HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarbella Final EIR 11-29-2001FINAL
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
MARBELLA
CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
November 29, 2001
SCH #: 2001062018
FINAL
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
MARBELLA
CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
November 29, 2001
SCH #: 2001062018
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
OVERVIEW
The Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the proposed Marbella project (SCH#
2001062018) was prepared by the City of South San Francisco, pursuant to the requirements of
the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), to inform decision-makers and the general
public of the potential impacts related to the proposed Marbella project. The DEIR also
identifies mitigation measures to minimize potentially significant impacts and evaluates
reasonable alternatives to the proposed project.
The DEIR was circulated for public and agency review from October 5, 2001 through November
19, 2001, which is in compliance with the 45 days required. The comment period provided an
opportunity for the public to review the issues addressed in the impact analysis and to offer
comments on any aspect of the process. The notice of availability of the DEIR and the public
review period was noticed in the San Mateo Times on Wednesday, October 10, 2001, mailed
first-class to addresses within a 300-foot radius of the site, noticed by mail to local agencies and
cities, and the DEIR was circulated through the State Clearinghouse. Written comments received
in response to the DEIR in this Response to Comments Document, together with the DEIR,
issued on October 5, 2001 constitutes the Final EIR. The Final EIR must be considered by
decision-makers before approving the proposed Marbella project.
Section 15132 of the 2001 CEQA Guidelines state that a Final EIR shall consist of the following:
• The Draft EIR or a revision of the draft;
• Comments and recommendations received on the Draft EIR either verbatim or in summary;
• A list of persons, organizations, and public agencies commenting on the Draft EIR;
• The response of the Lead Agency to significant environmental points raised in the review and
consultation process; and
• Any other information added by the Lead Agency.
City of South San Francisco
Final EIR Marbella
1-1
METHOD OF ORGANIZATION
In compliance with CEQA, this Response to Comments Document responds to all written
comments received during the public review period for the Focused DEIR. Chapter 2 contains
copies of all written comments received. Immediately following each comment letter are
responses to the written comments.
This Response to Comments Document, together with the DEIR, constitutes the Final EIR. The
DEIR is hereby incorporated by reference into this document. The DEIR is available for review
at the City of South San Francisco Department of Economic and Community Development,
Planning Division, City Hall Annex, 315 Maple Avenue, South San Francisco.
CONCLUSION
The DEIR identifies one impact of the project that would be
Traffic Impact -2: The intersection of Gellert Boulevard/Westborough Shopping Center
Driveway operas at LOS F during the PM peak hour under existing background conditions
and would remain at LOS F during the PM peak hour. The addition of the project would not
deteriorate the existing level of service, since it is already at LOS F. However, it would result
in an increase in the average delay per vehicle, which constitutes a significant,mpact.~
Signalization of the Gellert Boulevard/Westborough Shopping Center Driveway is not
recommended due to its proximity to the Westborough Boulevard/ Gellert Boulevard and
Gellert Boulevard/McD ~tc?'s T~riveway intersections. A third signal would have a negative
impact for traffic flows :art Boulevard. Therefore, the existing deficiency would
remain and this would be a stgntficant and unavoidable impact.
City of South San Francisco
Final EIR Marbella
1-2
CHAPTER 2
WRITTEN RESPONSES AND COMMENTS
This chapter includes written responses and comments from the following organizations and
state, local, and regional agencies.
A. Department of Toxic Substance Control, California Environmental Protection Agency
B. California Department of Transportation
C. Wayne L. Toring
D. California Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics (received after the 45
day review period)
,, of South San Francisco Planning Commission comments at public
,gig held on the Draft EIR, November 15, 2001
City of South San Francisco
Final EIR Marbella
2-1
LETTER A
Department of Toxic Substances Control
'inston H. Hickox
4gency Secretary
"alifornia Environmental
Protection Agency
November 6, 2001
Ms. Susy Kalkin, Principal Planner
City of South San Francisco
Planning Division
P.O. Box 711
South San Francisco, California 94080
Dear Ms. Kalkin:
RE~E~vEp
~ G Y i 3 2~G1
PLANNIfUG
, f
f;
>.
,~o....
Gray Davis
Governor
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the final Draft Environmental Impact
Report (EIR) dated October 5, 2001 for the Marbella Housing Subdivision Project ~,
(SCH#2001062018) Site (Site) located to the northwest of the intersection of
Westborough Boulevard and Gellert Boulevard, South San Francisco. As you know,
the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DISC) has provided comments
on an earlier version of the draft EIR in a letter to Tom Sparks of your agency dated
July 13, 2001. As indicated in the letter, the draft EIR stated that the 2.6 ppm arsenic
level in soil samples collected at the Site was "typical of normal background arsenic
levels in the San Francisco B Q,rea." However, no specific reference and value that
would indicate the natural y oc~ g background levels of arsenic at the Site was
found in the draft EIR or the earlier Phase 1 report. DTSC also recommended that
additional discrete soil sampling be conducted to determine whether arsenic is a
chemical of potential concern.
Please note that the Preliminary Remediation Goal levels (PRGs) are used only as a
screening tool. Site-specific cleanup numbers can only be established by conducting a
health-based risk assessment or by sampling to establish soil background levels for the
Site.
Since the Site will be a residential development,~DTSC strongly recommends that
additional discrete soil sampling for arsenic be conducted to ensure protection of~future
ri~idents. As discussed in our earlier letter, DTSC can assist your agency in
overseeing additional site characterization and, if necessary, cleanup activities through
our Voluntary Cleanup Program. We have enclosed another copy of a fact sheet
describing this program. We also request that DTSC be included in any meetings
where issues relevant to our statutory authority are discussed.
The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption.
For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our Web-site at www.dtsc.ca.gov.
Edwin F. Lowry, Director
700 Heinz Avenue, Suite 200
Berkeley, California 94710-2721
A-1
A-2
A-3
® Printed on Recycled Paper
Ms. Kalkin
November 6, 2001
Page Two
In addition, DISC is administering the $85 million Urban Cleanup Loan Program which
will provide low-interest loans to investigate and cleanup hazardous materials at
properties where redevelopment is likely to have a beneficial impact to a community.
The program is composed of two main components: low interest loans of up to
$100,000 to conduct preliminary endangerment assessments of underutilized
properties; and loans of up to $2.5 million for the cleanup or removal of hazardous
materials also at underutilized urban properties. These loans are available to
developers, businesses, schools, and local governments. A fact sheet regarding this
program is attached for your information.
Please contact Annina Antonio of my staff at (510) 540-3844 if you have any questions
or would like to schedule a meeting. Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this
matter.
Sincerely,
~i:= ~
__ ~ -
,~~ ~,
Barbara J. Cook, P.E., Chief
Northern California
Coastal Cleanup Operations Branch
Enclosures
cc without enclosures
Governor's Office of Planning and Research
State Clearinghouse
P.O. Box 3044
Sacramento, CA 95812-3044
Guenther Moskat
CEQA Tracking Center
Department of Toxic Substances Control
P.O. Box 806
Sacramento, California 95812-0806
A. DEPARTMENT OF TOXIC SUBSTANCES CONTROL, CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
A-1. With respect to background concentrations of arsenic in shallow soil in the San Francisco
Bay Area, the most widely-recognized regional evaluation was performed by Lawrence
Berkeley Laboratory (Protocol for Determining Background Concentration of Metals in
Soil at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), August 1995). That study,
which examined background metal concentrations in soils derived from different regional
geologic units ranging in age from Jurassic to Holocene, found general background
concentrations of arsenic of 9.3 to 31 parts per million (ppm), depending on the specific
geologic unit. For their geologic units of mid-Tertiary age (their Orinda and Moraga
Formations), they reported an average background arsenic concentration of about 13.5
ppm. The Marbella Housing Subdivision site is underlain by rocks of the Merced
Formation of upper-Tertiary to lower-Quaternary age. Whereas these rocks are not
directly correlative to the mid-Tertiary units of the LBNL study, the concentration of
arsenic measured at the Marbella Housing Subdivision site (2.9 ppm) is certainly below
the average concentrations measured during the LBNL study, which covers a much
broader and diverse age grouping of geologic formations. In our opinion, the LBNL
results can be used for comparative purposes to evaluate expected background
concentrations of arsenic at the subject site. In our opinion, the concentrations of arsenic
measured in shallow soil at the Marbella Housing Subdivision site are representative of
naturally occurring background levels in the San Francisco Bay area.
In addition to the LBNL study, review of our project files at Henshaw shows that we have
previously performed a general investigation of soil quality at another site along
Westborough Boulevard, approximately 2,500 feet southwest of the subject site. Test
results for eight soil samples analyzed for arsenic during that investigation ranged from
less than the method reporting limit of 1.0 ppm to a maximum of 2.9 ppm. (Laboratory
data for that investigation can be made available for review upon request.) These results
are virtually identical to those reported for the Marbella Housing Subdivision site. Based
on the foregoing, it is our opinion that the concentrations of arsenic measured in soil at
the Marbella Housing Subdivision site are representative of naturally occurring
background levels in the general area. In our professional opinion, no additional
evaluation is warranted.
A-2. Additional soil sampling has already been preformed. In February 2001, Henshaw
Associates, Inc., collected additional soil samples at the Marbella Housing Subdivision
site to provide confirmation of the test results for arsenic reported in Henshaw's initial
Phase I Assessment report dated June 9, 2000, and to assess the possible presence of
hexavalent chromium in shallow soil. The test results for these additional samples
(collected in the same general area as the samples described in Henshaw's June 9, 2000
report) did not indicate the presence of arsenic above the laboratory method reporting
City of South San Francisco
Final EIR Marbella
2-4
limit of 1.0 ppm, or hexavalent chromium above the laboratory method reporting limit of
0.2 ppm. A copy of these test results has been provided to the DTSC under separate
cover. Based on the chemical test results for all soil samples collected at the site, it is our
professional opinion that arsenic is not a potential chemical of concern at this site.
A-3. Based on the site history evaluation and soil sampling results presented in Henshaw's
previous reports, it is our opinion that soil contamination by arsenic, or other constituents,
is not present at the Marbella Housing Subdivision site. As such, there is no need for site
cleanup activities prior to development of the site for residential land use.
City of South San Francisco
Final EIR Marbella
2-5
] ] i ] 9/O] ] 7:42 FAX 5l 028655] 3 TRANS Pl_.ANNING B C~ 00]
LETTER B
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
P O BOX 23660
OAKLAND, CA 94623.0660
(610)28b-4444
TDD (510) 286-4454
November l9, 2001
Ms. Susy Kalkin
City of South San Francisco
Planiung Division
315 Maple Avenue
South San Francisco, CA 94083
Dear Ms. Kalkin:
MARBELLA HOUSING SUBDIVISION
~ECEIVEG~
hGV i 9 X001
SM-280-22.b2
SM280107
SCH# 20010b2018
Thank you for including the California Department of Transportation in the environmental review process
for the above-referenced project. We have reviewed the Draft Environmental ]inpact Report (DEIR) dated
October 5, 2001, and offer the following comments:
Traffic
,~ 1. Project trip distribution shown on Figuse 8 of Page 20, Appendix B should be clarified. Project trip
percentages at the site do not total 100, and Figure 8 shows 58 percent of project trips inbound to the
project site during the A.M. peak. A figure showing project trips during the A.M. peak should also be
included.
