced 50%
by 2030 and further reductions as infrastructure
components retire in line with reduced fossil gas
demand
High GWP Potential Emissions
Low GWP refrigerants introduced as building
electrification increases, mitigating HFC emissions.
Not Applicable. The proposed Project would not include
any cold storage that would utilize refrigerants.
Source: California’s 2022 Climate Change Scoping Plan Table 2-1: Actions for the Scoping Plan Scenario: AB
32 GHG Inventory Sectors
As demonstrated in Table 5.7-2, the Project would be consistent with the state’s requirements for GHG
reductions.
In addition, the City has included the efficient use of energy resources as a goal in the General Plan
Conservation Element. As detailed in Table 5.7-3, the Project would not conflict with the relevant General
Plan goals and policies related to GHGs.
Table 5.7-3: Project Consistency with Fontana General Plan Conservation Element Policies
Measure Description Project Consistency
Building Energy
Energy-1. Building
Energy Efficiency
⚫ SR Policy 1: Create a Sustainable Fontana
program that promotes green practices in
government and in the community.
⚫ SR Policy 2.1: Incorporate goals into the City
Code for resource efficiency in municipal facilities
and operations.
⚫ SR Policy 5: Promote green building through
guidelines, awards, and nonfinancial incentives.
⚫ SR Policy 6.1: Promote energy-efficient
development in Fontana.
⚫ SR Policy 6.2: Meet or exceed state goals for
energy-efficient new construction.
⚫ Chapter 10 Policy 7: Promote renewable energy
and distributed energy systems in new
development and retrofits of existing
development to work towards the highest levels
of low carbon energy-efficiency.
Not Applicable. This
measure is not applicable
as the City would be
responsible for
implementing this measure.
Energy-2. Light Efficiency ⚫ SR Policy 1: Create a Sustainable Fontana
program that promotes green practices in
government and in the community.
⚫ SR Policy 2.1: Incorporate goals into the City
Code for resource efficiency in municipal facilities
and operations.
⚫ SR Policy 2.2: Continue organizational and
operational improvements to maximize energy
and resource efficiency and reduce waste.
Consistent. The proposed
Project would comply with
the CALGreen Code,
regarding energy
conservation and green
building standards. In
addition, the proposed
Project would include solar
energy to comply with the
City’s requirements for
buildings over 400,000
SF.
Energy-5. Renewable
Energy- New
Commercial/Industrial.
⚫ SR Policy 3: Promote renewable energy
programs for government, Fontana businesses,
and Fontana residences.
⚫ Chapter 10 Policy 7: Promote renewable energy
and distributed energy systems in new
development and retrofits of existing
Consistent. The proposed
Project would comply with
the CALGreen Code,
regarding energy
conservation and green
building standards. In
addition, the proposed
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Measure Description Project Consistency
development to work towards the highest levels
of low carbon energy-efficiency.
project would include solar
energy to comply with the
City’s requirements for
buildings over 400,000
SF.
Energy-6. Solar Energy
for Warehouse Space
⚫ SR Policy 3: Promote renewable energy
programs for government, Fontana businesses,
and Fontana residences.
Consistent. The proposed
Project would comply with
the CALGreen Code,
regarding energy
conservation and green
building standards. In
addition, the proposed
Project would include solar
energy to comply with the
City’s requirements for
buildings over 400,000
SF.
Energy-7. Solar
Installation for Existing
Housing
⚫ SR Policy 3: Promote renewable energy
programs for government, Fontana businesses,
and Fontana residences.
⚫ SR Policy 3.1: Evaluate a Community Choice
Aggregation (CCA) Program for Fontana.
⚫ SR Policy 3.2: Ensure that appropriate zoning
and design standard regulations are in place as
needed to provide for domestic solar and wind
installations.
⚫ Chapter 10 Policy 7: Promote renewable energy
and distributed energy systems in new
development and retrofits of existing
development to work towards the highest levels
of low carbon energy-efficiency.
Not Applicable. This
measure is not applicable
as the proposed Project
would not retrofit an
existing building.
Energy-8. Renewable
Energy- Existing
Commercial/Industrial
⚫ SR Policy 3: Promote renewable energy
programs for government, Fontana businesses,
and Fontana residences.
⚫ SR Policy 4: Continue to collaborate with SBCTA,
infrastructure agencies, and utilities on
greenhouse gas reduction studies and goals.
⚫ Chapter 10 Policy 7: Promote renewable energy
and distributed energy systems in new
development and retrofits of existing
development to work towards the highest levels
of low carbon energy-efficiency.
Not Applicable. This
measure is not applicable
as the proposed Project
would not retrofit an
existing building.
On-Road
On Road-2. Encourage
Use of Mass Transit
⚫ CM Policy 1.4: Make land use decisions that
support walking, bicycling, and public transit use,
in alignment with the 2014-2040 Regional
Transportation Plan and Sustainable Communities
Strategy.
⚫ CM 7.2: Coordinate with regional agencies and
Caltrans to participate in regional efforts to
maintain transportation infrastructure in Fontana.
⚫ CM 7.3: Participate in the efforts of the Southern
California Association of Governments (SCAG) to
coordinate transportation planning and services
that support greenhouse gas reductions.
Consistent. The Project site
is served by existing
alternative transportation
methods including bike
lanes, bus stops, and
pedestrian facilities.
Implementation of the
Project would not conflict
with existing and planned
alternative transportation
facilities.
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Measure Description Project Consistency
On Road-3.
Transportation Demand
Management and Signal
Synchronization
⚫ CM Policy 1.1: Provide roadways that serve the
needs of Fontana residents and commerce, and
that facilitate safe and convenient access to
transit, bicycle facilities, and walkways.
⚫ CM Policy 1.2: Make safety and multimodal
accessibility the top priority of Citywide
transportation planning.
⚫ CM 3.2: Promote concentrated development
patterns in coordination with transit planning to
maximize service efficiency and ridership.
⚫ CM 7.1: Lead and participate in initiatives to
manage regional traffic.
⚫ CM 7.4: Participate in the efforts by Caltrans to
reduce congestion and improve traffic flow on
area freeways.
Not Applicable. The
proposed Project would
generate 687 daily trips,
including 39 AM peak hour
trips and 35 PM peak hour
trips. Based on the minimal
peak hour trips generated
by the proposed Project,
the Project would not be
required to implement
transportation demand
management strategies or
signal synchronization.
On Road-4. Expand Bike
Routes
⚫ CM 2.1: When constructing or modifying
roadways, design the roadway space for use by
all users when feasible, including motor vehicles,
buses, bicyclists, mobility devices, and
pedestrians, as appropriate for the context of the
area.
Not Applicable. The
proposed Project would
include a speculative
warehouse building. The
Project does not include
the construction or
modification of roadways.
On Road-5. Community
Fleet Electrification
⚫ CM Action 7.D: Support the adoption and use of
technologies that reduce emissions from
passenger and transit vehicles.
Not Applicable. The
proposed Project would
not involve City fleet
vehicles.
Solid Waste Management
Waste-2. Waste
Diversion and Reduction
⚫ SR Policy 2.2: Continue organizational and
operational improvements to maximize energy
and resource efficiency and reduce waste.
⚫ Chapter 10 Policy 8.2: Continue to maximize
landfill capacity by supporting recycling
innovations, such as organic waste recycling for
compost.
Consistent. The proposed
Project would be consistent
with County Solid Waste
and state requirements.
Water Conveyance
Water Conveyance ⚫ Chapter 10 Policy 1: Support initiatives to
provide a long-term supply of the right water for
the right use through working with regional
providers and the One Water One Watershed
Plan.
⚫ Chapter 10 Policy 2.1: Encourage use of
processed water from the IEUA systems using
recycled water for all non-drinking water
purposes.
⚫ Chapter 10 Policy 2.2: Promote laundry-to-
landscape greywater systems for single-family
housing units.
Consistent. The proposed
Project would comply with
the CALGreen Code,
regarding water
conservation.
Water-1. Voluntary
CALGREEN: New
Construction
⚫ SR Policy 7: Continue to promote and implement
best practices to conserve water.
Consistent. The proposed
Project would comply with
the CALGreen Code,
regarding water
conservation.
Water-2. Renovate
Existing Buildings
⚫ SR Policy 7: Continue to promote and implement
best practices to conserve water.
Not Applicable. This
measure is not applicable
as the proposed Project
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Measure Description Project Consistency
would not retrofit an
existing building.
Water-3. Water-Efficient
Landscaping Practices
⚫ SR Policy 7: Continue to promote and implement
best practices to conserve water.
⚫ Chapter 10 Policy 3.1: Support landscaping in
public and private spaces with drought resistant
plants.
⚫ Chapter 10 Policy 3.2: Continue successful City
water conservation programs and partnerships.
Consistent. The proposed
Project would comply with
the CALGreen Code,
regarding water
conservation.
Source: Compiled by LSA (January 2023).
CALGreen Code = California Green Building Standards Code
SBCTA = San Bernardino County Transportation Authority
Overall, the proposed Project would not result in a conflict with any applicable plan, policy or regulation of
an agency adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of GHGs. The Project would be implemented
in compliance with state energy standards provided in Title 24, in addition to provision of sustainable design
features. The Project would not interfere with the state’s implementation of AB 1279’s target of 85 percent
below 1990 levels and carbon neutrality by 2045 because it would be consistent with the CARB 2022
Scoping Plan, which is intended to achieve the reduction targets required by the state. In addition, the
proposed Project would be consistent with the relevant City General Plan goal and policies. Thus, the
proposed Project would not result in a conflict with any applicable plan, policy or regulation of an agency
adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of GHGs, and impacts would be less than significant.
5.7.7 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
GHG emissions impacts are assessed in a cumulative context, since no single project can cause a discernible
change to climate. Climate change impacts are the result of incremental contributions from natural processes,
and past and present human-related activities. Therefore, the area in which a proposed project in
combination with other past, present, or future projects, could contribute to a significant cumulative climate
change impact would not be defined by a geographical boundary such as a project site or combination of
sites, city or air basin. GHG emissions have high atmospheric lifetimes and can travel across the globe over
a period of 50 to 100 years or more. Even though the emissions of GHGs cannot be defined by a geographic
boundary and are effectively part of the global issue of climate change, CEQA places a boundary for the
analysis of impacts at the state’s borders. Thus, the geographic area for analysis of cumulative GHG
emissions impacts is the state of California.
Executive Order S-3-05, Executive Order B-30-15, Executive Order B-55-18, AB 1279, AB 32, and SB 32
recognize that California is a source of substantial amounts of GHG emissions; recognize the significance of
the cumulative impact of GHG emissions from sources throughout the state; and set performance standards
for reduction of GHGs.
The analysis of GHG emission impacts under CEQA contained in this Draft EIR effectively constitutes an
analysis of the Project’s contribution to the cumulative impact of GHG emissions. CEQA Guidelines Section
15183.5(b) states that compliance with GHG related plans can support a determination that a project’s
cumulative effect is not cumulatively considerable. As described previously, the estimated GHG emissions
from development and operation of the Project would not exceed SCAQMD thresholds. Therefore, the
contribution of the Project to significant cumulative GHG impacts is less than significant and not cumulatively
considerable.
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5.7.8 EXISTING REGULATIONS AND PLANS, PROGRAMS, OR POLICIES
Existing Regulations
State
• Clean Car Standards – Pavley Assembly Bill 1493
• California Executive Order S-3-05
• Assembly Bill 32 (Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006)
• Senate Bill 375
• California Executive Order B-30-15
• Senate Bill 32
• California Green Building Standards Code (Code of Regulations, Title 24 Part 6)
Local
• City of Fontana Industrial Commerce Centers Sustainability Standards (Municipal Code Chapter 9,
Article V)
Plans, Programs, or Policies (PPPs)
PPP E-1: CALGreen Compliance. Listed previously in Section 5.5, Energy.
PPP GHG-1: City of Fontana’s Industrial Commerce Centers Sustainability Standards. Prior to issuance of
a business license, the City of Fontana Planning Director shall ensure that the proposed Project implements
the requirements set forth in the City of Fontana’s Industrial Commerce Centers Sustainability Standards that
are applicable to the Project.
5.7.9 PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES
None.
5.7.10 LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE BEFORE MITIGATION
Impact GHG-1 and Impact GHG-2 would be less than significant.
5.7.11 MITIGATION MEASURES
None.
5.7.12 LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE AFTER MITIGATION
Impact GHG-1 and Impact GHG-2 would be less than significant.
REFERENCES
City of Fontana. General Plan Update 2015-2035 Noise and Safety Element. 13 November 2018.
Accessed from: https://www.fontana.org/DocumentCenter/View/26750/Chapter-11---Noise-and-Safety
Poplar South Distribution Center 5.7 Greenhouse Gases
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City of Fontana. General Plan Update 2015-2035 Environmental Impact Report. 13 November 2018.
Accessed from: https://www.fontana.org/DocumentCenter/View/29524/Draft-Environmental-Impact-
Report-for-the-General-Plan-Update
City of Fontana. Municipal Code. Accessed from:
https://library.municode.com/ca/fontana/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CO_CH9ENPRREEX_ARTVI
NCOCESUST_S9-71BUSCADUS
Southwest Industrial Park Specific Plan. 12 June 2012. Accessed from:
https://www.fontana.org/DocumentCenter/View/29312/Southwest-Industrial-Specific-Plan---Combined-
Document
Southwest Industrial Park (SWIP) Specific Plan Update and Annexation Public Review Draft Program
Environmental Impact Report. 12 June 2012. Accessed from:
https://www.fontana.org/DocumentCenter/View/36382/SWIP-Public-Review-Draft-Program-EIR
LSA. “Air Quality, Health Risk, Greenhouse Gas, and Energy Impact Report Poplar South Distribution Center
Project.” February 2023. Appendix B.
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5.8 Hazards and Hazardous Materials
5.8.1 INTRODUCTION
This section considers the nature and range of foreseeable hazardous materials, airport hazards, and
physical hazards and impacts that would result from implementation of the Project. It identifies the ways that
hazardous materials, airport hazards, and other types of hazards could expose people and the environment
to various health and safety risks during construction activities and operation of Project.
This section also describes routine hazardous materials that are likely to be used, handled, or processed
within the Project area, and the potential for upset and accident conditions in which hazardous materials
could be released. The impact analysis identifies ways in which hazardous materials might be routinely used,
stored, handled, processed, or transported, and evaluates the extent to which existing and future populations
could be exposed to hazardous materials. This analysis also addresses ways in which the Project may result
in safety hazards for the public or future employees onsite. The analysis in this section is based, in part, on
the following documents and resources:
• Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, Hazard Management Consulting, January 2022, Appendix I
• City of Fontana General Plan Update 2015-2035, Adopted November 2018
• City of Fontana General Plan Update 2015-2035 Environmental Impact Report, Certified November
2018
• City of Fontana Code of Ordinances
Hazardous Waste
According to ASTM International:
• A recognized environmental condition is defined as “…the presence or likely presence of any
hazardous substances or petroleum products in, on, or at a property…”
• A historical recognized environmental condition is defined as “a past release of any hazardous
substances or petroleum products that has occurred in connection with the property and has been
addressed to the satisfaction of the applicable regulatory authority or meeting unrestricted use criteria
established by a regulatory authority, without subjecting the property to any required controls (for
example, property use restrictions, activity and use limitations, institutional controls, or engineering
controls).”
• A controlled recognized environmental condition is defined as “a recognized environmental
condition resulting from a past release of hazardous substances or petroleum products that has been
addressed to the satisfaction of the applicable regulatory authority (for example, as evidenced by the
issuance of a no further action letter or equivalent, or meeting risk-based criteria established by
regulatory authority), with hazardous substances or petroleum products allowed to remain in place
subject to the implementation of required controls (for example, property use restrictions, activity and
use limitations, institutional controls, or engineering controls).”
• A de minimis condition is defined as "a condition that generally does not present a threat to human
health or the environment and that generally would not be the subject of an enforcement action if
brought to the attention of appropriate governmental agencies. Conditions determined to be de minimis
conditions are not recognized environmental conditions nor controlled recognized environmental
conditions."
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5.8.2 REGULATORY SETTING
5.8.2.1 Federal Regulations
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976
Federal hazardous waste regulations are generally promulgated under the Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act (RCRA). Pursuant to RCRA, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) regulates the
generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste in a “cradle to grave”
manner. RCRA was designed to protect human health and the environment, reduce/eliminate the generation
of hazardous waste, and conserve energy and natural resources. The USEPA has largely delegated
responsibility for implementing the RCRA program in California to the State, which implements this program
through the California Hazardous Waste Control Law.
RCRA regulates landfill siting, design, operation, and closure (including identifying liner and capping
requirements) for licensed landfills. In California, RCRA landfill requirements are delegated to the California
Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle), which is discussed in detail below.
RCRA allows the USEPA to oversee the closure and post-closure of landfills. Additionally, the federal Safe
Drinking Water Act, 40 CFR Part 141, gives the USEPA the power to establish water quality standards and
beneficial uses for waters from below- or above-ground sources of contamination. For the Project area,
water quality standards are administered by the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB).
RCRA also allows the USEPA to control risk to human health at contaminated sites. Vapor intrusion presents
a significant risk to human populations overlying contaminated soil and groundwater and is considered when
conducting human health risk assessments and developing Remedial Action Objectives.
Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970
Federal and state occupational health and safety regulations also contain provisions regarding hazardous
waste management through the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (amended), which is
implemented by the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Title
29 of the Code of Federal Regulations (29 CFR) requires special training of handlers of hazardous materials;
notification to employees who work in the vicinity of hazardous materials; acquisition from the manufacturer
of material safety data sheets (MSDS), which describe the proper use of hazardous materials; and training
of employees to remediate any hazardous material accidental releases. OSHA regulates the administration
of 29 CFR.
OSHA also establishes standards regarding safe exposure limits for chemicals to which construction workers
may be exposed. Safety and Health Regulations for Construction (29 CFR Part 1926.65 Appendix C)
contains requirements for construction activities, which include occupational health and environmental controls
to protect worker health and safety. The guidelines describe the health and safety plan(s) that must be
developed and implemented during construction, including associated training, protective equipment,
evacuation plans, chains of command, and emergency response procedures.
Adherence to applicable hazard-specific OSHA standards is required to maintain worker safety. For
example, methane is regulated by OSHA under 29 CFR Part 1910.146 with regard to worker exposure to
a “hazardous atmosphere” within confined spaces where the presence of flammable gas vapor or mist is in
excess of 10 percent of the lower explosive limit. Title 49 of the CFR governs the manufacture of packaging
and transport containers, packing and repacking, labeling, and the marking of hazardous material transport.
Title 42, Part 82 governs solid waste disposal and resource recovery.
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Hazardous Materials Transportation Act
The transportation of hazardous materials is regulated by the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act
(HMTA), which is administered by the Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA) of the US
Department of Transportation (USDOT). The Hazardous Materials Transportation Act provides USDOT with
a broad mandate to regulate the transport of hazardous materials, with the purpose of adequately
protecting the nation against risk to life and property, which is inherent in the commercial transportation of
hazardous materials. USDOT has regulations that govern the transportation of hazardous materials are
applicable to any person who transports, ships, causes to be transported or shipped, or are involved in any
way with the manufacture or testing of hazardous materials packaging or containers. USDOT regulations
pertaining to the actual movement govern every aspect of the movement, including packaging, handling,
labeling, marking, placarding, operational standards, and highway routing. Additionally, USDOT is
responsible for developing curriculum to train for emergency response and administers grants to states and
Indian tribes for ensuring the proper training of emergency responders. Hazardous Materials Transportation
Act was enacted in 1975 and was amended and reauthorized in 1990, 1994, and 2005.
Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter I
Under Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 49, Chapter I, USDOT’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials
Safety Administration regulates the transport of hazardous materials. Title 49, Chapter I sets forth
regulations for response to hazardous materials spills or incidents during transport and requirements for
shipping and packaging of hazardous materials.
Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act
Title III of SARA authorized the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA)(42 USC §
11001 et seq.) to inform communities and citizens of chemical hazards in their areas by requiring businesses
to report the locations and quantities of chemicals stored onsite to state and local agencies; releases to the
environment of more than 600 designated toxic chemicals; offsite transfers of waste; and pollution
prevention measures and activities and to participate in chemical recycling. The EPA maintains and publishes
an online, publicly available, national database of toxic chemical releases and other waste management
activities by certain industry groups and federal facilities—the Toxics Release Inventory. To implement
EPCRA, each state appointed a state emergency response commission to coordinate planning and
implementation activities associated with hazardous materials. The commissions divided their states into
emergency planning districts and named a local emergency planning committee for each district. The federal
EPCRA program is implemented and administered in California Governor's Office of Emergency Services
(Cal OES), a state commission, 6 local committees, and 81 Certified Unified Program agencies. Cal OES
coordinates and provides staff support for the commission and local committees.
Toxic Substances Control Act
The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) of 1976 (15 USC § 2601 et seq.) gave the EPA the ability to track
the 75,000 industrial chemicals produced or imported into the United States. The EPA repeatedly screens
these chemicals; can require reporting or testing of any that may pose an environmental or human health
hazard; and can ban the manufacture and import of chemicals that pose an unreasonable risk. The EPA
tracks the thousands of new chemicals each year with unknown or dangerous characteristics. The act
supplements other federal statutes, including the Clean Air Act and the Toxics Release Inventory under EPCRA.
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Code of Federal Regulations Title 29, Section 1926.62
CFR Title 29, Section 1926.62 provides federal regulations for construction work where an employee may
be occupationally exposed to lead. It includes standards for exposure assessment, worker protection,
methods of compliance, biological monitoring, and medical surveillance.
Code of Federal Regulations Title 40, Part 761
CFR Title 40, Part 761 provides federal regulations for the manufacturing, processing, distribution, use, and
clean up of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). It provides remediation standards for the clean up of PCB
waste in soils.
5.8.2.2 State Regulations
Hazardous Materials Management and Waste Handling
In the regulation of hazardous waste management, California law often mirrors or is more stringent than
federal law. The California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) and California Occupational Safety
and Health Administration (CalOSHA) are the primary state agencies responsible for hazardous materials
management. Additionally, the California Emergency Management Agency (CalEMA) administers the
California Accidental Release Prevention (CalARP) program. The California Department of Toxic Substances
Control (DTSC), which is a branch of CalEPA, regulates the generation, transportation, treatment, storage,
and disposal hazardous waste, as well as the investigation and remediation of hazardous waste sites. The
California DTSC program incorporates the provisions of both federal (RCRA) and State hazardous waste
laws. The California Department of Pesticide Regulation, which is a branch of CalEPA, regulates the sale,
use, and cleanup of pesticides (CCR, Title 3).
Excavated soil containing hazardous substances and hazardous building materials would be classified as a
hazardous waste if they exhibit the characteristics of ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity (CCR, Title
22, Division 4.5, Chapter 11, Article 3). State and federal laws require detailed planning to ensure that
hazardous materials are properly handled, used, stored, and disposed of, and in the event that such
materials are accidentally released, to prevent or to mitigate injury to health or the environment. These laws
and regulations are overseen by a variety of state and local agencies. The California Integrated Waste
Management Board and the RWQCB specifically address management of hazardous materials and waste
handling in their adopted regulations (CCR, Title 14 and CCR, Title 27).
The primary local agency, known as the Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA), with responsibility for
implementing federal and State laws and regulations pertaining to hazardous materials management is the
San Bernardino County Fire Department. The Unified Program is the consolidation of six state environmental
regulatory programs into one program under the authority of a CUPA. A CUPA is a local agency that has
been certified by Cal-EPA to implement the six state environmental programs within the local agency's
jurisdiction. This program was established under the amendments to the California Health and Safety Code
made by SB 1082 in 1994. The six consolidated programs are:
• Hazardous Materials Release Response Plan and Inventory (Business Plans)
• California Accidental Release Prevention (CalARP)
• Hazardous Waste (including Tiered Permitting)
• Underground Storage Tanks (USTs)
• Above Ground Storage Tanks (Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) requirements)
• Uniform Fire Code (UFC) Article 80 Hazardous Material Management Program (HMMP) and
Hazardous Material Identification System (HMIS)
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Hazardous Waste Control Act
The Hazardous Waste Control Act was passed in 1972 and established the California Hazardous Waste
Control Program within the Department of Health Services. California’s hazardous waste regulatory effort
became the model for the federal RCRA. California’s program, however, was broader and more
comprehensive than the federal system, regulating wastes and activities not covered by the federal program.
California’s Hazardous Waste Control Law was followed by emergency regulations in 1973 that clarified
and defined the hazardous waste program.
California Government Code Section 65962.5
Government Code Section 65962.5 (commonly referred to as the Cortese List) includes DTSC-listed
hazardous waste facilities and sites, Department of Health Services (DHS) lists of contaminated drinking
water wells, sites listed by the State Water Resources Control Board as having underground storage tank
(UST) leaks and which have had a discharge of hazardous wastes or materials into the water or groundwater,
and lists from local regulatory agencies of sites that have had a known migration of hazardous
waste/material.
California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 22 - Hazardous Waste Control Law, Chapter 6.5
The Department of Toxic Substances Control regulates the generation, transportation, treatment, storage,
and disposal of hazardous waste under RCRA and the California Hazardous Waste Control Law. Both laws
impose “cradle-to-grave” regulatory systems for handling hazardous waste in a manner that protects human
health and the environment. CalEPA has delegated some of its authority under the Hazardous Waste Control
Law to county health departments and other Certified Unified Program Agencies.
CCR, Title 27 - Solid Waste
Title 27 of the CCR contains a waste classification system that applies to solid wastes that cannot be
discharged directly or indirectly to waters of the State and which therefore must be discharged to waste
management sites for treatment, storage, or disposal. CalRecycle and its certified Local Enforcement Agency
regulate the operation, inspection, permitting, and oversight of maintenance activities at active and closed
solid waste management sites and operations.
California Human Health Screening Levels
The California Human Health Screening Levels (CHHSLs or “Chisels”) are concentrations of 54 hazardous
chemicals in soil or soil gas that CalEPA considers to be below thresholds of concern for risks to human health.
The CHHSLs were developed by the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment on behalf of CalEPA.
The CHHSLs were developed using standard exposure assumptions and chemical toxicity values published
by the EPA and CalEPA. The CHHSLs can be used to screen sites for potential human health concerns where
releases of hazardous chemicals to soils have occurred. Under most circumstances, the presence of a chemical
in soil, soil gas, or indoor air at concentrations below the corresponding CHHSL can be assumed to not pose
a significant health risk to people who may live or work at the site. There are separate CHHSLs for residential
and commercial/industrial sites.
CCR, Title 8 – Occupational Safety
CalOSHA administers federal occupational safety requirements and additional state requirements in
accordance with CCR, Title 8. CalOSHA requires preparation of an Injury and Illness Prevention Program
(IIPP), which is an employee safety program of inspections, procedures to correct unsafe conditions, employee
training, and occupational safety communication. This program is administered via inspections by the local
CalOSHA enforcement unit.
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CalOSHA regulates lead exposure during construction activities under CCR Title 8, Section 1532.1, Lead,
which establishes the rules and procedures for conducting demolition and construction activities such that
worker exposure to lead contamination is minimized or avoided.
Compliance with CalOSHA regulations and associated programs would be required for the Project due to
the potential hazards posed by onsite construction activities and contamination from former uses.
Emergency Response to Hazardous Materials Incidents
California has developed an emergency response plan to coordinate emergency services provided by
federal, state, and local government, and private agencies. The plan is administered by the California
Emergency Management Agency and includes response to hazardous materials incidents. The California
Emergency Management Agency coordinates the response of other agencies, including CalEPA, California
Highway Patrol, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Regional Water Quality Control Board, South
Coast Air Quality Management District, County Fire Department, and the County Department of
Environmental Health.
Hazardous Materials in Structures: Asbestos-Containing Materials and Lead-Based Paint
Several regulations and guidelines pertain to abatement of and protection from exposure to asbestos-
containing materials (ACM) and lead-based paint (LBP), including Construction Safety Orders 1529
(pertaining to ACM) and Section 1532.1 (pertaining to LBP) from CCR, Title 8, and Part 61, Subpart M, of
the Code of Federal Regulations (pertaining to ACM). California Health and Safety Code Section 39650 et
seq. provides further regulations on airborne toxic control measures. In California, ACM and LBP abatement
must be performed and monitored by contractors with appropriate certification from the California
Department of Health Services. Asbestos is also regulated as a hazardous air pollutant under the Clean Air
Act and a potential worker safety hazard under the authority of Cal/OSHA. Requirements for limiting
asbestos emissions from building demolition and renovation are specified in SCAQMD Rule 1403 (Asbestos
Emissions from Demolition/Renovation Activities). California Government Code Sections 1529 and 1532.1
provide for exposure limits, exposure monitoring, respiratory protection and good working practice by
workers exposed to lead and ACMs.
California Emergency Services Act
The California Emergency Services Act (Government Code Section 8550 et seq.) was adopted to establish
the State’s roles and responsibilities during human-made or natural emergencies that result in conditions of
disaster and/or extreme peril to life, property, or the resources of the State. This act is intended to protect
health and safety by preserving the lives and property of the people of the State.
5.8.2.3 Regional Regulations
AB 617, Community Air Protection Program
In response to Assembly Bill (AB) 617 (C. Garcia, Chapter 136, Statutes of 2017), CARB has established the
Community Air Protection Program. AB 617 requires local air districts to monitor and implement air pollution
control strategies that reduce localized air pollution in communities that bear the greatest burdens. Air
districts are required to host workshops in order to help identify disadvantaged communities
disproportionately affected by poor air quality. Once the criteria for identifying the highest priority locations
has been identified and the communities have been selected, new community monitoring systems would be
installed to track and monitor community-specific air pollution goals. Under AB 617, CARB must prepare an
air monitoring plan by October 1, 2018, that evaluates the availability and effectiveness of air monitoring
technologies and existing community air monitoring networks. Under AB 617, CARB is also required to
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prepare a statewide strategy to reduce TACs and criteria pollutants in impacted communities; provide a
statewide clearinghouse for best available retrofit control technology (BARCT), adopt new rules requiring
the latest BARCT for all criteria pollutants for which an area has not achieved attainment of California AAQS,
and provide uniform state-wide reporting of emissions inventories. Air districts are required to adopt a
community emissions reduction program to achieve reductions for the air pollution impacted communities
identified by CARB.
5.8.2.4 Local Regulations
Ontario International Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan
The Ontario International Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (ONT ALUCP) was prepared for and adopted
by the Ontario International Airport – Inter Agency Collaborative (ONT-IAC) and includes compatibility
policies for Ontario Airport. In accordance with provisions of the California State Aeronautics Act (Public
Utilities Code Section 21670 et seq.), the Ontario International Airport – Inter Agency Collaborative LUCP
has the responsibility of airport land use compatibility planning for the airport in Ontario. The Ontario
Airport LUCP sets forth policies that apply to airport planning and developments within the vicinity of the
airport.
San Bernardino County Emergency Operations Plan
San Bernardino County Fire’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) is responsible for countywide emergency
planning, mitigation, response and recovery activities. OES manages the County’s emergency operations
center and develops and maintains the County’s emergency operations plan and hazard mitigation plan.
The current emergency operations plan, adopted by the County Board of Supervisors in 2013, specifies
roles and responsibilities of various County and other local agencies in each of the four phases of emergency
management: preparedness/planning, response, recovery, and mitigation. The San Bernardino County Multi-
Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, approved by FEMA in July 2017, includes risk assessments for many
types of hazards, both natural and man-made; an assessment of community capabilities for hazard
mitigation; and mitigation strategies. County-identified evacuation routes consist of major and secondary
highways.
San Bernardino County implements an extensive emergency preparedness system that adheres to the
National Incident Management System (NIMS), which provides a comprehensive and standardized incident
management system. Because San Bernardino County is NIMS compliant, it is eligible for federal
preparedness grants. The County also follows the Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS)
adopted by California, which makes it eligible for reimbursement of response-related costs under state
disaster assistance programs.
City of Fontana Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
The City of Fontana has also developed and adopted a Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP), which aims
to reduce and eliminate risks by implementing set strategies for earthquake hazards, flood hazards, fire
hazards, and hazardous materials.
City of Fontana General Plan
The City of Fontana General Plan contains the following policies related to hazards and hazardous materials
that are applicable to the Project:
Noise and Safety Element
Goal 1 The City of Fontana protects sensitive land uses from excessive noise by diligent planning
through 2035.
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Policies
▪ Noise-tolerant land uses shall be guided into areas irrevocably committed to land uses
that are noise producing, such as transportation corridors.
▪ Noise spillover or encroachment from commercial, industrial and educational land uses
shall be minimized in adjoining residential neighborhoods or noise-sensitive uses.
Goal 2 The City of Fontana provides a diverse and efficiently operated ground transportation
system that generates the minimum feasible noise on residents through 2035.
Policies
▪ All noise sections of the State Motor Vehicle Code shall be enforced.
▪ Roads shall be maintained such that the paving is in good condition and free of cracks,
bumps, and potholes.
▪ Noise-mitigation measures shall be included in the design of new roadway projects in
the city.
Goal 6 Flooding injury, loss of life, property damage, and economic and social disruption caused
by flood and inundation hazards are minimized in the City of Fontana.
Policy
▪ The City shall discourage new development in flood hazard areas and implement
mitigation measures to reduce the hazard to existing developments that are located
within 100- and 500-year flood zones.
Goal 8 The potential for hazardous contamination is reduced in the City of Fontana.
Policy
▪ The City shall strive to reduce the potential for residents, workers, and visitors to Fontana
from being exposed to hazardous materials and wastes.
Goal 9 The City maintains regulations, plans, protocols and emergency training to reduce hazards
and risks, and meet State and Federal requirements for emergency assistance.
Policies
▪ The City shall keep hazard mitigation and emergency services programs up to date.
▪ The City shall continue to provide hazard and risk mitigation and emergency training to
public employees and the public at large.
Infrastructure and Green Systems Element
Goal 8 All residences, businesses, and institutions have a dependable, environmentally safe means
to dispose of solid waste.
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Policies
▪ Continue providing city waste-management services.
▪ Continue to maximize diversion opportunities and landfill capacity by supporting
recycling innovations, such as E-waste, commercial, multifamily and organic waste
recycling programs.
City of Fontana Municipal Code
Chapter 8: Emergency Preparedness. Chapter 8 of the Fontana Municipal Code sets forth provisions and
standards for the preparation of and carrying out of emergency plans for the protection of persons and
property within the city in the event of an emergency. The City of Fontana adopted the standardized
emergency management system (SEMS) in accordance with California Government Code section 8607.
5.8.3 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
Environmental Site Conditions
The Project site is currently developed with 40 existing single-family residential units and accessory structures.
Existing residential units are located on the north and south side of Rose Avenue, which runs east-west through
the center of the site. Uses surrounding the Project site include light industrial uses.
• South: Distribution Warehouse followed by Jurupa Avenue.
• North: Industrial warehouse south of Santa Ana Avenue and light industrial uses north of Santa Ana
Avenue.
• East: Catawba Avenue followed by a trucking company and light industrial warehouse uses.
• West: Poplar Avenue followed by a Motor Vehicle Dealer and a beverage manufacturer.
As mentioned in Section 5.4 Cultural Resources, the Project site was historically utilized for agricultural
purposes as early as 1938 and for residential purposes as early as the 1948 (BFSA 2022a).
The Phase I Environmental Site Assessment did not identify any recognized environmental conditions (RECs)
associated with the Project site. However, the Phase I concluded that based on the construction dates, it is
likely that asbestos containing materials are present at the existing buildings on the Project site.
No gasoline service stations or dry cleaners are in the immediate vicinity (approximately 500 feet) of the
Project site. There are no off-site hazardous material sources of environmental concern surrounding the
Project site.
Other Environmental Conditions
According to the City of Fontana General Plan Draft Environmental Impact Report and the Department of
Conservation California Earthquake Hazards Zone Application ("EQ Zapp"), the Project site is not within:
▪ Geologic: Alquist Priolo earthquake fault zone; County-identified fault zone; rockfall/debris-flow
hazard area, medium or high liquefaction area (low to high and localized).
▪ Fire: high or very high fire hazard severity zone.
According to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), published by the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) (06071C8665H), the Project site is primarily located in “Zone X”, which is an area that is
not located in a flood zone with a known base flood elevation. According to the Preliminary Drainage Report
for the Project, “Zone X” is defined as an area outside of the 100-year floodplain.
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Evacuation Routes
According to the Fontana General Plan Noise and Safety Element, the City has no designated evacuation
routes.
5.8.4 THRESHOLDS OF SIGNIFICANCE
Appendix G of State CEQA Guidelines indicates that a project could have a significant effect if it were to:
HAZ-1 Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport,
use, or disposal of hazardous materials; or
HAZ-2 Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably
foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into
the environment; or
HAZ-3 Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances,
or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school; or
HAZ-4 Be located on a site that is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant
to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, create a significant hazard to the
public or the environment; or
HAZ-5 For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been
adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, result in a safety hazard
or excessive noise for people residing or working in the project area; or
HAZ-6 Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan
or emergency evacuation plan; or
HAZ-7 Expose people or structures, either directly or indirectly, to a significant risk of loss, injury,
or death involving wildland fires, including where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized
areas or where residences are intermixed with wildlands.
5.8.5 METHODOLOGY
This evaluation of the significance of potential impacts related to hazards and hazardous materials considers
both direct effects to the resource and indirect effects in a local or regional context. Potentially significant
impacts would generally result in the loss or degradation of public health and safety or conflict with local,
state, or federal agency regulations. Information for this section was obtained, in part, from the Phase I ESA
prepared for Project (Appendix I). The Phase I ESA is based on reviews of historical aerial photographs,
historical topographic maps, Environmental Data Resources (EDR) database records, city directories, historical
site occupants, historical site ownership records, site visits, and/or interviews of owners and tenants of the
Project site.
5.8.6 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
IMPACT HAZ-1: WOULD THE PROJECT CREATE A SIGNIFICANT HAZARD TO THE PUBLIC OR
THE ENVIRONMENT THROUGH THE ROUTINE TRANSPORT, USE OR DISPOSAL
OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS?
Less than Significant Impact. Development and long-term operation of the Project would require standard
transport, use, and disposal of hazardous materials and wastes.
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Construction
Heavy construction equipment (e.g., dozers, excavators, tractors) would be operated for development of the
Project site. The equipment would be fueled and maintained by petroleum‐based substances such as diesel
fuel, gasoline, oil, and hydraulic fluid, which are considered hazardous if improperly stored, handled, or
transported. Other materials used—such as paints, adhesives, and solvents—could also result in accidental
releases or spills that could pose risks to people and the environment.
However, construction contractors would be required to comply with federal, state, and local laws and
regulations regarding the transport, use, and storage of hazardous materials. Applicable laws and
regulations include CCR, Title 8 Section 1529 (pertaining to ACM) and Section 1532.1 (pertaining to LBP);
CFR, Title 40, Part 61, Subpart M (pertaining to ACM); CCR, Title 23, Chapter 16 (pertaining to UST); CFR,
Title 29 - Hazardous Waste Control Act; CFR, Title 49, Chapter I; and Hazardous Materials Transportation
Act requirements as imposed by the USDOT, CalOSHA, CalEPA, and DTSC. Additionally, construction
activities would require a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), which is mandated by the National
Pollution Discharge Elimination System General Construction Permit (included as PPP HYD-1 herein) and
enforced by the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB). The SWPPP will include strict
onsite handling rules and BMPs to minimize potential adverse effects to workers, the public, and the
environment during construction, including, but not limited to:
• Establishing a dedicated area for fuel storage and refueling activities that includes secondary
containment protection measures and spill control supplies;
• Following manufacturers’ recommendations on the use, storage, and disposal of chemical products
used in construction;
• Avoiding overtopping construction equipment fuel tanks;
• Properly containing and removing grease and oils during routine maintenance of equipment; and
• Properly disposing of discarded containers of fuels and other chemicals.
Mandatory compliance with applicable laws and regulations related to the routine transport, use, and
disposal of hazardous materials during construction activities at the Project site would limit potentially
significant hazards to construction workers, the public, and the environment. Impacts would be less than
significant.
Operation
The Project site would be developed with a speculative warehouse building. Depending on the type of
business that would occupy the proposed warehouse building, operations would require the use of various
types and quantities of hazardous materials, including lubricants, solvents, cleaning agents, wastes, paints
and related wastes, petroleum, wastewater, batteries, (lead acid, nickel cadmium, nickel, iron, carbonate),
scrap metal, and used tires. These hazardous materials would be used, stored, and disposed of in accordance
with applicable regulations and standards (such as CFR, Title 49, Chapter I; CCR, Title 8; CFR, Title 40, Part
263; and San Bernardino County Code Sections 23.0602 and 23.0107) that are enforced by the USEPA,
USDOT, CalEPA, CalOSHA, and DTSC.
Under California Health and Safety Code Section 25531 et seq., CalEPA requires businesses operating with
a regulated substance that exceeds a specified threshold quantity to register with a managing local agency,
known as the Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA). In Fontana, the San Bernardino County Fire
Department is the CUPA. If the operations of future tenants of the proposed warehouse facility exceed
established thresholds, CUPA permits will be required. The County requires businesses subject to any of the
CUPA permits to file a Business Emergency/Contingency Plan. Additionally, businesses would be required to
provide workers with training on the safe use, handling, and storage of hazardous materials. Additionally,
businesses would be required to maintain equipment and supplies for containing and cleaning up spills of
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hazardous materials that can be safely contained and cleaned by onsite workers and to immediately notify
emergency response agencies in the event of a hazardous materials release that cannot be safely contained
and cleaned up by onsite personnel. Compliance with existing laws and regulations governing hazard and
hazardous materials would reduce potential impacts related the routine transport, use, and disposal of the
hazardous materials to less than significant.
IMPACT HAZ-2: WOULD THE PROJECT CREATE A SIGNIFICANT HAZARD TO THE PUBLIC OR
THE ENVIRONMENT THROUGH REASONABLY FORESEEABLE UPSET OR
ACCIDENT CONDITIONS INVOLVING THE RELEASE OF HAZARDOUS
MATERIALS INTO THE ENVIRONMENT?
Less than Significant Impact.
Construction
As described previously, construction of the proposed Project would involve the limited use and disposal of
hazardous materials. Equipment that would be used in construction of the project has the potential to release
gas, oils, greases, solvents, and spills of paint and other finishing substances. However, the amount of
hazardous materials onsite would be limited, and construction activities would be required to adhere to all
applicable regulations regarding hazardous materials storage and handling, as well as to implement
construction BMPs (through implementation of a required SWPPP implemented by City conditions of
approval, and included as PPP HYD-2) to prevent a hazardous materials release and to promptly contain
and clean up any spills, which would minimize the potential for harmful exposures. With compliance to
existing laws and regulations, which is mandated by the City through construction permitting, the Project’s
construction-related impacts would be less than significant.
Asbestos-Containing Materials. Some buildings in the Project area date back to a period when many
structures were constructed with what are now recognized as hazardous building materials, such as ACMs.
Demolition of these older structures could result in the release of hazardous materials. However, asbestos
abatement contractors must follow state regulations contained in California Code of Regulations Sections
1529, and 341.6 through 341.14 as implemented by SCAQMD Rule 1403 to ensure that ACMs removed
during demolition or redevelopment of the existing buildings is transported and disposed of at an
appropriate facility. The contractor and hauler of the material are required to file a Hazardous Waste
Manifest which details the hauling of the material from the site and the disposal of it. Section 19827.5 of
the California Health and Safety Code requires that local agencies not issue demolition permits until an
applicant has demonstrated compliance with notification requirements under applicable federal regulations
regarding hazardous air pollutants, including ACMs.
Operation
As discussed in Impact HAZ-1, the future tenants within the Project site may use, store, and dispose of various
types and quantities of hazardous materials that would be required to comply with regulations and
standards (such as CFR, Title 49, Chapter I; CCR, Title 8; CFR, Title 40, Part 263; San Bernardino County
regulations; and City of Fontana regulations enforced by the USEPA, USDOT, CalEPA, CalOSHA, DTSC, and
the San Bernardino County Fire Department. The San Bernardino County Fire Department, as CUPA would
require that future tenants prepare Business Emergency/Contingency Plans, which provide information to
emergency responders and the general public regarding hazardous materials, and coordinates reporting
of releases and spill response among businesses and local, state, and federal government authorities.
Moreover, the proposed development Project would include a WQMP, included as PPP HYD-3. BMPs would
be incorporated in the WQMP that would protect human health and the environment should any accidental
spills or releases of hazardous materials occur during operation of the Project. Therefore, operations within
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the Project site would not result in a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably
foreseeable upset and accident involving hazardous material. Impacts related to hazardous materials from
operation would be less than significant.
IMPACT HAZ-3: WOULD THE PROJECT EMIT HAZARDOUS EMISSIONS OR HANDLE
HAZARDOUS OR ACUTELY HAZARDOUS MATERIALS, SUBSTANCES OR
WASTE WITHIN 0.25 MILE OF AN EXISTING OR PROPOSED SCHOOL?
Less Than Significant Impact. The closest school site is at the Jurupa Hills High School, located at 10700
Oleander Ave, Fontana, CA 92337, approximately 0.36-mile northwest of the Project site. However, with
the use of Citrus Avenue to access the freeway, Project operation would include passing of trucks within 0.25
mile of a school, including Jurupa Hills High School.
As described previously, the use of hazardous materials related to the proposed industrial warehouse uses
would be limited and used and disposed of in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, which
would reduce the potential of accidental release into the environment. Also, the emissions that would be
generated from construction and operation of the proposed Project were evaluated in the air quality analysis
presented in Section 5.2 of this Draft EIR, and the emissions generated from the proposed Project would not
cause or contribute to an exceedance of the federal or state air quality standards. Thus, the proposed
Project would not emit hazardous or handle acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within 0.25
mile of school, and the Project would result in less than significant impacts.
IMPACT HAZ-4: WOULD THE PROJECT BE LOCATED ON A SITE THAT IS INCLUDED ON A LIST
OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SITES COMPILED PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT
CODE SECTION 65962.5 AND, AS A RESULT, CREATE A SIGNIFICANT HAZARD
TO THE PUBLIC OR THE ENVIRONMENT?
Less than Significant Impact. The Phase I ESA prepared for the Project site included searches of federal,
state, and local databases to determine whether hazardous materials sites were within and/or surrounding
the Project. Table 5.8-1 summarizes the properties within and surrounding the Project site that are listed on
hazardous materials databases. As shown in Table 5.8-1, two sites are located on the Project site, four sites
are located adjacent to the Project site and three sites are north of the Project site which are listed as
hazardous materials sites. None of these sites are considered a REC for the Project site. As such, impacts
related to hazardous materials sites would be less than significant.
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Table 5.8-1, Hazardous Materials Sites Near Project Site
Property Location in Relation to
Project Site
Listed Database Status Significant?
1. Marcelino
Pelayo
15787 Rose
Avenue
Within RCRA-NonGen, FINDS,
ECHO
According to the records, this resident is involved in “all other waste
management services” and does not generate federal-regulated
wastes. It was reported that this individual is not a generator and no
violations or releases were reported in association with his activities
(which appears to be conducted off Site).
No
2. Intown
Properties
11006
Catawba
Avenue
Within Haznet, HWTS According to the records, state-regulated wastes including Household
wastes was generated in 1998 and disposed off Site. No violations
or releases were reported.
No
3. Jacky Lines
Inc.
11083
Catawba
Avenue
Adjacent (233 feet) RCRA NonGen According to the records, this resident is involved in “all other waste
management services” and does not generate federal-regulated
waste. It was reported that this individual is not a generator and no
violations or releases were reported in association with his activities
(which appears to be conducted off Site).
No
4. California
Aseptic
Beverages
11020
Poplar
Avenue
Adjacent (145 feet) CERS Haz Waste, CHMIRS,
San
Bernardino County Permit,
CERS, RCRA-NonGen
According to the records, this facility produces bottled water and is
permitted by San Bernardino County Fire Department to handle
hazardous substances. It was reported that San Bernardino County
Fire Department (SBCFD) had conducted compliance evaluation
inspections of this facility. Administrative violations were reported that
were subsequently corrected and the facility had returned to
compliance. Additionally, this facility does not generate federal-
regulated wastes. No unresolved violations or releases were
reported.
No
5. Pasco
Beverage
MC Citrus
11020
Poplar
Avenue
Adjacent (145 feet) RCRA-SQG, FINDS, ECHO According to the records, small quantities of federal-regulated wastes
was generated in 2000 that were disposed off the premises. No
violations or releases were reported.
No
6. Fleet
Refinishing
15875 Santa
Ana Avenue
Adjacent (300 feet) RCRA-SQG, Haznet, FINDS,
ECHO, HWTS, CERS Haz
Waste, EMI, San Bernardino
County
Permit, CERS
According to the records, small quantities of federal regulated
wastes and state-regulated wastes were generated from 2010 to
2018 that were disposed off the premises. This facility is permitted
by San Bernardino County Fire Department (SBCFD) and SCAQMD
to handle hazardous substances. This facility was inspected SBCFD for
compliance evaluation inspections. Administrative violations were
reported that were subsequently corrected and the facility had
returned to compliance. No unresolved violations or releases were
reported.
No
I
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7. Catawba
and Santa
Ana
15816 Santa
Ana Avenue
North of Site (723 feet) LUST, Haznet, San
Bernardino County Permit,
CIWQS,
HWTS
According to the records, soil was impacted by diesel fuel at this
facility due to a release of an UST. The impacted soil was remediated,
and the case was closed by RWQCB on December 4, 2003 with no
further action required. This facility had generated state-regulated
wastes in 2015 that included asbestos containing materials. No
violations were reported.
No
8. Dick Simon
Trucking
15816 Santa
Ana Avenue
North of Site (723 feet) RCRA-SQG, Haznet, ECHO,
WDS, HWTS, UST
According to the records small quantities of federal-regulated wastes
and state-regulated wastes were generated from 1991 to 2005 that
were disposed off the premises. The wastes included unspecified oil
containing wastes, unspecified organic liquid mixture, and other
organic solids. It was reported that this facility was a registered UST
holder; however, no details pertaining to the UST was provided. No
violations or releases were reported.
No
9. Central
Refrigeration
15816 Santa
Ana Avenue
North of Site (723 feet) LUST, CERS, UST According to the records soil was impacted by diesel fuel at this
facility due to a release of an UST. The impacted soil was remediated
and the case was closed by RWQCB on December 4, 2003 with no
further action required. This facility was inspected SBCFD for
compliance evaluation inspections. Administrative violations were
reported that were subsequently corrected and the facility had
returned to compliance.
No
• HWTS (Hazardous Waste Tracking System) is maintained by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) and is a repository for hazardous waste
identification numbering and manifest information.
• HAZNET database is extracted from the copies of hazardous waste manifests received annually year by the DTSC.
• RCRA NonGen/NLR database is maintained by the Environmental Protection Agency
• CERS database is maintained by the California Environmental Protection Agency
• FINDS database is maintained by the Environmental Protection Agency
• EMI database is maintained by the California Air Resources Board
• ECHO database is maintained by Environmental Protection Agency
• Haulers is a registered waste tire haulers listing.
Sources: Phase I ESA, Hazard Management Consulting, 2022 (Appendix I)
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IMPACT HAZ-5: WOULD THE PROJECT RESULT IN A SAFETY HAZARD OR EXCESSIVE NOISE
FOR PEOPLE RESIDING OR WORKING IN THE PROJECT AREA FOR A PROJECT
LOCATED WITHIN AN AIRPORT LAND USE PLAN OR, WHERE SUCH A PLAN
HAS NOT BEEN ADOPTED, BE WITHIN TWO MILES OF A PUBLIC AIRPORT OR
PUBLIC USE AIRPORT?
