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HomeMy Public PortalAboutComplete Version RDEIR_092914_revisedCanyon Springs Revised Draft EIR September 29, 2014 | Prepared For: Town of Truckee Canyon Springs Revised Draft EIR September 29, 2014 | Prepared For: Town of Truckee Orange County • Northern California • Los Angeles/Downtown • Los Angeles/West • Inland Empire • San Diego 1625 Shattuck Avenue, Suite 300 | Berkeley, California 94709 | 510.848.3815 | 510.848.4315 (f)www.placeworks.com TABLE OF CONTENTS i 1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................. 1-1 2. REPORT SUMMARY ............................................................................................ 2-1 4. ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION .................................................................... 4-1 4.4 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES ...................................................................... 4.4-1 4.14 TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC ......................................................... 4.14-1 5. ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT ............................................... 5-1 Appendices Appendix A Mule Deer Reports and References Appendix B Traffic Data TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR TABLE OF CONTENTS ii List of Figures Figure 4.4-1 Plant Communities ............................................................................... 21  Figure 4.4-2 Jurisdictional Waters ............................................................................. 34  Figure 4.4-3 Plant Communities and the Proposed Site Plan ............................... 39  Figure 4.4-4 Jurisdictional Waters and the Proposed Site Plan ............................ 40  Figure 4.14-1 Lane Configuration and Traffic Control ........................................... 11  Figure 4.14-2 2011 Summer PM Peak Hour Traffic Volumes Without Project .................................................................................................... 16  Figure 4.14-3 2031 PM Traffic Volumes Without Project ...................................... 21  Figure 4.14-4 2011 Project Generated PM Traffic Volumes .................................. 31  Figure 4.14-5  2031 Project Generated PM Traffic Volumes .................................. 32  Figure 4.14-6 2011 PM Traffic Volumes with Project ............................................. 36  Figure 4.14-7 Glenshire Drive/Donner Pass Road Left Turn Acceleration Lane Conceptual Design ............................................... 42  Figure 4.14-8 Whitehorse Road/Glenshire Drive Intersection Sight Distance ................................................................................................. 54  Figure 4.14-9  2031 PM Traffic Volumes With Project ............................................ 61  Figure 5-1 Alternative B (Edinburgh Drive Open Access) Site Plan ............... 13  Figure 5-2 2011 Project Net Impact on PM Traffic Volumes with Edinburgh Access ................................................................................. 19  Figure 5-3 2031 Project Net Impact on PM Traffic Volumes with Edinburgh Access ................................................................................. 20  Figure 5-4 2011 PM Traffic Volumes with Edinburgh Access ......................... 21  Figure 5-5 2031 PM Traffic Volumes with Edinburgh Access ......................... 22  Figure 5-6 Alternative C (No Open Space Crossing) Site Plan ......................... 25  Figure 5-7 Alternative D (Medium Density Cluster) Site Plan .......................... 33  Figure 5-8 Alternative E (Reduced Density) Site Plan ........................................ 41  Figure 5-9 Alternative F (Open Space Buffers) Site Plan ................................... 49  TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR TABLE OF CONTENTS iii List of Tables Table 2-1 Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures .................................. 9 Table 4.4-1 Truckee General Plan Policies Pertaining to Biological Resources ................................................................................................. 5 Table 4.4-2 Special-Status Species Potentially Occurring on the Canyon Springs Subdivision Project Site ........................................... 10 Table 4.14-1 Truckee General Plan Goals and Policies Pertaining to Transportation and Traffic .................................................................... 4 Table 4.14-2 Town of Truckee Traffic Impact Analysis Requirements and Criteria .............................................................................................. 8 Table 4.14-3 2011 Traffic Volumes During AM and School PM Peak Hours Without Project ........................................................................ 18 Table 4.14-4 2031 Traffic Volumes During AM and School PM Peak Hours Without Project ........................................................................ 22 Table 4.14-5 Historical Traffic Data (2006- 2010) .................................................. 25 Table 4.14-6 Project Trip Generation ....................................................................... 29 Table 4.14-7 Project Generated Traffic Volumes During AM and School PM Peak Hour ......................................................................... 33 Table 4.14-8 2011 with Project Traffic Volumes During AM and School PM Peak Hours ........................................................................ 37 Table 4.14-9 2011 Intersection Level of Service ..................................................... 38 Table 4.14-10 Glenshire Drive/Donner Pass Road Intersection LOS with Center Turn Lane ......................................................................... 43 Table 4.14-11 2011 Roadway Level of Service Analysis ........................................... 48 Table 4.14-12 Construction Trip Generation ............................................................ 52 Table 4.14-13 2031 Traffic Volumes During AM and School PM Peak Hours With Project .............................................................................. 62 Table 4.14-14 2031 Intersection Level of Service ..................................................... 63 Table 4.14-15 2031 Roadway Level of Service Analysis ........................................... 66 Table 5-1 Alternatives Impacts Comparisons ...................................................... 5 TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR TABLE OF CONTENTS iv 1 INTRODUCTION 1-1 This Limited Revised and Recirculated Draft Environmental Impact Report, here- inafter referred to as “Revised Draft EIR”, provides an assessment of potential environmental consequences of the construction of the proposed Canyon Springs Subdivision project (the project). The Town of Truckee (Town) is the lead agency for the project. This Revised Draft EIR is intended to inform the Town of Truck- ee Planning Commission and Town Council, responsible agencies and the public- at-large of the nature of the project and its potential impacts. Additionally, this Revised Draft EIR identifies mitigation measures that, if adopted, would reduce or avoid potentially significant impacts and examines alternatives to the proposed project. This Revised Draft EIR has been prepared in accordance with the Califor- nia Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the State CEQA Guidelines and the Town’s local procedures for implementing CEQA. A. Environmental Review Process 1. Notice of Preparation/Scoping Meeting The Town of Truckee Community Development Department issued a Notice of Preparation (NOP) on Wednesday, April 20, 2011, initiating a scoping period for the 2012 Draft EIR which extended from April 20 through May 20, 2011. Two separate scoping meetings were held on Wednesday, May 4, 2011: 1) for responsi- ble agencies, and 2) for all other agencies, organizations, and members of the pub- lic. During the scoping period oral and written comments were received on the proposed project, project alternatives, and the scope of the EIR. In addition, the Town considered the comments from public agency and service providers, and members of the public that were submitted for the previous Tahoe Boca residential development proposal in 2003 and the Canyon Springs residential development proposal in 2007. These comment letters were provided in Appendix B of the 2012 Draft EIR. The comment letters received from 2003 through 2011 were used for the preparation of the 2012 Draft EIR. 2. Notice of Completion/Notice of Availability/Public Hearing Prior to the release of the 2012 Draft EIR, a Neighborhood Meeting was held on December 18, 2012 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Town of Truckee Town Hall in the Council Chambers to provide an overview of the proposed project and the environmental review process. Pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15085, a Notice of Completion (NOC) of the 2012 Draft EIR was filed with the Office of Planning and Research (OPR) State Clearinghouse and circulated to State agencies on December 19, 2012 TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR INTRODUCTION 1-2 for a 73-day review period ending on March 1, 2013. Pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15087, the Town provided at the same time a Notice of Availa- bility (NOA) and the 2012 Draft EIR was distributed to various public agencies, private organizations and groups for the 73-day public review period. During this review period, a public meeting was held on January 29, 2013 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Town of Truckee Town Hall in the Council Chambers to provide an overview of the 2012 Draft EIR including the findings and to invite public com- ments on the 2012 Draft EIR to be submitted in writing to the Town of Truckee. Due to requests from the public during the comment period, the public review period was extended for an additional five days to March 6, 2013. Copies of the 2012 Draft EIR were available for review at the Town of Truckee’s Community Development Department and via internet at www.townoftruckee.com. During the 78-day public review period the Town re- ceived six comment letters from public agencies and 66 letters from members of the general public. 3. Revised Draft EIR After preparation of the 2012 Draft EIR, but prior to its certification, the Town prepared an addendum to the Traffic Impact Analysis, received new data on Loyal- ton-Truckee Mule Deer Herd, conducted an additional biological field survey of the project site and considered a new alternative to the proposed project as a result of written comments and comments presented at the 2013 public meeting. In compliance with Section 15088.5(f) of the CEQA Guidelines, the 2012 Draft EIR was revised to include the new technical study, alternative and updated infor- mation. Additionally, those comments relevant to CEQA and the 2007 Draft EIR were also addressed. The purpose of recirculation is to allow interested public agencies, groups and individuals the opportunity to review and comment on new and updated information provided in the Revised Draft EIR for the proposed Pro- ject. This Revised Draft EIR will be available for review by the public and interested parties, agencies, and organizations for a minimum 45-day comment period. Refer- enced technical studies and other cited materials are available for review in the pro- ject file at the Town of Truckee Community Development Department, 10183 Truckee Airport Road in Truckee. During the 45-day comment period, the public is invited to submit written or e- mail comments on the Revised Draft EIR to the contact information provided below. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR INTRODUCTION 1-3 Written comments should be submitted to: Ms. Denyelle Nishimori Town of Truckee Community Development Department 10183 Truckee Airport Road Truckee, CA 96161 Fax: 530-582-7889 Email: dnishimori@townoftruckee.com 4. Final EIR Following the close of the 45-day comment period on the Revised Draft EIR, a Final Environmental Impact Report (Final EIR) will be prepared that contains all substantive comments received on the 2012 Draft EIR and the Revised Draft EIR, written responses to those comments, and necessary changes or additions to the text and analysis in the 2012 Draft EIR and the Revised Draft EIR. The Final EIR will be made available to Town of Truckee Planning Commission and Town Coun- cil for review and certification prior to their consideration of project entitlements. B. Summary of Revisions Section 15088.5(g) of the State CEQA Guidelines requires that, “[w]hen recirculating a revised EIR, either in whole or in part, the lead agency shall, in the revised EIR or by an attachment to the revised EIR, summarize the revisions made to the previ- ously circulated draft EIR.” This Revised Draft EIR incorporates information originally presented in the 2012 Draft EIR specific to Chapter 1 (Introduction), Chapter 2 (Report Summary), Section 4.4 (Biological Resources), Section 4.14 (Transportation and Traffic), and Chapter 5 (Alternatives to the Proposed Project). In addition, the Revised Draft EIR also includes updated information and technical studies described further below. The Revised Draft EIR is a partial EIR, and is limited certain chapters of the 2012 Draft EIR listed under Section C, Report Or- ganization, below. In summary, the Revised Draft EIR includes the incorporation of the following technical study, alternatives and updated information for the pro- posed Project: 1. Technical Study Canyon Springs Traffic Impact Analysis Addendum #1 prepared by LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc., January 17, 2014: This addendum reflects an update to intersec- tion Level of Service (LOS) analyses for all study intersections using the Highway TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR INTRODUCTION 1-4 Capacity Manual (HCM) 2010 method,1 and an evaluation of the impact of the updated Town of Truckee TransCAD traffic model. 2. Field Assessment EIR biologists from LSA conducted an additional field survey on November 1, 2013 to evaluate the Jeffrey pine and sagebrush plant communities. 3. Supplemental Data Additional data related to the long-range studies on the Loyalton-Truckee mule deer herd prepared by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) in cooperation with Nevada Division of Wildlife (NDOW) that was made available to the Town on August 27, 2013, January 23, 2014 and April 10, 2014 by CDFW fol- lowing formal Public Records Requests2 by the Project Applicant. Additional in- formation regarding the herd was included in the letter submitted by the Project Applicant to the Town Attorney dated February 21, 2014 and specific movement data on deer using the site and the property adjacent to the site to the southeast was also provided to the Town by CDFW on September 3, 2014.3 4. Alternatives  No Project Alternative: This alternative has been revised to clarify the current uses on the site.  Open Space Buffer (185 units) Alternative: This alternative provides an addi- tional 4.6 acres of open space buffer between the development area and the open space area in the southeast corner of the site. In addition, this alternative re-routes the publically accessible trail to avoid the southeast corner of the site and the large pebble meadow located in this area. 1 The HCM 2010 Method was not available when the Notice of Preparation was released on April 20, 2011 and when LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc. started working on the Transportation Impact Analysis in spring 2011. 2 California Public Records Act (California Government Code section 6250 et seq). 3 The initial Notice of Availability mistakenly referenced data provided by the Cal- ifornia Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) on September 22, 2014. This error was corrected via an errata issued September 26, 2014. Some data was provided in preliminary form by CDFW in late September, but it was raw, non-processed/non-finaled data that was therefore not relied upon in the Revised Draft EIR. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR INTRODUCTION 1-5 C. Report Organization This Revised Draft EIR is organized into the following chapters:  Chapter 1: Introduction. Provides an introduction and overview of the Revised Draft EIR document.  Chapter 2: Report Summary. Provides a synopsis of the environmental impacts from the proposed project, describes recommended mitigation measures, and indicates the level of significance of impacts before and after mitigation.  Chapter 4.4: Biological Resources. Provides a description of the biological re- sources present or potentially present on the project site, and discusses poten- tial impacts to these resources that could result from buildout of the project, as well as associated mitigation measures to offset any impacts. Specifically, this chapter has been revised to incorporate the new data provided by the Califor- nia Department of Fish and Wildlife and the results of the field assessment conducted by LSA biologists.  Chapter 4.14: Transportation and Traffic. Provides a description of the existing traffic, circulation, and transportation conditions in the Town of Truckee, ad- dressing vehicular traffic, as well as parking, transit, pedestrian, bicycle, and aviation facilities, and evaluates potential impacts of the proposed project. Specifically, this chapter has been revised to incorporate the new data from the Canyon Springs Traffic Impact Analysis Addendum #1 prepared by LSC Transporta- tion Consultants, Inc., January 17, 2014.  Chapter 5: Alternatives to the Proposed Project. Considers alternatives to the pro- posed project, including the CEQA-required “No Project Alternative,” and explains why some alternatives were not carried forward for detailed evalua- tion. Specifically, this chapter has been revised to include an analysis of the new Open Space Buffer alternative. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR INTRODUCTION 1-6 2 REPORT SUMMARY 2-1 This summary presents an overview of the proposed project and conclusions of the analysis contained in Chapter 4, Environmental Evaluation. This chapter also summarizes areas of controversy and alternatives to the project. For a complete description of the project, please consult Chapter 3, Project Description. For more information about project alternatives, please consult Chapter 5, Alternatives to the Proposed Project. A. The Proposed Project 1. Site Proposal History Over the past 20 years, the project site has been the subject of similar residential development proposals, the first of which was previously approved by the Nevada County Board of Supervisors in 1990. Past projects seeking approval by the Town of Truckee (Town) include the Tahoe Boca proposal in 2003 and the Canyon Springs proposal in 2007. The Tahoe Boca (2003) proposal consisted of a tentative map, planned develop- ment, and easement abandonment application to create 250 for-sale single-family housing lots, including 19 affordable housing lots. The Canyon Springs (2007) proposal, an application similar to the Tahoe Boca proposal, consisted of 213 housing lots, including 32 affordable housing lots. A Draft EIR was prepared for the Canyon Springs (2007) proposal and public and agency comment was submitted to the Town. However, the majority of property changed ownership in 2009 and the original application, which was the subject of the 2007 Draft EIR, was closed, and the Draft EIR was withdrawn. A summary of the proposed project’s features is provided below. A comparison of the more noteworthy changes between the proposed project and the previous pro- posals was provided on the Notice of Preparation, which is included in Appendix A of this Draft EIR. A complete description of the project is included in Chapter 3 of this Draft EIR. 2. Project Characteristics The proposed project includes the approval of a tentative map application to sub- divide six parcels comprising 283.76 acres. The project would result in the phased construction of a new residential subdivision with a total of 185 residential lots and 4.5 miles of public trails in the Town. The new subdivision would be organized around new streets, and public open spaces and wildlife corridors, as shown on the TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR REPORT SUMMARY 2-2 project site plan (Figure 3-5 in Chapter 3 of this Draft EIR). Supporting infrastruc- ture, including roadways, on- and off-site utilities, and trails, would span an eight- year period and coincide with implementation of eight development phases and recordation of up to eight final maps. Key project features include:  Housing Lots: The project would include 185 housing lots ranging in size from 14,000 to 31,000 square feet. 177 of the lots would be for-sale market- rate lots and eight lots would be affordable housing lots to be sold, developed, or donated for future multi-family attached housing.  Open Space and Recreation Area: Under the proposed project a total of 176.17 acres is included as public open space. The public open space would be permanently reserved as part of the home owner association-maintained common area and would serve as a wildlife habitat and movement corridor. The project includes a 24,015-square-foot recreational area to be centrally lo- cated within the project site to serve as a neighborhood center and would be available for use by future residents. The recreational area could include fea- tures such as a tot-lot, swing set, play structure, picnic shelter, pool, clubhouse, and/or multi-use play court.  Vehicular Circulation: New internal roads would be created throughout the project area and would connect at various points with two links to the sur- rounding area. The project would include two vehicular access points—one for emergency access only and one for unrestricted access. The primary access point would connect to Martis Peak Road to the north of the project site. The secondary, emergency-access-only, access point would connect to Edinburgh Drive to the west of the project site. The project’s roadway network includes four bridges, all of which would be located outside of any mapped 100-year floodplains.  Trail System: The project includes a publicly-accessible 4.5-mile trail system made up of both 2-foot-wide soft-surface earthen trails and 12-foot-wide grav- el trails. The public access points utilize existing trail alignments to provide connectivity to the surrounding community for permitted and lawful use of on-site trails by the public. The trails would be accessible for summer and winter non-motorized uses such as hiking, running, mountain biking, equestri- an use, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing. Motorized vehicles would not be allowed.  Public Services and Utilities: Public services and utilities for the project site would be provided by:  Truckee Fire Protection District TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR REPORT SUMMARY 2-3  Truckee Police Department  Tahoe Truckee Unified School District  Truckee-Donner Recreation and Park District  Truckee-Donner Public Utilities District (water)  Truckee Sanitary District (sewer)  Tahoe-Truckee Sanitary Agency (sewer)  Tahoe Truckee Sierra Disposal (solid waste)  Southwest Gas (natural gas)  Liberty Energy – California Pacific Electric Company (electricity)  AT&T (telephone)  Suddenlink Communications (cable) There is currently no utility infrastructure in place to serve the project. The project will include the installation of on-site, underground infrastructure for natural gas, electricity, water, sewer, telephone and cable, and off-site, under- ground improvements to the Truckee-Donner Public Utilities District (water) network. The project includes the establishment of the Canyon Springs Homeowners Association, which would provide the following services:  Snow removal and road maintenance, until revenue neutrality is reached;  Drainage maintenance;  Trail and open space maintenance; and  Recreational area maintenance.  Drainage and Grading: All proposed building envelopes would fall outside of the Town-required 50-foot setback from designated 100-year floodplains for two blue-line waterways.1 A minimum 50-foot building setback would be maintained along all other on-site ephemeral drainages, as shown in Figure 3- 6.2 Surface drainage from impervious surfaces located within the proposed re- stricted building envelopes will be collected, treated, and contained on-site us- ing low impact development methods of drainage treatment. Infiltration trenches, rainwater gardens, and small retention, or subsurface structures, would be utilized. Treatment of paved roadway surfaces will be directed to 1 A blue-line stream is one which flows for most or all of the year and is marked on a 7.5-minute series USGS topographic quadrangle map with a solid blue line. 2 A 50-foot setback is a requirement imposed where structures proposed on parcels with an average depth of 175 feet or more shall be set back a minimum of 50 feet from the edge of the 100-year floodplain of any stream, per Town of Truckee Development Code Section 18.38.040.A.2.a. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR REPORT SUMMARY 2-4 onsite retention basins, infiltration trenches, and/or bio-swales designed to ac- commodate a 20-year, 1-hour storm event per Town and the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB), Lahontan Region requirements. Grading for on- and off-site infrastructure and roadways would be balanced on-site, although temporary stockpiles would be used. B. Areas of Controversy The following is a discussion of issues that are likely to be of particular concern to agencies and interested members of the public during the environmental review process. While every concern applicable to the CEQA process is addressed in this EIR, this list is not necessarily exhaustive, but rather attempts to capture those concerns that are likely to generate the greatest interest based on the input received during the scoping process for this EIR and the comments provided on the 2007 Canyon Springs Draft EIR.  Aesthetics/Visual Resources. The project would involve the development of privately owned undeveloped land to a residential subdivision. Some mem- bers of the public have expressed concern regarding the visual impacts of de- veloping on the steep slopes, tree removal, and loss of natural scenery, within the project site. Residents have requested a larger greenbelt between the pro- posed project and existing homes to compensate for loss of visual resources, and that new buildings are designed to be consistent with the ‘character of Truckee.’  Air Quality/Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Comments expressed concerns regarding air quality impacts as a result of heavy construction due to the re- lease of nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) chemi- cals. There is also an identified concern from the community for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and achieving a net zero energy project and climate change-related impacts as a result of tree removal.  Biological Resources/Wetland Habitat/Wildlife Corridor. Concerns were voiced over impacts to the Loyalton-Truckee mule deer herd habitat and call for establishment of a migration corridor to protect the mule deer. Some comments express concern for increases in bear activity and request “bear proof” trash cans in new residences (with locked lids) to keep bear and dan- gerous wildlife away. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR REPORT SUMMARY 2-5  Cultural Resources. Some comments identify the need for consultation and review with the Native American Heritage community and for an evaluation to assess if there are any archeological resources present on the property.  Hazards and Hazardous Materials. Some members of the public voiced concern over an electrical substation located near future development parcel and its effects on the health of citizens. There is also concern that the project would compromise safety in case of fire and will limit emergency evacuation routes.  Hydrology and Water Quality. Some members of the public expressed concerns regarding the provisional distribution of water to the subdivided are- as and its effects on the current residents’ water supply. Comments claim that in the past the water quality has deteriorated, causing water to turn ‘milky’ due to a problem of ‘pump cavitation’ and a concern that the proposed project will decrease surface water retention and infiltration. Runoff impacts and impacts to drainage facilities are concerns requested to be addressed in the EIR.  Land Use and Planning. Some comments request a comprehensive expla- nation of density including secondary units. Some comments request clarifica- tion if buildings and/or parcels are proposed within open space and if building setbacks are being counted towards required open space. The increase of new residents in the neighborhood is a concern. Some commentors are concerned that the current residents’ utilities will be burdened by the future residents.  Noise. There is concern about increased noise pollution due to long-term construction and the increased density of homes.  Public Services and Recreation. Some comments expressed a concern that the project will lead to overcrowding at Glenshire Elementary, a decrease in emergency service/fire response time, a reduction in recreational opportuni- ties, and impacts to Glenshire-Devonshire Home Owner’s Association ameni- ties. There is concern that the project will potentially destroy open space. The community is also concerned with an analysis of how emergency services can adequately respond to catastrophes (such as large fires) with only two points of egress from the greater Glenshire area.  Traffic and Transportation. Concerns were voiced over existing intersection safety and roadway capacity as a result of new vehicle trips to and from the site. There is concern that increased traffic flows will lead to decreased prop- erty values along those routes and will result in roadway hazards in winter conditions and risk pedestrian and bicycle safety from increased traffic are a TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR REPORT SUMMARY 2-6 concern. Commenters requested using data from when school is in session versus the summer PM peak standard currently used. Members of the public have expressed concern with the difficulties in entry and exit at the Martis Peak Road/Glenshire Drive intersection. There is a safety concern for chil- dren coming home from Glenshire School. New sidewalks, bike paths/lanes, and the widening of roads in the Glenshire Area are requested to alleviate the danger of additional traffic. There are concerns that child safety is compro- mised due to expected increased traffic in the neighborhood.  Property Value/Economics/Quality of Life. While not a topic evaluated under CEQA, some commentors expressed concern with the feasibility of the project. The fiscal impacts on the schools and public services are of large con- cern (supply of more buses, increased water and electricity costs, etc.). Some commentors expect a financial impact on elementary school capacity due to future construction costs. There are concerns about decreased property values and ghost development. Another concern is that the project may lead to an increase in second-home owners which could further reduce year-round homeowners’ values in the local market within the current economy. There is fear that high density will affect the quality of life in Glenshire. C. Alternatives to the Project This Draft EIR analyzes alternatives to the proposed project that are designed to reduce the significant environmental impacts of the project and feasibly attain some of the project objectives. The following alternatives were analyzed in detail.  Alternative A: No Project. This alternative is required under CEQA, and describes the effects of taking no action or not receiving project approval. This alternative provides a general discussion of what would reasonably be ex- pected to occur on the project site if the proposed project is not approved. This alternative introduces a “no build” concept despite the fact that the Town has zoned the project site for residential development. With this alternative, the current unauthorized and unregulated recreational uses on the site would continue.  Alternative B: Edinburgh Drive Open Access (185 Lots). This alternative is the same as the proposed project, except that unrestricted access to the site would be provided via Edinburgh Drive to the west of the site, in addition to the Martis Peak Road access point. Under this alternative the project density and the site plan would be the same as the proposed project. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR REPORT SUMMARY 2-7  Alternative C: No Open Space Crossing (185 Lots). This alternative would result in the same size and number of residential lots as the proposed project. However, under Alternative C, the proposed vehicular roadway that spans the portion of the open space area would be gated and restricted to use by emergency vehicles only. Subsequently, the access point that connects to Martis Peak Road to the north of the project site and the access point that connects to Edinburgh Drive to the west of the project site would both be re- stricted (meaning there would be no open through connection from Edin- burgh Drive to Martis Peak Road). Similar to the proposed project, the road- way network under Alternative C would include four bridges that would be lo- cated outside of the 100-year floodplain similar to the proposed project.  Alternative D: Medium Density Cluster (185 Lots). This alternative would reduce the lot size for each of the 185 proposed residential lots, which would decrease the overall development footprint and increase the open space area from that of the proposed project. Under Alternative D, the residential lots would be organized consistent with the Medium Density Residential Clus- ter standards outlined in Table LU-7, Cluster Development Types and Appli- cable Land Use Designations, in the Land Use Element of the Town of Truckee 2025 General Plan. As such, the residential lots would cover approximately 54 acres (approximately 3 to 4 dwelling units/acre) and public open space areas would cover approximately 230 acres, an increase of 54 acres of open space from that of the proposed project.  