The number of trips assigned to the Interstate 280 (I-280) interchange intersections should be
clarified, and level of service at these intersections analyzed if warranted. For example, while only 25
trips are assigned to I-280 in the analysis (see page 27 of the Appendix), project trip assignment
indicates that 53 percent, or 55 trips travel toward 1-280 intersections during the A.M. peak, and 41
percent, or 42 trips travel from the intersections during the P.M. peak. Further, since I-280 is the
likely route to Bay Area work, shopping and entertainment destinations due to its close proximity to
the project site, the study should analyze the interchange intersections.
etween State Route 1 and Interstate 380 interchanges is F in both the
3. The level of service g~-I-280 b ,, ~ ~~_ ~~~.~,
AI. `an$ P,`~ pe,~k pe~Iods ra43ier than level of service E and D as stated on Page 9, Chapter 4.2 0~
the llEIR.
4. The Institute of Transportation Engineers' land use code for the project trip generation should be cited
in Table 8 of Page 19, Appendix B. Project trip generation should alendix B should be tot lied, for
example, the inbound and outbound columns in Table 8 of Page 19, App
B-1
B-2
B-3
g-4
Parking
l~ Project design should acco-mnodate total project-related parking demand. The traffic study calcu ales B_5
a total project parking demand of 632 spaces (Table 1 of Page 4, Appendix B) while the DEIR i
indicates that only 630 spaces will be provided (151 Paragraph on Page 12, Chapter 4.2).
Transit
T. Transit demand should be evaluated, the project vicinity should be reviewed for existing and potentia I B_6
bus stops, and any new stops should include:
• Full bus turnout,
• Shelter,
]]/l9/Ol ]7:42 FAX 5702865513 TRANS PI.,ANNING R 0 002
-- - LETTER B
Bench, and
• Trash receptacle.
If you have any questions regarding this letter, please call Patricia Maurice of my staff at (Sl0) 622-1644.
Sincerely,
RANDELL H. IWASAKI
Acting District Director
By
JEAN C. K. FINNEY
District Branch Chief
1GR/CEQA
c: Katie Shulte Joung {State Clearinghouse)
B CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
B-1 Figure 8 of the traffic study illustrates a total of 100% of the inbound and outbound trips.
The table below also provides a summary of trip distribution.
TABLE 1
PROJECT TRIP DISTRIBUTION
A.M. Peak
Intersection -
Inbound Outbound
Gellert Blvd/Proposed Project Access 28% (SBR) 19% (EBR/SB)
14%(SBR) 19o°(EBUNB)
Gellert Blvd/Pac'N Save/Orchard Supply Driveway 58% (NBL) 62 /° (EBR/SB)
TOTALI 100% 100%
Notes: SBR: Southbound-Right
NBL: Northbound-Left
EBR: Eastbound-Right
EBL: Eastbound-Left
EBR/SB: Eastbound-Right heading Southbound
EBUNB: Eastbound-Left heading Northbound
WBT: Westbound-Thru
P.M. Peak
Inbound Outbound
31%(SBR) 15% (EBR)
8% (SBR) 37% (EBUNB)
59% (NBL) 4% (EBT)
2% (WBT) 44% (EBR/SB)
100% 100%
Figure 10 of the traffic study illustrates the project trips during the a.m. peak hour. Figure
11 illustrates the project trips during the p.m. peak hour.
B-2. The number of trips accessing I-280 is noted in the traffic study. Not all of the trips
traveling towards the intersections at I-280 would access the freeway; some would
continue to points further east (or come from points further east) along Westborough
Boulevard. The intersections analyzed were selected in cooperation with City of South
San Francisco staff, and are the ones most likely impacted by the proposed project.
B-3. The level of service noted in the Draft EIR on I-280 between State Route 1 and Interstate
380 is based on the San Mateo County Final Congestion Management Program for 1999,
published by the City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County.
B-4. Table 8 has been modified as shown below to reflect the comments in the letter.
City of South San Francisco
Final EIR Marbella
2-8
TABLE 8
TRIP GENERATION
PROPOSED PROJECT
Dail AM Peak PM Peak
Land Use Size Units Percentage Trips jage
Perc
e~ Trips
Rate Trips Rate (% Rate (
°
In Out In Out In Out In Out
Marbella Project
Residential 281 d.u. 5.86 1647 .44 17 83 21 103 .54 67 33 102 50
Condominiums
TOTA 124 152
Source: Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE), Trip Generation Manual, Land Use Code 230, 6"' Ed. 1997
B-5. Comment noted.
B-6. Potential transit impacts are noted in the traffic study. The proposed project is not expected
to generate a significant number of transit riders or cause increase in load factors on
SamTrans buses. There is an on-site shuttle program proposed as part of the project, which
would service local transit centers and work sites. There are existing bus stops in the site
vicinity along Westborough and Gellert (Sam Trans Route 122) that serve the Westborough
Shopping Center and the residential areas near the project site.
City of South San Francisco
Final EIR Marbella
2-9
LETTER C
City of South San Franciscc
Planning Division
400 Cnw~d Avenue
South San Francisco, California; 94080
Attention: Ms S. Kalkin, Principal Plannet
Wayne L.Toring
3829 Radburn Drive
South San Francisco, CA
#~ECElVED
N O Y i 9 20G1
Subject: Marbella }lousing Subdivision PLANN1Nt'a
Public Comment on the Draft EIR and the Planning Commission Staff Report.
Dear Ms Kalkin:
1 attended the ~ea1~•-~OO~I public hearing on the Marbella Housing Subdivision. I was very concerned by
the description of the project and by the information in the "Planning Commission Stan Report." Therefore, i
secured a copy of the Draft Environmental Impact Report dated October s, 200] including appendixes. This letter
is rr,v comment upor, those documcrts and the prc;cct generally.
1 compliment the City of South San Francisco on the professional conduct of the public hearing meeting, and the
high quality of the documents prepared. 1 have been able to readily achieve an understanding of the project and an
appreciation of the extent of study already performed. Unfortunately, 1 conclude that the project as presented is a
serious mistake. for.our.~~ommun,~~~. A summary of my objections i~ "°'~
...e.. _:
l . This~ro~'ect represents a major change in the overall nature of the neighborhood. A zoning change to
accommodate a project of this magnitude should only be made in conjunction with an overall review of the
evolution of the master planning. No compelling reason has been provided for acting on the zoning change
without this review.
2. Even allowing for a zoning change, tl~,pfoject is not in compliance with various established requirements o`
the code (particularly building heig}lt,~ No compel]irig reason has been presented waiving these requiremems
3. The„EIIZ doeN nnclude all the relevant impact. it errors in assessment of the significance of impact, and it
~~,
does not fully consider a range of alternatives to the project as presented.
4. The proposed agreement with DUC appears to forever and unnecessarily surrender the City's right to enforce
subsequent amendments of codes and plans for the propem~ except as required by State/Federal law. It also
surrenders necessary reviews of plans beyond those preliminary figures in the draft EIR. No reason has been
presented as to why the citizens should be left without protection afforded b}~ reviews and approvals as the
project progressively becomes better defined.
I attach as an enclosure a full description of my comments and specific requests for modification of the EIR
In conclusion, 1 strongly ~pp~se the Marbella project as described in the Planning Commission StaffRep~rt. No
justification has been presented to demonstrate that it advances the community interest to change zoning, grant
major waivers of code requirements, and enter into agreements with the developer to fast track the project greatly
restricting the community's right to review and approve the final project design. No beneficial impact has been
identified other than the target that '/4 of the units be "affordable" (and 3/4 therefore unaffordable). Conversely,
major detrimental impacts have been identified. To the extent mitigation of the negative impact is identified, these
mitigation actions are not modification to the project, but rather are changes beyond the project boundary. These
changes degrade the quaLty of citizen's life with ro idcntiftablc bcrcfit to the citizens affected ror tc the
community at large.
Since~re]~~ou/rs ~.~
--~.~-
Wayne Tori~
C-
G:
(C-:
C-~
C-'
Encl.: Marbella project comments
LETTER C
Marbella Housing Subdivision
Comments and Requests by W. Toring
1. ChanEe To The Nature Of The. Neighborhood:
It seemed in the meeting that the proposed zoning change from C-1 to R-3-L was out in front of and leading an
inevitable evolutionary change to Westborough rather than conforming to an approved plan appropriate to an
agreed upon future vision of the area. This is an especially risky action given the provision of the proposed
agreement that forever shields the Marbella project from code changes.
It was also noted in the meeting that there is a lack of large spaces available for residential development in South
San Francisco. If Marbella style high density housing proposed west of Gellert is allowable, then the whole block
of land north of OSH to the homes on King~Street could be very profitably converted to similar housing on an even
larger scale. Similarly, blocks of land between Pac&Save and the Shopping Center could readily be carved out for
housing. Surely some developer is already considering the conversion of the entire expanse from Westborough
Blvd. to King Street for shigh-density combination of office/housinglupscale retail space. In Foster City, the city
actually used its eminent domain power to force this type conversion of a Foster City Bivd. community oriented
retail small shops area into a facility targeted to affluent high tech employees. We could be drifting into the same
SituatiGn. ThVII.fGrh, i rcqu~St il'iai:
a) Project approval be. deferred until the overall master planning for Westborough either be confirmed as valid
and not subject to uncontrolled evolutionary "creep" or that the plan be revised in accord with normal
procedures; or that Marbella be denied on the basis that it is out of character for the neighborhood.
b) That the areas east of Gellert as described above be assessed regarding capacity as high-density housing.
c) That the draft E1R be revised to include a consideration of the potential "east of Gellert" ultimate housing load
in an alternate assessment ~f nmiect impact upGn traffic.
2 The Protect lc Not In Compliance V1'ith The Code For Tlie Proposed Ne~~ [.oninQ R-3-L:
The new zone would evidently allow a 50-foot high building. At 50' the buildings would appear to be very high.
The Marbella project requires an additional 40% increase in height. Compounding the increase, the EIIZ measures
height from ground level at the buiiding wall. Per figure 2i, these buildings will sit on a raised pad above an 8'
high retaining wall at the edge of the sidewalk. In all fairness. height should be measured from the sidewalk and
that would make the building almost E~' tall. (Of coarse, you y.°culd ]:aye tc step cut into Uaffic to see beyond the
8' retaining wall.) To put this in context, at the November l f`~' meeting; a 30' high tower was disapproved.
Visualize that 30' tower on top of a normal 40' high building and then add half again of an additional tower.
This height, in conjunction with the minimal building setback from the sidewalk, is extremely detrimental to the
character of the area from the perspective of Gellert and from the overlook vistas to the west of the property. There
is no reason for the height other than the desire to squeeze an addition laver of units into the buildings. if the
project economics wilt not allow a buiiding that fully compiie~ with the spirit of the zoning requirements, then
don't do the project.
3. The EIR needs revisions:
AESTHETICS.
"Substantial adverse impact upon scenic vista" and "Degrade existing visual quality of surroundings". These are
shown as "No lmpact" and "Less than Significant".