No Impact. The Project Site is approximately 7.8 miles east of the Ontario International Airport. According
to the Ontario International Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan the site is within the 60-65 dB CNEL noise
contour. However, the Project uses are considered “normally compatible” under the Ontario International
Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan and therefore would not be subject to excessive noise levels due to
operations at Ontario International Airport. The site is also outside of the established airport safety zones.
Thus, the Project would not result in a safety hazard or excessive noise for people residing or working in the
area. As such, no impact would occur.
IMPACT HAZ-6: WOULD THE PROJECT IMPAIR IMPLEMENTATION OF, OR PHYSICALLY
INTERFERE WITH, AN ADOPTED EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN OR
EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLAN?
Less than Significant Impact. San Bernardino County Fire’s Office of Emergency Services is responsible for
countywide emergency planning, mitigation, response and recovery activities. The intent of the San
Bernardino County Emergency Operations Plan is to provide the concept of operations and strategic
activities for responding to any type of emergency incident that may impact the County. Emergency
responses are coordinated through various offices within County government and aligned agencies. The City,
San Bernardino County Fire, and Sheriff’s office provide emergency response.
Construction
The proposed construction activities, including equipment and supply staging and storage, would occur within
the Project site and would not restrict access of emergency vehicles to the Project site or adjacent areas.
During construction of the Project driveways and connections to existing infrastructure along Poplar Avenue
and Catawba Avenue, the roadways would remain open to ensure adequate emergency access to the
Project area and vicinity. Construction activities within the Project site that may temporarily restrict vehicular
traffic would be required to implement adequate measures to facilitate the safe passage of persons and
vehicles during required temporary road restrictions. In accordance with Section 503 of the California Fire
Code (Title 24, California Code of Regulations, Part 9), prior to any activity that would encroach into a right-
of-way, the area of encroachment must be safeguarded through the installation of safety devices to ensure
that construction activities would not physically interfere with emergency access or evacuation. Compliance
with Section 503 of the California Fire Code would be specified by the City’s Building and Safety Division
during the construction permitting process. Therefore, the Project would not block any evacuation routes or
conflict with an emergency response plan, and impacts related to interference with an adopted emergency
response of evacuation plan during construction activities would be less than significant.
Operation
The Project would include vehicular access to the Project site from surrounding roadways including Poplar
Avenue and Catawba Avenue. As described in Section 5.15, Transportation, these driveways and roadways
would provide adequate and safe circulation to, from, and through the Project site and would provide a
variety of routes for emergency responders to access the site and surrounding areas. Development would
comply with Municipal Code standards, which will require design and construction specifications to allow
adequate emergency access to the site and ensure that roadway improvements would meet public safety
requirements. Furthermore, drivers are expected to comply with all state driving laws, roadway signage, as
well as restrictions related to vehicle stopping and parking. Therefore, the Project would not impair
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implementation or interfere with adopted emergency response or evacuation plans. Impacts would be less
than significant.
IMPACT HAZ-7: WOULD THE PROJECT EXPOSE PEOPLE OR STRUCTURES TO A SIGNIFICANT
RISK OF LOSS, INJURY OR DEATH INVOLVING WILDLAND FIRES, INCLUDING
WHERE WILDLANDS ARE ADJACENT TO URBANIZED AREAS OR WHERE
RESIDENCES ARE INTERMIXED WITH WILDLANDS?
Less than Significant Impact. The Project site is entirely developed with 40 residential structures on the 41
parcels and is located in an industrial area that is not within an identified wildland fire hazard area or an
area where residences are intermixed with wildlands. According to the CAL Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map,
the Project site is categorized as a Local Responsibility Area (LRA) (CALFire, 2022). As indicated in the
General Plan Noise and Safety Element, the City of Fontana has been ranked as little to no fire threat (City
of Fontana, 2018). Although the City of Fontana includes several High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity
Zones, the project is not located within those zones.
Project implementation would require adherence to Fontana Land Development Engineering Standards and
the following chapters of the City Development Code to reduce potential fire hazards: Chapter 5.161
Uniform Building Code, Chapter 5.136 Uniform Mechanical Code, Chapter 5.111 National Electric Code,
Chapter 5.425 City of Fontana Fire Code. Applicable state and local standards include requirements such
as fire-retardant features for new building construction, roadway design and fire access standards, and
general building considerations to reduce the potential threat of fire hazard. The Project would also be
required to comply with guidelines from the San Bernardino County Fire Department related to fire
prevention and subject to review during the plan check process by the City Building Division. Therefore, the
Project would not expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury, or death from wildfires, and
impacts would be less than significant.
5.8.7 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
The cumulative study area for the purposes of hazardous materials and waste would be considered the City
of Fontana. This cumulative impact analysis for hazards and hazardous materials considers development of
the proposed Project in conjunction with other development projects as well as the projects identified in
Section 5.0, Environmental Impact Analysis, Table 5-1, Cumulative Projects. None of the projects identified in
Table 5-1 are proposed adjacent to the Project site. However, there are multiple cumulative projects within
the Fontana area, in the general vicinity of the Project.
Cumulative land use changes within the City would have the potential to expose future area residents,
employees, and visitors to chemical hazards through redevelopment of sites and structures that may contain
hazardous materials. The severity of potential hazards for individual projects would depend upon the
location, type, and size of development and the specific hazards associated with individual sites. All
hazardous materials users and transporters, as well as hazardous waste generators and disposers are
subject to regulations that require proper transport, handling, use, storage, and disposal of such materials
to ensure public safety. Thus, if hazardous materials are found to be present on future project sites,
appropriate remediation activities would be required pursuant to standard federal, state, and regional
regulations. Compliance with the relevant federal, state, and local regulations, as listed above in Section
5.8.2, during operation and construction throughout the Project site, as well as during the construction and
operation of related projects would ensure that cumulative impacts from hazardous materials would be less
than significant.
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5.8.8 EXISTING REGULATIONS AND PLANS, PROGRAMS, OR POLICIES
Existing Regulations
Federal
• United States Code of Federal Regulations Title 42, Sections 6901 et seq.: Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act
• United States Code of Federal Regulations Title 42, Sections 11001 et seq.: Emergency Planning &
Community Right to Know Act
• United States Code of Federal Regulations Title 49, Parts 101 et seq.: Regulations implementing the
Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (United States Code of Federal Regulations Title 49 Sections
5101 et seq.)
• United States Code of Federal Regulations Title 15, Sections 2601 et seq.: Toxic Substances Control Act
• US Environmental Protection Agency Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act, 40 United States Code
of Regulations Section 763
• United States Code of Federal Regulations Title 49, Chapter I
• United States Code of Federal Regulations Title 29, Section 1926.62
• United States Code of Federal Regulations Title 40, Part 761
• United States Code of Federal Regulations Title 29, Section 1910.120
State
• California Occupational Safety and Health Administration Regulation 29, CFR Standard 1926.62
• California Code of Regulations Title 24, Part 2: California Building Code
• California Code of Regulations Title 24, Part 9: California Fire Code
• California Code of Regulations Title 8, Section 1532.1: Lead in Construction Standard
• California Code of Regulations Title 8, Section 1529: Asbestos
• California Health and Safety Code Division 20, Chapter 6.9.1, Sections 25400.10 through 25400.47
• California Health and Safety Code Section 39650 et seq.
Regional
• South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 1403: Asbestos
Local
• CFCO, Chapter 8, Emergency Preparedness
Plans, Programs, or Policies (PPPs)
The following Plans, Programs, and Policies (PPP) related to hazards and hazardous materials are
incorporated into the Project and would reduce impacts related to hazards and hazardous materials. These
actions will be included in the Project’s approved Demolition Permit, Grading Permit, Building Permit and/or
Certificate of Occupancy, as appropriate.
PPP HAZ-1: SCAQMD Rule 1403. Prior to issuance of a Demolition Permit, the Project Applicant/Developer
shall submit verification to the County Building Division that an asbestos survey has been conducted at all
existing buildings located on the Project site. If asbestos is found, the Project Applicant/Developer shall
follow all procedural requirements and regulations of SCAQMD 1403. Rule 1403 regulations require the
following actions be taken: notification of SCAQMD prior to construction activity, asbestos removal in
accordance with prescribed procedures, placement of collected asbestos in leak-tight containers or
wrapping, and proper disposal.
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PPP HAZ-2: Transportation of Hazardous Waste. Hazardous materials and hazardous wastes will be
transported to and/or from the project developed as required by the County of San Bernardino’s Hazardous
Materials Division in compliance with any applicable state and federal requirements, including the U.S.
Department of Transportation regulations listed in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) (Title 49,
Hazardous Materials Transportation Act); California Department of Transportation standards; and the
California Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards.
PPP HAZ-3: Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. Hazardous waste generation, transportation,
treatment, storage, and disposal will be conducted in compliance with the Subtitle C of the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) (Code of Federal Regulations, Title 40, Part 263), including the
management of nonhazardous solid wastes and underground tanks storing petroleum and other hazardous
substances. The San Bernardino County Fire Department serves as the designated Certified Unified Program
Agency (CUPA) which implements state and federal regulations for the following programs: (1) Hazardous
Materials Release Response Plans and Inventory Program, (2) California Accidental Release Prevention
(CalARP) Program, (3) Aboveground Petroleum Storage Act Program, and (4) UST Program (5) Hazardous
Waste Generator and Onsite Hazardous Waste Treatment Programs (6) Hazardous Materials Management
Plan and Hazardous Material Inventory Statement Program.
PPP HYD-1: Comply with NPDES. Since this Project is one acre or more, the permit holder shall comply with
all of the applicable requirements of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and shall
conform to NPDES Best Management Practices for Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans during the life of
this permit.
PPP HYD-2: NPDES/SWPPP. Prior to issuance of any grading or construction permits - whichever comes first
- the applicant shall provide the Building and Safety Department evidence of submitting a Notice of Intent
(NOI), develop and implement a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and a monitoring program
and reporting plan for the construction site.
PPP HYD-3: WQMP. Pursuant to City Municipal Code Section 30-526, Infrastructure, the Project Applicant
shall prepare a Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP) that is consistent with the San Bernardino County
Flood Control District Standards and follows the WQMP guidance.
5.8.9 PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES
None.
5.8.10 LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE BEFORE MITIGATION
Upon implementation of regulatory requirements, impacts HAZ-1 through HAZ-4 and HAZ-6 through HAZ-7
would be less than significant. Impact HAZ-5 would have no impact.
5.8.11 MITIGATION MEASURES
No mitigation measures are required.
5.8.12 LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE AFTER MITIGATION
The Project would result in less than significant impacts. Through compliance with existing regulatory
programs, the already less than significant impacts associated with potential hazards and hazardous
materials would further be reduced. Therefore, no significant unavoidable adverse impacts related to
Hazards and Hazardous materials would occur.
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REFERENCES
California Environmental Protection Agency. “Cortese List Data Resources.” 2023,
https://calepa.ca.gov/sitecleanup/corteselist/.
California Department of Conservation. California Earthquake Hazards Zone Application ("EQ Zapp").
January 2023. https://www.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/geohazards/eq-zapp
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire). Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map for San
Bernardino County. Available at:
https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/media/vcym3avh/fhsz_county_sra_11x17_2022_sanbernardino_ada.pdf
California Department of Transportation. California Airport Land Use Planning Handbook. October 2011.
https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-
media/programs/aeronautics/documents/californiaairportlanduseplanninghandbook-a11y.pdf
City of Fontana. General Plan Update 2015-2035. 13 November 2018. Accessed: 10 January 2023.
https://www.fontana.org/2632/General-Plan-Update-2015---2035
City of Fontana. General Plan Update 2015-2035 Draft Environmental Impact Report. 8 June 2018.
Accessed: 10 January 2023. https://www.fontana.org/DocumentCenter/View/29524/Draft-
Environmental-Impact-Report-for-the-General-Plan-Update
City of Fontana. Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. June 2017. Accessed:
https://www.fontana.org/DocumentCenter/View/28274/2017-Local-Hazard-Mitigation-Plan
Hazard Management Consulting. “Phase I Environmental Site Assessment.” 31 January 2022. Appendix I.
Ontario International Airport Inter-agency Collaborative. “Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan.” July 2018.
Available at: https://www.ont-iac.com/airport-land-use-compatibility-plan/
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5.9 Hydrology and Water Quality
5.9.1 INTRODUCTION
This section describes the environmental and regulatory settings and identifies potential impacts for
hydrology and water quality resources. This section includes data from:
• City of Fontana General Plan, November 2018
• Fontana Forward General Plan Update 2015-2035 Draft Environmental Impact Report, June 2018
• City of Fontana Code of Ordinances
• Preliminary Hydrology Report for the Poplar South Distribution Center Project, DRC Engineering, Inc,
Inc, 3 June 2022, Appendix J
• Preliminary Water Quality Management Plan for the Poplar South Distribution Center Project, DRC
Engineering, Inc, 3 August 2022, Appendix K
5.9.2 REGULATORY SETTING
5.9.2.1 Federal Regulations
Clean Water Act
The Clean Water Act (CWA) established the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into
“waters of the U.S.” The Act specifies a variety of regulatory and non-regulatory tools to sharply reduce
direct pollutant discharges into waterways, finance municipal wastewater treatment facilities, and manage
polluted runoff. Key components of the Clean Water Act that are relevant to the proposed Project are:
• Sections 303 and 304, which provide for water quality standards, criteria, and guidelines. Section
303(d) requires the state to develop lists of water bodies that do not attain water quality objectives
(are impaired) after implementation of required levels of treatment by point-source dischargers
(municipalities and industries). Section 303(d) also requires that the state develop a Total Maximum
Daily Loads (TMDLs) for each of the listed pollutants. The TMDL is the amount of pollutant loading
that the water body can receive and still be in compliance with water quality objectives. After
implementation of the TMDL, it is anticipated that the contamination that led to the 303(d) listing
would be remediated. Preparation and management of the Section 303(d) list is administered by
the Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCBs).
• Section 401 requires activities that may result in a discharge to a federal water body to obtain a
water quality certification to ensure that the proposed activity would comply with applicable water
quality standards.
• Section 402 regulates point- and nonpoint-source discharges to surface waters through the National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program. In California, the State Water Resources
Control Board (SWRCB) oversees the NPDES program, which is administered by the local RWQCBs.
The NPDES program provides both general permits (those that cover a number of similar or related
activities) and individual permits.
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National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
The NPDES Permit program under the Clean Water Act controls water pollution by regulating point- and
nonpoint-sources that discharge pollutants into “waters of the U.S.” California has an approved state NPDES
program. The USEPA has delegated authority for NPDES permitting to the SWRCB, which has nine regional
boards. The Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) regulates water quality in the
Bloomington area. Discharge of stormwater runoff from construction areas of one acre or more requires
either an individual permit issued by the RWQCB or coverage under the statewide Construction General
Stormwater Permit for stormwater discharges (discussed below). Specific industries and public facilities,
including wastewater treatment plants that have direct stormwater discharges to navigable waters, are also
required to obtain either an individual permit or obtain coverage under the statewide General Industrial
Stormwater Permit.
5.9.2.2 State Regulations
Porter-Cologne Act
The Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act of 1969, codified as Division 7 of the California Water
Code, authorizes the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) to provide comprehensive protection
for California’s waters through water allocation and water quality protection. The SWRCB implements the
requirements of the CWA and establishes water quality standards that have to be set for certain waters by
adopting water quality control plans under the Porter-Cologne Act. The Porter-Cologne Act establishes the
responsibilities and authorities of the nine Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCB), including
preparing water quality plans for areas in the region, and identifying water quality objectives and waste
discharge requirements (WDRs). Water quality objectives are defined as limits or levels of water quality
constituents and characteristics established for reasonable protection of beneficial uses or prevention of
nuisance. Beneficial uses consist of all the various ways that water can be used for the benefit of people
and/or wildlife.
The City of Fontana is in the Santa Ana River Basin, Region 8, in the East Etiwanda Creek-Santa Ana River
sub-watershed. The Water Quality Control Plan for this region was adopted in 1995. This Basin Plan gives
direction on the beneficial uses of the state waters within Region 8, describes the water quality that must be
maintained to support such uses, and provides programs, projects, and other actions necessary to achieve
the established standards.
California Anti-Degradation Policy
A key policy of California’s water quality program is the State’s Anti-Degradation Policy. This policy,
formally known as the Statement of Policy with Respect to Maintaining High Quality Waters in California
(SWRCB Resolution No. 68-16), restricts degradation of surface and ground waters. In particular, this policy
protects water bodies where existing quality is higher than necessary for the protection of beneficial uses.
Under the Anti-Degradation Policy, any actions that can adversely affect water quality in all surface and
ground waters must (1) be consistent with maximum benefit to the people of the state; (2) not unreasonably
affect present and anticipated beneficial use of the water; and (3) not result in water quality less than that
prescribed in water quality plans and policies (i.e., will not result in exceedances of water quality objectives).
California Construction General Permit
The State of California adopted a Statewide NPDES Permit for General Construction Activity (Construction
General Permit) on September 2, 2009 (Order No. 2009-0009-DWQ, as amended by 2010-0014-DWQ
and 2012-0006-DWQ). The latest Construction General Permit amendment became effective on July 17,
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2012 and is currently being updated. The Construction General Permit regulates construction site stormwater
management. Dischargers whose projects disturb one or more acres of soil, or whose projects disturb less
than one acre, but are part of a larger common plan of development that in total disturbs one or more acres,
are required to obtain coverage under the general permit for discharges of stormwater associated with
construction activity. Construction activity subject to this permit includes clearing, grading, and disturbances
to the ground, such as stockpiling or excavation, but does not include regular maintenance activities
performed to restore the original line, grade, or capacity of the facility.
To obtain coverage under this permit, project operators must electronically file Permit Registration
Documents, which include a Notice of Intent (NOI), a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), and
other compliance-related documents, including a risk-level assessment for construction sites, an active
stormwater effluent monitoring and reporting program during construction, rain event action plans, and
numeric action levels (NALs) for pH and turbidity, as well as requirements for qualified professionals to
prepare and implement the plan.
The Construction General Permit requires project applicants to file a NOI with the SWRCB to discharge
stormwater, and to prepare and implement a SWPPP for projects that disturb 1 or more acre of soil. The
SWPPP would include a site map, description of stormwater discharge activities, and best management
practices (BMPs) taken from the menu of BMPs set forth in the California Stormwater Quality Association
(CASQA) BMP Handbook that will be employed to prevent water pollution. It must describe BMPs that will
be used to control soil erosion and discharges of other construction-related pollutants (e.g., petroleum
products, solvents, paints, cement) that could contaminate nearby water bodies. It must demonstrate
compliance with local and regional erosion and sediment control standards, identify responsible parties,
provide a detailed construction timeline, and implement a BMP monitoring and maintenance schedule. The
Construction General Permit requires the SWPPP to identify BMPs that will be implemented to reduce
controlling potential chemical contaminants from impacting water quality. Types of BMPs include erosion
control (e.g., preservation of vegetation), sediment control (e.g., fiber rolls), non-stormwater management
(e.g., water conservation), and waste management. The SWPPP also includes descriptions of BMPs to reduce
pollutants in stormwater discharges after all construction phases have been completed at the site (post-
construction BMPs).
California Water Resources Control Board Low Impact Development Policy
The SWRCB adopted the Low Impact Development (LID) Policy which, at its core, promotes the idea of
“sustainability” as a key parameter to be prioritized during the design and planning process for future
development. The SWRCB has directed its staff to consider sustainability in all future policies, guidelines,
and regulatory actions. LID is a proven approach to manage stormwater. The RWQCBs are advancing LID
in California in various ways, including provisions for LID requirements in renewed NPDES Phase I Municipal
Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit.
5.9.2.3 Regional/Local Regulations
Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan)
The City of Fontana is within the jurisdiction of the Santa Ana RWQCB. The RWQCB sets water quality
standards for all ground and surface waters within its region through implementation of a Water Quality
Control Plan (Basin Plan). The Basin Plan describes existing water quality conditions and establishes water
quality goals and policies. The Basin Plan is also the basis for the Regional Board’s regulatory programs. To
this end, the Basin Plan establishes water quality standards for all the ground and surface waters of the
region. The term “water quality standards,” as used in the federal Clean Water Act, includes both the
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beneficial uses of specific water bodies and the levels of quality which must be met and maintained to
protect those uses. The Basin Plan includes an implementation plan describing the actions that are necessary
to achieve and maintain target water quality standards. The Santa Ana Basin Plan has been in place since
1995, (with updates in 2008, 2011, 2016, and 2019) with the goal of protecting the public health and
welfare and maintaining or enhancing water quality potential beneficial uses of the water.
Municipal Regional Stormwater NPDES Permit
Within the San Bernardino County area of the Santa Ana River Basin, management and control of the
municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) is shared by a number of co-permittee agencies, including the
County of San Bernardino County and the San Bernardino County Flood Control District, which includes the
Cities of Big Bear Lake, Chino, Chino Hills, Colton, Fontana, Grand Terrace, Highland, Loma Linda, Montclair,
Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, Rialto, San Bernardino, Upland, and Yucaipa. The City of Fontana
Department of Public Works is the local enforcing agency of the MS4 NPDES Permit.
On January 29, 2010, the Santa Ana RWQCB issued an area wide MS4 permit to the County of San
Bernardino and multiple municipalities in San Bernardino County, including the City of Fontana. Waste
discharge requirements for stormwater entering municipal storm drainage systems are set forth in the MS4
permit, Order No. R8- 2002-0012, NPDES No. CAS CAS618036. On January 29, 2015 the Permittees
received an administrative extension of the San Bernardino County Municipal Stormwater Permit (NPDES
No. CAS618036) from the Santa Ana RWQCB.
San Bernardino County Stormwater Program
The City of Fontana requires a water quality management plan (WQMP) be developed that is in accordance
with the California State requirement while using the criteria from the San Bernardino County Flood Control
District. The Technical Guidance Document for WQMPs is the guidance document for the Project’s stormwater
design compliance with Santa Ana RWQCB requirements for Priority Projects or Transportation Projects. The
MS4 permit requires that a preliminary project-specific WQMP be prepared for review early in the project
development process and that a Final WQMP be submitted prior to the start of construction. A project
specific WQMP is required to address the following:
• Develop site design measures using Low Impact Development (LID) principles
• Evaluate feasibility of on-site LID Best Management Practices (BMPs)
• Maximum hydrologic source control, infiltration, and biotreatment BMPs
• Select applicable source control BMPs
• Address post-construction BMP maintenance requirements
City of Fontana General Plan Update 2015-2035
The following goals and policies of the City’s General Plan are applicable to the Project:
Goal 1 Fontana has a stormwater drainage system that is environmentally and economically
sustainable and compatible with regional One Water One Watershed standards.
Policies
▪ Continue to implement the water-quality management plan for stormwater management
that incorporates low-impact and green infrastructure standards.
▪ Promote natural drainage approaches (green infrastructure) and other alternative non-
structural and structural best practices to manage and treat stormwater.
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▪ Use street parkways to treat and infiltrate runoff for new developments and
redevelopments.
City of Fontana Municipal Code
Chapter 23, Article IX (Preventing Discharge of Pollutants into Storm Drains): This section of the City of
Fontana Municipal Code requires the City to comply with the requirements of the County of San Bernardino
NPDES permit program. The City requires all development activities covered under the City’s NPDES permit
to prepare and implement a Storm Water Quality Management Plan (SWQMP), which includes plans for
post-construction structural BMPs and source and treatment control BMPs to infiltrate and/or adequately
treat the projected stormwater and urban runoff from the proposed development.
Section 28-111, Article IV (Stormwater management and rainwater retention): This section strongly
recommended that landscape areas be designed for capture and infiltration capacity that is sufficient to
prevent runoff from impervious surfaces (i.e. roof and paved areas) from either: the one inch, 24-hour rain
event or (2) the 85th percentile, 24-hour rain event, and/or additional capacity as required by any
applicable local, regional, state or federal regulation. This section also notes that project applicants shall
defer to the City’s applicable departments for any applicable technical requirements related to stormwater
management.
Section 30-668, Article X (Low impact development): This section of the City Municipal Code sets forth the
requirements that all new development projects must implement landscaping that contains at least two low
impact development (LID) options contained within the section. The LID options include a range of various
stormwater treatment and capture infrastructures.
One Water One Watershed Plan
The One Water One Watershed (OWOW) program was developed in effort by the Santa Ana Watershed
Project Authority (SAWPA), a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) mandated to manage water quality within the
Santa Ana River Watershed for multiple beneficial purposes, is the result of an integrated planning process
convened for the management of the Santa Ana River Watershed. The OWOW program integrates water
resources management with various disciplines such as land use planning, flood control, and natural resource
management. February 19, 2019, the SAWPA Commission officially adopted the OWOW Plan Update
2018, the Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) Plan for the Santa Ana River Watershed. The
OWOW Plan provides a blueprint for management of the watershed, which includes the following goals:
• Achieve a watershed that is sustainable, drought-proofed and salt-balanced by 2035, and in which
water resources are protected and water is used efficiently;
• Value a watershed that supports economic prosperity and environmental viability;
• Assure a watershed that diminishes carbon emissions and is resilient to climate change;
• Demand a watershed free of environmental injustices;
• Maintain a watershed in which the natural hydrology is protected, restored, and enhanced;
• Instill a water ethic within institutions and people that will make efficient use of water a California
way of life.
City of Fontana Master Storm Drainage Plan
The City of Fontana adopted the City of Fontana and “Sphere of Influence” Master Storm Drainage Plan
Study in June 1992. The purpose of the report is to provide planning for the major drainage facilities within
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the City of Fontana, and within the City of Fontana’s sphere of influence that are necessary to provide flood
protection in 100-year storm conditions.
5.9.3 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
Regional Hydrology
The City of Fontana is in the in the Santa Ana River Basin, a 2,700-square-mile area in the Coastal Range
Province of Southern California located roughly between Los Angeles and San Diego. The boundaries
between California’s nine regions are usually hydrologic divides that separate watersheds, but the boundary
between the Los Angeles and Santa Ana Regions is the Los Angeles County Line. Since that county line only
approximates the hydrologic divide, part of the Pomona area drains into the Santa Ana Region, and in
Orange County, part of the La Habra drains into the Los Angeles Region.
The east-west alignment of the crest of the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains separates the Santa
Ana River basin from the Mojave Desert, which is part of the Lahontan Basin (Region 6).
In the south, the regional boundary divides the Santa Margarita River drainage area from that of the San
Jacinto River, which normally terminates in Lake Elsinore.
Near Corona, the Santa Ana River has cut through the Santa Ana Mountains and flows down onto the Orange
County coastal plain. The Pacific Ocean coast of the Santa Ana Region extends from just north of Laguna
Beach up to Seal Beach and the Los Angeles County line. Other features of the coast include Newport Bay,
Anaheim Bay-Huntington Harbor, and the major coastal wetlands areas associated with those bays.
Watershed
The Project site is located in the Santa Ana River Watershed. The upper and lower watersheds are divided
at Prado Dam located just east of the Santa Ana Mountains. Below the dam, the river channel passes through
the mountains into Orange County, and ultimately reaches the Pacific Ocean between the cities of Newport
Beach and Huntington Beach (City of Fontana, 2018). The City of Fontana is located within the lower Lytle
Creek subwatershed. As mentioned above, the SARWQCB has the authority to implement water quality
protection standards through the issuance of permits for discharges to waters at locations within its jurisdiction,
which includes the Santa Ana River Watershed and its subwatersheds.
Groundwater Basin
The Santa Ana River Watershed, including the Santa Ana Groundwater Basin, are managed by an
adjudication and subject to the terms of the 1969 Stipulated Agreement managed by the Santa Ana River
Watermaster. The Santa Ana River Watershed includes programs for the long-term management of area
groundwater basins. The primary means of ensuring long-term groundwater level maintenance includes
careful monitoring to ensure groundwater levels are managed within a safe basin operating range and
implementation of water conservation programs.
The Project area overlies the Chino Subbasin of the Upper Santa Ana Valley Groundwater basin. The Chino
Subbasin is bounded on the east by the Rialto-Colton fault; on the southeast by the contact with impermeable
rocks forming the Jurupa Mountains and low divides connecting the exposures. On the south the subbasin is
bounded by contact with impermeable rocks of the Puente Hills and by the Chino fault; on the northwest by
the San Jose fault; and on the north by impermeable rocks of the San Gabriel Mountains and by the
Cucamonga fault. Ground water recharge to the subbasin occurs by direct infiltration or precipitation on the
subbasin floor, by infiltration of surface flow, and by underflow of ground water from adjacent basins. The
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five recharge facilities in the subbasin are Deer Creek, Day Creek, East Etiwanda, San Sevaine, and Victoria
(California Department of Water Resources, 2006). The most serious water quality problems for the
groundwater basin continue to be high concentrations of dissolved solids and nitrate-nitrogen.
Water Quality
Surface
Most of the Santa Ana River’s tributary streams are historically ephemeral, with flow occurring almost
exclusively in the winter months in response to heavy precipitation. Major tributaries to the Santa Ana River
include San Antonio Creek, Chino Creek, San Timoteo Creek, Temescal Creek, Cucamonga Creek, Bear
Creek, and Lytle Creek. The City of Fontana is located within the lower Lytle Creek watershed, which forms
the northwest portion of the Santa Ana River Watershed and drains the eastern portion of the San Gabriel
Mountains. The lower portion of Lytle Creek flows through four cities: in addition to the City of Fontana, the
lower watershed includes the cities of Rialto, San Bernardino, and Colton, as well as a portion of the
unincorporated area of San Bernardino County. Although the upper reaches of Lytle Creek are generally
perennial, the lower section of Lytle Creek changes into an intermittent stream with a dry wash below
Interstate 15. The alluvial fan extends roughly from the Glen Helen area in the north, and south to Rancho
Cucamonga and Colton. A small portion at the lower edge of the wash is in a concrete channel.
The nearest channel to the Project site is Declez Channel approximately 0.5 mile to the south, which is
underground and drains to the Declez Basin. The nearest surface water to the Project site is Santa Ana River
approximately six miles to the east. The Santa Ana River is the main receiving water for the Project site. The
Santa Ana River Reach 3 is classified as impaired for copper, indicator bacteria, and lead and has been
placed on the 303(d) list. Further, a TMDL was developed for indicator bacteria. Other receiving waters
include the Declez Channel and the San Sevaine Channel, which are not listed as impaired.
The City of Fontana has adopted the EPA’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
regulations in an effort to reduce pollutants in urban runoff and stormwater flows. The Santa Ana RWQCB
issued the City a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit (Order No. R8-2002-0011), which
establishes pollution prevention requirements for planned developments. The City participates in an Area-
wide Urban Stormwater Runoff Management Program to comply with the MS4 permit requirements. Runoff
is managed and regulated under the NDPES MS4 permit and associated Storm Water Management
Program.
Groundwater
The Project site is location in the Chino Subbasin of the Upper Santa Ana Groundwater Basin. The Chino
Basin is one of the largest groundwater basins in southern California and encompasses about 235 square
miles of the Upper Santa Ana River watershed. It lies within portions of San Bernardino, Riverside, and Los
Angeles counties. The Chino Basin has approximately five to seven million-acre feet of water in storage and
an estimated one million acre-feet of additional unused storage capacity. Prior to 1978, the Basin was in
overdraft. After 1978, the Basin has been managed via adjudication by the Chino Basin Watermaster.
Existing Drainage
According to the City of Fontana Master Drainage Plan, the Project site is located in the Declez North
drainage area. The Project site is bordered to the west by drainage facility DZ-10 and to the east by
drainage facility DZ-9. Drainage facilities in the City of Fontana are operated under a partnership between
the City of Fontana and the San Bernardino County Flood Control District. Topographically, the Project site
is relatively flat with an elevation range from 1,003 feet above mean sea level (AMSL) to 1,023 feet AMSL.
The existing site is developed as a residential neighborhood. The residential area north of Rose Avenue
drains southerly towards Rose Avenue. Runoff from Rose Avenue is then conveyed along Rose Avenue
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towards Poplar Avenue via overland flow. Flows are collected via curbs and gutters and discharged into the
existing 72-inch storm drain within Poplar Avenue. The residential area south of Rose Avenue drains northeast
to southwest and into a drainage ditch immediately south of the Project site within the adjacent property.
Flood Zone
According to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), published by the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) (16071C8665H), the Project site is primarily located in “Zone X” flood plain area. The “Zone
X” is defined as area outside of the 100-year floodplain.
The San Bernardino County Flood Control District is a division of the San Bernardino County Department of
Public Works with responsibility for maintaining the flood control facilities within the Santa Ana River and
other waterbodies in the County, including the levees and concrete linings, and works in conjunction with other
flood control agencies in the watershed, including the Riverside County Flood Control District and the Orange
County Flood Control District.
5.9.4 THRESHOLDS OF SIGNIFICANCE
Appendix G of State CEQA Guidelines indicates that a Project could have a significant effect if it were to:
HYD-1 Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements or otherwise
substantially degrade surface or ground water quality;
HYD-2 Substantially decrease groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater
recharge such that the Project may impede sustainable groundwater management of the
basin;
HYD-3 Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the
alteration of the course of a stream or river or through the addition of impervious surfaces,
in a manner which would:
HYD-3i Result in a substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site;
HYD-3ii Substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner
which would result in flooding on- or off-site;
HYD-3iii Create or contribute runoff water that would exceed the capacity of
existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial
additional sources of polluted runoff;
HYD-3iv Impede or redirect flood flows;
HYD-4 In flood hazard, tsunami, or seiche zones, risk release of pollutants due to Project inundation;
or
HYD-5 Conflict with or obstruct implementation of a water quality control plan or sustainable
groundwater management plan.
5.9.5 METHODOLOGY
This evaluation of the significance of potential impacts related to hydrology and water quality is based on
a review of published information and reports regarding regional hydrology and surface water quality. The
potential impacts on hydrology and water quality were evaluated by considering the general type of
pollutants that the Project would generate during construction and operation. In determining the level of
significance, the analysis recognizes that development under the proposed Project would be required to
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comply with relevant federal, state, and regional laws and regulations that are designed to ensure
compliance with applicable water quality standards and waste discharge requirements. Because the regional
and local regulations related to water quality standards have been developed to reduce the potential of
pollutants in the water resources (as described in the Regulatory Setting Section above), and are
implemented to specific waterbodies, such as 303(d) requirements, or development projects such as grading
and construction permit regulations, implementation of all relevant water quality and hydrology requirements
would limit the potential of the proposed Project to a less than significant impact.
5.9.6 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
IMPACT HYD-1: WOULD THE PROJECT VIOLATE ANY WATER QUALITY STANDARDS OR WASTE
DISCHARGE REQUIREMENTS OR OTHERWISE SUBSTANTIALLY DEGRADE
SURFACE OR GROUND WATER QUALITY?
Less than Significant Impact.
Construction
The nearest surface water is Santa Ana River, located approximately six miles to the east of the Project site.
Santa Ana River is the main receiving water for the Project site. The Santa Ana River, Reach 3 is classified
as impaired water bodies and have been placed on the 303(d) list of impaired waters for the following
pollutants: copper, indicator bacteria, and lead. Other receiving waters include the Declez Channel and San
Sevaine Channel, which are not impaired.
Pollutants of concern during construction activities generally include sediments, trash, petroleum products,
concrete waste (dry and wet), sanitary waste, and chemicals. Each of these pollutants on its own or in
combination with other pollutants can have a detrimental effect on water quality. In addition, chemicals,
liquid products, petroleum products (such as paints, solvents, and fuels), and concrete-related waste may be
spilled or leaked during construction, which would have the potential to be transported via storm runoff into
nearby receiving waters and eventually may affect surface or groundwater quality. During construction
activities, excavated soil would be exposed, thereby increasing the potential for soil erosion and
sedimentation to occur compared to existing conditions. In addition, during construction, vehicles and
equipment are prone to tracking soil and/or spoil from work areas to paved roadways, which is another
form of erosion that could affect water quality.
Pursuant to City of Fontana Municipal Code, Section 5-14, Compliance with the NPDES Permit, the Project
Applicant would be required to implement the requirements of the MS4 NPDES. Additionally, the Project
would be required to comply with the NPDES Construction General Permit. Under the Construction General
Permit, the Project would be required to prepare a SWPPP, which would include the use of BMPs to prevent
potentially polluted stormwater from leaving the construction site. The SWPPP would incorporate erosion
control practices, to prevent sedimentation from occurring, as well as nonstructural BMPs to minimize the
potential for spills or other pollutant sources from entering stormwater runoff. Effective implementation of
the SWPPP would be monitored and confirmed by an authorized QSP, and BMPs would be modified as
necessary to ensure that onsite stormwater runoff is being treated and managed adequately and in
compliance with applicable Construction General Permit requirements. The use of BMPs during construction
implemented as part of a SWPPP as required by the Construction General Permit, San Bernardino County
Stormwater Program, and the MS4 NPDES permit would serve to ensure that Project impacts related to
construction activities resulting in a degradation of water quality would be less than significant.
The City’s building official would be responsible for enforcing the requirements of the NPDES permit.
Mandatory compliance with the SWPPP, included as PPP HYD-1 and PPP HYD-2, would ensure that the
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June 2023
Project’s implementation does not violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements
during construction activities. Plans for grading, drainage, erosion control and water quality would be
reviewed by the City’s Building & Safety Department prior to issuance of grading permits to ensure that the
applicable and required BMPs are constructed during implementation of the Project.
Therefore, compliance with the Fontana Municipal Code, MS4 permit, Construction General Permit, and other
applicable requirements, which would be verified during the City’s construction permitting process, would
ensure that Project impacts related to construction activities resulting in a degradation of water quality would
be less than significant.
Operation
The Project proposes construction of a 490,565 square foot (SF) building with approximately 480,565 SF
of warehouse space and 10,000 SF of mezzanine, which would be used for office space, as well as
associated internal driveways and drive aisles, parking, landscaping, utility connections, stormwater
infrastructure, and sidewalks. Project operation would introduce the potential for pollutants such as chemicals
from cleaners, pesticides and sediment from landscaping, trash and debris, and oil and grease from vehicles.
These pollutants could potentially discharge into surface waters and result in degradation of water quality.
However, in accordance with State Water Resources Board Order R8-2010-0036, NPDES No. CAS618036,
the proposed Project would be required to incorporate a WQMP with post-construction (or permanent) Low
Impact Development (LID) site design, source control, and treatment control BMPs, included as PPP HYD-3. A
WQMP Handbook has been prepared by the City of Fontana to streamline the WQMP process and provide
guidance to those preparing and approving WQMPs within the City, which would be used to develop the
Project WQMP. The LID site design would minimize impervious surfaces and provide infiltration of runoff into
landscaped areas.
The source control BMPs would minimize the introduction of pollutants that may result in water quality impacts;
and treatment control BMPs that would treat stormwater runoff. The proposed landscaped areas would
introduce planting media that would likely enhance the capability to store runoff onsite within the media.
Some of the runoff would drain into landscaping areas wherever feasible. The majority of stormwater runoff
from the Project site would drain to catch basins throughout the site and into a proposed underground
stormwater infiltration basin that would be located beneath the parking area within the southern portion of
the Project site. The basin would be sized to detain the design capture volume of 78,445 cubic feet. The
underground infiltration basin (ADS StormTech MC-7200 chambers) would address the regional LID structural
treatment control BMP requirements. Stormwater would be treated by two Barracuda ADS Max Units, one
at each end of the proposed underground infiltration system. The treated stormwater would discharge into
the existing storm drain beneath Poplar Avenue with a maximum outlet flow rate equal or less than the
existing condition 100-year 24-hour storm event.
With implementation of the operational source and treatment control BMPs that is outlined in the preliminary
WQMP (Appendix K) that would be reviewed and approved by the City during the Project permitting and
approval process, potential pollutants would be reduced to the maximum extent feasible, and
implementation of the proposed Project would not substantially degrade water quality. Therefore, impacts
would be less than significant.
IMPACT HYD-2: WOULD THE PROJECT SUBSTANTIALLY DECREASE GROUNDWATER SUPPLIES
OR INTERFERE SUBSTANTIALLY WITH GROUNDWATER RECHARGE SUCH THAT
THE PROJECT MAY IMPEDE SUSTAINABLE GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT OF
THE BASIN?
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June 2023
Less than Significant Impact. The proposed Project would not deplete groundwater supplies. The Fontana
Water Company (FWC) provides water services to the Project site and vicinity. FWC has four sources of
water supply: groundwater pumped from FWC-owned and operated wells from the underlying Chino Basin,
Rialto-Colton/No Man’s Land Basins, and Lytle Basin; local surface water diverted from Lytle Creek, treated
at the Summit Plant; untreated, imported surface water from the State Water Project (SWP) purchased from
the Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA) and San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District (SBVMWD),
treated at the Summit Plant; and recycled water purchased from IEUA.
Pursuant to the Optimum Basin Management Plan (OBMP) and the Peace Agreement, Inland Empire Utilities
Agency (IEUA), Watermaster, Chino Basin Water Conservation District (CBWCD), and the San Bernardino
County Flood Control District completed a Recharge Master Plan for the Chino Basin. As part of recharge
efforts, seventeen existing flood retention facilities have been modified to increase diversion rates, increase
conservation storage, and subsequently increase the recharge of stormwater and dry-weather runoff. The
latest plan, the 2018 Recharge Master Plan, identified two new recharge facilities that were also constructed
as part of these efforts. Identified recharge facilities are located outside of the Project site and would not
be impacted by proposed development. In addition, the Watermaster developed the Chino Basin
Subsidence Management Plan (2015) for a portion of the Chino Basin; however, the Project area is outside
of the delineated management area of the plan.
Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) is comprised from a three-bill legislative package,
including AB 1739 (Dickinson), SB 1168 (Pavley), and SB 1319 (Pavley), and subsequent statewide
Regulations. In signing SGMA, groundwater sustainability agencies (GSAs) must develop and implement
groundwater sustainability plans (GSPs) to avoid and/or mitigate groundwater overdraft over the course
of 20 years. Under SGMA, adjudicated portions of basins are exempt from developing a GSP and forming
a GSA. Because the Chino Basin is adjudicated, it is exempt from developing a GSP and forming a GSA,
and therefore projects using water from the Chino Basin are exempt from the SGMA.
The Project site is currently developed as a residential community and is partially impervious. The proposed
Project would add 469,135 SF of additional impervious surface to the Project site, which would reduce
overall site capacity to infiltrate stormwater and provide groundwater recharge to the underlying basin (see
Table 5.9-1). The Project would collect drainage by grate inlets and catch basins, then pipe runoff to an
onsite underground storm drain system. The storm drain system would discharge to a proposed onsite
underground infiltration basin to meet the regional LID structural treatment control BMP requirements. The
proposed underground infiltration system would collect and treat stormwater, which would then percolate
through the ground. Large storm events would be piped to the existing 72-inch storm drain line located on
Poplar Avenue. The underground infiltration basin (ADS StormTech MC-7200 chambers) would address the
regional LID structural treatment control BMP requirements by infiltrating stormwater runoff volume
equivalent to the 24-hour, 85th percentile storm event and maintaining similar groundwater recharge
capacity of the Project site as specific in the Project’s WQMP (see Appendix K). Additionally, vegetated
landscaping has also been incorporated into the design to capture and infiltrate stormwater. Proposed LID
and landscaping would meet the County’s LID requirements per the applicable NPDES and WQMP
requirements (PPP HYD-1 and PPP HYD-3).
Table 5.9-1: Impervious Surface Area for Project Site
Site Condition Site (SF) Percentage
Existing Impervious
Surface 280,962 34.75
Proposed Impervious
Surface 750,097 92.77
Net New Impervious
Surface 469,135 58.02%
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City of Fontana 5.9-12
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June 2023
Source: Preliminary WQMP (see Appendix K)
As shown in Table 5.9-1, development of the proposed Project would result in an increase in area of
impervious surface (469,135 SF) on the Project site. Through implementation of the WQMP, the Project would
include an infiltration basin that would capture and infiltrate runoff, maintaining overall groundwater
recharge capability of the Project site. In addition, the Project includes installation of landscaping that would
infiltrate stormwater onsite. As a result, the proposed Project would not decrease groundwater supplies or
interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that the Project may impede sustainable groundwater
management of the basin. The proposed Project would have a less than significant impact.
IMPACT HYD-3i: WOULD THE PROJECT SUBSTANTIALLY ALTER THE EXISTING DRAINAGE
PATTERN OF THE SITE OR AREA, INCLUDING THROUGH THE ALTERATION OF
THE COURSE OF A STREAM OR RIVER OR THROUGH THE ADDITION OF
IMPERVIOUS SURFACES, IN A MANNER WHICH WOULD RESULT IN
SUBSTANTIAL EROSION OR SILTATION ON- OR OFF-SITE?
Less than Significant Impact.
Construction
Construction of the structures proposed by the Project would require excavation, grading, and other site
preparation activities that would loosen soils, which have the potential to result in erosion and the loss of
topsoil. The Project site is generally flat and does not contain substantial slopes that could induce significant
erosion or siltation.
Project construction would be permitted under the NPDES Construction General Permit, which requires
preparation and implementation of a SWPPP by a Qualified SWPPP Developer (QSD) for construction
activities that disturb 1-acre or more of soils (PPP HYD-2). The SWPPP is required to address site specific
conditions related to potential sources for sedimentation and erosion and would list the required BMPs that
are necessary to reduce or eliminate the potential of erosion or alternation of drainage pattern during
construction activities. Common types of construction BMPs include:
• Silt fencing, fiber rolls, or gravel bags
• Street sweeping and vacuuming
• Storm drain inlet protection
• Stabilized construction entrance/exit
• Vehicle and equipment maintenance, cleaning, and fueling
• Hydroseeding
• Material delivery and storage
• Stockpile management
• Spill prevention and control
• Solid waste management
• Concrete waste management
In addition, a Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP) is required to ensure compliance with the SWPPP through
regular monitoring and visual inspection during construction activities. The SWPPP would be amended and
BMPs revised, as determined necessary through field inspections, in order to protect against substantial soil
erosion, the loss of topsoil, or alteration of the drainage pattern. Compliance with the Construction General
Permit and a SWPPP prepared by a QSD and implemented by a QSP would prevent construction-related
impacts related to potential alteration of a drainage pattern or erosion from development activities. Overall,
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June 2023
with implementation of the existing construction regulations that would be verified by the City during the
permitting approval process, impacts related to alteration of an existing drainage pattern during
construction that could result in substantial erosion or siltation would be less than significant.
Operation
As described previously, proposed development would result in an increase in impervious areas. As a result,
the Project would increase surface flows compared to existing conditions. However, the stormwater runoff
from the addition of impervious surfaces onsite from development of the Project would be conveyed into an
underground infiltration basin per the Project’s WQMP (Appendix K) (PPP HYD-1 and PPP HYD-3). The basin
has been sized to capture and treat stormwater while providing peak storm mitigation. The proposed
infiltration basin would capture the 1-hour rainfall depth (in) for a 2-year return period, per the County’s
LID requirements. Flows would be discharged to the existing storm drain system with a maximum outlet flow
rate equal or less than the existing condition 100-year 24-hour storm event. Further, the BMPs identified in
the WQMP would reduce the potential for erosion and siltation. As part of the permitting approval process,
the proposed drainage, water quality design, and engineering plans would be reviewed by the City’s
Engineering Department to ensure it meets the City’s NPDES Permit and limits the potential for erosion and
siltation. Overall, adherence to the existing regulation and PPP HYD-3 would ensure that Project impacts
related to erosion and siltation from operational impacts would be less than significant.
IMPACT HYD-3ii: WOULD THE PROJECT SUBSTANTIALLY ALTER THE EXISTING DRAINAGE
PATTERN OF THE SITE OR AREA, INCLUDING THROUGH ALTERATION OF THE
COURSE OF A STREAM OR RIVER, OR THROUGH THE ADDITION OF
IMPERVIOUS SURFACES, IN A MANNER WHICH WOULD SUBSTANTIALLY
INCREASE THE RATE OR AMOUNT OF SURFACE RUNOFF IN A MANNER
WHICH WOUD RESULT IN FLOODING ON-SITE OR OFF-SITE?
Less than Significant Impact.
Construction
As described previously, within the current condition, drainage runoff flows in a southwest direction via
overland flow (including through curbs and gutters) along Poplar Avenue and into the existing storm drain
beneath the roadway, which eventually discharges to the Declez Channel. Construction of the proposed
Project would include activities that could temporarily alter the existing drainage pattern of the site and
could result in flooding on- or off-site if drainage is not properly controlled. However, as described
previously, implementation of the Project requires a SWPPP (PPP HYD-2) that would address site specific
drainage issues related to construction of the Project and include BMPs to eliminate the potential for flooding
or alteration of the drainage pattern during construction activities. This includes regular monitoring and visual
inspections during construction activities by a QSP. Compliance with the City’s NPDES Permit and a SWPPP,
as verified by the City through the construction permitting process, would prevent construction-related
impacts related to potential increase in runoff or flooding on or off-site from development activities.
Therefore, impacts would be less than significant.
Operation
As described previously, proposed development would result in an increase in impervious areas onsite. As a
result, the Project would increase surface flows compared to existing conditions. However, installation of new
storm water drainage facilities, including an underground infiltration basin, and pervious landscaped area
would be installed by the Project. The proposed infiltration basin would capture the 1-hour rainfall depth
(in) for a 2-year return period, per the County’s LID requirements. Flows would be discharged to the existing
storm drain system with a maximum outlet flow rate equal or less than the existing condition 100-year 24-
hour storm event (Appendix K). In addition, landscaped areas would accept runoff water from impervious
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June 2023
surfaces and regulate the rate and velocity of stormwater flows and would control the amount of discharge
into the off-site drainage system. Overall, the proposed drainage facilities proposed for the Project have
been sized to be consistent with the County MS4 permit requirements and the City’s WQMP requirements
(PPP HYD-1 and PPP HYD-3). Thus, implementation of the Project would not substantially increase the rate
or amount of surface runoff, such that flooding would occur, and impacts would be less than significant.
IMPACT HYD-3iii: WOULD THE PROJECT SUBSTANTIALLY ALTER THE EXISTING DRAINAGE
PATTERN OF THE SITE OR AREA, INCLUDING THROUGH ALTERATION OF THE
COURSE OF A STREAM OR RIVER, OR THROUGH THE ADDITION OF
IMPERVIOUS SURFACES, IN A MANNER WHICH WOULD CREATE OR
CONTRIBUTE RUNOFF WATER WHICH WOULD EXCEED THE CAPACITY OF
EXISTING OR PLANNED STORMWATER DRAINAGE SYSTEMS OR PROVIDE
SUBSTANTIAL ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF POLLUTED RUNOFF?
Less than Significant Impact. As described previously, the runoff generated by the proposed Project would
be conveyed to an infiltration basin. All runoff from the site would be released from the basin via storm
drain connection at the southwestern portion of the site. These flows would then proceed to follow the existing
drainage pattern along Poplar Avenue to Declez Channel. The basin has been sized to accommodate the
anticipated flows, and would control drainage, such that it would not exceed the capacity of the stormwater
drainage system. The Preliminary WQMP details that the storm drain facilities are sized adequately for the
1-hour rainfall depth (in) for a 2-year return period, per the County’s LID requirements (PPP HYD-1 and PPP
HYD-3). Stormwater would be treated by two Barracuda ADS Max Units, one at each end of the proposed
underground infiltration system. Additionally, infiltration through underlying soil media would provide
additional filtration and treatment of captured stormwater runoff. Runoff would flow through a series of
gravel and media, as well as the proposed infiltration basin, prior to entering the storm drain system and
the Santa Ana River. Therefore, the Project would result in a less than significant impact on the capacity of
existing or planned stormwater drainage systems and/or additional sources of polluted runoff.