Alternative E: Reduced Density (88 Lots). This alternative describes a re- duced density development project design in which there would be a 53 per- cent reduction in the number of residential lots from the proposed 185 lots to approximately 88 lots. Under this alternative, the site plan would essentially be the same as the proposed project; however, the lot sizes would be greater than the proposed project. The development footprint would not be reduced from that of the proposed project. Under this alternative, the private open space between the residential units would be greater than that of the proposed pro- ject due to the larger lot sizes and reduced density. Overall, the project density would also be less than that of the proposed project.  Alternative F: Open Space Buffers (185 Lots). This alternative provides ap- proximately 4.6-acres of additional open space buffers between the develop- ment area and the open space area in the southeast corner of the site. Under this alternative, the site plan would essentially be the same as the proposed project; however, the lot sizes would be smaller than the proposed project in order to construct 185 lots while avoiding development in the southeast corner TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR REPORT SUMMARY 2-8 of the site. The development footprint would be slightly reduced from that of the proposed project by approximately 4.6 acres. In addition, this alternative re-routes the publically accessible trail to avoid the southeast corner of the site and the large pebble meadow located in this area. Please see Chapter 5, Alternatives to the Proposed Project, of this Revised Draft EIR, for more information on these alternatives and on alternatives that were con- sidered but not carried forward for detailed analysis. Alternatives B through F are shown in Figures 5-1, 5-6, 5-7, 5-8 and 5-9. D. Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Under CEQA, a significant impact on the environment is defined as a substantial, or potentially substantial, adverse change in any of the physical conditions within the area affected by the project, including land, air, water, minerals, flora, fauna, ambient noise, and objects of historic and aesthetic significance. The proposed project has the potential to generate significant environmental im- pacts in a number of areas. As shown in Table 2-1, the significant impacts would be reduced to a less-than-significant level if the mitigation measures recommended in this report were implemented. CEQA allows environmental issues for which there is no likelihood of a significant impact to be “scoped out” during the EIR scoping process, and not analyzed fur- ther in the EIR. The project would have no impact on mineral resources due to its existing site conditions and surrounding uses. This issue has therefore not been analyzed further in this Draft EIR. Table 2-1 presents a summary of impacts and mitigation measures identified in this report. It is organized to correspond with the environmental issues discussed in Chapters 4.4, Biological Resources, and 4.14, Transportation and Traffic of this Revised Draft EIR. The table is arranged in four columns: 1) environmental im- pacts, 2) significance prior to mitigation, 3) mitigation measures, and 4) significance after mitigation. A series of mitigation measures is noted where more than one measure may be required to achieve a less-than-significant impact. For a complete description of potential impacts and suggested mitigation measures, please refer to the specific discussions in Chapters 4.4, Biological Resources, and 4.14, Transporta- tion and Traffic of this Revised Draft EIR. TO W N O F T R U C K E E CA N Y O N S P R I N G S R E V I S E D D R A F T E I R RE P O R T S U M M A R Y LT S = L e s s T h a n S i g n i f i c a n t S = S i g n i f i c an t S U = S i g n i f i c a n t U n a v o i d a b l e I m p a c t 2- 9 TAB L E 2- 1 SUM M A R Y O F IMP A C T S A N D MIT I G A T I O N MEA S U R E S Si g n i f i c a n t I m p a c t Si g n i f i c a n c e Be f o r e Mi t i g a t i o n M i t i g a t i o n Me a s u r e s Significance With Mitigation BI O L O G I C A L R E S O U R C E S BI O - 1 : R e m o v a l o f J e f f r e y p i n e a n d s a g e b r u s h h a b i t a t c o u l d p o t e n - ti a l l y i m p a c t S i e r r a N e v a d a r e d f o xe s i f s u i t a b l e d e n s i t e s o c c u r o n th e p r o j e c t s i t e . S BI O - 1 : Pr i o r t o t h e s t a r t o f c o n s t r u c t i o n f o r e a c h p h a s e o f d e v e l - op m e n t , a q u a l i f i e d b i o l o g i s t s e l e c t e d b y t h e T o w n o f T r u c k e e s h a l l su r v e y t h e p r o j e c t s i t e t o d e t e r m i n e i f a n y b u r r o w s o r o t h e r d e n si t e s s u i t a b l e f o r u s e b y S i e r r a N e v a d a r e d f o x a r e p r e s e n t . T h e se l e c t e d s u r v e y o r s h a l l c o o r d i n a t e w i t h C D F W t o d e t e r m i n e a n ac c e p t a b l e s u r v e y m e t h o d o l o g y . I f n o e v i d e n c e o f t h i s s p e c i e s i s fo u n d d u r i n g f i e l d s u r v e y s , n o f u r t h e r m e a s u r e s a r e r e q u i r e d . If a n a c t i v e S i e r r a N e v a d a r e d f o x d e n i s i d e n t i f i e d o n t h e p r o j e c t si t e , C D F W s h a l l b e c o n t a c t e d t o d e t e r m i n e h o w t o p r o c e e d . I t ma y b e p o s s i b l e t o p r o c e e d w i t h c o n s t r u c t i o n w i t h i m p l e m e n t a t i o n of a p p r o p r i a t e a v o i d a n c e a n d m i n i m i z a t i o n m e a s u r e s ( e . g . n o - di s t u r b a n c e b u f f e r s , s e a s o n a l w o r k w i n d o w s ) t o p r e v e n t i n c i d e n t a l ta k e o f S i e r r a N e v a d a r e d f o x . I f i n c i d e n t a l t a k e c a n n o t b e p r e - ve n t e d , i t m a y b e n e c e s s a r y t o o b t a i n a n i n c i d e n t a l t a k e p e r m i t fr o m C D F W , p u r s u a n t t o S e c t i on 2 0 8 1 o f C E S A , b e f o r e c o n s t r u c - ti o n m a y p r o c e e d . LTS BI O - 2 : R e m o v a l o f J e f f r e y p i n e a n d s a g e b r u s h h a b i t a t c o u l d p o t e n - ti a l l y d i s t u r b n e s t i n g b i r d s , i n c l u d i n g L e w i s ’ s w o o d p e c k e r s a n d y e l l o w wa r b l e r s , i f t h e s e s p e c i e s a r e n e s t i n g o n t h e p r o j e c t s i t e . S BI O - 2 : Th e f o l l o w i n g s h a l l b e i m p l e m en t e d t o m i t i g a t e p o t e n t i a l im p a c t s t o n e s t i n g y e l l o w w a r b l e r s . T h e s e m e a s u r e s s h a l l a p p l y t o ac t i v i t i e s a s s o c i a t e d w i t h c o n s t r u c ti o n o f i n f r a s t r u c t u r e ( e . g . , r o a d s , ut i l i t i e s ) a n d a l s o t o f u t u r e h o m e c o n s t r u c t i o n .  Al l t r e e s , s h r u b s , a n d o t h e r v e g e t a t i o n t h a t i s t o b e r e m o v e d wi t h i n t h e p r o p o s e d w o r k a r e a sh a l l b e r e m o v e d d u r i n g t h e no n - n e s t i n g s e a s o n , b e t w e e n S e p t e m b e r 1 6 a n d F e b r u a r y 2 8 .  If v e g e t a t i o n r e m o v a l i s n o t p o s s i b l e d u r i n g t h e n o n - n e s t i n g se a s o n , a q u a l i f i e d b i o l o g i s t s e l e c t e d b y t h e T o w n o f T r u c k e e sh a l l s u r v e y t h e p r o p o s e d w o r k a r e a a n d l a n d s w i t h i n a 5 0 0 - f o o t ra d i u s ( t h i s a r e a m a y b e d e c r e a s e d d u e t o p r o p e r t y a c c e s s c o n - st r a i n t s ) f o r n e s t i n g b i r d s . T h e n e s t i n g s u r v e y s h a l l b e c o n d u c t - ed w i t h i n 1 4 d a y s p r i o r t o t h e s t a r t o f c o n s t r u c t i o n .  If n o a c t i v e n e s t s a r e d i s c o v e r e d , w o r k c a n p r o c e e d .  If a n a c t i v e n e s t i s d i s c o v e r e d , t h e p r o j e c t p r o p o n e n t s h a l l i m - pl e m e n t o n e o f t h e f o l l o w i n g t w o a p p r o a c h e s :  A n o - d i s t u r b a n c e b u f f e r s h a l l b e e s t a b l i s h e d a r o u n d t h e a c - ti v e n e s t ( s ) u s i n g o r a n g e c o n s t r uc t i o n f e n c i n g ( o r eq u i v a l e n t ) . LTS TO W N O F T R U C K E E CA N Y O N S P R I N G S D R A F T E I R RE P O R T S U M M A R Y TAB L E 2- 1 SUM M A R Y O F IMP A C T S A N D MIT I G A T I O N MEA S U R E S (CO N T I N U E D ) LT S = L e s s T h a n S i g n i f i c a n t S = S i g n i f i c an t S U = S i g n i f i c a n t U n a v o i d a b l e I m p a c t 2- 1 0 Si g n i f i c a n t I m p a c t Si g n i f i c a n c e Be f o r e Mi t i g a t i o n M i t i g a t i o n Me a s u r e s Significance With Mitigation Fo r r a p t o r s , t h e b u f f e r s h a l l b e e s t a b l i s h e d a t a 5 0 0 - f o o t r a d i - us ; f o r n o n - r a p t o r s , t h e b u f f e r s h a l l b e e s t a b l i s h e d a t a 1 0 0 - fo o t r a d i u s . T h e f e n c i n g m a r k i n g t h e b u f f e r s h a l l b e m a i n - ta i n e d i n p l a c e u n t i l c o n s t r u c t i o n i s c o m p l e t e , t h e y o u n g h a v e fl e d g e d , o r t h e n e s t f a i l s ( t h e la t t e r t w o s h a l l b e d e t e r m i n e d by a q u a l i f i e d b i o l o g i s t ) ; o r  A q u a l i f i e d b i o l o g i s t s e l e c t e d b y t h e T o w n o f T r u c k e e s h a l l ev a l u a t e t h e p o t e n t i a l f o r t h e p r o p o s e d p r o j e c t t o d i s t u r b ne s t i n g a c t i v i t i e s . T h e e v a l u a t i o n c r i t e r i a s h a l l i n c l u d e , b u t ar e n o t l i m i t e d t o , t h e l o c a t i o n / o r i e n t a t i o n o f t h e n e s t i n t h e ne s t t r e e , t h e d i s t a n c e o f t h e n e s t f r o m t h e p r o p o s e d w o r k ar e a , a n d l i n e o f s i g h t b e t w e e n t h e n e s t a n d t h e p r o p o s e d wo r k a r e a . C D F W s h a l l b e c o n t a c t e d t o r e v i e w t h e e v a l u a t i o n an d d e t e r m i n e i f t h e p r o j e c t c a n p r o c e e d w i t h o u t a d v e r s e l y af f e c t i n g n e s t i n g a c t i v i t i e s . I f w o r k i s a l l o w e d t o p r o c e e d , a t a m i n i m u m , a q u a l i f i e d b i o l o g i s t s h a l l b e o n - s i t e d u r i n g t h e st a r t o f c o n s t r u c t i o n a c t i v i t i e s d u r i n g t h e n e s t i n g s e a s o n t o mo n i t o r n e s t i n g a c t i v i t y . T h e m o n i t o r s h a l l h a v e t h e a u t h o r i - ty t o s t o p w o r k i f i t i s d e t e r m i n e d t h e p r o j e c t i s a d v e r s e l y a f - fe c t i n g n e s t i n g a c t i v i t i e s .  Th e a b o v e m e a s u r e s s h a l l b e r e p e at e d , a s n e c e s s a r y , i n a c c o r d - an c e w i t h t h e p h a s i n g o f p r o j e c t c o n s t r u c t i o n . BI O - 3 : I n s t a l l a t i o n o f t h e w o o d p i l e s f o r t h e p e d e s t r i a n t r a i l f o o t - br i d g e s w o u l d i m p a c t w e t l a n d s a n d n o n - w e t l a n d w a t e r s p r e s e n t o n th e p r o j e c t s i t e . S BI O - 3 : Th e f o l l o w i n g s h a l l b e i m p l e m en t e d t o m i t i g a t e p o t e n t i a l im p a c t s t o w e t l a n d s a n d no n - w e t l a n d w a t e r s .  We t l a n d s a n d n o n - w e t l a n d w a t e r s p e r m a n e n t l y i m p a c t e d d u r i n g co n s t r u c t i o n s h a l l b e m i t i g a t e d b y o n e o f t h e f o l l o w i n g m e t h o d s or b y u s i n g a c o m b i n a t i o n o f t h e m e t h o d s .  Pr e s e r v a t i o n , c r e a t i o n , a n d / o r r e s t o r a t i o n o f t h e i m p a c t e d r e - so u r c e s a t a m i n i m u m r a t i o o f 2 : 1 ( c r e a t i o n c o u l d p o t e n t i a l l y be i m p l e m e n t e d a t a 1 : 1 r a t i o i f c o m p l e t e d a n d f u n c t i o n a l pr i o r t o t h e s t a r t o f c o n s t r u c t i o n ) .  Pu r c h a s e o f c r e d i t s a t a n a p p r o v e d m i t i g a t i o n b a n k a t a m i n - im u m 1 : 1 m i t i g a t i o n r a t i o .  Pa y m e n t o f i n - l i e u f e e s p e r t h e c u r r e n t U S A C E , S a c r a m e n t o Di s t r i c t i n - l i e u f e e s c h e d u l e .  Al l m i t i g a t i o n l a n d s s h a l l b e p r o t e c t e d i n p e r p e t u i t y t h r o u g h re c o r d a t i o n o f a c o n s e r v a t i o n e a s e m e n t o r e q u i v a l e n t m e t h o d .  Pr i o r t o i s s u a n c e o f a g r a d i n g p e r m i t o r o t h e r a u t h o r i z a t i o n t o LTS TO W N O F T R U C K E E CA N Y O N S P R I N G S R E V I S E D D R A F T E I R RE P O R T S U M M A R Y TAB L E 2- 1 SUM M A R Y O F IMP A C T S A N D MIT I G A T I O N MEA S U R E S (CO N T I N U E D ) LT S = L e s s T h a n S i g n i f i c a n t S = S i g n i f i c an t S U = S i g n i f i c a n t U n a v o i d a b l e I m p a c t 2- 1 1 Si g n i f i c a n t I m p a c t Si g n i f i c a n c e Be f o r e Mi t i g a t i o n M i t i g a t i o n Me a s u r e s Significance With Mitigation pr o c e e d w i t h p r o j e c t c o n s t r u c t i o n , t h e p r o j e c t p r o p o n e n t s h a l l ob t a i n a n y r e g u l a t o r y p e r m i t s t h a t a r e r e q u i r e d f r o m t h e A r m y Co r p s o f E n g i n e e r s , R e g i o n a l W a t e r Q u a l i t y C o n t r o l B o a r d , an d / o r C a l i f o r n i a D e p a r t m e n t o f F i s h a n d W i l d l i f e .  Th e p r o j e c t p r o p o n e n t s h a l l o b t a i n a M i n o r U s e P e r m i t p u r s u - an t t o S e c t i o n 1 8 . 4 6 . 0 4 0 . C o f t h e T o w n o f T r u c k e e D e v e l o p - me n t C o d e . BI O - 4 : R e m o v a l o f J e f f r e y p i n e h a b i t a t a n d s n a g s c o u l d p o t e n t i a l l y di s t u r b r o o s t i n g b a t s i f a c t i v e b r e e d i n g r o o s t s a r e p r e s e n t o n t h e pr o j e c t s i t e . S BI O - 4 : Th e f o l l o w i n g s h a l l b e i m p l e m e n t e d t o m i t i g a t e p o t e n t i a l im p a c t s t o r o o s t i n g b a t s . A l l s n a g s a n d p o t e n t i a l r o o s t t r e e s ( i . e . 2 0 in c h e s i n d i a m e t e r a t b r e a s t h e i g h t ( d b h ) o r g r e a t e r ) w i t h i n t h e pr o j e c t i m p a c t a r e a s h a l l b e r e m o v e d b e t w e e n S e p t e m b e r 1 a n d Ap r i l 1 4 . R e m o v a l o f t r e e s d u r i n g t h i s p e r i o d w o u l d a v o i d i m p a c t s to a n y b a t s o c c u r r i n g o n t h e p r o j e c t s i t e d u r i n g t h e n o r m a l b r e e d - in g s e a s o n ( A p r i l 1 5 t o A u g u s t 3 0 ) . If r e m o v a l o f s n a g s a n d p o t e n t i a l r o o s t t r e e s w i t h i n t h e p r o j e c t im p a c t a r e a i s n o t p o s s i b l e b e t w e e n S e p t e m b e r 1 a n d A p r i l 1 4 , a qu a l i f i e d b i o l o g i s t s h a l l s u r v e y a l l p o t e n t i a l r o o s t t r e e s w i t h i n t h e pr o j e c t i m p a c t a r e a t o d e t e r m i n e i f a n y t r e e s c a n b e e x c l u d e d a s su i t a b l e b a t r o o s t s d u e t o t h e l a c k of s u i t a b l e s t r u c t ur a l c h a r a c t e r i s - ti c s . I f a n y t r e e s c a n b e e x c l u d e d a s b a t r o o s t s , r e m o v a l o f t h e s e tr e e s w o u l d n o t b e s u b j e c t t o t h e s e a s o n a l r e s t r i c t i o n s d e s c r i b e d ab o v e . A n y t r e e s t h a t c a n n o t b e e x c l u d e d a s b a t r o o s t s s h a l l b e su r v e y e d b y a q u a l i f i e d b i o l o g i s t t o d e t e r m i n e i f b a t s a r e p r e s e n t us i n g a n a e r i a l - l i f t ( o r e q u i v a l e n t m e t h o d o l o g y ) t o a c c e s s c a v i t i e s o r ot h e r p o t e n t i a l r o o s t l o c a t i o n s A l t e r n a t i v e l y , a n e m e r g e n c e s u r v e y sh a l l b e c o n d u c t e d t o d e t e r m i n e i f r o o s t i n g b a t s a r e p r e s e n t . Th e a b o v e m e a s u r e s s h a l l b e r e p e a t e d , a s n e c e s s a r y , i n a c c o r d a n c e wi t h t h e p h a s i n g o f p r o j e c t c o n s t r u c t i o n . LTS BI O - 5 : Lo n g - t e r m d i s t u r b a n c e s i n t h e f o r m o f i n c r e a s e d h u m a n ac t i v i t y a n d p e t d o g s o r o t h e r s i m i l a r d o m e s t i c a n i m a l s f r o m r e s i - de n t s a n d v i s i t o r s t o C a n y o n S p r i n g s c o u l d p o t e n t i a l l y d i s t u r b t h e Ve r d i s u b u n i t o f t h e L o y a l t o n - T r u c k e e m u l e . S BI O - 5 a : T h e C a n y o n S p r i n g s H o m e o w n e r ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n s h a l l di s t r i b u t e e d u c a t i o n a l b r o c h u r e s t o re s i d e n t s a n d v i s i t o r s d i s c u s s i n g th e p r o t o c o l f o r i n t e r a c t i n g w i t h w i l d l i f e a n d a v o i d i n g s e n s i t i v e ha b i t a t w i t h e m p h a s i s o n t h e s o u t h e a s t c o r n e r o f t h e p r o j e c t s i t e be t w e e n t h e m o n t h s o f M a y t o O c t o b e r . E d u c a t i o n a l m a t e r i a l s sh a l l s p e c i f i c a l l y i n c l u d e i n f o r m a t i o n r e g a r d i n g t h e c o n f i n e m e n t o f do m e s t i c d o g s a s a c o n s e r v a t i o n t h r e a t t o d e e r a n d o t h e r r e s i d e n t wi l d l i f e s p e c i e s . D i s t r i b u t i o n o f e d u c a t i o n a l m a t e r i a l s w o u l d o c c u r ea c h M a y . LTS TO W N O F T R U C K E E CA N Y O N S P R I N G S D R A F T E I R RE P O R T S U M M A R Y TAB L E 2- 1 SUM M A R Y O F IMP A C T S A N D MIT I G A T I O N MEA S U R E S (CO N T I N U E D ) LT S = L e s s T h a n S i g n i f i c a n t S = S i g n i f i c an t S U = S i g n i f i c a n t U n a v o i d a b l e I m p a c t 2- 1 2 Si g n i f i c a n t I m p a c t Si g n i f i c a n c e Be f o r e Mi t i g a t i o n M i t i g a t i o n Me a s u r e s Significance With Mitigation BI O - 5 b : T h e P r o j e c t A p p l i c a n t s h a l l r e a l i g n t h e p r o p o s e d p u b l i c a l - ly a c c e s s i b l e t r a i l t o a v o i d t h e s o u t h e a s t c o r n e r o f t h e p r o j e c t s i t e an d i n s t a l l s p l i t - r a i l f e n c i n g a l o n g t h e s o u t h e a s t c o r n e r o f t h e p r o - je c t s i t e t o p r o h i b i t r e s i d e n t s a n d v i s i t o r s o f C a n y o n S p r i n g s a n d th e i r d o g s f r o m e n t e r i n g t h i s a r e a f r o m M a y t o O c t o b e r . T h e p r e - ci s e l o c a t i o n o f t h e t r a i l a n d f e n c i n g s h a l l b e a p p r o v e d b y t h e T o w n an d t h e C a l i f o r n i a D e p a r t m e n t o f F i s h a n d W i l d l i f e p r i o r t h e c o n - st r u c t i o n o f P h a s e I . BI O - 5 c : R e s i d e n t s o r v i s i t o r s o f C a n y o n S p r i n g s a n d t h e i r d o g s sh a l l b e p r o h i b i t e d f r o m e n t e r i n g t h e s o u t h e a s t c o r n e r o f t h e p r o - je c t s i t e f r o m M a y t o O c t o b e r . T h e P r o j e c t A p p l i c a n t s h a l l p o s t si g n a g e a p p r o v e d b y t h e T o w n a n d t h e C a l i f o r n i a D e p a r t m e n t o f Fi s h a n d W i l d l i f e a l o n g t h e b o u n d a r i e s o f t h e d e v e l o p m e n t a r e a in d i c a t i n g s u c h p r o h i b i t i o n s a n d e d u c a t i n g t h e c o m m u n i t y a b o u t th e c o n f i n e m e n t o f d o g s a s a c o n s e r v a t i o n t h r e a t t o d e e r a n d o t h e r re s i d e n t w i l d l i f e . BI O - 5 d : T h e C a n y o n S p r i n g s H o m e o w n e r ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n s h a l l ma i n t a i n a l l T o w n - a n d t h e C a l i f o r n i a D e p a r t m e n t o f F i s h a n d Wi l d l i f e - a p p r o v e d r o a d w a y , t r a i l a n d s i t e b o u n d a r y s i g n a g e a n d fe n c i n g r e l a t e d t o w i l d l i f e p r o t e c t i o n t h r o u g h b i - a n n u a l i n s p e c t i o n s to i n s u r e s i g n a g e a n d f e n c i n g i s i n t a c t a n d u n o b s t r u c t e d . BI O - 5 e : T h e C a n y o n S p r i n g s H o m e o w n e r s A s s o c i a t i o n s h a l l r e - qu i r e c o n f i n e m e n t f e n c i n g f o r t h o s e r e s i d e n t s w i t h d o m e s t i c p e t s su c h a s d o g s , o f s u i t a b l e m a t e r i a l s t o c o n f i n e t h e p e t . T h e f e n c i n g sh a l l n o t t o e x c e e d 6 f e e t i n h e i g h t w i t h i n t h e d e v e l o p m e n t a r e a o f in d i v i d u a l l o t s . BI O - 5 f : N o f e n c i n g o f s u f f i c i e n t h e i g h t o r c o n s t r u c t i o n t h a t w o u l d im p e d e w i l d l i f e m o v e m e n t s h a l l b e p e r m i t t e d t o b e i n s t a l l e d a l o n g th e o u t e r e d g e s o f a n y i n d i v i d u a l r e s i d e n t i a l l o t i n i t s e n t i r e t y o r t h e pe r i m e t e r o f t h e p r o j e c t si t e i n i t s e n t i r e t y . BI O - 5 g : T h e C a n y o n S p r i n g s H o m e o w n e r ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n s h a l l an n u a l l y e d u c a t e f u t u r e r e s i d e n t s a n d v i s i t o r s t h a t t h e d e v e l o p m e n t of l a n d s w i t h i n d e e r h a b i t a t c o n t a i n s a s s o c i a t e d r i s k s o f d a m a g e , TO W N O F T R U C K E E CA N Y O N S P R I N G S R E V I S E D D R A F T E I R RE P O R T S U M M A R Y TAB L E 2- 1 SUM M A R Y O F IMP A C T S A N D MIT I G A T I O N MEA S U R E S (CO N T I N U E D ) LT S = L e s s T h a n S i g n i f i c a n t S = S i g n i f i c an t S U = S i g n i f i c a n t U n a v o i d a b l e I m p a c t 2- 1 3 Si g n i f i c a n t I m p a c t Si g n i f i c a n c e Be f o r e Mi t i g a t i o n M i t i g a t i o n Me a s u r e s Significance With Mitigation wh i c h i s a c c e p t a b l e , a n d t h a t n o d e p r e d a t i o n p e r m i t s f o r c o n t r o l - li n g d e e r s h a l l b e p e r m i t t e d . BI O - 5 h : T h e C a n y o n S p r i n g s H o m e o w n e r ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n s h a l l re q u i r e m a n a g e m e n t p r a c t i c e s o f l a n d s c a p e s t r e a t e d w i t h p e s t i c i d e s th a t m i n i m i z e l o w - l e v e l e x p o s u r e s a n d s u b - l e t h a l e f f e c t s t o w i l d l i f e . He r b i c i d e s , p e s t i c i d e s , a n d f u n g i c i d e a p p l i c a t i o n r e c o r d s a n d o t h e r la n d s c a p e a n d t u r f g r a s s m a n a g e m e n t r e c o r d s s h a l l b e m a d e a v a i l a - bl e t o t h e H o m e o w n e r ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n a t a n y t i m e u p o n r e q u e s t . BI O - 5 i : T h e C a n y o n S p r i n g s H o m e o w n e r ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n s h a l l p o s t of f - s i t e r o a d w a y s i g n a g e f o r d e e r c r o s s i n g w a r n i n g s t o r a i s e a w a r e - ne s s o f w i l d l i f e m o v e m e n t d u r i n g m i g r a t i o n s e a s o n . T h e t i m e o f si g n p o s i n g , t y p e o f s i g n a n d p o s t i n g l o c a t i o n s h a l l b e a p p r o v e d b y th e C a l i f o r n i a D e p a r t m e n t o f F i s h a n d W i l d l i f e . TR A N S P O R T A T I O N A N D T R A F F I C TR A N S - 1 : T h e G l e n s h i r e D r i v e / D o n n e r P a s s R o a d i n t e r s e c t i o n ex c e e d s t h e l e v e l o f s e r v i c e t h r e s h o l d s d u r i n g t h e P M p e a k h o u r i n 20 1 1 w i t h o u t t h e p r o p o s e d p r o j e c t . I m p l e m e n t a t i o n o f t h e p r o p o s e d pr o j e c t w o u l d e x a c e r b a t e a n e x i s t i n g d e f i c i e n c y a t t h i s i n t e r s e c t i o n , a s it w o u l d r e s u l t i n i n c r e a s e d v e h i c u l a r d e l a y s d u r i n g t h e P M p e a k ho u r . S TR A N S 1 : Th e p r o j e c t a p p l i c a n t s h a l l c o n s t r u c t a c e n t e r t u r n l a n e on D o n n e r P a s s R o a d t o a l l o w t w o - s t a g e l e f t - t u r n m o v e m e n t s t o be m a d e f r o m G l e n s h i r e D r i v e . T h e t u r n l a n e s h a l l b e c o n s t r u c t e d du r i n g P h a s e 1 o f p r o j e c t c o n s t r u c t i o n a n d p r i o r t o a n y P a r c e l o r Fi n a l M a p r e c o r d a t i o n . I f t h e t w o - s t a g e l e f t - t u r n l a n e i s c o n s t r u c t - ed p r i o r t o C a n y o n S p r i n g s P h a s e I c o n s t r u c t i o n , t h e p r o j e c t a p p l i - ca n t s h a l l p a y i t s f a i r s h a r e p o r t i o n o f t h e c o s t . T h e T o w n E n g i n e e r sh a l l n o t a p p r o v e a P a r c e l M a p o r F i n a l M a p t h a t w o u l d r e s u l t i n th e c r e a t i o n o f m o r e t h a n a t o t a l of 8 4 s i n g l e - f a m i l y l o t s a n d e i g h t af f o r d a b l e h o u s i n g l o t s w i t h i n t h e p r o j e c t u n l e s s ( i ) t h e c o m p l e t i o n of t h e D o n n e r P a s s R o a d E x t e n s i o n i s i d e n t i f i e d i n t h e T o w n ’ s Ca p i t a l I m p r o v e m e n t P l a n , f u l l y f u n d e d , a n d s c h e d u l e d f o r c o m - pl e t i o n w i t h i n t h r e e y e a r s o f a n y P a r c e l o r F i n a l m a p t h a t w o u l d br i n g t h e r e c o r d e d l o t t o t a l a b o v e 8 4 ; o r ( i i ) a l l o f t h e f o l l o w i n g cr i t e r i a a r e m e t :  A m i n i m u m o f f i v e y e a r s h a v e e l a p s e d s i n c e t h e f i n a l a p p r o v a l of t h e p r o j e c t b y t h e T o w n C o u n c i l ;  A m i n i m u m o f 3 0 s i n g l e - f a m i l y h o m e s h a v e b e e n c o n s t r u c t e d an d c e r t i f i c a t e s o f o c c u p a n c y i s s u e d b y t h e T o w n B u i l d i n g D i - vi s i o n ;  Th e p r o j e c t a p p l i c a n t p r o v i d e s a n u p d a t e d t r a f f i c a n a l y s i s o f LTS TO W N O F T R U C K E E CA N Y O N S P R I N G S D R A F T E I R RE P O R T S U M M A R Y TAB L E 2- 1 SUM M A R Y O F IMP A C T S A N D MIT I G A T I O N MEA S U R E S (CO N T I N U E D ) LT S = L e s s T h a n S i g n i f i c a n t S = S i g n i f i c an t S U = S i g n i f i c a n t U n a v o i d a b l e I m p a c t 2- 1 4 Si g n i f i c a n t I m p a c t Si g n i f i c a n c e Be f o r e Mi t i g a t i o n M i t i g a t i o n Me a s u r e s Significance With Mitigation th e G l e n s h i r e D r i v e / D o n n e r P a s s R o a d i n t e r s e c t i o n u s i n g t h e ex i s t i n g T o w n - a p p r o v e d t r a f f i c a n a l y s i s m o d e l a n d t h e t r i p ge n e r a t i o n n u m b e r s f r o m t h e o c c u p i e d s i n g l e - f a m i l y h o m e s wi t h i n t h e p r o j e c t ;  Th e u p d a t e d t r a f f i c a n a l y s i s d e m o n s t r a t e s t h a t t h e r e i s s u f f i - ci e n t c a p a c i t y a t t h e G l e n s h i r e D r i v e / D o n n e r P a s s R o a d i n t e r - se c t i o n t o a c c o m m o d a t e t h e a d d i t i o n a l r e q u e s t e d u n i t s w h i l e re m a i n i n g i n c o m p l i a n c e w i t h G e n e r a l P l a n C i r c u l a t i o n E l e - me n t P o l i c y P 2 . 1 ( m a i n t a i n L O S E f o r t h e i n t e r s e c t i o n a n d an y i n d i v i d u a l t u r n i n g m o v e m e n t , n o t c a u s e a c u m u l a t i v e v e - hi c l e d e l a y o f f o u r v e h i c l e h o u r s ) . TR A N S - 2 : Th e s e g m e n t o f M a r t i s P e a k R o a d t h a t p r o v i d e s a c c e s s to t h e p r o j e c t s i t e i s s u b j e c t t o t h e T o w n ’ s t h r e s h o l d s a n d w o u l d ha v e a n A D T v o l u m e e x c e e d i n g 2 , 0 0 0 v e h i c l e s , a n d i t w o u l d f u n c - ti o n a s a c o l l e c t o r r o a d w a y . T h i s r o a d w a y s e g m e n t h a s a t o t a l p a v e - me n t w i d t h r a n g i n g f r o m 2 0 t o 2 3 f e e t a n d d o e s n o t m e e t t h e a d o p t - ed s t a n d a r d f o r i m p a c t s t o l o c a l r e s i d e n t i a l r o a d w a y s a n d i m p a c t s lo c a l r o a d w a y s u n d e r 2 0 1 1 c o n d i t i o n s . S TR A N S 2 : Th e p r o j e c t a p p l i c a n t s h a l l w i d e n t h e s e g m e n t o f M a r - ti s P e a k R o a d b e t w e e n G l e n s h i r e D r i v e a n d t h e p r o j e c t ’ s m a i n en t r a n c e t o p r o v i d e 1 2 - f o o t t r a v e l l a n e s w i t h 2 - f o o t s h o u l d e r s d u r - in g P h a s e 1 o f p r o j e c t c o n s t r u c t i o n . LTS TR A N S - 3 : B a s e d u p o n t h e A M a n d P M p e a k - h o u r t r a f f i c v o l u m e s , an e a s t b o u n d l e f t - t u r n l a n e i s w a r r a n t e d a l o n g G l e n s h i r e D r i v e a t i t s in t e r s e c t i o n w i t h D o r c h e s t e r D r i v e (W e s t ) , w i t h o r w i t h o u t t h e p r o - je c t u n d e r 2 0 1 1 a n d 2 0 3 1 c o n d i t i o n s . S TR A N S 3 : In s t a l l a n e a s t b o u n d l e f t - t u r n l a n e a l o n g G l e n s h i r e Dr i v e a t i t s i n t e r s e c t i o n w i t h D o r c h e s t e r D r i v e ( W e s t ) d u r i n g c o n - st r u c t i o n P h a s e 1 o f t h e p r o p o s e d p r o j e c t . T h e t u r n l a n e s h a l l p r o - vi d e a p p r o x i m a t e l y 5 0 f e e t o f s t o r a g e l e n g t h . I f t h e l e f t - t u r n l a n e i s co n s t r u c t e d p r i o r t o C a n y o n S p r i n g s P h a s e I c o n s t r u c t i o n , t h e pr o j e c t a p p l i c a n t s h a l l p a y i t s f a i r s h a r e p o r t i o n o f t h e c o s t . LTS TR A N S - 4 : C o n s t r u c t i o n t r i p s a d d e d t o G l e n s h i r e D r i v e / D o n n e r Pa s s R o a d o r t h e e a s t b o u n d l e f t - t u r n l a n e a l o n g G l e n s h i r e D r i v e a t it s i n t e r s e c t i o n w i t h t h e w e s t e r n e n d o f D o r c h e s t e r D r i v e i n t e r s e c - ti o n w o u l d e x a c e r b a t e t h e s e a l r e a d y d e f i c i e n t i n t e r s e c t i o n s . S TR A N S - 4 a : A C o n s t r u c t i o n T r a f f i c M a n a g e m e n t P l a n ( C T M P ) sh a l l b e p r e p a r e d a n d a p p r o v e d b y t h e T o w n ’ s P u b l i c W o r k s D e - pa r t m e n t p r i o r t o P h a s e 1 c o n s t r u c t i o n o f t h e p r o j e c t . T h e C T M P sh a l l b e u p d a t e d a n d a p p r o v e d b y t h e T o w n p r i o r t o t h e s t a r t o f ea c h c o n s t r u c t i o n p h a s e T h e C T M P s h a l l i n c l u d e t h e f o l l o w i n g :  An o n - s i t e s t a g i n g a n d ma t e r i a l s s t o r a g e p l a n .  Ha u l r o u t e s a n d g e n e r a l p r o c e d u r e s f o r m a n a g i n g t r a f f i c , i n - cl u d i n g t e m p o r a r y t r a f f i c a d v i s o r y s i g n a g e t o b e p o s t e d a l o n g co n s t r u c t i o n r o u t e s a t l e a s t o n e m o n t h i n a d v a n c e o f c o n s t r u c - ti o n t o a l e r t t r a f f i c , p e d e s t r i a n , a n d b i c y c l i s t s a b o u t t h e u p c o m - in g c o n s t r u c t i o n t r a f f i c .  Pu b l i c n o t i f i c a t i o n m a t e r i a l s , w h i c h m a y i n c l u d e i n f o r m a t i o n po s t c a r d s t o b e d i s t r i b u t e d t o a d j a c e n t r e s i d e n t s a n d / o r e - m a i l al e r t s t o i n t e r e s t e d p a r t i e s ab o u t t h e u p c o m i n g c o n s t r u c t i o n LTS TO W N O F T R U C K E E CA N Y O N S P R I N G S R E V I S E D D R A F T E I R RE P O R T S U M M A R Y TAB L E 2- 1 SUM M A R Y O F IMP A C T S A N D MIT I G A T I O N MEA S U R E S (CO N T I N U E D ) LT S = L e s s T h a n S i g n i f i c a n t S = S i g n i f i c an t S U = S i g n i f i c a n t U n a v o i d a b l e I m p a c t 2- 1 5 Si g n i f i c a n t I m p a c t Si g n i f i c a n c e Be f o r e Mi t i g a t i o n M i t i g a t i o n Me a s u r e s Significance With Mitigation tr a f f i c . N o t i f i c a t i o n m a t e r i a l s sh a l l b e d i s t r i b u t e d u p t o o n e mo n t h i n a d v a n c e o f u p c o m i n g c o n s t r u c t i o n a c t i v i t i e s .  Tr a i n i n g m a t e r i a l s f o r c o n s t r u c t i o n w o r k e r s , w h i c h s h a l l i n c l u d e in f o r m a t i o n o n h a u l r o u t e s , s p e e d l i m i t s , l o c a t i o n o f f l a g g e r s , wi l d l i f e a w a r e n e s s a n d o t h e r r e l e v a n t s a f e t y i n f o r m a t i o n . T r a i n - in g m a t e r i a l s s h a l l b e u p d a t e d as r o a d w a y a n d o t h e r s u r r o u n d - in g a r e a c o n d i t i o n s c h a n g e .  A c o n s t r u c t i o n m o n i t o r i n g p l a n t o i d e n t i f y t r a f f i c c o n g e s t i o n , sa f e t y c o n c e r n s r e g a r d i n g t r u c k , v e h i c l e , p e d e s t r i a n a n d b i c y c l e co n f l i c t s a n d t o a d j u s t t h e C T M P a s n e e d e d . TR A N S - 4 b : Co n s t r u c t i o n t r a f f i c s h a l l n o t b e p e r m i t t e d t o e x c e e d th e T o w n ' s l e v e l o f s e r v i c e s t a n d a r d s a t t h e G l e n s h i r e Dr i v e / D o n n e r P a s s R o a d a n d G l e n s h i r e D r i v e / D o r c h e s t e r D r i v e in t e r s e c t i o n s a n d c o n s t r u c t i o n t r a f f i c s h a l l n o t t r a v e l t o a n d f r o m th e p r o j e c t s i t e u s i n g t h e G l e n s h i r e D r i v e / D o n n e r P a s s R o a d i n t e r - se c t i o n d u r i n g t h e A M o r P M p e a k h o u r . TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS DRAFT EIR REPORT SUMMARY 2-16 4.4 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 4.4-1 This section describes the biological resources present or potentially present on the project site, and discusses potential impacts to these resources that could result from buildout of the project, as well as associated mitigation measures to offset any impacts. A. Regulatory Framework 1. Special-Status Species Special status plants and wildlife are those species that are 1) listed as rare, threat- ened, or endangered by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) or the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) under State or federal Endangered Spe- cies Acts, 2) on formal lists as candidates for listing as threatened or endangered, 3) on formal lists as species of concern, or 4) otherwise recognized at the federal, State, or local level as sensitive. a. Federal Endangered Species Act Under the Federal Endangered Species Act (FESA), it is unlawful to “take” any species listed as threatened or endangered. “Take” is defined as to “harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or attempt to engage in any such conduct.” An activity is defined as “take” even if it is unintentional or accidental. Take provisions under FESA apply only to listed fish and wildlife spe- cies under the jurisdiction of the USFWS and/or the National Oceanic & Atmos- pheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). Consultation with USFWS or NMFS is required if a project “may affect” or result in “take” of a listed species. When a species is listed, the USFWS and/or NMFS, in most cases, must officially designate specific areas as critical habitat for the species. Consultation with USFWS and/or NMFS is required for projects that include a federal action or fed- eral funding if the project will modify designated critical habitat. b. California Endangered Species Act Under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA), it is unlawful to “take” any species listed as rare, threatened, or endangered. “Take” means to “hunt, pursue, catch, capture, or kill, or attempt to hunt, pursue, catch, capture, or kill.” CESA take provisions apply to fish, wildlife, and plant species. Take may result whenever activities occur in areas that support a listed species. Consultation with CDFW is required if a project will result in “take” of a listed species. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 4.4-2 c. Migratory Bird Treaty Act and California Fish and Game Code Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) prohibits actions that will result in “take” of migratory birds, their eggs, feathers, or nests. “Take” is defined in the MBTA to include by any means or in any manner, any attempt at hunting, pursuing, wound- ing, killing, possessing or transporting any migratory bird, nest, egg, or part thereof. Migratory birds are also protected, as defined in the MBTA, under Section 3513 of the California Fish and Game Code. In addition, Section 3503 of the California Fish and Game Code prohibits the take, possession, or needless destruction of the nest or eggs of any bird, except as otherwise provided by the California Fish and Game Code or other regulation. 2. Jurisdictional Waters Jurisdictional waters include most drainage features (e.g. rivers, streams), open wa- ter features (e.g. lakes, ponds), and wetlands (e.g. marshes, seeps). Jurisdictional waters are often regulated by one or more government agencies, as described be- low. a. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA), the U.S. Army Corps of Engi- neers (USACE) regulates the discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the U.S. These are waters that have a connection to interstate commerce, either direct via a tributary system or indirect through a nexus identified in the USACE regula- tions. In non-tidal waters, the lateral limit of jurisdiction under Section 404 extends to the ordinary high water mark (OHWM) of a waterbody or, where adjacent wet- lands are present, beyond the OHWM to the limit of the wetlands. The OHWM is defined as “that line on the shore established by the fluctuations of water and indi- cated by physical characteristics such as a clear natural line impressed on the bank, shelving, changes in the character of the soil, destruction of terrestrial vegetation, the presence of litter and debris, or other appropriate means that consider the char- acteristics of the surrounding area”.1 In tidal waters, the lateral limit of jurisdiction extends to the high tidal line (HTL) or, where adjacent wetlands are present, be- yond the HTL to the limit of the wetlands. 1 Title 33: Navigation and Navigable Waters, Chapter Ii: Corps of Engineers, De- partment of The Army, Department of Defense, Part 328: Definition of Waters of The United States, 328.3 Definitions. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 4.4-3 Wetlands are defined as “those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for a life in saturated soil conditions.” Non-wetland waters essentially include any body of water, not otherwise exempted, that displays an OHWM. b. Regional Water Quality Control Board Under Section 401 of the CWA, the State Water Resources Control Board must certify all activities requiring a 404 permit. The Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) regulates these activities and issues water quality certification for those activities requiring a 404 permit. In addition, the RWQCB has authority to regulate the discharge of “waste” into waters of the State pursuant to the Porter- Cologne Water Quality Control Act (PCWQCA). The RWQCB may also regulate the discharge of fill within the 100-year floodplain of waters of the State. c. California Department of Fish and Wildlife The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), through provisions of Sections 1600-1616 of the State of California Code of Regulations (CCR), is em- powered to issue agreements for any alteration of a river, stream, or lake where fish or wildlife resources may be substantially adversely affected. Streams (and rivers) are defined by the presence of a channel bed and banks, and the conveyance of at least ephemeral flows. The CDFW regulates wetland areas only to the extent that those wetlands are part of a river, stream, or lake as defined by CDFW. The CDFW generally includes, within the jurisdictional limits of streams and lakes, any riparian habitat present. Riparian habitat includes willows, cottonwoods, and other vegetation typically associated with the banks of a stream or lake shoreline. In most situations, wetlands associated with a stream or lake would fall within the limits of riparian habitat. Thus, defining the limits of the CDFW jurisdiction based on riparian habitat will typically include any wetland areas. The CDFW has not defined wetlands for jurisdictional purposes. Wetlands not associated with a lake, stream, or other regulated area are generally not subject to the CDFW jurisdiction. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 4.4-4 3. Town of Truckee 2025 General Plan The following goals from the Conservation and Open Space Element of the Town of Truckee 2025 General Plan are applicable to biological resources (see Table 4.4-1). 4. Town of Truckee Development Code The following chapters from the Town of Truckee Development Code, Article III – Site Planning and General Development Standards, are applicable to biological resources.  Chapter 18.30 – Purpose and Applicability  Chapter 18.34 – Flood Plain  Chapter 18.36 – Hillside Development Standards  Chapter 18.38 – Lake and River/Stream Corridor Development  Chapter 18.46 – Open Space/Cluster Requirements B. Existing Conditions This section provides a description of the existing conditions on the project site relative to biological resources. A discussion of the methods for analysis is also included. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 4.4-5 TABLE 4.4-1 TRUCKEE GENERAL PLAN POLICIES PERTAINING TO BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES Policy or Goal No. Goals and Policies Goal LU-4 Coordinate land development with provision of services and infrastructure. LU-P4.1 Require new infrastructure and development to be designed and built to manage stormwater runoff and to minimize or eliminate harmful impacts to property prone to flooding, water quality, and riparian, wet- land, and meadow habitats. When infrastructure is replaced or retrofit- ted, require the upgrading of stormwater management systems to min- imize or eliminate these impacts. Goal LU-7 Encourage clustered residential development to create efficient development patterns, and to minimize environmental impacts and threats to public safety. LU-P7.1 For all residential developments, require clustering where appropriate. Clustered development as defined in this General Plan includes the following considerations:  Clustering of residential development will allow flexibility of site design in responding to the natural features and resources of an in- dividual site.  Clustering means that structures will be located on a site so that larger areas are left as undeveloped open space.  Undeveloped areas may either be preserved in private or public open space, or may be a portion of an individual lot, with deed restrictions prohibiting construction in that portion. LU-P7.2 Residential development shall be clustered to avoid areas of significant natural resources, including wildlife habitat and migration corridors and visual resources. LU-P7.4 Clustered development shall incorporate preservation of open space areas as an integral and primary consideration in the overall develop- ment plan for a site. Considerations in preserving open space through clustering shall include the following:  Maximizing preservation of open space types that reflect the Town’s priorities as stated in the Conservation and Open Space Element.  Maintaining an appropriate relationship of the site to the character and context of adjacent neighborhood areas and nearby and adjoin- ing open space areas.  Respecting individual site features and characteristics, including topography, natural features, natural hazards and constraints, and the presence of sensitive biological resources. Goal CC-2 Preserve the natural beauty of Truckee, including the Town’s scenic resources, views and vistas, and the visual quality of the town’s steep slopes, ridge and bluff lines and hillsides. CC-P2.10 Encourage the preservation of trees and native vegetation, including specimen trees, in development projects. Goal COS-1 Preserve existing open space in Truckee, and increase the amount of desired types of open space under permanent protection. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TABLE 4.4-1 TRUCKEE GENERAL PLAN POLICIES PERTAINING TO BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES (CONTINUED) 4.4-6 Policy or Goal No. Goals and Policies COS-P1.5 Adhere to the following criteria for open space preserved through di- rect actions of the Town, through open space and clustered develop- ment requirements and incentives, and through the development re- view process:  Provide the maximum possible degree of community benefit, as expressed through the Vision for Truckee and the guiding principles, goals and policies of the General Plan.  Preserve open space that, to the greatest possible extent, occurs in large blocks and is contiguous and connected.  Provide the greatest possible level of public access while respecting private property rights, sensitive habitat values, and safety concerns.  Provide maximum benefit in terms of habitat preservation.  Enhance the overall character of Truckee as a scenic, mountain community. Goal COS-4 Protect areas of significant wildlife habitat and sensitive biological resources. COS-P4.1 Provide for the integrity and continuity of biological resources open space, habitat, and wildlife movement corridors and support the per- manent protection and restoration of these areas, particularly those identified as sensitive resources. COS-P4.2 Protect sensitive wildlife habitat from destruction and intrusion by incompatible land uses where appropriate. All efforts to protect sensi- tive habitats should consider:  Sensitive habitat and movement corridors in the areas adjacent to development sites, as well as on the development site itself.  Prevention of habitat fragmentation and loss of connectivity.  Use of appropriate protection measures for sensitive habitat areas such as non-disturbance easements and open space zoning.  Off-site habitat restoration as a potential mitigation provided that no net loss of habitat value results.  Potential mitigation or elimination of impacts through mandatory clustering of development, and/or project redesign. COS-P4.4 Preserve riparian corridors, Donner Lake and aquatic and wetland areas through application of setbacks and other development standards that respect these resources. COS-P4.5 Development shall be prohibited within established setback areas for streams and waterways other than the Truckee River, except as other- wise allowed in the Development Code; such setbacks shall be between 20 and 50 feet on parcels less than 175 feet deep (depending on parcel depth), and 50 feet on parcels 175 feet deep or more. Goal COS-5 Maintain biodiversity among plant and animal species in the Town of Truckee and the surrounding area, with special consideration of species identified as sensitive, rare, declining, unique, or representing valuable biological resources. COS-P5.1 Require biological resource assessments for all development in areas where special status species may be present. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TABLE 4.4-1 TRUCKEE GENERAL PLAN POLICIES PERTAINING TO BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES (CONTINUED) 4.4-7 Policy or Goal No. Goals and Policies COS-P5.2 Protect native plant species in undisturbed portions of a development site and encourage planting and regeneration of native plant species wherever possible in undisturbed portions of the project site. COS-P5.3 Protect to the extent possible federal or State-designated endangered, threatened, special status or candidate species. Goal COS-9 Link open space areas in Truckee through a well-connected network of open space corridors and trails. COS-P9.1 Provide for links between open space areas, both within Truckee and beyond the Town limits, to create contiguous habitat areas and enhance public access through greater connectivity. Source: Town of Truckee 2025 General Plan. 1. Methods a. Literature Search Prior to conducting any field work, LSA Associates, Inc. (LSA) performed database searches of the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) and California Native Plant Society (CNPS) Online Inventory referencing the Martis Peak, Truck- ee, Hobart Mills, Boca, Tahoe City, and Kings Beach California United States Geo- logical Survey (USGS) 7.5-minute topographic quadrangles. LSA also obtained a species list from the USFWS, Sacramento Field Office website, referencing these quadrangles. Foothill Associates, Inc. (Foothill) also performed a detailed review of existing literature over a period of more than 20 years regarding wildlife use and movement on the site and in the region. A list of referenced material is provided in Appendix E of the 2012 Draft EIR. LSA and Foothill also reviewed prior biological documentation that was recently prepared and is associated with the project site. These include:  Biological Resource Analysis for the Tahoe Boca Estates Project Site, prepared by Foot- hill Associates, Inc., dated August 6, 2004;  Town of Truckee 2025 General Plan Conservation and Open Space Element, adopted November 16, 2006; TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 4.4-8  Draft Environmental Impact Report, Canyon Springs Subdivision, State Clearinghouse Number 2004052060, prepared by Quad Knopf, dated April 2007;2  Movement and Migration of Mule Deer at the Canyon Springs Site, Truckee, CA, pre- pared by RMT, Inc., dated October 20, 2009;  Interstate Deer Project, 2010 Loyalton-Truckee Deer Herd Report and Management Plan Update (Habitat Sections Only), In Partial Fulfillment of PR Grant W-83-R-1, pre- pared by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, no date is provided on this document;  Delineation of Waters of the U.S. Canyon Spring, Town of Truckee, #200300655, pre- pared by Heal Environmental Consulting (HEC), dated January 11, 2011; and  CEQA Significance of Mule Deer at the Canyon Springs Site, Truckee, CA, prepared by HEC, dated July 28, 2011. In addition to these reports, staff from Foothill Associates reviewed the technical tracking and mapping data and other background information that was made avail- able to the Town by CDFW and Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) on: August 27, 2013; January 23, 2014; April 10, 2014; and September 3, 2014. The special status species lists obtained from the CNDDB, CNPS, and USFWS, and literature listed above, were reviewed to determine which species could poten- tially occur on the project site. Those species with potential to occur on the project site based on literature review and habitat requirements were compiled into a cu- mulative list presented in Table 4.4-2. b. Field Surveys While numerous field survey have been performed by different biologists over the past 20 or more years, current field surveys were conducted by EIR biologists from LSA as recently as November 1, 2013 and in 2011 on June 8, June 30, and July 11. EIR biologists from Foothill Associates also conducted a field survey April 5, 2011. 2 The 2007 Draft EIR prepared for the project site by Quad Knopf was completed and comments were provided by the public and interested agencies; however, no Final EIR was prepared and the 2007 Draft EIR was not certified. Comments submitted on the 2007 Draft EIR were taken into consideration for the preparation of this Draft EIR. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 4.4-9 In addition, EIR biologists from Foothill Associates provided a third party peer review of the data collected during field studies conducted by HEC in 2011 be- tween May 3 and July 6, and in 2010 on August 30, September 1-2, and between October 13 and December 16. i. General Biology and Focused Plant Surveys The June 8, 2011 survey was conducted by LSA biologist Jeff Bray and consisted of a general reconnaissance level survey of the project site. Since a substantial amount of field work and reporting has been conducted on the project site (i.e. Foothill Associates 2004, and HEC, 2010-2011, and LSA, 2011), the intent of the June 8, 2011 survey was to determine if site conditions had changed considerably since the previous surveys had been conducted and to verify their accuracy. The June 8, 2011 survey was conducted by walking meandering transects through the project site and documenting site conditions while referencing existing mapping. In addi- tion, wildlife observed on the project site was identified and recorded. The June 30 and July 11, 2011 surveys were conducted by LSA botanists Lucie Adams and Jeannette Halderman, and consisted of focused surveys for special sta- tus plants, primarily Plumas ivesia (Ivesia sericoleuca). Records for this species are located adjacent to the project site plants listed in Table 4.4-2 as potentially occur- ring on the project site and were also included in the survey (except mosses). Dur- ing the month prior to conducting the survey, LSA monitored a known population of Plumas ivesia in the vicinity of the project site to determine when the local population was blooming and clearly identifiable, and then scheduled the focused plant surveys during that time. The surveys were conducted by walking meander- ing transects through suitable habitats on the project site and identifying all plants within the survey area to a suitable level of taxonomy to determine the status. EIR biologist, Jeff Bray of LSA, conducted a field survey on November 1, 2013 to further evaluate the Jeffrey pine and sagebrush plant communities. TO W N O F T R U C K E E CA N Y O N S P R I N G S R E V I S E D D R A F T E I R BI O L O G I C A L R E S O U R C E S 4.4-10 TAB L E 4. 4 - 2 SPE C I A L -S TA T U S SPE C I E S POT E N T I A L L Y OCC U R R I N G O N T H E CAN Y O N SPR I N G S SUB D I V I S I O N PRO J E C T SIT E Co m m o n N a m e / Sc i e n t i f i c N a m e S t a t u s H a b i t a t R e q u i r e m e n t s P o t e n t i a l f o r O c c u r r e n c e Ma m m a l s Ca l i f o r n i a w o l v e r i n e Gu l o g u l o l u t e u s FC ; S T O c c u r s i n a w i d e v a r i e t y o f h a b i t a t s i n t h e N o r t h C o a s t mo u n t a i n s a n d t h e S i e r r a N e v a d a . , e s p e c i a l l y m i x e d co n i f e r o u s , r e d f i r , a n d l o d g e p o l e c o m m u n i t i e s . A – N o s u i t a b l e h a b i t a t i s p r e s e n t o n t h e p r o j e c t s i t e . I n a d d i t i o n , a l l CN D D B r e c o r d s o f t h i s s p e c i e s w i t h i n 2 0 m i l e s o f t h e p r o j e c t s i t e ar e l o c a t e d w e l l t o t h e w e s t . T h i s s p e c i e s i s a l s o s e n s i t i v e t o h u m a n di s t u r b a n c e . Pa c i f i c f i s h e r Ma r t e s p e n n a n t i p a c i f i c a FC ; C S C F o u n d i n l a r g e a r e a s o f ma t u r e , d e n s e c o n i fe r o u s f o r e s t an d d e c i d u o u s r i p a r i a n c o m m u n i t i e s w i t h s n a g s a n d gr e a t e r t h a n 5 0 % c a n o p y c l o s u r e . A – N o s u i t a b l e h a b i t a t i s p r e s e n t o n t h e p r o j e c t s i t e . I n a d d i t i o n , a l l CN D D B r e c o r d s o f t h i s s p e c i e s w i t h i n 2 0 m i l e s o f t h e p r o j e c t s i t e ar e l o c a t e d w e l l t o t h e w e s t . Si e r r a m a r t e n Ma r t e s a m e r i c a n a s i e r r a No n e O c c u r s i n o l d g r o w t h a n d m i x e d - a g e d c o n i f e r s t a n d s wi t h a m i n i m u m o f 4 0 p e r c e n t c r o w n c l o s u r e . N e e d s sn a g s f o r c a v i t i e s a n d d e n s i t e s . A – N o s u i t a b l e h a b i t a t i s p r e s e n t o n t h e p r o j e c t s i t e . I n a d d i t i o n , a l l CN D D B r e c o r d s o f t h i s s p e c i e s w i t h i n 2 0 m i l e s o f t h e p r o j e c t s i t e ar e l o c a t e d w e l l t o t h e w e s t o r s o u t h . Si e r r a N e v a d a m o u n t a i n b e a v e r Ap l o d o n t i a r u f a c a l i f o r n i c a CS C F o u n d i n d e n s e g r o w t h o f s m a l l d e c i d u o u s t r e e s a n d sh r u b s w i t h s o f t , w e t s o i l a n d a n a b u n d a n c e o f w a t e r i n th e S i e r r a N e v a d a s a n d E a s t S l o p e . A – N o s u i t a b l e h a b i t a t i s p r e s e n t o n t h e p r o j e c t s i t e . Si e r r a N e v a d a r e d f o x Vu l p e s V u l p e s n e c a t o r ST F o u n d f r o m t h e C a s c a d e s d o w n t o t h e S i e r r a N e v a d a s i n a v a r i e t y o f h a b i t a t s f r o m w e t m e a d o w s t o f o r e s t e d a r e a s . Us e s d e n s e v e g e t a t i o n a n d r o c k y a r e a s f o r c o v e r a n d d e n si t e s . P r e f e r s f o r e s t s i n t e r s p e r s e d w i t h m e a d o w s o r al p i n e f e l l - f i e l d s . L – T h e h a b i t a t s o n t h e p r o j e c t s i t e a r e o n l y m a r g i n a l l y s u i t a b l e f o r th i s s p e c i e s , b u t t h e r e a r e C N D D B r e c o r d s i n t h e v i c i n i t y a n d i t co u l d p o t e n t i a l l y o c c u r o n t h e p r o j e c t s i t e . Si e r r a N e v a d a s n o w s h o e h a r e Le p u s a m e r i c a n u s t a h o e n s i s CS C O c c u r s i n b o r e a l r e g i on s , t y p i c a l l y i n r i p a r i a n co m m u n i t i e s w i t h t h i c k e t s o f d e c i d u o u s t r e e s a n d sh r u b s . A l s o f r e q u e n t d e n s e t h i c k e t s o f y o u n g c o n i f e r s an d c h a p a r r a l c o m m u n i t i e s A – N o s u i t a b l e h a b i t a t i s p r e s e n t o n t h e p r o j e c t s i t e . Si l v e r - h a i r e d b a t La s i o n y c t e r i s n o c t i v a g a n s No n e O c c u r s i n c o a s t a l a n d m o n t a n e f o r e s t s . R o o s t s i n ho l l o w t r e e s , b e n e a t h s l o u g h i n g b a r k , a n d i n c a v i t i e s . M – T h e s n a g s a n d o t h e r m a t u r e t r e e s o n t h e p r o j e c t s i t e p r o v i d e po t e n t i a l r o o s t s i t e s a n d t h e w e t m e a d ow habitat is suitable foraging ha b i t a t . TO W N O F T R U C K E E CA N Y O N S P R I N G S R E V I S E D D R A F T E I R BI O L O G I C A L R E S O U R C E S TAB L E 4. 4 - 2 SPE C I A L -S TA T U S SPE C I E S POT E N T I A L L Y OCC U R R I N G O N T H E CAN Y O N SPR I N G S SUB D I V I S I O N PRO J E C T SIT E (CO N T I N U E D ) 4.4-11 Co m m o n N a m e / Sc i e n t i f i c N a m e S t a t u s H a b i t a t R e q u i r e m e n t s P o t e n t i a l f o r O c c u r r e n c e Bi r d s Ba l d e a g l e Ha l i a e e t u s l e u c o c e p h a l u s FD ; S E N e s t i n g r e s t r i c t e d t o m o u n t a i n o u s c o m m u n i t i e s n e a r pe r m a n e n t w a t e r s o u r c e s . W i n t e r s t h r o u g h o u t m o s t o f Ca l i f o r n i a a t l a k e s , r e s e r v o i r s , r i v e r s y s t e m s , a n d c o a s t a l we t l a n d s . L – N o s u i t a b l e n e s t i n g o r w i n t e r i n g h a b i t a t i s p r e s e n t o n t h e pr o j e c t s i t e , b u t t h e s i t e p r o v i d e s m a r g i n a l f o r a g i n g h a b i t a t a n d t h e r e ar e r e c o r d s o f t h i s s p e c i e s i n t h e v i c i n i t y . Bl a c k - b a c k e d w o o d p e c k e r (Pi c o i d e s a r c t i c u s ) SC N e s t s i n s n a g s i n b u r n e d c o n i f e r o u s f o r e s t s a n d f e e d s o n wo o d b o r i n g b e e t l e s t h a t r a p i d l y c o l o n i z e b u r n t a r e a s . Th i s s p e c i e s t h r i v e f o r 7 t o 1 0 y e a r s a f t e r f i r e b e f o r e mo v i n g t o a n a r e a t h a t w a s m o r e r e c e n t l y b u r n e d . U – Th e p r o j e c t s i t e p r o v i d e s o n l y m a r g i n a l l y s u i t a b l e h a b i t a t f o r th i s s p e c i e s . T h e p r e s e n c e o f s n a g s p r o v i d e s s u i t a b l e h a b i t a t f o r t h i s sp e c i e s , h o w e v e r , t h e m o s t r e c e n t f i r e w i t h i n t h e p r o j e c t a r e a w a s 9 ye a r s a g o . T h i s s p e c i e s o n l y r e m a i n s i n a n a r e a u p 1 0 y e a r s a f t e r f i r e it i s u n l i k e l y t h i s s p e c i e s w i l l o c c u r w i t h i n t h e p r o j e c t s i t e . Gr e a t e r s a n d h i l l c r a n e Gr u s c a n a d e n s i s t a b i d a ST N e s t s i n m a r s h a n d o t h e r w e t l a n d h a b i t a t s i n no r t h e a s t e r n C a l i f o r n i a . W i n t e r s i n t h e C e n t r a l V a l l e y wh e r e i t f o r a g e s i n g r a i n f i e l d s . A – N o s u i t a b l e h a b i t a t i s p r e s e n t o n t h e p r o j e c t s i t e . Le w i s ’ s w o o d p e c k e r Me l a n e r p e s l e w i s BC C O c c u r s i n o p e n f o r e s t s a n d w o o d l a n d s w i t h a b r u s h y un d e r s t o r y . N e s t s i n s n a g s . G l e a n s i n s e c t s f r o m s u r f a c e s or h u n t s w h i l e f l y i n g . M – Sp e c i e s k n o w n f r o m t h e l o c a l v i c i n i t y a n d t h e p r o j e c t s i t e su p p o r t s s u i t a b l e h a b i t a t , i n c l u d i n g n u m e r o u s s n a g s . T h i s s p e c i e s co u l d o c c u r o n t h e p r o j e c t s i t e . No r t h e r n g o s h a w k Ac c i p i t e r g e n t i l e s CS C T y p i c a l l y n e s t s i n c o n i f e r o u s f o r e s t s , o n n o r t h s l o p e s a n d ne a r w a t e r , i n r e d f i r , l o d g e p o l e p i n e , J e f f r e y p i n e , a n d as p e n s . L – T h e J e f f r e y p i n e c o m m u n i t y i s m a r g i n a l l y s u i t a b l e h a b i t a t f o r th i s s p e c i e s , b u t t h e p r o j e c t i s l a c k i n g t h e n o r t h s l o p e s a n d w a t e r re s o u r c e s t y p i c a l l y f o u n d i n s u i t a b l e h a b i t a t f o r t h i s s p e c i e s . Wi l l o w f l y c a t c h e r Em p i d o n a x t r a i l l i i SE I n h a b i t s e x t e n s i v e t h i c k e t s o f l o w , d e n s e w i l l o w s o n t h e ed g e o f w e t m e a d o w s , p o n d s , o r b a c k w a t e r s , a t 2 , 0 0 0 – 8, 0 0 0 f t e l e v a t i o n ; r e q u i r e s d e n s e w i l l o w t h i c k e t s f o r ne s t i n g / r o o s t i n g . L o w , e x p o s e d b r a n c h e s a r e u s e d f o r si n g i n g p o s t s / h u n t i n g p e r c h e s . M – N o s u i t a b l e n e s t i n g h a b i t a t i s p r e s e n t o n t h e p r o j e c t s i t e b u t su i t a b l e n e s t i n g h a b i t a t o c c u r s i n t h e v i c i n i t y . C o n s e q u e n t l y , t h i s sp e c i e s c o u l d p o t e n t i a l l y o c c u r o n t h e p r o j e c t s i t e . Ye l l o w w a r b l e r De n d r o i c a p e t e c h i a b r e w s t e r i CS C N e s t s i n r i p a r i a n h a b i t a t s a n d p r e f e r s w i l l o w s , co t t o n w o o d s , a s p e n s , s y c a m o r e s , a n d a l d e r s f o r b o t h ne s t i n g a n d f o r a g i n g . A l s o n e s t s i n m o n t a n e s h r u b b e r y in o p e n c o n i f e r f o r e s t s . M – M a r g i n a l n e s t i n g h a b i t a t i s p r e s e n t o n t h e p r o j e c t s i t e a n d su i t a b l e n e s t i n g h a b i t a t o c c u r s i n t h e v i c i n i t y . C o n s e q u e n t l y , t h i s sp e c i e s c o u l d p o t e n t i a l l y o c c u r o n t h e p r o j e c t s i t e . TO W N O F T R U C K E E CA N Y O N S P R I N G S R E V I S E D D R A F T E I R BI O L O G I C A L R E S O U R C E S TAB L E 4. 4 - 2 SPE C I A L -S TA T U S SPE C I E S POT E N T I A L L Y OCC U R R I N G O N T H E CAN Y O N SPR I N G S SUB D I V I S I O N PRO J E C T SIT E (CO N T I N U E D ) 4.4-12 Co m m o n N a m e / Sc i e n t i f i c N a m e S t a t u s H a b i t a t R e q u i r e m e n t s P o t e n t i a l f o r O c c u r r e n c e Am p h i b i a n s (U S F W S ) Mo u n t a i n y e l l o w - l e g g e d f r o g ( S i e r r a Ne v a d a P o p u l a t i o n ) Ra n a m u s c o s a (CD F W ) Si e r r a N e v a d a y e l l o w - l e g g e d f r o g Ra n a s i e r r a FC ; C S C A l w a y s e n c o u n t e r e d w i t h i n a f e w f e e t o f w a t e r ; p a r t l y sh a d e d , s h a l l o w s t r e a m s , a n d r i f f l e s w i t h a r o c k y su b s t r a t e . T a d p o l e s m a y r e q u i r e u p t o t w o y e a r s t o co m p l e t e t h e i r a q u a t i c d e v e l o p m e n t . E n d a n g e r e d po p u l a t i o n s e x i s t i n t h e S a n J a c i n t o , S a n G a b r i e l , a n d Sa n B e r n a r d i n o Mo u n t a i n s o n l y . A – N o s u i t a b l e h a b i t a t i s p r e s e n t o n t h e p r o j e c t s i t e . Fi s h La h o n t a n c u t t h r o a t t r o u t On c o r h y n c h u s c l a r k i h e n s h a w i FT H i s t o r i c a l l y i n a l l a c c e s s i b l e c o l d w a t e r s o f t h e L a h o n t o n Ba s i n . T h e c u r r e n t d i s t r i b u t i o n i s l i m i t e d t o t h e T r u c k e e Ri v e r a n d s e v e r a l t r i b u t a r i e s . R e q u i r e s g r a v e l r i f f l e s i n st r e a m s f o r s p a w n i n g . A – N o s u i t a b l e h a b i t a t i s p r e s e n t o n t h e p r o j e c t s i t e . In v e r t e b r a t e s Am p h i b i o u s c a d d i s f l y De s m o n a b e t h u l a No n e K n o w n f r o m S i e r r a N e v a d a , i n c l u d i n g M a d e r a , Ma r i p o s a , M o n o , N e v a d a , P l a c e r , P l u m a s , a n d S i e r r a co u n t i e s , a n d S e q u o i a N a t i o n a l P a r k . L a r v a e l i v e i n sm a l l s p r i n g s t r e a m s w i t h s l o w c u r r e n t s i n w e t m e a d o w s . A – T h e a q u a t i c r e s o u r c e s o n t h e p r o j e c t s i t e a r e n o t p e r e n n i a l a n d , th e r e f o r e , a r e n o t s u i t a b l e h a b i t a t f o r t h i s s p e c i e s . Co l d S p r i n g c a d d i s f l y Le p i d o s t o m a e r m a n a e No n e L o c a l l y d i s t r i b u t e d i n t h e n o r t h e r n S i e r r a N e v a d a . Fo u n d i n c o l d s p r i n g s a t 6 , 7 0 0 f e e t e l e v a t i o n , t h a t a r e pe r m a n e n t l y s h a d e d . L a r v a e a r e r e s t r i c t e d t o s p r i n g so u r c e s . T h e c y l i n d r i c a l l a r v a l c a s e i s m a d e f r o m s t o n e s . A – T h e a q u a t i c r e s o u r c e s o n t h e p r o j e c t s i t e a r e n o t p e r e n n i a l a n d , th e r e f o r e , a r e n o t s u i t a b l e h a b i t a t f o r t h i s s p e c i e s . Ki n g s C a n y o n c h r y p t o c h i a n c a d d i s f l y Cr y p t o c h i a e x c e l l a No n e K n o w n f r o m t h e t y p e l o c a l i t y a n d f r o m S a g e h e n r e a c h e s of L o w e r K i l n t r i b u t a r y , N e v a d a C o u n t y . R e s t r i c t e d t o co l d s p r i n g s t r e a m s a n d t h e i r s o u r c e s . A – T h e a q u a t i c r e s o u r c e s o n t h e p r o j e c t s i t e a r e n o t p e r e n n i a l a n d , th e r e f o r e , a r e n o t s u i t a b l e h a b i t a t f o r t h i s s p e c i e s . Ki n g s C r e e k e c c l i s o m y i a c a d d i s f l y Ec c l i s o m y i a b i l e r a No n e K n o w n f r o m L a s s e n V o l c a n i c N a t i o n a l P a r k , L a s s e n Co u n t y , a n d s p r i n g s i n L i n c o l n C r e e k b a s i n i n S i e r r a Co u n t y . L a r v a e l i v e i n s m a l l , c o l d s p r i n g s s o u r c e s , a n d ar e o f t e n f o u n d a m o n g r o c k s a n d g r a v e l . A – T h e a q u a t i c r e s o u r c e s o n t h e p r o j e c t s i t e a r e n o t p e r e n n i a l a n d , th e r e f o r e , a r e n o t s u i t a b l e h a b i t a t f o r t h i s s p e c i e s . Sa g e h e n C r e e k g o a r a c e a n c a d d i s f l y Go e r a c e a o r e g o n a No n e B e n t h i c s p e c i e s , f o u n d i n c l e a r , r e l a t i v e l y w a r m s p r i n g s . Kn o w n f r o m s e v e r a l s i t e s i n N e v a d a C o u n t y . A – T h e a q u a t i c r e s o u r c e s o n t h e p r o j e c t s i t e a r e n o t p e r e n n i a l a n d , th e r e f o r e , a r e n o t s u i t a b l e h a b i t a t f o r t h i s s p e c i e s . TO W N O F T R U C K E E CA N Y O N S P R I N G S R E V I S E D D R A F T E I R BI O L O G I C A L R E S O U R C E S TAB L E 4. 4 - 2 SPE C I A L -S TA T U S SPE C I E S POT E N T I A L L Y OCC U R R I N G O N T H E CAN Y O N SPR I N G S SUB D I V I S I O N PRO J E C T SIT E (CO N T I N U E D ) 4.4-13 Co m m o n N a m e / Sc i e n t i f i c N a m e S t a t u s H a b i t a t R e q u i r e m e n t s P o t e n t i a l f o r O c c u r r e n c e Pl a n t s Al d e r b u c k t h o r n Rh a m n u s a l n i f o l i a CN P S 2 M e a d o w s a n d s e e p s i n u p p e r a n d l o w e r m o n t a n e co n i f e r o u s f o r e s t ; m o n t a n e r i p a r i a n s c r u b . 