This is simply wrong. The impact is major. A key characteristic of the area west of the site. is its interconnecting
web of pleasantly landscaped open space green-belt areas. At Rowntree, the greenbelt is the northern boundary of
the proposed Marbella subdivision. From Rowntree to Westborough there are seven green belts between each
coup. These attractive, welt-landscaped spaces all lead to and connect with a walkway at the bluff on the west
boundary of the proposed subdivision. The vista from this bluff flows from green plants at the top of bluff, down
tc the first v,~ide bench, dcwr, tc the activity o.^, Gellert, Cher. the landscaped parking areas cf Pac&Save and then
beyond to South San Francisco and the bay.
C-6
C-7
C-8
l]/l8/O] ~ Page ] of4
LETTER C
Marbella Housing Subdivision
Comments and Requests by VV. Toring
The. immediate foreground and the intermediate view of Gellert are important elements of the existing overall vista.
The proposed Marbella project suggests that it will "frame" the 1~sta. Rather, it destroys the vista by creating an
unbroken plane of roofrops all the way out past Pac&Save. C_g con't)
I urge the commission to park in Westborough Park walk down a green belt to the sidewalk; walk north enjoying
the vista and the ~. eenbehs laterals along the way. P.rvisicr, everti•thing block out such that the cnly thing ycu car.
see is Marbella rooftop (cluttered with mechanical equipment) out to the Pac~Save Roof. On arriving at Gellert,
walk south envisioning the 8' high retaining wall immediately adjacent tc the sidewalk.
1 recommend that the Aesthetics impact be, revised to "Potentially Significant Impact".
GEOLOGY AND SOILS.
Landslides and potential for causing off-site subsidence are classed as "less than significam."
This is wrong. The report does not acknowledge the housing constructed within approximately 2' feet of the top of
the slope that will have its base cut awav and replaced by massive cascading retaining walls. The report notes that
existing engineered fill in the area has moved. For these homes, any risk of subsidence is significant. Typically,
you cannot even secure insurance protection against gradual subsidence. The area is less Than a mile from the
notorious San Andreas Fault. Certainly undercutting this slope increases the danger of failure in an earthquake.
Califcrria and the ba ~ area have numerous examples cf carst; action failures due tc subsidence. slip, or earthquake
failure. All those projects were constructed based upon design by certified professional engineers supponed by
gectechnical analysis. They simple were wrcng and the results were catastrcphic.
Cutting deeply into the slope clearly is an impact. Mitigation alternatives are:
1. Best -Don't do stupid things. Revise the design to hug the existing slope rather than cut it awav.
2. if they do cut the slope, they must agree to continually bring the wall into conformance with evolving desigr.
standards.
They must agree to assume liability for subsidence or failure west of the project that can reasonably be shown
results from project :instruction.
4. As the developer will have taken the money and run, a perpetual bond must be established to fund the above.
NOISE:
Substantial temporary noise is shown as "no impact.''
The project construction will span well over one year. Approximately 100,000 cubic yards of earthwork are
involved. .x0,000 yards of material will be hauled off-site to disposal elsewhere. Iviassive quantities of concrete
U~ill be require to gunite the raw cut-slope, construct the actual retaining walls, plus the amount necessary for the
buildings. The slopes will be stabilized by soil nails driver, deep into the ;,.inside. This project will probably
require 25,000 trips by hea~ry earthwork or transport truck into or out of the site. How can this be characterized as
"nn impact."?
It is impossible to tell from the drawings where Marbella will locate the large diesel generators necessary to
provide blackout power for elevators, heating & ventilating system operation, emergency lighting, and any other
load the Marbella decides to connect. Given that you propose to waive all further rights to review the project, they
could elect to provide foil power generation for tenant use in blackout. They could place the generators on a bench
of the retaining wall for lack of space anywhere else. You will be unable to stop this having waived all future
review.
The noise of construction and the noise of power generators are a significant temporary noise impact. While
reasonable mitigation measures can be established, it should be addressed as part of the E1R.
C-9
10
11/18/01 Page 2 of 4
LETTER C
Marbella Housing Subdivision
Comments and Requests by W. Turing
POPULATION:
"Will the project induce substantial population growth by proposing new homes" is shown as "no impact."
While the essence of the project is construction of high-density housing, the larger impact is a decision to rezone C_11
from commercial to high-density housing. if rezoning of Marbeiia is used as a precedent for rezoning the east of
Gellert, then the impact is major.
TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC.
Tl~; impact on traffic and parking is major. No clear overall public benefit has been shown. The mitigation
proposed is totally restrictions on the public and degradation of the quality of public life. None of the mitigation is C-12
changes to the Marbella project itself.
North Entrance Road near Rowntree:
I believe that the engineer incc„e~ ly concludes that the site distance betv~~eer, P.cwr,tree and the exit is acceptable.
The distance should be measured from the front the Rowntree vehicle entering at the right curb and after that
vehicle has »ulled ontc; and is traveling straight dcwn, Gellert Blvd. In that scenaric; the distance m centerline ~f C-13
the new road is less than 250'. ]t is important that the Rowntree vehicle is fully into the road because attention is
directed uphill to the rapidly accelerating traffic clearing Kine. Probably there is also a requirement or
recommendation in CALTRAN'S concerning the quantity of allowable access roads vt~ithin a given distance.
Therefore the north access road to Marbella is likely not allowable
Parking on Gellert:
The recommendation that parking on Geiien be banned as a means to make the north access road technically C_14
Feasible is completely unacceptable. This area is used by local residents for their overflow parking. This is a
classic illustraticn cf rtitigatirg cn the backs of arycne except t he developer.
Overflow Marbella Parking.
The report notes the inadequacy of Marbella on-plot parking for guests etc. The mitigation is a recommendation
that they simple park on private propem- across the street. Of course, that will quickly result in sign being C_15
posted that non-customer cars wiii be towed. The Eix must offer a reasonable solution to overflow parking. If it is
not to be on the street, then it must be on the Marbella property.
Traffic
The report notes that a substantial increase in traffic delay will occur as a result cf Marbella. Since nn benefit to
the public has been shown for this project, this is not an acceptable impact.
On "Traffic-3" impact --- DOI~T'T PLT'I 1N A STOP LIGHT .
On "Traffic -4" impact, see Parking on Gellert above.
On "Traffic-5" impact, your proposed mitigation requires an illegal lane change and will result in many a traffic
ticket (and probably some accidents.)
GENERAL ITEMS:
On the west and north, the existing housing developments include very large amount of extended landscaped
greenbelt areas open to the general public. The Ivlarbeila project is likely to be i00°io owners/tenants only. Still
they make extensive demands upon their neighbors. We. need to turn this around. They should make space
available tc run-occupants and rct require any degradation cf neighbors' lives.
The. real problem with this project is that through greed then have planned way too much in a limited space.
C-lE
C-1"
11/18/01 Page 3 of 4
LETTER C
Marbella Housing Subdivision
Comments and Requests by V4'. Toring
d Proposed Development Agreement.
The driving force behind the city desire to go with this agreement may be the 70 "Affordable Units." The breakout
is grand total of only 28 Apartments for people earning less than the median income. One of the floor plans
condo fees necessary to support this
h the monthl
Vdi
i
y
t
n.
will sell for damn near as much as the condo live
the monthly bill will be more than I pay. All the rest are. "moderate" and will cost up to $402,000.
lex
com
th
i
l C-18a
,
p
e
n
e
>~'hv don't you ~ust o into the existin housin and bu ~ some. I wouid guess the majority of peop
a massive project that that many would not
tin
i
i
g
ga
t
neighborhood are working class. On their backs you are m
ever. be able to afford the "affordable" units. This is simply ;~~rong.
The city seems to see the. park fee carrot. The fee will do nothing for the daily life of those impacted by the project. C-18b
Marbella would have to provide land on their plot for that.
The plans for this project are very preliminary. It is by definition proposed to be very dense. There is not sufficient
st not waive your responsibility to
Y
l
ou mu
.
information available upon which to base a Design Approva
continually review the project plan as it develops. No justification has been identified for afast-track agreement. C-18c
I believe that you need to explicitly define the financial responsibility for implementing all of the mitigation
lcar that the Ov.~ncr will pay for iraffc
h
i
e c
t must
rncasures upon. vrhich the EIR was approvcd. As one cxamplc,
modifications stated in mitigation. The owner must pay to secure the alternative parking.. C-18d
No benefit to the public has been identified for this project. I object to the provision that you agree to assist the -18e
Project through acquisition of Other Property by utilizing Eminent Domain.
If seventy affordable units are inherently a public benefit, there is no reason to believe that Marbella is a good way
i cannot believe that i0 affordable (up
l C-181
ue.
to achieve the result. Given the current zoning, the land is of limited va
do clusters could not be developed and still allow for plenty of open space. This would
to 5402,000) two story con
truly mitigate all the traffic problems and proti:de the benefit.
I request that an analysis be made of the current market value of the property zoned C-1 and the value as R-3-L
it should be
on the C-1 value
ed u
B
i
C-18g
,
p
as
ng.
with height restrictions waived and EIR approved for high density hous
ible negative community impact.
li
ith ne
i
g
g
st w
clear that viable alternatives to Marbella ex
Page 4 of 4
11/18/O1
C. WAYNE L. TORING
C-1. This comment is a project related comment and is not related to the potential
environmental impacts of the project. However, this document will contain a brief
response for purposes of disclosure and convenience to the reviewer and decisionmakers.
The Medium Density Residential General Plan Land Use Designation specifies a density
range from 8 to 18 dwelling units per acre. The High Density Residential General Plan
Land Use Designation specifies a density range from 18.1 to 30 dwelling units per acre.
This distinction is important to note, as the project proposes 18.8 dwelling units per acre;
8/lOths of a unit more per acre than the medium density designation or 12 units more than
the maximum permitted under the current medium Density Land Use Designation.
The compelling reason for the density increase is discussed on pages 5 through 8 of the
staff report to the Planning Commission dated November 15, 2001. In particular it is the
provision of 70 units of "affordable" housing as defined by state and federal law that is
the compelling reason for the project. Additionally, the project would provide an overall
280 units of housing that would assist the City in meeting the Association of Bay Area
Government's housing projection needs for the City of South San Francisco (page 6 of
the staff report).
C-2 This comment is a project related comment and is not related to the potential
environmental impacts of the project. However,. this document will contain a brief
response for purposes of disclosure and convenience to the reviewer and decisionmakers.
The project exceeds the open space, landscaping and setback requirements of the code,
meets the parking requirements of the code and proposes 17% lot coverage where 65% is
permitted. The proposed height, at 70 feet, is the one development standard that requires
a Planned Unit Development overlay. Page 5 of the staff report to the Planning
Commission dated November 15, 2001, discusses the project's compliance with the
City's ordinances.
C-3 The DEIR identifies the significance criteria in each chapter pursuant to the particular
environmental issue. The DEIR analyzes the required alternatives to the project and the
alternatives are evaluated in Chapter 5 of the DEIR. The DEIR analyzes the "No Project"
alternative as required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as well as a
reduced-density project, the "74-Unit" alternative. The DEIR (Chapter 5, Page 4)
discloses that both the 74-unit and 280-unit project would result in a significant
unavoidable impact the Gellert Boulevard/Westborough Shopping Center intersection.