IMPACT HYD-3iv WOULD THE PROJECT SUBSTANTIALLY ALTER THE EXISTING DRAINAGE
PATTERN OF THE SITE OR AREA, INCLUDING THROUGH ALTERATION OF THE
COURSE OF A STREAM OR RIVER, OR THROUGH THE ADDITION OF
IMPERVIOUS SURFACES, IN A MANNER WHICH WOULD IMPEDE OR REDIRECT
FLOOD FLOWS?
Less than Significant Impact. According to FEMA FIRM Map 16071C8665H, the Project site is completely
located in “Zone X” flood plain area. The “Zone X” is defined as area outside of the 100-year floodplain.
As discussed above, the proposed Project would develop the site with approximately 469,135 square feet
of net new impervious surfaces, resulting in a substantial increase of imperviousness. Use of the surface and
subsurface infiltration, including the proposed underground infiltration basin and landscaping areas, would
regulate the rate and velocity of stormwater flows and would control the amount of discharge into the off-
site drainage system. In addition, the drainage facilities proposed for the Project have been sized to
adequately accommodate the stormwater flows from the proposed development and are consistent with the
County and City drainage plans and MS4 permit requirements as part of the required WQMP (PPP HYD-1
and PPP HYD-3). Thus, although the proposed Project would result in a substantial increase in impervious
surfaces on the site, the proposed drainage infrastructure would maintain the existing drainage pattern and
accommodate flows, such that storm flows would not be impeded or redirected. Therefore, impacts would
be less than significant.
IMPACT HYD-4 WOULD THE PROJECT, IN FLOOD HAZARD, TSUNAMI, OR SEICHE ZONES, RISK
RELEASE OF POLLUTANTS DUE TO PROJECT INUNDATION?
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Draft EIR
June 2023
Less than Significant Impact. According to FEMA FIRM Map 16071C8665H, the Project site is completely
located in “Zone X” flood plain area. Thus, the Project is not located within a flood hazard zone and would
result in a less than significant impact on flood hazard.
Tsunamis are large waves that occur in coastal areas; therefore, since the city is not located in a coastal
area, no impacts due to tsunamis would occur. Additionally, the Project site does not contain and is not
adjacent to any water bodies that could seiche. The nearest body of water is Santa Ana River,
approximately six miles to the east, which is not a contained body of water with seiche potential. Therefore,
the Project would result in no impacts related to seiche.
IMPACT HYD-5 WOULD THE PROJECT CONFLICT WITH OR OBSTRUCT IMPLEMENTATION OF A
WATER QUALITY CONTROL PLAN OR SUSTAINABLE GROUNDWATER
MANAGEMENT PLAN?
Less than Significant Impact. The OWOW program was developed in effort by the SAWPA, mandated to
manage water quality within the Santa Ana River Watershed for multiple beneficial purposes, is the result
of an integrated planning process convened for the management of the Santa Ana River Watershed. The
OWOW program integrates water resources management with various disciplines such as land use planning,
flood control, and natural resource management. Through compliance with the applicable NPDES permits,
the Project would be consistent with the OWOW program developed for the region. The Project applicant
would be required to prepare and implement a SWPPP during Project construction to avoid potential
construction-related water quality impacts (PPP HYD-1 and PPP HYD-2) per the Construction General Permit.
The Project applicant would also be required to prepare and implement a WQMP to treat and capture
post-construction stormwater runoff as part of Project operation per the County’s MS4 NPDES permit (PPP
HYD-3). Through implementation of the applicable construction and post-construction permitting
requirements, the Project would not conflict with or obstruct implementation of a water quality control plan.
Pursuant to the SGMA, each high and medium priority basin, as identified by the California Department of
Water Resources (DWR), is required to have a GSA that will be responsible for groundwater management
and development of a GSP. As described above, the Project site overlays the Chino Basin, which is
adjudicated and has a Recharge Master Plan in place (Chino Basin Watermaster Inland Empire Utilities
Agency, 2018). As part of recharge efforts, several flood retention facilities have been modified to increase
diversion rates, increase conservation storage, and subsequently increase the recharge of stormwater and
dry-weather runoff. Identified recharge facilities are located outside of the Project site and would not be
impacted by proposed development. In addition, as described previously, stormwater would be infiltrated
onsite; and a reduction in groundwater recharge from development of the Project site would not occur. As
discussed above, because the basin is adjudicated, it is exempt from further requirements under SGMA.
Therefore, the Project would be consistent with the groundwater management plan and would not conflict
with or obstruct its implementation. Thus, impacts related to water quality control plan or sustainable
groundwater management plan would be less than significant.
5.9.7 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
Water Quality: The geographic scope for cumulative impacts related to hydrology and water quality
includes the Santa Ana River watershed because cumulative projects and developments could incrementally
exacerbate the existing impaired condition and could result in new pollutant related impairments. However,
related developments within the watershed would be required to implement water quality control measures
pursuant to the same NPDES General Construction Permit that requires implementation of a SWPPP (for
construction), a WQMP (for operation) and BMPs to eliminate or reduce the discharge of pollutants in
stormwater discharges, reduce runoff, reduce erosion and sedimentation, and increase filtration and
infiltration, in areas permitted. The NPDES permit requirements have been set by the SWRCB and
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June 2023
implemented by the Santa Ana RWQCB to reduce incremental effects of individual projects so that they
would not become cumulatively considerable. Therefore, overall potential impacts to water quality
associated with present and future development in the watershed would not be cumulatively considerable
with compliance with all applicable laws, permits, ordinances and plans. As detailed previously, the
proposed Project would be implemented in compliance with all regulations, as would be verified during the
permitting process. Therefore, cumulative impacts related to water quality would be less than significant.
Drainage: The geographic scope for cumulative impacts related to stormwater drainage includes the
geographic area served by the existing stormwater infrastructure for the Project area, which would include
the City of Fontana. As described above, with implementation of the Project the onsite pervious surfaces
would increase, and stormwater runoff would be accommodated by the proposed stormwater drainage
basin infrastructure, as required by the NPDES MS4 Permit. Additionally, existing drainage flow patterns
would be maintained. As a result, the proposed Project would not generate runoff that could combine with
additional runoff from cumulative projects that could cumulatively combine to impact drainage. Projects in
the cumulative study area would be required to comply with the NPDES MS4 permit and would be anticipate
to result in less than significant impacts on drainage. Thus, cumulative impacts related to drainage would be
less than significant.
5.9.8 EXISTING REGULATIONS AND PLANS, PROGRAMS, OR POLICIES
Existing Regulations
• Construction General Permit, Order No. 2009-0009-DWQ, as amended by 2010-0014-DWQ
and 2012-0006-DWQ
• California Water Resources Control Board Low Impact Development (LID) Policy
• Regional MS4 permit (Order No. R8-2010-0036)
• City of Fontana Municipal Code, Section 5-14, Compliance with the NPDES permit.
Plans, Programs, or Policies (PPPs)
PPP HYD-1: Comply with NPDES. Since this Project is one acre or more, the permit holder shall comply with
all of the applicable requirements of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and shall
conform to NPDES Best Management Practices for Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans during the life of
this permit.
PPP HYD-2: NPDES/SWPPP. Prior to issuance of any grading or construction permits - whichever comes first
- the applicant shall provide the Building and Safety Department evidence of submitting a Notice of Intent
(NOI), develop and implement a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and a monitoring program
and reporting plan for the construction site.
PPP HYD-3: WQMP. Pursuant to City Municipal Code Section 30-526, Infrastructure, the Project Applicant
shall prepare a Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP) that is consistent with the San Bernardino County
Flood Control District Standards and follows the WQMP guidance.
5.9.9 PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES
None.
5.9.10 LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE BEFORE MITIGATION
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Upon implementation of regulatory requirements Impacts WQ-1 through WQ-8 would be less than
significant.
5.9.11 MITIGATION MEASURES
No mitigation measures are required.
5.9.12 LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE AFTER MITIGATION
No significant unavoidable adverse impacts related to hydrology and water quality have been identified
and impacts would be less than significant.
REFERENCES
California Department of Water Resources. 20 January 2006. California’s Groundwater—Bulletin 118,
Update 2003. California Department of Water Resources: Sacramento, CA;
http://www.water.ca.gov/groundwater/bulletin118/index.cfm.
City of Fontana. General Plan Update 2015-2035. 13 November 2018. Accessed: 10 January 2023.
https://www.fontana.org/2632/General-Plan-Update-2015---2035
City of Fontana. General Plan Update 2015-2035 Draft Environmental Impact Report. 8 June 2018.
Accessed: 10 January 2023. https://www.fontana.org/DocumentCenter/View/29524/Draft-
Environmental-Impact-Report-for-the-General-Plan-Update
FEMA Flood Map Service Center. Accessed: https://msc.fema.gov/portal/search
State Water Resources Control Board Construction Stormwater Program. Accessed:
http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/stormwater/construction.shtml.
Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board Santa Ana Region Basin Plan. Accessed:
http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/santaana/water_issues/programs/basin_plan/index.shtml.
Chino Basin Watermaster Department website. Accessed: http://www.cbwm.org/. Accessed September 9,
2020
DRC Engineering, Inc. 3 June 2022. Preliminary Hydrology Report for the Poplar South Distribution Center
Project (Appendix J)
DRC Engineering, Inc. 3 August 2022. Preliminary Water Quality Management Plan for the Poplar South
Distribution Center Project (Appendix K)
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Poplar South Distribution Center 5.10 Land Use and Planning
City of Fontana 5.10-1
Draft EIR
June 2023
5.10 Land Use and Planning
5.10.1 INTRODUCTION
This section provides an analysis of the consistency of the proposed Project with applicable land use plans,
policies, and regulations that guide development of the Project site and evaluates the relationship of the
Project with surrounding land uses. The analysis in this section is based, in part, on the following documents
and resources:
•City of Fontana General Plan Update 2015-2035, Adopted November 2018
•City of Fontana General Plan Update 2015-2035 Environmental Impact Report, Certified November
2018
•Southwest Industrial Park Specific Plan, Adopted June 2012
•Southwest Industrial Park Specific Plan Environmental Impact Report, Certified October 2011
•City of Fontana Municipal Code
5.10.2 REGULATORY SETTING
5.10.2.1 State Regulations
Senate Bill 330
The Project would be constructed on a site that is currently designated for residential uses. Therefore, the
Project is required to comply with the Housing Crisis Act of 2019 (Senate Bill [SB] 330) which addresses the
displacement and replacement of housing. SB 330 requires in part that where a development project results
in reducing the number of housing units allowed under land use designations, the city must identify a way in
which an equivalent number of units could be accommodated in the city. The potential loss of residential units
is determined by what is allowed on the Project site by the current General Plan, Southwest Industrial Park
Specific Plan (SWIP SP), and zoning designations. As such, the proposed Project would result in the "loss" of
the equivalent of 38 residential units that are allowed by the current General Plan, SWIP SP, and zoning
designations of the site.
Government Code Section 65863 (No Net Loss Law)
The purpose of Government Code Section 65863 (No Net Loss Law) is to ensure development opportunities
remain available throughout the planning period to accommodate a jurisdiction’s regional housing need
allocation (RHNA), especially for lower- and moderate- income households. A jurisdiction may not take any
action to reduce a parcel’s residential density unless it makes findings that the remaining sites identified in
its Housing Element sites inventory can accommodate the jurisdiction’s remaining unmet RHNA by each income
category, or if it identifies additional sites so that there is no net loss of residential unit capacity.
The Project site is not identified within the Housing Element as a RHNA site.
5.10.2.2 Regional Regulations
SCAG Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategy
The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is designated by federal law as a Metropolitan
Planning Organization (MPO) and under State law as a Regional Transportation Planning Agency and a
Council of Governments. The SCAG region encompasses six counties (Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange,
Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura) and 191 cities in an area covering more than 38,000 square miles.
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SCAG develops transportation and housing strategies for southern California as a whole. On September 3,
2020, SCAG’s Regional Council adopted Connect SoCal - The 2020-2045 Regional Transportation
Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (2020 RTP/SCS), which includes long-range regional transportation
plans, regional transportation improvement programs, regional housing needs allocations, and other plans
for the region. Most of the plan’s goals are related to regional transportation infrastructure and the efficiency
of transportation in the region.
5.10.2.3 Local Regulations
City of Fontana General Plan
Land Use and Urban Design Element
Goal 2 Fontana development patterns support a high quality of life and economic prosperity.
Policy 2.1 Locate industrial uses where there is easy access to regional transportation
routes.
Goal 4 Compact, walkable, mixed-use centers are located at key locations along corridors to be
served by public transit in the future and at intersections where neighborhood retail and
diverse housing options can succeed.
Policy 4.1 Promote a land use pattern that provides connections among land uses and
a mixture of land uses.
Goal 5 Fontana’s industrial uses are concentrated in a few locations that have easy access to
regional transportation routes.
Policy 5.3 Avoid locating small areas of residential uses where they will be
surrounded by intensive commercial or industrial uses.
Goal 7 Public and private development meets high design standards.
Policy 7.1 Support high-quality development in design standards and in land use
decisions.
Community and Neighborhoods Element
Goal 1 The integrity and character of historic structures, and cultural resources sites within the City
of Fontana are preserved.
Policy 1.3 Collaborate with the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) and
local tribal organizations about land development that may affect Native
American cultural resources and artifacts.
Goal 3 Archaeological resources are protected and preserved.
Policy 3.1 Collaborate with state archaeological agencies to protect resources.
Housing and Homelessness
Goal 2 All housing and businesses in Fontana are well-managed and code-compliant.
Policy 2.2 Continue to enforce and publicize code-compliance programs for all
housing and businesses.
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Building a Healthier Fontana Element
Goal 1 The average lifespan in Fontana consistently ranks within the top ten of all Southern
California cities.
Policy 1.3 Support local and regional initiatives to improve air quality in order to
reduce asthma while actively discouraging development that may
exacerbate asthma rates.
Policy 1.5 Continue economic development efforts to develop a greater number and
range of jobs in Fontana so as to reduce residents’ need to commute out of
the City.
Policy 1.6 Support transit efforts that reduce residents’ need for automobile-based
travel.
Policy 1.7 Support a wide range of strategies and actions to increase residents’
opportunities for physical activity.
Policy 1.8 Strongly encourage efforts to improve the safety of all roadway users,
especially pedestrians and bicyclists.
Goal 2 Fontana has healthy and safe development patterns.
Policy 2.1 Support the planning, regulatory, and funding initiatives needed to provide
a healthy, safe City with safe streets, safe public spaces, highly accessible
parks, highly accessible healthy food, and a clean environment.
Goal 3 The City of Fontana considers health at all levels of decision making.
Conservation, Habitat, and Urban Forest Element
Goal 3 Fontana has a healthy, drought resistant urban forest, 25% tree canopy, and an urban
forestry program.
Policy 3.1 Support tree conservation and planting that enhances shade and drought
resistance.
Community Mobility and Circulation Element
Goal 1 The City of Fontana has a comprehensive and balanced transportation system, with safety
and multimodal accessibility the top priority of Citywide transportation planning, as well as
accommodating freight movement.
Policy 1.3 Make land use decisions that support walking, bicycling, and public transit
use, in alignment with the 2016- 2040 Regional Transportation Plan and
Sustainable Communities Strategy.
Goal 2 Fontana's road network is safe and accessible to all users, especially the most vulnerable
such as children, youth, older adults and people with disabilities.
Policy 2.2 Support designated truck routes that avoid negative impacts on residential
and commercial areas while accommodating the efficient movement of
trucks.
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Goal 3 Local transit within the City of Fontana is a viable choice for residents, easily accessible and
serving destinations throughout the City.
Policy 3.2 Promote concentrated development patterns in coordination with transit
planning to maximize service efficiency and ridership.
Goal 7 The City of Fontana participates in shaping regional transportation policies to reduce traffic
congestion, pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Policy 7.3 Participate in the efforts of the Southern California Association of
Governments (SCAG) to coordinate transportation planning and services
that support greenhouse gas reduction.
Water Element
Goal 1 Fontana collaborates with public and private agencies for an integrated and sustainable
water resource management program.
Policy 1.1 Support initiatives to provide a long-term supply of the right water for the
right use through working with regional providers and the One Water One
Watershed Plan.
Goal 3 The City continues to have an effective water conservation program.
Policy 3.1 Support landscaping in public and private spaces with drought-resistant
plants.
Stormwater Element
Goal 1 Fontana has a stormwater drainage system that is environmentally and economically
sustainable and compatible with regional One Water One Watershed standards.
Policy 1.1 Continue to implement the water-quality management plan for stormwater
management that incorporates low-impact and green infrastructure
standards.
Policy 1.2 Promote natural drainage approaches (green infrastructure) and other
alternative non-structural and structural best practices to manage and treat
stormwater.
Policy 1.3 Use street parkways to treat and infiltrate runoff for new developments
and redevelopments.
Noise and Safety Element
Goal 1 The City of Fontana protects sensitive land uses from excessive noise by diligent planning
through 2035.
Policy 1.2 Noise-tolerant land uses shall be guided into areas irrevocably committed
to land uses that are noise-producing, such as transportation corridors.
Policy 1.4 Noise spillover or encroachment from commercial, industrial and
educational land uses shall be minimized into adjoining residential
neighborhoods or noise-sensitive uses.
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Goal 4 Seismic injury and loss of life, property damage, and other impacts caused by seismic
shaking, fault rupture, ground failure, earthquake-induced landslides, and other
earthquake-induced ground deformation are minimized in the City of Fontana.
Policy 4.2 The City shall continue to ensure that current geologic knowledge and peer
(third party) review are incorporated into the design, planning, and
construction stages of a project and that site-specific data are applied to
each project.
Goal 8 The potential for hazardous contamination is reduced in the City of Fontana.
Policy 8.1 The City shall strive to reduce the potential for residents, workers, and
visitors to Fontana from being exposed to hazardous materials and wastes.
Sustainability and Resilience Element
Goal 5 Fontana is an Inland Empire leader in energy-efficient energy development and retrofits.
Policy 5.2 Meet state energy-efficiency goals for new construction.
Goal 6 Green building techniques are used in new development and retrofits.
Goal 7 Conservation of water resources with best practices such as drought-tolerant plant species,
recycled water, greywater systems, has become a way of life in Fontana.
Policy 7.1 Continue to promote and implement best practices to conserve water.
Economy, Education, and Workforce Element
Goal 1 Promote a diversified economy that builds on existing business sectors and develops,
attracts, and retains future job-creating sectors.
Policy 1.1 Support resources for the City’s economic development department to
develop and implement strategies to attract and grow businesses that
provide tax revenue and opportunities for diversified and high-paying jobs
for Fontana residents.
Goal 3 Plan Fontana as a “complete community” with a balance of diverse neighborhoods,
amenities, services, and infrastructure that supports a qualified workforce and attracts
business.
Southwest Industrial Park Specific Plan
Land Use (LU) Objectives
Objective LU- 2 Contribute positively to the City-wide employment and economic base through
implementation of a viable southern employment center within the City of Fontana.
Objective LU-3 Create land use districts that encourage high quality development responsive to
market demands and Fontana development objectives.
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Objective LU-7 Provide specific requirements that enhance public amenities for new development
and rehabilitation.
Environmental (ENV) Objectives
Objective ENV-1 Ensure potential environmental effects of the Specific Plan are mitigated to a less
than significant level where feasible.
Objective ENV-2 Establish methods and strategies for the conservation of resources, including water
use and drought tolerant landscaping.
Landscaping (LS) Objectives
Objective LS-1 Incorporate landscaped parkways, parking lots, and pedestrian walkways
separated from the street to enhance safety and enjoyment of residents and
employees.
Implementation and Administration (IMP) Objectives
Objective IMP-2 Prepare an Environmental Impact Report as the primary tiering clearance document
to streamline additional project level environmental reviews.
City of Fontana Municipal Code
Chapter 30 of the City’s Municipal Code is the Fontana Development Code. The Fontana Development Code
assists the Fontana General Plan by providing driving policies that reinforce the goals set by the General
Plan. By complying with the standards set in the development code, the City will more efficiently achieve
sustainable growth. This document outlines the City’s guidelines and requirements for developments for each
zoning type. Industrial projects within the City are required to adhere to standards provided in Article VII of
the development code. These standards include allowed uses within industrial zones as well as development
standards such as maximum height, lot coverage, and provided parking requirements. The Project will be
required to comply with these Standards in order to be approved for development.
No Net Loss Program
On October 11, 2022, the City of Fontana adopted an ordinance referred to as the “No Net Loss Program”
that establishes a program for residential replacement units in order to meet the requirements of SB 330.
Rather than rezoning or upzoning an alternative site to ensure no net loss in residential capacity, the “No
Net Loss Program” provides that concurrent with the approval of any change in zone from a residential use
to a less intensive or non-residential use, replacement units in the form of a density bonus will become
available to Project applicants that subsequently seek to develop property for residential use within the
City. As it relates to the proposed Project, the applicant is utilizing this program to comply with the
requirements of SB 330. The loss of 38 dwelling units would be added to the “No Net Loss Bank” to be used
by subsequent residential developers to build their residential site at a higher density than what the zoning
designation allows for.
5.10.3 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
The Project site surrounds the existing Rose Avenue south of Santa Ana Avenue, west of Catawba Avenue,
north of Jurupa Avenue, and east of Poplar Avenue in the southern portion of the City of Fontana within the
County of San Bernardino. The 19.08 gross acre (18.82 net acres) site consists of the following Assessor
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Parcel Numbers (APNs): 0237-171-01 through -19, 0237-172-01 through -12, -19, -22, -23, -26, -27, -
28, -30 through -33. The Project site has a General Plan land use designation of Residential Trucking (R-T)
and a City zoning designation of Specific Plan (SP). The Project is also within the Slover East Industrial District
(SED) of the SWIP SP. Within the SWIP SP, the Project site is designated as Residential Trucking District (RTD).
Additionally, the site is located within the Fontana United States Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5-Minute
Quadrangle; Section 25, Township 1 South, Range 6 West.
The surrounding uses, described below, are dominated by industrial uses.
• North: Industrial warehouse followed by Santa Ana Avenue. West: Poplar Avenue followed by a
motor vehicle dealership and a beverage manufacturing center.
• South: distribution warehouse followed by Jurupa Avenue.
• East: Catawba Avenue followed by a trucking company and distribution center
5.10.4 THRESHOLDS OF SIGNIFICANCE
Appendix G of the State CEQA Guidelines indicates that a project could have a significant effect if it were
to:
LU-1: Physically divide an established community?
LU-2: Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or regulation of an agency with
jurisdiction over the project (including, but not limited to the general plan, specific plan, local
coastal program, or zoning ordinance) adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating
an environmental effect?
5.10.5 METHODOLOGY
The evaluation of impacts to land use and planning is based on a comparison of the Project to the applicable
plans, policies, and regulations to determine if implementation of the Project would conflict with a plan,
policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect.
5.10.6 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
IMPACT LU-1: WOULD THE PROJECT PHYSICALLY DIVIDE AN ESTABLISHED COMMUNITY?
No Impact. The physical division of an established community could occur if a major road (expressway or
freeway, for example) were built through an existing community or neighborhood, or if a major development
was built which was inconsistent with the land uses in the community such that it divided the community. The
environmental effects caused by such a facility or land use could include lack of, or disruption of, access to
services, schools, or shopping areas.
The proposed Project would develop an industrial warehouse on a site that is currently surrounded by
industrial uses. The current site is developed with vacant residential units. The Project would include a General
Plan Amendment to change the existing land use designation from Residential Trucking (R-T) to General
Industrial (I-G) (see Figure 3-4, Existing General Plan Land Use, and Figure 3-5, Proposed General Plan Land
Use) and a Specific Plan Amendment to change the site’s existing SWIP designation from Residential Trucking
District (RTD) to Slover East Industrial District (SED) (see Figure 3-6, Existing SWIP Land Use, and Figure 3-7,
Proposed SWIP Land Use). However, the Project would be consistent with the surrounding uses. Therefore,
the Project would not physically divide an established community, and would result in no impact.
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IMPACT LU-2: WOULD THE PROJECT CONFLICT WITH ANY LAND USE PLAN, POLICY, OR
REGULATION ADOPTED FOR THE PURPOSE OF AVOIDING OR MITIGATING AN
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECT?
Less than Significant Impact. The Project would be required to comply with all applicable Federal, State,
regional, and local land use plans, policies, and regulations. Projects should be consistent with applicable
policies in order to promote the efficient, sustainable growth projected in the long-term planning documents.
At a regional level, the Project should comply with the goals and policies presented in SCAG’s RTP/SCS.
Locally, the Project should comply with the City’s General Plan, City’s Municipal Code, and the SWIP SP. The
Project includes a General Plan Amendment and a Specific Plan Amendment to change the site’s land use
designation. However, the proposed amendments are consistent with the policies and intent of the General
Plan and SWIP SP, as discussed further below.
SCAG Regional Transportation Plan/ Sustainable Communities Strategy Policies. SCAG’s RTP/SCS
policies focus largely on regional transportation and the efficiency of transportation, which are implemented
by counties and cities within the SCAG region, as part of the overall planning and maintenance of the
regional transportation system. The policies are not directly applicable to the Project. As shown in Table
5.10-1, the Project would not conflict with the adopted RTP/SCS. Therefore, impacts would be less than
significant.
Table 5.10-1: SCAG RTP/SCS Consistency Analysis
RTP/SCS Goal Statements Project Consistency Discussion
1. Encourage regional economic prosperity and global
competitiveness.
Consistent. The Project would increase employment
opportunities within the City of Fontana by providing
144 new jobs and enhance the region’s overall economic
development and competitiveness.
2. Improve mobility, accessibility, reliability, and travel
safety for people and goods.
Consistent. As an individual development, the Project is
limited in its ability to maximize mobility and access for
people and goods in the SCAG region. The Project
involves the construction and operation of a warehouse
which is anticipated to be primarily used for the storage
and/or consolidation of manufactured goods prior to
their distribution to retail locations or other warehouses.
Thus, while the Project could facilitate the movement of
some goods, movement of goods is not the primary
function of the proposed warehouse. The Project would
not create substantial traffic impediments that would
improve the accessibility of goods in the region.
3. Enhance the preservation, security, and resilience of
the regional transportation system.
Consistent. As an individual development, the Project is
limited in its ability to ensure security and resilience of
the regional transportation system. There are no
components of the Project that would result in the
deterioration of the transportation system. However, as
a measure to safeguard security, the Project would
comply with applicable policies included in the Section
5.8, Hazards and Hazardous Materials, including
development outside 100-year flood zones, dam
inundation areas, Alquist-Piolo earthquake fault zones,
and very high fire severity zones.
4. Increase person and goods movement and travel
choices within the transportation system.
Consistent. As an individual development, the Project is
limited in its ability to maximize the goods movement and
travel choices within the SCAG region. The Project would
not create substantial traffic impediments and would
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RTP/SCS Goal Statements Project Consistency Discussion
improve the accessibility of goods to the surrounding
area.
5. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air
quality.
Consistent. While the Project would not improve air
quality, it would not prevent SCAG from implementing
actions that would improve air quality within the region.
Additionally, the Project would incorporate various
measures related to building design, landscaping, and
energy systems to promote the efficient use of energy,
pursuant to Title 24 CALGreen Code and Building Energy
Efficiency Standards.
6. Support healthy and equitable communities. Consistent. The Project will comply with the City of
Fontana Building a Healthier Fontana Element included in
the General Plan Update goals and policies to support
healthy and equitable communities. Additionally, the
Project would construct frontage improvements, including
sidewalks, which would encourage walking in the Project
area.
7. Adapt to a changing climate and support an
integrated regional development pattern and
transportation network.
Consistent. This policy would be implemented by cities
and the counties within the SCAG region as part of the
overall planning and maintenance of the regional
transportation system.
8. Leverage new transportation technologies and data-
driven solutions that result in more efficient travel.
Consistent. This policy would be implemented by cities
and the counties within the SCAG region as part of the
overall planning and maintenance of the regional
transportation system. The Project would not conflict with
this goal.
9. Encourage development of diverse housing types in
areas that are supported by multiple transportation
options
Not Applicable. The proposed Project involves the
construction of an industrial warehouse and does not
include development of diverse housing types.
10. Promote conservation of natural and agricultural
lands and restoration of habitats
Consistent. The Project would be consistent with goals
and policies of the General Plan and would not cause
significant environmental impacts to agricultural lands or
biological resources. In addition, Mitigation Measure
BIO-1 would reduce potential impacts associated with
biological resources. The Project would not conflict with
this goal.
City of Fontana General Plan Policies, Goals, and Implementation Measures
Land Use Consistency:
The Project site has a Fontana General Plan land use designation of R-T and a SWIP designation of RTD.
The Project would include a General Plan Amendment to change the existing land use designation from R-T
to I-G. The General Plan states that the I-G District is intended for uses such as manufacturing, warehousing,
fabrication, assembly, processing, trucking, equipment, automobile and truck sales and services. The Project
also includes a Specific Plan Amendment to change the site’s existing SWIP designation from RTD to SED,
which allows for development for up to a maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 0.55 with a 15% development
incentive for green buildings. The proposed General Plan Amendment and Specific Plan Amendment would
make the Project more consistent and compatible with its surrounding uses which are all designated I-G by
the General Plan and SED by the SWIP (see Figure 3-5, Proposed General Plan Land Use, and Figure 3-7,
Proposed SWIP Land Use).
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The proposed Project would be consistent with the proposed General Plan and SWIP designations for the
site and would utilize the “No Net Loss Bank” for the loss of 38 dwelling units. Furthermore, as shown in Table
5.10-2 and 5.10-3 below, the proposed Project would be consistent with applicable City General Plan and
SWIP Goals and Policies.
Table 5.10-2: General Plan Consistency
General Plan Policy Project Consistency
Land Use and Urban Design Element
Goal 2. Fontana development patterns support a high
quality of life and economic prosperity.
Consistent. The proposed Project would be consistent with
the surrounding industrial uses. The Project would create an
additional 411 jobs within the City.
Policy 2.3 Locate high quality industrial uses where there
is easy access to regional transportation routes.
Consistent. The Project would develop a warehouse in an
industrial area that is located .25 miles from Jurupa Avenue,
a modified major highway and .8 miles from the I-10.
Policy 4.1 Promote a land use pattern that provides
connections among land uses and a mixture of land uses.
Consistent. The Project would be developed in an area that
is designated for industrial uses. Further, the Project site is
fully surrounded by industrial uses.
Goal 5. High-quality job producing industrial uses are
concentrated in a few locations where there is easy access
to regional transportation routes.
Consistent. The Project would develop an industrial
warehouse located withing the Slover East Industrial District
which is developed with mostly Industrial uses located near
the I-10 and Jurupa Avenue.
Policy 5.1 Promote the Southwest Industrial Park and the
I-10 corridor as preferred locations for industrial uses.
Consistent. The Project would develop an industrial
warehouse that would generate 411 new jobs located
within the Slover East Industrial District which is developed
with mostly Industrial uses located near the I-10 and Jurupa
Avenue.
Goal 7. Public and private development meets high design
standards.
Consistent. As described in Section 5.2, Aesthetics, the
Project would comply with the City of Fontana’s General
Plan and SWIP design guidelines for industrial
developments.
Policy 7.1. Support high-quality development in design
standards and in land use decisions.
Consistent. As described in Section 5.2, Aesthetics, the
Project would be consistent with the SWIP design standards.
Community and Neighborhoods Element
Goal 1 The integrity and character of historic structures,
and cultural resources sites within the City of Fontana are
preserved.
Consistent. As described in Section 5.4 Cultural Resources,
the properties on site are not identified as having historical
significance and the removal of those structures would not
result in an adverse change in the significance of a historical
resource.
Policy 1.3 Collaborate with the Native American Heritage
Commission (NAHC) and local tribal organizations about
land development that may affect Native American
cultural resources and artifacts.
Consistent. According to Section 5.16 Tribal Cultural
Resources, the Project would be consistent with California
Senate Bill 18 in regard to the collaboration with tribes
identified by the NAHC. Notices were sent on August 24,
2022 and the Gabrielino Tongva Indians of California,
Quechan Tribe of Fort Yuma Reservation, Agua Caliente
Bond of Cahuilla, Yuhaaviatam, and the Kizch Nation
responded.
Goal 3 Archaeological resources are protected and
preserved.
Consistent. According to Section 5.4 Cultural Resources,
Mitigation Measure CUL-1 would require archaeological
monitoring by a qualified archaeologist for all initial
ground disturbing activities up to five feet in depth and to
attend all pre-grade meetings.
Policy 3.1 Collaborate with state archaeological agencies
to protect resources.
Consistent. As described in Section 5.4 Cultural Resources,
the Project included an archaeological and historical
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records search at the South Central Coastal Information
Center (SCCIC). The structures on the Project site were
evaluated to determine eligibility for inclusion in the
California Register. In addition, the Native American
Heritage Commission shall be contacted upon any
discoveries of human remains.
Housing and Homelessness
Goal 2 All housing and businesses in Fontana are well-
managed and code-compliant.
Consistent. The Project would be developed to comply with
the City’s Municipal Code.
Policy 2.2 Continue to enforce and publicize code-
compliance programs for all housing and businesses.
Consistent. The Project would be developed to comply with
applicable City Municipal Code requirements.
Building a Healthier Fontana Element
Goal 1 The average lifespan in Fontana consistently ranks
within the top ten of all Southern California cities.
Consistent. As detailed in the Air Quality, Health Risk,
Greenhouse Gas, and Energy Impact Report (Appendix B)
and in Section 5.2 Air Quality, the Project would not result
in a significant construction or operational health risk
impact.
Policy 1.3 Support local and regional initiatives to
improve air quality in order to reduce asthma while
actively discouraging development that may exacerbate
asthma rates.
Consistent. As described in Section 5.6 Greenhouse Gas
Emissions, The Project would comply with the CALGreen
standards that are applicable to the proposed Project.
Policy 1.5 Continue economic development efforts to
develop a greater number and range of jobs in Fontana
so as to reduce residents’ need to commute out of the City.
Consistent. The Project would develop an industrial
warehouse within the Slover East Industrial District and
would provide 411 jobs within the City.
Policy 1.6 Support transit efforts that reduce residents’
need for automobile-based travel
Consistent. The Project would improve sidewalks on Poplar
Avenue and Catawba Avenue as well as provide bike racks
on site.
Policy 1.7 Support a wide range of strategies and actions
to increase residents’ opportunities for physical activity.
Consistent. The Project would construct new sidewalks
along Poplar Avenue and Catawba Avenue to improve
walking conditions in the area. The Project would also
include bike racks that would allow for workers to park
bikes on site.
Policy 1.8 Strongly encourage efforts to improve the
safety of all roadway users, especially pedestrians and
bicyclists.
Consistent. As described in Section 3.0, Project Description,
the proposed Project consists of roadway improvements
including curbs, gutters, sidewalks, and landscaping along
the Poplar Avenue and Catawba Avenue frontage.
Goal 2 Fontana has healthy and safe development
patterns.
Consistent. As detailed in Air Quality, Health Risk,
Greenhouse Gas, and Energy Impact Report (Appendix B)
and in Section 5.2 Air Quality, the Project would not result
in a significant health risk in either the construction or
operation of the Project.
Policy 2.1 Support the planning, regulatory, and funding
initiatives needed to provide a healthy, safe City with safe
streets, safe public spaces, highly accessible parks, highly
accessible healthy food, and a clean environment.
Consistent. As described in Section 3.0, Project Description,
the Project would include offsite improvements to the curb
and construct a sidewalk on both Poplar Avenue and
Catawba Avenue to improve walking conditions in the area.
Goal 3 The City of Fontana considers health at all levels
of decision making.
Consistent. As detailed in the Air Quality, Health Risk,
Greenhouse Gas, and Energy Impact Report (Appendix B)
and in Section 5.2 Air Quality, the Project would not result
in a significant health risk in either the construction or
operation of the Project.
Conservation, Habitat, and Urban Forest
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Goal 3 Fontana has a healthy, drought resistant urban
forest, 25% tree canopy, and an urban forestry program.
Consistent. As described in Section 3.0, Project Description,
the proposed Project would include drought tolerant
landscaping included as shown on Figure 3-10.
Policy 3.1 Support tree conservation and planting that
enhances shade and drought resistance.
Consistent. The proposed Project includes drought resistant
landscaping with trees on both building street frontages to
provide cover and shading.
Community Mobility and Circulation Element
Goal 1 The City of Fontana has a comprehensive and
balanced transportation system, with safety and
multimodal accessibility the top priority of Citywide
transportation planning, as well as accommodating freight
movement.
Consistent. As described in Section 5.15 Transportation, the
proposed Project provides an efficient and comprehensive
internal circulation system and would provide signage which
would route traffic from Catawba Avenue and Poplar
Avenue to appropriate parking facilities.
Policy 1.3 Make land use decisions that support walking,
bicycling, and public transit use, in alignment with the
2016- 2040 Regional Transportation Plan and
Sustainable Communities Strategy.
Consistent. As described in Section 5.15 Transportation, the
Project would construct new sidewalks on both Poplar
Avenue and Catawba Avenue to improve walking
conditions in the area and would be constructed near
existing OmniTrans bus routes on Jurupa Avenue.
Goal 2 Fontana's road network is safe and accessible to
all users, especially the most vulnerable such as children,
youth, older adults and people with disabilities.
Consistent. As described in Section 5.15 Transportation, the
Project would include offsite improvements to the curb and
construct a sidewalk on both Poplar Avenue and Catawba
Avenue to improve walking conditions in the area and
would be constructed near existing OmniTrans bus routes.
Policy 2.2 Support designated truck routes that avoid
negative impacts on residential and commercial areas
while accommodating the efficient movement of trucks.
Consistent. As described in Section 5.15 Transportation, the
Project would be an industrial warehouse located in an area
with industrial uses located near existing truck routes on
Santa Ana Avenue, Citrus Avenue, And Jurupa Avenue.
Goal 3 Local transit within the City of Fontana is a viable
choice for residents, easily accessible and serving
destinations throughout the City.
Consistent. As described in Section 5.15 Transportation, the
Project would be constructed near existing OmniTrans bus
routes on Jurupa Avenue.
Policy 3.2 Promote concentrated development patterns in
coordination with transit planning to maximize service
efficiency and ridership.
Consistent. As described in Section 5.15 Transportation, the
Project would be constructed near existing OmniTrans bus
routes on Jurupa Avenue.
Goal 7 The City of Fontana participates in shaping
regional transportation policies to reduce traffic
congestion, pollution and greenhouse gas emissions
Consistent. As described in Section 5.15 Transportation, the
Project would be consistent with the policies identified in the
City’s General Plan As discussed in Section 5.2, Air Quality,
the Project would include on-site bicycle parking to allow
for alternative transportation. As discussed in Section 5.7,
Greenhouse Gas Emissions, the Project would incorporate
various measures related to building design, landscaping,
and energy systems to promote the efficient use of energy,
pursuant to Title 24 CALGreen Code and Building Energy
Efficiency Standards. As discussed in Section 5.14,
Transportation, the Project would generate fewer than the
500 daily trips threshold and would therefore have a less
than significant impact on vehicle miles traveled.
Policy 7.3 Participate in the efforts of the Southern
California Association of Governments (SCAG) to
coordinate transportation planning and services that
support greenhouse gas reduction.
Consistent. While the Project would not improve air quality,
it would not prevent SCAG from implementing actions that
would improve air quality within the region. Programs and
Policies are specified to reduce the Project’s air quality
impacts to the maximum extent feasible, and the Project
would incorporate various measures related to building
design, landscaping, and energy systems to promote the
efficient use of energy, pursuant to Title 24 CALGreen Code
and Building Energy Efficiency Standards.
Water Element
Poplar South Distribution Center 5.10 Land Use and Planning
City of Fontana 5.10-13
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June 2023
Policy 3.1 Support landscaping in public and private
spaces with drought-resistant plants.
Consistent. The Project would provide landscaping that
includes drought tolerant plants as shown in Figure 3-10.
Stormwater Element
Goal 1 Fontana has a stormwater drainage system that is
environmentally and economically sustainable and
compatible with regional One Water One Watershed
standards.
Consistent. As discussed in Section 5.9, Hydrology and
Water Quality, the proposed Project would construct
stormwater drainage facilities necessary to maintain on-site
stormwater flows from impacting off-site properties.
Development pursuant to the proposed Project would
construct a stormwater drainage system to convey runoff
from the site in a manner consistent with City requirements.
Policy 1.1 Continue to implement the water-quality
management plan for stormwater management that
incorporates low-impact and green infrastructure
standards.
Consistent. As discussed in Section 5.9, Hydrology and
Water Quality, the Project would adhere to the City’s
Water Quality Management Plan as well as develop a site-
specific Water-Quality Management Plan.
Policy 1.2 Promote natural drainage approaches (green
infrastructure) and other alternative non-structural and
structural best practices to manage and treat stormwater.
Consistent. As discussed in Section 5.9, Hydrology and
Water Quality, BMPs would be implemented to ensure
stormwater would be treated prior to discharge of runoff.
Policy 1.3 Use street parkways to treat and infiltrate
runoff for new developments and redevelopments.
Consistent. As discussed in Section 5.9, Hydrology, the
Project would install an underground infiltration basin that
would infiltrate runoff and would utilize the existing storm
drain under Poplar Avenue.
Noise and Safety Element
Goal 1 The City of Fontana protects sensitive land uses
from excessive noise by diligent planning through 2035.
Consistent. As described in Section 5.11, Noise, the
proposed Project would not generate significant increases
in noise levels on sensitive receptors.
Policy 1.2 Noise-tolerant land uses shall be guided into
areas irrevocably committed to land uses that are noise-
producing, such as transportation corridors.
Consistent. The Project would be consistent with the
General Plan and SWIP standards for noise for industrial
uses and is located in an area surrounded by industrial uses.
Policy 1.4 Noise spillover or encroachment from
commercial, industrial and educational land uses shall be
minimized into adjoining residential neighborhoods or
noise-sensitive uses
Consistent. As described in the Noise and Vibration Impact
Analysis (Appendix L) in Section 5.11, Noise, the proposed
Project would not generate significant increases in noise
levels on sensitive receptors.
Goal 4 Seismic injury and loss of life, property damage,
and other impacts caused by seismic shaking, fault rupture,
ground failure, earthquake-induced landslides, and other
earthquake-induced ground deformation are minimized in
the City of Fontana.
Consistent. As discussed in Section 5.6 Geology and Soils,
the Project would be built according to California Building
Code to reduce impacts by major structural failures or loss
of life from earthquakes or other geological hazards.
Policy 4.2 The City shall continue to ensure that current
geologic knowledge and peer (third party) review are
incorporated into the design, planning, and construction
stages of a project and that site-specific data are applied
to each project.
Consistent. As discussed in Section 5.6 Geology and Soils, a
Geotechnical Investigation was completed for the Project
site which has been incorporated into the design and
planning of the Project.
Goal 8 The potential for hazardous contamination is
reduced in the City of Fontana.
Consistent. As described in Section 5.2, Air Quality and
Section 5.8, Hazardous Materials, the Project is not on a
listed hazardous site per Government Code Section
65962.5. Additionally, operation of the proposed Project
would not generate toxins or hazardous materials.
Policy 8.1 The City shall strive to reduce the potential for
residents, workers, and visitors to Fontana from being
exposed to hazardous materials and wastes.
Consistent. As described above and in Section 5.8,
Hazardous Materials, the Project site is not a listed
hazardous site per Government Code Section 65962.5 and
operation of the proposed Project would not generate
toxins or hazardous materials.
Sustainability and Resilience Element
Poplar South Distribution Center 5.10 Land Use and Planning
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June 2023
Goal 5 Fontana is an Inland Empire leader in energy-
efficient energy development and retrofits
Consistent. As discussed in the Air Quality, Health Risk,
Greenhouse Gas, and Energy Impact Report (Appendix B)
and in Section 5.5, Energy, the Project would not result in the
inefficient, wasteful, and unnecessary consumption of
energy and would be consistent with local plans for energy
efficiency.
Policy 5.2 Meet state energy-efficiency goals for new
construction.
Consistent. As discussed in the Air Quality, Health Risk,
Greenhouse Gas, and Energy Impact Report (Appendix B)
and in Section 5.5, Energy, the impact on the regional
energy supplies would be minor and would not conflict with
California’s energy conservation plans.
Goal 6 Green building techniques are used in new
development and retrofits.
Consistent. The Project is pursuing a LEED Green Building
Certification which requires the use of green building
techniques and would be consistent with the General Plan.
Goal 7 Conservation of water resources with best practices
such as drought-tolerant plant species, recycled water,
greywater systems, has become a way of life in Fontana.
Consistent. As described in Section 5.9, Hydrology and
Water Quality, the proposed Project includes a Project
specific Water Quality Management Plan (Appendix K)
that would be the guiding document to ensure best
management practices (BMP) regarding water resources.
Policy 7.1 Continue to promote and implement best
practices to conserve water.
Consistent. As described in Section 5.9, Hydrology and
Water Quality, the proposed Project includes a Project-
specific Water Quality Management Plan (Appendix K)
that highlights Best Management Practices to promote water
conservation.
Economy, Education, and Workforce Element
Goal 1 Promote a diversified economy that builds on
existing business sectors and develops, attracts and retains
future job-creating sectors.
Consistent. The Project would develop an industrial
warehouse that would generate 411 new jobs located
within the Slover East Industrial District which is developed
with mostly industrial uses located near the I-10 and Jurupa
Avenue.
Policy 1.1 Support resources for the City’s economic
development department to develop and implement
strategies to attract and grow businesses that provide tax
revenue and opportunities for diversified and high-paying
jobs for Fontana residents.
Consistent. The Project would provide 411 jobs that would
benefit the local community and provide tax revenue to the
City of Fontana.
Goal 3 Plan Fontana as a “complete community” with a
balance of diverse neighborhoods, amenities, services, and
infrastructure that supports a qualified workforce and
attracts business.
Consistent. The Project site would develop an industrial
warehouse in an area surrounded by industrial
developments. The Project would install new infrastructure
and would include new sidewalks along Poplar Avenue and
Catawba Avenue.
Table 5.10-3: Southwest Industrial Park Specific Plan Consistency
Specific Plan Objective Project Consistency
Land Use and Urban Design Element
Objective LU- 2 Contribute positively to the City-wide
employment and economic base through implementation
of a viable southern employment center within the City of
Fontana.
Consistent. The Project would develop an industrial
warehouse that would generate 411 new jobs within the
City.
Objective LU- 3 Create land use districts that
encourage high quality development responsive
to market demands and Fontana development
objectives.
Consistent. The proposed Project would be consistent with
industrial developments planned for the SED. As discussed
in Section 5.3, Aesthetics, the Project would be consistent
with the development standards for the SED. Additionally,
the Project would create 411 jobs within the community.
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Objective ENV-1 Ensure potential environmental effects
of the Specific Plan are mitigated to a less than
significant level where feasible.
Consistent. The environmental impacts of the Project
would be consistent with the findings of the SWIP and
impacts are mitigated to a less than significant level where
feasible.
Objective ENV-2 Establish methods and strategies for the
conservation of resources, including water use and
drought tolerant landscaping.
Consistent. As described in Section 5.9, Hydrology and
Water Quality, the proposed Project includes a Project
specific Water Quality Management Plan that would be
the guiding document to ensure best management
practices (BMP) regarding water resources.
Objective LS-1 Incorporate landscaped parkways,
parking lots, and pedestrian walkways separated from
the street to enhance safety and enjoyment of residents
and employees.
Consistent. The Project would include new sidewalks along
Poplar Avenue and Catawba Avenue. Additionally, the
Project would include landscaped setbacks and
landscaping around the perimeters of the building and
north parking lot.
Objective IMP-2 Prepare an Environmental Impact
Report as the primary tiering clearance
document top mainstream additional project
level environmental reviews.
Consistent. An EIR was prepared for the proposed Project
to fully disclose all project impacts.
5.10.7 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
Cumulative projects in the City of Fontana would have the potential to result in a cumulative impact if they
would, in combination, conflict with existing land use plans, policies, and regulations adopted for the purpose
of avoiding or mitigating an environmental impact. Cumulative projects in the City of Fontana would utilize
regional planning documents such as SCAG’s RTP/SCS during planning, and the City’s General Plan would
be consistent with the regional plans, to the extent that they are applicable. Cumulative projects in this
jurisdiction would be required to comply with the applicable land use plan or they would not be approved
without a General Plan amendment.
While the Project requires a General Plan and Specific Plan amendment to change the zoning of the site,
the proposed Project would be consistent with the General Plan land use designation and zoning designation
after the amendment and consistent with the surrounding industrial uses. Past and present cumulative projects
do not involve amendments that would eliminate application of policies that were adopted for the purpose
of avoiding or mitigating environmental effects. Determining whether any future project might include such
amendments and determining the cumulative effects of any such amendments would be speculative since it
cannot be known what applications that are not currently filed might request. Thus, it is expected that the
land uses of cumulative projects would be consistent with policies that avoid an environmental effect;
therefore, cumulatively considerable impacts from cumulative projects related to policy consistency would be
less than significant.
5.10.8 EXISTING REGULATIONS AND PLANS, PROGRAMS, OR POLICIES
Existing Regulations
None.
Plans, Programs, or Policies
None.
5.10.9 PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES
None.
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5.10.10 LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE BEFORE MITIGATION
Impact LU-1 would have no impact and LU-2 would be less than significant.
5.10.11 MITIGATION MEASURES
Refer to all mitigation measures presented in this Draft EIR. In instances where significant impacts are
identified as part of the Project’s construction and/or operational phases, mitigation measures are provided
in the specific topic sections to reduce impacts to less-than-significant levels (or, if it is not possible to reduce
the Project’s impacts to less-than-significant levels, mitigation is provided to minimize impacts to the maximum
level feasible).
5.10.12 LEVELS OF SIGNIFICANCE AFTER MITIGATION
Existing regulatory programs would reduce potential impacts associated with land use and planning for
Impacts LU-2 to less than significant and LU-1 would result in no impact.
REFERENCES
City of Fontana General Plan. Accessed: 9 January 2023.
https://www.fontana.org/DocumentCenter/View/28271/Complete-Document---Approved-General-Plan-
Documents-11-13-2018
City of Fontana General Plan Final Program Environmental Impact Report. Accessed: 9 January 2023.
https://www.fontana.org/DocumentCenter/View/29524/Draft-Environmental-Impact-Report-for-the-
General-Plan-Update
SCAG Final 2024-2050 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy, “Connect SoCal
2024”. Accessed: https://scag.ca.gov/connect-socal
Southwest Industrial Park Specific Plan. Accessed: 9 January
2023.https://www.fontana.org/DocumentCenter/View/29312/Southwest-Industrial-Specific-Plan---
Combined-Document
Southwest Industrial Park Specific Plan Environmental Impact Report. Accessed: 9 January 2023.
https://www.fontana.org/DocumentCenter/View/36382/SWIP-Public-Review-Draft-Program-EIR
Poplar South Distribution Center 5.11 Noise
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5.11 Noise
5.11.1 INTRODUCTION
This Draft EIR section evaluates the potential noise impacts that would result from implementation of the
proposed Project. It discusses the existing noise environment within and around the Project site, as well as
the regulatory framework for regulation of noise. This section analyzes the effect of the proposed Project
on the existing ambient noise environment during construction and operational activities; and evaluates the
Project’s noise effects for consistency with relevant local agency noise policies and regulations. This section
includes data from the following City documents and reports prepared by LSA:
•City of Fontana General Plan Update 2015-2035, Adopted 13 November 2018
•City of Fontana General Plan Update 2015-2035 Environmental Impact Report, Certified 13
November 2018
•Southwest Industrial Park Specific Plan, Adopted 12 June 2012
•Southwest Industrial Park (SWIP) Specific Plan Update and Annexation Public Review Draft Program
Environmental Impact Report, Certified 12 June 2012
•City of Fontana Municipal Code
•Noise and Vibration Impact Analysis Poplar South Distribution Center Project, LSA, January 2023
(LSA, 2022b), Appendix L
Noise and Vibration Terminology
Various noise descriptors are utilized in this Draft EIR analysis, and are summarized as follows:
dB: Decibel, the standard unit of measurement for sound pressure level.
dBA: A-weighted decibel, an overall frequency-weighted sound level in decibels that approximates the
frequency response of the human ear.