4 , 5 0 0 – 7 , 0 0 0 ft . e l e v a t i o n . B l o o m s M a y – J u l y . U – M a r g i n a l h a b i t a t f o r t h i s s p e c i e s i s p r e s e n t o n t h e p r o j e c t s i t e , bu t t h i s s p e c i e s w a s n o t o b s e r v e d d u r i n g r e c e n t f o c u s e d p l a n t su r v e y s b y L S A i n J u n e a n d J u l y 20 1 1 , w h i c h w e r e c o n d u c t e d d u r i n g th e n o r m a l b l o o m i n g p e r i o d f o r t h i s s p e c i e s . N e i t h e r w a s t h i s sp e c i e s o b s e r v e d d u r i n g p r e v i o u s p l a n t s u r v e y s i n 2 0 0 4 ( F o o t h i l l As s o c i a t e s , I n c . ) a n d 1 9 9 0 ( E c o - A n a l y s t s 4). Bo l a n d e r ’ s b r u c h i a Br u c h i a b o l a n d e r i CN P S 2 O c c u r s i n m e a d o w s a n d s e e p s i n u p p e r a n d l o w e r mo n t a n e c o n i f e r o u s f o r e s t , 5, 6 0 0 – 9 , 2 0 0 f t . e l e v a t i o n . Bl o o m i n g p e r i o d u n k n o w n . L - Th e a q u a t i c r e s o u r c e s o n t h e p r o j e c t s i t e a r e n o t p e r e n n i a l a n d , th e r e f o r e , t h e h a b i t a t i s o n l y m a r g i n a l l y s u i t a b l e f o r t h i s s p e c i e s . Fo c u s e d s u r v e y s w e r e n o t c o n d u c t e d f o r m o s s e s . Br o a d - n e r v e d h u m p m o s s Me e s i a u l i g i n o s a CN P S 2 B o g s a n d f e n s , m e a d o w s a n d s e e p s , u p p e r m o n t a n e co n i f e r o u s f o r e s t g r o w i n g o n m e s i c s o i l s ; 4 , 2 0 0 – 8 , 2 0 0 ft . e l e v a t i o n . B l o o m s i n O c t o b e r . L - Th e a q u a t i c r e s o u r c e s o n t h e p r o j e c t s i t e a r e n o t p e r e n n i a l a n d , th e r e f o r e , t h e h a b i t a t i s o n l y m a r g i n a l l y s u i t a b l e f o r t h i s s p e c i e s . Fo c u s e d s u r v e y s w e r e n o t c o n d u c t e d f o r m o s s e s . Ca r s o n R a n g e r o c k - c r e s s Ar a b i s r i g i d i s s i m a va r . de m o t e CN P S 1 B B r o a d l e a f u p l a n d f o r e s t a n d u p p e r m o n t a n e c o n i f e r o u s fo r e s t c o m m u n i t i e s i n e l e v a t i o n s r a n g i n g f r o m ap p r o x i m a t e l y 7 , 4 0 0 t o 8 , 4 0 0 f e e t A - T h e p r o j e c t a r e a i s w e l l b e l o w t h e e l e v a t i o n r a n g e f o r t h i s sp e c i e s . Co m m o n m o o n w o r t Bo t r y c h i u m l u n a r i a CN P S 2 O c c u r s i n m e a d o w s a n d s e e p s i n u p p e r m o n t a n e a n d su b a l p i n e c o n i f e r o u s f o r e s t , 7 , 5 0 0 – 1 1 , 1 5 0 f t . e l e v a t i o n . Bl o o m s i n A u g u s t . A - T h e p r o j e c t a r e a i s w e l l b e l o w t h e e l e v a t i o n r a n g e f o r t h i s sp e c i e s . Da v y ’ s s e d g e Ca r e x d a v y i CN P S 1 B V e r n a l l y m e s i c a r e a s i n s u b a l p i n e a n d u p p e r m o n t a n e co n i f e r o u s f o r e s t ; 4 , 9 0 0 – 1 0 , 5 0 0 f t . B l o o m s M a y – Au g u s t . U – M a r g i n a l h a b i t a t f o r t h i s s p e c i e s i s p r e s e n t o n t h e p r o j e c t s i t e , bu t t h i s s p e c i e s w a s n o t o b s e r v e d d u r i n g r e c e n t f o c u s e d p l a n t su r v e y s b y L S A i n J u n e a n d J u l y 20 1 1 , w h i c h w e r e c o n d u c t e d d u r i n g th e n o r m a l b l o o m i n g p e r i o d f o r t h i s s p e c i e s . N e i t h e r w a s t h i s sp e c i e s o b s e r v e d d u r i n g p r e v i o u s p l a n t s u r v e y s i n 2 0 0 4 ( F o o t h i l l As s o c i a t e s , I n c . ) a n d 1 9 9 0 ( E c o - A n a l y s t s ) . Do n n e r P a s s b u c k w h e a t Er i o g o n u m u m b e l l a t u m v a r . to r r e y a n u m CN P S 1 B M e a d o w s a n d s e e p s , an d u p p e r m o n t a n e c o n i f e r o u s fo r e s t c o m m u n i t i e s ; 6 , 0 0 0 – 8 , 6 0 0 f t . e l e v a t i o n . B l o o m s Ju l y – S e p t e m b e r . U – M a r g i n a l h a b i t a t f o r t h i s s p e c i e s i s p r e s e n t o n t h e p r o j e c t s i t e , bu t t h i s s p e c i e s w a s n o t o b s e r v e d d u r i n g r e c e n t f o c u s e d p l a n t su r v e y s b y L S A i n J u n e a n d J u l y 2 0 1 1 , w h i c h w e r e c o n d u c t e d a t t h e st a r t o f t h e n o r m a l b l o o m i n g p e r i o d f o r t h i s s p e c i e s . N e i t h e r w a s th i s s p e c i e s o b s e r v e d d u r i n g p r e v i o u s p l a n t s u r v e y s i n 2 0 0 4 ( F o o t h i l l As s o c i a t e s , I n c . ) a n d 1 9 9 0 ( E c o - A n a l y s t s ) . 4 E c o - A n a l y s t s . 1 9 9 0 . F i n a l E I R T a h o e - B o c a E s t a t e s S u b d i v i s i on . P r e p a r e d f o r N e v a d a C o u n t y P l a n n i n g D e p a r t m e n t . TO W N O F T R U C K E E CA N Y O N S P R I N G S R E V I S E D D R A F T E I R BI O L O G I C A L R E S O U R C E S TAB L E 4. 4 - 2 SPE C I A L -S TA T U S SPE C I E S POT E N T I A L L Y OCC U R R I N G O N T H E CAN Y O N SPR I N G S SUB D I V I S I O N PRO J E C T SIT E (CO N T I N U E D ) 4.4-14 Co m m o n N a m e / Sc i e n t i f i c N a m e S t a t u s H a b i t a t R e q u i r e m e n t s P o t e n t i a l f o r O c c u r r e n c e En g l i s h s u n d e w Dr o s e r a a n g e l i c a CN P S 2 Bo g s a n d f e n s , a n d m e a d o w s a n d s e e p s ; 4 , 2 0 0 – 6 , 5 0 0 f t . el e v a t i o n . B l o o m s J u n e – S e p t e m b e r . U – T h e a q u a t i c r e s o u r c e s o n t h e p r o j e c t s i t e a r e n o t p e r e n n i a l a n d , th e r e f o r e , a r e n o t s u i t a b l e h a b i t a t f o r t h i s s p e c i e s . I n a d d i t i o n , t h i s sp e c i e s w a s n o t o b s e r v e d d u r i n g r e c e n t f o c u s e d p l a n t s u r v e y s b y LS A i n J u n e a n d J u l y 2 0 1 1 , w h i c h w e r e c o n d u c t e d d u r i n g t h e no r m a l b l o o m i n g p e r i o d f o r t h i s s p e c i e s . N e i t h e r w a s t h i s s p e c i e s ob s e r v e d d u r i n g p r e v i o u s p l a n t s u r v e y s i n 2 0 0 4 ( F o o t h i l l A s s o c i a t e s , In c . ) a n d 1 9 9 0 ( E c o - A n a l y s t s ) . Ma r s h s k u l l c a p Sc u t e l l a r i a g a l e r i c u l a t a CN P S 2 O c c u r s u n d e r m o i s t c o n d i t i o n s i n m e a d o w a n d fr e s h w a t e r - m a r s h h a b i t a t s , 0 – 6 , 9 0 0 f t . e l e v a t i o n . Bl o o m s J u n e – S e p t e m b e r . U – P o t e n t i a l h a b i t a t f o r t h i s s p e c i e s i s p r e s e n t o n t h e p r o j e c t s i t e , bu t t h i s s p e c i e s w a s n o t o b s e r v e d d u r i n g r e c e n t f o c u s e d p l a n t su r v e y s b y L S A i n J u n e a n d J u l y 20 1 1 , w h i c h w e r e c o n d u c t e d d u r i n g th e n o r m a l b l o o m i n g p e r i o d f o r t h i s s p e c i e s . N e i t h e r w a s t h i s sp e c i e s o b s e r v e d d u r i n g p r e v i o u s p l a n t s u r v e y s i n 2 0 0 4 ( F o o t h i l l As s o c i a t e s , I n c . ) a n d 1 9 9 0 ( E c o - A n a l y s t s ) . Mi n g a n m o o n w o r t Bo t r y c h i u m m i n g a n e n s e CN P S 2 O c c u r s i n b o g s a n d f e n s i n u p p e r a n d l o w e r m o n t a n e co n i f e r o u s f o r e s t , 4 , 9 0 0 – 6 , 7 5 0 f t . e l e v a t i o n . B l o o m s Ju l y – S e p t e m b e r . U – T h e a q u a t i c r e s o u r c e s o n t h e p r o j e c t s i t e a r e n o t p e r e n n i a l a n d , th e r e f o r e , a r e n o t s u i t a b l e h a b i t a t f o r t h i s s p e c i e s . I n a d d i t i o n , t h i s sp e c i e s w a s n o t o b s e r v e d d u r i n g r e c e n t f o c u s e d p l a n t s u r v e y s b y LS A i n J u n e a n d J u l y 2 0 1 1 , w h i c h w e r e c o n d u c t e d a t t h e s t a r t o f t h e no r m a l b l o o m i n g p e r i o d f o r t h i s s p e c i e s . N e i t h e r w a s t h i s s p e c i e s ob s e r v e d d u r i n g p r e v i o u s p l a n t s u r v e y s i n 2 0 0 4 ( F o o t h i l l A s s o c i a t e s , In c . ) a n d 1 9 9 0 ( E c o - A n a l y s t s ) . Mu d s e d g e Ca r e x l i m o s a CN P S 2 B o g s a n d f e n s i n l o w e r a n d u p p e r m o n t a n e c o n i f e r o u s fo r e s t s ; 4 , 0 0 0 – 9 1 0 0 f t . e l e v a t i o n . B l o o m s J u n e – Au g u s t . U – T h e a q u a t i c r e s o u r c e s o n t h e p r o j e c t s i t e a r e n o t p e r e n n i a l a n d , th e r e f o r e , a r e n o t s u i t a b l e h a b i t a t f o r t h i s s p e c i e s . I n a d d i t i o n , t h i s sp e c i e s w a s n o t o b s e r v e d d u r i n g r e c e n t f o c u s e d p l a n t s u r v e y s b y LS A i n J u n e a n d J u l y 2 0 1 1 , w h i c h w e r e c o n d u c t e d d u r i n g t h e no r m a l b l o o m i n g p e r i o d f o r t h i s s p e c i e s . N e i t h e r w a s t h i s s p e c i e s ob s e r v e d d u r i n g p r e v i o u s p l a n t s u r v e y s i n 2 0 0 4 ( F o o t h i l l A s s o c i a t e s , In c . ) a n d 1 9 9 0 ( E c o - A n a l y s t s ) . Or e g o n f i r e w e e d Ep i l o b i u m o r e g a n u m CN P S 1 B I n a n d n e a r s p r i n g s a n d b o g s i n m e a d o w s , l o w e r a n d up p e r c o n i f e r o u s f o r e s t ; s o me t i m e s i n s e r p e n t i n e ; 1 , 6 4 0 - 8, 5 6 0 f t . B l o o m s J u n e – S e p t e m b e r . U – M a r g i n a l h a b i t a t f o r t h i s s p e c i e s i s p r e s e n t o n t h e p r o j e c t s i t e , bu t t h i s s p e c i e s w a s n o t o b s e r v e d d u r i n g r e c e n t f o c u s e d p l a n t su r v e y s b y L S A i n J u n e a n d J u l y 20 1 1 , w h i c h w e r e c o n d u c t e d d u r i n g th e n o r m a l b l o o m i n g p e r i o d f o r t h i s s p e c i e s . N e i t h e r w a s t h i s sp e c i e s o b s e r v e d d u r i n g p r e v i o u s p l a n t s u r v e y s i n 2 0 0 4 ( F o o t h i l l As s o c i a t e s , I n c . ) a n d 1 9 9 0 ( E c o - A n a l y s t s ) . TO W N O F T R U C K E E CA N Y O N S P R I N G S R E V I S E D D R A F T E I R BI O L O G I C A L R E S O U R C E S TAB L E 4. 4 - 2 SPE C I A L -S TA T U S SPE C I E S POT E N T I A L L Y OCC U R R I N G O N T H E CAN Y O N SPR I N G S SUB D I V I S I O N PRO J E C T SIT E (CO N T I N U E D ) 4.4-15 Co m m o n N a m e / Sc i e n t i f i c N a m e S t a t u s H a b i t a t R e q u i r e m e n t s P o t e n t i a l f o r O c c u r r e n c e Pl u m a s i v e s i a Iv e s i a s e r i c o l e u c a CN P S 1 B V e r n a l l y m e s i c a r e a s ; i n l o w e r m o n t a n e c o n i f e r o u s fo r e s t s , a n d m e a d o w s , 4 , 8 0 0 – 7 , 2 0 0 f t . e l e v a t i o n . Bl o o m s M a y – S e p t e m b e r . U – P o t e n t i a l h a b i t a t f o r t h i s s p e c i e s i s p r e s e n t o n t h e p r o j e c t s i t e an d t h e r e a r e s e v e r a l C N D D B r e c o r d s n e a r t h e p r o j e c t s i t e . Ho w e v e r , t h i s s p e c i e s w a s n o t o b s e r v e d d u r i n g r e c e n t f o c u s e d p l a n t su r v e y s b y L S A i n J u n e a n d J u l y 20 1 1 , w h i c h w e r e c o n d u c t e d d u r i n g th e n o r m a l b l o o m i n g p e r i o d f o r t h i s s p e c i e s , n o r w a s t h i s s p e c i e s ob s e r v e d d u r i n g p r e v i o u s p l a n t s u r v e y s i n 2 0 0 4 ( F o o t h i l l A s s o c i a t e s , In c . ) a n d 1 9 9 0 ( E c o - A n a l y s t s ) . Sa n t a L u c i a d w a r f r u s h Ju n c u s l u c i e n s i s CN P S 1 B V e r n a l p o o l s , e p h e m e r a l d r a i n a g e s , w e t m e a d o w ha b i t a t s , a n d s t r e a m s i d e s , i n l o w e r m o n t a n e c o n i f e r o u s fo r e s t , c h a p a r r a l , a n d G r e a t B a s i n s c r u b , 1 0 0 0 – 6 , 7 0 0 f t . el e v a t i o n . B l o o m s A p r i l – J u l y . U – P o t e n t i a l h a b i t a t f o r t h i s s p e c i e s i s p r e s e n t o n t h e p r o j e c t s i t e , bu t t h i s s p e c i e s w a s n o t o b s e r v e d d u r i n g r e c e n t f o c u s e d p l a n t su r v e y s b y L S A i n J u n e a n d J u l y 20 1 1 , w h i c h w e r e c o n d u c t e d d u r i n g th e n o r m a l b l o o m i n g p e r i o d f o r t h i s s p e c i e s . N e i t h e r w a s t h i s sp e c i e s o b s e r v e d d u r i n g p r e v i o u s p l a n t s u r v e y s i n 2 0 0 4 ( F o o t h i l l As s o c i a t e s , I n c . ) a n d 1 9 9 0 ( E c o - A n a l y s t s ) . Si e r r a s t a r w o r t Ps e u d o s t e l l a r i a s i e r r a CN P S 1 B C h a p a r r a l , c i s m o n t a n e w o o d l a n d , m o n t a n e c o n i f e r o u s fo r e s t , 4 , 0 0 0 – 6 , 7 0 0 f t . e l e v a t i o n . B l o o m s M a y – Au g u s t . U – P o t e n t i a l h a b i t a t f o r t h i s s p e c i e s i s p r e s e n t o n t h e p r o j e c t s i t e , bu t t h i s s p e c i e s w a s n o t o b s e r v e d d u r i n g r e c e n t f o c u s e d p l a n t su r v e y s b y L S A i n J u n e a n d J u l y 20 1 1 , w h i c h w e r e c o n d u c t e d d u r i n g th e n o r m a l b l o o m i n g p e r i o d f o r t h i s s p e c i e s . N e i t h e r w a s t h i s sp e c i e s o b s e r v e d d u r i n g p r e v i o u s p l a n t s u r v e y s i n 2 0 0 4 ( F o o t h i l l As s o c i a t e s , I n c . ) a n d 1 9 9 0 ( E c o - A n a l y s t s ) . Sl e n d e r c o t t o n g r a s s Er i o p h o r u m g r a c i l e CN P S 4 B o g s a n d f e n s , m e a d o w s a n d s e e p s , u p p e r m o n t a n e co n i f e r o u s f o r e s t g r o w i n g o n a c i d i c s o i l s ; 4 , 2 0 0 – 9 , 5 0 0 ft . e l e v a t i o n . B l o o m s M a y – S e p t e m b e r . U – M a r g i n a l h a b i t a t f o r t h i s s p e c i e s i s p r e s e n t o n t h e p r o j e c t s i t e , bu t t h i s s p e c i e s w a s n o t o b s e r v e d d u r i n g r e c e n t f o c u s e d p l a n t su r v e y s b y L S A i n J u n e a n d J u l y 20 1 1 , w h i c h w e r e c o n d u c t e d d u r i n g th e n o r m a l b l o o m i n g p e r i o d f o r t h i s s p e c i e s . N e i t h e r w a s t h i s sp e c i e s o b s e r v e d d u r i n g p r e v i o u s p l a n t s u r v e y s i n 2 0 0 4 ( F o o t h i l l As s o c i a t e s , I n c . ) a n d 1 9 9 0 ( E c o - A n a l y s t s ) . Ta h o e y e l l o w - c r e s s Ro r i p p a s u b u m b e l l a t a ST ; C N P S 1 B M e a d o w s a n d s e e p s ; d e c o m p o s e d g r a n i t i c b e a c h e s ; i n lo w e r m o n t a n e c o n i f e r o u s f o r e s t , 6 , 2 0 0 – 6 , 3 0 0 f t . el e v a t i o n . B l o o m s M a y – S e p t e m b e r . A – N o s u i t a b l e h a b i t a t i s p r e s e n t o n t h e p r o j e c t s i t e . A l l c u r r e n t CN D D B r e c o r d s f o r t h i s s p e c i e s a r e f r o m L a k e T a h o e . Th r e e - r a n k e d h u m p m o s s Me e s i a t r i q u e t r a CN P S 4 B o g s a n d f e n s , m e a d o w s a n d s e e p s , u p p e r m o n t a n e co n i f e r o u s f o r e s t g r o w i n g o n m e s i c s o i l s ; 4 , 2 0 0 – 8 , 2 0 0 ft . e l e v a t i o n . B l o o m s i n O c t o b e r . L - Th e a q u a t i c r e s o u r c e s o n t h e p r o j e c t s i t e a r e n o t p e r e n n i a l a n d , th e r e f o r e , t h e h a b i t a t i s o n l y m a r g i n a l l y s u i t a b l e f o r t h i s s p e c i e s . Fo c u s e d s u r v e y s w e r e n o t c o n d u c t e d f o r m o s s e s . Wi l d b u c k w h e a t Er i o g o n u m o v a l i f o l i u m No n e M o n t a n e p e b b l e m e a d o w . U – P o t e n t i a l h a b i t a t f o r t h i s s p e c i e s i s p r e s e n t o n t h e p r o j e c t s i t e an d t h i s s p e c i e s h a s b e e n d e t e c t e d n e a r t h e p r o j e c t s i t e ( A . J u n c o s a , pe r s . c o m m . ) . H o w e v e r t h i s s p e c i e s w a s n o t o b s e r v e d d u r i n g re c e n t f o c u s e d p l a n t s u r v e y s b y L S A i n J u n e a n d J u l y 2 0 1 1 , n o r w a s th i s s p e c i e s o b s e r v e d d u r i n g p r e v i o u s p l a n t s u r v e y s i n 2 0 0 4 ( F o o t h i l l As s o c i a t e s , I n c . ) a n d 1 9 9 0 ( E c o - A n a l y s t s ) . TO W N O F T R U C K E E CA N Y O N S P R I N G S R E V I S E D D R A F T E I R BI O L O G I C A L R E S O U R C E S TAB L E 4. 4 - 2 SPE C I A L -S TA T U S SPE C I E S POT E N T I A L L Y OCC U R R I N G O N T H E CAN Y O N SPR I N G S SUB D I V I S I O N PRO J E C T SIT E (CO N T I N U E D ) 4.4-16 Ex p l a n a t i o n o f O c c u r r e n c e P o t e n t i a l : A ( A b s e n t ) – S p e c i e s i s c o n c l u d e d t o b e a b s e nt f r o m t h e p r o j e c t s i t e b a s e d o n n o s u i t ab l e h a b i t a t p r e s e n t a n d / o r f a i l u r e t o d e t e ct t h e s p e c i e s d u r i n g f o c u s e d s u r v e y s . U ( U n e x p e c t e d ) – S p e c i e s i s n o t e x p e c t e d t o o c c u r o n t h e p r o j e c t s i t e b a s e d o n t h e f a i l u r e t o d e t e c t t h e s p e c i e s d u r i n g f o c u s e d su r v e y s . T h i s o c c u r r e n c e p o t e n t i a l i s s p e c if i c t o p l a n t s p e c i e s t o a c c o u n t f o r t h e fa c t t h a t e v e n m i c r o - c h a n g e s i n s i t e c o n d i t io n s c a n a f f e c t t h e p o t e n t i a l f o r a g i v e n s p ec i e s o f p l a n t t o o c c u r i n a n a r e a w h e r e i t h a s n o t p r e v i o u s l y b e e n d e t e c t e d . L ( L o w P o t e n t i a l f o r O c c u r r e n c e ) – T h e r e a r e no r e c e n t o r h i s t o r i c a l r e c o rd s o f t h e s p e c i e s o c c u r r i n g o n t h e p r o j e c t s i t e o r i t s i m m e d i a t e v i c i n i t y , a n d s u i t a b l e h a b i t a t f o r t h e s p e c i e s d o e s n o t o c c u r o n t h e pr o j e c t s i t e o r i t s i m m e d i a t e v i c i n i t y . M ( M o d e r a t e P o t e n t i a l f o r O c c u r r e n c e ) – T h e r e i s a r e c e n t o r h i s t or i c a l r e c o r d o f t h e s p e c i e s o n th e p r o j e c t s i t e o r i t s i m m e d i a te v i c i n i t y o r t h e p r o j e c t i s w i t h i n t h e sp e c i e s r a n g e a n d c o n t a i n s s u i t a b l e h a b i t a t fo r t h e s p e c i e s . H ( H i g h P o t e n t i a l f o r O c c u r r e n c e ) – T h e r e i s bo t h a r e c e n t o r h i s t o r i c a l r e c o r d o f t h e sp e c i e s i n , o r i n t h e i m m e d i a t e v i c i n i t y of , t h e p r o j e c t s i t e a n d / o r s u i t a b l e h a b i t a t f o r t h e s p e c i e s o c c u r s i n , o r i n t h e i m m e - di a t e v i c i n i t y o f , t h e p r o j e c t s i t e . P ( S p e c i e s P r e s e n t ) – T h e s p e c i e s w a s o b s e r v e d o n t h e p r o j e c t s i t e a t t h e t i m e o f t h e s u r v e y , o r t h e r e a r e n u m e r o u s r e c o r d s o f t he s p e c i e s o n t h e p r o j e c t s i t e o v e r a p e r i o d of t i m e s u f f i c i e n t t o e s t a b l i s h t h a t t h e sp e c i e s i s p r e s e n t . Fe d e r a l FT = T h r e a t e n e d FP E = P r o p o s e d E n d a n g e r e d FP T = P r o p o s e d T h r e a t e n e d FC = C a n d i d a t e FD = D e l i s t e d BC C = U S F W S B i r d o f Co n s e r v a t i o n C o n c e r n St a t e SE = E n d a n g e r e d ST = T h r e a t e n e d SR = R a r e SC = C a n d i d a t e f o r L i s t i n g CS C = S p e c i e s o f C o n c e r n SF P S = S t a t e F u l l y P r o t e c t e d S p e c i e s CN P S CN P S 1 A = P r e s u m e d e x t i n c t i n C a l i f o r n i a CN P S 1 B = R a r e o r E n d a n g e r e d i n C a l i f o r n i a a n d e l s e w h e r e CN P S 2 = R a r e o r E n d a n g e r e d i n C a l i f o r n i a , m o r e c o m m o n e l s e w h e r e CN P S 3 = P l a n t s a b o u t w h i c h w e n e e d m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n ; a r e v i e w l i s t CN P S 4 = P l a n t s o f l i m i t e d d i s t r i b u t i o n ; a w a t c h l i s t TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 4.4-17 ii. Jurisdictional Delineation HEC conducted field investigations for the jurisdictional delineation on August 30, and September 1 and 2, 2010. The jurisdictional delineation was performed in ac- cordance with the 1987 USACE Wetland Delineation Manual5 and the Interim Regional Supplement to the Army Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Man- ual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region (2008)6 and included collection of vegetation, soils, and hydrology data. The delineation effort is summarized in a report, Delineation of Waters of the U.S. Canyon Spring, Town of Truckee, #200300655, dated January 11, 2011 (included in Appendix D of the 2012 Draft EIR. 7 iii. Mule Deer Use and Migration Analysis The April 5, 2011 survey was conducted by Foothill biologist Brian Mayerle and consisted of a general reconnaissance level survey of the project site. Field investi- gations were conducted by RMT and HEC for the use of the project site by the Verdi subunit of the Loyalton-Truckee mule deer herd throughout the fall of 2009 and spring of 2011. The studies involved an extensive field study that utilized cam- era stations to collect detailed data of this deer herd movement on the project site and consultation with staff from CDFW. The 2009 and 2011 mule deer reports prepared by HEC and peer reviewed by Foothill Associates are included in Appen- dix E of the 2012 Draft EIR. EIR biologists from Foothill also provided a third-party review of data on this mule deer herd provided by staff at CDFW and NDOW. As discussed above in Section 1.a. Literature Search, CDFW and NDOW prepared the 1982 Loyalton-Truckee Deer Herd Management Plan and began conducting long-range studies on this mule deer herd in the fall of 2009. While this is an ongoing study, the first set of data was provided to the Town in August 2013. This included a summary of the conclusions of mule deer studies to-date in the Interstate Deer Project, 2010 Loyalton-Truckee Deer 5 Environmental Laboratory, 1987. “ACOE of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual,” Technical Report Y-87-1, U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS. 6 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), 2008. Interim Regional Supplement to the USACE of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region (Version 2.0), ed. J.S. Wakeley, R.W. Lichvar, and C.V. Noble. ERDC/EL TR-10-3. Vicksburg, MS: U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center. 7 These wetland boundaries were verified by the USACE on October 11, 2011. The previous delineation was verified by the USACE on June 7, 2005. The current delineation includes more riverine emergent wetlands and wet meadow than the previous delineation. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 4.4-18 Herd Report and Management Plan Update (Habitat Sections Only), In Partial Fulfillment of PR Grant W-83-R-1 and technical tracking and mapping data sets of the deer that were radio-collared for the study. This report and technical data are provided in Appendix A of this Revised Draft EIR. 2. Setting Based on the findings from Foothill’s April 5, 2011 and LSA’s June 8, 2011 general reconnaissance level survey, it was determined that the site conditions were pre- dominantly unchanged from the conditions reported in previous analysis prepared for the project site. As a result, the following discussion of the existing setting is based largely on the findings from the previous analysis prepared for the project site. The approximately 290-acre project site is predominantly undeveloped forest, scrub, and meadow habitats. A well-developed network of unpaved roads and trails is distributed throughout the site. This network extends into adjacent lands on all sides of the project site. The project site is accessed by surrounding subdivi- sion residents and experiences year-round unregulated and unauthorized use. In the winter, the site is used by cross-country and backcountry skiers, snowshoers, and snowmobile users. In other seasons the project site is used by hikers, dog walkers with unleashed pet dogs,8 mountain bikers, equestrians, and off-road vehi- cle users. The only formal development on the project site is the Liberty Energy – California Pacific Electric Company’s overhead high-power transmission line and associated access road that spans the project site in a southwest-northeast orienta- tion for approximately 2,300 feet. The project site is a forested area with meadows and wetlands that trend north- westerly through the central and southern portions of the site. The site is charac- terized by rolling topography that generally slopes gently downward to the north- west along two ridges. Slopes are generally 1 to 10 percent, but with some isolated areas exceeding 30 percent. Elevations on the site range from approximately 5,920 8 According to Municipal Code, Title 8, Animal Control, Chapter 8.01, Humane Animal Control, Section, 8.01.420, Animals Running At Large, it is unlawful for any person owning or having possession, charge, custody, or control of any animal to cause, permit or allow the animal to stray, run or in any other manner to be at large in or upon any public street, sidewalk, park, school ground, or other public place, or upon any private place or property without consent of the owner or person in control of such private place or proper- ty. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 4.4-19 feet above mean sea level (MSL) in the northwest to 6,120 feet above MSL in the southeast. a. Plant Communities Nomenclature for plant communities was based on A Guide to Wildlife Habitats of California9 with additional information provided by A Manual of California Vegeta- tion,10 Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California,11 and Terrestrial Vegetation of California.12 The previous analysis prepared for the project site was also referenced to describe pebble meadows. Plant communities occurring on the project site are described below, and include Jeffery pine, sagebrush, wet meadow, and pebble meadow. Common plant and wildlife species observed, or expected to occur, in these communities are also not- ed. Figure 4.4-1 illustrates the plant communities on the project site. i. Jeffrey Pine Jeffrey pine communities are distributed through the Klamath Mountains into southwestern Oregon, across the Sierra Nevada into western Nevada, and south- ward into the Transverse and Peninsular Ranges into northern Baja California. Jeffery pine vegetation communities range in elevation from approximately 200 to 9,500 feet. The assemblage of this vegetation community type is dependent on several site specific factors including but not limited to climate, topography, and soil composition. Jeffrey pine (Pinus jeffreyi) is the dominant species found in the upper canopy. Other tree species commonly associated with Jeffrey pine commu- nities include Ponderosa pine (P. ponderosa), sugar pine (P. lambertiana), white-fir (Abies concolor), Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var.menziesii), lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta murrayana), incense cedar (Calocedrus decurrens), canyon live oak (Quercus chrysolepis), California black oak (Q. kelloggii), and quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides). 9 Mayer, K.E. and W.F. Laudenslayer, Jr., eds., 1988. A Guide to Wildlife Habitats of California. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Sacramento, CA. 10 Sawyer, John O. and Todd Keeler-Wolf, 1995. A Manual of California Vegetation. California Native Plant Society. Sacramento, CA. 11 Holland, R., 1986. Preliminary Descriptions of Terrestrial Natural Communities of California. State of California. California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Rancho Cordova, CA. 12 California Native Plant Society (CNPS), 1988. Terrestrial Vegetation of California. Michael G. Barbour and Jack Major, eds., University of California, Davis. California Native Plant Society. Sacramento, CA. v + 1020 pp. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 4.4-20 Jeffrey pine is the most common plant community on the project site, totaling ap- proximately 225.65 acres. Within the Jeffery pine community, an under story com- ponent is present and consists of woody shrub species, notably bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata), mountain sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata vaseyana) and rabbitbrush (Eri- cameria nauseosus). An herbaceous ground layer is present and consists of mules ears (Wyethia mollis), mountain violet (Viola purpurea purpurea), needle grass (Achnatherum sp.), and squirrel tail grass (Elymus elymoides). Because of the food value of the Jef- frey pine seeds, bark, and foliage, Jeffrey pine communities typically provide sub- stantial foraging habitat for wildlife.13 Species expected to use these food sources include mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), squirrels (Sciurus sp.), chipmunks (Tamias sp.), and other mammal species. In addition, this community provides the neces- sary nesting cover for several bird species such as brown creeper (Certhia americana), hairy woodpecker (Picoides villosus), northern flicker (Colaptes auratus), white-breasted nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis); and Steller’s jay (Cyanocitta stelleri), great horned owl (Bubo virginianus), and northern saw-whet owl (Aegolius acadicus). ii. Sagebrush Sagebrush communities form a discontinuous strip along the eastern and north- eastern borders of California, occupying dry slopes and flats in elevations ranging from approximately 1,600 to 10,500 feet. Generally, a species of sagebrush (Artemi- sia sp.), defines this under story layer, but often bitterbrush, rabbitbrush, or another species of sagebrush which typically constitutes an associate component, will dom- inate this vegetation community type. However, bitterbrush is not the dominate species throughout the entire community on the project site. Tree species may occur in low densities within this vegetation community. As with Jeffrey pine vege- tation community types, the assemblage of this vegetation community type is de- pendent on several site-specific factors, including but not limited to climate, topog- raphy, and soil composition. The sagebrush community on the project site comprises approximately 59.71 acres and is dominated by mountain sagebrush; associate shrubs include bitterbrush, low sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula), and rabbitbrush. In addition, a variety of grasses and herbaceous plant species were observed within this community including mountain dandelion (Agoseris sp.), mules ears, mountain larkspur (Delphinium depauperatum), lotus (Acmispon americanus var. apericanus), common yarrow (Achillea millefolium), and needle grass. 13 Mayer, K.E. and W.F. Laudenslayer, Jr., eds., 1988. A Guide to Wildlife Habitats of California. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Sacramento, CA. Match Line M a r t i s P e a k R o a d LEGEND Biological Study Area Snags Plant Communities (290.73 ac) Sagebrush Series (59.71 ac) Jeffery Pine Series (225.65 ac) Pebble Meadow (0.70 ac) Wet Meadow (4.67 ac) SOURCE: Basemap - ESRI Imagery (2010); Mapping - Foothill Associates (2004); Heal Environmental Consulting (2011) FIGURE 4.4-1 Canyon Springs Subdivision Plant Communities Match Line Gle n s h i r e D r i v e M a r t i s P e a k R o a d 0 200 400 FEET I:\DCV1101\GIS\plant_comm.mxd (8/19/11) Match Line Martis Peak Road LEGEND Biological Study Area Snags Plant Communities (290.73 ac) Sagebrush Series (59.71 ac) Jeffery Pine Series (225.65 ac) Pebble Meadow (0.70 ac) Wet Meadow (4.67 ac) SOURCE: Basemap - ESRI Imagery (2010); Mapping - Foothill Associates (2004); Heal Environmental Consulting (2011) FIGURE 4.4-1 Canyon Springs Subdivision Plant Communities Match Line Glenshire Drive M a r t i s P e a k R o a d 0200 400 FEET I:\DCV1101\GIS\plant_comm.mxd (8/19/11) Source: LSA. Basemap - ESRI Imagery (2010); Mapping - Foothill Associates (2004); Heal Environmental Consulting (2011) TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES PLANT COMMUNITIES FIGURE 4.4-1 2000 400 FeetNORTH TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 4.4-23 This community provides habitat for several game species such as pronghorn (An- tilocapra americana), sage grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), and migratory deer herds. In addition, sagebrush communities are occupied by birds such as gray flycatcher (Empidonax wrightii), magpie (Pica sp.), sage thrasher (Orescoptes montanus), and vari- ous other songbirds and hawks; and mammals such as ground squirrel (Spermophilus sp.), jackrabbit (Lepus sp.), kangaroo rat (Dipodomys sp.), and sagebrush vole (Lagurus curtatus). Wildlife observed within this community on the site includes dove (Zenai- da sp.) and chipmunk. In addition, evidence (scat and tracks) of mule deer were observed during the field surveys. iii. Wet Meadow Wet meadows are distributed throughout the mountains of the Sierra Nevada and occur within almost every forest type, including Jeffrey pine. Meadows are areas typically dominated by herbaceous plant species such as grasses and sedges (Carex spp.); occasionally, when water persists, willows (Salix spp.) and/or other woody shrub species may occur. Tree species are typically low in cover, or absent alto- gether. Meadows are often, but not always, jurisdictional wetlands. Wet meadow habitat on the project site comprise 5.29 acres and consists of two main systems: one in the southwestern portion of the site, and the other in the cen- tral portion of the site. Both meadow systems are fed by off-site perennial springs; Buck Springs recharges the meadow system in the southwestern portion of the site and an unnamed spring east of the site recharges the meadow system in the central portion of the site. These systems have a gentle gradient and are generally dry by mid-summer except in the upstream areas directly influenced by the springs. This community is within the area designated as open space. Vegetation communities within the meadow systems on the site are dependent upon prolonged saturated soil conditions. As such, the vegetation communities occurring within the meadow systems on the site are composed of those plant spe- cies which can tolerate prolonged saturated soil conditions such as sedges, rushes (Juncus spp.), tufted hairgrass (Deschampsia cespitosa), meadow barley (Hordeum brachyantherum), Richardson’s muhly (Muhlenbergia richardsonis), Kentucky blue grass (Poa pratensis pratensis), Parish’s yampah (Perideridia parishii), toad-lily (Montia cham- issoi), primrose monkey flower (Mimulus primuloides), clover (Trifolium spp.), camas (Camassia quamash), and Oregon checkerbloom (Sidalcea oregana). Seasonal wetland communities provide foraging habitat and a temporary water source for a wide variety of wildlife. Wildlife typically occurring in this community TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 4.4-24 includes invertebrates, amphibians, birds, and mammals. Fauna similar to those observed, or expected to occur, in the surrounding communities on the site are expected to occur in the seasonal wetland communities. iv. Pebble Meadow Pebble meadows are a habitat type that occurs on and in the vicinity of the project site and appears to be uncommon. This community is not formally defined but was described in the previous analysis done for the project site and is recognized by the local professional community. Precise assessments of the plant community composition and the relative rarity of this habitat type have not been conducted, but it is possible that this community would meet the criteria of a sensitive habitat. Plants observed in the pebble meadows on the project site include wooly balsam- root (Balsamhoriza lanata), Parish’s yampah, knotweed (Polygonum californicum), a small rayless daisy (Erigeron sp.), Sierra onion (Allium campanulatum), one sided bluegrass (Poa secunda var. secunda), Bridge’s gilia (Gilia leptalea), mountain violet (Viola purpurea) one spike oat grass (Danthonia unispicata), and Meadow death camas (Toxicoscordion venenosus var. venenosus). This habitat may also support a locally rare plant species, wild buckwheat (Eriogonum ovalifolium).14 This community is within the area desig- nated as open space. b. Snags Snags are standing dead trees that provide important habitat features for many spe- cies, especially birds. These microhabitats provide feeding habitat for woodpeckers and nesting and roosting habitat for cavity nesters, including owls, woodpeckers, and bats. Approximately 72 snags occur on the project site. There are also a few large, overly mature trees in the area that could eventually die and become snags. The locations of snags were observed on the site and are shown in Figure 4.4-1. c. Aquatic Resources Aquatic resources on the project include the wet meadow community described above and several ephemeral and intermittent drainages. The hydrology of ephem- eral drainages is typically driven by surface water (i.e. runoff), while intermittent drainages also include some component of subsurface discharge. In the Sierra Ne- vada, peak flows coincide with snowmelt and rainstorm events. Vegetation occur- ring in these seasonal creeks is typically limited. However, emergent and riparian vegetation may occur along the shoreline of and adjacent to these communities, 14 Adrian Juncosa, PhD. Botany, President EcoSynthesis Scientific & Regulatory Ser- vices, personal communication with LSA staff, June 21, 2011. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 4.4-25 respectively. On the project site, ephemeral and intermittent drainage comprise 1.84 acres, of which, 0.65-acre supports wetlands. The aquatic resources on site are within the area designated as open space. d. Wildlife Corridors Wildlife corridors are used for both movement and migration purposes. Move- ment corridors are traditional routes used by wildlife to travel within their home range, and allow them to access food, cover, and water on a daily and seasonal ba- sis. Movement corridors typically provide wildlife with undisturbed cover and for- aging habitat and are generally composed of several trails following topographic features such as drainages, ridgelines, and the bases of major topographic slopes or prominent hills in contiguous spans of forested, riparian, riverine, and woodland communities. The width of movement corridors varies depending on the topogra- phy. Migration corridors apply to wildlife that travel annually between ranges in the summer and winter. Movement and migration corridors are an essential ele- ment of home ranges of a variety of wildlife, including the Verdi subunit of the Loyalton-Truckee mule deer herd. This subunit is known to utilize the project site and surrounding area for foraging, movement and migration. The project site and surrounding area includes open space habitat to accommodate wildlife movement. e. Special-Status Species and Sensitive Habitats LSA reviewed the specific habitats required by each species listed in Table 4.4-1, and the specific habitats and habitat conditions present on the project site. Based on this evaluation, LSA determined the likelihood of each species listed in Table 4.4-2 to occur on the project site. Special status species that were observed on the project site, or determined to potentially occur on the site based on availability of suitable habitat or other factors such as nearby occurrences (i.e. at least a “Low” potential for occurrence in Table 4.4-2), are discussed more fully below. Species determined unlikely to occur on the project site (based on these same factors, or negative survey result), are also documented in Table 4.4-2, and are not discussed further in this report. i. Special-Status Wildlife The following special-status wildlife species listed in Table 4.4-2 were determined to have the potential to occur on the project site. a) Sierra Nevada Red Fox The Sierra Nevada red fox (Vulpes vulpes necator) is a State threatened species; it has no federal status. This species ranges from the Cascades down to the Sierra Neva- das and utilizes a variety of forested habitats in the subalpine and alpine regions TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 4.4-26 usually interspersed with meadows, barren rocky areas, or alpine fell fields.15 This species uses dense vegetation and rocky areas for cover and den sites. The project site does not contain densely vegetated or rocky areas that Sierra Ne- vada red fox typically utilize for cover and denning, but the forested habitats on the project could potentially provide foraging habitat for this species. However, the relatively high level of current human disturbance would likely discourage this spe- cies from using the project site. In addition, while there are CNDDB records for this species in the vicinity of the project site, the majority of the records for this species in the central part of the state are located much further to the west. Con- sidering these factors, there is low potential for Sierra Nevada red fox to occur on the project site. b) Bats (including Silver-haired Bat) Several bat species (e.g. Myotis sp.), including the silver-haired bat (Lasionycteris noc- tivagans), could potentially occur on the project site. Bat habitat consists of foraging habitat and both day and night roosts; certain day roosts are also used as maternity and winter roosts. Bats are nocturnal mammals, leaving day roosts around dusk to forage. Day roosts are typically in enclosed areas that provide thermal protection for bats, such as caves, buildings, crevices or openings in bridges, tree cavities, and sloughing bark. Night roosts may be located in more open areas (e.g. the underside of a bridge deck) where bats can rest while digesting their food. The majority of North American bats feed on insects, which are captured on the wing using echo- location. The Jeffrey pine community and snags on the project site provide potential habitat for tree-roosting bats, and bats could forage over the wet meadow and sagebrush habitats. During the winter, bats in North America that roost in trees year round generally occur in coastal regions or where freezing temperatures (i.e., 32 degrees) are infrequent.16 In Truckee, the average temperature November through February 15 Zeiner D.C., W.F. Loudenslayer Jr., K.E., Mayer, and M.White, eds. 1988. Cali- fornia’s Wildlife Vol. III: Mammals. State of California: The Resource Agency. Depart- ment of Fish and Wildlife. Sacramento, CA. 16 Cryan, P.M., and J.P. Veilleux. 2007. Migration and the use of Autumn, Winter, and Spring roosts by tree bats. In: M.J. Lacki, J.P. Hayes, and A. Kurta (eds.). Bats in forests: Conservation and management. Baltimore, MD: The Johns Hopkins University Press. p. 153-175. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 4.4-27 is 31 degrees and the average low temperature during this period is 18 degrees17. Considering the low winter temperatures at the project site, it is unlikely that bats use trees or snags on the site as winter roosts. Bats are most susceptible to disturbance at roost sites during the breeding season, due to presence of pregnant females and non-volant pups, and during the winter when many bats enter torpor. During the rest of the year, many bat species are migrating or otherwise less likely to be strongly tied to roost sites and, therefore, less susceptible to disturbance. The nearest CNDDB record for bats is for the silver-haired bat, approximately nine miles northwest of the project site, but the lack of records is likely due to a lack of survey effort rather than an indication of the distribution of bats. No bats or sign of bats (e.g. urine staining, guano) were observed during site surveys, but due to the presence of suitable breeding season roost habitat and suitable foraging habitat, there is a moderate potential for bats to occur on the project site. c) Bald Eagle The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is a State endangered species. This species was previously federally threatened, but has been delisted. Bald eagles forage in large bodies of water including oceans, lakes, and rivers. This species feeds pri- marily on fish but will also eat small mammals, waterfowl, seabirds, and carrion. Bald eagles build large stick nests in tall trees or on cliffs, usually within one mile of water. No suitable nesting or wintering habitat is present on the project site, but the po- tential exists for bald eagles to forage on the project site. The CNDDB includes one record for bald eagles in the vicinity of the project site, approximately four miles to the north near the north shore of Boca Reservoir. No bald eagles were observed on or near the project site during previous surveys, but since marginal foraging habitat is present, there is a low potential for bald eagle to occur on the project site. d) Lewis’s Woodpecker The Lewis’s woodpecker (Melanerpes lewis) is a USFWS Bird of Conservation Con- cern; it has no State status. This species nests in snags within open forests and woodlands with a brushy understory. It forages by gleaning insects from surfaces or hunts insects in the air. 17 http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/USCA1163 TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 4.4-28 The Jeffrey pine community on the project site provides suitable foraging and nest- ing habitat for this species. There are no CNDDB records for Lewis’s woodpecker but this species is known from the Old Greenwood project site located approxi- mately 3 miles to the west. No Lewis’s woodpeckers were observed on the project site during any of the surveys. Since this species is known from the local vicinity and the project site supports suitable habitat, including numerous snags, there is a moderate potential this species could occur on the project site. e) Northern Goshawk The northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) is a State species of special concern; it has no federal status. This species nests in many of the mountain ranges in California including the North Coast Ranges, the Sierra Nevada, Klamath, Cascade, and Warner Mountains, and prefers middle and higher elevations. The northern gos- hawk nests in coniferous forest, usually on north-facing slopes near water, and is extremely defensive of nesting territory. The lack of north-facing slopes and permanent water precludes goshawks from nesting on the project site, but the Jeffrey pine community provides potential for- aging habitat for this species. There are several CNDDB records for goshawk in the vicinity of the project site; the two nearest records are within five miles to the south near Martis Peak. Due to the lack of suitable nesting habitat, there is low potential for goshawk to occur on the project site. f) Willow Flycatcher The willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii) is a State endangered species; it has no federal status. Willow flycatchers inhabit low, dense thickets of willows along the edges of wet meadows, ponds, or other slow moving or still water sources above 2,000-foot elevation. Willow flycatchers require the dense thickets for foraging and nesting. The plant communities on the project site do not provide suitable nesting habitat for willow flycatcher. However, suitable nesting habitat is located south of the project site at Buck Springs and to the west near Glenshire Lake, and this species could potentially occur on the project site. The nearest CNDDB record for willow flycatcher is approximately one mile northeast of the project on a densely wooded island in the Truckee River; two more CNDDB records are located approximately four miles southwest of the project site near the Martis Creek National Recreation Area. No willow flycatchers were observed on the project site during any of the surveys. Since potential nesting habitat is present in the vicinity of the project site TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 4.4-29 and this species is known from the local vicinity, there is a moderate potential for willow flycatcher to occur on the project site. g) Yellow Warbler The yellow warbler (Dendroica petechia brewsteri) is a State species of special concern; it has no federal status. Yellow warblers typically nest in riparian habitats and pre- fer willows, cottonwoods, aspens, sycamores, and alders for both nesting and for- aging, but will also nest in montane shrubbery. The project site provides marginal nesting habitat for yellow warbler and more suitable nesting habitat occurs south of the project site at Buck Springs and to the west near Glenshire Lake. The closest CNDDB record for yellow warbler is ap- proximately eight miles to the west near Donner Lake. This species was not ob- served on the project site during any of the surveys. Since potential nesting habitat is present on the site and in the vicinity, and this species is known from the local vicinity, there is a moderate potential for yellow warbler to occur on the project site. h) Nesting Birds In addition to the Lewis’s woodpecker and yellow warbler, discussed above, many bird species could potentially nest on the project site. Although many of these bird species do not have any special status designation, nesting birds, the nests, and eggs are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the State Fish and Game Code, as described above in Section A.1, Regulatory Framework, Special-Status Species. Suitable nesting habitat occurs in both the Jeffrey pine and sagebrush communities on the project site; snags also provide potential habitat for cavity-nesting birds. As a result, there is a high potential for birds to nest on the project site. ii. Other Wildlife of Concern Mule deer are a common wildlife species in the vicinity of the project site and are widely distributed throughout the Sierra Nevada range. The mule deer does not have a special status designation; however, as noted in their May 23, 2011 and March 1, 2013 correspondence with the Town (included in Appendix B of the Draft EIR and Appendix A of this Revised Draft EIR, respectively), the CDFW is particularly concerned about the impacts to habitat (movement) and migration cor- ridors of the Verdi subunit of the Loyalton-Truckee mule deer herd as a result of TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 4.4-30 residential development and recreational use in the project area18 and increased edge effects.19 As noted in “Section B.2 Setting, Wildlife Corridors,” this mule deer herd is known to utilize the project site and surrounding area for foraging, movement and migra- tion. In general, mule deer tend to confine their daily movements to discrete home rang- es, using the same winter and summer home ranges in consecutive years. Mule deer disperse by moving beyond the home range to distances of up to five miles. This movement results in the establishment of a new home range. Seasonal migra- tions from higher elevations (summer ranges) to lower winter ranges are associated, in part, with decreasing temperatures, severe snowstorms, and snow depths that reduce mobility and food supply. Deep snows ultimately limit useable range to a fraction of the total range. The Verdi subunit of the Loyalton-Truckee mule deer herd migrates annually from Nevada along the Truckee River and disperses into the Martis Valley, located southeast of the Town, in the spring season. Critical fawning habitat for this deer herd occurs near Dry Lake, located approximately 1.5 miles south of the project site, and near Lookout Mountain, located approximately seven miles southwest of the project site. After fawning, this deer herd leaves the fawning habitat and dis- perses into the Martis Valley to forage prior to migrating back into Nevada. Por- tions of the deer herd must cross the Truckee River and Interstate 80 in order to disperse into the Martis Valley in the spring season and migrate back to Nevada in the autumn. In recent years, the deer population declines in the Northern/Central Sierra have been substantial.20 Deer populations may be at the lowest levels in the last 50 years and perhaps no one knows which factors are most important.21 The various causes for the reduction in deer populations are likely from habitat loss, fires, develop- 18 Jeff Drongesen, Environmental Program Manager, CDFW. Written correspond- ence to Denyelle Nishimori, Senior Associate, Town of Truckee, May 23, 2011. 19 Tina Bartlett, Regional Manager, CDFW. Written correspondence to Denyelle Nishimori, Senior Associate, Town of Truckee, March 1, 2013. 20 CDFW, 1998. Report to the Fish and Game Commission: An Assessment of Mule and Black-tailed Deer Habitats and Populations in California 21 Personal communication between Jeff Finn, California Department of Fish and Wildlife Biologist and staff at Foothill Associates, July 12, 2004. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 4.4-31 ment, dams, vehicle collisions, and both grazing and overgrazing by introduced livestock. Suspension of Mountain Lion hunting in 1990 may also play a role in reduced mule deer populations. Winter range and key winter range have been nega- tively impacted by the Martis Creek fire, development, and livestock grazing. His- toric overgrazing has led to the replacement of native grasses by sagebrush.22 Bit- terbrush, found on the project site, is the most important browse (graze) species, and fawn survival is closely correlated to browse production. Bitterbrush leader growth is correlated with annual precipitation.23 Periods of dry weather can lead to both decreased browse production and more frequent fires, both of which are un- predictable and negatively impact the deer populations. The protection and enhancement of key mule deer winter, foraging, migratory, and fawning habitat are vital to their long-term survival. As illustrated in the 2009 and 2011 mule deer reports prepared by RMT and HEC and reviewed by Foothill, as well as the 2010 report and tracking data provided by CDFW and NDOW, there is a high potential for this mule deer herd to utilize the project site and surrounding area for foraging, movement and migration. However, there is no data showing the project site to be a major or important migratory corridor for mule deer. Recent data suggests that only a few individual mule deer use the site as a migration corri- dor or for forage at any given time.24 For example, some of the recent CDFW and NDOW data sets of radio-collared deer in the project vicinity, in particular, data sets for two tracked animals, revealed a pattern of occurrences southeast of the project site. The first mule deer (#93171) had nine data points recorded within the southeastern corner of the project site. This represents less than one-quarter of a percent (i.e. 0.21 percent) of the approximately 4,300 data points recorded by CDFW and NDOW from 2010 to 2013. A second mule deer (radio collar #93172) was not recorded within the project boundary in approximately 5,449 data points recorded from 2010 to 2013. The critical fawning habitat for this deer herd occurs in two distinct locations ap- proximately 1.5 miles south and approximately 7 miles southwest of the project 22 U.S. Department of Agriculture, Tahoe National Forest, 1968. Habitat Manage- ment Plan: Loyalton-Truckee Deer Herd Unit. 23 U.S. Department of Agriculture, Tahoe National Forest, 1968. Habitat Manage- ment Plan: Loyalton-Truckee Deer Herd Unit. 24 Data sets of radio-collared deer in the project vicinity provided by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, 2013 and 2014. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 4.4-32 site; therefore, there is a low potential for fawning habitat for this mule deer herd on the project site. iii. Special-Status Plants Of the special status plants in Table 4.4-1, 13 plants were determined to have the potential to occur on the project site based on the presence of suitable habitat. As described above in Section B.1, Methods, Field Surveys, LSA conducted focused survey for these special-status plants in June and July 2011, which is during the normal blooming period for these species when plants are most easily identifiable. In addition, for Plumas ivesia, since there are several records for this species near the project site, LSA monitored a nearby population of Plumas ivesia to determine when this species was blooming, and then scheduled the focused survey on the project site during the known 2011 blooming period for this species. Since the 2011 focused plant surveys on the project site were appropriately timed and resulted in negative findings, and considering that none of the special-status plants were observed during previous focused surveys of the project site in 2004 by Foothill Associates, Inc. and in 1990 by Eco-Analysts, these plant species are not expected to occur on the project site. a) Mosses Three mosses could potentially occur on the project site: Bolander’s bruchia (Bru- chia bolanderi) – CNPS List 2, Broad-nerved hump moss (Meesia uliginosa) – CNPS List 2, and three-ranked hump moss (Meesia triquetra) – CNPS List 4. Bolander’s bruchia occurs in meadows and seeps; the broad-nerved and three-ranked hump moss occur in bogs and fens. The wet meadow and other wetlands areas on the project site, being seasonal, are only marginally suitable for these mosses, especially the broad-nerved and three- ranked hump moss which, as stated previously, occur in bogs and fens. Mosses were not included in the focused plant surveys conducted in June and July, 2011. Since only marginal habitat is present on the project site, there is a low potential for these three mosses to occur. iv. Sensitive Habitats Sensitive habitats that occur on the project site include wet meadows, pebble meadows, and migration corridors. Wet meadows and pebble meadows are de- scribed above in Section B.2, Setting, Plant Communities. While a wildlife move- ment and migration corridor is not any one particular habitat such as a wet meadow or a pebble meadow, the Town recognizes wildlife movement and migration corri- TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 4.4-33 dors as sensitive resources as identified in the Town of Truckee 2025 General Plan Conservation and Open Space Element Goal COS-4, Policies P4.1 and P4.2 de- scribed above in Section A.3, Regulatory Framework, Town of Truckee 2025 General Plan. As described above in Section B.2, Setting, Wildlife Corridors, the Verdi sub- unit of the Loyalton-Truckee mule deer herd is known to utilize the project site and surrounding area for foraging, movement and migration. These habitats are within the area designated as open space. f. Jurisdictional Waters Jurisdictional waters, as referenced in this document (and as discussed above in Section A.2, Regulatory Framework, Jurisdictional Waters), include wetlands and non-wetland waters potentially subject to regulation by the USACE as waters of the U.S. pursuant to Section 404 of the CWA and/or the RWQCB as waters of the State pursuant to Section 401 of the CWA or the PCWQCA. These areas, as well as any associated riparian vegetation, may also be subject to regulation by CDFW pursuant to Sections 1600-1616 of the CCR. Unless otherwise noted, waters of the State are identical to waters of the U.S. A total of 7.78 acres of jurisdictional waters occur on the project site, as described below and shown in Figure 4.4-2.25 These waters are within the area designated as open space. 25 These wetland boundaries were verified by the USACE on October 11, 2011. The previous delineation was verified by the USACE on June 7, 2005. The current delineation includes more riverine emergent wetlands and wet meadow than the previous delineation. Match Line M a r t i s P e a k R o a d LEGEND Biological Study Area Jurisdictional Waters Drainages (1.84 ac) Riverine Wetlands (0.065 ac) Wet Meadow (5.29 ac) SOURCE: Basemap - ESRI Imagery (2010); Mapping - Heal Environmental Consulting (2011) FIGURE 4.4-2 Canyon Springs Subdivision Jurisdictional Waters Match Line M a r t i s P e a k R o a d Glen s h i r e D r i v e 0 200 400 FEET I:\DCV1101\GIS\juris_wats.mxd (8/22/11) Match Line Martis Peak Road LEGEND Biological Study Area Jurisdictional Waters Drainages (1.84 ac) Riverine Wetlands (0.065 ac) Wet Meadow (5.29 ac) SOURCE: Basemap - ESRI Imagery (2010); Mapping - Heal Environmental Consulting (2011) FIGURE 4.4-2 Canyon Springs Subdivision Jurisdictional Waters Match Line Martis Peak RoadGlenshire Drive 0 200 400 FEET I:\DCV1101\GIS\juris_wats.mxd (8/22/11) Source: LSA. Basemap - ESRI Imagery (2010); Mapping - Heal Environmental Consulting (2011) TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES FIGURE 4.4-2 JURISDICTIONAL WATERS 3000 600 FeetNORTH TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 4.4-35 i. Wetlands HEC determined that 5.94 acres of wetlands are present on the project, consisting of 5.29 acres of wet meadow and 0.65-acre of riverine emergent wetlands. These wetlands areas are primarily associated with the wet meadow habitat in the south- west and central portions of the project site; the riverine emergent wetlands occur in three small areas along the primary (intermittent) drainage in the central portion of the project site. ii. Non-wetland Waters HEC determined that 1.84-acre of non-wetland waters (“other waters”) are present on the project site. Non-wetland waters are associated with the numerous ephem- eral and intermittent drainages on the project site. These drainages convey mostly surface runoff and snow melt, but also include some groundwater recharge. Based on the findings from the HEC delineation, included as Appendix D of the 2012 Draft EIR, the wetlands and non-wetland waters on the project site total 7.78 acres. These waters are tributary to the Truckee River and subject to regulation by the USACE as waters of the U.S. These areas would also likely be subject to regu- lation by the RWQCB and CDFW. C. Standards of Significance The proposed project would have a significant impact with regard to biological resources if it would:  Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifica- tions, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status spe- cies in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California De- partment of Fish and Wildlife or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive nat- ural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, and regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  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, ver- nal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 4.4-36  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.  Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance.  Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state hab- itat conservation plan. D. Impact Discussion This section provides a discussion of the project impacts to biological resources that may occur with implementation of the proposed project. The determination of impacts is based on the biological resources present, or reasonably likely to be present, on the project site as described herein. Features of the proposed project that could impact biological resources include the proposed construction of 185 residential homes, a recreational use area, associated roadways (including four drainage crossings), the 4.5-mile publically accessible trail system comprised of 2-foot-wide soft surface trails, and 12-foot-wide gravel trails, which would also provide utility access, and water quality retention ponds. In addi- tion, the project would also include the installation of approximately 2,600 linear feet of new off-site water mains adjacent to existing roadways in the Glenshire res- idential area located to the west of the project site. For purposes of the impacts discussion, an average building footprint of 2,500 square feet per residential lot was used. After including the impact footprints from the internal roadways, publically accessible trail system, and retention basins, the project would result in the removal of approximately 27.92 acres of Jeffrey pine community, removal of approximately 7.25 acres of sagebrush community, and removal of approximately 26 snags. The 2-foot-wide soft-surface trails would be located primarily on existing trails or roads, and would not be improved where the alignment crosses the wet meadow or drainages; however, as shown on Figure 4.13-1 in Section 4.13, Public Services and Recreation, of the 2012 Draft EIR, footbridges would be placed at these crossings. The footbridges would be treated wood style bridges with single wood piles spaced about every 8 feet, and would be 4 to 5 feet wide with a low wood curb. The po- TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 4.4-37 tential impacts to upland vegetation from this soft-surface trail feature are deter- mined to be negligible. However, the installation of the wood piles would impact approximately 78 square feet of wetlands and non-wetland waters. An additional approximately 76.68 acres of Jeffrey pine and sagebrush communities are within the proposed residential and recreation area (in addition to the estimated 2,500-square-foot building envelopes), and would be subject to indirect impacts due to the increased human presence. On individual housing lots, the introduction of pets, alteration of native vegetation, etc., would decrease the overall value of these habitats and could discourage wildlife from using these areas. Figures 4.4-3 and 4.4-4 show the proposed project overlaid on the plant communi- ties mapping and jurisdictional waters, respectively. 1. Project Impacts The following section evaluates the project impacts by comparing the standards of significance thresholds to the various project features. a. Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifica- tions, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status spe- cies in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California De- partment of Fish and Wildlife or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Implementation of the project would result in removal of approximately 27.92 acres of Jeffrey pine community, approximately 7.25 acres of sagebrush communi- ty, and removal of approximately 26 snags. These communities provide potential habitat for Sierra Nevada red fox, Lewis’s woodpecker, goshawk, willow flycatcher, and yellow warbler, and removal of this habitat could impact these species if they are present on the project site during construction. An additional approximately 76.68 acres of these combined communities would occur within the residential and recreation lots, subject to increased human presence, and could result in this habitat becoming less suitable for these species. Implementation of the proposed project would not directly impact the wet mead- ow community or the riverine emergent wetlands on the project site, which could potentially support Bolander’s bruchia, broad-nerved hump moss, and three-ranked hump moss. Therefore, impacts to these species would be less than significant. Impacts to Sierra Nevada red fox could include loss of potential foraging habitat and potentially direct impacts to individuals. Due to the vast amount of Jeffrey pine and sagebrush communities present in the region compared to the amount of TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 4.4-38 these communities that would be removed or degraded on the project site, the loss of potential foraging habitat for Sierra Nevada red fox would be less than significant. There is also a very low potential for the project to impact denning habitat for Sier- ra Nevada red fox. The potential impacts to individuals or denning habitat would be significant. Impacts to northern goshawk and willow flycatcher could include loss of foraging or migration habitat. Due to the vast areas of Jeffrey pine and sagebrush commu- nities present in the region compared to the amount of these communities that would be removed or degraded on the project site, the loss of habitat for these species would be less than significant. Impacts to Lewis’s woodpecker, and yellow warbler could include loss of foraging habitat, and potentially disturbance of active nests. Due to the vast areas of Jeffrey pine and sagebrush communities present in the region compared to the amount of these communities that would be removed or degraded on the project site, the loss of habitat for this species would be less than significant. However, the potential dis- turbance of active nests would be significant. b. Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive nat- ural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Ser- vice. Sensitive plant communities on the project site include the wet meadow and pebble meadow. As previously discussed the Town recognizes wildlife movement and migration corridors as sensitive resources. Impacts to wildlife movement and mi- gration corridors are discussed below under Threshold (d) below. Implementation of the proposed project would not result in removal of, or land development on the sensitive plant communities on the project site. The project could indirectly impact these communities through modification of the hydrology that supports these areas. Consistent with Town Development Code Section 18.38.040.A.2.a, all proposed building envelopes would be outside of the Town- required 50-foot setback from designated 100-year floodplains for the two blue line waterways.26 26 Town of Truckee Municipal Code, Title 18, Development Code, Chapter 18.38, Lake and River/Stream Corridor Development, Section 18.38.040.A.2.a – River and Stream Development Standards. Match Line M a r t i s P e a k R o a d LEGEND Biological Study Area Snags Lot Lines Building Envelopes Retention Basin Pedestrian Trail Plant Communities (290.73 ac) Sagebrush Series (59.71 ac) Jeffery Pine Series (225.65 ac) Pebble Meadow (0.70 ac) Wet Meadow (4.67 ac)SOURCE: Basemap - ESRI Imagery (2010); Mapping - Foothill Associates (2004); Heal Environmental Consulting (2011) FIGURE 4.4-3 Canyon Springs Subdivision Plant Communities and Pr oposed Project Match Line Gle n s h i r e D r i v e M a r t i s P e a k R o a d 0 200 400 FEET I:\DCV1101\GIS\fig4.4-3_plant_comm_design.mxd (4/26/12) Match Line Martis Peak Road LEGEND Biological Study Area Snags Lot Lines Building Envelopes Retention Basin Pedestrian Trail Plant Communities (290.73 ac) Sagebrush Series (59.71 ac) Jeffery Pine Series (225.65 ac) Pebble Meadow (0.70 ac) Wet Meadow (4.67 ac)SOURCE: Basemap - ESRI Imagery (2010); Mapping - Foothill Associates (2004); Heal Environmental Consulting (2011) FIGURE 4.4-3 Canyon Springs Subdivision Plant Communities and Pr oposed Project Match Line Glenshire Drive Martis Pea k R o a d 0 200 400 FEET I:\DCV1101\GIS\fig4.4-3_plant_comm_design.mxd (4/26/12) Match Line Martis Peak Road LEGEND Biological Study Area Snags Lot Lines Building Envelopes Retention Basin Pedestrian Trail Plant Communities (290.73 ac) Sagebrush Series (59.71 ac) Jeffery Pine Series (225.65 ac) Pebble Meadow (0.70 ac) Wet Meadow (4.67 ac)SOURCE: Basemap - ESRI Imagery (2010); Mapping - Foothill Associates (2004); Heal Environmental Consulting (2011) FIGURE 4.4-3 Canyon Springs Subdivision Plant Communities and Pr oposed Project Match Line Glenshire Drive M a r t i s P e a k R o a d 0 200 400 FEET I:\DCV1101\GIS\fig4.4-3_plant_comm_design.mxd (4/26/12) Match Line Martis Peak Road LEGEND Biological Study Area Snags Lot Lines Building Envelopes Retention Basin Pedestrian Trail Plant Communities (290.73 ac) Sagebrush Series (59.71 ac) Jeffery Pine Series (225.65 ac) Pebble Meadow (0.70 ac) Wet Meadow (4.67 ac)SOURCE: Basemap - ESRI Imagery (2010); Mapping - Foothill Associates (2004); Heal Environmental Consulting (2011) FIGURE 4.4-3 Canyon Springs Subdivision Plant Communities and Pr oposed Project Match Line Glenshire Drive M a r t i s P e a k R o a d 0 200 400 FEET I:\DCV1101\GIS\fig4.4-3_plant_comm_design.mxd (4/26/12) Match Line M a r t i s P e a k R o a d LEGEND Biological Study Area Snags Lot Lines Building Envelopes Retention Basin Pedestrian Trail Plant Communities (290.73 ac) Sagebrush Series (59.71 ac) Jeffery Pine Series (225.65 ac) Pebble Meadow (0.70 ac) Wet Meadow (4.67 ac)SOURCE: Basemap - ESRI Imagery (2010); Mapping - Foothill Associates (2004); Heal Environmental Consulting (2011) FIGURE 4.4-3 Canyon Springs Subdivision Plant Communities and Pr oposed Project Match Line Gle n s h i r e D r i v e M a r t i s P e a k R o a d 0 200 400 FEET I:\DCV1101\GIS\fig4.4-3_plant_comm_design.mxd (4/26/12) TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES FIGURE 4.4-3 PLANT COMMUNITIES AND THE PROPOSED SITE PLAN Source: ESRI Imagery, 2010; Foothill Associates, 2004; Heal Environmental Consulting, 2011; LSA Associates, Inc., 2012. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES FIGURE 4.4-4 JURISDICTIONAL WATERS AND THE PROPOSED SITE PLAN Source: ESRI Imagery, 2010; Heal Environmental Consulting, 2011; LSA Associates, Inc., 2012. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 4.4-41 For the proposed project, private housing lot boundaries are proposed within 50- feet of designated 100-year floodplain, but as recommended by CDFW, a minimum 50-foot setback to building envelopes, which includes secondary units, outbuild- ings, and all other structures, would be maintained along the designated 100-year floodplain and all on-site ephemeral drainages. Furthermore, as recommended by CDFW, the project includes a 100-foot setback from private housing lots to the main drainage and with the exception of ten housing lots (122 to 131), which would have a minimum 50-foot setback from the building envelopes to Buck Spring, the project includes a 100-foot setback from private housing lots to all wet meadows.27 Through implementation of these setbacks, and by preserving 176.17 acres that primarily include the on-site wet meadow and pebble meadow communities within the future Canyon Springs Home Owner’s Association-owned and maintained open space/common area, the project would avoid encroachment into the wet meadows. Accordingly, the project would minimize the effects to upland surface hydrology supporting the wet meadow community by limiting the area of impervi- ous surface and associated runoff which can result in erosion, sedimentation, and increased pollutants. In addition, at the four locations where vehicular roadways would cross drainages, the project’s clear-span bridges would avoid any impacts to the drainages and wet meadows located downstream of the crossings. Therefore, direct effects (i.e. removal) to sensitive plant communities resulting from the pro- posed project would not occur. The proposed project would result in minor indi- rect impacts to wet meadows through modification of surface hydrology that sup- ports these areas due to the introduction of impervious surfaces; however, as a result of the project design features described above, this impact would be less than significant and no mitigation measures are required. c. 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, ver- nal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means. Approximately 5.94 acres of wetlands occur on the project site. Implementation of the project would result in a minimal amount of fill being placed in wetlands on the project site during installation of the wood piles for the pedestrian trail footbridges. Of the nine footbridges shown in Figure 4.13-1 in Section 4.13, Public Services and 27 Jeff Drongesen, Environmental Program Manager, CDFW. Written correspond- ence to Denyelle Nishimori, Associate, Town of Truckee, May 23, 2011. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 4.4-42 Recreation, only three of the bridges would cross at the wet meadows, resulting in approximately 54 square feet of impact to wetlands. An additional five footbridges would cross ephemeral and intermittent drainages, resulting in approximately 24 square feet of impact to non-wetland waters. One of the footbridges, located near the southeast corner of the project, would not cross jurisdictional waters. At the four locations where vehicular roadways would cross drainages, the project’s clear- span bridges would avoid any impacts to the drainages. In addition, as described above, the project includes a 100-foot setback from private housing lots to the main drainage and, with the exception of ten housing lots (122 to 131) which would have a minimum 50-foot setback from the building envelopes to Buck Spring, the project includes a 100-foot setback from private housing lots to all wet meadows. Therefore, direct impacts (e.g. removal) to wetlands from the proposed project would be limited to the piles from the footbridges. The impacts to wet- lands, while minimal, would be significant. The project could indirectly impact these wetlands through modification of the hydrology that supports these areas. As described above, the project includes a 100-foot setback from private housing lots to the main drainage and with the ex- ception of ten housing lots (122 to 131), which would have a minimum 50-foot setback from the building envelopes to Buck Spring; the project includes a 100-foot setback from private housing lots to all wet meadows. Furthermore, the project would preserve within the future Canyon Springs Home Owner’s Association owned and maintained open space/common area, the 176.17 acres that primarily include the on-site wetlands. Therefore, the project would minimize the effects to surface hydrology supporting these areas by limiting the area of impervious surface and associated runoff which can result in erosion, sedimentation, and increased pollutants. Still, the proposed project would result in minor indirect impacts to wetlands through modification of surface hydrology that supports these areas due to the introduction of impervious surfaces; however, as a result of the project de- sign features described above, this impact would be less than significant and no miti- gation measures are required. d. 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. The Jeffrey pine and sagebrush communities, including snags, provide potential nesting habitat for numerous bird species. The removal of approximately 27.92 acres of Jeffrey pine community and approximately 7.25 acres of sagebrush com- munity, including removal of approximately 26 snags, could result in disturbance to active nests. This impact would be significant. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 4.4-43 The snags and mature trees in the Jeffrey pine community on the project site pro- vide potential roost sites for bats. The removal of approximately 26 snags and ap- proximately 27.92 acres of the on-site Jeffrey pine community could result in the loss of bat roosts. In addition, approximately 76.68 acres of these combined com- munities would occur within the proposed residential lots and recreation area sub- ject to increased human presence, and could result in this habitat becoming less suitable for bats. This impact would be significant. Bats could also forage over the wet meadow and sagebrush habitat on the project site. Since the project would not result in the loss of wet meadow habitat and would result in only minimal loss of sagebrush habitat compared the quantity of this habitat present in the region, impacts to foraging habitat for bats would be less than significant. As discussed in the various reports that have been prepared for the project site, it is well documented that the Verdi subunit of the Loyalton-Truckee mule deer herd utilize the project site and surrounding area for foraging movement, migration, and the critical fawning habitat for this deer herd occurs approximately 1.5 miles south and approximately seven miles southwest of the project site. However, there is no direct evidence that deer use the site for critical winter habitat or that known major migratory routes (i.e. migration in substantial numbers) for this mule deer herd or other important migratory animals in the region exist within the project site. As previously discussed, recent data suggests that only a few individual mule deer use the site for movement or forage at any given time.28 The recent CDFW and NDOW data sets of radio-collared deer in the project vicinity show records of mule deer use near the southeastern corner of the project site, the project site and surrounding areas. The distribution of mule deer data points near the southeast corner of the project site suggests that local and on-site topography (a high ridge on the southeast corner of the project site) may cause mule deer to move around the southeastern end of the northwest to southeast ridge on the project site. If this is the case, the two northwest to southeast ridges within the project site may serve to deflect deer movement to the southeast of the project site during migration. 28 Data sets of radio-collared deer in the project vicinity provided by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, 2013 and 2014. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 4.4-44 According to the CDFW, impacts resulting from residential development and rec- reational use are currently the biggest concern for the future of this deer herd.29 Given the project site is currently heavily used for unauthorized and unregulated recreation use including snowmobile users, off-road vehicle users, and dog walkers with unleashed dogs, potential impacts from the proposed project would result from the introduction of permanent residential development. As such, implementa- tion of the proposed project could result in a disturbance to the Verdi subunit of the Loyalton-Truckee mule deer herd. The following disturbances would result in a potentially significant impact:  Temporary disturbances in the form of noise, dust, etc. during project con- struction;  The direct loss of habitat for movement, foraging and migration as it is con- verted to other land uses; and  Long-term disturbances in the form of increased human activity, vehicular and bicycle traffic, equestrian use, and the presence of domestic animals such as pet dogs. i. Temporary Construction Disturbances Land development related construction impacts would be phased and most con- struction phases would last approximately 18 to 24 months, but some may be as long as 24 to 30 months. While some phases may be under construction simulta- neously, the entire project site would not be under construction at the same time. While primarily corridor linear-type improvements, project infrastructure construc- tion, including approximately 15,976 linear feet of roadway, on-site utilities, reten- tion ponds and 2,610 linear feet of off-site utilities installation, would span an eight- year period. In general, all construction staging would occur within the project boundaries with the exception of utilities upgrades per the Truckee-Donner Public Utilities District (water) requirements. Subsequent to site preparation, buildout of the future homes is anticipated to take 20 or more years. There would be adequate undisturbed areas for wildlife throughout the 20-year buildout period for project completion. Additionally, in accordance with Mitigation Measure AIR-2 (see Chap- ter 4.3, Air Quality, Section E), the project applicant shall submit a construction plan and dust control plan for the project. The conditions in these plans will mini- mize impacts to wildlife from dust during construction. Accordingly, the prolonged 29 Jeff Drongesen, Environmental Program Manager, CDFW. Written correspond- ence to Denyelle Nishimori, Senior Associate, Town of Truckee, May 23, 2011. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 4.4-45 construction impacts to wildlife movement and migration would be less than signifi- cant and no mitigation measures are required. ii. Direct Loss of Habitat for Movement, Foraging, and Migration As previously discussed the development of the proposed project on individual housing lots, the introduction of domestic pets such as dogs, and alteration of na- tive vegetation would decrease the overall value of these habitats and could dis- courage wildlife from using these areas. In response to these potential impacts, the proposed project includes design features, which are explained in detail in Chapter 3, Project Description, of the 2012 Draft EIR, which would minimize impacts to the wildlife habitat for movement, foraging and migration, and resident wildlife species. These include the following:  The proposed project would implement Rural Suburban clustered devel- opment consistent with Town of Truckee 2025 General Plan Land Use Policy P7.3 to minimize the loss of natural habitat.  The project includes the preservation of approximately 176 acres of public open space and natural habitat (which equals about 60 percent of the total project site) to protect natural habitat.  The proposed open space would link to open space adjacent to the pro- ject site and would be preserved within the future Canyon Springs Home Owner’s Association-owned and maintained open space/common area, to provide a permanent wildlife corridor free of development. The linked/connected open space would minimize impacts to plant communi- ties and wildlife from fragmentation.  The project includes a 4.5-mile publically accessible trail network in the open space. The network would include 2-foot-wide soft-surface trails that would be located primarily on existing trails or roads. The soft- surface trail design would minimize impacts to plant communities and wa- ter quality.  The project includes the construction of clear-span bridges at the four ve- hicular roadway drainage crossings. Bridges would be built to ensure that the undercrossing is of sufficient height to allow for safe passage of wild- life and minimize impacts to wildlife movement.  The project also includes a 100-foot setback from private housing lots to the main drainage and, with the exception of ten housing lots (122 to 131) which would have a minimum 50-foot setback from the building enve- lopes to Buck Spring; the project includes a 100-foot setback from private housing lots to all wet meadows. The setbacks would avoid encroachment TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 4.4-46 into the wildlife corridors on the project site and minimize impacts to wildlife from water borne contaminants.  Native perennial grasses and bitterbrush (high quality foraging) would be planted on the areas damaged by unauthorized public uses of the private- ly-owned project site (e.g. off-road vehicle and motorcycles). This resto- ration effort would improve the open space habitat for the mule deer herd, as well as other resident wildlife species.  The landscaping proposed in the Draft Design Guidelines encourages the use of native, sustainable landscaping indigenous to the Truckee region on individual lots. In addition to other benefits, the landscaping has been de- signed to muffle noise and moderate heat and glare impacts from lighting.  All exterior lighting would be low level illumination and would be shielded (downward facing) to minimize light spill, glare and reflection, and to maintain dark skies and avoid open space and sensitive habitat areas adja- cent to the development area.  Vehicular roadways would not exceed maximum speed design of 25 miles per hour to minimize impacts to wildlife from speeding vehicles.  Roadway signage for deer crossing warnings would be posted on-site to raise awareness of wildlife movement.  Trail signage would be posted on the proposed 4.5-mile publically acces- sible trail network and provide users of with educational information re- garding the qualities of the natural characteristics of the project site—both biological and ecological. Trail signage would include trail use protocol to ensure user safety and the protection of wildlife and the natural habitat. Flora and fauna education, seasonal condition warnings, and other rele- vant information depending on the trail would be included. Equestrian uses would not be expected to impact biological resources, as horses do not pose a threat to deer. Other trail use protocol would include inform- ing the public that domestic dogs must be under both immediate voice and visual control (but in support of wildlife, dog leashes are recommend- ed May through October), and that no motorized use of the trails by off- road vehicles (e.g. dirt bikes and snowmobiles) would be permitted. Dogs under voice and visual control consistent with the Municipal Code30 would not be expected to impact on-site deer or create a dog-at-large- issue. See Figure 4.13-1 in Chapter 4.13, Public Services and Recreation, 30 Municipal Code, Title 8, Animal Control, Chapter 8.01, Humane Animal Con- trol, Section, 8.01.420, Animals Running At Large. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 4.4-47 of the 2012 Draft EIR for a representative example of trail signs proposed for the project site. With implementation of these project design features, impacts from the loss of habitat for movement, foraging, and migration would be less than significant and no mitigation measures are required. With respect to indirect impacts to native plant communities and wildlife from edge effects such as fragmentation of habitat, increase noise and lighting, and air and water borne contaminants (including dust). As discussed above, the project includes several design features, which are described in detail in Chapter 3, Project Description that would minimize edge effects. Furthermore, in accordance with Mitigation Measure AIR-2 (see Chapter 4.3, Section E), the project applicant shall submit a construction plan and dust control plan for the project. The conditions in these plans will minimize impacts to native plant communities and wildlife from dust during construction. As result of the project design features and air quality mitigation measures de- scribed above, potential indirect impacts to native plant communities and wildlife from edge effects would be less than significant and no mitigation measures are re- quired. iii. Long-term disturbances in the form of increased human activity, vehicular and bicycle traffic, equestrian use, and the presence of domestic animals such as pet dogs. Although the site is heavily used for unregulated and unauthorized recreational uses, the recent data on the Verdi subunit of the Loyalton-Truckee mule deer herd show that this herd frequents the project site as well as the surrounding residential subdivisions and open space areas. Therefore, given the CDFW’s high interest and concerns for the Verdi subunit of the Loyalton-Truckee mule herd, impacts from the long-term disturbances associated with permanent residents on the project site are considered significant. e. Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance. The Town of Truckee 2025 General Plan Land Use, Community Character and Con- servation and Open Space Elements includes goals and associated policies that are applicable to biological resources, as described above in Section A.3, Regulatory Framework, Town of Truckee 2025 General Plan. The goals reflect the means by which the built environment should protect significant wildlife habitat and sensitive biological resources, and maintain biodiversity, respectively. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 4.4-48 The project site supports wildlife habitat and corridors, and sensitive biological resources such as wet meadows and pebble meadows. The project site also sup- ports a myriad of wildlife and plant species as described throughout this section. Implementation of the proposed project could impact the biological resources on the project site and reduce biodiversity. As described in Chapter 3, Project De- scription, of the 2012 Draft EIR, one of the objectives of the project is to “Protect open space areas that serve as native habitat and wildlife corridors.” The project aims to integrate residential and recreation components with surrounding residen- tial developments on a site comprised of informal trails, native habitat, and wildlife resources. The project would include approximately 176 acres, or 60 percent of the 290-acre site, of connected public open space and natural habitat. The public open space would be preserved within the future Canyon Springs Home Owner’s Asso- ciation-owned and maintained open space/common area. The residential lots would be located to the north and south of the proposed public open space that would serve as a wildlife corridor. Housing lots are designed to meet the Rural Suburban cluster requirements (i.e. groupings of 10 to 30 dwellings separated by connected open space areas or green- ways on Residential [0.5 to 1 units/acre] land use designations peripheral to Town core, but generally not on sites within the rural fringe). The housing lots would connect with the project’s 4.5-mile publically accessible trail system and surround- ing open space while providing setback buffers between future homes and envi- ronmentally-sensitive areas such as wet meadows and ephemeral drainages. In ad- dition, the proposed open space would connect to existing open space areas adja- cent to the project site providing a contiguous open space corridor. Therefore, impacts related to project consistency with applicable Town of Truckee 2025 General Plan goals and policies associated with the protection of biological resources and loss of biodiversity and would be less than significant and no mitigation measures are required. f. Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state hab- itat conservation plan. There are no Habitat Conservation Plans, Natural Community Conservation Plans, or other approved local, regional, or State habitat conservation plans that have ju- risdiction of the project site. Therefore, conflicts to these types of plans from im- plementation of the proposed project would not occur and no mitigation measures are required. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 4.4-49 2. Cumulative Impacts This section analyzes potential impacts to biological resources that could occur from a combination of the project with the Town buildout identified in the Town of Truckee 2025 General Plan and reasonably foreseeable projects in the surrounding area. The geographic scope of this analysis is taken as the Town of Truckee sphere of influence (SOI), as defined in the Town of Truckee 2025 General Plan and reasona- bly foreseeable projects in the surrounding area. Therefore, a cumulative impact would be considered potentially significant if, taken together with past, present, and reasonably foreseeable projects in the Town of Truckee SOI and the Boca Quarry project in Nevada County, the project would contribute to the ongoing loss of nat- ural, undisturbed open space in the region resulting in a decline of biological re- sources and species diversity. The encroachment of development areas into natural, relatively undisturbed open space is a continual and direct threat to wildlife species in the vicinity as it removes habitat for plant species, increases fragmentation of open space in the region effect- ing wildlife dispersal, and results in an increased human presence leading to the degradation of natural undisturbed habitats. Cumulative disruptions to the wildlife movement and migration in the Truckee region include Interstate 80, other road- ways, reservoirs and dams, fencing, and future and existing development, including the Glenshire residential area. Buildout of the Town of Truckee 2025 General Plan, which includes all lands within the SOI, could impact special-status plant and ani- mal species, sensitive natural communities, jurisdictional waters, and wildlife movement. Accordingly, the project when considered with the Town of Truckee 2025 General Plan buildout and the Boca Quarry project in Nevada County could result in a significant cumulative impact to biological resources. The Town of Truckee 2025 General Plan includes goals, policies, and actions to reduce potential impacts to these biological resources to less-than-significant levels. The analysis of the project’s impacts to biological resources concluded that implementa- tion of the Mitigation Measures BIO-1, BIO-2, and BIO-3 in addition to the pro- posed project’s design features (described above) would ensure the project-related impacts to the natural habitats that have an exceptionally high value for wildlife species, providing water, thermal cover, wildlife corridors, and diverse nesting and feeding opportunities would be less than significant. Impacts to biological resources from the Boca Quarry project to the north of the project site would be limited to removal of native vegetation during mining activi- ties that is used by local and migrating (e.g. Loyalton-Truckee mule deer herd) wild- life. These impacts would be adequately addressed by implementing a concurrent TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 4.4-50 revegetation strategy that would ensure that revegetation of mined areas would occur at the same time as the start of mining in new areas, thereby reducing the length of time that previously mined lands would be unvegetated and unusable by wildlife.31 However, while buildout of the Town of Truckee 2025 General Plan would create sig- nificant and unavoidable cumulative impacts on biological resources in the planning area,32 the project’s contribution to this significant impact is not considered cumu- latively considerable because the project includes mitigation measures and design features (described above) that would ensure the project-related impacts to the natural habitats that have an exceptionally high value for wildlife species would be less than significant. Therefore, cumulative impacts identified with project implemen- tation would be less than significant and additional mitigation measures are required. 3. Impacts and Mitigation Measures This section provides a summary discussion of the project impacts to biological resources, and appropriate mitigation measures to reduce impacts to levels that are less than significant. Impact BIO-1: Removal of Jeffrey pine and sagebrush habitat could potentially impact Sierra Nevada red foxes if suitable den sites occur on the project site. Mitigation Measure BIO-1: Prior to the start of construction for each phase of development, a qualified biologist selected by the Town of Truckee shall sur- vey the project site to determine if any burrows or other den sites suitable for use by Sierra Nevada red fox are present. The selected surveyor shall coordi- nate with CDFW to determine an acceptable survey methodology. If no evi- dence of this species is found during field surveys, no further measures are re- quired. If an active Sierra Nevada red fox den is identified on the project site, CDFW shall be contacted to determine how to proceed. It may be possible to pro- ceed with construction with implementation of appropriate avoidance and minimization measures (e.g. no-disturbance buffers, seasonal work windows) to prevent incidental take of Sierra Nevada red fox. If incidental take cannot 31 Nevada County Community Development Agency, 2010. Boca Quarry Initial Study. 32 Town of Truckee 2025 General Plan EIR, Chapter 4.3, Biological Resources, Section D, Cumulative Impact Discussion, p. 4.3-22. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 4.4-51 be prevented, it may be necessary to obtain an incidental take permit from CDFW, pursuant to Section 2081 of CESA, before construction may proceed. Significance After Mitigation: Less than significant. Impact BIO-2: Removal of Jeffrey pine and sagebrush habitat could potentially disturb nesting birds, including Lewis’s woodpeckers and yellow warblers, if these species are nesting on the project site. Mitigation Measure BIO-2: The following shall be implemented to mitigate potential impacts to nesting yellow warblers. These measures shall apply to ac- tivities associated with construction of infrastructure (e.g., roads, utilities) and also to future home construction.  All trees, shrubs, and other vegetation that is to be removed within the proposed work area shall be removed during the non-nesting season, be- tween September 16 and February 28.  If vegetation removal is not possible during the non-nesting season, a qual- ified biologist selected by the Town of Truckee shall survey the proposed work area and lands within a 500-foot radius (this area may be decreased due to property access constraints) for nesting birds. The nesting survey shall be conducted within 14 days prior to the start of construction.  If no active nests are discovered, work can proceed.  If an active nest is discovered, the project proponent shall implement one of the following two approaches:  A no-disturbance buffer shall be established around the active nest(s) us- ing orange construction fencing (or equivalent). For raptors, the buffer shall be established at a 500-foot radius; for non-raptors, the buffer shall be established at a 100-foot radius. The fencing marking the buffer shall be maintained in place until construction is complete, the young have fledged, or the nest fails (the latter two shall be determined by a qualified biologist); or  A qualified biologist selected by the Town of Truckee shall evaluate the potential for the proposed project to disturb nesting activities. The eval- uation criteria shall include, but are not limited to, the loca- tion/orientation of the nest in the nest tree, the distance of the nest from the proposed work area, and line of sight between the nest and the pro- posed work area. CDFW shall be contacted to review the evaluation and TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 4.4-52 determine if the project can proceed without adversely affecting nesting activities. If work is allowed to proceed, at a minimum, a qualified biol- ogist shall be on-site during the start of construction activities during the nesting season to monitor nesting activity. The monitor shall have the authority to stop work if it is determined the project is adversely affect- ing nesting activities.  The above measures shall be repeated, as necessary, in accordance with the phasing of project construction. Significance After Mitigation: Less than significant. Impact BIO-3: Installation of the wood piles for the pedestrian trail footbridges would impact wetlands and non-wetland waters present on the project site. Mitigation Measure BIO-3: The following shall be implemented to mitigate potential impacts to wetlands and non-wetland waters.  Wetlands and non-wetland waters permanently impacted during construc- tion shall be mitigated by one of the following methods or by using a com- bination of the methods.  Preservation, creation, and/or restoration of the impacted resources at a minimum ratio of 2:1 (creation could potentially be implemented at a 1:1 ratio if completed and functional prior to the start of construction).  Purchase of credits at an approved mitigation bank at a minimum 1:1 mitigation ratio.  Payment of in-lieu fees per the current USACE, Sacramento District in- lieu fee schedule.  All mitigation lands shall be protected in perpetuity through recordation of a conservation easement or equivalent method.  Prior to issuance of a grading permit or other authorization to proceed with project construction, the project proponent shall obtain any regulatory permits that are required from the Army Corps of Engineers, Regional Wa- ter Quality Control Board, and/or California Department of Fish and Wild- life.  