The No Project alternative would not increase the impact at this intersection from the
existing LOS F; however the LOS would remain at F.
City of South San Francisco
Final EIR Marbella
2-15
C-4 This comment is a project related comment and is not related to the potential
environmental impacts of the project. However, this document will contain a brief
response for purposes of disclosure and convenience to the reviewer and decisionmakers.
A Development Agreement does vest a developer with certain rights that are in place and
established at the time of execution of the document between the developer and the City.
In the case of the Marbella project, the development agreement establishes that 70 units
are to be provided for low to moderate income households, art and landscaping
provisions and certain in-lieu fees. Property maintenance responsibilities and building
and improvement processes are still in place and are not "waived".
Pursuant to Government Code § 65864 et. seq., cities are expressly authorized to enter
into development agreements. The primary purpose of a development agreement is to
allow a developer who needs additional discretionary approvals to complete development
projects as approved, regardless of any intervening changes in local regulations, rules, or
policies. City of W. Hollywood v. Beverly Towers, Inc., 52 Ca1.3d 1184, 1194 (1991).
C-5 This comment is a project related comment and is not related to the potential
environmental impacts of the project. However, this document will contain a brief
response for purposes of disclosure and convenience to the reviewer and decisionmakers.
The comment is the personal opinion of the author of the letter and is duly noted. Design
changes to the project are required as both conditions of project approval and mitigations
identified in the DEIR. As two examples, the retaining walls are required to be stepped,
rather than being constructed as one continuous wall, and the landscape plan is required
to be revised to cluster the taller specimen trees at a lower elevation to soften the building
and protect views. The conditions of project approval attached to the November 15, 2001
staff report contain 13 pages of conditions that affect the design and function of the
project.
C-6 This comment is a project related comment and is not related to the potential
environmental impacts of the project. However, this document will contain a brief
response for purposes of disclosure and convenience to the reviewer and decisionmakers.
There area a few important facts to consider with respect to the feasibility of the lands
east of Gellert and the area around King Drive befalling high density development
"creep". First, the lands mentioned are built-out. Second the King Drive area is
designated Medium Density residential and the lands east of Gellert are designated
Commercial. The project site is designated commercial with a residential overlay that
allows for a combination of residential and commercial development. The site is also
vacant. A vacant site that is transitional in nature with aresidential/commercial
City of South San Francisco
Final EIR Marbella
2-16
designation is more likely to be developed with or without a zone and general plan
modification, than property that is developed and well maintained.
Secondly, as with the proposed Marbella project any proposed changes to the commercial
development on the east side of Gellert Boulevard would require environmental review
and public hearings would be required to be conducted. Thirdly, the probability that a
developer would purchase commercially zoned land that is developed with successful
enterprise and convert the land use from commercial to residential is speculative at best.
The probability that a developer would purchase and assemble an adequate quantity of
developed and occupied single-family residential lots, demolish the improvements and
reconstruct ahigh-density residential development is also speculative.
California Code of Regulations Title 14, Chapter 3 Section 15144 & 45 addresses impact
forecasting and speculation. Section 15145 states that if a lead agency conducted a
thorough investigation and finds that an impact is too speculative for evaluation, the
agency should note its conclusion and terminate the discussion. The traffic Section of the
DEIR thoroughly evaluated traffic impacts associated with existing and foreseeable future
development. The impacts of the proposed project have been thoroughly analyzed based
upon foreseeable development and not land use speculation.
C-7 This comment is a project related comment and is not related to the potential
environmental impacts of the project. However, this document will contain a brief
response for purposes of disclosure and convenience to the reviewer and decisionmakers.
See response to C-2, above. Additionally, the DEIR measures height according to the
definition of height provided in the City's zoning ordinance (Section 20.06.120). The
method of height measurement is equally and fairly applied to all structures throughout
the City.
C-8 The personal opinion of the author of the comment is noted. The DEIR and the staff
report page 14-15 of the staff report (November 15, 2001) discusses the visual aspects of
the project. In particular, page 15 of the staff report does state that with respect to visual
issues "Reasonable people can arrive at different conclusions about the significance of
visual impacts."
C-9 Berlogar Geotechnical Consultants performed a preliminary investigation of the site and
summarized the results in a report dated June 1, 2000. The investigation included
excavation and logging of thirteen test pits to depths ranging between 4 and 15 feet. BGC
prepared a geotechnical addendum, dated October 1, 2001, addressing foundations and
retaining walls for the currently proposed four-story condominium project. BGC also
performed a supplemental study of aerial photographs from 1957 to 1998 and made a
recent site reconnaissance to observe site conditions.
City of South San Francisco
Final EII2 Marbella
2-17
BGC's opinions regarding various phases of the proposed Marbella project are
summarized below.
Drainage. The construction of retaining walls and the recommended dewatering
measures will introduce subsurface drainage into the hillside. Shallow groundwater has
been a factor in the erosion and slumping seen in the hillside in its present and past
unmaintained condition. The relatively deep lowering of the hillside groundwater,
provided by the recommended subdrainage, will improve the stability of the slope.
Erosion Control. The residential construction on the Marbella site will include
installation of appropriate landscaping and other engineered erosion control measures on
the slope. These provisions should constitute an improvement of the slope from its
present condition.
Maintenance. The residential development of the Marbella site will include a
homeowners association, which will be responsible for performing periodic inspections
and maintenance of the section of slope that will remain above the proposed retaining
walls. The change from 20 years of neglected maintenance to being fully maintained by
the homeowners association will serve to further improve slope stability.
Tiered Retaining Walls. As recommend in the BGC October 1 addendum letter, the
proposed retaining walls are planned to be designed and constructed as soil nail and
shotcrete walls. An advantage of this type of wall is that it does not require the use of tall,
temporary, oversteepened backcuts necessary for most other types of walls. The tiered
walls can be built in stages, starting at the top with each stage fully supported before the
next stage is excavated. This incremental approach is very successful in reducing the
potential of construction phase instability. The proposed retaining walls will be
engineered to retain the slope with generally accepted engineered factors of safety. As
part of such designs, global stability of the overall slope is also checked. The presence of
the San Andreas fault, located 1 mile to the southwest, will be taken into account in the
project design.
Improved Fill Conditions. The southern end of the slope is underlain by engineered fill,
which shows evidence of more slumping and erosion than the rest of the slope. Removal
and replacement of a portion of the engineered fill on the south end of the project as part
of the site grading will improve stability of the fill portion of the slope. The addition of
subdrainage and maintenance by the homeowners association, for reasons similar to those
presented above, will lead to increased stability remaining after construction of the
Marbella project.
C-10 The 30,000 c.y. of off-haul is the estimated amount based on the current grading plan. At
City of South San Francisco
Final EIR Marbella
2-18
20 c.y. per truck this would equal about 1,500 trips, a small percentage of the average
daily trips on Gellert Blvd. Approximately 1,000 trucks would be required to deliver the
concrete for the retaining wall construction. We were not able to verify the writer's
estimate of 25,000 trips for earthwork or transport truck for materials. If this were the
actual number it would equal 80 trips per day or 10 per hour based on an 18 month, 300
working day construction time. These are small percentages of the existing daily and peak
hourly trips in the area.
There are no generators proposed for the, project. Battery packs for emergency lighting
will be provided pursuant to Code. The battery packs will be located within the light
fixture itself.
The City's noise ordinance controls the level of allowable noise that is permitted from
construction related activities. The ordinance will be enforced for the project.
C-11 The Initial Study (page 12) Appendix A identifies the project as having a beneficial
impact on housing. The Initial Study also quantifies the housing population as a one
percent increase, which is not a significant impact.
C-12. It is true that the proposed transportation mitigation measures are off-site. They would
relieve the existing traffic congestion as well as that generated by the proposed project
and cumulative growth.
C-13. The site distance has been checked and verified as acceptable under the standard
guidelines published by AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and
Transportation Officials). Caltrans did not express any concern regarding the north
access road in their written correspondence on the proposed project.
C-14 The project civil engineering firm, WilseyHam, has indicated that adequate sight distance
can be maintained for the north access driveway without the removal of the five on-street
parking spaces. However, sight distance would be improved with the removal of these
on-street parking spaces
C-15. The potential for overflow parking noted in the traffic study would occur when the
number of guest vehicles exceeds the number of available guest parking spaces. As with
the existing housing in the study area, overflow parking would seek spaces either on-
street (if allowed) or in the shopping center. However, based upon other high density
projects it is expected that the proposed parking supply is sufficient to meet the project
demands.
C-16. For points 1, 2 and 3, the comments are noted. For point 4, the movement would not be
an illegal lane change assuming that the roadway striping was marked correctly.
City of South San Francisco
Final EIR Marbella
2-19
C-17. The opinion of the author of the letter is noted. No additional response is necessary.
C-18a The opinion of the author of the letter is noted. No additional response is necessary.
C-18b The opinion of the author of the letter is noted. However, it is important to note that the
park in-lieu fees would be used in the project area to improve and expand existing
recreational uses. Improvements to the Westborough Park picnic area or additions of a
skate board and dog park area are identified as potential uses of the funds.
C-18c The project plans fully disclose the elevations, materials and colors both in the DEIR and
attachments to the November 15, 2001 staff report.
C-18d The Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) is attached to the
November 15, 2001 staff report. The MMRP identifies the party that is responsible for
implementing the mitigation measures.
C-18e No eminent domain is being implemented on the project. The benefit is the provision of
housing and affordable housing.
C-18f The opinion of the author of the letter is noted. No additional response is necessary.
C'-l 8g The DEIR fully addressed project and project alternative impacts. Any development of the
vould result in an impact to the Gellert Boulevard/Westborough Shopping Center
intersection . See response C-3 above.
City of South San Francisco
Final EIR Marbella
2-20
LETTER D
TATS OF CALIFORI~'IA-BUSINESS. TRANSPORTATION AND HOUSING AGENCY GRAY DAVIS Governor
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
'~NISION OF AERONAUTICS - M.S.#40
120 N STREET
,'. O. BOX 942873
SACRAMENTO, CA 94273-0001
'HONE (916) 654-4959
'AX (916) 653-9531
November 16, 2001
Ms. Susy Kalkin
City of South San Francisco
315 Maple Avenue
South San Francisco, CA 94080
Dear Ms. Kalkin:
~~~~G
Re: City of South San Francisco's DEIR for the Marbella Housing Subdivision;
SCH# 2001062018
The California Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics, reviewed
the above-referenced document with respect to airport-related noise and safety
impacts pursuant to CEQA. The following comments are offered for your
consideration.
The proposal is for a high-density, multi-family residential development
comprised of 280 housing units on a 14.9-acre parcel northwest of the
intersection of Westborough Boulevard and Gellert Boulevard. The project is to
include one, two and three-bedroom apartments in six 4-story buildings.
According to the DEIR, the project site is located outside of the 65 dB
Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) contour for San Francisco
International Airport (SFIA). According to the DEIR, the site is within the
"boundaries of the retrofit area" as designated by the Airport Land Use
Commission's (ALUC) Comprehensive Land Use Plan. As indicated in the
criciosed iludrterly Noise Report for SFIA (quarter ending P~;arch 31, 2001), at
least a portion of the project site does appear to be within the 65 dB CN`~L
.:..- ,.
contour for SFIA; immediately adjacent to the extended runway centerlines of
Runways 28L and 28R.