Leq: The equivalent sound level, which is used to describe noise over a specified period of time, typically
1 hour, in terms of a single numerical value. The Leq of a time-varying signal and that of a steady signal
are the same if they deliver the same acoustic energy over a given time. The Leq may also be referred to
as the average sound level.
Lmax: The instantaneous maximum noise level experienced during a given period of time.
Lmin: The instantaneous minimum noise level experienced during a given period of time.
Lx: The sound level that is equaled or exceeded “x” percent of a specified time period. The “x” thus
represents the percentage of time a noise level is exceeded. For instance, L50 and L90 represents the
noise levels that are exceeded 50 percent and 90 percent of the time, respectively.
Ldn: Also termed the “day-night” average noise level (DNL), Ldn is a measure of the average of A-
weighted sound levels occurring during a 24-hour period, accounting for the greater sensitivity of most
people to nighttime noise by weighting noise levels at night (penalizing” nighttime noises). Noise between
10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. is weighted by adding 10 dBA to take into account the greater annoyance of
nighttime noises.
CNEL: The Community Noise Equivalent Level, which, similar to the Ldn, is the average A-weighted noise
level during a 24-hour day that is obtained after an addition of 5 dBA to measured noise levels between
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the hours of 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and after an addition of 10 dBA to noise levels between the hours
of 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. to account for noise sensitivity in the evening and nighttime, respectively.
The “ambient noise level” is the background noise level associated with a given environment at a specified
time and is usually a composite of sound from many sources from many directions.
Effects of Noise
Noise is generally loud, unpleasant, unexpected, or undesired sound that is typically associated with human
activity that is a nuisance or disruptive. The effects of noise on people can be placed into four general
categories:
• Subjective effects (e.g., dissatisfaction, annoyance)
• Interference effects (e.g., communication, sleep, and learning interference)
• Physiological effects (e.g., startle response)
• Physical effects (e.g., hearing loss)
Although exposure to high noise levels has been demonstrated to cause physical and physiological effects,
the principal human responses to typical environmental noise exposure are related to subjective effects
and interference with activities. Interference effects refer to interruption of daily activities and include
interference with human communication activities, such as normal conversations, watching television,
telephone conversations, and interference with sleep. Sleep interference effects can include both
awakening and arousal to a lesser state of sleep. With regard to the subjective effects, the responses of
individuals to similar noise events are diverse and are influenced by many factors, including the type of
noise, the perceived importance of the noise, the appropriateness of the noise to the setting, the duration
of the noise, the time of day and the type of activity during which the noise occurs, and individual noise
sensitivity.
In general, the more a new noise level exceeds the previously existing ambient noise level, the less
acceptable the new noise level will be by those hearing it. With regard to increases in A-weighted noise
levels, the following relationships generally occur:
• Except in carefully controlled laboratory experiments, a change of 1 dBA cannot be perceived.
• Outside of the laboratory, a 3 dBA change in noise levels is considered to be a barely perceivable
difference.
• A change in noise levels of 5 dBA is considered to be a readily perceivable difference.
• A change in noise levels of 10 dBA is subjectively heard as doubling of the perceived loudness.
Noise Attenuation
Stationary point sources of noise, including mobile sources such as idling vehicles, attenuate (lessen) at a
rate of 6 to 7.5 dBA per doubling of distance from the source over hard surfaces, depending on the
topography of the area and environmental conditions (e.g., atmospheric conditions, noise barriers [either
vegetative or manufactured]). Thus, a noise measured at 90 dBA 50 feet from the source would attenuate
to about 84 dBA at 100 feet, 78 dBA at 200 feet, 72 dBA at 400 feet, and so forth. Widely distributed
noise, such as a large industrial facility spread over many acres or a street with moving vehicles, would
typically attenuate at a lower rate, approximately 4 to 6 dBA per doubling of distance from the source.
Hard sites are those with a reflective surface between the source and the receiver, such as asphalt or
concrete surfaces or smooth bodies of water. No excess ground attenuation is assumed for hard sites and
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the changes in noise levels with distance (drop-off rate) is simply the geometric spreading of the noise
from the source. Soft sites have an absorptive ground surface such as soft dirt, grass, or scattered bushes
and trees. In addition to geometric spreading, an excess ground attenuation value of 1.5 dBA (per
doubling distance) is normally assumed for soft sites. Line sources (such as traffic noise from vehicles)
attenuate at a rate between 3 dBA for hard sites and 4.5 dBA for soft sites for each doubling of distance
from the reference measurement.
Fundamentals of Vibration
Vibration is energy transmitted in waves through the ground or man-made structures. These energy waves
generally dissipate with distance from the vibration source. There are several different methods that are
used to quantify vibration. The peak particle velocity (PPV) is defined as the maximum instantaneous peak
of the vibration signal. The PPV is most frequently used to describe vibration impacts to buildings but is not
always suitable for evaluating human response (annoyance) because it takes some time for the human
body to respond to vibration signals. Instead, the human body responds to average vibration amplitude
often described as the root mean square (RMS). The RMS amplitude is defined as the average of the
squared amplitude of the signal and is most frequently used to describe the effect of vibration on the
human body. Decibel notation (VdB) is commonly used to measure RMS. VdB serves to reduce the range
of numbers used to describe human response to vibration. Typically, ground-borne vibration generated
by man-made activities attenuates rapidly with distance from the source of the vibration. Sensitive
receivers for vibration include structures (especially older masonry structures), people (especially residents,
the elderly, and sick), and vibration-sensitive equipment.
The background vibration-velocity level in residential areas is generally 50 VdB. Ground-borne vibration
is normally perceptible to humans at approximately 65 VdB. For most people, a vibration-velocity level
of 75 VdB is the approximate dividing line between barely perceptible and distinctly perceptible levels.
Typical outdoor sources of perceptible ground-borne vibration are construction equipment, steel-wheeled
trains, and traffic on rough roads. If a roadway is smooth, the ground-borne vibration is rarely perceptible.
The range of interest is from approximately 50 VdB, which is the typical background vibration-velocity
level, to 100 VdB, which is the general threshold where minor damage can occur in fragile buildings.
5.11.2 REGULATORY SETTING
5.11.2.1 Federal Regulations
There are no federal regulations concerning noise impacts that are applicable to the Project.
5.11.2.2 State Regulations
California Green Building Standards Code
The State of California’s Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) contains mandatory measures for
non-residential building construction in Section 5.507 on Environmental Comfort. These noise standards are
applied to new construction in California for controlling interior noise levels resulting from exterior noise
sources. The regulations specify that acoustical studies must be prepared when non-residential structures
are developed in areas where the exterior noise levels exceed 65 dBA CNEL, such as within a noise contour
of an airport, freeway, railroad, and other areas where noise contours are not readily available. If the
development falls within an airport or freeway 65 dBA CNEL noise contour, the combined sound
transmission class (STC) rating of the wall and roof-ceiling assemblies shall be constructed to provide an
interior noise environment attributable to exterior sources that does not exceed an hourly equivalent noise
level of 50 dBA Leq in occupied areas during any hour of operation (Section 5.507.4.2).
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5.11.2.3 Local Regulations
Ontario International Airport, Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan
The Project site is located approximately 7 miles east of Ontario International Airport (ONT). The most
recent Ontario International Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (ONT ALUCP) was adopted on April 19,
2011 and establishes airspace protection zones, safety zones, noise impact zones, and recorded overflight
notification zones for areas within the ONT Airport Influence Area. The Project site is located within the
ONT Airport Influence Area according to Policy Map 2-1 and the 60–65 dBA CNEL airport noise impact
zone consistent with Policy Map 2-3 of the ONT ALUCP.
City of Fontana General Plan Update 2015-2035
The City of Fontana has adopted a Noise and Safety Element of the General Plan to control and abate
environmental noise, and to protect the citizens of Fontana from excessive exposure to noise. The Noise
Element specifies the maximum allowable unmitigated exterior noise levels for new developments
impacted by transportation noise sources such as arterial roads, freeways, airports, and railroads. In
addition, the Noise and Safety Element identifies noise polices and implementation measures designed to
protect, create, and maintain an environment free from noise that may jeopardize the health or welfare
of sensitive receptors, or degrade quality of life.
The City of Fontana General Plan Update 2015-2035 contains the following policies related to noise that
are applicable to the Project:
Goal 11.8 The City of Fontana protects sensitive land uses from excessive noise by diligent planning
through 2035.
Policy
• Noise-tolerant land uses shall be guided into areas irrevocably committed to land
uses that are noise-producing, such as transportation corridors.
• Noise spillover or encroachment from commercial, industrial and educational land uses
shall be minimized into adjoining residential neighborhoods or noise-sensitive uses.
Goal 11.9 The City of Fontana provides a diverse and efficiently operated ground transportation
system that generates the minimum feasible noise on its residents through 2035.
Policies
• Roads shall be maintained such that the paving is in good condition and free of cracks,
bumps, and potholes.
• Noise mitigation measures shall be included in the design of new roadway projects in
the city.
Actions
• On-road trucking activities shall continue to be regulated in the City to ensure noise
impacts are minimized, including the implementation of truck-routes based on traffic
studies.
• Development that generates increased traffic and subsequent increases in the
ambient noise level adjacent to noise-sensitive land uses shall provide appropriate
mitigation measures.
• Noise mitigation practices shall be employed when designing all future streets and
highways, and when improvements occur along existing highway segments.
• Explore the use of “quiet pavement” materials for street improvements.
Goal 11.10 Fontana’s residents are protected from the negative effects of “spillover” noise.
Policy
Poplar South Distribution Center 5.11 Noise
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• Residential land uses and areas identified as noise-sensitive shall be protected from
excessive noise from non-transportation sources including industrial, commercial, and
residential activities and equipment.
Actions
• Projects located in commercial areas shall not exceed stationary- source noise
standards at the property line of proximate residential or commercial uses.
• Industrial uses shall not exceed commercial or residential stationary source noise
standards at the most proximate land uses.
• Non-transportation noise shall be considered in land use planning decisions.
• Construction shall be performed as quietly as feasible when performed in proximity
to residential or other noise sensitive land uses.
City of Fontana Municipal Code
Section 30-543. The City of Fontana Municipal Code, Section 30-543, establishes the permissible noise
level at any point on the property line of any affected residential receivers. The performance standards
found in Section 30-453 limit the operational exterior noise level to 70 dBA Leq during daytime hours (7:00
a.m. to 10:00 p.m.) and 65 dBA Leq during nighttime house (10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.), as shown on Table
5.11-1.
Table 5.11-1: Operational Noise Standards
Jurisdiction Land Use Time
Period
Noise Level
Standard (dBA)
City of
Fontana Residential1 Daytime (7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.) 70 dBA Leq
Nighttime (10:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m.) 65 dBA Leq
1 City of Fontana Municipal Code, Section 30-453
Section 18-63. The City of Fontana Municipal Code, Section 18-63(b)(7), identifies the City’s construction
noise standards and permitted hours of construction activity. According to Municipal Code Section 18-
63(b)(7), construction or repairing of buildings or structures is limited to between the hours of 7:00 a.m.
and 6:00 p.m. on weekdays and between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays except in
the case of urgent necessity. However, if activity occurs outside of these hours, the City of Fontana
stationary-source (operational) noise level standards of 70 dBA Leq during the daytime hours and 65 dBA
Leq during the nighttime hours, as measured at the property line of any residentially zoned property, would
apply.
Construction Standards
Though the City does not have daytime construction noise level limits for activities that occur with the
specified hours of Section 18-63(b)(7), to determine potential CEQA noise impacts, construction noise was
assessed using criteria from the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Transit Noise and Vibration Impact
Assessment Manual (FTA 2018) (FTA Manual). Table 5.11-2 shows the FTA’s Detailed Assessment
Construction Noise Criteria.
Table 5.11-2: Construction Noise Standards
Land Use Daytime 1-hour Leq (dBA)
Residential 80
Commercial 85
Industrial 90
Source: Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual (FTA 2018).
dBA = A-weighted decibels
Leq = equivalent continuous sound level
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Vibration Standards
The City of Fontana does not identify specific vibration level standards. Therefore, for analysis purposes,
the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual, vibration
damage thresholds are used in this noise study to assess potential temporary construction-related impacts
at adjacent building locations. FTA guidelines show that a vibration level of up to 0.5 in/sec in PPV is
considered safe for buildings consisting of reinforced concrete, steel, or timber (no plaster), and would not
result in any construction vibration damage. For non-engineered timber and masonry buildings, the
construction building vibration damage criterion is 0.2 in/sec in PPV.
5.11.3 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
To assess the existing noise level environment, 24-hour noise level measurements were taken at various
locations, which are shown in Figure 5.11-1. The noise level measurements were positioned as close to the
Project site as possible to assess the existing ambient hourly noise levels. The background ambient noise
levels in the Project site are dominated by the transportation-related noise associated with surface streets.
A description of these locations and the existing noise levels are provided in Table 5.11-3.
Table 5.11-3: Summary of 24-Hour Ambient Noise Level Measurements
Location
Daytime
Noise
Levels1
(dBA Leq)
Evening
Noise
Levels2
(dBA Leq)
Nighttime
Noise
Levels3
(dBA Leq)
Daily
Noise
Levels
(dBA
CNEL)
LT-1
11053 Catawba Ave., on a power line
pole approximately 25 feet east of
Catawba Ave. centerline and 40 feet
from the east boundary of the Project
site
57.0–64.7 56.9–59.2 49.9–60.9 65.0
LT-2
On a tree near southeast corner of
Catawba Ave. and Jurupa Ave.
intersection, approximately 100 feet
away from Jurupa Ave. centerline
65.9–69.2 63.9–65.9 58.1–65.5 69.8
Source: Compiled by LSA (2023).
Note: Noise measurements were conducted from April 25 to April 26, 2022, starting at 11:00 a.m.
1 Daytime Noise Levels = noise levels during the hours from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
2 Evening Noise Levels = noise levels during the hours from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
3 Nighttime Noise Levels = noise levels during the hours from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
dBA = A-weighted decibels
CNEL = Community Noise Equivalent Level
Leq = equivalent continuous sound level
Existing Vibration
Aside from periodic construction work that may occur in the vicinity of the Project area, other sources of
groundborne vibration include heavy-duty vehicular travel (e.g., refuse trucks and delivery trucks) on area
roadways. Trucks traveling at a distance of 50 feet typically generate groundborne vibration velocity
levels of around 63 VdB (approximately 0.006 in/sec PPV) and could reach 72 VdB (approximately
0.016 in/sec PPV) when trucks pass over bumps in the road (FTA, 2006).
Existing Airport Noise
The noise contour boundaries used to determine the potential aircraft-related noise impacts at the Project
site are found on Policy Map 2-3 of the ONT ALUCP. As shown on Figure 5.11-2, the Project site is located
within the 60-65 dBA CNEL noise level contour boundaries. Industrial land uses are considered normally
compatible land use within the 60-65 dBA CNEL noise contour boundaries.
Poplar South Distribution Center
City of Fontana
Figure 5.11-1
Noise Measurement Locations
LSA
""'
FEET
SOURCE:~ [.irth 2022
C::J Project Location
D IDll long-term Noise Monitoring LoG1tion
FIGURE3
Poplar South Distribution Center
Noise Monitoring Locations
Poplar South Distribution Center 5.11 Noise
City of Fontana 5.11-8
Draft EIR
June 2023
This page is intentionally left blank.
Figure 5.11-2
Ontario Airport Noise Contours
Project Site
Poplar South Distribution Center
City of Fontana
0 FEET ,. = 8,000'
Prepared By: Mead lunt
N
Base Map Sources:
County of San Bernardino, County of Los Angeles, and
Covnty of Riverside nMA (2009).
LEGEND
Boundary Unes
------Airport Property Line
------county Line
------Ci1yUmtts
Street
Existing Runways i Runway 8L-26R l Runway 8A-26L
Polley Boundaries
Airport Influence Area (portions extend
beyond mo.p view)
Noise Impact Zones'
60 -65 dB CNEL
-65-70dBCNEL
c:::::J 70 • 75 dB CNE:L
75 + dBCNEL
NOTES
1. See Section 6.2 and Tabla 2-3 for noise policies and
criteria.
2. Avigatlon easement and dedication required In areas
exposed to noise of CNEL 65 dB or greater (see Polley
N5 and SPl),
3. No Project (343,000 annual operations) contours.
Ontario International Airport
Land Use Compatibility Plan
July 2018 Amendment
Map 2-3
Compatibility Policy Map:
Noise Impact Zones
N
A
Poplar South Distribution Center 5.11 Noise
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Poplar South Distribution Center 5.11 Noise
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Sensitive Receivers
Noise sensitive receivers are generally defined as locations where people reside or where the presence
of unwanted sound could otherwise adversely affect the use of the land. Noise-sensitive land uses are
generally considered to include: residences, schools, hospitals, and recreation areas. The closest sensitive
receptors to the Project site are residential uses such as single-family homes located approximately 1,325
feet northeast of the Project northern boundary, south of Tyrol Drive, and single-family homes located
approximately 1,500 feet south of the Project boundary line, south of Jurupa Avenue. Other sensitive
land uses in the Project study area that are located at greater distances than those identified in this noise
study will experience lower noise levels than those presented in this report due to the additional attenuation
from distance and the shielding of intervening structures.
5.11.4 THRESHOLDS OF SIGNIFICANCE
Appendix G of State CEQA Guidelines indicates that a project could have a significant effect if it were
to:
NOI-1 Generation of a substantial temporary or permanent increase in ambient noise levels in
excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable
standards of other agencies;
NOI-2 Generate excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels;
NOI-3 For a project located within the vicinity of a private airstrip or an airport land use plan
or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public
use airport, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to
excessive noise levels.
Construction Noise and Vibration Thresholds
• A significant construction noise and vibration impact could occur if Project related construction activities:
• Occur between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays or 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. on
Saturdays, or on Sundays or federal holidays (Fontana Municipal Code Section 18-63(b)(7)); or
• Create noise levels which exceed the FTA’s 80 dBA Leq acceptable noise level threshold at the
nearby sensitive receiver locations or 90 dBA Leq acceptable noise level threshold at nearby
industrial receiver locations;
• If Project-related construction activities generate vibration levels which exceed the FTA Transit Noise
and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual vibration threshold of 0.2 PPV in/sec at nearby buildings.
Off-Site Traffic Noise Thresholds
Off-site traffic noise refers to off-site noise generated as a result of Project related traffic. The City of
Fontana has not established noise standards for traffic-related noise; therefore, for purposes of this CEQA
analysis, standards from the Federal Interagency Committee on Noise (FICON) are used as a threshold to
evaluate the significance of Project-related traffic noise. Although the FICON recommendations were
specifically developed to assess aircraft noise impacts, these recommendations are often used in
environmental noise impact assessments involving the use of cumulative exposure metrics, such as the
average-daily noise level (i.e., CNEL). The CNEL is the weighted average of the intensity of a sound, with
corrections for time of day, and averaged over 24 hours. For example, if the ambient noise environment
is very quiet and a new noise source substantially increases localized noise levels, a perceived impact may
occur even though the numerical noise threshold might not be exceeded. Therefore, for the purpose of this
Poplar South Distribution Center 5.11 Noise
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June 2023
analysis a significant impact could occur when the noise levels at existing and future noise-sensitive land
uses (e.g., residential, etc.):
• Are less than 60 dBA CNEL and the Project creates a readily perceptible 5 dBA CNEL or greater
project-related noise level increase; or
• Range from 60 to 65 dBA CNEL and the Project creates a barely perceptible 3 dBA CNEL or
greater project-related noise level increase; or
• Already exceeds 65 dBA CNEL, and the Project creates a community noise level impact of greater
than 1.5 dBA CNEL.
When the noise levels at existing and future non-sensitive land uses (e.g., industrial, etc):
• Already exceeds 70 dBA CNEL, and the Project creates a barely perceptible 3 dBA CNEL or
greater project-related noise level increase.
Operational Noise Thresholds
Operational noise refers to noise generated at the Project site as a result of Project onsite operations. A
significant impact related to operational noise could occur if the Project meets the following criteria:
• If Project related operational noise levels:
• exceed the exterior 70 dBA Leq daytime or 65 dBA Leq nighttime noise level standards at
nearby sensitive residential receiver locations (Fontana Municipal Code, Section 30-543).
• If the existing ambient noise levels at the nearby noise-sensitive receivers:
• are less than 60 dBA Leq and the Project creates a readily perceptible 5 dBA Leq or greater
Project-related noise level increase; or
• range from 60 to 65 dBA Leq and the Project creates a barely perceptible 3 dBA Leq or
greater Project-related noise level increase; or
• already exceed 65 dBA Leq, and the Project creates a community noise level increase of
greater than 1.5 dBA Leq.
5.11.5 METHODOLOGY
Construction Noise
To identify the temporary construction noise contribution to the existing ambient noise environment, the
construction noise levels anticipated from usage of construction equipment needed to implement the
proposed Project were combined with the existing ambient noise level measurements at the sensitive
receiver locations. The City’s Municipal Code limits construction hours to reduce noise and establishes a
numeric maximum acceptable construction source noise levels threshold at potentially affected receivers,
which allows for a quantified determination of what CEQA constitutes a substantial temporary or periodic
noise increase. The FTA considers a daytime exterior construction noise level of 80 dBA Leq as a reasonable
threshold for noise sensitive residential land use. The construction noise levels are compared against the
FTA’s threshold to assess the level of significance associated with temporary construction noise level
impacts.
Operational Noise
The primary source of noise associated with the operation of the proposed Project would be from vehicular
and truck trips. As detailed in Section 5.14, Transportation, the proposed Project is anticipated to generate
approximately 300 new daily trips, 10 new a.m. peak hour trips and 10 new p.m. peak hour trips. Due
to the small increase in trips associated with the Project, the increase in noise levels generated by the
Poplar South Distribution Center 5.11 Noise
City of Fontana 5.11-13
Draft EIR
June 2023
vehicular/truck trips have been qualitatively estimated and compared to the applicable noise standards
and thresholds of significance listed previously.
Secondary sources of noise would include new stationary sources loading dock, truck movement, parking
and noise from heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units utilized by the new buildings on the Project
site. The increase in noise levels generated by these activities have been quantitatively estimated and
compared to the applicable noise standards listed previously.
Vibration
Aside from noise levels, groundborne vibration would also be generated during construction of the Project
by various construction-related activities and equipment; and could be generated by truck traffic traveling
to and from the Project site. The potential ground-borne vibration levels resulting from construction activities
occurring from the proposed Project were estimated by data published by the Federal Transit
Administration (FTA). Thus, the groundborne vibration levels generated by these sources have also been
quantitatively estimated and compared to the applicable thresholds of significance listed previously.
5.11.6 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
IMPACT NOI-1: WOULD THE PROJECT RESULT IN GENERATION OF A SUBSTANTIAL
TEMPORARY OR PERMANENT INCREASE IN AMBIENT NOISE LEVELS IN THE
VICINITY OF THE PROJECT IN EXCESS OF STANDARDS ESTABLISHED IN THE
LOCAL GENERAL PLAN OR NOISE ORDINANCE, OR APPLICABLE
STANDARDS OF OTHER AGENCIES?
Construction
Less than Significant Impact. Noise generated by construction equipment would include a combination of
trucks, power tools, concrete mixers, and portable generators that when combined can reach high levels.
Construction activities for the Project include demolition, grading and excavation, site preparation, building
construction, landscape installation, paving, and architectural coatings.. Noise levels generated by heavy
construction equipment range from approximately 73 dBA Lmax to 95 dBA Lmax at 50 feet from the
noise source, as shown on Table 5.11-4.
Table 5.11-4: Construction Reference Noise Levels
Equipment Description Acoustical Usage Factor (%)1 Maximum Noise Level (Lmax) at
50 Feet2
Auger Drill Rig 20 84
Backhoes 40 80
Compactor (ground) 20 80
Compressor 40 80
Cranes 16 85
Dozers 40 85
Dump Trucks 40 84
Excavators 40 85
Flat Bed Trucks 40 84
Forklift 20 85
Front-end Loaders 40 80
Graders 40 85
Jackhammers 20 85
Paver 50 77
Pickup Truck 40 55
Pneumatic Tools 50 85
Pumps 50 77
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Rock Drills 20 85
Rollers 20 85
Scrapers 40 85
Tractors 40 84
Trencher 50 80
Welder 40 73
Source: FHWA Roadway Construction Noise Model User’s Guide, Table 1 (FHWA 2006).
Note: Noise levels reported in this table are rounded to the nearest whole number.
1 Usage factor is the percentage of time during a construction noise operation that a piece of construction equipment is operating at full power.
2 Maximum noise levels were developed based on Specification 721.560 from the Central Artery/Tunnel program to be consistent with
the City of Boston’s Noise Code for the “Big Dig” project.
FHWA = Federal Highway Administration
Lmax = maximum instantaneous sound level
Per Fontana Municipal Code Section 18-63(b)(7), noise sources associated with construction activities are
exempt from the City’s established noise standards as long as the activities do not take place between the
hours of 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays or 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. on Saturdays, or on Sundays
or federal holidays. The proposed Project’s construction activities would occur pursuant to these regulations
(PPP NOI-1). Thus, the construction activities would be in compliance with the City’s construction-related
noise standards.
Construction noise would be temporary in nature as the operation of each piece of construction equipment
would not be constant throughout the construction day, and equipment would be turned off when not in
use. The typical operating cycle for a piece of construction equipment involves one or two minutes of full
power operation followed by three or four minutes at lower power settings. The construction equipment
would include a combination of trucks, power tools, concrete mixers, and portable generators.
As shown on Table 5.11-5, construction noise from the Project at the nearby receiver locations would range
from 56.0 to 70.00 dBA Leq. As detailed in Tables 5.11-6, the construction activities would not exceed
the FTA’s 80 dBA Lmax daytime construction noise level threshold at sensitive receptor locations or the
FTA’s 90 dBA Leq acceptable noise level threshold at nearby industrial receiver locations. Therefore,
impacts related to construction noise would be less than significant.
Table 5.11-5: Construction Noise Levels at Receptor Locations
Receptor (Location)
Composite Noise
Level (dBA Leq) at
50 feet1
Distance (feet)2 Composite Noise
Level (dBA Leq)
Industrial Uses (South)
88
400 70
Industrial Uses (North) 525 67
Industrial Uses (East) 740 64
Industrial Uses (West) 800 64
Residence (South) 1,860 56
Residence (Northeast) 1,940 56
Source: Compiled by LSA (2023).
1 The composite construction noise level represents the site preparation phase which is expected to result in the greatest noise level as compared to other phases.
2 The distances are measured from the nearest sensitive receptor to the center of construction activities.
dBA Leq = average A-weighted hourly noise level
Table 5.11-6: Construction Noise Level Compliance
Receptor (Location) Composite Noise
Level (dBA Leq)
Threshold (dBA
Leq)
Threshold
Exceeded?
Industrial Uses (South) 70 90 No
Industrial Uses (North) 67 90 No
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Receptor (Location) Composite Noise
Level (dBA Leq)
Threshold (dBA
Leq)
Threshold
Exceeded?
Industrial Uses (East) 64 90 No
Industrial Uses (West) 64 90 No
Residence (South) 56 80 No
Residence (Northeast) 56 80 No
Source: LSA (2023).
Operation
Less than Significant Impact. To present the potential worst-case noise conditions, this analysis assumes
the proposed warehouse building would be operational 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
Consistent with similar warehouse uses, the business operations of the proposed Project would primarily be
conducted within the enclosed buildings, except for traffic movement, parking, as well as loading and
unloading of trucks at designated loading bays. The onsite industrial use-related noise sources are
expected to include: loading dock activity, trailer activity, truck movements, roof-top air conditioning units,
parking lot vehicle movements, and trash enclosure activity. As described previously, there are no sensitive
receivers within 1,000 feet of the Project site.
Using the following assumptions, the Noise Impact Analysis calculated the operational source noise levels
that would be generated by the proposed Project and the resulting noise level increases that would be
experienced at the closest sensitive receptor locations.
To provide a conservative analysis regarding onsite operational noise, it is assumed that Project operations
would occur equally during all hours of the day and that half of the 42 loading docks would be active at
all times. Additionally, it is assumed that within any given hour, 21 heavy trucks would maneuver to park
near or back into one of the proposed loading docks.
During truck delivery operations, delivery trucks would arrive on the Project site and maneuver their trailers
to be parked within the loading docks. During this process, noise would be generated from the truck engine,
air brakes, and back-up alarms while the truck is backing into the dock. These noise levels would occur for
a shorter period of time (less than 5 minutes). After a truck enters the loading dock, the doors would be
closed, and the remainder of the truck loading activities would be enclosed and therefore much less
perceptible. To present a conservative assessment, it is assumed that truck arrivals and departure activities
could occur at 21 docks for a period of less than 5 minutes each and unloading activities could occur at
21 docks simultaneously for a period of more than 30 minutes in a given hour. According to the Noise
Impact Analysis, noise levels generated by delivery trucks, as well as by truck loading and unloading
activities, would generate a noise level of 75 dBA Leq at 20 feet (LSA 2023).
Additionally, the Project would include various rooftop mechanical equipment including HVAC units on the
proposed building. To be conservative, it is assumed the Project would have eight rooftop HVAC units that
would operate 24 hours per day and would generate sound power levels (SPL) of up to 76 dBA SPL or
63 dBA Leq at a distance of 5 feet1.
Operational Noise Standard Compliance
Tables 5.11-7 and 5.11-8 show the combined hourly noise levels generated by Project operations,
including HVAC equipment and truck delivery activities. Table 5.11-7 shows that the daytime hourly noise
levels at the off-site sensitive receiver locations are expected to range from 26.3 to 42.6 dBA Leq. Thus,
these noise levels would remain below the City’s exterior daytime noise standard of 70 dBA Leq.
1 These sound levels were generated based on manufacturer data from Allied Commercial’s KHB – K-Series Rooftop Units Standard and High
Efficiency – 50 Hz Product Specifications (2019).
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Table 5.11-7: Daytime Operational Noise Levels
Receptor Direction
Existing Quietest
Daytime Noise
Level (dBA Leq)
Project
Generated Noise
Levels
(dBA Leq)
Potential
Operational
Noise Impact?1
Residential
(15876 Del Obisbo
Road)
South 65.9 42.6 No
Residential
(15917 Tyrol Drive) Northeast 57.0 26.3 No
Source: Compiled by LSA (2023).
1 A potential operational noise impact would occur if (1) the quietest daytime ambient hour is less than 70 dBA Leq and project noise
impacts are greater than 70 dBA Leq, OR (2) the quietest daytime ambient hour is greater than 70 dBA Leq and project noise impacts
are 3 dBA greater than the quietest daytime ambient hour.
dBA = A-weighted decibels Leq = equivalent noise level
Table 5.11-8 shows the operational noise levels during the nighttime hours of 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. The
nighttime hourly noise levels at the sensitive receptor locations would range from 26.3 to 42.6 dBA Leq.
Thus, these noise levels would remain below the City’s exterior nighttime noise standard of 65 dBA Leq.
Table 5.11-8: Nighttime Operational Noise Levels
Receptor Direction
Existing Quietest
Nighttime Noise
Level (dBA Leq)
Project
Generated Noise
Levels
(dBA Leq)
Potential
Operational
Noise Impact?1
Residential
(15876 Del Obisbo
Road)
South 58.1 42.6 No
Residential
(15917 Tyrol Drive) Northeast 49.9 26.3 No
Source: Compiled by LSA (2023).
1 A potential operational noise impact would occur if (1) the quietest nighttime ambient hour is less than 65 dBA Leq and project noise
impacts are greater than 65 dBA Leq, OR (2) the quietest nighttime ambient hour is greater than 65 dBA Leq and project noise impacts are 3 dBA greater than the quietest nighttime ambient hour.
dBA = A-weighted decibels
Leq = equivalent noise level
As shown in Tables 5.11-7 and 5.11-8, these operational noise levels would not exceed the City’s exterior
noise level standards at all nearby sensitive receiver locations. Thus, operational impacts from the
proposed Project would be less than significant.
Operational Noise Level Increases
To evaluate if noise from operation of the proposed Project would result in a substantial increase in ambient
noise levels, operational noise levels were compared to the existing ambient noise levels measurements at
the nearby receiver locations. A significant impact related to increases in ambient noise levels could occur
if Project operations generated a noise level that exceeded the existing ambient noise levels by 3 dBA or
more or exceed the City’s thresholds. As shown in Tables 5.11-7 and 5.11-8, the daytime and nighttime
hourly noise levels generated by Project operations at the sensitive receptor locations would range from
26.3 to 42.6 dBA Leq. Thus, the Project generated noise level would be more than 10 dBA below existing
ambient noise levels and would not exceed the City’s exterior daytime noise standard of 70 dBA Leq and
nighttime noise standard of 65 dBA Leq. Therefore, the proposed Project would not result in a quantifiable
noise level increase and impacts would be less than significant.
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June 2023
Off-Site Traffic Noise
Less than Significant Impact. The proposed Project would generate traffic-related noise from operation.
As described in Section 3.0, Project Description, the proposed Project would be accessed from Catawba
Avenue and Poplar Avenue. The proposed Project would generate a net of 300 daily trips with an even
distribution between Catawba Avenue and Poplar Avenue. The existing (2016) average daily trips on
Catawba Avenue and Poplar Avenue are 600 and 2,100, respectively (City of Fontana General Plan
Community Mobility and Circulation Element 2018). While the current traffic volumes on the adjacent street
segments are likely higher, using the 2016 volumes would be considered conservative in estimating
potential Project traffic noise increases from the existing noise setting. According to the Noise Impact
Analysis, an increase of approximately 1.0 dBA CNEL and 0.3 dBA CNEL is expected along Catawba
Avenue and Poplar Avenue, respectively (LSA, 2023). As discussed above, a noise level increase of 1 dBA
would not be perceived and an a noise level increase of 3 dBA would be barely perceptible to the human
ear in an outdoor environment. Therefore, the traffic noise increase in the vicinity of the Project site resulting
from the proposed Project would be less than significant.
IMPACT NOI-2: WOULD THE PROJECT RESULT IN GENERATION OF EXCESSIVE GROUNDBORNE
VIBRATION OR GROUNDBORNE NOISE LEVELS?
Construction
Less than Significant Impact. Construction activities for development of the Project would include
excavation, and grading activities, which have the potential to generate low levels of groundborne
vibration. People working in close proximity to the construction could be exposed to the generation of
excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels related to construction activities. The results
from vibration can range from no perceptible effects at the lowest vibration levels, to low rumbling sounds
and perceptible vibrations at moderate levels, to slight structural damage at the highest levels. Site ground
vibrations from construction activities very rarely reach the levels that can damage structures, but they can
be perceived in the audible range and be felt in buildings very close to a construction site.
Excavation and grading activities are required for implementation of the Project and can result in varying
degrees of ground vibration, depending on the equipment and methods used, distance to the affected
structures and soil type. Based on the reference vibration levels provided by the FTA, a large bulldozer
represents the peak source of vibration with a reference velocity of 0.089 in/sec PPV at 25 feet, as shown
in Table 5.11-9.
Table 5.11-9: Vibration Source Levels for Construction Equipment
Equipment Reference PPV/LV at 25 ft
PPV (in/sec) LV (VdB)1
Vibratory Roller 0.210 94
Hoe Ram 0.089 87
Large Bulldozer2 0.089 87
Caisson Drilling 0.089 87
Loaded Trucks2 0.076 86
Jackhammer 0.035 79
Small Bulldozer 0.003 58
Source: Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual (FTA 2018).
1 RMS vibration velocity in decibels (VdB) is 1 µin/sec.
2 Equipment shown in bold is expected to be used on site.
µin/sec = microinches per second
ft = foot/feet
FTA = Federal Transit Administration
in/sec = inch/inches per second
LV = velocity in decibels
PPV = peak particle velocity
RMS = root-mean-square
VdB = vibration velocity decibels
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Table 5.11-10 presents the expected Project related vibration levels at the adjacent receiver locations.
At industrial buildings adjacent to the Project site, construction vibration levels are estimated at 0.000
in/sec PPV and would not exceed the FTA’s most stringent threshold of 0.2 in/sec PPV threshold at any
receiver locations. Other building structures surrounding the project site are farther away and would
experience further reduced vibration. Therefore, impacts related to construction vibration would be less
than significant.
Table 5.11-10: Construction Vibration Levels
Land Use Direction Equipment
Reference
Vibration
Level (VdB)
at 25 ft
Reference
Vibration
Level (PPV)
at 25 ft
Distance
(ft)1
Maximu
m
Vibration
Level
(VdB)
Maximu
m
Vibration
Level
(PPV)
Industrial South
Large
Bulldozers 87 0.089
55 77 0.027
Industrial East 75 73 0.017
Industrial West 110 68 0.010
Industrial North 140 65 0.007
Source: Compiled by LSA (2022).
1 Distances reflect the closest single-family residence to the construction equipment in each direction. All other homes in a given direction
would experience lower vibration levels.
ft = foot/feet FTA = Federal Transit Administration
in/sec = inch/inches per second
PPV = peak particle velocity VdB = vibration velocity decibels
Operation
Less than Significant Impact. Operation of the proposed high-cube fulfillment center and general light
industrial buildings would include heavy trucks for loading dock activities, deliveries, and moving trucks,
and garbage trucks for solid waste disposal. Truck vibration levels are dependent on vehicle
characteristics, load, speed, and pavement conditions. However, typical vibration levels for heavy truck
activity at normal traffic speeds would be approximately 0.006 in/sec PPV, based on the FTA’s Transit
Noise Impact and Vibration Assessment. Truck movements onsite and on Catawba Avenue and Poplar
Avenue would be travelling at very low speed, so it is expected that truck vibration at nearby sensitive
receivers would be less than FTA’s vibration standard of 0.2 in/sec PPV, and therefore, would be less than
significant.
IMPACT NOI-3: FOR A PROJECT LOCATED WITHIN THE VICINITY OF A PRIVATE AIRSTRIP OR AN
AIRPORT LAND USE PLAN OR, WHERE SUCH A PLAN HAS NOT BEEN ADOPTED,
WITHIN TWO MILES OF A PUBLIC AIRPORT OR PUBLIC USE AIRPORT, WOULD THE
PROJECT EXPOSE PEOPLE RESIDING OR WORKING IN THE PROJECT AREA TO
EXCESSIVE NOISE LEVELS?
Less than Significant Impact. The Project site is located approximately 7 miles east of Ontario
International Airport (ONT). The Project site is located within the ONT Airport Influence Area according to
Policy Map 2-1 and the 60–65 dBA CNEL airport noise impact zone consistent with Policy Map 2-3 of the
ONT ALUCP. According to Table 2-3 of the ONT ALUCP, industrial land uses within the 60–65 dBA CNEL
noise level contours of ONT, such as the Project, are considered normally compatible land use and must
reduce interior noise levels to 50 dBA CNEL. Standard building construction practices required under the
CALGreen typically provide up to 25 dBA CNEL of attenuation. With respect to noise generated by the
ONT facilities and activities, application of standard CALGreen construction practices during construction
of the Project would yield acceptable Project interior noise levels of approximately 40 dBA CNEL (LSA,
2023). Thus, implementation and development of the Project would not result in a safety hazard or
exposure to excessive noise for people residing or working in the area, and impacts would be less than
significant.
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5.11.7 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
Cumulative noise assessment considers development of the proposed Project in combination with ambient
growth and other development projects within the vicinity of the Project area (as shown on Figure 5-1,
Cumulative Projects). As noise is a localized phenomenon, and drastically reduces in magnitude as distance
from the source increases, only projects and ambient growth in the nearby area could combine with the
proposed Project to result in cumulative noise impacts. Therefore, the cumulative study area for noise
impacts is the general vicinity of the Project site.
As discussed above in Section 5.11.6 of this Chapter, the Project would result in less than significant impacts
related to construction noise, construction vibration, operational noise, operational vibration, and airport
noise. Development of the proposed Project in combination with the related projects would result in an
increase in construction-related and traffic-related noise. Development of the proposed Project in
combination with the related projects would result in an increase in construction-related and traffic-related
noise. However, each of the related projects would be subject to the operational noise standards
established in Section 30-543 of the City’s Municipal Code, which establishes the allowable exterior noise
standards for various types of land uses in the City. In addition, Section 18-63(b)(7) of the City’s Municipal
Code allows for construction activities to be exempt from the noise standards set forth in Section 30-543
of the City’s Municipal Code as long as these activities take place between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and
6:00 p.m. on weekdays and 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays (PPP NOI-1).
Construction noise is localized in nature and decreases substantially with distance. Consequently, in order
to achieve a cumulatively significant increase in construction noise levels, more than one source emitting
high levels of construction noise would need to be in close proximity to the proposed Project. The nearest
development projects to the Project site include Administrative Site Plan No. 19-017 (Sunshine Parking),
which is located directly across Poplar Avenue from the Project site, Cumulative Project No. 35 (James
Hardie Development), located approximately 300 feet northwest of the Project site, and Cumulative
Project No. 37 (First Industrial Catawba Warehouse), which is located approximately 500 feet southeast
of the Project site (see Figure 5-1b, Cumulative Projects Map). The project associated with Administrative
Site Plan No. 19-017 is currently under construction; and would be operational and no longer under
construction during construction of the proposed Project. Thus, it is not considered in the Project’s cumulative
construction noise analysis.
As discussed above, the Project site and the projects that are associated with Cumulative Project No. 35
and No. 37 are located in an area dominated by industrial development. Further, the distance from
construction activities to nearby sensitive receptors is greater than 1,000 feet. Construction activities
associated with the cumulative projects could overlap with the construction of the proposed Project.
However, cumulative noise increases due to construction would be temporary and localized to the
immediately surrounding industrial area. As discussed throughout this section, construction noise from the
proposed Project at the nearby receptor locations would range from 56.0 to 70.0 dBA Leq, which is
comparable to the existing ambient noise levels ranging between 65.5 dBA Leq during nighttime and 69.2
dBA Leq during daytime. Therefore, while construction noise levels from the Project and the nearby
cumulative projects have the potential to combine, these combined noise levels would not expose sensitive
receivers to cumulatively considerable construction noise levels. Thus, construction noise levels from the
projects would not combine to become cumulatively considerable, and cumulative noise impacts associated
with construction activities would be less than significant.
Cumulative construction could also result in the exposure of people to or the generation of excessive
groundborne vibration. As described above, the nearest related project to the proposed Project is currently
under construction, and no overlap of construction activities would occur. Cumulative Project No. 35 is
Poplar South Distribution Center 5.11 Noise
City of Fontana 5.11-20
Draft EIR
June 2023
located approximately 300 feet from the Project site and Cumulative Project No. 37 is located
approximately 500 feet from the Project site. According to the Noise Impact Analysis, structures greater
than 20 feet from the roadways which contain Project trips would experience vibration levels below 0.12
in/sec PPV. Therefore, roadway vibration at nearby sensitive receivers, which are located greater than
1,000 feet away, would be less than FTA’s vibration standard of 0.2 in/sec PPV, and therefore, would be
less than significant. Thus, due to the distance to other projects that are farther from the site, and the rapid
attenuation of groundborne vibration, the proposed Project would not result in vibration that could combine
with other development projects. Thus, the Project would not contribute to cumulative vibration impacts and
impacts would be less than significant.
Cumulative mobile source noise impacts would occur primarily as a result of increased traffic on local
roadways due to the proposed Project and related projects within the study area. As discussed above in
Threshold NOI-1, the existing (2016) average daily trips on Catawba Avenue and Poplar Avenue are
600 and 2,100, respectively (City of Fontana General Plan Community Mobility and Circulation Element
2018). As discussed, the Project would contribute a net of 300 daily trips, split between Catawba Avenue
and Poplar Avenue. Based on the size of cumulative projects within the nearby vicinity of the Project, these
cumulative projects would add limited additional trips to Catawba Avenue and Poplar Avenue. Therefore,
the cumulative development along Catawba Avenue and Poplar Avenue would not result in a doubling of
roadway volumes, which would in turn result in a cumulative noise level increase of less than 3 dBA.
Therefore, the Project would not contribute to cumulatively considerable traffic noise impacts and impacts
would be less than significant.
5.11.8 EXISTING REGULATIONS AND PLANS, PROGRAMS, OR
POLICIES
Existing Regulations
• California Code of Regulations, Title 24
Plans, Programs, or Policies (PPPs)
PPP NOI-1: Construction Noise. As required by Fontana Municipal Code Section 18-63(b)(7), construction
activities shall only take place between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on weekdays and 8:00 a.m.
and 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Construction activities conducted outside of these hours would require previous
approval from the City of Fontana.
5.11.9 PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES
None.
5.11.10 LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE BEFORE MITIGATION
Impacts related to Impact NOI-1, Impact NOI-2, and NOI-3 would be less than significant.
5.11.11 MITIGATION MEASURES
None.
5.11.12 LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE AFTER MITIGATION
Impacts related to Impact NOI-1, Impact NOI-2, and NOI-3 would be less than significant.
Poplar South Distribution Center 5.11 Noise
City of Fontana 5.11-21
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June 2023
REFERENCES
City of Fontana. General Plan Update 2015-2035 Noise and Safety Element. 13 November 2018.
Accessed from: https://www.fontana.org/DocumentCenter/View/26750/Chapter-11---Noise-and-
Safety
City of Fontana. General Plan Update 2015-2035 Environmental Impact Report. 13 November 2018.
Accessed from: https://www.fontana.org/DocumentCenter/View/29524/Draft-Environmental-Impact-
Report-for-the-General-Plan-Update
Southwest Industrial Park Specific Plan. 12 June 2012. Accessed from:
https://www.fontana.org/DocumentCenter/View/29312/Southwest-Industrial-Specific-Plan---
Combined-Document
Southwest Industrial Park (SWIP) Specific Plan Update and Annexation Public Review Draft Program
Environmental Impact Report. 12 June 2012. Accessed from:
https://www.fontana.org/DocumentCenter/View/36382/SWIP-Public-Review-Draft-Program-EIR
City of Fontana. Municipal Code. Accessed from:
https://library.municode.com/ca/fontana/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CO_CH9ENPRREEX_ART
VINCOCESUST_S9-71BUSCADUS
California Department of Transportation. Transportation and Construction Vibration Guidance Manual.
April 2020.
Environmental Protection Agency Office of Noise Abatement and Control. 1974. Information on Levels of
Environmental Noise Requisite to Protect Public Health and Welfare with an Adequate Margin of Safety.
EPA/ONAC 550/9/74-004. Accessed:
https://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyPDF.cgi/2000L3LN.PDF?Dockey=2000L3LN.PDF
Federal Transit Administration Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment, May 2006. Accessed:
https://docs.vcrma.org/images/pdf/planning/ceqa/FTA_Noise_and_Vibration_Manual.pdf
Ontario International Airport – Inter Agency Collaborative. Ontario International Airport Land Use
Compatibility Plan. 19 April 2011. Accessed from: https://www.ont-iac.com/airport-land-use-
compatibility-plan/
United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), The Noise Guidebook, February
2009. Accessed at: https://www.hudexchange.info/resource/313/hud-noise-guidebook/
LSA. “Noise and Vibration Impact Analysis Poplar South Distribution Center Project.” January 2023.
Appendix L
South Poplar Distribution Center 5.12 Population and Housing
City of Fontana 5.12-1
Draft EIR
June 2023
5.12 Population and Housing
5.12.1 INTRODUCTION
This section examines the existing population, housing, and employment conditions in the City of Fontana and
assesses the Project’s impacts on regional growth and potential displacement of people and housing. The
demographic data and analysis in this section is based, in part, on the following documents and resources:
• 2020-2045 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy, SCAG, September
2020
• Local Profiles Report 2019, Profile of the City of Fontana, SCAG, May 2019
• City of Fontana General Plan Update 2015-2035, Adopted November 2018
• City of Fontana General Plan Update 2015-2035 Environmental Impact Report, Certified November
2018
• City of Fontana Code of Ordinances
Although evaluation of population, housing, and employment typically involves economic and social, rather
than physical environmental issues, population, housing, and employment growth are often precursors to
physical environmental impacts. According to Section 15382 of the CEQA Guidelines, “[a]n economic or
social change by itself shall not be considered a significant impact on the environment.” Socioeconomic
characteristics should be considered in an EIR only to the extent that they create adverse impacts on the
physical environment.
5.12.2 REGULATORY SETTING
5.12.2.1 Federal Regulations
No federal laws, regulations, or executive orders apply to the Project.
5.12.2.2 State Regulations
Housing Crisis Act of 2019 - Senate Bill 330 (SB 330)
Commonly known as Senate Bill 330 (Chapter 654, Statutes of 2019), this law was passed to respond to
the California housing crisis. Effective January 1, 2020, and slated to sunset on January 1, 2025, SB 330
aims to increase residential unit development, protect existing housing inventory, and expedite permit
processing. This law makes a number of modifications to existing legislation, such as the Permit Streamlining
Act and the Housing Accountability Act and institutes the Housing Crisis Act of 2019. Under this legislation,
municipal and county agencies are restricted in ordinances and polices that can be applied to residential
development.
While many of SB 330's provisions (including those related to vested rights and permit streamlining) apply
to all cities and counties, the restrictions on local actions contained in Government Code Section 66300 apply
only in "affected" cities and counties as defined by the HCD. In the case of counties, it is areas within counties
and not necessarily an entire county that is affected. Fontana is considered an affected city, as defined by
Government Code Section 66300.
South Poplar Distribution Center 5.12 Population and Housing
City of Fontana 5.12-2
Draft EIR
June 2023
Government Code Section 65863 (No Net Loss Law)
The purpose of Government Code Section 65863 (No Net Loss Law), is to ensure development opportunities
remain available throughout the planning period to accommodate a jurisdiction’s regional housing need
allocation (RHNA), especially for lower- and moderate- income households. A jurisdiction may not take any
action to reduce a parcel’s residential density unless it makes findings that the remaining sites identified in
its Housing Element sites inventory can accommodate the jurisdiction’s remaining unmet RHNA by each income
category, or if it identifies additional sites so that there is no net loss of residential unit capacity.
Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA)
State Housing Law (California Government Code Article 10.6, Sections 65580-65590) mandates that local
governments through Councils of Governments (COGs) identify existing and future housing needs in a
Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA). The RHNA is used in land use planning, for prioritizing local
resource allocation, and in deciding how to address identified existing and future housing needs resulting
from population, employment and household growth. The City of Fontana addresses RHNA through its
Housing Element as part of the General Plan. The RHNA prepared by SCAG projects Fontana’s share of
regional housing need for 2021-2029 as 17,519 new housing units, including:
• 5,109 units affordable to very low-income households
• 2,950 units affordable to low-income
• 3,035 units affordable to moderate-income
• 6,425 units affordable to above-moderate income
The 2021-2029 Housing Element found that the City has the ability to meet the 17,519 RHNA allocation in
full capacity with a substantial buffer. The Project site is not identified within the Housing Element as a
RHNA site.
5.12.2.3 Regional/Local Regulations
City of Fontana General Plan 2015-2035
The current state-approved City of Fontana General Plan Housing Element (2021-2029) was approved and
adopted by the City Council on February 8, 2022. Since 1969, California has required that all local
governments (cities and counties) adequately plan to meet the housing needs of everyone in the community
through the adoption of a Housing Element in their respective General Plans. The state-approved 2021-
2029 Housing Element is organized into four sections: 1) introduction and statutory background; 2) community
profile; 3) housing constraints and resources; and 4) a housing plan to address the City’s identified housing
needs.