The project proponent shall obtain a Minor Use Permit pursuant to Section 18.46.040.C of the Town of Truckee Development Code. Significance After Mitigation: Less than significant TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 4.4-53 Impact BIO-4: Removal of Jeffrey pine habitat and snags could potentially dis- turb roosting bats if active breeding roosts are present on the project site. Mitigation Measure BIO-4: The following shall be implemented to mitigate potential impacts to roosting bats. All snags and potential roost trees (i.e. 20 inches in diameter at breast height (dbh) or greater) within the project impact area shall be removed between September 1 and April 14. Removal of trees during this period would avoid impacts to any bats occurring on the project site during the normal breeding season (April 15 to August 30). If removal of snags and potential roost trees within the project impact area is not possible between September 1 and April 14, a qualified biologist shall sur- vey all potential roost trees within the project impact area to determine if any trees can be excluded as suitable bat roosts due to the lack of suitable structur- al characteristics. If any trees can be excluded as bat roosts, removal of these trees would not be subject to the seasonal restrictions described above. Any trees that cannot be excluded as bat roosts shall be surveyed by a qualified bi- ologist to determine if bats are present using an aerial-lift (or equivalent meth- odology) to access cavities or other potential roost locations Alternatively, an emergence survey shall be conducted to determine if roosting bats are present. The above measures shall be repeated, as necessary, in accordance with the phasing of project construction. Significance After Mitigation: Less than significant. Impact BIO-5: Long-term disturbances in the form of increased human activity and pet dogs or other similar domestic animals from residents and visitors to Can- yon Springs could potentially disturb the Verdi subunit of the Loyalton-Truckee mule. Mitigation Measure BIO-5a: The Canyon Springs Homeowner’s Association shall distribute educational brochures to residents and visitors discussing the protocol for interacting with wildlife and avoiding sensitive habitat with em- phasis on the southeast corner of the project site between the months of May to October. Educational materials shall specifically include information regard- ing the confinement of domestic dogs as a conservation threat to deer and other resident wildlife species. Distribution of educational materials would oc- cur each May. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 4.4-54 Mitigation Measure BIO-5b: The Project Applicant shall realign the proposed publically accessible trail to avoid the southeast corner of the project site and install split-rail fencing along the southeast corner of the project site to prohib- it residents and visitors of Canyon Springs and their dogs from entering this area from May to October. The precise location of the trail and fencing shall be approved by the Town and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife prior the construction of Phase I. Mitigation Measure BIO-5c: Residents or visitors of Canyon Springs and their dogs shall be prohibited from entering the southeast corner of the project site from May to October. The Project Applicant shall post signage approved by the Town and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife along the boundaries of the development area indicating such prohibitions and educating the community about the confinement of dogs as a conservation threat to deer and other resident wildlife. Mitigation Measure BIO-5d: The Canyon Springs Homeowner’s Association shall maintain all Town- and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife- approved roadway, trail and site boundary signage and fencing related to wild- life protection through bi-annual inspections to insure signage and fencing is intact and unobstructed. Mitigation Measure BIO-5e: The Canyon Springs Homeowners Association shall require confinement fencing for those residents with domestic pets such as dogs, of suitable materials to confine the pet. The fencing shall not to ex- ceed 6 feet in height within the development area of individual lots. Mitigation Measure BIO-5f: No fencing of sufficient height or construction that would impede wildlife movement shall be permitted to be installed along the outer edges of any individual residential lot in its entirety or the perimeter of the project site in its entirety. Mitigation Measure BIO-5g: The Canyon Springs Homeowner’s Association shall annually educate future residents and visitors that the development of lands within deer habitat contains associated risks of damage, which is ac- ceptable, and that no depredation permits for controlling deer shall be permit- ted. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 4.4-55 Mitigation Measure BIO-5h: The Canyon Springs Homeowner’s Association shall require management practices of landscapes treated with pesticides that minimize low-level exposures and sub-lethal effects to wildlife. Herbicides, pesticides, and fungicide application records and other landscape and turfgrass management records shall be made available to the Homeowner’s Association at any time upon request. Mitigation Measure BIO-5i: The Canyon Springs Homeowner’s Association shall post off-site roadway signage for deer crossing warnings to raise aware- ness of wildlife movement during migration season. The time of sign posing, type of sign and posting location shall be approved by the California Depart- ment of Fish and Wildlife. Significance After Mitigation: Less than significant. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 4.4-56 4.14 TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC 4.14-1 This chapter describes the existing traffic, circulation, and transportation conditions in the Town of Truckee, addressing vehicular traffic, as well as parking, transit, pedestrian, bicycle, and aviation facilities, and evaluates potential impacts of the proposed project. The information and analysis in this chapter is primarily based on the following documents, which are included in Appendix I, Traffic Data, of the 2012 Draft EIR and Appendix B, Traffic Data, of this Revised Draft EIR:  Canyon Springs Traffic Impact Analysis prepared by LSC Transportation Consult- ants, Inc., August 27, 2012.  Canyon Springs Traffic Impact Analysis Addendum prepared by LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc., January 17, 2014. Additional analyses included in the Canyon Springs Traffic Impact Analysis Addendum reflects an update to intersection Level of Service (LOS) analyses for all study inter- sections using the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) 2010 method,1 and a limited evaluation of the impact of the June 2011 updated Town of Truckee TransCAD traffic model. A. Regulatory Framework This section summarizes key regulations and programs applicable to transportation and traffic in Truckee. 1. Federal Regulations There are no federal regulations pertaining to traffic and transportation that apply to this project. 2. State Laws and Regulations a. Caltrans District 3 Transportation Corridor Concept Report, Interstate Route 80 The Interstate 80 Transportation Corridor Concept Report (TCCR) (2010) is Caltrans long range (20-year) planning document for Interstate 80. Caltrans owns, operates, and maintains Interstate 80, which provides the primary access to Truckee, including the project site via Interstate 80 Segments 14 and 15. Segment 14 of Interstate 80 is a 4- to 6-lane freeway running 4.7 miles from Donner Pass Road to Old Truckee Airport Road (Overland Trail), and Segment 15 is a four-lane freeway that begins at 1 The HCM 2010 Method was not available when the Notice of Preparation was re- leased on April 20, 2011, which is when LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc. began the Transportation Impact Analysis for the proposed project. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC 4.14-2 Old Truckee Airport Road (Overland Trail) in east Truckee and ends 11.2 miles to the northeast at the Nevada County/Sierra County Line. The most important in- formation included within the Interstate 80 TCCR is the level of service standards, concept, and ultimate facilities, and a list of programmed, planned, and needed projects. 3. Local Regulations and Policies a. Nevada County Regional Transportation Plan The Nevada County Transportation Commission (NCTC) is the designated Re- gional Transportation Planning Agency (RTPA) for Nevada County created pursu- ant to Title 7.88 of the State of California Government Code, Section 67920. As the RTPA for Nevada County, the NCTC coordinates transportation planning for Grass Valley, Nevada City, Nevada County, and the Town of Truckee.2 The NCTC acts as an autonomous agency in filling the mandates of the Transportation Devel- opment Act. As the RTPA for Nevada County, California State law requires the NCTC to pre- pare, adopt, and submit an updated Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) every five- years. The 2010 update of the Nevada County RTP reflects the latest project fund- ing and planning assumptions, and preliminarily addresses the new requirements of Assembly Bill 32 (California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006) regulating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with construction of improvements identified in the RTP. The RTP Policy Element identifies the transportation goals and policies to meet the needs of the region and reflects the consideration of envi- ronmental, social, and economic goals. b. Town of Truckee Trails and Bikeways Master Plan (May 2007) The Town’s Trails and Bikeways Master Plan (TBMP) was adopted on April 4, 2002 (Council Resolution No. 2002-17) and amended on May 17, 2007 (Council Resolu- tion No. 2007-20). The TBMP is intended to supplement and implement the broader Truckee Donner Recreation Park District Master Plan by providing the more- detailed analysis necessary for development of a town-wide trail and bikeway sys- tem designed to increase recreational, educational, and alternative transportation opportunities for the benefit of local residents and visitors to the Truckee area. The goals and policies of the TBMP provide guidance for the planning, development and management for the type, design, and general location of trail corridors within the Town. 2 Nevada County Transportation Commission Website, retrieved August 5, 2011 from http://www.nctc.ca.gov/About-NCTC/index.html. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISEDDRAFT EIR TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC 4.14-3 c. Town of Truckee 2025 General Plan The applicable General Plan goals and policies that relate to transportation and traffic resources are listed in Table 4.14-1 and a detailed policy consistency discus- sion is presented in Chapter 4.10, Land Use Planning, of the 2012 Draft EIR. The Town applies the criteria and thresholds shown in Table CIR-6 of the General Plan to development projects to determine the need for a traffic impact analysis to be conducted and to determine if a project’s impact would be significant. The crite- ria from Table CIR-6 of the Truckee General Plan are listed in Table 4.14-2. d. Town of Truckee Traffic Fee Program The Town of Truckee maintains a traffic fee program, which requires entities initi- ating new development within the Town to pay traffic impact fees. The fees col- lected through this program, in addition to other funding sources, allow the Town to construct transportation facilities needed. The impact is based upon a compari- son between the projected vehicle miles traveled (VMT) it generates and the VMT generated by a proposed project. The current fee per single-family dwelling unit is $5,771 and per multi-family unit is $3,578.3 The fee is due to the Town at the time of issuance of building permits. e. Nevada County General Plan The Nevada County General Plan was approved by the Nevada County Board of Su- pervisors in 1996 and subsequently amended in 2008 (Safety) and 2010 (Circula- tion/Housing). The Nevada County General Plan sets forth standards for level of ser- vice for rural intersections and roadways. The level of service standards are de- scribed below under the Standards of Significance. 3 Traffic and Facility Impact Fees, Effective Date, February 1, 2014, http://www.townoftruckee.com/about-us/forms-documents/folder-198, retrieved Septem- ber 3, 2014. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC 4.14-4 TABLE 4.14-1 TRUCKEE GENERAL PLAN GOALS AND POLICIES PERTAINING TO TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC Policy or Goal No. Goals and Policies Goal LU-5 Encourage a mix of land uses in the Town to promote a vibrant community and to reduce traffic, while addressing the need to minimize land use conflicts. Policy LU-P5.3 Support development of neighborhood centers through establishment of uses and facilities that provide a direct benefit to the neighborhood, such as educational and recreation facilities, day care services, places of worship, community meeting centers, fire stations, small parks, libraries and other public facilities, telcenters, and neighborhood commercial uses. Goal CIR-2 Maintain adequate level of service on Truckee’s roadways and intersections to ensure the safe and efficient movement of people and goods throughout the Town. Policy CIR-P2.1 Establish and maintain a Level of Service D or better on road segments and for total intersection movements in portions of the Town outside of the Downtown Specific Plan Area. Establish and maintain a Level of Service E or better on arterial and collector road segments and for total intersection movements within the Downtown Specific Plan Area. Throughout the Town, individual turning movements at unsignalized intersections shall not be allowed to reach LOS F and to exceed a cu- mulative vehicle delay of four vehicle hours. Both of these conditions shall be met for traffic operations to be considered unacceptable. Policy CIR-P2.2 In addition to the standards described in Policy 2.1, the criteria and thresholds shown in Table CIR-6 shall be applied to future develop- ment projects to determine the need for a traffic impact analysis to be conducted and to determine if a project’s traffic impact is found to be significant. Table CIR-6, Traffic Impact Analysis Criteria Category 3: Subdivision of 11 or more lots, multi-family development of 11 or more units, commercial/ industrial development of 7,500 square feet or more, or equivalent development. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC TABLE 4.14-1 TRUCKEE GENERAL PLAN GOALS AND POLICIES PERTAINING TO TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC (CONTINUED) 4.14-5 Policy or Goal No. Goals and Policies Policy CIR-P2.3 Allow flexibility and exceptions to the LOS standards described in Policy P2.1 for the following intersections: ♦ Bridge Street/Donner Pass Road ♦ Bridge Street/River Street ♦ Glenshire Drive/Donner Pass Road Exceptions to the standards may be allowed in cases where the Town finds that improvements needed to achieve acceptable LOS: (a) should be deferred in order to better coordinate with the planning and imple- mentation of other projects including the Railyard; (b) will result in unacceptable impacts (e.g. requiring demolition of historic buildings, relocation of businesses); (c) are not feasible to construct; or (d) should be deferred or lowered in order to better implement other transporta- tion control measures including alternative transportation modes. Exceptions should only be allowed after all feasible resources and op- tions to implement needed improvements have been explored and exhausted. Policy CIR-P2.4 Improve connectivity throughout the Town's roadway network, through roadway improvements, while minimizing environmental, circulation, and residential neighborhood impacts. This should include: ♦ New and improved links between roadways of the same classifica- tion. ♦ New and/or improved links between higher and lower capacity roadways where such connections would not negatively impact the lower capacity roadway's operations or local neighborhood character, would be consistent with community character and environmental goals described elsewhere in the General Plan, and would not result in redesignation of a lower classification roadway to a higher classifi- cation, unless shown as such on the Circulation Plan. ♦ Discouraging the use of local and residential neighborhood roadways as through routes, particularly for commercial and industrial traffic. ♦ Requiring that new development maximizes connectivity of local streets within the development itself, and makes connections to the adjacent street network and neighborhood areas. Goal CIR-3 Minimize the impacts of new development on the existing roadway network. Policy CIR-P3.1 Require the preparation of traffic impact analyses to identify impacts and mitigation measures for projects that may result in significant traf- fic impacts, as specified in Table CIR-6. In these analyses, level of ser- vice shall be computed according to the planning methodology docu- mented in Special Report 209: Highway Capacity Manual, published by the Transportation Research Board in 2000, or as amended in subsequent updates. Cumulative impacts shall be modeled buildout of the General Plan. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC TABLE 4.14-1 TRUCKEE GENERAL PLAN GOALS AND POLICIES PERTAINING TO TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC (CONTINUED) 4.14-6 Policy or Goal No. Goals and Policies Policy CIR-P3.2 Require the assessment of construction-related project impacts in traf- fic impact analyses that assesses and adequately mitigates the effect of construction traffic on the roadway network, as well as any potential disruption to or re-routing of traffic that might be needed during pro- ject construction. Policy CIR-P3.3 Require all new development projects to adequately mitigate identified impacts through construction of improvements and/or payment of traffic impact mitigation fees. Mitigation of significant project-related impacts may require improvements beyond those addressed by the current Capital Improvement Program and traffic impact mitigation fee program. Policy CIR-P3.4 Ensure that new streets and roads are dedicated and constructed ac- cording to roadway design and access standards adopted by the Town. Goal CIR-4 Create new developments that are integrated into the circulation network and pro- mote connectivity within and between community areas. Policy CIR-P4.1 Require transportation systems planned and constructed in conjunction with significant development projects, including roads, trails, bikeways, and other improvements, to provide links to the existing transportation network. Policy CIR-P4.2 Require planning for land use and transportation systems in new growth areas that provides opportunities for residents, employees, and those without vehicles to accomplish many of their trips by walking, bicycling, or using transit. Goal CIR-6 Minimize potentially adverse impacts of transportation infrastructure and parking facilities on Truckee’s community character and important environmental and cul- tural resources. Policy CIR-P6.1 Locate, construct, and maintain new roads and roadway improvements so as to prevent adverse impacts to water quality and significant biolog- ical, scenic, and historic resources. Policy CIR-P6.3 Maintain Donner Pass Road at a three-lane cross-section (two lanes of traffic with a left-turn lane). New projects that could add significant traffic to Donner Pass Road must demonstrate that cumulative traffic impacts will not result in the need to widen Donner Pass Road. Goal CIR-10 Provide a safe, comprehensive, and integrated system of facilities for pedestrians and cyclists and other non-motorized modes of transportation. Policy CIR-P10.2 Implement the network of trails and bikeways described in the Trails and Bikeways Master Plan, with priority given to establishment of a trail from Donner Lake along Donner Creek and the Truckee River to the eastern Town limit. This cross-town trail would serve as the main "ar- tery" of the Town's trail network, with other trails connecting to it along its length, and would provide a critical link to major regional trails including a trail to the west that connects to Donner Summit and the Pacific Crest Trail, and to the east to trails that follow the Truckee River to Nevada. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC TABLE 4.14-1 TRUCKEE GENERAL PLAN GOALS AND POLICIES PERTAINING TO TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC (CONTINUED) 4.14-7 Policy or Goal No. Goals and Policies Policy CIR-P10.3 Identify and implement new pedestrian facilities beyond those identi- fied in the Trails and Bikeways Master Plan and Downtown Streetscape Plan. These facilities may include, but not be limited to, pedestrian facilities along Donner Pass Road between Cold Stream Road and South Shore Drive, along Highway 89 South, and along West River Street. Policy CIR-P10.5 Link new trails and bikeways with other bikeways, parks and open space areas to provide safe and continuous routes. Policy CIR-P10.10 Require major development projects to include pedestrian facilities and bikeways. Policy CIR-P10.11 Enforce pedestrian and bicycle access standards for all new develop- ment and require developers to finance and install pedestrian walkways, equestrian trails, and multi-use trails in new development, as appropri- ate and necessary to address circulation needs. Consider and work towards a mean by which the requirements of the Trails and Bikeways Master Plan can be met by affordable housing projects. Policy CIR-P10.12 Provide facilities that separate bicycle and pedestrian traffic from ve- hicular traffic whenever it is feasible to do so. Goal CIR-11 Enhance the existing bus and rail transit system in Truckee. Policy CIR-P11.1 Require new development to incorporate features that encourage trans- it use, including shelters and safe routes to transit stops, and ensure that right-of-way for future transit access is reserved in plans for new growth areas. Goal SAF-4 Protect lives and property from risks associated with wildland and urban fire. Policy SAF-P4.7 Ensure that the development review process addresses wildland fire risk, including assessment of both construction- and project related fire risks particularly in areas of the Town most susceptible to fire hazards. Cooperate with the TFPD in reviewing fire safety plans and provisions in new development, including aspects such as emergency access, site design for maintenance of defensible space, and use of non- combustible materials. Source: Town of Truckee 2025 General Plan. TO W N O F T R U C K E E CA N Y O N S P R I N G S R E V I S E D D R A F T E I R TR A N S P O R T A T I O N A N D T R A F F I C 4. 1 4 - 8 TAB L E 4. 1 4 - 2 TOW N O F TRU C K E E TRA F F I C IMP A C T ANA L Y S I S REQ U I R E M E N T S A N D CRI T E R I A Pr o j e c t T y p e Tr a f f i c A n a l y s i s Re q u i r e d ? Tr a f f i c I m p a c t A n a l y s i s C r i t e r i a Ar t e r i a l s a n d C o l l e c t o r s L o c a l R o a d s Ex i s t i n g L e v e l o f S e r v i c e Ac c e p t a b l e a Ex i s t i n g L e v e l o f S e r v i c e Un a c c e p t a b l e b Pr o j e c t W o u l d A d d T r a f f i c t o a Local Roadway Ca t e g o r y 1 Si n g l e - f a m i l y h o m e , d u p l e x , a n d s e c o n d un i t s o n e x i s t i n g l o t s No D e v e l o p m e n t A l l o w e d D e v e l o p m e n t A l l o w e d D e v e l o p m e n t A l l o w e d Ca t e g o r y 2 Su b d i v i s i o n o f 1 0 o r l e s s l o t s , m u l t i - fa m i l y d e v e l o p m e n t o f 1 0 o r l e s s u n i t s , co m m e r c i a l / i n d u s t r i a l d e v e l o p m e n t o f le s s t h a n 7 , 5 0 0 s . f . , o r e q u i v a l e n t de v e l o p m e n t . No D e v e l o p m e n t A l l o w e d D e v e l o p m e n t A l l o w e d D e v e l o p m e n t A l l o w e d Ca t e g o r y 3 Su b d i v i s i o n o f 1 1 o r m o r e l o t s , m u l t i - fa m i l y d e v e l o p m e n t o f 1 1 o r m o r e u n i t s , co m m e r c i a l / i n d u s t r i a l d e v e l o p m e n t o f 7, 5 0 0 s . f . o r m o r e , o r e q u i v a l e n t de v e l o p m e n t . Ye s , i f d e t e r m i n e d ne c e s s a r y b y T o w n En g i n e e r De v e l o p m e n t a l l o w e d i f :  Pr o j e c t t r a f f i c d o e s n o t d e g r a d e LO S t o u n a c c e p t a b l e l e v e l o f se r v i c e ; O R  Pr o j e c t c o n s t r u c t s im p r o v e m e n t s t o i m p a c t e d ro a d s a n d i n t e r s e c t i o n s a s id e n t i f i e d i n T a b l e C I R - 5 ; O R  Im p r o v e m e n t s t o i m p a c t e d ro a d s a n d i n t e r s e c t i o n s a r e id e n t i f i e d i n t h e C I P , f u l l y fu n d e d , a n d s c h e d u l e d f o r co m p l e t i o n w i t h i n t h r e e y e a r s . De v e l o p m e n t a l l o w e d i f :  Pr o j e c t c o n s t r u c t s im p r o v e m e n t s t o i m p a c t e d ro a d s a n d i n t e r s e c t i o n s a s id e n t i f i e d i n T a b l e C I R - 5 ; O R  Im p r o v e m e n t s t o i m p a c t e d ro a d s a n d i n t e r s e c t i o n s a r e id e n t i f i e d i n t h e C I P , f u l l y fu n d e d , a n d s c h e d u l e d f o r co m p l e t i o n w i t h i n t h r e e y e a r s . De v e l o p m e n t a l l o w e d i f :  Project does not increase traffic on local road by more than 1,000 average daily trips; OR  Project increases traffic on lo c a l r o a d b y m o r e t h a n 1 , 0 0 0 average daily trips, but the in c r e a s e i n a v e r a g e d a i l y t r i p s i s le s s t h a n 5 0 % . AN D  The provisions of Circulation Element Policy P2.4 can be met. TO W N O F T R U C K E E CA N Y O N S P R I N G S R E V I S E D D R A F T E I R TR A N S P O R T A T I O N A N D T R A F F I C TAB L E 4. 1 4 - 2 TOW N O F TRU C K E E TRA F F I C IMP A C T ANA L Y S I S REQ U I R E M E N T S A N D CRI T E R I A (CO N T I N U E D ) 4. 1 4 - 9 Pr o j e c t T y p e Tr a f f i c A n a l y s i s Re q u i r e d ? Tr a f f i c I m p a c t A n a l y s i s C r i t e r i a Ar t e r i a l s a n d C o l l e c t o r s L o c a l R o a d s Ex i s t i n g L e v e l o f S e r v i c e Ac c e p t a b l e a Ex i s t i n g L e v e l o f S e r v i c e Un a c c e p t a b l e b Pr o j e c t W o u l d A d d T r a f f i c t o a Local Roadway Ca t e g o r y 4 Sp e c i a l p l a n n i n g a r e a s - P C 1 , P C 3 , Mc I v e r H i l l , H i l l t o p , M i l l S i t e , P R D - 1 , PR D - 2 , P R D - 3 . Ye s D e v e l o p m e n t a l l o w e d i f :  Pr o j e c t t r a f f i c d o e s n o t d e g r a d e LO S t o u n a c c e p t a b l e l e v e l o f se r v i c e ; O R  Pr o j e c t c o n s t r u c t s im p r o v e m e n t s t o i m p a c t e d ro a d s a n d i n t e r s e c t i o n s a s id e n t i f i e d i n T a b l e C I R - 5 t o ma i n t a i n a c c e p t a b l e L O S . AN D  If p r o j e c t g e n e r a t e s t r a f f i c vo l u m e s g r e a t e r t h a n i d e n t i f i e d in G e n e r a l P l a n t r a f f i c m o d e l , pr o j e c t c o n s t r u c t s im p r o v e m e n t s t o i m p a c t e d ro a d s a n d i n t e r s e c t i o n s a s ne c e s s a r y t o a c h i e v e a c c e p t a b l e LO S f o r b u i l d o u t t r a f f i c vo l u m e s . De v e l o p m e n t a l l o w e d i f :  Pr o j e c t c o n s t r u c t s im p r o v e m e n t s t o i m p a c t e d ro a d s a n d i n t e r s e c t i o n s a s id e n t i f i e d i n T a b l e C I R - 5 . AN D  If p r o j e c t g e n e r a t e s t r a f f i c vo l u m e s g r e a t e r t h a n i d e n t i f i e d in G e n e r a l P l a n t r a f f i c m o d e l , pr o j e c t c o n s t r u c t s im p r o v e m e n t s t o i m p a c t e d ro a d s a n d i n t e r s e c t i o n s a s ne c e s s a r y t o a c h i e v e a c c e p t a b l e LO S f o r b u i l d o u t t r a f f i c vo l u m e s . De v e l o p m e n t a l l o w e d i f :  Project does not increase traffic on local road by more than 1,000 average daily trips; OR  Project increases traffic on lo c a l r o a d b y m o r e t h a n 1 , 0 0 0 average daily trips, but the in c r e a s e i n a v e r a g e d a i l y t r i p s i s le s s t h a n 5 0 % . AN D  The provisions of Circulation Element Policy P2.4 can be met. a P r o j e c t w o u l d a d d t r a f f i c t o r o a d s a n d i n t e r s e c t i o n s w i t h a c c e p t a b l e l e v e l s o f s e r v i c e a n d c a p a c i t y t o a c c o m m o d a t e a d d i t i o n a l tr a f f i c . b P r o j e c t w o u l d a d d t r a f f i c t o r o a d s a n d i n t e r s e c t i o n s w i t h e x i s t i ng u n a c c e p t a b l e l e v e l s o f s e r v i c e w i t h n o c a p a c i t y t o a c c o m m o d at e a d d i t i o n a l t r a f f i c . So u r c e : T r u c k e e 2 0 2 5 G e n e r a l P l a n , T a b l e C I R - 6 . TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC 4.14-10 B. Existing Conditions This section documents the existing setting and operational traffic conditions in the vicinity of the project site, providing a foundation for comparison to future condi- tions. 1. Circulation System a. Vehicular Circulation The Town of Truckee is located in the Lake Tahoe region, along Interstate 80 ap- proximately 90 miles northeast of Sacramento, California, and 34 miles west of Reno, Nevada. In addition to Interstate 80, State Route 89, and State Route 267 are the two major regional routes serving Truckee. Beyond these major regional facili- ties, a series of arterial, connector, and local roadways constitute the roadway net- work in the traffic study area. The major components of the roadway system in the project area are described below consistent with the definitions and classifications identified in the Town of Truckee 2025 General Plan.4 b. Study Area Roadways The following describes the study area roadways that were analyzed in the project Traffic Impact Analysis. These are shown in Figure 4.14-1.  Interstate 80: Interstate 80 provides interregional highway connections east to Reno, Nevada and beyond, and west to Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay Area. The Town lies along both sides of Interstate 80. This section of Inter- state 80 is currently a four-lane divided highway with limited truck climbing lanes, and with a posted speed limit of 65 miles per hour. There are a total of eight interchanges serving Truckee on Interstate 80, including the Donner Lake Road and Hirschdale Road interchanges. The Glenshire area is served by two interchanges: the Donner Pass Road (Eastern) interchange and the Hirschdale Road interchange. 4 2025 General Plan, Circulation Element, Table CIR-3 Roadway Classification Defi- nitions, and Table CIR-4 Town of Truckee Roadway Classifications, page 4-20 and 4-21, respectively. CALIFORNIA 0 0 5 4 1 U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD.1 GLENSHIREDR./ HIRSCHDALED.R6U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD.15 78 6 3 U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD.1 HIRSCHDALERD./ I-80WESTBOUNDRAMPS8U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD. 69 / 13 0 1 HIRSCHDALERD./ I-80EASTBOUNDRAMPS BE08-I 7GLENSHIREDR./ SOMERSETDR. U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD. JACK S V A L L E Y R D . 138/6411/6 69/130 1 J A C K S V A L L E Y R D . GLENSHIREDR./ DONNERPASSRD. DON N E R P A S S R D . 1 G L E N S H I R E D R . 14 GLEN S H I R E R . D S O M E R S E T D R . JACKSVALLEYRD. 1,365 ,693 38/162 4/4 2,352/1,755 69/130 404/449 32/68 GLENSHIREDR./MARTIS PEAKRD./WHITEHORSERD. GLENSHIRE WH I T E H O R S E GL E N S H I R E D R . HI R S C H D A L E R D . HI R S C H D A L E R D . .DRELADHCSRIH U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD. JAC K S V A L L E Y R D . 1 GLENSHIREDR./2 MA R T I S P E A K R D . I- 8 0 W B U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD. VSKCAJYELLA.DR 1 JA C K S V A L L E Y R D . GLENSHIREDR./ DORCHESTERDR. .RDERIHSNELG 3 DO R C H E S T E R D R . FUTURE INTERSECTION 2 DONNERPASSRD.EXTENSION HIGHWAYS STREETS RAILROAD LAKE STUDYINTERSECTIONS TRAFFICMOVEMENT STOPSIGN LEGEND 1 INMILES SCALE0 .5 89 GLENS H I R E D R . TRUCKEE 80 80 267 SITEEDINBURGH FIGURE 4.14-1 LANE CONFIGURATION AND TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC Source: LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc., 2012. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC 4.14-12  Donner Pass Road: Donner Pass Road is a minor arterial road that extends from the intersection with State Route 89 North (east of Downtown Truckee) westward to Donner Lake, Donner Summit, and Soda Springs. This roadway provides a vital link for local circulation in the Town. At its nearest point to the project site, Donner Pass Road is a two-lane roadway accessing Historic Downtown Truckee to the west and the Pioneer Trail area, Interstate 80 and State Route 89 North to the east. At its intersection with Glenshire Drive, this roadway provides a single through lane in each direction with a dedicated left- turn lane for left-turns onto Glenshire Drive. The posted speed limit is 45 miles per hour.  Glenshire Drive: Glenshire Drive is a two-lane minor arterial roadway provid- ing access between the Truckee commercial core on the west through the Glenshire area to Hirschdale Road on the east. Glenshire Drive provides the only access to the Glenshire area both to Truckee to the west and (with Hirschdale Road) to Interstate 80 and Reno to the east. This roadway also provides primary access to the Olympic Heights subdivision west of Glenshire. The terrain along this roadway is rolling, with a 6 percent grade near Donner Pass Road and near the west entrance to Glenshire, an 11 percent grade near Wiltshire Lane, and a 9 percent grade on the stretch between Martis Peak Road and Hirschdale Road to the east. The posted speed limit on this roadway is 45 miles per hour from Donner Pass Road to the western entrance to the Glen- shire neighborhood. From the Glenshire entrance to a point east of Somerset Drive, the posted speed limit is 30 miles per hour. The speed limit is 25 miles per hour on the remaining segment of Glenshire Drive to the east until it pass- es Whitehorse Road/Martis Peak Road (and enters Nevada County), after which the speed limit is not posted.  Dorchester Drive: Dorchester Drive is a minor collector street serving the northern portion of Glenshire, extending about 1.4 miles between its two in- tersections with Glenshire Drive. It provides access to Glenshire Elementary School, Truckee Fire Protection District Station 95 (Glenshire), Glenshire General Store, other small commercial uses, as well as the residential area in the northern portion of Glenshire. The speed limit on Dorchester Drive is 25 miles per hour east of Rolands Way and 30 miles per hour west of Rolands Way.  Somerset Drive/Courtenay Lane/Regency Circle/Edinburgh Drive: These local roadways provide access to the residences in the southeastern por- TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC 4.14-13 tion of Glenshire. The pavement width on these streets is approximately 26 feet, and the speed limit is 25 miles per hour.  