The DEIR states that the entire City of South San Francisco is highly
susceptible to noise impacts due to the presence of SFIA and that the city lies
directly in the flight path of a large percentage of departing aircraft. While
recognizing the probable increase in operations at SFIA, the EIR states that the
increase is "counterbalanced by the ongoing phase-out of Stage 2 aircraft in
favor of quieter Stage 3." In fact, the noise reduction benefit of the shift from
Stage 2 to Stage 3 has already been achieved. It is not known whether i
additional modifications to aircraft in the future will significantly affect SFIA's i
noise contours.
D-1
D-2
LETTER D
Ms. Sissy Kalkin
November 16, 2001
Page 2
According to Mitigation Measure NOISE-2 (pg. 4 of Chapter 4.6), the project
"should be designed to comply with the retrofit guidelines for ALUC retrofit
area" which may include use of "double-paned glass, insulation requirements or
other noise-reduction measures." The-~aroject site is beneath ,the flight path for
the airport and future tenan.~.~_,will..hi~,,,~ubject to frequent aircraft overflight and
tF`ie subsequent noise and safety__impacts. The cumulative effect of the roadway
and aircraft noise will magnify the effect. The Final EIR should specify the
"retrofit guidelines" for residential development within the 65 dB CNEL contour.
Additionally, should this project be approved, we strongly encourage the
applicant provide an avigation easement to SFIA that includes aircraft noise.
Such an easement is necessary because the County of San Mateo has
designated SFIA as having a "noise problem."
The need for compatible and safe land uses near airports in California is both a
local and a state issue. Along with protecting individuals who reside or work
near an airport, the Division of Aeronautics views SFIA as part of the statewide
transportation system, which is vital to the state's continued prosperity. This
role will no doubt increase as California's population continues to grow and the
need for efficient mobility becomes more crucial. We strongly feel that the
protection of airports from incompatible land use encroachment is vital to
California's economic future.
Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on this proposal. If you
have any questions, please call me at (916) 654-5314.
Sincerely,
__,~
<-l
" ' ^?l~~'JHESNARD
. ~ Environmental Planner
c: State Clearinghouse, SFIA, San Mateo ALUC
D-3
Enclosure
D. CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, DIVISION OF
AERONAUTICS
D-1 The City's General Plan Noise Element Figure 9-1, "Aircraft Noise and Noise Insulation
Program Areas" page 279, adopted October 1999 clearly shows the project site outside
the 65 dBA, CNEL. The Figure uses the 1995 FAA Approved Noise Contours and the
projected 2000 FAA Approved noise contours. The noise contours are from the County
of San Mateo Airport Land Use Plan and the San Francisco International Airport Master
Plan EIR.
Noise Exposure Map (NEM) update 2001 (dated September 2001) currently under review
by the FAA for acceptance as part of the San Francisco International Airport's FAAR
Part 150 Noise Compatibility Program shows the project outside the 65 dBA, CNEL
contour. Similarly, the project area is not shown within the 65dBA, CNEL on the 2006
Projections Map also being reviewed by FAA.
D-2 Comment noted. Again, the 1995 and the projected 2000 FAA Approved Noise Contours
(City of South San Francisco General Plan) show the project area well outside the 65
dBA airport impact zone.
D-3 Impact and Mitigation Measure Noise-3 (Chapter 4.6 Page 4) identifies noise retrofit
measures that would be employed.
The Codes, Covenants and Restrictions (CC&R's) for the project shall include noise
disclosure.
City of South San Francisco
Final EIR Marbella
2-23
E. SUMMARY OF CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO PLANNING
COMMISSION COMMENTS-NOVEMBER 15, 2001
E-l. Traffic Congestion in General.
Comment: Several commentors noted that traffic is currently congested near the
Westborough Shopping Center.
Response: Any project proposed for the site would add traffic to the area, regardless of its
size and land use. The proposed project would not result in any service level
changes at study intersections, but it would increase delays, particularly at
unsignalized intersections, to the extent noted in the traffic study.
E-2. I-280 off-ramps at Westborough Boulevard.
Comment: One Commissioner asked if changes to the traffic control at freeway off-ramps
would improve traffic conditions and potentially mitigate project impacts.
Response: Typically, Caltrans determines the traffic control at freeway access points so that
safety is maintained for the highest speed vehicles (on-ramp, off-ramp and
freeway mainline traffic). The traffic control at ramp intersections also depends
on local street conditions, including the volume and travel speeds of local traffic.
It isn't certain that changes to the freeway ramp junctions along Westborough
Boulevard would improve traffic flows along Westborough, and it may be at the
expense of traffic flows on the freeway ramps or on parallel arterial roadways.
City of South San Francisco
Final EIR Marbella
2-24
E. SUMMARY OF CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO PLANNING
COMMISSION COMMENTS-NOVEMBER 15, 2001
E-1. Traffic Congestion in General.
Comment: Several commentors noted that traffic is currently congested near the
Westborough Shopping Center.
Response: Any project proposed for the site would add traffic to the area, regardless of its
size and land use. The proposed project would not result in any service level
r.... . .
changes at study intersecrions,..buX it would increase delays, particularly at
unsignalized intersections, to the extent noted in the traffic study.
E-2. I-280 off-ramps at Westborough Boulevard.
Comment: One Commissioner asked if changes to the traffic control at freeway off-ramps
would improve traffic conditions and potentially mitigate project impacts.
Response: Typically, Caltrans determines the traffic control at freeway access points so that
safety is maintained for the highest speed vehicles (on-ramp, off-ramp and
freeway mainline traffic). The traffic control at ramp intersections also depends
on local street conditions, including the volume and travel speeds of local traffic.
It isn't certain that changes to the freeway ramp junctions along Westborough
Boulevard would improve traffic flows along Westborough, and it may be at the
expense of traffic flows on the freeway ramps or on parallel arterial roadways.
City of South San Francisco
Final EIR Marbella
2-24
APPENDIX A
Notice of Availability- October 5, 2001
San Mateo Times Notice of Availability- October 10, 2001
State Clearinghouse Letter-October 15, 2001
Henshaw Letter-November 19, 2001
~ • .
~O~
_~
U
~G
N S A A;
October 5, 2001
~Ll~~%
DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC
AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
PLANNING DIVISION
(650) 877-8535
FAX 1650) 829-6639
NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY
State Clearinghouse
Governor's Office of Planning and Research
1400 Tenth Street, Suite 222/ P.O. Box 3044
Sacramento, CA 95814-3044
~~~~on~~
OCT - 5 SDI
STATE CLEARING HOUSE
Subject: Notice of Availability of a Draft Environmental Impact Repurt
SCH # 200]062018
Lead Agency:
City of South San Francisco
Planning Division
315 Maple Avenue/P.O. Bor 711
South San Francisco, CA 94083
Contact: Stisy Kalkin„ Principal Planner (650) 877-8535
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) has been
prepared for the project described below, and is available for public review and comment
for 45 days. The DEIR and reference materials are available for review at the Planning
Division, City Hall Annex, 315 Maple Avenue, South San Francisco. Copies of the DEIR
are also available at the West Orange Library, 804 W. Orange Avenue, the Grand Avenue
Library, 306 Walnut Avenue, and the City Clerk's Office, City Hall, 400 Grand Avenue.:
Project Title: Marbella Housing Subdivision
Project Location: Approximately 14.9 acres located on the west side of Gellert
Boulevard, north of Westborough Boulevard (APNs 091-661-
240/250/260/270/280/290/310/320/330).
Project Description: A 280-unit residential condominium project on a 14.9 vacant
site. The project would be configured in six four-story buildings with both
underground and surface parking. The following entitlements are included in the
request:
General Plan Amendment: 1) to change the current land use designation of
the site from Mixed Community Commercial/Medium Density Residential
to High Density Residential; and 2) to modify Policy 3.11-I-2 requiring
adherence to the Westborough Gellert Urban Design Plan.
dnn ~anNn evFnn iG en anv ~„ cni iTN cnN FaeNr.icrn r.n oenaa
~ . •
• Rezoning to change the zone designation from C-1 Retail Commercial to R-
3-L Multiple Family Residential
^ Vesting Tentative Subdivision Map
^ Planned Unit Development Permit with exceptions to: 1) allow private
streets; and 2) permit an increase in height limits allowed in the R-3 Zone
from 50 feet to 70 feet.
^ Development Agreement
Potential Significant Environmental Effects:
• Traffic
^ Visual Resources
^ Noise
^ Geology
COMMENT PERIOD: The comment period for this document commences on Friday,
October 5, 2001, and will close on Monday, November 19, 2001. Written comments
regarding the Draft EIR must be received by the Planning Division, 315 Maple Avenue,
South San Francisco, by no later than 5:00 PM on November 19, 2001. Please send all
comments to: Planning Division, City of South San Francisco, P.O. Box 711, South San
Francisco, CA 94083.
~.
Signature: ~--~
Title: Princi al anner
Telephone: (650) 877-8535
LOCATION
MAP:
.~ ~ \ ~\ `i ~~ 4- ~~ \s .o ~ f ~ ~ Fj" j !~ . C[ii ~ ~ S.FVn" ; r r; ~~ ~ ~ ,~ Y
a• pd ~•~4~s`\;~'~ ~~~ ` `.~~ ~~ `\<~ i; , ``rye F r ~~a ~ ~ W • \ `\ ~} `~
~:
~ '~ ..a s,~ ~~ , ,,
roc L ~ ~ ...,. _ ~,~
a:ue a c d~ ~ 28 e ~ 4.
oro~ ~ : ~ rrti¢. ~ 4@ °b~'v / ~ • V~ o% '`F•~ • • ~~ ~'Ya q ~~ ! s
I p~' _ u-rte.. =r y~i ,~ sj ~c`-i i ~r ;` ~~ ~l ~ Y \`~C\ `'~ y ~ ~ : ~«.e
i , ~~'
~~ +a~ r ~ c~ `~ ~ ~ ~ F=er ,~ \ ~ \~'J '~-~`r CAUiGAV~~ ~"".~ ,~6q ..
y, \; ,'i' c ?~.. .. c ~~ ' , rid..
`s .-~c ; y,i~pS ~~ +.n o ~ co:r ccue rN
_' ~ ~ ~ , ~~_ ' ' ~ ~ , SITE ~ '~ a ~ ~ ~'~';;~~~'" s
4` + ` ~ ~t r, .- ~ 4 t rd.`FfI ` ~
jib c ~ j e~~ie c :~~ 4r~~iyaui;, :~£ ~Ko t'~~..~r 1 ~ ~~~
~ a4 0. ~ o~iaj~ /1~~ ! aa~ ~ tai ~.4~~ ~/~~ fh~~ ~ ~ 1`i~h ~
fN ~ ~ - i
•
~O~~N ~ SAN ~'
- ~~
o~ : ' = 2
~ ~'
~ •~-
U - ~
ELI` F~N%
DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC
AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
PLANNING DIVISION
(650) 877-8535
FAX 1650) 829-6639
October 5, 2001
Ms. Katie Shulty-Joung
Governor's Office of Planning and Research
1400 Tenth Street, Suite 222
Sacramento, CA 95814
C~
OCT - 5X001
STATE CLEARING HOUSE
RE Draft Environmental Impact Report - Marbella Housing Subdivision
State Clearinghouse No: 2001062018
Dear Ms. Shulty-Joung:
The City of South San Francisco is submitting a revised Draft Environmental Impact
Report for the Marbella Housing Subdivision. The City previously submitted a Draft
Environmental Impact Report, titled Draft Focused Environmental Impact Report, for this
project on May 24, 2001. The prior draft was issued State Clearinghouse No:
2001062018.