City of Fontana Ordinance No. 1906 - SB 330 No Net Loss Program
On October 11, 2022, the City of Fontana adopted an ordinance referred to as the “No Net Loss Program”
that establishes a program for residential replacement units in order to meet the requirements of SB 330.
Rather than rezoning or upzoning an alternative site to ensure no net loss in residential capacity, the “No
Net Loss Program” provides that concurrent with the approval of any change in zone from a residential use
to a less intensive or non-residential use, replacement units in the form of a density bonus will become
available to project applicants subsequently seeking to develop property for residential use within the City.
South Poplar Distribution Center 5.12 Population and Housing
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Draft EIR
June 2023
5.12.3 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
The Project site contains 41 parcels, 40 of which are currently developed single-family residences and
associated structures (40 total single family residential units). The Project site has a General Plan land use
designation of Residential Trucking (R-T) and a zoning designation of Specific Plan (SP). The Project site is
within the Slover East Industrial District (SED) of the Slover West Industrial Park Specific Plan (SWIP). Within
the SWIP, the Project site is designated as Residential Trucking District (RTD).
The proposed Project would include a General Plan Amendment (GPA) to change the land use designation
from R-T to General Industrial (I-G) and a Specific Plan Amendment (SPA) to change the SWIP designation
from RTD to SED. The SED is intended to provide opportunities for light and heavy manufacturing activities
that are supposed by trucking routes and the existing rail spur in addition to the continued use and expansion
of existing industrial, distribution and logistics-based warehousing developments, and strategically located
service commercial facilities. Permitted uses within the SED include but are not limited to warehousing
facilities, logistics and distribution facilities, and general manufacturing.
Population
According to SCAG’s 2020-2045 RTP/SCS, the population of Fontana is anticipated to increase from
211,000 persons in 2016 to 286,700 persons in 2045, an increase in 75,700 persons (Table 5.12-1). This
represents a 36 percent increase between 2016 and 2045. Assuming the City of Fontana’s population
increased at a consistent rate between 2016 and 2045, the City would add approximately 2,610 persons
per year. Comparatively, the entire population of San Bernardino County is anticipated to increase from
2,141,000 persons in 2016 to 2,815,000 persons in 2045, an increase in 674,000 persons. This represents
a 31 percent increase. Assuming the County’s population increased at a consistent rate between 2016 and
2045, the County would add approximately 32,241 persons per year.
Table 5.12-1: Population Trends in the City of Fontana
2016 2045 2016 – 2045
Increase
City of Fontana 211,000 286,700 75,700
(36%)
San Bernardino County 2,141,000 2,815,000 674,000
(31%)
Source: SCAG 2020
Housing
According to SCAG’s 2020-2045 RTP/SCS, the City of Fontana is projected to add approximately 26,300
households by 2045 (Table 5.12-2). Assuming the City of Fontana adds to the housing stock at a consistent
rate between 2016 and 2045, the City would add approximately 907 dwelling units per year.
Comparatively, the County as a whole is expected to add approximately 245,000 households by 2045.
Assuming the County added to the housing stock at a consistent rate between 2016 and 2045, the County
would add approximately 8,448 dwelling units per year.
Table 5.12-2: Housing Trends in the City of Fontana
2016 2045 2016 – 2045
Increase
City of Fontana 51,500 77,800 26,300
(51%)
San Bernardino County 630,000 875,000 245,000
(39%)
Source: SCAG 2020
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Employment
According to SCAG’s 2020-2045 RTP/SCS, the City of Fontana is projected to add approximately 18,400
jobs between 2016 and 2045 (Table 5.12-3). This represents an increase of approximately 32 percent.
Assuming the City of Fontana added employment opportunities at a consistent rate between 2016 and
2045, the City would add approximately 635 jobs per year. Comparatively, the entire County is projected
to add approximately 273,000 jobs (or 35 percent) between 2016 and 2045. Assuming the entire County
added employment opportunities at a consistent rate between 2016 and 2045, the County would add
approximately 9,414 jobs per year.
Table 5.12-3: Employment Trends in the City of Fontana
2016 2045 2016 – 2045
Increase
City of Fontana 56,700 75,100 18,400
(32%)
San Bernardino County 791,000 1,064,000 273,000
(35%)
Source: SCAG 2020
Jobs – Housing Ratio
The jobs-housing ratio is a general measure of the total number of jobs and housing units in a defined
geographic area, without regard to economic constraints or individual preferences. SCAG applies the jobs-
housing ratio at the regional and subregional levels to analyze the fit between jobs, housing, and
infrastructure. A major focus of SCAG’s regional planning efforts has been to improve this balance. SCAG
defines the jobs-housing balance as follows:
Jobs and housing are in balance when an area has enough employment opportunities for
most of the people who live there and enough housing opportunities for most of the people
who work there. The region as a whole is, by definition, balanced…. Job-rich subregions
have ratios greater than the regional average; housing-rich subregions have ratios lower
than the regional average. Ideally, job-housing balance would… assure not only a
numerical match of jobs and housing but also an economic match in type of jobs and housing.
SCAG considers an area balanced when the jobs-housing ratio is 1.36; communities with more than 1.36
jobs per dwelling unit are considered jobs-rich; those with fewer than 1.36 are “housing rich,” meaning that
more housing is provided than employment opportunities in the area (SCAG 2004). A job-housing imbalance
can indicate potential air quality and traffic problems associated with commuting. Table 5.12-4 provides
the projected jobs-to-housing ratios, based on SCAG’s 2020-2045 RTP/SCS, for the City.
Table 5.12-4: Jobs - Housing Trends in the City of Fontana
Employment
in 2016
Number of
Dwelling
Units in
2016
2016 Jobs
to Housing
Ratio
Employment
in 2045
Number of
Dwelling
Units in
2045
2045 Jobs
to Housing
Ratio
City of Fontana 56,700 51,500 1.10 75,100 77,800 0.97
San Bernardino
County 791,000 630,000 1.26 1,064,000 875,000 1.22
Source: SCAG 2020
As shown on Table 5.12-4, the projected 2045 jobs-to-housing ratio for the City of Fontana and San
Bernardino County are 0.97 and 1.22, respectively; that is, both the City of Fontana and San Bernardino
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County are housing-rich. Therefore, it is possible that residents in the City of Fontana commute to other
incorporated cities or other counties for employment.
5.12.4 THRESHOLDS OF SIGNIFICANCE
Appendix G of state CEQA Guidelines indicates that a project could have a significant effect if it were to:
POP-1 Induce substantial unplanned population growth in an area, either directly (for example, by
proposing new homes and businesses) or indirectly (for example, through extension of roads
or other infrastructure); or
POP-2 Displace substantial numbers of existing people or housing, necessitating the construction of
replacement housing elsewhere.
5.12.5 METHODOLOGY
State CEQA Guidelines Section 15064(e) states that a social or economic change generally is not considered
a significant effect on the environment unless the changes can be directly linked to a physical adverse change.
Additionally, CEQA Guidelines Appendix G indicates that a project could have a significant effect if it would
induce substantial unplanned population growth in an area, either directly (e.g., by proposing new homes
and businesses) or indirectly (e.g., through extension of roads or other infrastructure). Therefore, population
impacts are considered potentially significant if growth associated with a project would exceed projections
for the area and if such an exceedance would have the potential to create a significant adverse physical
change to the environment.
The methodology used to determine population, housing, and employment impacts includes data collection
on population and housing trends, which was obtained from California Department of Finance (DOF), the
Fontana General Plan, and SCAG. If projected growth with the Project would exceed SCAG and Fontana
growth projections and could create a significant change to the environment, the resulting growth would be
considered “substantial,” and a significant impact would result.
5.12.6 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
IMPACT POP-1: WOULD THE PROJECT INDUCE SUBSTANTIAL UNPLANNED POPULATION
GROWTH IN AN AREA, EITHER DIRECTLY (FOR EXAMPLE, BY PROPOSING NEW
HOMES AND BUSINESSES) OR INDIRECTLY (FOR EXAMPLE, THROUGH
EXTENSION OF ROADS OR OTHER INFRASTRUCTURE)?
Less Than Significant Impact. The proposed Project would demolish the existing residences and associated
structures and develop a new industrial building totaling approximately 490,565 square feet (SF) on the
19.08-acre site. The site is located in a developed area of the city adjacent to existing roads and in close
proximity to infrastructure and utilities. The proposed Project does not involve construction of any new
residential uses and would not contribute to a direct increase in the City’s population. However, the proposed
Project may indirectly contribute to population growth within the City by creating jobs both during
construction and operation.
Because the future tenant of the proposed warehouse is unknown, the number of jobs generated from
operation of the Project cannot be precisely determined. However, based on SCAG’s employment
generation factors of 1,195 SF of industrial space per employee, implementation of the proposed Project
would create up to an additional 411 jobs in Fontana.
As shown in Table 5.12-3, employment in the City of Fontana is expected to increase by 18,400 jobs
between 2016 and 2045. Based on these growth projections, full buildout of the Project would represent
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June 2023
approximately 2.2 percent of projected employment growth within the City of Fontana. Thus, the employment
growth that would occur from the Project is within the growth projections used to prepare SCAG’s 2020-
2045 RTP/SCS.
The employees that would fill these roles are anticipated to come from the region, as the unemployment rate
of the City of Fontana as of November 2022 was 3.9 percent, City of Rialto was 4.6 percent, City of Rancho
Cucamonga was 3.0 percent, and the County of San Bernardino was 4.1 percent (State Employment
Development Department 2023). Due to these levels of unemployment, it is anticipated that new employees
at the Project site would already reside within commuting distance and would not generate needs for any
housing.
Construction. Construction of the proposed Project would result in a temporary increased demand for
construction workers. This Draft EIR assumes that construction of the Project would commence in April 2024
and be completed by January 2025. Construction would require approximately 103 construction workers
during this 10-month period. Workers are anticipated to come from the City and surrounding jurisdictions
and commute daily to the jobsite. Although it is possible that the demand for workers could induce some
people to move to the region, this consideration would be de minimis, relative to the total number of
construction workers in the region. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 9,473 individuals are employed in
the construction industry in the City of Fontana and 60,801 individuals are employed in the construction
industry in San Bernardino County as a whole (U.S. Census Bureau 2023). The supply of general construction
labor in the vicinity of the Project area is not expected to be constrained due to the current 3.9 percent
unemployment rate in the City and the 4.1 unemployment rate in San Bernardino County and the temporary
nature of construction projects (EDD 2023). As such, the existing labor pool can meet the construction needs
of the Project, and this labor pool would increase with the continued projected growth of San Bernardino
County. Therefore, implementation of the Project would not induce substantial unplanned population growth
directly or indirectly through construction employment that could cause substantial adverse physical changes
in the environment. Impacts would be less than significant.
Operation. Implementation of the Project would result in long-term employment opportunities in the Project
region. Because the future tenants are unknown, the number of jobs generated from operation cannot be
precisely determined. However, as discussed above, based on the SCAG employment factor of 1,195 square
feet of industrial space per employee, implementation of the proposed Project would create approximately
411 jobs. As such, the proposed Project would positively contribute to employment growth in the City of
Fontana, as well as the inland Southern California region.
As discussed above, employees that would work at the proposed Project are anticipated to come from within
the region. Any employees relocating for Project related employment would be accommodated by the
existing vacant housing in the region. According to the 2022 housing estimated provided by the California
DOF, there are 57,483 housing units within the City of Fontana (DOF 2022). Additionally, as of February
2023, Realtor.com – an online real estate and rental marketplace – reported 297 single-family properties
listed for sale in the City of Fontana. Thus, direct impacts related to population growth in an area would be
less than significant.
Infrastructure. Development of the Project would require expansion of infrastructure to serve the proposed
uses at the site, including installation of new onsite water, sewer, and stormwater drainage lines and
improved roadways as outlined in Section 3.0, Project Description. The improvements would serve only the
operations of the proposed development. They have not been sized to accommodate developments offsite.
The Project would include development of driveways as well as roadway improvements within the Project
site frontage to provide adequate access and circulation for passenger automobiles and truck traffic. The
Project applicant does not directly propose any offsite roadway expansions. Therefore, the proposed Project
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would not induce unplanned population growth either directly or indirectly that could cause substantial
adverse physical changes in the environment, and impacts would be less than significant.
IMPACT POP-2: WOULD THE PROJECT DISPLACE SUBSTANTIAL NUMBERS OF EXISTING PEOPLE
OR HOUSING, NECESSITATING THE CONSTRUCTION OF REPLACEMENT
HOUSING ELSEWHERE?
Less than Significant Impact. Under existing conditions, the Project site is developed with 40 existing vacant
and uninhabited residential structures and associated ancillary structures. At the time the Project’s Notice of
Preparation was distributed, on September 30, 2022, the units were still occupied by residents, and
therefore, the baseline condition applied for the Project is occupied rather than vacant. Property owners
within the development footprint voluntarily sold their property to the Applicant and have already relocated.
Implementation of the proposed Project would remove all of the existing structures from the Project site.
The proposed Project includes a GPA to change the land use designation of the site from R-T to I-G and a
SPA to change the SWIP designation from RTD to SED. Because the Project includes a change from residential
use to a non-residential use, the Project is subject to SB 330. SB 330 requires in part that where a
development project results in reducing the number of housing units allowed under existing City zoning, the
City must identify a way in which an equivalent number of units could be accommodated in the city.
The Project would participate in the City’s recently adopted “No Net Loss Program” (Ordinance No. 1906),
which provides that concurrent with the approval of any change in zone from residential use to a non-
residential use, replacement units in the form of a density bonus will become available to project applicants
subsequently seeking to develop property for residential use within the City. The potential loss of residential
units is determined by what is allowed on the Project site by the current General Plan and zoning
designations. The current RTD designation allows for two dwelling units per acre. As such, the proposed
Project would result in the “loss” of the equivalent of 38 residential units that are allowed by the current RTD
designation of the site. Therefore, the loss of 38 dwelling units would be added to the “No Net Loss Bank”
to be used by subsequent residential developers to build their residential site at a higher density than what
the zoning designation allows for.
Additionally, the Project would comply with Government Code Section 65863, the “No Net Loss Law”. Under
this law, a jurisdiction may not take any action to reduce a parcel’s residential density unless it makes findings
that the remaining sites identified in its Housing Element sites inventory can accommodate the jurisdiction’s
remaining unmet RHNA by each income category, or if it identifies additional sites so that there is no net loss
of residential unit capacity. While the Project would result in demolition of 40 single family homes, the City’s
2021-2029 Housing Element indicated an abundance of 2,659 extremely low to low income, 1,395
moderate income, and 648 above moderate income units over the City’s allocated RHNA objectives in order
to protect the City from incompliance with “No Net Loss Law”. Therefore, the City’s RHNA buffer would be
able to accommodate housing capacity reduction as a result of the Project and the Project would not
necessitate the construction of replacement housing elsewhere due to the “No Net Loss Law”.
By utilizing the City’s “No Net Loss Program”, the Project would be in compliance with SB 330. Potential
impacts associated with the construction of replacement units would be analyzed pursuant to CEQA at the
time a project is proposed. Therefore, implementation of the Project would not displace a substantial number
of existing people or housing and would not necessitate the construction of replacement housing elsewhere.
Implementation of the Project would result in a less than-significant impact.
5.12.7 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
Impacts from cumulative population growth are considered in the context of their consistency with local and
regional planning efforts. As discussed, SCAG’s 2020-2045 RTP/SCS serves as a long-range vision plan for
South Poplar Distribution Center 5.12 Population and Housing
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June 2023
development in the counties of San Bernardino, Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and Ventura. The
Project would not exceed the SCAG population, housing, and employment growth projections for the City
and would represent a nominal percentage of SCAG’s overall projections for the City of Fontana. The Project
would result in a generation of approximately 411 permanent jobs at full buildout. Based on the growth
projections analyzed in SCAG’s 2020-2045 RTP/SCS, full buildout of the Project would represent
approximately 2.2 percent of projected employment growth within the City of Fontana. The Project is within
the growth projections used to prepare RTP/SCS, thus, impacts related to cumulative growth would be less
than significant and not cumulatively considerable.
Additionally, by participating in the City’s “No Net Loss Program”, the proposed Project would be in
compliance with SB 330 and would not contribute to the reduction of the City’s housing stock. Other similar
present and reasonably foreseeable projects in the city that would reduce housing capacity within the city
would be required to participate in the City’s “No Net Loss Program” as well. Through the participation of
residential developers in the program, overall, the City’s overall housing capacity would remain balanced.
Therefore, the Project would not result in a cumulatively considerable impact on the City’s housing capacity.
5.12.8 EXISTING REGULATIONS AND PLANS, PROGRAMS, OR POLICIES
Existing Regulations
• SCAG Regional Housing Needs Allocation
• California Government Code Section 65300
• Government Code Sections 65580–65589
• California Senate Bill 330
Plans, Programs, or Policies (PPPs)
None.
5.12.9 PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES
None.
5.12.10 LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE BEFORE MITIGATION
Upon implementation of standard conditions of approval, Impact POP-1 and POP-2 would be less than
significant.
5.12.11 MITIGATION MEASURES
No mitigation measures are required.
5.12.12 LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE AFTER MITIGATION
No significant unavoidable adverse impacts related to population and housing would occur.
REFERENCES
California Employment Development Department. Labor Force and Unemployment Rates for Cities and
Census Designated Places – San Bernardino County, December 2022 (EDD 2022). Accessed: 16 January
South Poplar Distribution Center 5.12 Population and Housing
City of Fontana 5.12-9
Draft EIR
June 2023
2023. https://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/data/labor-force-and-unemployment-for-cities-and-
census-areas.html.
California Department of Finance. E-5 Population and Housing Estimates for Cities, Counties, and the State,
2020-2022 (DOF 2022). Accessed: https://dof.ca.gov/forecasting/demographics/estimates/e-5-
population-and-housing-estimates-for-cities-counties-and-the-state-2020-2022/
City of Fontana. General Plan 2015-2035. 18 November 2018. Accessed: 16 January 2023.
https://www.fontana.org/2632/General-Plan-Update-2015---2035
City of Fontana. General Plan 2015-2035 Environmental Impact Report. Accessed: 16 January 2023.
https://www.fontana.org/2632/General-Plan-Update-2015---2035
City of Fontana. 6th Cycle Housing Element Update. Adopted February 8, 2022. Accessed: 20 February
2023. https://www.fontana.org/3314/2021-2029-Housing-Element-Update
Realtor.com. Fontana, CA Single Family Homes for Sale. Accessed: 20 February 2023.
https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-search/Fontana_CA/type-single-family-home?view=map
SCAG. 2020-2045 Regional Transportation Plan/ Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCAG 2020).
Accessed 16 January 2023. https://www.connectsocal.org/Pages/Connect-SoCal-Final-Plan.aspx.
SCAG. 2019 Local Profile for San Bernardino County. Accessed: https://scag.ca.gov/data-tools-local-
profiles
SCAG. Connect SoCal Demographics and Growth Forecast. 2023 January 16. Accessed:
https://scag.ca.gov/data-tools-local-profiles
SCAG. 2001. Employment Density Study Summary Report. October 31, 2001. Accessed 16 January 2023,
https://www.mwcog.org/file.aspx?A=QTTlTR24POOOUIw5mPNzK8F4d8djdJe4LF9Exj6lXOU%3D
United States Census Bureau. County of San Bernardino – S2404 Industry by Sex for the Full-Time, Year-
Round Civilian Employed Population 16 Years and Over. Accessed: 16 January 2023.
https://data.census.gov/table?q=san+bernardino+county&t=Industry&tid=ACSST1Y2021.S2404
United States Census Bureau. City of Fontana – S2404 Industry by Sex for the Full-Time, Year-Round Civilian
Employed Population 16 Years and Over. Accessed: 16 January 2023.
https://data.census.gov/table?q=fontana&t=Industry
South Poplar Distribution Center 5.12 Population and Housing
City of Fontana 5.12-10
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Poplar South Distribution Center 5.13 Public Services
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June 2023
5.13 Public Services
5.13.1 INTRODUCTION
This section of the Draft EIR addresses impacts of the Project to public services, including fire protection and
emergency services, police protection, school services, parks, and other public services, such as library and
health services. This section addresses whether there are physical environmental effects of new or expanded
public facilities that are necessary to maintain acceptable service levels. This section analyzes whether any
physical changes resulting from a potential increase in service demands from Project implementation could
result in significant adverse physical environmental effects. Thus, an increase in staffing associated with public
services, an increase in calls for services, would not, by itself, be considered a physical change in the
environment. However, physical changes in the environment resulting from the construction of new facilities
or an expansion of existing facilities to accommodate the increased staff or equipment needs resulting from
the Project could constitute a significant impact. The analysis in this section is based, in part, on the following
documents and resources:
• City of Fontana General Plan Update 2015-2035, Adopted November 2018
• City of Fontana General Plan Update 2015-2035 Environmental Impact Report, Certified November
2018
• City of Fontana Code of Ordinances
5.13.2 REGULATORY SETTING
5.13.2.1 Federal Regulations
There are no Federal regulations pertaining to public services that would be applicable to the Project.
5.13.2.2 State Regulations
California Building Code
The California Building Code (CBC) includes fire safety requirements, including the installation of sprinklers
in all commercial and residential buildings; the establishment of fire resistance standards for fire doors,
building materials, and particular types of construction; and the clearance of debris and vegetation within
a prescribed distance from occupied structures in wildfire hazard areas. The California Building Code is
updated every three years by the California Building Standards Commission and was last updated in 2022
(effective January 1, 2023).
California Fire Code
California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 24, Part 9 (2022 California Fire Code) contains regulations
relating to construction and maintenance of buildings, the use of premises, and the management of wildland-
urban interface areas, among other issues. The California Fire Code is updated every three years by the
California Building Standards Commission and was last updated in 2022 (adopted January 1, 2023).
The Fire Code sets forth regulations regarding building standards, fire protection and notification systems,
fire protection devices such as fire extinguishers and smoke alarms, high-rise building standards, and fire
suppression training. It contains regulations relating to construction, maintenance, and use of buildings. Topics
addressed in the code also include fire department access, fire hydrants, automatic sprinkler systems, fire
alarm systems, fire and explosion hazards safety, hazardous materials storage and use, provisions intended
to protect and assist fire responders, industrial processes, and many other general and specialized fire-
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safety requirements for new and existing buildings and the surrounding premises. Development under the
Project would be subject to applicable regulations of the California Fire Code.
California Government Code (Section 65995(b)) and Education Code (Section 17620)
California Senate Bill 50 (SB 50), which passed in 1998, amended California Government Code Sections
65995.5 through 65998, which contains limitations on Education Code Section 17620. The statute authorizes
school districts to assess development fees within school district boundaries. Government Code Section
65995(b)(3) requires the maximum square footage assessment for development to be increased every two
years, according to inflation adjustments.
According to California Government Code Section 65995(3)(h), the payment of statutory fees is “deemed
to be full and complete mitigation of the impacts of any legislative or adjudicative act, or both, involving,
but not limited to, the planning, use, or development of real property, or any change in governmental
organization or reorganization...on the provision of adequate school facilities.” The school district is
responsible for implementing the specific methods for mitigating school impacts under the Government Code.
California State Assembly Bill 2926: School Facilities Act of 1986
In 1986, AB 2926 was enacted to authorize the levy of statutory fees on new residential and
commercial/industrial development in order to pay for school facilities. AB 2926 was expanded and revised
in 1987 through the passage of AB 1600, which added Sections 66000 et seq. to the Government Code.
Under this statute, payment of statutory fees by developers serves as CEQA mitigation to satisfy the impact
of development on school facilities.
Mitigation Fee Act (California Government Code Sections 66000 et seq.)
Enacted as Assembly Bill (AB) 1600, the Mitigation Fee Act requires a local agency, such as the City of
Fontana to establish, increase, or impose an impact fee as a condition of development to identify the purpose
of the fee and the use to which the fee is to be put. The agency must also demonstrate a reasonable
relationship between the fee and the purpose for which it is charged, and between the fee and the type of
development Project on which it is to be levied. This Act became enforceable on January 1, 1989 (California
Legislative Information 2019).
Quimby Act
The Quimby Act (California Government Code, Section 66477) was established by the California legislature
in 1965 to develop new or rehabilitate existing neighborhood or community park or recreation facilities.
This legislation was enacted in response to the need to provide parks and recreation facilities for California’s
growing communities. The Quimby Act gives the legislative body of a city or county the authority, by
ordinance, to require the dedication of land or payment of in-lieu fees, or a combination of both, for park
and recreational purposes as a condition of approval of a tract map or parcel map.
5.13.2.3 Local Regulations
Fire Protection and Emergency Services
Fontana General Plan
The City of Fontana General Plan includes the following public safety objectives and policies that are related
to fire protection and the proposed Project:
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Public and Community Services Element
Goal 2 Fontana’s Fire Department meets or exceeds state and national benchmarks for protection
and responsiveness.
Policy
▪ Continue the City’s successful partnership with the San Bernardino County Fire
Department.
Noise and Safety Element
Goal 4 Seismic injury and loss of life, property damage, and other impacts caused by seismic
shaking, fault rupture, ground failure, earthquake-induced landslides, and other
earthquake-induced ground deformation are minimized in the City of Fontana.
Policy
▪ The City shall ensure to the fullest extent possible that, in the event of a major disaster,
essential structures and facilities remain safe and functional, as required by current law,
including hospitals, police stations, fire stations, emergency operation centers,
communication centers, generators and substations, and reservoirs.
Goal 7 Threats to public and private property from urban and wildland fire hazards are reduced
in the City of Fontana.
Policies
▪ The City shall require residential, commercial, and industrial structures to implement fire
hazard-reducing designs and features.
▪ The City shall ensure to the extent possible that fire services, such as fire equipment,
infrastructure, and response times are adequate for all sections of the city.
Goal 9 The City maintains regulations, plans, protocols and emergency training to reduce hazards
and risks, and meet State and Federal requirements for emergency assistance.
Policy
▪ The City shall keep hazard mitigation and emergency services programs up to date.
Law Enforcement Services
Fontana General Plan
The City of Fontana General Plan includes the following public safety objectives and policies that are related
to fire protection and the proposed Project:
Public and Community Services Element (Law Enforcement)
Goal 1 Fontana’s crime rate continues to be below state and county rates.
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Policies
▪ Continue the Police Department’s successful community policing programs.
▪ Support Police Department needs for staff and technology to keep up with population
growth and contemporary policing methods.
▪ Promote and enhance use of anti-crime design strategies and programs.
School Services
Developer School Fees
The Fontana Unified School District (FUSD) collects fees pursuant to Sections 17620 et seq. of the Education
Code and Sections 65995 et seq. of the Government Code to help offset the cost of providing school services.
The Fontana Unified School District (FUSD) has established the fees to be as follows: New Residential (Non-
commercial), $4.79 per SF, Residential Additions, $4.79 per SF, Commercial Industrial, $0.78 per SF (with
exceptions of Community Shopping Center, $0.75 per SF, Industrial Parks/Warehousing, $0.66 per SF,
Rental Self-Storage, $0.03 per SF, Hospitality, $0.56 per SF) and Senior Housing, $0.78 per SF.
Other Public Facilities
Fontana General Plan
The City of Fontana General Plan includes the following public safety objectives and policies that are related
to public services and facilities and the proposed Project:
Public and Community Services Element
Goal 3 The City of Fontana has modern, well-maintained public facilities that meet the needs of
residents of all ages, the business community, and government.
Policies
▪ Support development of a city facilities master plan for the next 10 years and use an
asset management system for all facilities.
▪ Support initiatives to reduce energy costs in public facilities.
▪ Develop an “Aging in Fontana” plan to prepare to serve an increasing number of senior
citizens.
Goal 5 New community centers, parks, and facilities are located in the context of multimodal
networks for maximum accessibility.
Policy
▪ Locate community facilities to take maximum advantage of access by walking, biking,
and bus, as well as cars.
5.13.3 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
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Fire Services
The Project site would be served by the Fontana Fire Protection District (FFPD), which contracts with the San
Bernardino County Fire Department (SBCoFD) to provide fire and emergency services. FFPD provides fire
suppression, emergency medical services (paramedic and non-paramedic), ambulance services, hazardous
materials (HAZMAT) response, arson investigation, technical rescue, hazard abatement, acts of terrorism and
natural disaster response. The FPPD consists of 132 full-time personnel, including 116 safety employees and
16 non-safety employees.
The City of Fontana is served by a total of seven fire stations as listed in Table 5.13-1. The fire station closest
to the Project site is Station 74 located at 11500 Live Oak Ave., approximately 1.8 miles southwest.
Table 5.13-1: Fire Stations
Fire Station Location Distance
from Site
Estimated
Response
Time
Equipment Staffing
Station 74 11500 Live Oak Ave.
Fontana, CA 92335 1.8 miles 6 minutes, 55
seconds -One Medic Engine 3
crewmembers
Station 77 17459 Slover
Fontana, CA 92335 2.8 miles 7 minutes, 8
seconds
-One Medic Truck
-One Medic Squad
5
crewmembers
Station 72
15380 San Bernardino Ave.
P.O. Box 1040
Fontana, CA 92335
3.0 miles 7 minutes, 7
seconds
-One Medic Engine
-One Squad Vehicle
5
crewmembers
Station 71 16980 Arrow Blvd.
Fontana, CA 92335 5.0 miles 5 minutes, 49
seconds
-One Medic Engine
-One Medic Truck
-One Squad Vehicle
8
crewmembers
Station 78 7110 Citrus
Fontana, CA 92333 5.4 miles 6 minutes, 49
seconds
-One Medic Engine
-One Squad Vehicle
5
crewmembers
Station 73 14360 Arrow
Fontana, CA 92335 5.9 miles 6 minutes, 22
seconds -One Medic Engine 4
crewmembers
Station 79 5075 Coyote Canyon Rd.
Fontana, CA 92336 9.0 miles 7 minutes, 18
seconds -One Medic Engine 3
crewmembers
Information provided by City of Fontana FY 19-20 Adopted Operating Budget, SBCoFD Website and Lauri Lockwood at SBCoFD
Law Enforcement Services
Law enforcement services in the City are provided by the Fontana Police Department (FPD). The city is served
by the central station located at 17005 Upland Avenue in downtown Fontana, which is approximately 4.9
miles northwest of the Project site. The FPD has four divisions including Office of the Chief of Police,
administrative services, field services and special operations and consists of 305 personnel, including 202
sworn officers and 103 non-sworn employees to provide for community policing services. In addition, the
average response time for the FPD is 4 minutes and 39 seconds (2021 FPD Annual Report). Using the
estimated population of 210, 761 in 2021 for the City of Fontana, the ratio of existing FPD personnel per
1,000 residents is estimated to be 1.4 (US Census Bureau 2021).
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department also operates a station in the City of Fontana located at
17780 Arrow Blvd, approximately 5.7 miles away from the Project site. This station is staffed with 50
employees and services the unincorporated county areas of Fontana, Bloomington, Rialto, San Antonio
Heights, as well as the communities of Rosena Ranch and Lytle Creek. The station also interfaces with Los
Angeles and Riverside Counties, and includes the unincorporated areas of Upland, and the Mount Baldy
wilderness.
The FPD and crime statistics indicate that Fontana does not have any ongoing serious crime problems and
that the City of Fontana has become one of the safest in the region in recent decades (City of Fontana 2018).
I I
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Park Services
Existing parks within the City include 41 parks on a total of approximately 366 acres (City of Fontana,
2018). At the estimated population of 210,761 in 2021, the ratio of existing parkland acres per 1,000
residents is 1.7 (US Census Bureau 2021). The parks and recreation facilities closest to the Project site include
Catawba Park at 11411 Catawba Place (approximately 0.9 miles from the Project site), Village Park at
15601 Village Drive East (approximately 0.9 miles from the Project site), and Mary Vagle Nature Center
at 11501 Cypress Avenue East (approximately 1.6 miles from the Project site).
School Services
The Project site is within the Fontana Unified School District (FUSD) boundary. The FUSD currently operates
45 schools, including: 30 elementary schools, seven middle schools, five high schools, two alternative high
schools and one adult school (FUSD 2022). As of the 2021/2022 school year, the FUSD had a total
enrollment of 35,101 students (California Dept. of Education 2022). The Project site is closest to Jurupa Hills
High School, at 10700 Oleander Avenue (approximately 1.1 miles from the Project site), Citrus Continuation
High School at 10760 Cypress Avenue (approximately 1.1 miles from the Project site), and Truman Middle
School at 16224 Mallory Drive (approximately 2.0 miles from the Project site).
Other Public Facilities
Other governmental services include a variety of public and quasi-public services including libraries, medical
clinics, urgent care facilities, hospitals, social service centers, senior centers, and other facilities. The library
closest to the Project site and surrounding area is the Fontana Lewis Library & Technology Center, located
at 8437 Sierra Avenue, approximately 4.8 miles northwest of the Project site.
Additionally, the nearest medical facilities to the Project site are the Metropolitan Industrial Medical Clinic,
located approximately 1.9 miles northeast, Kaiser Emergency Services located approximately 3.0 miles
northwest, and the Fontana Medical Center, located approximately 3.2 miles northwest.
5.13.4 THRESHOLDS OF SIGNIFICANCE
Appendix G of CEQA Guidelines indicates that a project could have a significant effect if it were to result
in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered
governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which
could cause significant environmental impacts, to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other
performance objectives for any of the public services:
PS-1 – Fire protection
PS-2 – Police protection
PS-3 – Schools
PS-4 – Parks
PS-5 – Other public facilities
5.13.5 METHODOLOGY
The evaluation of impacts to public services is based on whether the existing public services can meet the
demands of the Project, based on established thresholds, including maintaining acceptable service ratios,
staffing levels, adequate equipment, response times, and other performance objectives or if the Project
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results in the need for new or the expansion of existing government services and facilities, including fire and
police stations, schools, parks, libraries, community recreation centers, public health facilities and other public
facilities.
5.13.6 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
IMPACT PS-1: WOULD THE PROJECT RESULT IN SUBSTANTIAL ADVERSE PHYSICAL IMPACTS
ASSOCIATED WITH FIRE PROTECTION SERVICES OR THE PROVISION OF NEW
OR PHYSICALLY ALTERED FIRE STATION FACILITIES, THE CONSTRUCTION OF
WHICH COULD CAUSE SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS, IN ORDER
TO MAINTAIN ACCEPTABLE SERVICE RATIOS, RESPONSE TIMES OR OTHER
PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES?
Less than Significant Impact. Construction and operation of the Project would increase the number of
structures and employees in the Project area, thus increasing demand for fire protection and emergency
medical services. However, there are seven existing fire stations that currently serve the City, four of which
are within 5.0 miles of the Project site. The closest fire station to the Project site, Station 74 is located at
11500 Live Oak Avenue, approximately 1.8 miles southwest.
Development would consist of demolition of 40 single-family residential homes, vacation of Rose Avenue,
and development of a 490,565 square foot (SF) building with approximately 480,565 SF of warehouse
space and 10,000 SF of mezzanine, which would be used for office space. Additionally, the Project would
include landscaping, sidewalks, utility connections, implementation of stormwater facilities, and pavement of
parking areas and drive aisles. Proposed improvements would reduce the overall existing fire hazard risk
and improve emergency access. The Project would also include landscaping, parking, and utility/stormwater
improvements. The Project would be accessible via Poplar Avenue to the west and Catawba Avenue to the
east. Proposed access to the Project site would be reviewed by the City Planning Department and the San
Bernardino County Fire Department to ensure compliance with fire protection standards. The Project would
be required to adhere to the 2022 California Fire Code, which would minimize the demand upon fire stations,
personnel, and equipment. The proposed warehouse would be concrete tilt up construction which contains a
low fire hazard risk rating. The building would be equipped with fire extinguishers, wet and dry sprinkler
systems, pre-action sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, fire pumps, backflow devices, and clean agent
waterless fire suppression systems pursuant to the California Fire Code adopted under Chapter 5, Section
5-425 of the Municipal Code, CBC, and other existing regulations regarding fire safety.
Additionally, the Project would be required to pay Development Impact Fees pursuant to the City of
Fontana’s Municipal Code, Chapter 11-2. Development impact fees collected would ensure the level of fire
protection services are maintained and can be applied to the purchase of equipment, maintenance of existing
facilities, and the construction of facilities as needed. Therefore, Project impacts to fire services would be
less than significant.
IMPACT PS-2: WOULD THE PROJECT RESULT IN SUBSTANTIAL ADVERSE PHYSICAL IMPACTS
ASSOCIATED WITH POLICE SERVICES OR THE PROVISION OF NEW OR
PHYSICALLY ALTERED POLICE FACILITIES, THE CONSTRUCTION OF WHICH
COULD CAUSE SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS, IN ORDER TO
MAINTAIN ACCEPTABLE SERVICE RATIOS, RESPONSE TIMES OR OTHER
PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES?
Less than Significant Impact. Impacts to police services are considered significant if Project implementation
would result in inadequate staffing levels, response times, and/or increased demand for services that would
require the construction of new or expansion of existing police facilities. Implementation of the proposed
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Project would result in the development of a 490,565 SF building with approximately 480,565 SF of
warehouse space and 10,000 SF of mezzanine, which would be used for office space. Additionally, the
Project would include landscaping, sidewalks, utility connections, implementation of stormwater facilities, and
pavement of parking areas and drive aisles.
As discussed in Section 5.12, Population and Housing, operation of the Project is estimated to generate a
need for 411 employees, however, it is anticipated that some of these employees will come from within the
region and thus would not contribute to a large increase in population. The police station that would serve
the Project site is the main station in downtown Fontana, located approximately 4.9 miles northwest of the
Project site. The main station is staffed by 202 full-time sworn officers. There are two additional contact
stations used by officers for reporting located at 11500 Live Oak Avenue and 17122 Slover Avenue, but
neither is staffed. The City of Fontana has a population of 210,761, thus there is a current estimated ratio
of 1.4 officers per 1,000 population (US Census Bureau 2021). According to the City of Fontana General
Plan EIR, the need for additional police will be incremental as the population increases. Because the Project
would not contribute to a large population increase, the Project would not result in the need for new or
expanded police services or facilities to support the Project.
Additionally, the Project would be required to pay Development Impact Fees pursuant to Fontana Municipal
Code Chapter 5-8. The collection of development impact fees would ensure the level of police protection
services are maintained and can be applied to the purchase of equipment, maintenance of existing facilities,
and the construction of facilities as needed. Therefore, Project impacts to police services would be less than
significant.
IMPACT PS-3: WOULD THE PROJECT RESULT IN SUBSTANTIAL ADVERSE PHYSICAL IMPACTS
ASSOCIATED WITH SCHOOL SERVICES OR THE PROVISION OF NEW OR
PHYSICALLY ALTERED SCHOOL FACILITIES?
Less than Significant Impact. The Project site is within the Fontana Unified School District (FUSD) boundary.
As discussed previously, the Project would result in the demolition of 40 single-family residential homes,
vacation of Rose Avenue, and development of a 490,565 SF building with approximately 480,565 SF of
warehouse space and 10,000 SF of mezzanine, which would be used for office space. Additionally, the
Project would include landscaping, sidewalks, utility connections, implementation of stormwater facilities, and
pavement of parking areas and drive aisles. No residential development is planned as a part of this Project.
As such, the Project would not result in a direct demand for new or expanded school services within the area.
As described previously, the proposed Project is not anticipated to generate a significant increase in
population, as the employees needed to operate the Project are anticipated to come from within the Project
region. Thus, a substantial in-migration of employees that could generate new students is not anticipated to
occur.
Additionally, under state law, development projects are required to pay school impact fees in accordance
with Senate Bill 50 (SB 50) at the time of building permit issuance. The funding program established by SB
50 allows school districts to collect fees from new developments to offset the costs associated with increasing
school capacity needs and has been found by the legislature to constitute “full and complete mitigation of
the impacts of any legislative or adjudicative act…on the provision of adequate school facilities”
(Government Code Section 65995[h]). The school impact fee for commercial/industrial developments within
the FUSD boundary is $0.78 per SF (FUSD 2023). The proposed Project will be subject to school impacts
fees. As such, impacts to school services would be less than significant.
IMPACT PS-4: WOULD THE PROJECT RESULT IN SUBSTANTIAL ADVERSE PHYSICAL IMPACTS
ASSOCIATED WITH PARK AND RECREATIONAL SERVICES OR THE PROVISION
OF NEW OR PHYSICALLY ALTERED PARK FACILITIES?
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Less than Significant Impact. The site is served by the City of Fontana Community Services Department and
maintains over 40 parks, sports facilities, and community centers. The closest park to the Project site is located
approximately 0.9 miles away at 11411 Catawba Place. Typically, residential development increases the
need for new parks and increases the use of existing citywide park facilities. The proposed warehouse
development would not provide new housing opportunities. Furthermore, employees needed to operate the
Project are anticipated to come from within the Project region. Although employees may occasionally use
local parks, such increase in use would be limited and would not result in deterioration to facilities such that
the construction or expansion of recreational facilities would be necessary. Therefore, any increased demand
on the public parks within the city would be considered a less than significant impact.
IMPACT PS-5: WOULD THE PROJECT RESULT IN SUBSTANTIAL ADVERSE PHYSICAL IMPACTS
ASSOCIATED WITH OTHER GOVERNMENT SERVICES OR THE PROVISION OF
NEW OR PHYSICALLY ALTERED PUBLIC FACILITIES?
Less than Significant Impact. Other governmental and public services generally refer to libraries, medical
services, and other facilities. The closest library facility to the Project site is the Fontana Lewis Library &
Technology Center, located at 8437 Sierra Avenue, approximately 4.8 miles northwest of the site. Demand
placed on libraries is based on the generation of a resident population associated with a person’s place of
residence, and not typically their place of employment. The closest health care facilities to the Project site
are the Metropolitan Industrial Medical Clinic (approximately 1.9 miles northeast), Kaiser Emergency
Services (approximately 3.0 miles northwest), and the Fontana Medical Center (approximately 3.2 miles
northwest). As discussed previously, the Project would result in development of a 490,565 SF building with
approximately 480,565 SF of warehouse space and 10,000 SF of mezzanine, which would be used for
office space. Additionally, the Project would include landscaping, sidewalks, utility connections,
implementation of stormwater facilities, and pavement of parking areas and drive aisles. The Project would
not result in a direct increase in the City’s population as no residential uses are proposed and the workforce
will likely be local. As such, the proposed Project would not directly create a demand for public library
facilities or public health care facilities, nor would it directly result in the need to modify existing or construct
new public service facilities. Additionally, the proposed Project would adhere to the payment of
Development Impact Fees as outlined in Chapter 5 of the Fontana Municipal Code to ensure a fair share of
costs associated with the proposed Project are paid for public facilities, including library facilities. Therefore,
the Project would result in a less than significant impact related to library services.
5.13.7 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
The Project would not significantly increase the need for public services in the Project area, in the cities
surrounding the Project site, or within the region. As discussed above, the Project applicant would pay the
required Development Impact Fees. Additionally, as discussed above, the Project would not impact
acceptable service ratios, staffing levels, adequate equipment, response times, and other performance
objectives or if the result in the need for new or the expansion of existing government services and facilities.
Related projects in the region would be required to demonstrate their level of impact on public services and
also pay their proportionate development fees. Therefore, the past, present, and future projects would not
result in a cumulative impact related to the provision of public services.
5.13.8 EXISTING REGULATIONS AND PLANS, PROGRAMS, OR POLICIES
Existing Regulations
Fire Protection and Emergency Services
• California Fire Code (CFC; California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 9)
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Police Services
There are no applicable regulations related to police services that would reduce potential impacts.
School Services
• Government Code Section 65995(b)
• California State Assembly Bill 2926: School Facilities Act of 1986
• California Senate Bill 50: School Facilities Bond Act of 1998
Park Services
• City Development Code Chapter 21-81
• California Government Code, Section 66477
Other Public Services
• California Government Code Sections 66000 et seq.
Plans, Programs, or Policies (PPPs)
PPP PS-1: School Impact Fees. Prior to the issuance of either a certificate of occupancy or prior to building
permit final inspection, the applicant shall provide payment of the appropriate fees set forth by the Fontana
Unified School District related to the funding of school facilities pursuant to Government Code Section 65995
et seq.
5.13.9 PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES
None.
5.13.10 LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE BEFORE MITIGATION
Upon implementation of regulatory requirements, Impacts PS-1, PS-2, PS-3, PS-4, and PS-5 would be less
than significant.
5.13.11 MITIGATION MEASURES
No mitigation measures are required.
5.13.12 LEVELS OF SIGNIFICANCE AFTER MITIGATION
Compliance with regulatory programs would reduce potential impacts related to public services to less than
significant. Therefore, no significant unavoidable adverse impacts would occur.
REFERENCES
California Department of Education. DataQuest. Accessed: 04 January 2023.
https://www.cde.ca.gov/ds/sd/cb/10end10uest.asp
California Legislative Information. 1998. Senate Bill 50 Leroy F. Greene School Facilities Act of 1998.
Accessed: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/97-98/bill/sen/sb_0001-
0050/sb_50_bill_19980827_chaptered.pdf
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City of Fontana. Adopted Operating Budget Fiscal Year 2019-2020. Accessed: 04 January 2023. Accessed:
https://www.fontana.org/DocumentCenter/View/29901/2019—2020-Adopted-Operating-Budget
City of Fontana. General Plan Update 2015-2035. 13 November 2018. Accessed: 04 January 2023.
https://www.fontana.org/2632/General-Plan-Update-2015---2035
City of Fontana. General Plan Update 2015-2035 Draft Environmental Impact Report. 8 June 2018.
Accessed: 04 January 2023. https://www.fontana.org/DocumentCenter/View/29524/Draft-
Environmental-Impact-Report-for-the-General-Plan-Update
City of Fontana. Police Department Annual Report 2021. Accessed: 16 January 2023.
https://www.fontana.org/DocumentCenter/View/37288/ANNUAL-REPORT-2021
Fontana Police Department. Accessed: 04 January 2023. https://www.fontana.org/112/Police-Department
Fontana Unified School District. Accessed: 04 January 2023. https://www.fusd.net/
Error! Hyperlink reference not valid.San Bernardino County Fire Department. Accessed: 04 January 2023:
https://sbcfire.org/
San Bernardino County Library. Accessed: 04 January 2023. https://sbclib.org/
San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. Accessed: 24 January 2023.
https://wp.sbcounty.gov/sheriff/patrol-stations/fontana/
US Census Bureau. Accessed: 04 January 2023.
https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/fontanacitycalifornia/PST045221
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5.14 Transportation
5.14.1 INTRODUCTION
This section describes the existing transportation and circulation conditions and evaluates the potential
transportation impacts from implementation of the proposed Project. This analysis has been prepared in
accordance with CEQA requirements to evaluate potential transportation impacts based on vehicle miles
traveled (VMT). The analysis in this section is based on the following:
• Trip Generation and Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Screening Analysis; EPD Solutions, Inc., September
2022 (VMT Analysis); Appendix M.
• City of Fontana General Plan Update 2015-2035, Adopted November 2018
• City of Fontana General Plan Update 2015-2035 Environmental Impact Report, Certified November
2018
• Southwest Industrial Park Specific Plan, Adopted June 2012
5.14.2 REGULATORY SETTING
5.14.2.1 State Regulations
Senate Bill 743 (Steinberg, 2013)
On September 27, 2013, Senate Bill (SB) 743 was signed into state law. The California legislature found
that with the adoption of the Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act of 2008 (SB 375), the
state had signaled its commitment to encourage land use and transportation planning decisions and
investments that reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and thereby contribute to the reduction of greenhouse
gas (GHG) emissions, as required by the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32).
SB 743 required the California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research to amend the State CEQA
Guidelines to provide an alternative to LOS as the metric for evaluating transportation impacts under CEQA.
Particularly within areas served by transit, SB 743 requires the alternative criteria to promote the reduction
of greenhouse gas emissions, development of multimodal transportation networks, and diversity of land uses.
The alternative metric for transportation impacts detailed in the State CEQA Guidelines is VMT. Jurisdictions
had until July 1, 2020, to adopt and begin implementing VMT thresholds for traffic analysis.
5.14.2.2 Regional Regulations
Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy
The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is the designated metropolitan planning
organization for six Southern California counties (Ventura, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange,
and Imperial). As the designated metropolitan planning organization, SCAG is mandated by the federal
and state governments to prepare plans for regional transportation and air quality conformity. The most
recent plan adopted by SCAG is the 2020-2045 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities
Strategy (RTP/SCS), also known as Connect SoCal, which was adopted in September 2020. The RTP/SCS
integrates transportation planning with economic development and sustainability planning and aims to
comply with state GHG emissions reduction goals, such as SB 375. With respect to transportation
infrastructure, SCAG anticipates, in the RTP/SCS, that the six-county region will have to accommodate 22.5
million residents by 2045, while also meeting the GHG emissions reduction targets set by the California Air
Resources Board. SCAG is empowered by state law to assess regional housing needs and provide a specific
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allocation of housing needs for all economic segments of the community for each of the region’s counties and
cities. In addition, SCAG has taken on the role of planning for regional growth management.
San Bernardino County Congestion Management Program
The San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) is San Bernardino’s congestion management
agency. SBCTA prepares, monitors and periodically updates the County Congestion Management Program
(CMP) to meet federal Congestion Management Process requirement and the County’s Measure I Program.
The San Bernardino County CMP defines a network of state highways and arterials, level of service
standards and related procedures; the process for mitigation of impacts of new development on the
transportations system’ and technical justification for the approach. The San Bernardino County CMP sets a
LOS standard of E for intersections or roadway segments on the CMP system of roadways. Citrus Avenue
and Jurupa Avenue are CMP roadways in the Project area.
San Bernardino County Measure I Strategic Plan
San Bernardino County Measure I authorizes a half-cent sales tax in the County until March 2040 for use
exclusively on transportation improvement and traffic management programs. Measure I includes language
mandating development projects pay their fair share for transportation improvements in San Bernardino
County. The Measure I Strategic Plan is the official guide for the allocation and administration of the
combination of local transportation sales tax, State, and federal transportation revenues, and private fair-
share contributions to regional transportation facilities to fund the Measure I 2010–2040 transportation
programs. The Strategic Plan identifies funding categories and allocations and planned transportation
improvement projects in the County for freeways, major and local arterials, bus and rail transit, and traffic
management systems. The City has adopted a Development Impact Fee (DIF) program that is consistent with
Measure I requirements.
5.14.2.3 Local Regulations
City of Fontana Development Impact Fee Program
The City of Fontana has implemented a DIF Program to collect fees from new development that may be used
to mitigate the additional traffic burdens created by new development to the City’s arterial and collector
street system. The identification of specific roadway and intersection improvement projects and the timing to
use the DIF fees is established through periodic capital improvement programs which are overseen by the
City’s Public Works Department. The proposed Project would be subject to the DIF Program and would be
required to pay fees as part of permit approval.
City of Fontana General Plan
The City of Fontana General Plan contains the following policies related to transportation applicable to the
Project:
Community Mobility and Circulation Element
Goal The City of Fontana has a comprehensive and balanced transportation system, with safety
and multimodal accessibility the top priority of citywide transportation planning, as well as
accommodating freight movement.
Policy
▪ Provide roadways that serve the needs of Fontana residents and commerce, and that
facilitate safe and convenient access to transit, bicycle facilities, and walkways.
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Goal Fontana's road network is safe and accessible to all users, especially the most vulnerable
such as children, youth, older adults and people with disabilities.
Policy
▪ Support designated truck routes that avoid negative impacts on residential and
commercial areas while accommodating the efficient movement of trucks.
Goal Local transit within the City of Fontana is a viable choice for residents, easily accessible and
serving destinations throughout the City.