During the public review period which began May 24`h, City staff identified procedural
and technical issues that necessitated re-circulating the May 24`h DEIR. Staff prepared
substantial revisions to the May 24`h Draft, and in an abundance of caution, has chosen to
re-submit the document, in its entirety, for re-circulation. Because the project has not
changed, the City is requesting that a new State Clearinghouse number not be assigned to
the revised Draft Environmental Impact Report dated October 5, 2001.
If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact Susy Kalkin, Principal
Planner, at 650.877.8535.
Sincerely,
,;
T -
Susy Kal n, Principal Planner
City of outh San Francisco
i •
Notice of Completion and Environmental Document Transmittal
Form
Mail to: State Clearinghouse, ]400 Tenth Street, Sacramento, CA 95814-0613
1. Project Title Marbella Housing Subdivision
2. Lead Agency City of South San Francisco Planning Division
3. Contact Person Susy Kalkin, Principal Planner
3a. Street Address 315 Maple Avenue 3b City: South San Francisco
3d. Zip: 94080
3e. Phone: (650) 877-8535
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------J
Project Location -Specific
4. County San Mateo 4a City/Community South San Francisco
4b. Assessor's Parcel No. 09]-661-240/250/260/270/280/290/310/320/330
4c. Section Twp. Range
Sa Cross Streets• Westborou h/Gellert Blvds
SCH# 20010620] 8
3c. County: San Mateo
D ---~---~--~---~---~--~-- --
OC1 - 5 X01
g ~
Sb. For Rural, Nearest Community I STATE CLEARING HOUS J
6. Within 2 miles: a. St ate Hwy#:1-280, SR35, SR82 b. Airports Sanrrtt-rn
c. Railways
------------------------------------------------------------------ d. Waterways S.F. BaLColma Creek
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7. Document Type
CEQA Ol.( ] NOP O5. [ ]Supplement/ NEPA: 09. [ ] NOl OTHER: 13. [ ]Joint Document
Subsequent EIR
(Rior SCH No.: 1
02.[ ]Early Cons 06. [ ] NOE ]0. [ ] FONSI ]4. [ ]Final Document
03.[ ] Neg Dec 07. [ ] NOC 11. ( ]Draft E1S 15. [ ]Other
04.[X] Draft EIR 08. [ ]NOD 12. [ ] EA
--------------------------------------
8. Local Action Type ---------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
01.[ ]General Plan Update O5. [ ]Annexation 09. [X]Rezone 12.[ ]Waste Mgmt Plan
02.[ ]New Element 06. [ ]Specific Plan 10. [X] Land Division 13.[ ]Cancel Ag Preserve
(Subdivision, Parcel Map, Tract
Map, etc.)
03.X] General Plan 07. [ ]Community Plan 11. (]Use Permit 14.[XJ Other -Planned Unit
Amendment Development &
Development Agreement
U4.[ ]Master Plan 08. [ ]Redevelopment
9. Development Type
01.[X] Residential: Uniu ~ Acres 14.9 07.[ ]Mining: Mineral
02.[ ]Office: Sq.ft. Acres Employees O8.[ ]Power: Type Watts
03.[ ] Shopping/Commercial Sq.ft Acres Employees 09.[ ]Waste Type
Treatment
04.[ ]Industrial: Sq.ft Acres Employees l0.[ ] OCS
Related
O5.[ ]Water Facilities: MGD 11.[ ]Other
06.[ ]Transportation:
------------------------------- Type:
----------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------
l0. Total Acres ]4.9
------------------------------------------
11. Total Jobs Created NA
ti
\_ ~
12. Project Issues Discussed in Document
01.[X] Aesthetic/Visual
02.[ ]Agricultural Land
03.[ ]Air Quality
04.[ ] ArchaeologicaUHistorical
O5.[ ]Coastal Zone
O6.[ ]Economic
07.[ ]Fire Hazard
08.[ ] Flooding/Drainage
09. [X] Geologic/Seismic
10. [ ]Jobs/Housing Balance
l 1. [ ]Minerals
t2. [X] Noise
13. [ ]Public Services
14. [ ]Schools
15. [ ]Septic Systems
16. [ ]Sewer Capacity
] 7. [ ]Social
18. [ ]Soil Erosion
19. [ ]Soil Waste
20. [X] Toxic/Hazardous
21. [X] Traffic/Circulation
22. [ ]Vegetation
23. [ ]Water Quality
24. [ ]Water Supply
25.[X] Wetland/Riparian
26.[X] Wildlife
27.[ ]Growth Inducing
28.[X] Land Use
29.[ ]Cumulative Effects
30.[ J Other
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I3. Funding (approx.) Federal $ 0 State $ 0 Total $ 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I4. Present Land Use and Zoning: Mixed Retail Commercial/Medium Density Residential Land Use Designation; C-]
Retail Commercial Zone District
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
l5. Project Description: A 280-unit residential condominium project on a 14.9 acre vacant site. The project would be
configured in six four-story buildings with both underground and surface parking.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
lti. Signature of Lead Agency Representative. ~ , _ '~"~ f`-=--- _ _ __ _
Date ~ %~ _~~ ~.~ ~.. c c .
NOTE.• Clearinghouse will assign identification numbers for all new projects. If a SCH number aUeady exists for a project (e.g. from a Notice of Preparation or
previous draft document) please also fill it in.
APPENDIX VI - CEQA GUIDELINES AND DISCUSSIONS
RevieH-inQ Agencies Checklist
[ ]Resources Agency
[ ] Boating/Waterways
[ ]Conservation
[ ]Fish and Game
[ ]Forestry
( ]Colorado River Board
[ ]Dept. Water Resources
( ]Reclamation
[ ]Parks and Recreation
[ ]Office of Historic Preservation
[ ]Native American Heritage Commission
[ ] S. F. Bay Cons. and DevY. Commission
[ ]Coastal Commission
[ ]Energy Commission
[ ]State Lands Commission
[ ]Air Resources Board
[ ]Solid Waste Management Board
[ ] SWRCB: Sacramento
[ ] RWQCB: Region # San Francisco
[ ] Water Rights
[ ] Caltrans District
[ ]Dept. of Transportation
[ ]Aeronautics
( ]California Highway Patrol
( ]Housing and Community Dev't
[ ]Statewide Health Planning
[ ]Health
[ ]Food and Agriculture
[ ]Public Utilities Commission
[ ]Public Works
[ ]Corrections
[ ]General Services
[ ] OLA
[ ]Santa Monica Mountains
[ ) TRPA
[ ] OPR - OLGA
( ] OPR -Coastal
[ ]Bureau of Land Management
[ ]Forest Service
[ ]Other: Bay Area Air Quality Mgmt. District
[ ]Other
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Regulatory Branch
For SCH Use Only:
Date Received at S~ Catalog Number
Date Review Star Applicant: Duc Housing Partners, lnc
14107 Winchester Blvd., Suite H
Los Gatos, CA 95032 (408) 866-5511
Date to P encies Consultant
Dr SCH Con[act: Susy Kalkin, Principal Planner (650 877-8535)
~earance Date Address: 3]5 Maple Avenue/P.O. Box 711, South San Francisco,
CA 94083
Notes:
~~~~, ] ~c +_ sy
~ `k, \
' ~~m'
~
Go~-ernor'~ Office of Plallnin~ and Ke~ea
rcl~ a c
~~ K
~, ~ s
`'`e
>Fr
`~G ~~ ,._l_~~~jll ~~IO USI_
L f Of CFI\FO
l~~%Aih\i, '.jE ICI IU <-11~R
ACKI~'OV1'LEDGEMENT OF RECEIPT
DATE: October 15, 2001
R~
~~ ~
TO: Susy Kalkin ~ E p
City of South San Francisco ~C j 2 2 ?O~l
315 Maple Avenue
p~
South San Francisco, CA 94080 ANfWNG
RE: Marbella Housing Subdivision
SCH#: 2001062018
This is to acknowledge that the State Clearinghouse has received your environmental document
for state review. The review period assigned by the State Clearinghouse is:
Review Start Date: October 5, 2001
Review End Date: November 19, 2001
We have distributed your document to the following agencies and departments:
California Highway Patrol
Caltrans, District 4
Caltrans, Division of Aeronautics
Department of Conservation
Department of Fish and Game, Region 3
Department of Parks and Recreation
Department of Toxic Substances Control
Native American Heritage Commission
Regional Water Quality Control Board, Region 2
Resources Agency
State Lands Commission
The State Clearinghouse will provide a closing letter with any state agency comments to your
attention on the date following the close of the review period.
Thank you for your participation in the State Clearinghouse review process.
Ig00 7~L'~111 ti"TI~CL-1 P. (7. BITS 3Uq-I S:ACR:1\11:N~fO. C:111P<IP.AI.A yjSl^_-;O~-I
916--{.~5-Obl; I~A\ qlb-i'_i-i01~ \1~\ClV.O1'R.C:~.GOV~j(:L1 A1~I~~G11(1l~tiL.H'1 ~Il_
NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF
Draft Environmental Impact Report
Marbella
Subject: Notice of Availability of a Draft Environmental Impact Report (Revised) .
SCH ;ff 2001062018
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) has been prepared for the project described
below, and is available for public review and comment for 45 days. The DEIR and reference materials are available for
review at the Planning Division, City Hal] Annex, 315 Maple Avenue, South San Francisco. Copies of the DEIR are also.
available at the West Orange Library, 804 W. Orange Avenue, the Grand Avenue Library, 306 Walnut Avenue, and the City
Clerk's Office; City Hall, 400 Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, CA.
Project Title: Marbella Housing Subdivision
Project Location: Approximately 14.9 acres located on the west side of Gellert Boulevard. north of Westborough
Boulevard (APNs 091-661-240/250/260/270/280/290/310/320/330).
Project Description: A 280-unit residential condominium project on a 14.9 acre vacant site. The project would be
configured in six four-story buildings with both underground and surface parking. The following entitlements are included
in the request:
• General Plan Amendment: 1) to change the current land use designation of the site from
Mixed Community Commercial/Medium Density Residential to High Density Residential;
and 2) modify General Plan Policy 3.11-]-2 regarding the Westborough/Gellert Urban Design Plan.
Rezoning to change the zone designation from C-1 Retail Commercial to
R-3-L Multiple Family Residential
• Vesting Tentative Subdivision Map
• Planned Unit Development Permit with exceptions to: 1) allow private streets;
and 2) permit an increase in height limits allowed in the R-3 Zone from 50 feet to 70 feet.
• Development Agreement
Potentially Significant Environmental Effects:
• Traffic
• Visual Resources
• Noise
,,,`.' Geology
COMMENT PERIOD: The comment period for this document commences on Friday, October 5, 200], and will close on
Monday, November 19, 2001. Written comments regarding the Draft EIR must be received by the Planning Division, 315
Maple Avenue, South San Francisco,:by no later than 5:00 PM on November 19, 2001.-Please send all comments to: Susy
Kalkin, Planning Division, City of South San Francisco, P.O. Box 7] I, South San Francisco, CA 94083.
LOCATION
MAP: .
1
~~./e ~yi ~'; ~;\~`•*r~~F. \~~~~~.5~.\~.~r~'~~~5~'• / F j~t ~ ~~~ say,-~'`•'.~~. ~~.
t ~a• a e a~ .~, „am e ° ~ ~,4 .~\ ~'+~k '~~ fir` /3,s~ ~ ,, rer•.r
` ~ ~ `~'`~yt3 c^• ~~''. t~ - ~`~",. ~~{+~` ~ '~`G,°.~.%, is ~; vc_. ..-.>?~.y;~
•t ~ ~~r.3 ~E~ • °.~ .~ g' -tea k~.`~/ c " ~/%'~ ~:...,'w~ ; . ,,,
,'+S~ a ,. ~ JI~~ ~ sn ~ L :~ • ~ P„\t ~ ~ J . t ~ ,~ -K~ ` may.
~.` ~i"moo 1~~ t~vr_i-`r . ~di. ~. 6~7,r 'X {t.
~,;,~,x ~ _ ~,~- , SITE ~R J.1 ~ ~~~~ • .~ ~~~F , `, 'I
-'*~ 'ate = ~ ~ ~yES ~ _..-¢,l¢ . 4 q \--• M/'~ ~ a1~w+.,,a~~"• ~ ~. __.
'-aa-"a~.~~ ~~: `_ ,` `~•• ~: Y ~. `."`yam
;j,'ee~~a~ / ~ r~e/i~(~,~~i~,t~-+,~,`;~Yµ~.."~'sf..'~+,+,r !k. l~ ~~~ ~~yC%
- ~y •WV ~i ~ ~ 1. 'S t~l~'` . ~.~A~y~v~ ~j,!/ ~j~~$t.y i
` \ \~\j.! ~"'i ~`P+~• '~`+-^1.Y`C .`.j `'! ~' ~rY''~,) ~k~i i'I. 4'~)ye
/%~~ \ .q~~ ..~ \ % fl. ",/,.~~ 4:• ~ `"~,S.rf~~`.k .:~?.ins'
4 /
/s/Thomas C. Sparks
Thomas C. Sparks, Chief Planner
Planning Division, City of South San Francisco
Date: October 5, 2001
Published once in the San Mateo County Times, Wednesday, 10; 2001
Ssn Mateo CountyTimes !'T/83
October 10.2001 -
I
f
l
i
1
11/20/2001 15:49 9255517464 HENSHAW ASSOCIATES PAGE 02/18
i~ Renshaw Associates, Inc.
Environmental Engineering Services
November X 9, 2001
Ms. Annina Antonio
California Environmental Protection Agency
Department of Toxic Substances Control
700 Heinz Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94710
Re: Marbella Housing Subdivision Project
Westborough and Gellert Boulevards; South San Francisco, California
Project No.: 258. B. 01
Dear Ms. Antonio:
In response to your Novembex 6, 2001 letter to APIs. Susy Kalkizt of the City of South San Francisco,
Renshaw Associates, Inc. (Henshavv) has prepaxed this letter addressing the issue of background
concentrations of arsenic in shallow soil at the Marbella Housing Subdivision pzoject in South San
Francisco, California (the site). As discussed with you in our telephone conversation of November
15, 2001, it is our professional opinion that the level of arsenic found in shallow soil at the site, as
reported in Henhsaw's June 9, 2000 report titled Phase 1 Preliminary Sire Assessment and Limited
Soil Quulity Investigation, Gellert Boulevard, South San Francisco, California,. and sumnr-arized
in the Draft ,Environmental hnpact 1Zeport (EII~) dated October 5, 2001, is representative of
naturally-occurring background levels throughout the San Francisco Bay.erea. The level of arsenic
reported in Henshaw's previous report was 2.6 parts per million (ppm). At your request, we are
providing additional information on regional background concentrations of arsenic.
Based on our recent telephone conversation, you are apparently unaware that additional soil
samples were collected at the site in February 2001. As indicated in the attached letter dated.
February 9, 2001; Renshaw collected additional soil samples at the site to provide conftrmation of
the test results for arsenic reported in Henshaw's previous report, and to assess the possible
presence of hexavalent chromium in shallow soil. The test results for these additional samples
(collected in the same general area as the samples described in Henahsaw's June 9, 2000 report) did
not indicate the presence of arsenic above the laboratory method reporting limit of 1.0 ppm; or
hexava]ent chromium above the ]aboxatory method reporting limit of 0.2 ppm. Based on the site
history evaluation and soil sampling results presented in HenshaK~'s previous reports. it is our
opinion that soil contamination by arsenic, or other constituents, is not present at the site.
11875 Dublin Boulevard, Suite A-200 • Dublin, CA 94568 • Tel: 925/551-7272 Fax: 925/551-7464
11/20/2001 15:49 9255517464 HENSHAW ASSOCIATES PAGE 02/18
Renshaw Associates, Inc.
With repect to background concentrations of arsenic in shallow soil in the San Francisco Bay Area,
the zxzost.widely-recognized regional evaluation was performed by Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory
(Protocol for Determining Bac,'cgraurd Concentration of 1l~etals in Soil at Lawrence Berkeley
National Laboratory (L,BNL), August 1995). That study, which examined background metal
concentrations in soils derived from diffe.xent regional geologic units xangirzg in age from Jurassic
to Holocene, found general background concentrations of arsenic of 9.3 to 3 ]ppm, depending on
the specific geologic urzit_ For their geologic units of mid-Tertiary age (their Orinda and Moraga
Formations), they reported an average background arsenic concentration of about i 3.5 ppzza. The
lvlarbella dousing Subdivision site is underlain rocks by the Merced Formation ofupper-Tertiary
to lower-Quaternary age,. Whereas these rocks are not directly correlative to the mid_Tertiary units
of the LBNL study; the concentration of arsenic measured at the site is certainly at or below the
average concentrations measured during the LBNL study which covers a much broader and diverse
age gxouping of geologic formations. In our opinion, the L$NL results can be used to evaluate
expected background concentrations o.f aresenie at the subject site.
Finally, review of our project files at Renshaw shows that we have previously performed a general
investigation of soil quality at another site along Westborough Boulevard, approximately 2;500 feet
southwest of the subject site. Test results fox eight soil sazrzples analyzed for arsenic during that
investigation ranged from less thax: the method reporting lirz~it of 1.0 ppm to a maximum of 2.9
ppm. These results are identical to those reported for the l~-~arbella Housing Subdivision site. As
such, it is our opinion, that the concentrations of arsenic measured in soil at the Marbella Hottsing
Subdivision site axe representative of naturally-occurring background levels. In our opinon, no
additional evaluation is warranted. '
Please don't hesitate to call if you have any questions or require additional information.
Sincerely,
Henslaaw Associates, Incorporated
Dennis Laduzirzsky, C.E.G.
Senior Project Manager
Attachments: February 9.2001 Additional Soil (?uality Evaluation
cc: Joe Fanelli
Susy Kalkin
G:~F iles~268~ 1 I t 80.Ol.wpd
11%191Ot
11/20/2001 15:49 9255517464 HENSHAW ASSOCIATES PAGE 04/18
,~i~ Renshaw Associates, inc:
Environmental Engineering Services
Irebruary 9; 2001
Ms. Carol Anne Painter
Duc 1-Iousinc Panners, Incorporated
14107 Winchester Boulevard, Suite I-I
Los Gatos, CA 95032-5960
Re: Additional Soil Quality Evaluation
Gellert Boulevard, South San Francisco, California
Project No.:.268.A.01
Dear Ms. Painter:
As requested, Henshaw Associates, lncot•porated, has performed an additional e~'aluation of
shallow soil quality at the Gellert Boule~•ard project :ite in South San Francisco; California. The
evaluation vas performed to provide confirmation of the test results for arsenic previousl}~
reported in the Phase 1 Prc~linu~rcrry.S'ite Assess»?e~ir! ~r~rd Limited Soil Orralin• L~i•estigrrtiorr,
Gellert Botrlel•ar~' South ,San Frrrnciscv, CcrJrfornic~, submitted as a dl•aft on June 9, 2000. The
evaluation was additionally performed to assess the possible presence of chromium VI its shallow
SO11 at the site.
The site is located on Gellert $oulevard in South San Francisco, northwest of the inter~ectian of
Gellert and Westborough Boulevards. Tlae site consists of a steep, narxo~~ Marcel, sloping east to
Gellert $oulevard. A limited soil quality investigation «~as previously Conducted in a le~-el area
on the southeast portion of the site where concrete debris and other trash had been obsen•ed.
)tiring the present evaluation, soil samples ~~ere collected at depths of appruxinlately one foot
end four feet at three locations, in the vicinity of the soil samples previously' collected and
inalyzed during the June ?000 Phase I investigation. Samples were collected ~~'ith a hand aucer,
nanuahy placed in laboratory-supplied sample jars; labeled, and stored in a cooted container for
ransport to the laboratory under chin-of-custody control. Two composite samples, one from
me foot bgs (RS-1,2,31) and one from four feet bgs (RS-1,2,3-4), were analyzed for total
~rsenie using EPA Method 601 OB and hexavalent chromium (Chromium 1'I) using EPA Method
~ 196A.
~63U 0341-01.wpd
I
11875 Dublin Boulevard, Suite A-200 • Dublin, CA 94568 • Tel: 925/551-7272 Faz: 925/551.7464
11/20/2001 15:49 9255517464 HENSHAW ASSOCIATES PAGE 05/18
i~ Renshaw Associates, Inc.
~emical test results are summanzed in Table 1, and the laboratory analytical report is attached
this letter. As shown en Table 1, the composite soil samples did not contain arsenic or
:xavalent chrOtnicu77 abo~'e the laboratory method reporting limits. Based on the chemical test
salts, shallow soils at the site do trot appear to be impacted by arsenic or chromiun7 VI.
We apprecirtte the opportunity to prof ide service to }•ou nn this project. Please do not hesitate to
call should you have any quzstions or require additional information.
Sincerel~~,
Hensh~-~i Associates, Inco~'porated
r---
Dennis 1•raduzinsky, C.)r.G., R.E.A.
Senior Project Mat7ager
Dt,:l:d
/encl: t Table
Laboratory Reports
G:11'iles`~6S\103 i-Ol,~~pd
01~09~01
11/20/2001 15:49 9255517464 HENSHAW ASSOCIATES PAGE 0E~/18
NA
TABLE x
Soil Annlytica) Results
Gellert Boule~'ard
South San Francisco, California
Analyte RS-1,2,3-1 Rp-1,2,3-4 TTLC PRG
Arsenic -EPA 60108 ND ND 500 22
Chromium VI -EPA 7I96A ND ND 500 ~0
NOTES
RS-X,2,3-1: composite of samples collected fzozn three locations at a depth of one foot.
RS-1,2,3-4: composite of samples collected froze three locations at a depth of four feet.