Policy
▪ Promote concentrated development patterns in coordination with transit planning to
maximize service efficiency and ridership.
Goal The city has attractive and convenient parking facilities, including electric charging stations,
for both motorized and non-motorized vehicles that meet needs that fit the context.
Policies
▪ Provide sufficient motor vehicle and secure bicycle parking in commercial and
employment centers to support vibrant economic activity.
▪ Encourage approaches that reduce the overall number of new parking spaces that must
be provided on-site for new development.
5.14.3 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
Existing Roadway Network
Figure 5.14-1shows the existing roadway network in the vicinity of the Project site, which includes the
following:
• Interstate 10. The Interstate (I) 10 provides regional access to the Project site and is located
approximately 0.9 mile north of the Project site and accessible via the Citrus Avenue interchange. In
this location, the freeway consists of four lanes in both directions. From Citrus Avenue, the I-10
connects to I-15 approximately 5 miles to the west and State Route (SR) 215 approximately 14
miles east.
• Interstate 15. The Interstate (I) 15 provides regional access to the Project site and is located
approximately 5 miles west of the Project site and accessible via the Jurupa Avenue interchange. In
this location, the freeway consists of four lanes in both directions.
• Citrus Avenue. Primary access to the Project site from I-10 is provided by Citrus Avenue, which is a
north-south roadway that is identified as a primary highway by the City’s General Plan in the vicinity
of the Project site. Citrus Avenue has four lanes of travel and Class II bike lane north of Santa Ana
Avenue in both directions. A Class II bike lane is provided by a stripe on the pavement.
• Santa Ana Avenue. Santa Ana Avenue is a four-lane east-west roadway, mostly lined with
landscaped sidewalks, that is to the north of the project site. Santa Ana Avenue connects the streets
adjacent to the Project site to Citrus Avenue, the primary access street to the I-10. The roadway is
identified as a secondary highway by the City’s General Plan.
• Catawba Avenue. Catawba Avenue is a two-lane north-south roadway, designated as a collector
street in the General Plan. The roadway is adjacent to the east side of the Project site. Portions of
the roadway are developed with landscaped sidewalks. No sidewalks currently exist adjacent to
the Project site.
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• Poplar Avenue. Poplar Ave is a north-south roadway adjacent to the Project site, designated as a
secondary highway in the General Plan. Poplar Avenue is a four-lane roadway, with the northbound
lanes merging into one lane near to the project site. Portions of the roadway are developed with
landscaped sidewalks. No sidewalks currently exist adjacent to the Project site.
• Rose Avenue. Rose Avenue is a local roadway that currently bisects the Project site.
• Jurupa Avenue. Jurupa Avenue is an east-west six lane divided roadway with a landscaped
median that is located to the south of the Project site. Jurupa Avenue is identified as a Modified
Major Highway by the City’s General Plan and connects to I-15 that is approximately 5-miles west
of the site. Jurupa Avenue is identified as a primary highway in the City’s General Plan.
Existing Truck Routes
Figure 3-10, Truck Routes, shows that Santa Ana Avenue to the north, Citrus Avenue to the east, Jurupa
Avenue to the south, and Beech Avenue to the west are the truck routes in the vicinity of the Project site.
Existing Site Access
Access to the Project site is provided by Poplar Avenue to the west and Catawba Avenue to the east, both
of which connect to Rose Avenue, which bisects the Project site.
Existing Transit Service
OmniTrans provides bus service in the City. The closest route is along Jurupa Avenue, which is served by
Route 82 that runs along Milliken Avenue, Jurupa Avenue, and Citrus Avenue; with stops at Victoria Gardens,
Kaiser High School, and Summit High School. The closest bus stop to the Project site is located 0.25 mile south
at the intersection of Poplar Avenue and Jurupa Avenue.
Existing Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities
Citrus Avenue has Class II bicycle lanes north of Santa Ana Avenue in both directions. The City’s General
Plan identifies proposed Class II bicycle lanes along Poplar Avenue adjacent to the project and Santa Ana
Avenue to the north. Sidewalks currently exist on both Polar Avenue and Catawba Avenue except for the
area adjacent to the Project site. Sidewalks also line most of both sides of Santa Ana Avenue as well as
Jurupa Avenue.
Existing Vehicle Miles Traveled
The San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) provides VMT data for each of its member
agencies and for the County of San Bernardino region via its San Bernardino Transportation Analysis Model
(SBTAM). The SBTAM identifies a baseline VMT per service population value, which calculates the number of
daily vehicles miles traveled by each member of the “service population,” which includes area employees
and residents. The baseline VMT for San Bernardino County is 33.3 VMT per service population.
5.14.4 THRESHOLDS OF SIGNIFICANCE
Appendix G of State CEQA Guidelines indicates that a project could have a significant effect if it were to:
TR-1 Conflict with a program, plan, ordinance, or policy addressing the circulation system,
including transit, roadway, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities; or
TR-2 Conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.3, subdivision (b); or
TR-3 Substantially increase hazards due to a geometric design feature (e.g., sharp curves or
dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment); or
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TR-4 Result in inadequate emergency access.
Vehicle Miles Traveled Significance Criteria
State CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.3(b)(1) provides that for land use projects:
VMT traveled exceeding an applicable threshold of significance may indicate a significant impact.
Generally, projects within 0.5 mile of either an existing major transit stop or a stop along an existing
high quality transit corridor should be presumed to cause a less than significant transportation
impact. Projects that decrease vehicle miles traveled in the project area compared to existing
conditions should be presumed to have a less than significant transportation impact.
The City of Fontana’s Transportation Impact Analysis Guidelines were adopted in October 2020 and contain
the following screening thresholds to assess whether further VMT analysis is required. If the project meets
any of the following screening thresholds, then the VMT impact of the project is considered less than
significant and further VMT analysis is not required.
1. Transit Priority Area (TPA) Screening: Projects located within a TPA1 may be presumed to have a
less than significant impact.
2. Low VMT Screening Area: Projects located within a low VMT- generating area may be presumed
to have a less than significant impact absent substantial evidence to the contrary. The San Bernardino
County Transportation Authority screening tool identifies low VMT areas throughout the County.
3. Local Serving Land Use Projects: Local serving retail projects of less than 50,000 square feet may
be presumed to have a less than significant impact as they improve destination proximity and lead
to shorter trip lengths.
4. Less than 500 Net Daily Trips: Projects that generate less than 500 average daily trips (ADT) would
not cause a substantial increase in the total citywide or regional VMT and are therefore presumed
to have a less than significant impact on VMT.
As stated in the City’s Transportation Impact Analysis Guidelines, projects that are not screened through the
thresholds listed above would require VMT modeling using the San Bernardino Transportation Analysis Model
(SBTAM) to determine if they would have a significant VMT impact. Based on the SBTAM modeling, a project
would result in a significant project-generated VMT impact if either of the following conditions are met:
1. The baseline project-generated VMT per service population exceeds 15% below the baseline
County of San Bernardino VMT per service population, or
2. The cumulative project-generated VMT per service population exceeds 15% below the baseline
County of San Bernardino VMT per service population.
5.14.5 METHODOLOGY
As outlined in CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.3, except as provided for roadway capacity transportation
projects, a project’s effect on automobile delay shall not constitute a significant environmental impact.
Therefore, this analysis has been prepared in accordance with CEQA requirements to evaluate potential
transportation impacts based on VMT. The City of Fontana Transportation Impact Analysis Guidelines provides
criteria for projects that would be considered to have a less-than significant impact on VMT and therefore
could be screened out from further analysis; and those that would have the potential to result in a VMT
impact and therefore, require a VMT analysis based on VMT reduction thresholds. Consistent with the City
Guidelines, the VMT screening thresholds were used to identify if the Project could have an impact on VMT,
as detailed below.
1 A TPA is defined as a half mile area around an existing major transit stop or an existing stop along a high quality transit corridor per the
definitions of Pub. Resources Code, § 21064.3 and Pub. Resources Code, § 21155.
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In addition, the City’s Transportation Impact Analysis Guidelines requires analysis of projects that generate
more than 50 peak hour trips to determine if roadway/circulation improvements are required and to
implement the City’s DIF Program, as necessary. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines and the City’s Transportation
Impact Analysis Guidelines, this analysis focuses on the nature and magnitude of the change from
implementation of the proposed Project, as detailed in Section 3.0, Project Description. Trips generated by
the proposed Project have been estimated based on trip generation rates collected by the Institute of
Transportation Engineers (ITE) Trip Generation Manual, 11th Edition, 2021.
5.14.6 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
IMPACT TR-1: WOULD THE PROJECT CONFLICT WITH A PROGRAM, PLAN, ORDINANCE, OR
POLICY ADDRESSING THE CIRCULATION SYSTEM, INCLUDING TRANSIT,
ROADWAY, BICYCLE, AND PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES?
Less than Significant Impact
Roadway Facilities:
Operations: The City’s Transportation Impact Analysis Guidelines provides criteria to determine when a traffic
analysis should be prepared to evaluate a project’s potential effect on the circulation system. According to
the guidelines, if a project adds 50 peak hour trips, then an analysis would be required. As shown in Table
5.14-1, the proposed Project would generate 23 new Passenger Car Equivalent (PCE) trips during the AM
peak hour and 25 new PCE trips during the PM peak hour. Therefore, the Project would not meet the criteria
for requiring preparation of a traffic analysis, and the Project would not result in vehicle trips that could
conflict with a program, plan, or policy addressing the circulation system, and impacts would be less than
significant.
Table 5.14-1: Proposed Project Trip Generation
AM Peak Hour PM Peak Hour
Land Use Units Daily In Out Total In Out Total
Trip Rates
High-Cube Transload and Short-Term Storage1 TSF 1.40 0.06 0.02 0.08 0.03 0.07 0.10
Single-Family Detached Housing1 DU 9.43 0.18 0.52 0.70 0.59 0.35 0.94
Project Trip Generation
High-Cube Transload and Short-Term Storage 490.57 TSF 687 30 9 39 14 35 49
Vehicle Mix2 Percent2
Passenger Vehicles 79.57% 547 24 7 31 11 28 39
2-Axle truck 3.46% 24 1 0 1 0 2 2
3-Axle truck 4.64% 32 1 1 2 1 1 2
4+-Axle Trucks 12.33% 84 4 1 5 2 4 6
100% 687 30 9 39 14 35 49
PCE Trip Generation3 PCE Factor
Passenger Vehicles 1.0 547 24 7 31 11 28 39
2-Axle truck 1.5 36 2 0 2 0 3 3
3-Axle truck 2.0 64 2 2 4 2 2 4
4+-Axle Trucks 3.0 252 12 3 15 6 12 18 899 40 12 52 19 45 64
Existing Trip Generation
Single-Family Detached Housing 41 DU 387 7 22 29 24 15 39
Net Trip Generation 300 23 -13 10 -10 20 10
Net PCE Trip Generation 512 33 -10 23 -5 30 25
Source: Trip Generation and Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Screening Analysis (Appendix M) TSF = Thousand Square Feet DU = Dwelling Units PCE = Passenger Car Equivalent 1 Trip rates from the Institute of Transporation Engineers, Trip Generation, 11th Edition, 2021. Land Use Code 154 - High-Cube Transload and Short-Term Storage
and 210 - Single-Family Detached Housing.
2 Vehicle Mix from the City of Fontana, Truck Trip Generation Study, August 2003 for Heavy Warehouses.
3 Passenger Car Equivalent (PCE) factors from the San Bernardino County CMP, Appendix B - Guidelines for CMP Traffic Impact Analysis Reports in San Bernardino
County, 2016.
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Construction: Construction of the proposed Project is anticipated to occur over a 10-month period.
Construction-related trips generated on a daily basis throughout various construction activities would be
derived from construction workers and delivery of materials. It is anticipated Project construction would
generate haul trips distributed throughout the day. During construction, there would also be passenger car
construction trips associated with crew arrivals and departures. The weekday a.m. peak period is 7:00 a.m.
to 9:00 a.m., and the weekday p.m. peak period is 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. It is anticipated the majority of
construction crews would arrive and depart outside the peak hours, while delivery trucks would arrive and
depart throughout the day. As detailed in Section, 3.0, Project Description, Project grading is anticipated to
result in a net export of 8,743 C cubic yards (CY). As shown on Table 5.14-2, the building construction phase
of construction would generate the most vehicular trips per day from approximately 206 workers and 80
vendors per day, which would result in a total of 286 daily trips.
Table 5.14-2: Daily Construction Vehicle Trips
Construction Activity Worker Tips
Per Day
Vendor Trips
Per Day
Hauling Trips
Per Day
Demolition 15 0 35
Site Preparation 18 0 0
Grading 20 0 73
Building Construction 206 80 0
Paving 15 0 0
Architectural Coating 41 0 0
Source: Air Quality Impact Analysis (CaleeMod) (Appendix A)
All construction equipment, including construction worker vehicles, would be staged on the Project site for the
duration of the construction period. In addition, as part of the grading plan and building plan review
processes, the City permits would require appropriate measures to facilitate the passage of persons and
vehicles through/around any required road closures (as applicable). Therefore, construction impacts related
to conflict with an applicable plan, ordinance, or policy establishing measures of effectiveness for the
performance of the circulation system would be less than significant.
Transit: As described previously, the Project vicinity is served by OmniTrans Route 82, and the closest bus
stop is located 0.25 mile from the Project site. This existing transit service would continue to serve its ridership
in the area and may also serve employees of the Project. The proposed Project would not alter or conflict
with existing transit stops and schedules, and impacts related to transit services would not occur.
Bicycle Facilities: As detailed previously, bicycle lanes currently exist on Citrus Avenue; and the General
Plan includes Class II bicycle lanes along Poplar Avenue and Santa Ana Avenue. The Project would not result
in any conflicts with the existing or planned bike lanes. Thus, impacts related to bicycle facilities would not
occur.
Pedestrian Facilities: As detailed previously, sidewalks currently exist on portions of Poplar Avenue and
Catawba Avenue. Implementation of the Project would include roadway improvements on Poplar Avenue
and Catawba Avenue that include new sidewalks along the Project frontages. Because no sidewalks currently
exists along the Project site frontages, the Project would improve pedestrian facilities and the sidewalk
network. The proposed Project would not conflict with pedestrian facilities, but instead would provide
additional facilities. Thus, impacts related to pedestrian facilities would not occur.
IMPACT TR-2: WOULD THE PROJECT CONFLICT OR BE INCONSISTENT WITH CEQA
GUIDELINES SECTION 15064.3, SUBDIVISION (B) REGARDING VEHICLE MILES
TRAVELED?
Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. As described previously, State CEQA Guidelines Section
15064.3(b) focus on determining the significance of VMT-related transportation impacts. As detailed
previously, the City of Fontana’s Transportation Impact Analysis Guidelines contain the following screening
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thresholds to assess whether a project has the potential to result in an impact and further VMT analysis is
required. If the Project meets any of the following screening thresholds, then the VMT impact of the Project
is considered less than significant and further VMT analysis is not required.
1. Projects located within a TPA.
2. Projects within a low VMT screening area.
3. Local serving land use projects.
4. Projects generating less than 500 ADTs.
The applicability of each screening criteria in comparison to the proposed Project is discussed below.
Screening Criteria 1 - Transit Priority Area Screening: According to the City’s guidelines, projects located in
a TPA may be presumed to have a less than significant impact. The Project site is not located in a TPA;
therefore, the Project would not satisfy the requirements of Screening Criteria 1 – TPA screening.
Screening Criteria 2 - Low VMT Area Screening: The City’s guidelines include a screening threshold for
projects located in a low VMT generating area. A Low VMT generating area is defined as traffic analysis
zones (TAZs) with a total daily VMT/Service Population (employment plus population) that is 15% less than
the baseline level for the County. The Project site was evaluated using the SBCTA VMT Screening Tool (SBCTA
VMT Screening Tool (arcgis.com)). As shown in Figure 5.14-1, the Countywide VMT/Service Population is
33.3 and the VMT/Service Population for the area that includes the Project site is 49.4, which is above the
County average; and therefore, would not meet Screening Criteria 2 – Low-VMT Area Screening.
Screening Criteria 3 – Low Project Type: According to the City’s guidelines, projects which propose local
serving retail (retail projects less than 50,000 square feet) or other local serving uses would have a less than
significant impact on VMT. The types of projects considered local serving include supermarkets, hair/nail
salon, walk-in medical clinics/urgent care, K-12 schools, day care centers, and community institutions such as
libraries, fire stations, etc. The proposed Project does not consist of a local serving land use. Therefore, it
would not satisfy the requirements for Screening Criteria 3– Low Project Type.
Screening Criteria 4 – Net Daily Trips less than 500 ADT: According to the City’s guidelines, projects which
would generate fewer than 500 ADT would not cause a substantial increase in the total citywide or regional
VMT. As shown in Table 5.14-1, the Project would result in an increase of 300 daily trips. Because the project
would generate an increase of less than 500 ADT, it would satisfy the requirements for Screening Criteria 4
– Net Daily Trips less than 500 ADT.
As detailed above, the proposed Project would meet Screening Criteria 4 because it would generate fewer
than 500 ADT. Thus, the Project would have a less than significant impact on VMT and further analysis is not
required.
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Figure 5.14-1: SBCTA VMT Screening Tool Results
Input Output
#1 . Zoom in on the map to your project location so
parcels appear on map. Next, select 'Parcels' from the
drop-down. Then click the black square next to the drop-
down so you can select the parcel(s) for your project by
drawing a simple rectangle over the parcel(s) you need.*
Parcels • D
#2. Select the VMT Metric. Note each jurisdiction may
have adopted a different metric by which they measure
VMT. Please consult with the jurisdiction to verify which
metric to use for your analysis.*
OD VMT Per Service Population
#3. Select the Baseline Year. The years available for
anal sis are from 2016 to 2040.*
100 200ft
OSEAVE
■
Assessor Parcel 023717111
Numbe, (APN)
Traffic Analysis Zone 53721202
(TAZ)
TAZVMT 49.4
Jurisdiction VMT 33.3
% Difference 48.17%
VMT Metric OD VMT Per Service
Population
Th,eshold 28.3
~
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IMPACT TR-3: WOULD THE PROJECT SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASE HAZARDS DUE TO A
GEOMETRIC DESIGN FEATURE (E.G., SHARP CURVES OR DANGEROUS
INTERSECTIONS) OR INCOMPATIBLE USES (E.G., FARM EQUIPMENT)?
Less than Significant Impact. The proposed industrial development includes only a light industrial warehouse
facility. There are no proposed uses that would be incompatible. The development would also not increase
any hazards related to a design feature. Access to the Project site would be provided from two driveways
along Poplar Avenue and two driveways along Santa Ana Avenue. Separate passenger vehicle driveways
would be provided to limit potential incompatibility between trucks and passenger car movements. The onsite
circulation design provides fire truck accessibility and turning ability throughout the site. The Project includes
paving and ROW improvements, including streetlights, curb, gutter, sidewalk, and parkway landscape along
the Project site frontage of Poplar Avenue and Santa Ana Avenue. Sight distance at the Project driveways
would be reviewed to ensure compliance with City standards at the time of final grading, landscape, and
street improvement plan reviews. Compliance with existing regulations would be ensured through the City’s
development permitting process. As a result, impacts related to vehicular circulation design features would
be less than significant.
IMPACT TR-4: WOULD THE PROJECT RESULT IN INADEQUATE EMERGENCY ACCESS?
Less than Significant Impact. The proposed Project would not result in inadequate emergency access. Direct
access to the proposed Project would be from two driveways along Poplar Avenue and two driveways along
Santa Ana Avenue, which are directly adjacent to the site. Construction activities would occur within the
proposed Project site and would not restrict access of emergency vehicles to the site or adjacent areas. In
addition, travel along Poplar Avenue and Santa Ana Avenue would remain open and would not interfere
with emergency access in the site vicinity. The proposed Project is required to design and construct internal
access, and size and location of fire suppression facilities (e.g., hydrants and sprinklers) to conform to Fontana
Fire Protection District standards. The Fontana Fire Protection District would review the development plans
prior to approval to ensure adequate emergency access pursuant to the requirements in Section 503 of the
California Fire Code (Title 24, California Code of Regulations, Part 9). As such, the proposed Project would
not result in inadequate access, and impacts would be less than significant.
5.14.7 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
Vehicle Miles Traveled
The Office of Planning and Research’s Technical Advisory on Evaluating Transportation Impacts in CEQA states
that “a project that falls below an efficiency-based threshold that is aligned with long-term environmental
goals and relevant plans would have no cumulative impact distinct from the project impact.” As discussed
under Impact TR-2, the Project would meet Screening Criteria 4 because it would generate fewer than 500
ADT. Therefore, the proposed Project would not result in a cumulatively considerable impact related to VMT
and cumulative traffic impacts would be less than significant.
Design and Roadway Hazards
The evaluation of Impact TR-3 concluded that the proposed Project would not result in significant impacts
related to incompatible uses or hazards due to roadway design. The proposed circulation layout would be
required to be installed in conformance with City design standards to ensure that no potentially hazardous
design features or inadequate emergency access would be introduced by the Project that could combine
with potential hazards from other projects. In addition, cumulative development in the City and surrounding
jurisdictions would be subject to site-specific reviews, including reviews by police and fire protection
authorities that would not allow potential cumulatively considerable design hazards. Therefore, potential
impacts related to circulation design features would not occur from the Project and would not combine with
hazards from other projects. Thus, cumulative impacts would be less than significant.
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Alternative Transportation
The evaluation of Impact TR-1 concluded that the proposed Project would not result in significant impacts
related to alternative transportation or policies addressing the circulation system. Cumulative development
in the City and surrounding jurisdictions would be subject to site-specific reviews, including reviews of
sidewalk, bike lane, and bus stop designs that would not allow potential cumulatively considerable impacts
related to alternative transportation. Therefore, the Project would not cumulatively combine with other
projects to result in impacts related to alternative transportation. Thus, cumulative impacts would be less than
significant.
5.14.8 EXISTING REGULATIONS AND PLANS, PROGRAMS, OR POLICIES
Existing Regulations
• SB 743
• SCAG 2020 - 2045 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy
• City of Fontana DIF Program
Plans, Programs, or Policies (PPPs)
None.
5.14.9 PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES
None.
5.14.10 LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE BEFORE MITIGATION
Upon implementation of regulatory requirements, Impacts TR-1 through TR-4 would be less than significant.
5.14.11 MITIGATION MEASURES
None.
5.14.12 LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE AFTER MITIGATION
No mitigation is required. Impacts would be less than significant.
REFERENCES
California Department of Transportation. “Traffic Safety Bulletin 20-02-R1: Interim Local Development
Intergovernmental Review Safety Review Practitioners Guidance.” 18 December 2020. https://dot.ca.gov/-
/media/dot-media/programs/safety-programs/documents/policy/interim-ldigr-safety-guidance-memo-
revision1-and-guidance-a11y.pdf
City of Fontana General Plan, 2018. Accessed: https://www.fontana.org/2632/General-Plan-Update-
2015---2035
City of Fontana General Plan Update EIR. Accessed: https://www.fontana.org/2632/General-Plan-
Update-2015---2035
City of Fontana Transportation Impact Analysis Guidelines, 2020. Accessed:
https://www.fontana.org/DocumentCenter/View/35928/TIA-Guidelines---VMT-Assessment
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EPD Solutions, Inc. “Trip Generation and Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Screening Analysis”, 2022. Appendix
M.
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5.15 Tribal Cultural Resources
5.15.1 INTRODUCTION
This section addresses potential impacts to tribal cultural resources (TCR) associated with implementation of
the Project. The analysis in this section is based, in part, on the following documents and resources:
• Cultural Resources Study for the Poplar South Distribution Center Project; Brian F. Smith and Associates;
5 August 2022; Appendix E
• City of Fontana General Plan 2015-2035, Adopted 13 November 2018
• City of Fontana General Plan 2015-2035 Environmental Impact Report, Certified 10 August 2018
• City of Fontana Code of Ordinances
Additionally, part of this analysis is based upon Project-specific coordination and consultation with California
Native American tribes that are traditionally and culturally affiliated with the Project region.
5.15.2 REGULATORY SETTING
5.15.2.1 Federal Regulations
Archaeological Resources Protection Act
The Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) of 1979 regulates the protection of archaeological
resources and sites on federal and Native American lands. The ARPA regulates authorized archaeological
investigations on federal lands; increased penalties for looting and vandalism of archaeological resources;
required that the locations and natures of archaeological resources be kept confidential in most cases. In
1988, amendments to the ARPA included a requirement for public awareness programs regarding
archaeological resources (NPS 2018).
Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA)
NAGPRA is a federal law passed in 1990 that mandates museums and federal agencies to return certain
Native American cultural items—such as human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, or objects of
cultural patrimony—to lineal descendants or culturally affiliated Indian tribes.
5.15.2.2 State Regulations
California Senate Bill 18
Senate Bill 18 (SB 18) (California Government Code Section 65352.3) sets forth requirements for local
governments to consult with California Native American tribes identified by the NAHC to aid in the protection
of TCR. The intent of SB 18 is to provide California Native American tribes an opportunity to participate in
local land use decisions at an early stage of planning to protect or mitigate impacts on TCR. The Tribal
Consultation Guidelines: Supplement to General Plan Guidelines (OPR, 2005), identifies the following contact
and notification responsibilities of local governments:
• Prior to the adoption or any amendment of a general plan or specific plan, a local government must
notify the appropriate tribes (on the contact list maintained by the NAHC) of the opportunity to
conduct consultations for the purpose of preserving, or mitigating impacts to, cultural places located
on land within the local government’s jurisdiction that is affected by the proposed plan adoption or
amendment. Tribes have 90 days from the date on which they receive notification to request
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consultation, unless a shorter timeframe has been agreed to by the tribe (Government Code Section
65352.3).
• Prior to the adoption or substantial amendment of a general plan or specific plan, a local
government must refer the proposed action to those tribes that are on the NAHC contact list and
have traditional lands located within the city or county’s jurisdiction. The referral must allow a 45-
day comment period (Government Code Section 65352). Notice must be sent regardless of whether
prior consultation has taken place. Such notice does not initiate a new consultation process.
• Local government must send a notice of a public hearing, at least 10 days prior to the hearing, to
tribes who have filed a written request for such notice (Government Code Section 65092).
Because the Project includes a General Plan and Specific Plan Amendment, it is subject to the statutory
requirements of SB 18 Tribal Consultation Guidelines.
California Assembly Bill 52
Assembly Bill 52 (AB 52) established a requirement under CEQA to consider “tribal cultural values, as well
as scientific and archaeological values when determining impacts and mitigation.” Public Resources Code
(PRC) Section 21074(a) defines “tribal cultural resources” as “[s]ites, features, places, cultural landscapes,
sacred places, and objects with cultural value to a California Native American tribe” that are either
“[i]ncluded or determined to be eligible for inclusion in the California Register of Historical Resources” or “in
a local register of historical resources.” Additionally, defined cultural landscapes, historical resources, and
archaeological resources may be considered TCR (PRC Sections 21074(b), (c)). The lead agency may also
in its discretion treat a resource as a TCR if it is supported with substantial evidence.
Projects for which a notice of preparation for a Draft EIR was filed on or after July 1, 2015, are required
to have lead agencies offer California Native American tribes traditionally and culturally affiliated with the
project area consultation on CEQA documents prior to submitting an EIR in order to protect TCRs. PRC Section
21080.3.1(b) defines “consultation” as “the meaningful and timely process of seeking, discussing, and
considering carefully the views of others, in a manner that is cognizant of all parties’ cultural values and,
where feasible, seeking agreement.” Consultation must “be conducted in a way that is mutually respectful of
each party’s sovereignty [and] recognize the tribes’ potential needs for confidentiality with respect to places
that have traditional tribal cultural significance.” The consultation process is outlined as follows:
1. California Native American tribes traditionally and culturally affiliated with the project area submit
written requests to participate in consultations.
2. Lead agencies are required to provide formal notice to the California Native American tribes that
requested to participate within 14 days of the lead agency’s determination that an application
package is complete or decision to undertake a project.
3. California Native American tribes have 30 days from receipt of notification to request consultation
on a project.
4. Lead agencies initiate consultations within 30 days of receiving a California Native American tribe’s
request for consultation on a project.
5. Consultations are complete when the lead agencies and California Native tribes participating have
agreed on measures to mitigate or avoid a significant impact on a TCR, or after a reasonable effort
in good faith has been made and a party concludes that a mutual agreement cannot be reached
(PRC Sections 21082.3(a), (b)(1)-(2); 21080.3.1(b)(1)).
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AB 52 requires that the CEQA document disclose significant impacts on TCRs and discuss feasible alternatives
or mitigation to avoid or lessen an impact.
California Health and Safety Code, Section 7050.5
This code requires that if human remains are discovered on a project site, disturbance of the site shall halt
and remain halted until the coroner has conducted an investigation into the circumstances, manner, and cause
of any death, and the recommendations concerning the treatment and disposition of the human remains have
been made to the person responsible for the excavation, or to his or her authorized representative. If the
coroner determines that the remains are not subject to his or her authority and recognizes or has reason to
believe the human remains are those of a Native American, he or she shall contact, by telephone within 24
hours, the NAHC.
California Public Resources Code, Sections 5097.9 to 5097.991
PRC Sections 5097.9 to 5097.991 provide protection to Native American historical and cultural resources
and sacred sites and identify the powers and duties of the NAHC. These sections also require notification to
descendants of discoveries of Native American human remains and provide for treatment and disposition of
human remains and associated grave goods.
5.15.2.3 Local Regulations
Fontana General Plan
The City of Fontana General Plan contains the following goals and policies related to TCR’s that are
applicable to the Project:
Community and Neighborhoods Element
Goal 1 The integrity and character of historic structures, and cultural resources sites within the City
of Fontana are preserved.
Policies
▪ Coordinate city programs and policies to support preservation goals.
▪ Support and promote community-based historic preservation initiatives.
▪ Collaborate with the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) and local tribal
organizations about land development that may affect Native American cultural
resources and artifacts.
5.15.3 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
Native American Tribes
The Project is within the traditional use territories of the Gabrielino and Serrano people. The prehistoric
setting discussion begins at the Paleo Indian Period (11,500 to circa 9,000 years ago). Paleo Indians were
likely attracted to multiple habitat types, including mountains, marshlands, estuaries, and lakeshores. These
people likely subsisted using more generalized hunting, gathering, and collecting of birds, mollusks, and
large and small animals.
The Archaic Period (circa 9,000 to 1,300 years ago) was a period where increased moisture allowed for
more extensive occupation of the region. The material culture related to this time period include mortar and
pestle, dart points, and arrow points.
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At approximately 1,500 years ago, during the Late Prehistoric Period, bow and arrow technology started
to emerge. Brownware and buffware pottery vessels started to diffuse across the Southern California
deserts. The shift in material culture assemblages is largely attributed to the emergence of Shoshonean
(Takic-speaking) people who entered California from the east.
Sedentism continued to intensify through the Protohistoric Period (410 to 180 years ago). Ceramic technology
appeared in the region during the Protohistoric Period, which ended with the beginning of Spanish settlement
in 1769.
The Cultural Resources Assessment identified two prehistoric resources within one half mile of the Project site.
These prehistoric resources include a prehistoric habitation site and artifact scatter and a prehistoric isolate
scatter. None of the archaeological resources are within the Project site.
Based on historical aerials, the Project site was used agriculturally as early as the 1930s. By 1948, the
Project site was in the process of being cleared and developed for rural residential use which continued
throughout the twentieth century. The Project site is currently entirely developed with 41 individual residential
parcels 40 of which are developed with residences with associated detached garages, sheds, and other
ancillary structures. The Cultural Resources Study identified 33 historic-era structures within the Project site
located at 11005-11093 Poplar Avenue, 15731-15878 Rose Avenue, and 11006-11098 Catawba
Avenue (BFSA 2022a). However, results of the historic structure evaluation determined that the structures at
11005-11093 Poplar Avenue, 15731-15878 Rose Avenue, and 11006-11098 Catawba Avenue
properties do not qualify for designation under the Fontana Local Register and do not meet the definition
of a historical resource under the CRHR or pursuant to CEQA Guidelines § 15064.5 (Urbana 2022). The
Project site is not listed on the NAHC Sacred Lands File.
5.15.4 THRESHOLDS OF SIGNIFICANCE
Appendix G of State CEQA Guidelines indicates that a project could have a significant effect if it were to
cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a tribal cultural resource, defined in Public
Resources Code section 21074 as either a site, feature, place, cultural landscape that is geographically
defined in terms of the size and scope of the landscape, sacred place, or object with cultural value to a
California Native American tribe, and that is:
TCR-1 Listed or eligible for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources, or in a local register
of historical resources as defined in Public Resources Code Section 5020.1(k); or
TCR-2 A resource determined by the lead agency, in its discretion and supported by substantial
evidence, to be significant pursuant to criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resources
Code Section 5024.1, that considers the significance of the resource to a California Native
American tribe.
5.15.5 METHODOLOGY
The TCR analysis is based on the Cultural Resources Assessment and consultation carried out by the City of
Fontana pursuant to AB 52 and SB 18. The Cultural Resources Assessment included an archaeological and
historical records search, completed at the South Central Coastal Information Center (SCCIC) at California
State University, Fullerton on June 16, 2022. This search included the Project site with an additional one-half
mile buffer. Pedestrian surveys were conducted at the Project site; see Section 5.4.5 for details on the
Methodology. The NAHC was contacted to perform a Sacred Lands File (SLF) search; and local Native
American tribes were contacted to elicit local knowledge of cultural resource issues related to the Project.
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5.15.6 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
IMPACT TCR-1: THE PROJECT WOULD NOT CAUSE A SUBSTANTIAL ADVERSE CHANGE IN THE
SIGNIFICANCE OF A TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCE, DEFINED IN PUBLIC RESOURCES
CODE SECTION 21074 AS EITHER A SITE, FEATURE, PLACE, CULTURAL LANDSCAPE
THAT IS GEOGRAPHICALLY DEFINED IN TERMS OF THE SIZE AND SCOPE OF THE
LANDSCAPE, SACRED PLACE, OR OBJECT WITH CULTURAL VALUE TO A
CALIFORNIA NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBE, AND THAT IS LISTED OR ELIGIBLE FOR
LISTING IN THE CALIFORNIA REGISTER OF HISTORICAL RESOURCES, OR IN A LOCAL
REGISTER OF HISTORICAL RESOURCES AS DEFINED IN PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE
SECTION 5020.1(K).
Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. Assembly Bill (AB) 52 requires meaningful consultation
between lead agencies and California Native American tribes regarding potential impacts on tribal cultural
resources (TCRs). TCRs are sites, features, places, cultural landscapes, sacred places, and objects with cultural
value to a California Native American tribe that are either eligible or listed in the California Register of
Historical Resources or local register of historical resources (PRC Section 21074). On June 2, 2022, a Sacred
Lands File (SLF) search and a list of Native American tribes who may have knowledge of cultural resources
in the Project area was requested from the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC). On July 5, 2022,
the NAHC responded with a list of Native American tribes and that the SLF search yielded negative results
for known tribal cultural resources or sacred lands within a 1-mile radius of the Project site.
On August 24, 2022, the City sent letters to all of the Native American tribes that may have knowledge
regarding tribal cultural resources in the Project area. The City consulted with each tribe that requested
consultation. During the course of the tribal consultation process, no Native American tribe provided the City
with substantial evidence indicating that tribal cultural resources, as defined in Public Resources Code Section
21074, are present on the Project Site or have been found previously on the Project Site. However, due to
the Project Site’s location in an area where Native American tribes are known to have a cultural affiliation,
there is the possibility that archaeological resources, including tribal cultural resources, could be encountered
during ground disturbing construction activities. As such, Project-specific mitigation measure Mitigation
Measure CUL-1 would be implemented to require archaeological and Native American monitoring during
any ground disturbing activities on the Project site and to avoid potential impacts to tribal cultural resources
that may be unearthed by Project construction activities. With implementation of Mitigation Measure CUL-1,
impacts to tribal cultural resources would be less than significant.
IMPACT TCR-2: THE PROJECT WOULD NOT CAUSE A SUBSTANTIAL ADVERSE CHANGE IN THE
SIGNIFICANCE OF A TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCE, DEFINED IN PUBLIC RESOURCES
CODE SECTION 21074 AS EITHER A SITE, FEATURE, PLACE, CULTURAL LANDSCAPE
THAT IS GEOGRAPHICALLY DEFINED IN TERMS OF THE SIZE AND SCOPE OF THE
LANDSCAPE, SACRED PLACE, OR OBJECT WITH CULTURAL VALUE TO A CALIFORNIA
NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBE, AND THAT IS A RESOURCE DETERMINED BY THE LEAD
AGENCY, IN ITS DISCRETION AND SUPPORTED BY SUBSTANTIAL EVIDENCE, TO BE
SIGNIFICANT PURSUANT TO CRITERIA SET FORTH IN SUBDIVISION (C) OF PUBLIC
RESOURCES CODE SECTION 5024.1. IN APPLYING THE CRITERIA SET FORTH IN
SUBDIVISION (C) OF PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE SECTION 5024.1, THE LEAD AGENCY
SHALL CONSIDER THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RESOURCE TO A CALIFORNIA NATIVE
AMERICAN TRIBE.
Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. In accordance with Public Resource Code (PRC) Section
5024.1(c), a resource is considered historically significant if it meets at least one of the following criteria:
1. Associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of local or
regional history or the cultural heritage of California or the United States;
2. Associated with the lives of persons important to local, California or national history;
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3. Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, region or method of construction or
represents the work of a master or possesses high artistic values; or
4. Has yielded, or has the potential to yield, information important to the prehistory or history of the
local area, California or the nation.
The Project site does not meet any of the criteria listed above from PRC Section 5024.1(c). As described in
the previous response, there are no resources onsite that meet the criteria for the CRHR. None of the Native
American tribes contacted by the City provided the City with substantial evidence indicating that tribal
cultural resources, as defined in Public Resources Code Section 21074, are present on the Project Site or
have been found previously on the Project Site. The Project site contains no known resources significant
pursuant to criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code Section 5024.1 However, Mitigation
Measure CUL-1 is included to require an archaeological and Native American monitor to be present for all
ground disturbing activities to monitor for any unexpected resources that may be unearthed during ground
disturbing activities. With implementation of Mitigation Measure CUL-1, impacts to a tribal cultural resource
would be less than significant.
As discussed in Section 5.4, Cultural Resources, in the unlikely event that human remains are encountered
during grading or soil disturbance activities, the California Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5
Compliance with the established regulatory framework (i.e., California Health and Safety Code Section
7050.5 and Public Resources Code Section 5097.98, included as PPP CUL-1) would provide that any
potential impacts to human remains and tribal cultural resources would be less than significant.
5.15.7 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
The Project’s potential to result in cumulatively considerable impacts to tribal cultural resources were
analyzed in conjunction with other projects located in the influence areas of the tribes in the region. There is
potential for tribal cultural resources to be uncovered during construction activities from the Project. Other
development projects within the region would have a similar potential to uncover tribal cultural resources.
Cumulative impacts would be reduced by each development project’s compliance with applicable
regulations, consultations required by AB 52, and project-specific mitigation. Project implementation of
Mitigation Measures CUL-1 and PPP CUL-1 would reduce project-level impacts to less than significant, and
the Project’s contribution for cumulatively significant impacts on inadvertent discoveries on tribal cultural
resources would also be reduced to less than significant.
5.15.8 EXISTING REGULATIONS AND PLANS, PROGRAMS, OR POLICIES
Existing Regulations
• California Government Code Sections 5097.9-5097.99
• California Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5
• California Public Resources Code Sections 21073 et seq. (AB 52)
Plans, Programs, or Policies (PPPs)
CUL-1: Human Remains. If human remains are found on this site, the developer/permit holder or any
successor in interest shall comply with State Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5. Pursuant to State Health
and Safety Code Section 7050.5, if human remains are encountered, no further disturbance shall occur until
the San Bernardino County Coroner has made the necessary findings as to origin. Further, pursuant to Public
Resources Code Section 5097.98 (b), remains shall be left in place and free from disturbance until a final
decision as to the treatment and their disposition has been made. If the San Bernardino County Coroner
determines the remains to be Native American, the Native American Heritage Commission shall be contacted
by the Coroner within the period specified by law (24 hours). Subsequently, the Native American Heritage
Commission shall identify the “Most Likely Descendant”. The Most Likely Descendant shall then make
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recommendations and engage in consultation with the property owner concerning the treatment of the
remains as provided in Public Resources Code Section 5097.98.
5.15.9 PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES
None.
5.15.10 LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE BEFORE MITIGATION
Without mitigation the following impacts would be potentially significant:
• Impact TCR-1: Earth-disturbing activities during construction may inadvertently uncover tribal cultural
resources.
• Impact TCR-2: Inadvertent discovery of subsurface artifacts may be of Native American heritage
and be potentially significant.
5.15.11 MITIGATION MEASURES
Mitigation Measure CUL-1: Archaeological Monitoring. Prior to the issuance of the first grading permit,
the applicant shall provide a letter to the City Planning Division, or designee, from a qualified professional
archeologist meeting the Secretary of Interior’s Professional Qualifications for Archaeology as defined at
36 CFR Part 61, Appendix A, stating that qualified archeologists have been retained and will be present at
pre-grade meetings and for all initial ground disturbing activities, up to five feet in depth. Additionally,
tribal monitor(s) shall be required on-site during all ground-disturbing activities.
Archaeological and Native American monitoring and excavation during construction shall be consistent with
current professional standards. All feasible care to avoid any unnecessary disturbance, physical modification,
or separation of human remains and associated funerary objects shall be taken.
Upon discovery of any tribal cultural or archaeological resources, construction activities shall be halted within
60 feet of the find until the find can be assessed. All cultural, tribal and archaeological resources unearthed
by Project construction activities shall be evaluated by the qualified archaeologist and tribal monitor. If the
resources are Native American in origin, interested Tribes (as a result of correspondence with area Tribes)
shall coordinate with the landowner regarding treatment and curation of these resources. Typically, the Tribe
will request preservation in place or recovery for educational purposes. Work may continue on other parts
of the project while evaluation takes place.
Preservation in place shall be the preferred manner of treatment. If preservation in place is not feasible,
treatment may include implementation of archaeological data recovery excavation to remove the resource
along the subsequent laboratory processing and analysis. All Tribal Cultural Resources shall be returned to
the Tribe. Any historic archaeological material that is not Native American in origin shall be curated at a
public, non-profit institution with a research interest in the materials, if such an institution agrees to accept
the material. If no institution accepts the archaeological material, they shall be offered to the Tribe or a
local school or historical society in the area for educational purposes.
5.15.12 LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE AFTER MITIGATION
Mitigation Measures CUL-1 and existing regulatory programs and requirements described in Section 5.4
and herein Section 5.15 would reduce potential impacts associated with TCRs for Impacts TCR-1 and TCR-2
to less than significant. Therefore, no significant unavoidable adverse impacts related to TCRs would occur.
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REFERENCES
Brian F. Smith and Associates, Inc. A Cultural Resources Study for the Poplar South Distribution Center Project.
5 August 2022. (BFSA 2022a). Appendix E.
City of Fontana. General Plan Update 2015-2035. 13 November 2018. Accessed: 3 February 2023.
https://www.fontana.org/2632/General-Plan-Update-2015---2035
City of Fontana. General Plan Update 2015-2035 Draft Environmental Impact Report. 8 June 2018.
Accessed: 3 February 2023. https://www.fontana.org/DocumentCenter/View/29524/Draft-
Environmental-Impact-Report-for-the-General-Plan-Update
Urbana Preservation and Planning. Historical Resource Summary 11005-11093 Poplar Avenue, 15731-
15878 Rose Avenue, 11006-11098 Catawba Avenue, Fontana, California. 3 November 2022. (Urbana
2022). Appendix F.
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5.16 Utilities and Service Systems
5.16.1 INTRODUCTION
This section of the Draft EIR evaluates the potential effects on utilities and service systems from implementation
of the proposed Project by identifying anticipated demand and existing and planned utility availability.
This includes water supply and infrastructure, wastewater, drainage, and solid waste. Electric power, natural
gas, and telecommunications are discussed below; additionally, energy resource uses are further described
in Section 5.5, Energy. Water supply and infrastructure capacity information in this section is from:
• City of Fontana General Plan, November 2018
• Fontana Forward General Plan Update 2015-2035 Draft Environmental Impact Report, June 2018
• City of Fontana Code of Ordinances
• San Gabriel Valley Water Company Fontana Water Company Division 2020 Urban Water
Management Plan, June 2021
Because CEQA focuses on physical environmental effects, this section analyzes whether increases in demand
for water and wastewater utilities would result from implementation of the Project that would result in
significant adverse physical environmental effects. For example, an increase in wastewater generation, by
itself, would not be considered a physical change in the environment; however, physical changes in the
environment resulting from the construction of new facilities or an expansion of existing wastewater facilities
could constitute a significant impact under CEQA.
5.16.2 WATER
5.16.2.1 WATER REGULATORY SETTING
5.16.2.1.1 Federal Water Regulatory Setting
Clean Water Act
The Clean Water Act (CWA) was enacted by Congress in 1972 and is the primary federal law regulating
water quality in the United States. The objective of the CWA is to reduce or eliminate water pollution in the
nation’s rivers, streams, lakes, and coastal waters. The CWA forms the basic national framework for the
management of water quality and the control of pollution discharges; it provides the legal framework for
several water quality regulations, including the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES),
effluent limitations, water quality standards, pretreatment standards, antidegradation policy, nonpoint
source discharge programs, and wetlands protection. The United States Environmental Protection Agency
(USEPA) has delegated the responsibility for administration of CWA portions to State and regional agencies.
In California, the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) administers the NPDES permitting program
and is responsible for developing NPDES permitting requirements. The SWRCB works in coordination with
the Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCB) to preserve, protect, enhance, and restore water
quality.
Safe Drinking Water Act
The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) was originally passed by Congress in 1974 to protect public health
by regulating the nation’s public drinking water supply. The SDWA authorizes the USEPA to set national
health-based standards for drinking water to protect against both naturally-occurring and man-made
contaminants that may be found in drinking water. The law was amended in 1986 and 1996 to recognize
source water protection, operator training, funding for water system improvements, and public information
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as important components of safe drinking water. This approach ensures the quality of drinking water by
protecting it from source to tap. The US EPA, states, and water systems then work together to make sure that
these standards are met. The Safe Drinking Water Act applies to every public water system in the United
States.
5.16.2.1.2 State Water Regulatory Setting
California Urban Water Management Planning Act
Section 10610 of the California Water Code established the California Urban Water Management Planning
Act (CUWMPA), requires urban water suppliers to initiate planning strategies to ensure an appropriate level
of reliability in its water service. CUWMPA states that every urban water supplier that provides water to
3,000 or more customers, or that annually provides more than 3,000 acre-feet of water service, should make
every effort to ensure the appropriate level of reliability in its water service to meet the needs of its various
categories of customers during normal, dry, and multiple-dry years. The CUWMPA describes the contents of
UWMP’s as well as methods for urban water suppliers to adopt and implement the plans.
Senate Bill 610
Senate Bill (SB) 610 requires public urban water suppliers with 3,000 or more service connections to identify
existing and planned sources of water for planned developments of a certain size. It further requires the
public water system to prepare a specified water supply assessment (WSA) for projects that meet the
following criteria:
a) A proposed residential development of more than 500 dwelling units;
b) A proposed shopping center employing more than 1,000 persons or having more than 500,000
square feet of floor space;
c) A commercial office building employing more than 1,000 persons or having more than 250,000
square feet of floor space;
d) A hotel or motel, or both, with more than 500 rooms;
e) An industrial, manufacturing, or processing plant, or industrial park planned to house more than
1,000 persons, occupying more than 40 acres of land, or having more than 650,000 sf of floor
area; and
f) A mixed-use project that includes one or more of the projects above.
The components of a WSA include existing water demand, future water demand by the project, and must
ensure that water is available for the project during normal years, a single dry year, and multiple dry years
during a 20-year future projection period. The WSA must also describe whether the project’s water demand
is accounted for in the water supplier’s UWMP. Supplies of water for future water supply must be
documented in the WSA.
CalGreen Building Code
California Code of Regulations Title 24, Part 11, establishes the California Green Building Code or
CALGreen. The CALGreen Code is updated every three years. It was recently updated in 2022 and became
effective January 1, 2023. CALGreen sets forth water efficiency standards (i.e., maximum flow rates) for
all new plumbing and irrigation fittings and fixtures
5.16.2.1.3 Local Water Regulatory Setting
Fontana General Plan Update
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The Fontana General Plan Update includes the following goals, policies, and programs that are applicable
to the Project:
Infrastructure and Green Systems Element
Goal 1 Fontana collaborates with public and private agencies for an integrated and sustainable
water resource management program.
Policy
▪ Support initiatives to provide a long term supply of the right water for the right use
through working with regional providers and the One Water One Watershed Plan.
Goal 2 Fontana promotes use of non-potable water for uses where drinking water is not needed.
Policies
▪ Encourage use of processed water from the IEUA systems using recycled water for all
non-drinking water purposes.
▪ Promote laundry-to-landscape greywater systems for single-family units.
Goal 3 The City continues to have an effective water conservation program.
Policies
▪ Support landscaping in public and private spaces with drought-resistant plants.
▪ Continue successful city water conservation programs and partnerships.
Goal 4 The City of Fontana consistently seeks reasonable rates from the city’s drinking water
providers.
Policy
▪ Support City negotiations to keep drinking water rates reasonable for residents and
other users.
Goal 6 Fontana has a stormwater drainage system that is environmentally and economically
sustainable and compatible with regional One Water One Watershed standards.
Policies
▪ Continue to implement the water-quality management plan for stormwater management
that incorporates low-impact and green infrastructure standards.
▪ Promote natural drainage approaches (green infrastructure) and other alternative non-
structural and structural best practices to manage and treat stormwater.
▪ Use street parkways to treat and infiltrate runoff for new developments and
redevelopments.
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Sustainability and Resilience Element
Goal 1 Conservation of water resources with best practices such as drought-tolerant plant species,
recycled water, greywater systems, has become a way of life in Fontana.
Policy
▪ Continue to promote and implement best practices to conserve water.
5.16.2.2 WATER ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
The Project site is located within the water service area of the Fontana Water Company (FWC), which
provides retail water service to an area of approximately 52 square miles in San Bernardino County. FWC’s
service area boundaries include most of Fontana, portions of Rialto and Rancho Cucamonga, and
unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County.
FWC participates in the San Gabriel Valley Water Company Fontana Water Company Division Urban
Water Management Plan (2020). This Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) is a tool that provides a
summary of anticipated water supplies and demands for the next 20 years for the region that FWC services
including most of the City of Fontana, portions of the Cities of Rialto and Rancho Cucamonga and
unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County.
FWC operates a network of water pipelines, reservoirs, pumping and water treatment facilities to deliver
treated drinking water to its customers.
Currently, there is an existing 6-inch domestic water line located in Rose Avenue and an existing 4-inch
domestic water line in Poplar Avenue. The existing 6-inch domestic water line within Rose Avenue is to be
abandoned. The Project would install new 3-inch water lines that would connect to the existing 4-inch water
line in Poplar Avenue.
Water Supply and Demand
FWC has four sources of water supply: groundwater pumped from FWC-owned and operated wells from
the underlying Chino Basin, Rialto-Colton/No Man’s Land Basins, and Lytle Basin; local surface water
diverted from Lytle Creek, treated at the Summit Plant; untreated, imported surface water from the State
Water Project (SWP) purchased from the Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA) and San Bernardino Valley
Municipal Water District (SBVMWD), treated at the Summit Plant; and recycled water purchased from IEUA.
Table 5.16-1 summarizes FWC’s current retail water supplies. As shown on Table 5.16-1, in 2020 the FWC
obtained the majority of its water supply from non-desalinated groundwater in the Chino Basin.
Table 5.16-1: FWC Water Supply 2020
Water Supply Source Actual Volume
(acre-feet)
Water Quality
Retail
Purchased or Imported Water IEUA 10,027 Other Non-Potable
Water
Purchased or Imported Water SBVMWD 0 Other Non-Potable
Water
Groundwater (not desalinated) Chino Basin 11,859 Drinking Water
Groundwater (not desalinated) Rialto-Colton Basin 2,538 Drinking Water
Groundwater (not desalinated) Lytle Basin 6,422 Drinking Water
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Groundwater (not desalinated) No Man's Land Basin 2,633 Drinking Water
Surface Water (not
desalinated)
Lytle Creek 5,965 Drinking Water
Recycled Water IEUA 387 Other Non-Potable
Water
Total Volume of Potable Water in AF 29,417 Drinking Water
Total Volume of Non-Potable Water in AF 10,414 Non-Potable Water
Total 39,831 All
Source: UWMP 2020.
Table 5.16-2 summarizes FWC’s projected overall water supplies. As shown in Table 5.16-2, the 2020
UWMP estimates that water supplies in the future are anticipated to be obtained through a similar mix of
purchased or imported water, groundwater, and recycled water. The 2020 UWMP anticipates that the
FWC’s water supply will increase from 45,593 AF in 2025 to 51,943 AF in 2045 (increase of 6,350 AF) to
meet the FWC’s anticipated growth in water demands.
Table 5.16-2: FWC Projected Water Supply (AF)
Water Supply Source 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045
Retail
Purchased or Imported
Water
IEUA 15,000 15,000 15,000 15,000 15,000
Purchased or Imported
Water
SBVMWD 3,200 3,200 3,200 3,200 3,200
Groundwater (not
desalinated)
Chino Basin 9,278 9,983 11,128 12,293 13,183
Groundwater (not
desalinated)
Rialto Basin (Including No
Man's Land)
5,865 5,976 6,087 6,199 6,310
Groundwater (not
desalinated)
Lytle Basin 6,390 6,390 6,390 6,390 6,390
Surface Water (not
desalinated)
Lytle Creek 4,860 4,860 4,860 4,860 4,860
Recycled Water IEUA 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 3,000
Total Volume of Potable Water in AF 26,393 27,709 29,465 31,242 32,743
Total Volume of Non-Potable Water in AF 19,200 19,200 19,200 19,200 19,200
Total 45,593 46,909 48,665 50,442 51,943
Source: UWMP 2020.
The 2045 projections anticipate that approximately 35 percent of supply would be from purchased or
imported water, approximately 50 percent would be from groundwater, approximately 9 percent from
surface water, and approximately 6 percent from recycled water.
Table 5.16-3: FWC Projected Water Demand (AF)
Water Supply 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045
Potable Water, Raw,
Other Non-potable
44,593 45,409 46,665 47,942 48,943
Recycled Water 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 3,000
Total Water Demand 45,593 46,909 48,665 50,442 51,943
Source: UWMP 2020.
Projected demands for FWC were developed using populations projections and recent per capita water
use for FWC’s service area. Using SB X7-7’s method (80 percent of base daily per capita water use),
daily average water use was divided by the service area population to obtain baseline and target GPCD
(UWMP 2020). Growth rates were based on a forecast of future population prepared by the Southern
California Association of Governments (SCAG). Further, FWC selected a baseline demand of 165 gallons
per capita per day (GPCD) to project future water demands from 2025 through 2045. The water demand
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projections, as shown in Table 5.16-3 for 2025 through 2045 demonstrate that FWC’s demands will be
consistent with projected water supply. Additionally, as shown in Table 5.16-4, FWC has adequate
supplies to serve 100 percent of its customers during normal, dry year, and multiple dry year demand
through 2045 with projected population increases and accompanying increases in water demand if
conservation measures are implemented as expected (UWMP 2020).
Table 5.16-4: FWC Projected Water Demand in Normal, Single and Multiple Dry Years (AF)
Water Source 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045
Normal Year
Supply Totals 45,593 46,909 48,665 50,442 51,943
Demand Totals 45,593 46,909 48,665 50,442 51,943
Difference 0 0 0 0 0
Single Dry Year
Supply Totals 34,006 34,987 36,297 37,623 38,742
Demand Totals 34,006 34,987 36,297 37,623 38,742
Difference 0 0 0 0 0
Multiple Dry Years
First Year
Supply Totals 42,886 44,124 45,776 47,447 48,859
Demand Totals 42,886 44,124 45,776 47,447 48,859
Difference 0 0 0 0 0
Second Year
Supply Totals 41,415 42,610 44,206 45,820 47,183
Demand Totals 41,415 42,610 44,206 45,820 47,183
Difference 0 0 0 0 0
Third Year
Supply Totals 34,074 35,057 36,369 37,697 38,819
Demand Totals 34,074 35,057 36,369 37,697 38,819
Difference 0 0 0 0 0
Fourth Year
Supply Totals 34,006 34,987 36,297 37,623 38,742
Demand Totals 34,006 34,987 36,297 37,623 38,742
Difference 0 0 0 0 0
Fifth Year
Supply Totals 36,526 37,580 38,987 40,411 41,613
Demand Totals 36,526 37,580 38,987 40,411 41,613
Difference 0 0 0 0 0
Source: UWMP 2020.
Groundwater: FWC produces potable groundwater from three basins: the Chino Basin, the Rialto-Colton
Basin and the Lytle Basin, all of which are subbasins of the Upper Santa Ana Valley Basin. The Chino Basin,
(Basin Number 8-2.01) contains 235 square miles of the upper Santa Ana River, from which FWC sources
most of its water. FWC currently receives groundwater from 12 active wells in the Chino Basin at a pumping
capacity of 23,123 gallons per minute (gpm). Additionally, the FWC produces water from seven active wells
in the Rialto-Colton Basin (Basin Number 8-2.04) with a pumping capacity of 4,659 gpm and from ten active
wells in the Lytle Basin at a current pumping capacity of 9,440 gpm.
Purchased or Imported Water: FWC purchases untreated, imported water from both IEUA and SBVMWD
for non-potable uses. Untreated imported SWP water purchased from IEUA is sourced by the Metropolitan
Water District of Southern California (MWD) which is then treated at FWC’s Summit Plant. The Summit Plant
receives SWP water from IEUA through MWD’s Rialto Pipeline via a 30-inch turnout/raw water line to the
energy dissipation facility located at the northwest corner of the Summit Plant.
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FWC’s current SWP allocation with IEUA is 10,000 AFY, with additional carryover water available on a
year-to-year basis. As shown in Table 5.16-1, FWC obtained 10,027 AF of water in 2020. This current
allocation will expire on December 31, 2024. However, FWC will request a new allocation of 15,000 AFY
of SWP water from IEUA when the allocation is renewed for the Summit Plant Expansion in 2025.
Untreated, imported SWP water purchased from SBVMD is treated at FWC’s Summit Plant. SBVMWD is an
independent SWP contractor with a service area covering approximately 353 square miles in southwestern
San Bernardino County. Since a portion of FWC’s service area is within SBVMWD’s service boundary, FWC
can receive imported untreated SWP water to serve the designated service area via a 14 cubic feet per
second connection. However, FWC has not received any water from SBVMWD from 2016 to 2020 as shown
in Table 5.16-1.
Recycled Water: FWC sources recycled water from the IEUA. IEUA operates four Regional Water Recycling
Plants (RPs), including RP-1, RP- 4, RP-5, and the Carbon Canyon Water Recycling Facility (CCWRF) which
treat wastewater within IEUA’s overall service area. The Regional Water Recycling Plant that treats local
wastewater generated by the City of Fontana is RP-4 and is located in the City of Rancho Cucamonga. On
average, RP-4 treats approximately 10 MGD of wastewater and is operated in conjunction with RP-1 to
provide recycled water to customers.
Recycled water can be used for groundwater recharge and storage and for irrigation or other approved
industrial processes. FWC’s recycled water supply is expected to increase since FWC established an
agreement with the City of Fontana for the direct use of recycled water in the southern portion of FWC’s
service area known as IEUA’s 1158 Zone. This agreement, known as the 1158 Zone Recycled Water Project,
is expected to provide up to approximately 2,000 AFY of recycled water to schools, parks, and commercial
customers in the City of Fontana. The 1158 Zone Recycled Water Project began delivering recycled water
to customers in late 2016. Additional facilities are required to accept delivery of recycled water from IEUA
for delivery to FWC’s customers in other portions of the City of Fontana.
In addition, the City of Fontana is entitled to use up to approximately 12,000 AFY of tertiary treated
recycled water as part of an existing agreement with IEUA. In 2020, FWC signed an agreement with the
City of Fontana to purchase its balance of tertiary treated recycled water recharged into the Chino Basin
by IEUA. The recharge will offset FWC’s replenishment obligation, when available.
Surface Water: FWC has the right to divert and pump groundwater up to a maximum of 50,400 AFY out of
the Lytle Creek Region. This allotted amount includes up to 36,200 AFY of allowable combined surface and
groundwater extractions to augment deficiencies in surface water diversions (UWMP 2020).
As shown in Table 5.16-2, it is projected that approximately 4,860 AFY will be available from Lytle Creek
in normal years for the next 25 years. However, Lytle Creek surface water supplies have the potential to
be reduced by as much as 83 percent future single-dry or multiple dry years.
Water Infrastructure
The Project site is currently served by the FWC water utility and would connect to the existing water
infrastructure. In addition, the existing 6-inch domestic water line within Rose Avenue would be abandoned
and the Project would install new 3-inch water lines that would connect to the existing 4-inch water line along
Poplar Avenue.
5.16.2.3 WATER THRESHOLDS OF SIGNIFICANCE
Appendix G of State CEQA Guidelines indicates that a project could have a significant effect if it were to:
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UT-1 Require or result in the construction of new water facilities, or expansion of existing facilities,
the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects; or
UT-2 Not have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project and reasonably
foreseeable development during normal, dry, and multiple dry years.
5.16.2.4 WATER SERVICE METHODOLOGY
The evaluation of water supply quantifies the amount of water that would be required to support operation
of the proposed Project and compares the demand to the FWC’s available water supply to identify if
sufficient water supplies available to serve the Project and reasonably foreseeable development during
normal, dry, and multiple dry years. Additionally, the existing water supply infrastructure that serves the
Project site was identified and evaluated to ensure design capacity would be adequate to supply the
proposed Project, or to identify if expansions would be required to serve the proposed development.
5.16.2.5 WATER ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
IMPACT UT-1: WOULD THE PROJECT REQUIRE OR RESULT IN THE RELOCATION OR CONSTRUCTION
OF NEW WATER FACILITIES, OR EXPANSION OF EXISTING FACILITIES, THE
CONSTRUCTION OF WHICH COULD CAUSE SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS?
Less than Significant Impact. The proposed Project would redevelop 41 parcels into a 490,565 SF
warehouse, which is currently served by FWC’s water infrastructure. As discussed above, Rose Avenue
contains a 6-inch domestic water line, and Poplar Avenue contains a 4-inch water line. These water pipelines
currently provide water supplies to the Project site and surrounding adjacent areas. The Project would connect
to the existing water infrastructure and would construct new 3-inch water lines that would connect to the
existing 4-inch water line along Poplar Avenue. Additional offsite water infrastructure would not be required
to be constructed to serve the proposed Project.
The new and existing onsite water lines would convey water supplies to the proposed light industrial, office
uses, and landscaping through plumbing/landscaping fixtures that are compliant with the CalGreen Plumbing
Code for efficient use of water.
The construction activities related to the new onsite water infrastructure that would be needed to serve the
proposed warehouse facility is included as part of the Project and would not result in any physical
environmental effects beyond those identified throughout this Draft EIR. For example, construction emissions
for excavation and installation of the water infrastructure are included in Sections 5.2, Air Quality, and 5.7,
Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Therefore, the proposed Project would not result in the construction of new water
facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental
effects, and impacts would be less than significant.
IMPACT UT-2: WOULD THE PROJECT HAVE SUFFICIENT WATER SUPPLIES AVAILABLE TO SERVE THE
PROJECT AND REASONABLY FORESEEABLE DEVELOPMENT DURING NORMAL, DRY,
AND MULTIPLE DRY YEARS?
Less than Significant Impact. The Project would redevelop the Project site with approximately 490,565 SF
of industrial uses. Table 5.16-3: FWC Projected Water Demand (AF), of the 2020 UWMP outlines water
demand determined by population projections and per capita water use. Using the water baseline of 165
gallons of potable water per capita per day provided by the UWMP and approximate number of
employees of 411 as mentioned in Section 5.12 Population and Housing, the Project is anticipated to have
a water demand of approximately 75.96 AFY.
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The 2020 UWMP anticipates that the FWC’s water supply will increase from 45,593 AF in 2025 to 51,943
AF in 2045 (increase of 6,350 AF) to meet the FWC’s anticipated growth in water demands.
The UWMP assessed the projected water demand and supply in the service area and concluded that FWC
has an adequate water supply to meet all demands within its service area through 2045. Further, FWC
anticipates an increase in industrial demand from 4,010 in 2025 to 4,312 in 2045 and in total demand
from 44,593 AFY in 2025 to 48,943 AFY in 2045 within the service area. The Project's additional demands
of 75.96 AFY is less than the assumed increase in the forecasted industrial demands in the UWMP; therefore,
the Project's relatively small increase in water demand would not cause demand to exceed the 2045
projected industrial demands for FWC.
In addition, according to the 2020 UWMP, FWC has verified that it has the water supplies available during
normal, single-dry, and multiple-dry years within a 20-year projection that would meet the projected
demand associated with the Project, in addition to existing and planned future uses.
Based on the above, it is anticipated that existing and future water entitlements from groundwater, surface
water, and purchased or imported water sources, plus recycling and conservation, would be sufficient to
meet the Project's demand at buildout, in addition to forecast demand for FWC's entire service area. Thus,
impacts related to the need for new or expanded water supplies and entitlements would be less than
significant.
5.16.2.6 EXISTING REGULATIONS AND PLANS, PROGRAMS, OR POLICIES
The following standard regulations would reduce potential impacts related to water supplies:
• California Code of Regulations Title 24, Part 11; the California Green Building Code
5.16.2.7 PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES
None.
5.16.2.8 LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE BEOFRE MITIGATION
Impacts UT-1 and UT-2 would be less than significant.
5.16.2.9 WATER MITIGATION MEASURES
No mitigation measures are required.
5.16.2.10 WATER LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE AFTER MITIGATION
No significant unavoidable adverse impacts related to water supplies or water infrastructure would occur.
5.16.3 WASTEWATER
5.16.3.1 WASTEWATER REGULATORY SETTING
5.16.3.1.1 Local Wastewater Regulatory Setting
Fontana General Plan
The Fontana General Plan Update includes the following goals, policies, and programs that are applicable
to the Project:
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Infrastructure and Green Systems Element
Goal 2 Fontana promotes use of non-potable water for uses where drinking water is not needed.
Policies
▪ Encourage use of processed water from the IEUA systems using recycled water for all
non-drinking water purposes.
▪ Promote laundry-to-landscape greywater systems for single-family units.
Goal 5 Fontana collaborates closely with the Inland Empire Utility Agency to promote innovative
and resource-efficient systems and reduce sewer fees.
Policies
▪ Support and participate in IEUA programs that help Fontana be more resource-efficient.
▪ Support incorporation of greywater systems in new developments.
Sustainability and Resilience Element
Goal 1 Conservation of water resources with best practices such as drought-tolerant plant species,
recycled water, greywater systems, has become a way of life in Fontana.
Policy
▪ Continue to promote and implement best practices to conserve water.
5.16.3.2 WASTEWATER ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
FWC provides wastewater collection, treatment, and recycled water services throughout its service area,
including to the Project site.
Treatment services in FWC’s area are provided by both the IEUA and the City of Rialto. The City of Rialto
services only the portion of FWC’s service area located in the City of Rialto. Therefore, the City of Fontana,
which includes the Project area, receives treatment services only from the IEUA. IEUA operates four Regional
Water Recycling Plants (RPs) within its service area including RP-1, RP- 4, RP-5, and the Carbon Canyon
Water Recycling Facility (CCWRF) which treat wastewater and recycled water within IEUA’s overall service
area. The four RP’s have a combined capacity of 86 MGD which is equivalent to 96,396 AFY (UWMP 2020).
RP-4, located in the City of Rancho Cucamonga is the designated plant to treat wastewater generated by
the City of Fontana. In 2020, RP-4 collected and treated approximately 13,807 AFY of wastewater from
the City of Fontana (UWMP 2020). On average, RP-4 treats approximately 10 million gallons per day and
has a capacity to treat 14 million gallons per day (UWMP 2020).
The Project would install new 8-inch sewer lines to connect to the existing 8-inch sewer lines in Poplar Avenue
and Catawba Avenue that would serve the Project site. A sewer lift station is also proposed in the northwest
portion of the site.
5.16.3.3 WASTEWATER THRESHOLDS OF SIGNIFICANCE
Appendix G of State CEQA Guidelines indicates that a project could have a significant effect if it were to:
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UT-3 Require or result in the construction of new wastewater facilities, or expansion of existing
facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects; or
UT-4 Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider that would serve the project
that it has adequate capacity to serve the project’s projected demand in addition to the
provider’s existing commitments.
5.16.3.4 WASTEWATER SERVICE METHODOLOGY
The evaluation of wastewater infrastructure quantifies the amount of wastewater that would be generated
from operation of the proposed Project and compares the demand to the existing and planned sewer
infrastructure and wastewater treatment plants. The evaluation identifies if expansions would be required
to serve the proposed development, and if those expansions have the potential to result in an environmental
impact.
5.16.3.5 WASTEWATER ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
IMPACT UT-3: WOULD THE PROJECT REQUIRE OR RESULT IN THE RELOCATION OR CONSTRUCTION
OF NEW WASTEWATER FACILITIES, OR EXPANSION OF EXISTING FACILITIES, THE
CONSTRUCTION OF WHICH COULD CAUSE SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS?
Less than Significant Impact. The Project would develop and operate a new industrial warehouse facility
that would generate wastewater. The Project would install onsite sewer infrastructure to connect to the
existing 8-inch sewer lines in Poplar Avenue and Catawba Avenue including a sewer lift station in the
northwest portion of the site in order to accommodate the existing water line. Installation of the onsite sewer
infrastructure is part of construction of the proposed Project would not result in any physical environmental
effects beyond those described throughout this document.
FWC provides wastewater treatment to the Project area via IEUA. IEUA has four wastewater treatment
facilities located throughout its service area that are interconnected to provide for operational flexibility,
improved reliability, and deliveries of recycled water. RP-4 is the Regional Water Recycling Plant
designated to service the City of Fontana and has a treatment capacity of 14 million gallons per day which
is equivalent to 15,692 AFY (UWMP 2020). In 2020, RP-4 collected and treated approximately 14,178 AF
of wastewater, 13,807 AF of which came from the City of Fontana (UWMP 2020).
According to the City of Fontana 2013 Sewer System Master Plan, general industrial uses generate
approximately 500 gallons per day (gpd) per acre. Thus, the proposed Project would generate
approximately 9,540 gallons of wastewater per day (500 gpd per acre × 19.08 acres = 9,540 gpd) or
10.67 AFY.
Under existing conditions, RP-4 has an excess treatment capacity of approximately 1.4 million gallons per
day. As such, implementation of the Project would utilize approximately 0.7 percent of RP-4’s daily excess
treatment capacity. Thus, the wastewater treatment plant has ample capacity, and the Project would not
create the need for any new or expanded wastewater facility (such as conveyance lines, treatment facilities,
or lift stations) to serve the proposed Project. Therefore, impacts related to wastewater infrastructure would
be less than significant.
IMPACT UT-4: WOULD THE PROJECT RESULT IN A DETERMINATION BY THE WASTEWATER
TREATMENT PROVIDER THAT WOULD SERVE THE PROJECT THAT IT HAS INADEQUATE
CAPACITY TO SERVE THE PROJECTS PROJECTED DEMAND IN ADDITION TO THE
PROVIDERS EXISTING COMMITMENTS?
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June 2023
Less than Significant Impact. As described previously, RP-4 is the Regional Water Recycling Plant
designated to service the City of Fontana and has a treatment capacity of 14 million gallons per day which
is equivalent to 15,692 AFY (UWMP 2020). In 2020, RP-4 collected and treated approximately 14,178 AF
of wastewater, 13,807 AF of which came from the City of Fontana (UWMP 2020). Under existing conditions,
RP-4 has an excess treatment capacity of approximately 1.4 million gallons per day. Implementation of the
Project would utilize approximately 0.7 percent of RP-4’s daily excess treatment capacity. Therefore, the
proposed Project would not result in impacts related to wastewater treatment capacity.
5.16.3.6 EXISTING REGULATIONS AND PLANS, PROGRAMS, OR POLICIES
The following existing regulations would reduce potential impacts related to wastewater:
• California Code of Regulations Title 24, Part 11; the California Green Building Code
5.16.3.7 PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES
None.
5.16.3.8 LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE BEFORE MITIGATION
Impacts UT-3 and UT-4 would be less than significant.
5.16.3.9 WASTEWATER MITIGATION MEASURES
No mitigation measures are required.
5.16.3.10 WASTEWATER LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE AFTER MITIGATION
No significant unavoidable adverse impacts related to wastewater infrastructure would occur.
5.16.4 STORM WATER DRAINAGE
5.16.4.1 STORM WATER DRAINAGE REGULATORY SETTING
5.16.4.1.1 Local Storm Water Drainage Regulatory Setting
Fontana General Plan Update
The Fontana General Plan Update includes the following goals, policies, and programs that are applicable
to the Project:
Infrastructure and Green Systems Element
Goal 1 Fontana collaborates with public and private agencies for an integrated and sustainable
water resource management program.
Policy
▪ Support initiatives to provide a long-term supply of the right water for the right use
through working with regional providers and the One Water One Watershed Plan.
Goal 6 Fontana has a stormwater drainage system that is environmentally and economically
sustainable and compatible with regional One Water One Watershed standards.
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June 2023
Policies
▪ Continue to implement the water-quality management plan for stormwater management
that incorporates low-impact and green infrastructure standards.
▪ Promote natural drainage approaches (green infrastructure) and other alternative non-
structural and structural best practices to manage and treat stormwater.
▪ Use street parkways to treat and infiltrate runoff for new developments and
redevelopments.
5.16.4.2 STORM WATER DRAINAGE ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
Topographically, the Project site is relatively flat with an elevation of 1,003 feet above mean sea-level to
1,023 feet above mean sea-level with no areas of significant topographic relief. The existing site is
developed as a residential neighborhood. The residential area north of Rose Avenue drains southerly
towards Rose Avenue. Runoff from Rose Avenue is then conveyed along Rose Avenue towards Poplar Avenue
via overland flow. Flows are collected via curbs and gutters and discharged into the existing 72-inch storm
drain within Poplar Avenue. The residential area south of Rose Avenue drains northeast to southwest and into
a drainage ditch immediately south of the Project site within the adjacent property.
5.16.4.3 STORM WATER DRAINAGE THRESHOLDS OF SIGNIFICANCE
Appendix G of State CEQA Guidelines indicates that a project could have a significant effect if it were to:
UT-5 Require or result in the construction of new stormwater drainage facilities, or expansion of
existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects.
5.16.4.4 STORM WATER DRAINAGE METHODOLOGY
The evaluation of stormwater drainage infrastructure quantifies the amount of impervious surfaces and
stormwater runoff that would be generated from the proposed Project and identifies if runoff from the
Project would be accommodated by the existing stormwater drainage infrastructure. The evaluation
identifies if expansions would be required to serve the proposed development, and if those expansions have
the potential to result in an environmental impact.
5.16.4.5 STORM WATER DRAINAGE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
IMPACT UT-5: WOULD THE PROJECT REQUIRE OR RESULT IN THE RELOCATION OR CONSTRUCTION
OF NEW DRAINAGE FACILITIES, OR EXPANSION OF EXISTING FACILITIES, THE
CONSTRUCTION OF WHICH COULD CAUSE SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS?
Less than Significant Impact. Storm water will be collected through roof drains and grate inlets/catch basins
and will discharge into an onsite infiltration basin. The Project would construct a underground infiltration
basin designed to meet the regional LID structural treatment control best management practices (BMPs)
located beneath the proposed truck trailer parking. As mentioned previously, the proposed underground
infiltration system would provide retention and infiltration of the proposed Project’s stormwater drainage.
Overflow from the underground infiltration system would be directed into a proposed 72-inch storm drain
line located on Poplar Avenue. The Project would also extend the existing 72-inch storm drain line in Poplar
Avenue the northerly property line.
Impacts associated with the Project’s proposed onsite stormwater drainage infrastructure are included as
part of the construction of the Project and would not result in any physical environmental effects beyond
those identified throughout this EIR. As such, there are no environmental impacts that would occur specifically
related to the Project’s proposed stormwater drainage infrastructure. Therefore, Project impacts due to
stormwater drainage infrastructure would be less than significant.
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June 2023
5.16.4.6 EXISTING REGULATIONS AND PLANS, PROGRAMS, OR POLICIES
None.
5.16.4.7 PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES
None.
5.16.4.8 LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE BEOFRE MITIGATION
Impact UT-5 would be less than significant.
5.16.4.9 STORM WATER DRAINAGE MITIGATION MEASURES
No mitigation measures are required.
5.16.4.10 STORM WATER DRAINAGE LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE AFTER
MITIGATION
No significant unavoidable adverse impacts related to drainage would occur.
5.16.5 SOLID WASTE
5.16.5.1 SOLID WASTE REGULATORY SETTING
5.16.5.1.1 State Solid Waste Regulatory Setting
California Assembly Bill 341
On October 6, 2011, Governor Brown signed AB 341 establishing a state policy goal that no less than 75
percent of solid waste generated be source reduced, recycled, or composted by 2020, and requiring
CalRecycle to provide a report to the Legislature that recommends strategies to achieve the policy goal.
California Green Building Standards
Section 5.408.1 Construction waste diversion. Recycle and/or salvage for reuse a minimum of 65 percent
of the nonhazardous construction and demolition waste.
Section 5.410.1 Recycling by occupants. Provide readily accessible areas that serve the entire building
and are identified for the depositing, storage and collection of non-hazardous materials for recycling,
including (at a minimum) paper, corrugated cardboard, glass, plastics, organic waste, and metals, or meet
a lawfully enacted local recycling ordinance, if more restrictive.
5.16.5.1.2 Local Solid Waste Regulatory Setting
Fontana General Plan Update
The Fontana General Plan Update includes the following goals, policies, and programs that are applicable
to the Project:
Infrastructure and Green Systems Element
Goal 8 All residences and businesses have a dependable, environmentally safe means of disposing
of solid waste.
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June 2023
Policies
▪ Continue providing city waste-management services.
▪ Continue to maximize diversion opportunities and landfill capacity by supporting
recycling innovations, such as E-waste, commercial, multifamily and organic waste
recycling programs.
5.16.5.2 SOLID WASTE ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
The City of Fontana is currently served by Burrtec Waste Industries for solid waste and recycling services.
Solid waste generated by the Project would be disposed of at the Mid-Valley Sanitary Landfill, located
approximately 8.9 roadway miles from the site in Rialto. The Mid-Valley Sanitary Landfill has a current
remaining capacity of 61,219,377 tons. The Mid-Valley Sanitary Landfill is permitted to accept 7,500 tons
per day of solid waste and is permitted to operate through April 2045. In 2021, the average tonnage
received was 2,289 tons per day (Calrecycle 2021).
5.16.5.3 SOLID WASTE THRESHOLDS OF SIGNIFICANCE
Appendix G of State CEQA Guidelines indicates that a project could have a significant effect if it were
to:
UT-6 Generate solid waste in excess of state or local standards, or in excess of the capacity of
local infrastructure, or otherwise impair the attainment of solid waste reduction goals.
UT-7 Comply with federal, state, and local management and reduction statutes and regulations
related to solid waste.
5.16.5.4 SOLID WASTE METHODOLOGY
Solid waste generation from construction and operation of the Project was estimated using a construction
and operation waste generation factor from the Air Quality, Health Risk, Greenhouse Gas and Energy
Impact Report prepared by LSA (LSA 2023). Solid waste volumes were then compared with recent estimates
of remaining disposal capacity of the landfill serving the City. In addition, potential impacts related to
compliance with solid waste regulations was evaluated by identifying how the proposed Project would be
implement the relevant requirements.
5.16.5.5 SOLID WASTE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
IMPACT UT-6: WOULD THE PROJECT GENERATE SOLID WASTE IN EXCESS OF STATE OR LOCAL
STANDARDS, OR IN EXCESS OF THE CAPACITY OF LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE, OR
OTHERWISE IMPAIR THE ATTAINMENT OF SOLID WASTE REDUCTION GOALS?
Less than Significant Impact. The proposed Project would result in new development that would generate
solid waste. All solid waste-generating activities within the City are subject to the requirements set forth in
the 2019 California Green Building Standards Code that requires demolition and construction activities to
recycle or reuse a minimum of 65 percent of the nonhazardous construction and demolition waste, and AB
341 that requires diversion of a minimum of 75 percent of operational solid waste. Implementation of the
proposed Project would be consistent with all state regulations, as ensured through the City’s development
Project permitting process.
As discussed above, solid waste generated by the Project would be disposed of at Mid-Valley Sanitary
Landfill which is permitted to accept 7,500 tons per day of solid waste. In 2021, the average tonnage
received was 2,289 tons per day (Calrecycle 2021). Thus, the facility had additional capacity of 5,211 tons
per day.
Poplar South Distribution Center 5.16 Utilities and Service Systems
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June 2023
Construction
The proposed Project involves demolition of existing structures therefore the Project would generate solid
waste for landfill disposal from construction packaging and discarded materials. Utilizing a construction
waste factor of 20 tons per full-load truck trip provided by LSA (1,380 total truck trips/2 = 690 full-load
haul trips x 20 tons), construction of the Project would generate approximately 13,800 tons of waste during
construction from packaging and discarded materials (LSA 2023). However, the 2019 California Green
Building Standards Code requires demolition and construction activities to recycle or reuse a minimum of 65
percent of the nonhazardous construction and demolition waste. Thus, the demolition and construction solid
waste that would be disposed of at the landfill would be approximately 35 percent of the waste generated.
Therefore, demolition and construction activities would generate approximately 4,830 tons of solid waste
that would be disposed of at the landfill. As shown in Section 3.0, Project Description, construction activities
would occur over a 10-month period. This equates to approximately 16.1 tons of debris per day.
As discussed above, solid waste generated by the Project would be disposed of at the Mid-Valley Sanitary
Landfill which is permitted to accept 7,500 tons per day of solid waste. In 2021, the average tonnage
received was 2,289 tons per day. Thus, the facility had an additional capacity of 5,211 tons per day
(Calrecycle 2021). Therefore, the Mid-Valley Sanitary Landfill would be able to accommodate the addition
of 112.7 tons of waste per week. Thus, the proposed Project would be served by a landfill with sufficient
permitted capacity to accommodate the Project’s additional tonnage of waste per day during construction.
Impacts related to landfill capacity from construction would be less than significant.
Operation
Operation of the Project would operate approximately 490,565 SF of warehousing. The Air Quality, Health
Risk, Greenhouse Gas and Energy Impact Report uses a default CalEEMod operational solid waste
generation factor of 0.94 tons per 1,000 square feet per year for industrial uses (LSA 2023). Based on this
generation factor, operation of the Project would generate approximately 461 tons of solid waste per year,
at least 75 percent of which is required by California law to be recycled, which would reduce the volume of
landfilled solid waste to approximately 115 tons per year, or 2.21 tons per week.
As described above, the Mid-Valley Sanitary Landfill has a maximum daily throughput of 7,500 tons per
day. As of 2021, the Mid-Valley Sanitary Landfill had an average disposal of 2,289 tons per day and an
average remaining capacity of 5,211 tons per day (CalRecycle 2021). The Project’s solid waste (115 tons
per year, or approximately 2.21 tons per week), would represent approximately 0.02 percent of Mid-
Valley Sanitary Landfill’s daily remaining capacity. The Mid-Valley Sanitary Landfill has a capacity until
2045. Thus, the proposed Project would be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted capacity to
accommodate the Project’s solid waste disposal needs and the Project would not impair the attainment of
solid waste reduction goals. Impacts related to landfill capacity from operation would be less than significant.
IMPACT UT-7: WOULD THE PROJECT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL STATUTES AND
REGULATIONS RELATED TO SOLID WASTE?
No Impact. The proposed Project would result in new development that would generate solid waste. All solid
waste-generating activities within the County are subject to the requirements set forth in the 2019 California
Green Building Standards Code that requires demolition and construction activities to recycle or reuse a
minimum of 65 percent of the nonhazardous construction and demolition waste, and AB 341 that requires
diversion of a minimum of 75 percent of operational solid waste. Implementation of the proposed Project
would be consistent with all state regulations, as ensured through the County’s development project permitting
process. Therefore, the proposed Project would comply with all solid waste statute and regulations; and
impacts would not occur.
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June 2023
5.16.5.6 EXISTING REGULATIONS AND PLANS, PROGRAMS, OR POLICIES
The following existing regulations would reduce potential impacts related to solid waste:
• Assembly Bill 347 (Chapter 476, Statues of 2011)
• California Green Building Standards Code
5.16.5.7 PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES
None.
5.16.5.8 LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE BEOFRE MITIGATION
Impacts UT-6 and UT-7 would be less than significant.
5.16.5.9 SOLID WASTE MITIGATION MEASURES
No mitigation measures are required.
5.16.5.10 SOLID WASTE LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE AFTER MITIGATION
No significant unavoidable adverse impacts related to solid waste would occur.
5.16.6 ELECTRIC POWER, NATURAL GAS, AND
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
5.16.6.1 ELECTRIC POWER, NATURAL GAS, AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
REGULATORY SETTING
5.16.6.1.1 Electric Power, Natural Gas, and Telecommunications State Regulatory Setting
Title 24 Energy Efficiency Standards and California Green Building Standards
California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 24 Part 6: The California Energy Code (CalGreen) is updated
every three years. The most recent update is the 2019 California Green Building Code Standards that
became effective January 1, 2020. The 2022 CALGreen standards that are applicable to the proposed
Project include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Electric vehicle charging stations. Facilitate the future installation of electric vehicle supply equipment.
The compliance requires empty raceways for future conduit and documentation that the electrical
system has adequate capacity for the future load.
• Outdoor light pollution reduction. Outdoor lighting systems shall be designed to meet the backlight,
uplight and glare ratings per Title 24 Part 6 Table 5.106.8.
• Water conserving plumbing fixtures and fittings. Plumbing fixtures (water closets and urinals) and
fittings (faucets and showerheads).
• Outdoor portable water use in landscaped areas. Nonresidential developments shall comply with a
local water efficient landscape ordinance or the current California Department of Water Resources’
Model Water Efficient (MWELO), whichever is more stringent.
5.16.6.1.2 Electric Power, Natural Gas, and Telecommunications Local Regulatory Setting
Fontana General Plan Update
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June 2023
The Fontana General Plan Update includes the following goals, policies, and programs that are applicable
to the Project:
Infrastructure and Green Systems Element
Goal 7 Fontana is becoming an energy-efficient community.
Policy
▪ Promote renewable energy and distributed energy systems in new development and
retrofits of existing development to work towards the highest levels of low carbon
energy-efficiency.
Goal 9 Up-to-date telecommunications technology is available to all developed areas in the city.
Policy
▪ Ensure that Fontana remains competitive as a place to live, work, and learn in terms of
available telecommunications and other technology.
5.16.6.2 ELECTRIC POWER, NATURAL GAS, AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
Electricity
Electricity is provided to the Project by Southern California Edison (SCE). SCE provides electric power to
more than 15 million persons within its 50,000 square mile service area. According to SCE’s 2021 Power
Content Label Mix, SCE derives electricity from varied energy resources including: fossil fuels, hydroelectric
generators, nuclear power plants, geothermal power plants, solar power generation, and wind farms. SCE
also purchases power from independent power producers and utilities, which includes out-of-state providers
(California Energy Commission).
Natural Gas
Natural gas would be provided to the Project by the Southern California Gas Company (SoCal Gas).
Telecommunications
Telecommunications would be provided to the Project by AT&T.
5.16.6.3 ELECTRIC POWER, NATURAL GAS, AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
THRESHOLDS OF SIGNIFICANCE
Appendix G of State CEQA Guidelines indicates that a project could have a significant effect if it were to:
UT-8 Require or result in the relocation or construction of a new or expanded electric power,
natural gas, or telecommunications facilities, the construction of which could cause significant
environmental effects.
5.16.6.4 ELECTRIC POWER, NATURAL GAS, AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
METHODOLOGY
The evaluation of utilities identifies if utility demand from the Project would be accommodated via existing
utility infrastructure available to the Project. The evaluation identifies if expansions would be required to
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June 2023
serve the proposed development, and if those expansions have the potential to result in an environmental
impact.
5.16.6.5 ELECTRIC POWER, NATURAL GAS, AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
IMPACT UT-8: WOULD THE PROJECT REQUIRE OR RESULT IN THE RELOCATION OR CONSTRUCTION
OF A NEW OR EXPANDED ELECTRIC POWER, NATURAL GAS, OR
TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES, THE CONSTRUCTION OF WHICH COULD CAUSE
SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS?
Less than Significant Impact. Implementation of the proposed Project would generate demand for
electricity, natural gas, communication systems, street lighting, and maintenance of public facilities.
Electricity would be provided to the Project by Southern California Edison (SCE). Adequate commercial
electricity supplies are presently available to meet the incremental increase in demand attributed to the
Project. Provision of electricity to the Project site is not anticipated to require or result in the construction of
new facilities or the expansion of existing facilities, the construction or relocation of which would cause
significant environmental impacts to electricity. Impacts would be less than significant.
Natural gas service would be provided by Southern California Gas (SoCal Gas). Adequate commercial gas
supplies are presently available to meet the incremental increase in demand attributed to the Project. The
proposed Project would not require or result in the construction, expansion, or relocation of natural gas
facilities that could result in a significant environmental impact. Impacts related to natural gas would be less
than significant.
Communication systems for the Project would be provided by AT&T. AT&T is a private company that
provides connection to the communication system on an as needed basis. As such, the proposed Project is not
anticipated to require or result in the construction of new communications facilities or the expansion of existing
facilities. Impacts would be less than significant.
The Project Applicant would be responsible for coordinating with each utility company to ensure utility
improvements occur according to standard construction and operation procedures administered by the
California Public Utilities Commission. Each of the utility systems is available along Rose Avenue, and
excavation would be required to underground these lines and interconnect to the Project site. Since the
footprint of proposed utility improvements is encompassed by the Project site, impacts associated with such
improvements have been addressed throughout this EIR and mitigated to the extent feasible as applicable.
Therefore, potential impacts associated with utilities, including electricity, natural gas and communication
systems would be less than significant and no mitigation is required.
5.16.6.6 EXISTING REGULATIONS AND PLANS, PROGRAMS, OR POLICIES
Existing Regulations
• California Code of Regulations Title 24, Part 11; the California Green Building Code
Plans, Programs, or Policies (PPPs)
None.
5.16.6.7 PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES
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Draft EIR
June 2023
None.
5.16.6.8 LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE BEFORE MITIGATION
Impact UT-8 would be less than significant.
5.16.6.9 ELECTRIC POWER, NATURAL GAS, AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
MITIGATION MEASURES
No mitigation measures are required.
5.16.6.10 ELECTRIC POWER, NATURAL GAS, AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS LEVEL
OF SIGNIFICANCE AFTER MITIGATION
No significant unavoidable adverse impacts related to electric power, natural gas, or telecommunications
would occur.
5.16.7 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
Water: Cumulative water supply impacts are considered on a water purveyor basis and are associated
with the capacity of the infrastructure system and the adequacy of the water purveyor’s infrastructure and
primary sources of water that include groundwater, surface water, and purchased or imported water.
As described previously, the Project site is currently served by the FWC's water utility and would connect to
the existing water infrastructure. The Project would connect to the existing water infrastructure and would
construct new 3-inch water lines that would connect to the existing 4-inch water line along Poplar Avenue.
The construction activities related to the new water infrastructure that would be needed to serve the proposed
Project is included as part of the Project and would not result in any physical environmental effects beyond
those identified throughout this Draft EIR. For example, analysis of construction emissions for excavation and
installation of the water infrastructure is included in Sections 5.2, Air Quality and 5.7, Greenhouse Gas
Emissions. Thus, potential cumulative impacts from off-site water system expansions would not be generated
by the proposed Project.
As discussed above, the Project would result in an increase in water demand of 19.95 AFY. It is anticipated
that existing and future water entitlements from groundwater, surface water, and purchased or imported
water sources, plus recycling and conservation, would be sufficient to meet the Project's demand in addition
to forecast demand for FWC's entire service area. As a result, the Project would not result in a cumulatively
considerable increase in water supply demands that would require new or expanded entitlements, and
cumulative impacts would be less than significant.
Wastewater: Cumulative wastewater infrastructure impacts are considered on a systemwide basis and are
associated with the overall capacity of existing and planned infrastructure. The cumulative system evaluated
includes the sewer system that serves the Project site and conveys wastewater to the Rialto wastewater
treatment and disposal system.
As described previously, with the proposed Project, the sewer system and wastewater treatment plant would
have sufficient capacity to handle the increased flows resulting from implementation of the proposed Project.
The continued regular assessment, maintenance, and upgrades of the sewer system by the FWC would reduce
the potential of cumulative development projects to result in a cumulatively substantial increase in wastewater
such that new or expanded facilities would be required. Thus, increases in wastewater in the sewer system
would result in a less than significant cumulative impact.
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June 2023
Stormwater: The geographic scope for cumulative impacts related to stormwater drainage includes the
geographic area served by the existing stormwater infrastructure for the Project area, from capture of
runoff through final discharge points. As described above the proposed Project includes installation of a
subsurface storm drain system that would flow directly into the onsite proposed underground infiltration
system. Overflow from the underground infiltration system would be directed into a proposed 72-inch storm
drain line located on Poplar Avenue. The Project would also extend the existing 72-inch storm drain line in
Poplar Avenue the northerly property line. In addition, pursuant to state and regional regulations that require
development projects to maintain pre-project hydrology, no net increase of offsite stormwater flows would
occur. RWQCB permit conditions require a hydrology/drainage study to demonstrate that all runoff would
be appropriately conveyed and not leave the project sites at rates exceeding pre-project conditions, prior
to receipt of necessary permits. As a result, increases of runoff from cumulative projects that could
cumulatively combine to impact stormwater drainage capacity would not occur, and cumulative impacts
related to drainage infrastructure would be less than significant.
Solid Waste: The geographic scope of cumulative analysis for landfill capacity is the service area for the
Mid-Valley Sanitary Landfill which serves the Project site. The projections of future landfill capacity based
on the entire projected waste stream going to these landfills is used for cumulative impact analysis. The Mid-
Valley Sanitary Landfill has a maximum permitted capacity of 7,500 tons per day and as of 2021 had an
average disposal of 2,289 tons per day and an average remaining capacity of 5,211 tons per day
(CalRecycle 2021). The 0.32 tons of solid waste per day from operation of the Project would represent
approximately 0.42 percent of Mid-Valley Sanitary Landfill’s daily remaining capacity. Therefore, the
landfill would have sufficient capacity to serve the Project and the increase in solid waste from full buildout
of the Project. cumulative impacts would be less than significant.
Electric Power, Natural Gas, and Telecommunications: Cumulative impacts related to the provision of
facilities for electricity, natural gas and communications systems, have been evaluated throughout this EIR.
Mitigation measures have been recommended in cases where cumulatively-considerable impacts associated
with utilities infrastructure were identified. Therefore, cumulatively-considerable impacts associated with the
provision of utility facilities to serve the Project would be less than significant.
REFERENCES
CalRecycle. 2022. SWIS Facility/Site Activity Details - Mid-Valley Sanitary Landfill (36-AA 0055)
Accessed: https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/SolidWaste/Site/Details/2662
California Energy Commission. Accessed: 10 January 2023. https://www.energy.ca.gov/programs-and-
topics/programs/power-source-disclosure/power-content-label/annual-power-content-2
Inland Empire Utilities Agency. Moreno Valley Regional Water Reclamation Facility. Accessed January 6,
2023, from https://www.ieua.org/regional-water-recycling-plant-no-4/
City of Fontana Sanitary Sewer System Master Plan prepared by CDM Smith. May 2013.
Fontana Water Company. 2020 Urban Water Management Plan. Accessed:
https://www.fontanawater.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/FWC-2020-UWMP-June-2021-Final.pdf
Landfill Tonnage Reports. CalRecycle. Accessed January 6, 2023,
https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/LandfillTipFees/
LSA. Air Quality, Health Risk, Greenhouse Gas, and Energy Impact Report. January 2023. Appendix B.
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Fontana General Plan Update. November 13, 2018. Accessed January 10, 2023 from
https://www.fontana.org/DocumentCenter/View/28271/Complete-Document---Approved-General-Plan-
Documents-11-13-2018
Fontana General Plan Draft Environmental Impact Report. June 8, 2018. Accessed January 10, 2023 from
https://www.fontana.org/DocumentCenter/View/29524/Draft-Environmental-Impact-Report-for-the-
General-Plan-Update
United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). 2022. Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).
Accessed January 5, 2023, from https://www.epa.gov/sdwa
United States Environmental Protection Agency. 2022. Summary of the Clean Water Act. Accessed January
5, 2023, from https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary-clean-water-act
Poplar South Distribution Center 6.0 Other CEQA Considerations
City of Fontana 6-1
Draft EIR
June 2023
6.0 Other CEQA Considerations
6.1 SIGNIFICANT AND UNAVOIDABLE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
State CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.2(c) requires an EIR to describe “any significant impacts, including
those which can be mitigated but not reduced to a level of insignificance.” The analysis in Chapter 5 of this
Draft EIR determined that the Project would result in one significant and unavoidable impact regarding
consistency with the with the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) 2022 Air Quality
Management Plan (AQMP). Like the proposed Project, this alternative would require a General Plan
Amendment (GPA) to change the land use designation from Residential Trucking (R-T) to General Industrial
(I-G) and a Specific Plan Amendment (SPA) to change the Southwest Industrial Park Specific Plan (SWIP)
designation from Residential Trucking District (RTD) to Slover East Industrial District (SED). Accordingly, the
2022 AQMP does not reflect the proposed land use designation for the Project site and buildout of the site
would result in greater employment increases than assumed by SCAQ’s regional forecast projections and
the AQMP growth projections. Therefore, the Project is inconsistent with the SCAQMD 2022 AQMP and
would result in an impact related to Criterion No.1. The Project would not result in any additional significant
and unavoidable impacts, all other impacts would be less than significant or less than significant with
mitigation.
6.2 GROWTH INDUCEMENT
State CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.2(e), Growth Inducing Impact of the Proposed Project, requires that
an EIR “discuss the ways in which the proposed project could foster economic or population growth, or the
construction of additional housing, either directly or indirectly, in the surrounding environment.” The CEQA
Guidelines also indicate that it must not be assumed that growth in any area is necessarily beneficial,
detrimental, or of little significance to the environment. In general terms, a project may foster spatial,
economic, or population growth in a geographic area, if it meets any one of the following criteria:
1. Directly or indirectly foster economic or population growth, or the construction of additional housing,
in the surrounding environment;
2. Remove obstacles to population growth;
3. Require the construction of new or expanded facilities that could cause significant environmental
effects; or
4. Encourage and facilitate other activities that could significantly affect the environment, either
individually or cumulatively.
1. Does the Project directly or indirectly foster economic or population growth, or the
construction of additional housing?
Growth-inducing potential of a project would be considered significant if it fosters growth or a concentration
of population in excess of what is assumed in master plans, land use plans, or in projections made by regional
planning agencies, such as SCAG. The Project would contribute to the economic and population growth in the
City of Fontana and the surrounding areas. The growth would not be unexpected or constitute substantial
unplanned growth, however. According to regional population projections included in SCAG’s 2020-2045
RTP/SCS, the City of Fontana is projected to increase its population by 36 percent and its housing stock by
51 percent by 2045 at an annual growth rate of 1.76 percent (between 2016 and 2045). Over this same
time period, employment in the City is expected to increase 1.1 percent annually. While the Project would
contribute to employment growth through the proposed development within the Project site, projected
increases in employment from the Project are within SCAG’s 2020 RTP/SCS increases.
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The site has been designated for Residential Trucking (R-T) by the City of Fontana General Plan. The
proposed Project includes a GPA to change the land use designation of the site from R-T to I-G and a SPA
to change the SWIP designation from RTD to SED. Because the Project includes a change from residential
use to a non-residential use, the Project is subject to SB 330. SB 330 requires in part that where a
development project results in reducing the number of housing units allowed under existing City zoning, the
City must identify a way in which an equivalent number of units could be accommodated in the city. As
discussed in Section 5.12, Population and Housing, the Project would participate in the City’s recently adopted
“No Net Loss Program” (Ordinance No. 1906) which provides that concurrent with the approval of any
change in zone from residential use to a non-residential use, replacement units in the form of a density bonus
will become available to project applicants subsequently seeking to develop property for residential use
within the City. By utilizing the City’s “No Net Loss Program”, the Project would be in compliance with SB
330. However, the potential impacts associated with the construction of this replacement housing are too
speculative at this time as it is not known when or where these replacement units would be constructed.
Potential impacts associated with the construction of replacement units would be analyzed pursuant to CEQA
at the time a project is proposed. Therefore, implementation of the Project would not displace a substantial
number of existing people or housing and would not necessitate the construction of replacement housing
elsewhere.
The proposed Project may cause an indirect economic growth as it would generate revenue to the City
through taxes generated by the development. Additionally, employees (short-term construction and long-
term operational employees) from the Project site would purchase goods and services in the region, but any
secondary increase in employment growth associated with meeting these incremental demands would be
marginal, as these goods and services could be accommodated by existing providers. The Project is highly
unlikely to result in any new or additional physical impacts to the environment based on the amount of
existing and planned future commercial and retail services, which can serve Project employees, available in
areas near the Project site. As such, it is highly unlikely that additional commercial or retail services would
be required to meet Project demands.
In addition, the proposed Project would create jobs that a majority of which could likely be filled by residents
of Fontana and the surrounding areas. Employees would live in housing either already built or are planned
for development in the City of Fontana and the surrounding areas. Because it is anticipated that most of the
future employees from implementation of the Project would already be living in the Fontana area, the
Project’s introduction of employment opportunities would not induce substantial growth in the area and cause
the need for additional housing.
The Project would implement economic activity that would result in an improvement in the jobs-household
ratio by providing employment within the housing-rich City of Fontana, which is a benefit of the Project. In
addition, the location of the new employment opportunities would be easily accessible from the I-10 and
would also accommodate employees in surrounding areas. Further, most of the new jobs that would be
created by the Project would be positions that do not require a specialized workforce, and this type of
workforce exists in the City of Fontana and surrounding communities. The City of Fontana has an
unemployment rate of 3.9 percent and neighboring cities have unemployment rates of 4.6 percent (City of
Rialto), and 3.0 percent (City of Rancho Cucamonga) (State Employment Development Department 2023).
Thus, due to existing unemployment and the availability of a workforce, it is anticipated that new jobs that
would be generated from Project implementation would be filled by people within the City of Fontana and
surrounding communities and would not induce an unanticipated influx of new labor into the region or the
need for additional housing. Furthermore, the proposed Project would offer space for new manufacturing,
research, warehouse, distribution, and light industrial companies. Thus, the Project would not result in the
influx of new labor to serve the increased economic activities that would result from implementation of the
Project.
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2. Does the Project remove obstacles to population growth?