Results repot-ted in mg/ke (parts per miliiorz)
ND. Not detected at or above the laboratoz'y method reporting limits
PRG: Preliminary Remediation Goal for residential land use -EPA Region IX
TTLC: Total Threshold Limit Concentration
G:~ ilas~268~10336-Ol.xls
oz~ v~o ~
11 / Lb/ LF7t71 15:49 9255517464
STL Chroma~ab
` Environmental Services (CA 9094)
Renshaw Associates
11876 Dublin Blvd, Suite A-200
Dublin, CA 94568
Attn.: Ms. Katherine Davem
Project: 268.A.01
Gellert
Dear Katherine,
HENSHAW ASSOCIATES PAGE 07/18
Submission #; 2001-02-006
Date: February 7, 2001
Attached is our report for your samples received on Monday February 5, 2001
This report has been reviewed and approved for release. Reproduction of this report
is permitted only in its entirety,
Please note that any unused portion of the samples will be discarded after March 22, 2001
"" - ~Y~~ se, We appreciate the opportunity to be of service to you.
,;I me at (925) 484-1919. You can also contact me via email.
My email aggress is: [email protected]
Sincerely,
Vincent Vancil
1220 Quarry Lane " Pleasentpn, CA 94566-4756
Tsiep~one: (925) 484-1919 'Facsimile: (92S) 484-1096
CA DHS ELAPis1096
Printed on: 02/07/2001 10:39 Page 1 of 1
11/20/2001 15:49 9255517464 HENSHAW ASSOCIATES PAGE 0E~/18
STL Chroma~ab
Environmental Services {GA 1094)
Submission #: 2001-02-0063
Hexavalent Chromium
Renshaw Associates ~ 11$75 Dublin Bivd, Suite A-200
Dublin. CA 94568
Attn: Katherine Dayem Phone: (925) 551-7272 Fax: (925) 551-7464
Project #: 268_A_01 Project: Gellert
Samples Reported
Sample IQ Matrix Date Sampled La
RS-1,2,3-1 Soil 02/05/200'1 1
R5-1,2.3-4 Soil 02/05/2001 2
1220 Quarry Lane 'Pleasanton, CA 9x596-x756
Telephone: (925) 484-1919' Facsimile: (925) 484-1096
Printed on: 02/0712001 10'23 Page 1 of 5
11/20/2001 15:49 9255517464
STL Chroma~.ab
Environmental Services (CA 1094}
To: Renshaw Associates
Attn.: Katherine gayem
HENSHAW ASSOCIATES PAGE 09/18
Submission #: 2001-02.OOfi3
Test Method: 7196A
Prep Method: 7196A soil
Hexavalent Chromium
Sample ID: RS-1,2,3-1
Project: 268.A.01
Gellert
Sampled: 02/05/2001
Matrix: Soli
Lab Sample ib: 2001-02-0063-001
Received: 02/05/2001 17:50
Extracted: 02/06/2001 15:09
QC-Batch: 2001102/06-01.31
Compound Result Rep.Limit Units Dilution Analyzed Flag
Chromium (Hexavalent) Nq 0.20 my/Kg 1.00 02/06/2001 15:30
1220 Quarry Lene 'Pleasanton, CA 94566-4756
Telephone' (926? 484-1919' Facsimile: (925) 484.1096
Printed on: 02!0712001 10:23 Page 2 0'~ 5
11/20/2001 15:49 9255517464
STL Chroma~.ab
Env~rcnmentai Services (CA 1094)
HENSHAW ASSOCIATES PAGE 10/18
Submission #: 200102-0063
To: Nenshaw Associates
Attn.; Katherine Dayem
Test Method: 7196A
Prep Method: 7196A soil
Hexavalent Chromium
Sample ID: RS-1,2,3-4 Lab Sample ID: 2001-02-0063-002
Project: 268.A.01
Received:
02/05!2001 17:50
Gellert
Sampled:
02/05/2001 Extracted: 02/06/2001 15:09
QC-Batch: 2001./02/06-01.31
Matrix: Soil
Compound Result Rep.l.imit Units ' Dilution Analyzed Flag
Chromium (Hexavalent) ND 0,20 m /K 1.00 02/06/2001 15:30
1220 Quarry Lane "Pleasanton, CA 94566-4756
Telephone: (925) d8d-1919 -Facsimile: (925) 484-1096
Printed on: 02/07/2001 10:23 Page 3 of 5
11!20/2001 15:49 9255517464
STL Chroma~ab
' Environmental SBNiGes (CA 1094)
To: Renshaw Associates
Attn.: Katherine Dayem
HENSHAW ASSOCIATES PAGE 11/18
Submission #: 2001-02-0063
Test Method: 7196A
Prep Method: 7196A soil
Batch QC Roport
Hexavalent Chromium
ethod Blank Soil QC Batch # 2001/02106-01.31
MB: 2001/02!06-01.31-001 pate Extracted: 02/0612001 15:30
Compound .. ... __ _...__. _.. _._.. __....._.....__...... .. _.. ..... _... , .. .
Result ~ Rep.Limit Units Analyzed Flag
Chromium (Hexavalent) ND 0.2 mg/Kg 02/06/2001 15:30
Printed On: 02!0712001 10:23
1220 Quarry Lane 'Pleasanton, CA 94566-4756
Telephone: (925) 484-1919 "Facsimile: (925) 484-1096
Page 4 of
11/20/2001 15:49 9255517464 HENSHAW ASSOCIATES PAGE 12/18
i
STL Chroma~ab
Environmental Services (CA 1094)
To: Renshaw Associates
Attn: Kath®rine Dayem
Submission #: 2001-02-0063
Test Method: 7196A
Prep Method: 7196A soil
Batch DC Report
Hexavalent Chromium
Laboratory Control Spike (LCSILCSp) Soll OC Batch # 2001102!06-01.31 ',
LCS: 2001/02/06-01.31-002 Extracted: 02/061200115:30 Analyzed 02/D6/200115:30
LCSD: 2001/02/06-01.31-003 Extracted: 02/061200115:30 Analyzed 02/06/2.00115:30
Compound Conc. j mg/Kg J
J Exp.COnc. j mglKg J .Recovery [%] RPD Ctrl. Limits [%i Flegs
LCS LCSD LCS LCSD LCS LCSD [°/a] Reoovery RPD LCS LCSD
Chromium (Hexavalent) .2,10 2.10 2.0 2.0 105.0 105.0 0.0 60.120 20
1220 Quarry Lane 'Pleasanton, CA 94566-x756
Telephones (925) 48a-1919' Facsimile: (925) a84-1096
Printed on: 02107/zool 10:23 Paoe 5 of 5
11/20/2001 15:49 9255517464 HENSHAW ASSOCIATES
i PAGE 1/18
- STL Chroma~ab
Environmental Services (CA 1094)
Submission #: 2009.02.0063
Metals
Renshaw Associates ~ 11875 Dublin Blvd, Suite A-200
Dublin, CA 9456$
Attn: Katherine Dayem Phone: (925) 551-7272 Fax' (925) 551-7464
Project #: 268.A.01 Project: Gellert
Samples Reported
Sample ID Matrix Date Sampled Lab ~
RS-1,2,3-1 Soil 02105/2001 1
RS-1,2,3-4 Soil 02/05/2001 2
1220 Quarry Lane 'Pleasanton, CA 54566-4756
Telephone: (925) 494-1919 'Facsimile: (925) 494-1098
Printed on' 02107!2001 10:24 Page 1 Of 5
11/20/2001 15:49 9255517464 HENSHAW ASSOCIATES
PAGE 14/18
STL Chroma~ab
Environmental Services (CA 1094)
To; Renshaw Associates
Attn.: Katherine Dayem
Sample ID: RS-1,2,3-1
Project: 268.A.01
Gellert
Submission #: 2001-02-0063
Test Method: 60108
Prep Method: 305013
Metals
Lab Sample ID: 2001-02-0063-001
Received: 02/05/2001 17:50
Sampled: 02/05/2001 Extracted: 02/06/2001 06:18
QC-Batch: 2001 /02/06-02.15
Matrix: Soil
_ _.... .
Compound ~ -----.Re ..... ............ .
Result .__....._.._ ........... _.. .
p.Limit Units Dilution Analyzed Flag
Arsenic ND
1.0 „-mg/Kg 1.00 02/06/2001 15:54
Printed on: 02/072001 10:24
1220 Quarry Lane 'Pleasanton, CA ga5B6-x758
Telephone; (925) a84.1919' Facsimile: (925) aea-1096
Page 2 of 5
11/20/2001 15:49 9255517464
S1'L Chroma`ab
t_nvironmenta~ Services {CA 1094)
To: Renshaw Associates
Attn.: Katherine Dayem
Sample ID: RS-1,2,3-4
Project: 268.A.01
Gellert
HENSHAW ASSOCIATES PAGE 15/18
Submission #:2001-02-0063
Metals
Test Method: 6010B
Prep Method: 30508
Lab Sample ID: 2001-02.0063-002
Received: 02/05/2001 17:50
Sampled: 02/05/2001 Extracted: 02/06/2001 06:18
Matrix: QC-Batch: 2001 /02/06-02.15
Soil
Compound _ ................___..... _ ._
_ ____
Result Rep,Limit Units !Dilution Analyzed Flag
Arsenic ND 1,0
-......_ ..... .... ....... .._ .._.....mg/K9 ... _. 1.00 02/06/2001 15:57
11/20
/2001 15:49 9255517464
STL Chroma,~ab
Environmental Services (CA 109A)
To: Renshaw Associates
Attn.: Katherine Deyem
Method Blank
MB: 2001 /02!06-02,15-023
HENSHAW ASSOCIATES PAGE 16/18
Submission #: 2001-02-0063
Test Method; 601pB
Prep Method: 3050B
Batch QC Report
Metals
..
Soil QC Batch # 2001/02/D6-02.15
Date Extracted; 02/06/2001 06:18
.... .. --
Com ound • . _......-- -..._........ •--_
_ .....
esult Rep.Limit Units ~~~ --
Arsenic Analyzed 1=1ag
_.....----•._._......_._.. _. ND 1,0 mg/Kg 02/06/2001 14:56
11/20
/2001 15:49 9255517464
STL Chroma~ab
Environmental Services (CA lpgq)
To: Renshaw Associates
Attn: Katherine Dayem
HENSHAW ASSOCIATES
PAGE 17/18
Submission #: 2001-02-0063
Batch QC Report
Metals
Test Method: 60106
Prep Method: 30508
Laboratory Control Splke (LC5/LCSD) Soil
LCS: 2001/02/06-02.15-024 Extracted: 02/06/200'1 0.6:18 AnalQy ed at 02 06/2001214.592.15
LCSD: 2001/02/06-02.15-025 Extracted: 02/06/200106:18 Analyzed 02/061200115:03
Compound -~
.. ..
onc. (mg/K9 ] Exp.Conc. ° ~ '
_._... _._ .. ,_.,.__ . ,.. _ mg/Kg J :Recovery (/o] RPD Ctrl. Limits [%j Flags
LCS LCSD LCS LCSD LCS LCSD [%~ ,Recovery RPD LC5 LCSD
Arsenic 105 107 t00.D 900.0 105.0 107.D 1,9 80-120 20
a