The elimination of a physical obstacle to growth is considered to be a growth inducing impact. A physical
obstacle to growth typically involves the lack of public service infrastructure. The Project would induce growth
if it would provide public services or infrastructure with excess capacity to serve lands that would otherwise
not be developable.
The proposed Project contemplates expansion of existing infrastructure to serve the full buildout of the Project
site. As described in Section 3.0, Project Description, the Project includes various roadway improvements to
accommodate the safe passage and turning movements of the vehicles that would access the site. The Project
does not propose roadway extensions into new undeveloped areas that would allow for additional growth
and development. The Project also proposes installation of new potable water lines, sewer lines, and
stormwater drainage facilities that would connect to surrounding, existing infrastructure in Poplar Avenue
and Catawba Avenue in order to accommodate the demands of the Project. The Project would install onsite
sewer infrastructure to connect to the existing 8-inch sewer lines in Poplar Avenue and Catawba Avenue
including a sewer lift station in the northwest portion of the site to pump flows to the existing point of
connection. The proposed infrastructure improvements have been designed to serve only the demands of the
Project. Therefore, the Project would not result in significant growth inducing impacts.
3. Does the proposed Project require the construction of new or expanded facilities that could cause
significant environmental effects?
Growth induced by a project is considered a significant impact if it directly or indirectly affects the ability
of agencies to provide needed public services that requires the construction of new public service facilities,
or if it can be demonstrated that the potential growth significantly affects the environment in some other
way. The proposed Project would slightly increase the demand for fire protection and emergency response
and sheriff protection. However, as described in Section 5.13, Public Services, the proposed Project would
not require development of additional facilities or expansion of existing facilities to maintain existing levels
of service for public services. Based on service ratios and build out projections, the proposed Project would
not create a demand for services beyond the capacity of existing facilities. Therefore, an indirect growth
inducing impact as a result of expanded or new public facilities that could support other development in
addition to the proposed Project would not occur. The proposed Project would not have significant growth
inducing consequences that would require the need to expand public services to maintain desired levels of
service.
4. Does the Project encourage or facilitate other activities that could significantly affect the environment,
either individually or cumulatively?
Surrounding Project areas are already developed with industrial uses. Therefore, the Project would not spur
increased development in surrounding areas. Additionally, the proposed infrastructure is only sized to serve
the Project and would not have capacity to serve additional development projects in the area. The Project
would be implemented in compliance with the existing General Plan, Slover West Industrial Park (SWIP)
Specific Plan, and City’s municipal code. The proposed Project does not propose changes to any of the City’s
building safety standards (i.e., building, grading, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, or fire codes). The
proposed Project would require a General Plan Amendment (GPA) to change the existing land use
designation from Residential Trucking (R-T) to General Industrial (I-G) and a Specific Plan Amendment (SPA)
to change the site’s existing SWIP designation from Residential Trucking District (RTD) to Slover East Industrial
District (SED). Accordingly, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) 2022 Air Quality
Management Plan (AQMP) does not reflect the proposed land use designation for the Project site and
buildout of the site would result in greater employment increases than assumed by SCAQ’s regional forecast
projections and the AQMP growth projections. Therefore, the Project is inconsistent with the SCAQMD 2022
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AQMP and would result in a significant and unavoidable impact to air quality. The Project would comply
with all other applicable City plans, policies, and ordinances. In addition, Project features and mitigation
measures have been identified within this EIR to ensure that the Project minimizes environmental impacts to
all other environmental topic areas. As discussed in each respective environmental topic section within
Chapter 5 of this Draft EIR, the Project would not be anticipated to considerably contribute to other
cumulative impacts.
Based on the foregoing analysis, the Project would facilitate activities that could significantly affect the
environment directly or indirectly.
6.3 SIGNIFICANT IRREVERSIBLE EFFECTS
State CEQA Guidelines require the EIR to consider whether “uses of nonrenewable resources during the initial
and continued phases of the project may be irreversible since a large commitment of such resources makes
removal or nonuse thereafter unlikely…. Also, irreversible damage can result from environmental accidents
associated with the project. Irretrievable commitments of resources should be evaluated to assure that such
current consumption is justified.” (CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.2(d)). “Nonrenewable resource” refers to
the physical features of the natural environment, such as land, waterways, mineral resources, etc. These
irreversible environmental changes may include current or future uses of non-renewable resources, and
secondary or growth-inducing impacts that commit future generations to similar uses.
Generally, a project would result in significant irreversible environmental changes if:
• The primary and secondary impacts would generally commit future generations to similar uses;
• The project would involve a large commitment of nonrenewable resources;
• The project would involve uses in which irreversible damage could result from any potential
environmental accidents associated with the project; or
• The proposed irretrievable commitments of nonrenewable resources is not justified (e.g., the project
involves the wasteful use of energy).
The Project would result in or contribute to the following irreversible environmental changes:
• Lands in the Project site would be committed to high-cube warehousing and light industrial uses once
the proposed buildings are constructed. Secondary effects associated with this irreversible
commitment of land resources include:
• Changes in views associated with construction of the new buildings and associated
development (Section 5.1, Aesthetics)
• Increased traffic on area roadways (see Section 5.14, Transportation).
• Emissions of air pollutants associated with Project construction and operation (see Section
5.2, Air Quality).
• Consumption of non-renewable energy associated with construction and operation of the
proposed Project due to the use of automobiles, trucks, lighting, heating and cooling systems,
appliances, etc. (see Section 5.5, Energy).
• Increased ambient noise associated with an increase in activities and traffic from the Project
(see Section 5.11, Noise).
• Construction of the proposed Project as described in Section 3.0, Project Description, would require
the use of energy produced from non-renewable resources and construction materials.
In regard to energy usage from the proposed Project, as demonstrated in the analyses contained in Section
5.5, Energy, the proposed Project would not involve wasteful or unjustifiable use of non-renewable resources,
and conservation efforts would be enforced during construction and operation of proposed development.
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The proposed development would incorporate energy-generating and conserving Project design features,
including those required by the California Building Code, California Energy Code Title 24, which specify
green building standards for new developments. In addition, as listed in Section 3.0, Project Description,
Section 5.5, Energy, and Section 5.7, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, the proposed Project would include
sustainability features in line with Title 24 requirements that result in additional energy-efficiency. Project
specific information related to energy consumption is provided in Section 5.5, Energy, of this EIR.
REFERENCES
California Energy Commission. “2022 Title 24 Building Energy Standards” (CEC 2022). Accessed:
https://www.energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/building-energy-efficiency-standards/2022-
building-energy-efficiency
California Employment Development Department. Labor Force and Unemployment Rates for Cities and
Census Designated Places – San Bernardino County, December 2022 (EDD 2022). Accessed:
https://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/data/labor-force-and-unemployment-for-cities-and-census-
areas.html.
City of Fontana. General Plan Update 2015-2035. 13 November 2018. Accessed:
https://www.fontana.org/2632/General-Plan-Update-2015---2035
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7.0 Effects Found Not Significant
CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.2(a) states that “[a]n EIR shall identify and focus on the significant effects
on the environment”. During the preparation of this EIR, the Project was determined to have no potential to
result in significant impacts under four environmental issue areas: agriculture and forest resources, mineral
resources, recreation, and wildfire. Therefore, these issue areas were not required to be analyzed in detail
in EIR Section 5.0, Environmental Impact Analysis.
CEQA Guidelines Section 15128 requires that an EIR contain a statement briefly indicating the reasons that
various possible effects of a project were determined not to be significant and were therefore not discussed
in detail in the EIR. As allowed by CEQA Guidelines Section 15128, statements related to the above listed
topic areas are presented below.
7.1 AGRICULTURE AND FOREST RESOURCES
The Project site is not designated as Prime, Unique, or Farmland of Statewide Importance. The California
Department of Conservation (DOC) Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program identifies the Project site
and Urban and Built-Up Land (DOC 2022). As such, implementation of the Project would not convert Prime
Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance to a non-agricultural use.
Further, the Project site is not subject to a land conservation (Williamson Act) contract and, thus, would not
conflict with a land conservation contract (City of Fontana 2018). In addition, the Project site has a General
Plan land use designation of Residential Trucking (R-T) and is zoned Specific Plan (SP). The Project is within
the Southwest Industrial Park Specific Plan (SWIP). Within the SWIP, the Project site is designated as
Residential Trucking District (RTD). The Project site's land use and zoning designations are not intended for
agricultural use. Additionally, the Project's proposed General Plan land use designation of General Industrial
(I-G) and proposed SWIP designation of Southeast Industrial District (SED) are not intended for agricultural
use. Therefore, implementation of the Project has no potential to conflict with existing zoning for agricultural
use.
The Project Site is not zoned as forest land, timberland, or Timberland Production, nor is it surrounded by
forest land, timberland, or Timberland Production land (City of Fontana 2018). Therefore, implementation
of the Project has no potential to conflict with or cause the rezoning of any areas currently zoned as forest,
timberland, or Timberland Production and would not result in the rezoning of any such lands. As such, no
impact would occur. Overall, implementation of the Project would not result in the loss of forest land or the
conversion of forest land to non-forest use.
7.2 MINERAL RESOURCES
According to the California DOC, the Project site is located within Mineral Resource Zone 3 (MRZ-3), which
is defined as an area containing known or inferred mineral occurrences of undetermined mineral resource
significance (DOC 2008). Historical uses of the Project site have not included mineral extraction, nor does
the Project site currently support mineral extraction. In addition, the Project does not propose any mineral
extraction activities. The Project proposes the construction of an industrial warehouse building with no planned
mining operations. Therefore, the proposed Project would not result in the loss of availability of a known
mineral resource that would be of value to the region and residents of the State, and no impact would occur.
Additionally, there are no mineral resource recovery sites on or near the Project site. Thus, the Project would
not result in the loss of availability of mineral resources, including locally important mineral resource recovery
sites. No impact to mineral resources would occur from implementation of the Project.
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7.3 RECREATION
The demand for parks is determined by changes in housing and population. In this case, the Project is
industrial in nature, and no new residents or housing would be introduced to the area. As described in Section
5.12, Population and Housing, the proposed Project would develop the site with a new warehouse building,
which would not result in an influx of new residents, as the employees needed to operate the Project are
primarily anticipated to come from the unemployed labor force in the region. Thus, the proposed Project
would not generate a substantial population that would generate a significant increase in use of existing
neighborhood or regional parks and recreation facilities, nor would it require the construction of new or
expansion of existing recreational facilities. Thus, impacts related to recreation would not occur.
7.4 WILDFIRE
The Project site is not located in or near a State Responsibility Area or lands classified as very high fire
hazard severity zones (CAL FIRE 2022); therefore, implementation of the Project would not exacerbate
wildfire hazard risks or expose people or the environment to adverse environmental effects related to
wildfires.
RESOURCES
California Department of Conservation. 2022. California Important Farmland Finder. Accessed:
https://maps.conservation.ca.gov/DLRP/CIFF/
California Department of Conservation. Mineral Land Classification Map, Updated Mineral Land
Classification for Portland Cement Concrete-Grade Aggregate in the San Bernardino Production-
Consumption (P-C) Region, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, California, Special Report 206, Plate 1.
2008.
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). 2022. Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps.
Accessed: 27 January 2023. https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/fire-hazard-severity-zones-maps-2022/
City of Fontana. General Plan 2015-2035 Environmental Impact Report. 10 August 2018. (City of Fontana
2018). Accessed: 27 January 2023. https://www.fontana.org/2632/General-Plan-Update-2015---2035
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8.0 Alternatives
This section addresses alternatives to the proposed Project and describes the rationale for including them in
the Draft EIR. The section also discusses the environmental impacts associated with each alternative and
compares the relative impacts of each alternative to those of the proposed Project. In addition, this section
describes the extent to which each alternative meets the Project objectives.
8.1 INTRODUCTION
The identification and analysis of alternatives to a project is a fundamental part of the environmental review
process pursuant to CEQA. Public Resources Code (PRC) Section 21002.1(a) establishes the need to address
alternatives in an EIR by stating that in addition to determining a project’s significant environmental impacts
and indicating potential means of mitigating or avoiding those impacts, “the purpose of an environmental
impact report is […] to identify alternatives to the project.”
Pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.6(a), an EIR must describe a reasonable range of
alternatives to a proposed project or to a project’s location that would feasibly avoid or lessen its significant
environmental impacts while attaining most of the proposed project’s objectives. State CEQA Guidelines
Section 15126.6(b) emphasizes that the selection of project alternatives be based primarily on the ability
to reduce impacts relative to the proposed project. In addition, State CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.6(e)(2)
requires the identification and evaluation of an “Environmentally Superior Alternative.”
Pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.6(d), discussion of each alternative presented in this Draft
EIR section is intended “to allow meaningful evaluation, analysis, and comparison with the proposed project.”
As permitted by CEQA, the significant effects of each alternative are discussed in less detail than those of
the proposed Project, but in enough detail to provide perspective and allow for a reasoned choice among
alternatives to the proposed Project.
In addition, the “range of alternatives” to be evaluated is governed by the “rule of reason” and feasibility,
which requires the Draft EIR to set forth only those alternatives that are feasible and necessary to permit an
informed and reasoned choice by the lead agency and to foster meaningful public participation (State
CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.6(f)). CEQA generally defines “feasible” to mean an alternative that is
capable of being accomplished in a successful manner within a reasonable period of time, taking into account
economic, environmental, social, technological, and legal factors and other considerations (State CEQA
Guidelines Sections 15091(a)(3), 15364).
Based on the CEQA requirements described above, the alternatives addressed in this Draft EIR were selected
in consideration of one or more of the following factors:
• The extent to which the alternative could avoid or substantially lessen any of the identified significant
environmental effects of the proposed Project;
• The extent to which the alternative could accomplish the objectives of the proposed Project;
• The potential feasibility of the alternative;
• The appropriateness of the alternative in contributing to a “reasonable range” of alternatives that
would allow an informed comparison of relative advantages and disadvantages of the proposed
Project and potential alternatives to it; and
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• The requirement of the State CEQA Guidelines to consider a “no project” alternative; and to identify
an “environmentally superior” alternative in addition to the no project alternative (State CEQA
Guidelines Section 15126.6(e)).
Neither the CEQA statute, the State CEQA Guidelines, nor recent court cases specify a specific number of
alternatives to be evaluated in an EIR. Rather, “the range of alternatives required in an EIR is governed by
the rule of reason that sets forth only those alternatives necessary to permit a reasoned choice” (State CEQA
Guidelines 15126(f)).
8.2 SIGNIFICANT AND UNAVOIDABLE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
CEQA requires the alternatives selected for comparison in an EIR to avoid or substantially lessen one or more
significant effects of the project being evaluated. In order to identify alternatives that would avoid or
substantially lessen any of the identified significant environmental effects of implementation of the proposed
Project, the significant impacts must be considered, although it is recognized that alternatives aimed at
reducing the significant and unavoidable impacts would also avoid or reduce impacts that were found to be
less than significant or reduced to below a level of significance with implementation of mitigation measures.
The analysis in Chapter 5 of this Draft EIR determined that the Project would result in one significant and
unavoidable impact, consistency with the with the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD)
2022 Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP). Like the proposed Project, this alternative would require a
General Plan Amendment (GPA) to change the land use designation from Residential Trucking (R-T) to
General Industrial (I-G) and a Specific Plan Amendment (SPA) to change the Southwest Industrial Park
Specific Plan (SWIP) designation from Residential Trucking District (RTD) to Slover East Industrial District
(SED). Accordingly, the 2022 AQMP does not reflect the proposed land use designation for the Project site
and buildout of the site would result in greater employment increases than assumed by SCAQMD’s regional
forecast projections and the AQMP growth projections. Therefore, the Project is inconsistent with the
SCAQMD 2022 AQMP and would result in an impact related to Criterion No.1. The Project would not result
in any additional significant and unavoidable impacts, all other impacts would be less than significant or less
than significant with mitigation.
8.3 PROJECT OBJECTIVES
The Project objectives are designed to help the lead agency develop a reasonable range of alternatives to
evaluate in the EIR and would aid the decision-makers in preparing Project findings. The Project objectives
have been refined throughout the planning and design process for the proposed Project, and are listed
below:
1. To make efficient use of property in the City of Fontana by adding to its potential for
employment-generating uses.
2. To attract new business and employment to the City of Fontana and thereby promote economic
growth.
3. To reduce the need for members of the local workforce to commute outside the Project vicinity to
work.
4. To increase temporary and permanent employment opportunities while improving the local
balance of housing and jobs.
5. To redesignate and develop a property surrounded by industrial uses with an industrial warehouse
building near available infrastructure, including roads and utilities, to help meet demand for
logistics business in the City and surrounding region.
6. To develop an industrial building in south Fontana that is similar to and compatible with other
industrial buildings that were recently built or recently approved for construction in south Fontana.
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7. Develop a project that does not contribute to surface and groundwater quality degradation by
treating surface and stormwater flows.
8.4 ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED BUT REJECTED
Pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.6(c), an EIR must briefly describe the rationale for
selection and rejection of alternatives. The lead agency may make an initial determination as to which
alternatives are potentially feasible and, therefore, merit in-depth consideration, and which are infeasible
and need not be considered further. Alternatives that are remote or speculative, or the effects of which
cannot be reasonably predicted, need not be considered (State CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.6(f), (f)(3)).
This section identifies alternatives considered by the lead agency but rejected as infeasible and provides a
brief explanation of the reasons for their exclusion. Alternatives may be eliminated from detailed
consideration in the Draft EIR if they fail to meet most of the project objectives, are infeasible, or do not
avoid any significant environmental effects.
• Alternate Site Alternative. An alternate site for the Project was eliminated from further
consideration. Based on a review of available sites for sale and the City of Fontana General Plan
land use map, there are no other available, undeveloped properties of similar size (19.08
developable acres) that are zoned for industrial uses. There are no suitable sites within the control
of the Project applicant. However, in the event land could be purchased of suitable size, the Project
could have the same potential impacts to biological resources, cultural resources, paleontological
resources, and tribal cultural resources. Additionally, the Project could have the same significant and
unavoidable impact related to air quality and consistency with the SCAQMD 2022 AQMP if the
potential alternative site requires a GPA or SPA to accommodate the Project; however, if a GPA or
SPA is not required, impacts could be lessened to less than significant. Due to the unavailability of
undeveloped properties with industrial designation of similar size as the Project site, it is likely that
a GPA and/or SPA would be required, and therefore, impacts would remain similar to the proposed
Project. Therefore, analysis of an alternative site for the proposed Project is neither meaningful nor
necessary, because the impacts and need for mitigation resulting from the proposed Project would
not be avoided or substantially lessened by its implementation. Given these reasons, it would be
infeasible to develop and operate the Project on an alternate site with fewer environmental impacts
while meeting Project objectives. Therefore, the Alternative Site Alternative was rejected from
further consideration.
• Alternative 2: No Project/Buildout of Existing Land Use Alternative. Under the RTD zone within
the SWIP, Open Space/Park is a permitted use. This alternative assumes that all 40 existing single-
family residential units that currently occupy the 19.08-acre Project site would be demolished and
the site would be developed as 19.08 acres of public park. This alternative would also not require
a GPA and/or SPA. For the Project site to be operated as a City park, the properties, which are
currently under private ownership, would need to be acquired by the City. . Overall, this alternative
would also result in less than significant impacts related to cultural resources, paleontological
resources, and tribal cultural resources, and mitigation measures would continue be required for
construction activities. This alternative would likely require some tree removal, similar to the Project;
therefore, impacts to biological resources would be less than significant with implementation of
mitigation measure BIO-1. Use of the site as public park would result in fewer daily passenger
vehicle trips than the proposed Project (according to the ITE 11th edition trip rates, public park would
result in 0.78 trips per acre, or approximately 15 daily trips for the alternative). Overall, this
alternative would result in fewer impacts than the Project. However, this alternative would fail to
meet most of the project objectives and would be infeasible since the property is privately owned
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and not owned by the City. Therefore, the Buildout of Existing Land Use Alternative was rejected
from further consideration.
8.5 ALTERNATIVES SELECTED FOR FURTHER ANALYSIS
Two alternatives to the Project have been identified for further analysis as representing a reasonable range
of alternatives that attain most of the objectives of the Project, may avoid or substantially lessen any of the
significant effects of the Project, and are feasible from a development perspective. These alternatives have
been developed based on the criteria identified in Section 8.1. The following alternatives are further
described and analyzed in Section 8.6.
Alternative 1: No Project/No Development Alternative. This alternative consists of the Project not being
approved, and the Project site would remain in its existing condition.
Alternative 2: Reduced Project Alternative. This Reduced Project Alternative consists of development of the
Project site in a manner similar to the Project, but with a reduction in square footage and operational intensity
onsite. Specifically, the Reduced Project Alternative would result in development of a 367,924 SF speculative
warehouse building inclusive of approximately 7,360 SF of mezzanine to be used as office space.
Development under the Reduced Project Alternative would reduce Project square footage by approximately
25 percent. As with the Project, the entire 19.08-acre developable portion of the site would be developed,
but the reduced square footage would allow for increased setbacks and truck parking. Areas planned for
physical impact on and offsite would be identical to those required for development of the proposed Project.
8.6 ALTERNATIVE 1: NO PROJECT/NO DEVELOPMENT
Pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.6(e), this Draft EIR is required to “discuss the existing
conditions at the time the notice of preparation is published, or if no notice of preparation is published, at
the time the environmental analysis is commenced, as well as what would be reasonably expected to occur
in the foreseeable future if the project were not approved, based on current plans and consistent with
available infrastructure and community services […] In certain instances, the no project alternative means ‘no
build’ wherein the existing environmental setting is maintained.”
The No Project/No Development Alternative allows decision-makers to compare the environmental impacts
of approving the proposed Project to the environmental impacts that would occur if the property were to be
left in its existing conditions for the foreseeable future. Under the existing conditions, the Project site is
undeveloped and vacant. The Project site would continue to be disked for weed abatement. See Section 4,
Environmental Setting, for additional details and figures regarding the existing conditions at the Project site.
8.6.1 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
Aesthetics
Under this alternative, the Project site would remain in its existing condition, which includes 40 occupied
single-family residential homes with ancillary structures and landscaping. No new structures or landscaping
would be introduced and this alternative would not result in a change in the visual height, scale, and mass of
the development on the site. This alternative would not create new sources of light and glare. Overall, this
alternative would result in no impact to existing visual character and quality, and therefore, would be less
than the Project’s less than significant impacts.
Air Quality
Under this alternative no new development would occur in the Project site, and as such, no new stationary
sources of air pollution would be introduced. The No Project/No Development alternative would be consistent
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with the SCAQMD AQMP, this alternative would avoid the Project’s significant and unavoidable impacts
related to conflict with the 2022 AQMP. Although the Project’s construction and operational air quality
emissions would be below applicable SCAQMD regional, local, and health risk thresholds, the alternative
would result in no increase in emissions of criteria pollutants or diesel particulate matter (DPM) over existing
conditions. As shown in Table 5.2-7, Summary of Peak Operational Emissions, of Section 5.2, Air Quality,
operational emissions of existing residential use is less than the proposed Project for all criterial pollutants
with the exception of PM2.5. Therefore, this alternative would result in reduced impacts to regional air quality
and sensitive receptors. This alternative would also avoid the Project’s less than significant impacts related
to odors. Therefore, the No Project/No Development alternative would result in less impacts than the
proposed Project.
Biological Resources
The Project site contains shrubs and trees that can support nesting birds and raptors protected under the
Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Sections 3503, 3503.5, and 3513 of the California Fish and Game
Code during the nesting season. Under this alternative, existing ornamental landscaping would remain onsite
and tree removal would not be required. As such, this alternative would not result in potential impacts to
nesting birds due to tree removal during the nesting bird season (February 1st to September 15th). Although
mitigation measure BIO-1 required of the Project would reduce biological resource impacts to less than
significant levels, this alternative would generate less impacts to biological resources as compared with the
Project and would not require mitigation. Therefore, the No Project/No Development alternative would result
in less impacts than the proposed Project.
Cultural Resources
Under this alternative, no disturbances would occur to the site. No grading for construction would occur and
there would be no potential impacts to historical resources as the built environment would remain, or to
archaeological resources that may be buried below ground. Although mitigation measures required of the
Project would reduce cultural resource impacts to less than significant levels, this alternative would avoid
impacts to cultural resources associated with the Project and would not require mitigation. Therefore, the No
Project/No Development alternative would result in less impacts than the proposed Project.
Energy
No construction activities would occur at the Project site or operation of new structures that would increase
consumption of energy sources under this alternative. Existing residential structures onsite would continue
standard operation and vehicles would continue to be used for commuting to and from the residences. While
this alternative would not generate an increase in electrical demand, it would also not provide upgraded
energy efficient infrastructure, plumbing, and water efficient irrigation. As shown in Table 5.5-2, Estimated
Annual Operational Vehicle Fuel Consumption, of Section 5.5, Energy, operational energy consumption of
existing residential use is less than the proposed Project for all energy sources with the exception of natural
gas. While this Draft EIR determined the Project’s impacts to energy would be less than significant, energy
use associated with this alternative would be less. Therefore, the No Project/No Development alternative
would result in less impacts than the proposed Project.
Geology and Soils
No new construction activities, including grading, would occur under this alternative. Thus, there would be no
potential for additional workers, building, and structures to experience seismic ground shaking, liquefaction,
lateral spreading, subsidence, or collapse within the Project site. Additionally, as no grading activities would
occur under this alternative, potential impacts from erosion, loss of topsoil, or to paleontological resources
would not occur. While the Project impacts would be less than significant with mitigation incorporated, this
alternative would result in less impacts and no mitigation measures are required. Therefore, the No
Project/No Development alternative would result in less impacts than the proposed Project.
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Greenhouse Gases
No new construction activities would occur at the Project site or operation of new structures that would
generate GHGs under this alternative. Under this alternative, As shown in Table 5.7-1, Project Generated
Greenhouse Gas Emissions, of Section 5.7, Greenhouse Gases, operational greenhouse gas emissions of
existing residential use is less than the proposed Project. This alternative would be consistent with all
applicable air quality plans. Therefore, the No Project/No Development alternative would result in less
impacts than the proposed Project.
Hazards and Hazardous Materials
No new construction activities would occur at the Project site or operation of new high-cube warehouse
buildings that would generate, and result in transport of, hazardous materials. As there are no existing
structures onsite, there would be no operation onsite that would generate hazardous materials. The No
Project/No Build Alternative would not include major construction activities that would use typical
construction-related hazardous materials. Thus, potential impacts related to use, disposal, and transport of
hazardous materials would be avoided by this alternative. While this Draft EIR determined that the Project’s
impacts related to hazards and hazardous materials would be less than significant, this alternative would
result in less impacts since no grading or construction would occur. Therefore, the No Project/No Development
alternative would result in less impacts than the proposed Project.
Hydrology and Water Quality
Existing water quality conditions, groundwater supplies, drainage patterns, and runoff water amounts would
remain “as is” under this alternative as no new development would occur. This alternative would not introduce
new sources of water pollutants from either the construction or operation phases of development to the
Project site, because no new development would occur. Additionally, this alternative would not require the
storm drain facility improvements that would be necessary with the Project. However, this alternative would
not include installation of new low-impact development (LID) treatment control best management practices
(BMPs) to minimize runoff, which would occur by the Project. Storm water leaving the site would continue to
contain pollutants, such as sediment, oil, pet waste, pesticide, herbicide, and fertilizer, associated with the
existing operations of the site. However, this alternative would maintain an impervious surface area of
780,160 square feet that would treat and infiltrate stormwater runoff, which is greater than 58,481 square
feet of impervious surface proposed by the Project. Therefore, the No Project/No Build Alternative would
result in similar impacts to Hydrology and Water Quality, compared to those that could occur from the
Project.
Land Use and Planning
This alternative would not result in new development, and as such, there would be no potential for land uses
to be introduced that would indirectly result in environmental impacts due to a conflict with an existing land
use plan. Under this alternative no GPA and/or SPA would be required. Overall, this alternative would result
in no impacts to land use and planning, and therefore, would be less than the Project’s impacts.
Noise
Under this alternative, no development would occur onsite, and no new sources of noise would be introduced
at the Project site. Since no new development would occur and no traffic trips would be generated, this
alternative would not contribute to an incremental increase in area-wide traffic noise levels. In addition, this
alternative would not result in construction onsite and no construction noise or vibration would occur.
Therefore, this alternative would avoid the Project’s significant and unavoidable impact related to increase
in traffic noise. Therefore, the No Project/No Development alternative would result in less impacts than the
proposed Project.
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Population and Housing
This alternative would not result in new development, and as such, would not result in induced growth or
displacement affecting population and housing. However, this alternative would also not result in the benefit
of adding new employment opportunities, which would help result in a more balanced jobs-housing ratio.
Therefore, while the Project’s impacts would be less than significant, this alternative would result in less
impacts.
Public Services
This alternative would not result in new development, and as such, would not result in increased demand for
public services such as fire and sheriff services, school services, library services, or health services that requires
the new construction of public facilities. However, this alternative would also not result in the payment of the
City’s development impact fees. Therefore, while the Project’s impacts would be less than significant through
compliance with regulatory programs, this alternative would result in less impacts.
Transportation
This alternative would not result in new development, and as such, would not result in any trips, traffic, or
VMT related to operation of the Project site. This alternative would not impact existing transit service and
alternative transportation facilities within the Project site. The Project would result in less than significant
impacts on transportation (including VMT, geometric hazards, and emergency access); however, as the
Project site would not be developed and trips would not be generated, the No Project/No Development
alternative would result in no impact on transportation. Therefore, the No Project/No Development
alternative would result in less impacts than the proposed Project.
Tribal Cultural Resources
Under this alternative, existing conditions would remain, and no new development would occur. No grading
would occur and there would be no potential impacts to tribal cultural resources that may be buried below
ground. Although the Project would result in less than significant impacts on tribal cultural resources, this
alternative would avoid all potential impacts to tribal cultural resources. Therefore, the No Project/No
Development alternative would result in less impacts than the proposed Project.
Utilities and Service Systems
Under this alternative, existing conditions would remain, and no new development would occur. No additional
configurations or connections to existing domestic water, wastewater, stormwater drainage, electric power,
natural gas, or telecommunication facilities would be needed under this alternative, and there would be no
change in the demand for domestic water or wastewater treatment services. This alternative would also not
result in increased demand for solid waste collection and disposal. Selection of this alternative would result
in no impact to utilities and service system providers. While the Project would result in less than significant
impacts, this alternative would result in less impacts due to no change in demand of these service systems.
Therefore, the No Project/No Development alternative would result in less impacts than the proposed Project.
8.6.2 CONCLUSION
Ability to Reduce Impacts
The No Project/No Development Alternative would result in continuation of the existing uses within the Project
site, and the proposed development would not occur. As a result, this alternative would avoid the need for
mitigation measures that are identified in Chapter 5.0 of this Draft EIR, which include measures related to
biological resources, cultural resources, paleontological resources, and tribal cultural resources. This
alternative would result in lessened impacts to all 16 of the 16 environmental topics analyzed in this Draft
EIR (see Table 8-3).
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However, the environmental benefits of the proposed Project would also not be realized including providing
jobs onsite that would result in a better jobs-housing balance in Fontana, which is currently considered housing
rich.
Ability to Achieve Project Objectives
As shown in Table 8-4, below, the No Project/No Development Alternative would not meet any of the Project
objectives.
8.7 ALTERNATIVE 2: REDUCED PROJECT
This Reduced Project Alternative consists of development of the Project site in a manner similar to the Project,
but with a reduction in square footage and operational intensity onsite. Specifically, the Reduced Project
Alternative would result in development of a 367,924 SF speculative warehouse building. Development
under the Reduced Project Alternative would reduce Project square footage by approximately 25 percent,
122,641 fewer square feet. As with the Project, the entire 19.08-acre developable portion of the site would
be developed, but the reduced square footage would allow for increased setbacks and truck parking. Areas
planned for physical impact on and offsite would be identical to those required for development of the
proposed Project.
Infrastructure and circulation improvements would still be required to adequately serve the development;
however, stormwater facilities would be sized smaller due to the decrease in impervious areas. Like the
proposed Project, this alternative would require a General Plan Amendment to change the land use
designation from Residential Trucking (R-T) to General Industrial (I-G) and a Specific Plan Amendment (SPA)
to change the Southwest Industrial Park Specific Plan (SWIP) designation from Residential Trucking District
(RTD) to Slover East Industrial District (SED).
8.7.1 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
Aesthetics
Under this alternative, the Project site would be developed with a 367,924 SF speculative warehouse
building. Development under the Reduced Project Alternative would reduce Project square footage by
approximately 25 percent. This alternative would introduce one new building and landscaping into the
Project site. The alternative would result in increased setbacks and a larger landscaped area than what is
proposed by the Project. While the alternative would result in a smaller building onsite, the alternative would
be visually compatible with surrounding industrial development to the north of the Project site. This alternative
would introduce new sources of light and glare but would be similarly subject to the Fontana Municipal Code.
This alternative would result in less than significant impacts to aesthetics, and therefore, would be consistent
with the Project’s impact.
Air Quality
Under the Reduced Project Alternative, approximately 25 percent less build area would be developed
within the Project site. Under this alternative, air quality impacts would be less than those under the proposed
Project due to the decrease in square footage. While this alternative’s maximum peak construction emissions
would be reduced to a less than significant level like the Project, since demolition of the existing residences
would be required and the same acreage would be developed under the Project, construction emissions
would be similar to those under the proposed Project. The Reduced Project Alternative would develop
approximately 122,641 fewer square feet, or 25 percent less building square footage. As the Project would
result in emissions below SCAQMD thresholds, the Reduced Project Alternative would also result in emissions
below SCAQMD thresholds. The Reduced Project Alternative would require a GPA and SPA, and therefore,
would be inconsistent with the SCAQMD AQMP. This alternative would result in significant and unavoidable
impacts related to conflict with the 2022 AQMP, similar to the Project. Therefore, this alternative would result
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in significant and unavoidable impacts to air quality but would result in less overall air quality impacts
compared to the Project.
Biological Resources
Under this alternative, the entire 19.08-acre developable portion of the Project site would be developed
with one speculative warehouse building. Development of this alternative would require removal of existing
vegetation, including trees, which provide nesting habitat for Migratory Bird species. As such, the impacts to
biological resources at the Project site would be similar to the Project and require mitigation measure BIO-1
to reduce potential project impacts to nesting birds. This mitigation measure would also reduce potential
impacts from this alternative to a less than significant level. This alternative would result in less than significant
impacts with mitigation to biological resources, and therefore, would be consistent with the Project’s impact.
Cultural Resources
Under this alternative, the entire 19.08-acre developable portion of the Project site would be developed
with one speculative warehouse building. Potential archaeological impacts would be similar to the Project
due to grading and excavation required for development of the Project site and require the same mitigation
measure, CUL-1, to reduce potential impacts related to inadvertent discovery of an archeological resource
during project construction. Therefore, impacts from this alternative would be similar compared to the Project,
and archaeological mitigation would reduce potential impacts from this alternative to a less than significant
level as with the Project. This alternative would result in less than significant impacts to cultural resources, and
therefore, would be consistent with the Project’s impact.
Energy
Under the Reduced Project Alternative, approximately 25 percent less building area would be developed
within the Project site. This would result in an approximately 25 percent decrease in the demand for energy
in comparison to the proposed Project, which was determined to be less than significant. This alternative
would also be required to be in compliance with Title 24 requirements and the City of Fontana’s Sustainability
Ordinance, Ordinance 1891. The Project would require the use of diesel fuel for trucking operations;
however, operations would be reduced by 25 percent capacity as a result of reduction in facility. Therefore,
impacts to energy from the Reduced Project Alternative would be less than those associated with the
proposed Project, and remain less than significant. Therefore, while Project impacts to energy were
determined to be less than significant, energy impacts from this alternative would be less.
Geology and Soils
Under this alternative, the entire 19.08-acre developable portion of the Project site would be developed
with one warehouse building. Potential impacts related to the potential for additional workers, building, and
structures to experience seismic ground shaking, liquefaction, lateral spreading, subsidence, or collapse within
the Project site would be similar to the Project. Soil erosion impacts would also be less than significant due
to compliance with water quality standards, and new development would be required to comply with
regulatory requirements regarding geologic considerations such as seismic hazards from ground shaking.
The same mitigation measures regarding paleontological resources would be required for this alternative.
This alternative would result in less than significant impacts to geology and soils, and therefore, would be
consistent with the Project’s impact.
Greenhouse Gases
Under the Reduced Project Alternative, approximately 25 percent less building area would be developed
within the Project site. Therefore, a reduced volume of construction activities and related production of GHG
emissions would occur. In addition, the reduced amount of development by this alternative would result in
less stationary source emissions from onsite equipment, and less traffic-associated GHG emissions than the
proposed Project. Therefore, the overall volume of GHG emissions would be reduced in comparison to the
proposed Project and impacts would remain less than significant for the Reduced Project Alternative.
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Therefore, while Project impacts to GHG were determined to be less than significant, GHG impacts from this
alternative would be less.
Hazards and Hazardous Materials
Under this alternative, the entire 19.08-acre developable portion of the Project site would be developed
with a 367,924 SF warehouse building. Like the proposed Project, construction of this alternative would be
required to comply with existing regulations regarding the transport, use, and disposal of hazardous
materials. In addition, this alternative would likely require the same utilization of hazardous materials during
operation, including diesel particulate matter, as the proposed Project. Overall, this alternative would result
in less than significant impacts to hazards and hazardous materials, and therefore, would be consistent with
the Project’s impact.
Hydrology and Water Quality
Under this alternative, the entire 19.08-acre developable portion of the Project site would be developed
with one 367,924 SF warehouse building. Due to the decrease in square footage developed, it is likely that
development of this alternative would result in a decrease in impermeable surfaces compared to those
required for development of the Project. Construction of the alternative would still construct the identified
stormwater drainage system as the Project but would likely require a smaller sized basin. In addition,
preparation of a SWPPP and WQMP would be required for development of this alternative. Therefore, this
alternative would result in similar less than significant impacts as the Project; and therefore, would be
consistent with the Project’s impact.
Land Use and Planning
Under this alternative, the entire 19.08-acre developable portion of the Project site would be developed
with one 367,924 SF warehouse building. Like the proposed Project, the Reduced Project alternative would
require a GPA to change the land use designation from R-T to I-G and a SPA to change the SWIP designation
from RTD to SED. Both the Project and the Reduced Project Alternative would be consistent with goals and
policies of the Fontana General Plan, SWIP, and the SCAG 2020-2045 RTP/SCS. With implementation of
measures to address other environmental issues (e.g., biological resources, etc.), potential impacts due to
land use compatibility under both the Project and this alternative would remain less than significant. This
alternative would also not physically disrupt or divide the arrangement of an established community. Overall,
impacts related to land use and planning from the Reduced Project Alternative would be less than significant;
and therefore, would be consistent with the Project’s impacts.
Noise
Under this alternative, the entire 19.08-acre developable portion of the Project site would be developed
with one 367,924 SF warehouse building. Roadway noise would increase as well from the increase in
employee and truck trips. However, operation of this alternative would result in approximately fewer daily
trips in comparison to the proposed Project. Therefore, this alternative would result in a decrease in roadway
noise when compared to the proposed Project. Short-term noise and vibration impacts would occur during
construction. Like the Project, long-term operational noise would not expose nearby sensitive receivers to
noise levels over the City’s daytime noise standards; however, due to the less intense development on site
under this alternative, impacts would be reduced under the Reduce Project alternative as compared to the
Project. Therefore, this alternative would result in fewer impacts than those associated with the Project.
Population and Housing
Under this alternative, the entire 19.08-acre developable portion of the Project site would be developed
with one 367,924 SF speculative warehouse building. Based on the SCAG employment factor of 1,195
square feet of industrial space per employee, this alternative has the potential to result in the need for
approximately 308 employees in comparison to the Project’s 411 estimated employee generation. This
employment increase would be within the SCAG growth projections from 2016 to 2045. Thus, this alternative
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would not result in unplanned growth inducing impacts or displacement of population and housing. Therefore,
this alternative would result in similar less than significant impacts as the Project.
Public Services
Under this alternative, the entire 19.08-acre developable portion of the Project site would be developed
with a 367,924 SF speculative warehouse building. Construction of this alternative would result in generally
similar impacts, if not a slightly decreased demand for public services based on the decreased employment
generated. The same fire and sheriff’s stations would serve the alternative, and the decrease in square
footage developed would likely decrease the amount of service calls received by these public services
compared to the Project. In addition, this alternative would also require the payment of development impact
fees imposed by the City of Fontana. Through implementation of regulatory requirements, impacts would be
less than significant. Therefore, this alternative would result in similar less than significant impacts as the
Project.
Transportation
Under this alternative, new trips would be introduced from developing a 367,924 SF speculative warehouse
building. Under this alternative, development of the Reduced Project Alternative would result in
approximately 515 daily trips, as shown in Table 8-1.
Table 8-1: Alternative 2 Trip Generation
AM Peak Hour PM Peak Hour
Land Use Units Daily In Out Total In Out Total
Trip Rates
High-Cube Transload and Short-Term
Storage1
TSF 1.40 0.06 0.02 0.08 0.03 0.07 0.10
Project Trip Generation
High-Cube Transload and Short-Term
Storage
367,924 TSF 515 23 6 29 10 27 37
Vehicle Mix2 Percent2
Passenger Vehicles 79.57% 410 18 5 23 8 21 29
2-Axle truck 3.46% 18 1 0 1 0 1 1
3-Axle truck 4.64% 24 1 0 1 0 2 2
4+-Axle Trucks 12.33% 63 3 1 4 2 3 5 100% 515 23 6 29 10 27 37
1 Trip rates from the Institute of Transportation Engineers, Trip Generation Manual, 11th Edition, 2021, Land Use Code 150-Warehousing.
This alternative would result in substantially fewer trips than the Project, which is calculated to generate 687
daily trips including 39 AM peak hour and 49 PM peak hour trips. With respect to VMT, this alternative
would result in a net reduction of daily trips from existing conditions and would screen out of conducting a
VMT analysis pursuant to the City’s screening criteria. Therefore, it would be presumed that this alternative
would result in less than significant impacts related to VMT, consistent with the proposed Project. Therefore,
while Project impacts to VMT were determined to be less than significant, VMT impacts from this alternative
would be less.
Tribal Cultural Resources
Under this alternative, the entire 19.08-acre developable portion of the Project site would be developed
with a 367,924 SF speculative warehouse building. Potential tribal cultural resource impacts would be similar
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to the Project due to grading and excavation required for development of the warehouse and require the
same mitigation measures. Therefore, impacts from this alternative would be similar compared to the Project,
and mitigation measures would reduce potential impacts from this alternative to a less than significant level
as with the Project. This alternative would result in less than significant impacts to tribal cultural resources,
and therefore, would be consistent with the Project’s impact.
Utilities and Service Systems
The level of development onsite would be decreased under this alternative as compared to the proposed
Project. Both the Project and this alternative would require the construction of water, wastewater, stormwater
drainage, electric power, natural gas, and telecommunication facilities. Impacts associated with the provision
of such facilities would be similar and would be less than significant with compliance to existing regulatory
requirements. The development under this alternative would be fully consistent with the growth assumptions
under the Fontana General Plan and SWIP, which are used by the Fontana Water Company (FWC) for
long-term planning purposes. Although impacts would be decreased under this alternative due to the
decrease in building demand and associated demand for water resources, impacts to water supply would
still be less than significant. Similarly, FWC would have adequate capacity to treat wastewater generated
under both the Project and this alternative; however, this alternative would generate less wastewater than
the proposed Project. In addition, this alternative would be subject to City and State solid waste regulations
and the alternative would not result in the generation of solid waste in excess of Mid-Valley Sanitary Landfill
capacity. However, this alternative would result in a decrease in building square footage and would
generate less solid waste than the proposed Project. Overall, this alternative would result in less than
significant impacts related to utilities and service systems, but would result in a decrease in impacts in
comparison to the proposed Project.
8.7.2 CONCLUSION
Ability to Reduce Impacts
The Reduced Project Alternative would result in development of a 367,924 SF speculative warehouse
building. Development under the Reduced Project Alternative would reduce Project square footage by
approximately 25 percent. As with the Project, the entire 19.08-acre developable site would be developed.
All mitigation measures would still be applicable to this alternative; however, this alternative would result in
lessened impacts to 6 of the 16 environmental topics analyzed in this Draft EIR (see Table 8-2). This
alternative would not avoid the Project’s significant and unavoidable impact related to consistency with the
SCAQMD AQMP.
Ability to Achieve Project Objectives
As shown in Table 8-3, below, the Reduced Project Alternative would partially meet the majority of Project
objectives, but not to the same extent as the proposed Project. This alternative would develop a property,
surrounded by existing industrial uses with nearby access to the freeway, by adding employment-generating
uses and would attract new businesses and employment. Furthermore, the Reduced Alternative would reduce
the need for the local workforce to commute outside of the Project vicinity. This alternative would develop a
speculative warehouse building within close proximity to I-10. However, this alternative would not meet the
main Project objectives to the extent that the proposed Project would.
8.8 ENVIRONMENTALLY SUPERIOR ALTERNATIVE
CEQA requires a lead agency to identify the “environmentally superior alternative” when significant
environmental impacts result from a proposed Project. The Environmentally Superior Alternative for this
Project would be Alternative 1: No Project/No Development. The No Project/No Development Alternative
would avoid the implementation of the mitigation measures that are identified in Chapter 5.0 of this Draft
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EIR that are related to: biological resources, cultural resources, geology and soils, and tribal cultural
resources.
Additionally, State CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.6(3)(1) states:
The “no project” analysis shall discuss the existing conditions at the time the notice of
preparation is published, or if no notice of preparation is published, at the time environmental
analysis is commenced, as well as what would be reasonably expected to occur in the
foreseeable future if the project were not approved, based on current plans and consistent with
available infrastructure and community services. If the environmentally superior alternative is
the “no project” alternative, the EIR shall also identify an environmentally superior alternative
among the other alternatives. (Emphasis added.)
Therefore, pursuant to CEQA, because the No Project/No Development Alternative has been identified as
the Environmentally Superior Alternative, the Environmentally Superior Alternative among the other
alternatives would be Alternative 2: Reduced Project Alternative, which would involve developing the Project
site with a 367,924 SF industrial warehouse building.
This alternative would result in lessened impacts to 6 of the 16 environmental topics analyzed in this EIR.
However, this alternative would be required to implement applicable mitigation measures regarding
biological resources, cultural resources, geology and soils, and tribal cultural resources. Moreover, the
Reduced Project Alternative would not meet the Project objectives to the same extent as the Project.
CEQA does not require the Lead Agency (the City of Fontana) to choose the environmentally superior
alternative. Instead, CEQA requires the City to consider environmentally superior alternatives, weigh those
considerations against the environmental impacts of the proposed Project, and make findings that the
benefits of those considerations outweigh the harm. Table 8-2 provides, in summary format, a comparison
between the level of impacts for each alternative and the proposed Project. In addition, Table 8-3 provides
a comparison of the ability of each of the alternatives to meet the objectives of the proposed Project.
Table 8-2: Impact Comparison of the Proposed Project and Alternatives
Proposed Project Alternative 1
No Project / No
Development
Alternative 2
Reduced Project
Aesthetics Less than significant Less than Project Same as Project
Air Quality Significant and
unavoidable
Less than Project Less than Project
Biological Resources Less than significant with
mitigation
Less than Project, and no
mitigation
Same as Project
Cultural Resources Less than significant with
mitigation
Less than Project, and no
mitigation
Same as Project
Energy Less than significant Less than Project Less than Project
Geology and Soils Less than significant with
mitigation
Less than Project, and no
mitigation
Same as Project
Greenhouse Gases Less than significant Less than Project Less than Project
Hazards and Hazardous
Materials
Less than significant Less than Project Same as Project
Hydrology and Water
Quality
Less than significant Less than Project Same as Project
Land Use and Planning Less than significant Less than Project Same as Project
Noise Less than significant Less than Project Less than project
Population and Housing Less than significant Less than Project Same as Project
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Public Services Less than significant Less than Project Same as Project
Transportation Less than significant Less than Project Less than Project
Tribal Cultural Resources Less than significant with
mitigation
Less than Project, and no
mitigation
Same as Project
Utilities and Service
Systems
Less than significant Less than Project Less than Project
Reduce Impacts of the Project? Yes Yes
Areas of Reduced Impacts Compared to the Project 16 6
Table 8-3: Comparison of the Proposed Project and Alternatives’ Ability to Meet Objectives
Project Alternative 1
No Project / No
Development
Alternative 2
Reduced
Project
1. To make efficient use of property in the City of Fontana by
adding to its potential for employment-generating uses.
Yes No Yes, but to a
lesser extent
2. To attract new business and employment to the City of Fontana
and thereby promote economic growth.
Yes No Yes, but to a
lesser extent
3. To reduce the need for members of the local workforce to
commute outside the Project vicinity to work.
Yes No Yes, but to a
lesser extent
4. To increase temporary and permanent employment
opportunities while improving the local balance of housing and jobs.
Yes No Yes, but to a
lesser extent
5. To redesignate and develop a property surrounded by
industrial uses with an industrial warehouse building near available
infrastructure, including roads and utilities, to help meet demand for
logistics business in the City and surrounding region.
Yes No Yes
6. To develop an industrial building in south Fontana that is similar
to and compatible with other industrial buildings that were recently
built or recently approved for construction in south Fontana.
Yes No Yes
7. Develop a project that does not contribute to surface and
groundwater quality degradation by treating surface and
stormwater flows.
Yes No Yes
Poplar South Distribution Center 9.0 EIR Preparers and Persons Contacted
City of Fontana 9-1
Draft EIR
June 2023
9.0 EIR Preparers and Persons Contacted
9.1 EIR PREPARERS
City of Fontana
Alejandro Rico, Associate Planner
E|P|D Solutions, Inc.
Jeremy Krout, AICP, CEO
Konnie Dobreva, JD, Vice President of Environmental Planning
Meghan Macias, TE, Director of Technical Services
Danielle Thayer, Associate Environmental Planner
Megan Rupard, Assistant Environmental Planner
Meaghan Truman, Associate Environmental Planner
Jazmin Rodriguez, Environmental Project Coordinator
Brady Connolly, Environmental Project Coordinator
Sam Kelley, Environmental Project Coordinator
LSA, Air Quality Impact Analysis, Energy Analysis, Greenhouse Gas Analysis, Health Risk
Assessment
Cara Carlucci
J.T. Stephens
LSA, Noise Impact Analysis
J.T. Stephens
Hernandez Environmental Services, General Biological Assessment
Elizabeth Gonzalez
Sarah Gulyas
Rico Ramirez, Arborist Study and Tree Protection Plan
Rico Ramirez
Brian F. Smith and Associates, Inc., Cultural Resources Study
Andrew J. Garrison, M.A.
Brian F. Smith, M.A.
Brian F. Smith and Associates, Inc., Paleontological Assessment
Todd A. Wirths, M.S.
Urbana Preservation & Planning, Historical Resource Summary
Alexia Landa, BA
Southern California Geotechnical, Geotechnical Evaluation
Daniel W. Nielsen, GE
Robert G. Trazo, GE
Hazard Management Consulting, Inc., Phase I Environmental Site Assessment
Mark S. Cousineau, NREP
EPD Solutions, Inc., Trip Generation and Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Analysis
Poplar South Distribution Center 9.0 EIR Preparers and Persons Contacted
City of Fontana 9-2
Draft EIR
June 2023
Meghan Macias, TE
DRC Engineering, Inc., Preliminary Hydrology Report
Brian Anderson
DRC Engineering, Inc., Preliminary Water Quality Management Plan
Brian Anderson
9.2 PERSONS CONTACTED
Lauri Lockwood
San Bernardino County Fire Department