Martis Peak Road: This is a local roadway providing access from Glenshire Drive south to the gated Martis Peak Homeowners Association residential ar- ea. The pavement width ranges from about 20 feet to 23 feet. The gate is lo- cated approximately one-quarter mile south of the Glenshire Drive intersec- tion.  Hirschdale Road: Hirschdale Road provides a connection from Glenshire to Interstate 80 and serves residences to the east of the Glenshire area. Hirschdale Road is a two-lane roadway with a pavement width of about 22 feet. The speed limit is not posted in the study area. c. Pedestrian and Bicycle Circulation As described in the Town of Truckee TBMP and illustrated on the TBMP Existing and Proposed Trail and Bikeway Network Map, the existing trails and bikeways system includes recreational trails, Class I bike paths, Class II bike lanes, and Class III bike routes.5 There are limited existing and proposed trails and bicycle facilities in the project area. The Glenshire area has Class III Bike Routes, and the proposed Recreational Trail (Surface TBD [to be determined]) that crosses the project site would link to the existing Class III Bike Route at Glenshire Drive. In addition, there are proposed Class II Bike Lanes proposed in the Glenshire area that would also link to the proposed recreational trail located on the project site. As discussed in Chapter 3, Project Description, of the 2012 Draft EIR, a well- developed network of unpaved roads and trails is distributed throughout the site. The project site is accessed by surrounding subdivision residents through connect- ing trails and experiences year-round unauthorized and unregulated use. d. Transit The Town of Truckee offers both Fixed Route and Dial-A-Ride bus service in the greater Truckee area. These services provide a range of options for travelers to access recreational, employment, shopping, and social service opportunities. The Fixed Route Services vary by season. During the winter season (mid December – mid April) a ski shuttle service is offered seven days per week between Henness 5 A Class I Bike Path is a dedicated exclusive bike path meant for bike and pedestrian traffic. A Class II Bike Lane is a marked lane exclusively for bike travel on roadways. A Class III Bike Route is sometimes marked. Bicycle riders must share the roadway with other vehi- cles. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC 4.14-14 Flats, downtown Truckee, Sugar Bowl, Donner Ski Ranch and Soda Springs ski resorts from approximately 6:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. as well as from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. During the non-winter season (mid-April to mid-December) buses serve the Truckee-Tahoe Airport, Pioneer Commerce Center, Downtown, Gateway Shopping Center, Donner State Park and the west end of Donner Lake on a fixed hourly schedule from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., eve- ry day except Sunday. The Truckee Dial-A-Ride service is offered year round to the general public with priority service for seniors and persons with disabilities. This paratransit service is available for trips within the Town limits, over the same hours and days as the fixed route service. 2. Analysis Methodology and Study Scenarios a. Study Analysis Scenarios The project Traffic Impact Analysis and Addendum evaluated roadway segments and intersections in the project study area under the following four scenarios: 1. Existing 2011 Without Project 2. Existing 2011 With Project 3. Future 2031 Without Project 4. Future 2031 With Project b. Study Roadway Segments The following eleven roadway segments in the project area were evaluated: 1. Glenshire Drive between Donner Pass Road and Highland Avenue 2. Glenshire Drive between Highland Avenue and Dorchester Drive (west) 3. Glenshire Drive between Dorchester Drive (west) and Somerset Drive 4. Glenshire Drive between Somerset Drive and Martis Peak Road 5. Glenshire Drive between Martis Peak Road and Hirschdale Road 6. Hirschdale Road between Glenshire Drive and Interstate 80 Westbound Ramps 7. Martis Peak Road between Glenshire Drive and Project Access 8. Somerset Drive between Glenshire Drive and Courtenay Lane 9. Courtenay Lane between Somerset Drive and Regency Circle 10. Regency Circle between Courtenay Lane and Edinburgh Drive 11. Edinburgh Drive TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC 4.14-15 c. Study Intersections The following eight intersections in the project area were evaluated: 1. Glenshire Drive/Donner Pass Road 2. Glenshire Drive/Donner Pass Road Extension (future intersection) 3. Glenshire Drive/Dorchester Drive (western intersection) 4. Glenshire Drive/Somerset Drive 5. Glenshire Drive/Whitehorse Road/Martis Peak Road 6. Glenshire Drive/Hirschdale Road 7. Interstate 80 Eastbound Ramps/Hirschdale Road 8. Interstate 80 Westbound Ramps/Hirschdale Road d. 2011 Traffic Volumes For the project Traffic Impact Analysis and consistent with Town practices, impacts on roadways are determined by measuring the effect that site-generated traffic has on traffic operations at the study intersections and along study roadways during the tenth-highest summer weekday PM peak hour (approximately 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.). An analysis of AM peak hour (approximately 7:00 to 9:00 a.m.) conditions is also included for the Glenshire Drive/Donner Pass Road intersection. Furthermore, while the total intersection volumes are the highest in the summer tourism months, the volumes on the minor approaches within Glenshire are generally higher during school peak hours. Therefore, the AM and PM peak hours of school-related traffic activity were analyzed for the following three study intersections within the Glen- shire residential area: 1. Glenshire Drive/Dorchester Drive (west) 2. Glenshire Drive/Somerset Drive 3. Glenshire Drive/Whitehorse Road/Martis Peak Road As the traffic volumes on Glenshire Drive at the outskirts of the Glenshire neigh- borhoods are higher during the AM and PM commuter hours, there is no need to analyze the school peak hours at intersections outside the Glenshire community. i. 2011 Summer PM Peak-hour Traffic Volumes Without Project 2011 peak-hour intersection turning-movement volumes without the project are shown on Figure 4.14-2. These volumes are considered to be conservative, given that a comparison of the 2006 to 2009 PM peak-hour traffic volumes through the Donner Pass Road/Glenshire Drive intersection indicates no growth in the total intersection volume. A complete description of the traffic count methodology, in- cluding adjustments to reflect current conditions in accordance with Town practic- es are described in the Traffic Impact Analysis (see Appendix I of the 2012 Draft EIR). FIGURE 4.14-2 2011 SUMMER PM PEAK HOUR TRAFFIC VOLUMES WITHOUT PROJECT TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC Source: LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc., 2012. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC 4.14-17 ii. 2010-2011 AM and PM Peak-hour School Season Traffic Volumes Without Project School season intersection counts were conducted during the 2010-2011 school year at the following three intersections: 1. Glenshire Drive/Dorchester Drive West 2. Glenshire Drive/Somerset Drive 3. Glenshire Drive/Whitehorse Road/Martis Peak Road The morning (AM) counts were conducted from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., and the afternoon (PM) counts were conducted from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., in order to capture the busiest periods of school-related traffic activity.6 The morning and af- ternoon peak-hour volumes are shown in Table 4.14-3. The volumes along Glen- shire Drive are generally highest during the summer season, whereas the volumes along Dorchester Drive (the roadway providing access to the Glenshire Elementary School) are highest during the school season. e. 2031 Traffic Volumes The future (i.e. cumulative) setting associated with the traffic analysis is based on the Town of Truckee’s TransCAD traffic model that provides forecasts of traffic conditions throughout the Town as well as the Martis Valley portion of Placer County. As some of the development projects in the Martis Valley area have re- cently been approved for development at levels less than those originally allowed under the Martis Valley Community Plan, the land uses in the TransCAD traffic mod- el were adjusted downward to reflect the approved Martis Valley projects. The Town updated the Truckee TransCAD model in June 2011. As described in Chapter 1, Introduction, of this Revised Draft EIR, the Notice of Preparation (NOP) for the proposed project was released on April 20, 2011. LSC Transporta- tion Consultants began the Transportation Impact Analysis for the proposed Pro- ject following the release of the NOP; accordingly, the Town-approved TransCAD model at the time the NOP was issued was appropriately used to assess the traffic impacts of the proposed Project. 6 2010-2011 school year traffic count data is in Appendix A of the Traffic Impact Anal- ysis, attached as Appendix I of the 2012 Draft EIR. TO W N O F T R U C K E E CA N Y O N S P R I N G S R E V I S E D D R A F T E I R TR A N S P O R T A T I O N A N D T R A F F I C 4. 1 4 - 1 8 TAB L E 4. 1 4 - 3 20 1 1 TRA F F I C VOL U M E S DUR I N G AM A N D SCH O O L PM PEA K HOU R S WIT H O U T PRO J E C T In t e r s e c t i o n No r t h b o u n d S o u t h b o u n d E a s t b o u n d W e s t b o u n d Total Le f t T h r u R i g h t L e f t T h r u R i g h t L e f t T h r u R i g h t L e f t T h r u R i g h t Su m m e r A M Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / Do n n e r P a s s R o a d 32 0 - - 1 7 4 - - - - - - - - 1 9 0 9 4 5 7 2 2 5 - - 1 , 0 6 0 Sc h o o l A M Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / Do r c h e s t e r D r i v e ( W e s t ) -- - - - - 4 7 - - 1 9 3 1 1 5 59 - - - - 1 4 8 5 7 6 1 9 Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / So m e r s e t D r i v e 32 - - 1 2 - - - - - - - - 2 8 1 3 6 4 7 - - 1 3 8 Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / Ma r t i s P e a k R o a d 5 1 7 1 3 0 1 1 5 8 7 1 1 6 3 8 6 1 9 0 Sc h o o l P M Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / Do r c h e s t e r D r i v e ( w e s t ) -- - - - - 4 8 - - 1 2 7 1 5 6 13 3 - - - - 9 0 2 7 5 8 1 Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / So m e r s e t D r i v e 15 - - 4 - - - - - - - - 4 7 2 8 5 4 3 - - 1 4 2 Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / Ma r t i s P e a k R o a d 4 0 6 6 1 8 9 6 1 8 5 8 1 1 7 2 0 6 So u r c e : L S C T r a n s p o r t a t i o n C o n s ul t a n t s , I n c . , A u g u s t 2 0 1 2 . Ca n y o n S p r i n g s T r a f f i c I m p a c t A n a l y s i s , Ta b l e 1 . TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC 4.14-19 The 2011 TransCAD model assumes a different mix of dwelling unit types in the Glenshire Subdivision. Specifically, a higher portion of residential units are as- sumed to be full-time residences, which have a higher trip generation rate than part-time residential units. Consequently, the 2011 TransCAD model has a higher level of trip generation associated with the Glenshire Subdivision than the previous TransCAD model. Subsequently, more trips are assumed to use the Glenshire Drive/Donner Pass Road route (west side of Glenshire Drive) than in the previous TransCAD model. Furthermore, the vehicle trips using the eastern route via Hirschdale Road have been reduced in the 2011 TransCAD model. Given this update to the 2011 TransCAD model, during the 78-day comment peri- od for the 2012 Draft EIR, members of the public requested the cumulative traffic analysis of the Glenshire Drive/Donner Pass Road and Glenshire Drive/Donner Pass Road Extension intersections be revised using the 2011 TransCAD model. The analysis using the 2011 TransCAD model was performed to determine if the higher traffic volumes would produce any new project impacts at these two inter- sections. This Revised Draft EIR includes cumulative 2031 summer PM peak-hour intersec- tion turning-movement volumes under the 2011 TransCAD model that were de- veloped for the Glenshire Drive/Donner Pass Road and Glenshire Drive/Donner Pass Road Extension intersections for the proposed project. Specifically, the traffic volumes at these intersections were derived from the Joerger Ranch Specific Plan (PC- 3) Traffic Impact Analysis prepared by LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc. on Sep- tember 4, 2013.7 Subtracting the proposed project site-generated traffic volumes included in the updated Truckee TransCAD model yields the estimated "future without project" volumes. In previous and 2011 Truckee TransCAD traffic model, buildout of the Town’s General Plan is conservatively assumed to occur by 2025. No further growth in traffic is assumed between 2025 and 2031. The Teichert’s Boca Quarry Expansion Project, which is located north of Interstate 80 and accessed via Stampede Meadows Road and the Hirschdale interchange ramps is within the vicinity of the project site and assumed to be complete under cumulative conditions. While the quarry project is not included in the Truckee 7 Joerger Ranch Specific Plan (PC-3) volumes are provided in Appendix B of this Revised Draft EIR. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC 4.14-20 TransCAD model, the generated traffic volumes are provided in the Teichert Boca Quarry Expansion Traffic Impact Analysis prepared by LSC Transportation Consult- ants, Inc. on September 7, 2011.8 These volumes are conservatively high, as they reflect maximum potential production levels at the quarry.9 The following future roadway assumptions are made for the purposes of the cumu- lative roadway analysis:  The “Donner Pass Road Extension” will be completed with construction of the Truckee Railyard Master Plan Project. This new roadway will extend east from the eastern portion of Downtown Truckee through the Railyard devel- opment and form a new T-intersection with Glenshire Drive to the east of the intersection with Donner Pass Road. The new Glenshire Drive/Donner Pass Road Extension intersection would include exclusive turn lanes on each ap- proach. The Railyard Master Plan Project is a planned project and it is included in the Town of Truckee Traffic Fee Program, which requires entities initiating new development within the Town to pay traffic impact fees.  The Pioneer Trail and Bridge Street Extensions, which would provide a con- nection between Downtown Truckee, Tahoe Donner, and Pioneer Trail, are assumed to be complete.  Two bridges on Hirschdale Road (crossing the Truckee River and crossing the Union Pacific Railroad Tracks) are proposed to be removed by Nevada Coun- ty. A potential new route from the north side of the river over to Stampede Meadows Road could provide access to the parcels that are served by the bridges. The change in traffic patterns associated with the bridge removal is expected to be minimal, given that there are only a few parcels (and Truckee River access) served by that route. The 2031 summer weekday PM peak hour intersection turning movement volumes without the project are shown in Figure 4.14-3, and the 2031 AM and school PM traffic volumes without the project are shown in Table 4.14-4. 8 Teichert Boca Quarry Expansion volumes are provided in Appendix E of the Traf- fic Impact Analysis, attached as Appendix I of the 2012 Draft EIR. 9 The Raley property to the east of the project site and the Railyard Master Plan in downtown Truckee are included in the TransCAD model. CALIFORNIA 0 0 5 4 1 78 6 3 2 U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD.1 GLENSHIREDR./ DONNERPASSRD.1 U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD. JAC K S V A L L E Y R D . 1 GLENSHIREDR./2 U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD.1 GLENSHIREDR./ DORCHESTERDR.3 DONNERPASSRD.EXTENSION 225 522 365 47 221 461 50 48120 264 368 182 U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD.1 GLENSHIREDR./ R.DELADHCSRIH615 U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD.1 HIRSCHDALERD./ I-80WESTBOUNDRAMPS8U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD.1 HIRSCHDALERD./ I-80EASTBOUNDRAMPS7GLENSHIREDR./ SOMERSETDR. 14 JACKSVALLEYRD. 404/449 GLENSHIREDR./MARTIS PEAKRD./WHITEHORSERD. 145 36 8 51 203 122 0 039 65 98 112 40 15 144 218 191 15227 143209 54 104 51 179 32 84 24 147 29 132 67 21 125 112 945 38 45 161 263 367 HIGHWAYS STREETS RAILROAD LAKE STUDYINTERSECTIONS TRAFFICMOVEMENT TRAFFICVOLUME LEGEND 1 INMILES SCALE0 .5 8 89 GLENS H I R E D R . TRUCKEE 80 80 267 SITEEDINBURG H 2031 PM TRAFFIC VOLUMES WITHOUT PROJECT FIGURE 4.14-3 TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC Source: LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc., 2014. TO W N O F T R U C K E E CA N Y O N S P R I N G S R E V I S E D D R A F T E I R TR A N S P O R T A T I O N A N D T R A F F I C 4.14-22 TAB L E 4. 1 4 - 4 20 3 1 TRA F F I C VOL U M E S DUR I N G AM A N D SCH O O L PM PEA K HOU R S WIT H O U T PRO J E C T No r t h b o u n d S o u t h b o u n d E a s t b o u n d W e s t b o u n d Total Le f t T h r u R i g h t L e f t T h r u R i g h t L e f t T h r u R i g h t L e f t T h r u R i g h t Su m m e r A M Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / D o n n e r P a s s R o a d 15 1 - - 4 6 3 - - - - - - - - 1 8 1 4 7 1 2 8 1 8 5 - - 1 , 1 5 5 Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / D o r c h e s t e r D r i v e ( w e s t ) -- - - - - 7 1 - - 2 3 9 1 5 6 83 - - - - 2 2 2 7 7 8 4 8 Sc h o o l A M Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / S o m e r s e t D r i v e 48 - - 1 6 - - - - - - - - 3 9 1 8 9 7 1 - - 2 0 1 Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / M a r t i s P e a k R o a d 8 0 7 1 3 0 1 8 7 8 9 1 7 6 3 8 6 2 0 9 Sc h o o l P M Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / D o r c h e s t e r D r i v e ( w e s t ) - - - - - - 7 2 - - 1 5 7 2 1 1 1 8 6 - - - - 1 3 5 3 6 7 9 7 Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / S o m e r s e t D r i v e 23 - - 5 - - - - - - - - 6 6 3 9 8 6 5 - - 2 0 6 Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / M a r t i s P e a k R o a d 6 0 6 6 0 1 3 1 2 6 2 1 2 5 8 1 1 7 2 2 0 So u r c e : L S C T r a n s p o r t a t i o n C o n s ul t a n t s , I n c . , A u g u s t 2 0 1 2 . Ca n y o n S p r i n g s T r a f f i c I m p a c t A n a l y s i s , Tab l e 1 1 . TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC 4.14-23 Refer to the Traffic Impact Analysis (see Appendix I of the 2012 Draft EIR) for the assumptions used in producing the 2031 traffic volumes estimates without the pro- ject for AM and school PM. The assumptions used in producing the 2031 traffic volume estimates without the project for summer PM are included in Appendix B of this Revised Draft EIR. f. Level of Service Traffic operations at the study intersections are assessed in terms of level of service and delay consistent to those standards set forth by the Caltrans, the Town and Nevada County.10 Level of service is a concept that was developed by transporta- tion engineers to quantify the level of operation of intersections and roadways.11 Level of service measures are classified in grades “A” through “F,” indicating the range of operation. Level of service (LOS) “A” signifies the best level of operation, while "F" represents the worst. In general, Caltrans tries to maintain LOS D or better, although exceptions are made in specific cases. The Nevada County General Plan requires that rural intersec- tions and roadways maintain LOS C, except where the existing level of service is less than LOS C. In those situations, the level of service shall not be allowed to drop below the existing level of service. In other words, level of service on an inter- section or roadway already below LOS C should not be allowed to degrade below its existing condition. Level of service shall be based on the typical highest peak hour of weekday traffic. Under the Town’s General Plan Policy P2.1 LOS D or better on road segments and for total intersection movements in portions of the Town outside of the Downtown Study Area must be established and maintained. LOS E or better on arterial and collector road segments and for total intersection movements within the Downtown Specific Plan Area are to be established and maintained. Through- out the Town, individual turning movements at unsignalized intersections shall not be allowed to reach LOS F and to exceed a cumulative vehicle delay of 4 vehicle hours. Both of these conditions shall be met for traffic operations to be considered unacceptable. The intersections of Glenshire Drive/Donner Pass Road and Glenshire Drive/Donner Pass Road Extension (future intersection) are located within the 10 A detailed description of LOS criteria is in the Traffic Impact Analysis Appendix C, attached as Appendix I of the 2012 Draft EIR. 11 Transportation Research Board, 2000. Highway Capacity Manual. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC 4.14-24 Downtown Specific Plan Area, and therefore, the LOS E standard would apply. The remaining study intersections are outside the downtown Truckee area; there- fore the LOS D standard would apply. For signalized intersections, level of service is primarily measured in terms of aver- age delay per vehicle entering the intersection. Level of service at unsignalized in- tersections is quantified in terms of delay per vehicle for each movement. Unsignal- ized intersection level of service is based upon the theory of gap acceptance for side-street stop sign-controlled approaches, while signalized intersection level of service is based upon the assessment of volume-to-capacity ratios and control de- lay.12 Existing 2011 intersection level of service is shown in Table 4.14-9 and pro- jected 2031 intersection level of service is shown in Table 4.14-13. As previously stated, the additional analyses included in the Traffic Impact Analysis Addendum reflects an update to intersection Level of Service analyses for all study intersections using the HCM 2010 method. g. Roadway Safety Analysis A roadway safety analysis was conducted in the study area, including a review of historical accident data and existing driver sight distance. i. Historical Accident Data Historical accident data was analyzed at the following locations:  Glenshire Drive/Donner Pass Road Intersection  Glenshire Drive/Dorchester Drive  Glenshire Drive/Martis Peak Road/Whitehorse Road Intersection  Glenshire Drive between West Residential Entrance (Old Highway 40) and Martis Peak Road  Glenshire Drive between Martis Peak Road and Hirschdale Road  Hirschdale Road between Glenshire Drive and Interstate 80  The roadway segment along Somerset Drive/Courtenay Lane/Regency Cir- cle/Edinburgh Drive 12 Computer output of detailed LOS calculations for all intersections is provided in Appendix D of the Traffic Impact Analysis, provided in Appendix I of the 2012 Draft EIR. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC 4.14-25 The accident analysis is based on traffic collision data obtained from the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), which is managed by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and contains a comprehensive list of all reported collisions in the State of California. Local jurisdictions do not maintain any accident records exclusive from SWITRS. Accident records were obtained for the intersections and roadway segments listed above for the five-year period from 2006 through 2010. The detailed results of the analysis are included in the Traffic Impact Analysis and summarized in Table 4.14-5. TABLE 4.14-5 HISTORICAL TRAFFIC DATA (2006- 2010) Road Segment Total Accidents Total In Snow/Ice Conditions Fatalities Annualized Accident Rates (MVM) Intersections Glenshire Drive/ Donner Pass Road 12 1 0 .52 Glenshire Drive/ Dorchester Drive 4 0 0 .38 Glenshire Drive/Martis Peak Road/Whitehorse Road 0 0 0 0 Roadways Glenshire Drive between West Residential Entrance (Old Hwy 40) and Martis Peak Road 16 6 0 1.11 Glenshire Drive between Martis Peak Road and Hirschdale Road 9 3 0 1.98 Hirschdale Road between I- 80 and Glenshire Drive 6 2 0 2.61 Segment on Somerset Drive/Courtenay Lane/Regency Circle/ Edinburgh Drive 2 0 0 1.54 Note: MVM = Million Vehicle-Miles for roadways and Million Vehicle-Movements for intersections. Source: LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc., August 2012. Canyon Springs Traffic Impact Analysis. In addition, the Nevada Community Development Agency Department of Public Works investigations of the roadway segment of Glenshire Drive east of Martis TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC 4.14-26 Peak Road show a majority of the crashes happened in 2006 and 2007, and were concentrated in a 500 foot area approximately 1,500 feet east of the Martis Peak Road/Glenshire Drive intersection.13 ii. Driver Sight Distance A detailed evaluation of the driver sight distance at the Glenshire Drive/Whitehorse Road/Martis Peak Road intersection was performed. Traffic engineers consider driver sight distance by two parameters: 1. Stopping sight distance requirements are meant to ensure that a driver on the approaching uncontrolled roadway has adequate time to perceive and react to the presence of an obstruction in the roadway, and come to a stop in a safe manner. 2. Corner sight distance requirements are meant to ensure that adequate time is provided for the waiting vehicle at an unsignalized intersection to either cross all lanes of through traffic, cross the near lanes and turn left, or turn right without requiring through traffic to radically alter their speed. Corner sight dis- tance requirements are based upon major street roadway design speeds and are identified in Standard Drawing Number 28 in the Town of Truckee Public Improvement and Engineering Standards. The corner sight distance require- ments are meant to provide 7½ seconds for the driver on the crossroad to complete the necessary maneuver, while the approaching vehicle travels at the assumed design speed of the major roadway. A speed study was conducted on Wednesday, July 27, 2011 from 3:20 to 5:20 p.m. at a point on Glenshire Drive immediately east of Martis Peak Road.14 There is currently a sign in both directions of this segment advising a travel speed of 25 miles per hour. A total of 203 vehicles were observed on Glenshire Drive during the study period. According to the results of the study, the 85th-percentile speed is estimated to be 30 miles per hour in each direction. According to Town standards, the applicable corner sight distance (measured at a 10-foot setback from the edge of the travel lane) at 30 miles per hour is 330 feet. 13 Written correspondence from Steve Castleberry, Director, Nevada County De- partment of Public Works, to Denyelle Nishimori, Senior Planner, Town of Truckee, Febru- ary 13, 2013. 14 The speed study is provided in Appendix B of the Traffic Impact Analysis, which is provided in Appendix I of the 2012 Draft EIR. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC 4.14-27 A driver sight distance survey was performed at the Glenshire Drive/Whitehorse Road/Martis Peak Road intersection. The results of this survey show that the cor- ner sight distance from Martis Peak Road looking to the west along Glenshire Drive exceeds 330 feet, and is therefore adequate. The corner sight distance from Martis Peak Road looking to the east along Glenshire Drive is roughly 425 feet, which exceeds the requirement. Therefore, no driver sight distance deficiencies are identified on the Martis Peak Road approach. However, the corner sight distance looking to the west and east from Whitehorse Road is not adequate. Whitehorse Road looking to the west along Glenshire Drive is roughly 195 feet, which does not meet the Town’s 330-foot requirement. The corner sight distance from Whitehorse Road looking to the east along Glenshire Drive is roughly 170 feet, which does not meet the Town’s 330-foot corner sight distance requirement. In summary, drivers exiting Martis Peak Drive onto Glenshire Drive have adequate sight distance to judge an acceptable gap in both directions. However, drivers exit- ing Whitehorse Road onto Glenshire Drive do not have adequate corner sight dis- tance to judge acceptable gaps looking either to the east or west. In both directions, however, oncoming drivers along Glenshire Drive have adequate stopping sight distance to react to the presence of a vehicle turning onto the roadway. C. Standards of Significance The proposed project would have a significant impact with regard to transportation and traffic if it would:  Conflict with an applicable plan, ordinance or policy establishing measures of effectiveness for the performance of the circulation system, taking into ac- count all modes of transportation including mass transit and non-motorized travel and relevant components of the circulation system, including but not limited to intersections, streets, highways and freeways, pedestrian and bicycle paths, and mass transit.  Conflict with an applicable congestion management program, including, but not limited to level of service standards and travel demand measures, or other standards established by the county congestion management agency for desig- nated roads or highways.  Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including either an increase in traffic levels or a change in location that results in substantial safety risks. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC 4.14-28  Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g. sharp curves or dan- gerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g. farm equipment).  Result in inadequate emergency access.  Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs regarding public transit, bi- cycle, or pedestrian facilities, or otherwise decrease the performance or safety of such facilities. a. Project Trip Generation, Distribution, and Assignment The following establishes the project’s estimated trip generation, distribution, and assignment onto the study roadways and intersections. i. Project Trip Generation  Project trip generation evaluates the number of vehicle-trips that would either have an origin or destination within the area. The trip generation rates of the proposed project are based on a number of assumptions, which are described in detail in the Traffic Impact Analysis (See Appendix I of the 2012 Draft EIR) and Traffic Impact Analysis Addendum (See Appendix B of this Revised Draft EIR). The estimated weekday trip generation analysis is summarized in Table 4.14-6. As indicated, at buildout the proposed project would generate up to approximately 2,578 one-way daily vehicle trips, of which 194 (46 inbound and 148 outbound) would occur during the AM peak hour and 257 (164 inbound and 93 outbound) would occur during the PM peak hour. ii. 2011 and 2031 Project Trip Distribution The distribution of traffic throughout the project area and surrounding network is estimated based on the following conditions and assumptions:  Existing traffic patterns in the Glenshire area;  Expected trip purposes of future residents and visitors to the project;  Location of the site relative to major employment, commercial, and recrea- tional activity centers; and  Distribution generated by the Town’s traffic model for the project site. TO W N O F T R U C K E E CA N Y O N S P R I N G S R E V I S E D D R A F T E I R TR A N S P O R T A T I O N A N D T R A F F I C 4.14-29 TAB L E 4. 1 4 - 6 PRO J E C T TRI P GEN E R A T I O N De s c r i p t i o n IT E La n d U s e IT E Co d e Q u a n t i t y U n i t Tr i p G e n e r a t i o n R a t e s a P r o j e c t G e n e r a t e d V e h i c l e T r i p s a t S i t e A c c e s s Da i l y AM Pe a k H o u r PM Pe a k H o u r D a i l y AM P e a k H o u r PM Peak Hour In O u t T o t a l In Out Total Ma r k e t R a t e Ho u s e s Si n g l e - F a m i l y De t a c h e d H o u s i n g 21 0 1 7 7 D U E q u a t i o n b Eq u a t i o n c E q u a t i o n d 1 , 7 5 8 3 4 1 0 0 1 3 4 1 1 1 6 5 1 7 6 Se c o n d a r y U n i t s A p a r t m e n t 22 0 8 9 D U E q u a t i o n e Eq u a t i o n f E q u a t i o n g 6 3 5 9 3 7 4 6 4 1 2 2 6 3 Af f o r d a b l e Ho u s i n g Ap a r t m e n t 2 2 0 2 6 D U E q u a t i o n e Eq u a t i o n f E q u a t i o n g 1 8 5 3 1 1 1 4 1 2 6 1 8 To t a l T r i p G e n e r a t i o n 29 2 D U 2 , 5 7 8 4 6 1 4 8 1 9 4 1 6 4 9 3 2 5 7 No t e : D U = D w e l l i n g U n i t s a T r i p g e n e r a t i o n r a t e s a n d r e gr e s s i o n e q u a t i o n s a r e b a se d o n T r i p G e n e r a t i o n , 8 t h E d i t i o n (I T E , 2 0 0 8 ) , u n l e s s N o t e d o t h e r w i s e . b T h e n u m b e r o f d a i l y t r i p s , T , f o r t h e s i n g l e - f a m i l y d e t a c h e d ho u s i n g l a n d u s e i s d e te r m i n e d b y t h e e q u a ti o n L n ( T ) = 0 . 9 2 * L n ( # D U ) +2 . 7 1 . c Th e n u m b e r o f A M p e a k h o u r t r i p s , T , f o r t h e s i n g l e - f a m i l y d e t a ch e d h o u s i n g l a n d u s e i s d e t e r m in e d b y t h e e q u a t i o n T = 0 . 7 0 ( # D U ) + 9. 7 4 ; 2 5 p e r c e n t i n b o u n d t r i p s , 75 p e r c e n t o u t b o u n d t r i p s . d Th e n u m b e r o f P M p e a k h o u r t r i p s , T , f o r t h e s i n g l e - f a m i l y d e t a ch e d h o u s i n g l a n d u s e i s d e t e r m in e d b y t h e e q u a t i o n L n ( T ) = 0 . 9 0 * L n( # D U ) + 0 . 5 1 ; 6 3 p e r c e n t i n b o u n d t r ip s , 3 7 p e r c e n t o u t b o u n d t r i p s . e T h e n u m b e r o f d a i l y t r i p s , T , f o r t h e a p a r t m e n t l a n d u s e i s d e t e r m i n e d b y t h e e q u a t i o n T = 6 . 0 6 ( # D U ) + 1 2 3 . 5 6 . f T h e n u m b e r o f A M p e a k h o u r t r i p s , T , f o r t h e a p a r t m e n t l a n d u s e i s d e t e r m i n e d b y t h e e q u a t i o n T = 0 . 4 9 ( # D U ) + 3 . 7 3 ; 2 0 p e r c e n t i n b ou n d t r i p s , 8 0 p e r c e n t o u t b o u n d t r i p s . g Th e n u m b e r o f P M p e a k h o u r t r i p s , T , f o r t h e a p a r t m e n t l a n d u s e is d e t e r m i n e d b y t h e e q u a t i o n T= 0 . 5 5 ( # D U ) + 1 7 . 6 5 ; 6 5 p e r c e n t i n b ou n d t r i p s , 3 5 p e r c e n t o u t b o u n d t r i p s . So u r c e : L S C T r a n s p o r t a t i o n C o n s ul t a n t s , I n c . , A u g u s t 2 0 1 2 . Ca n y o n S p r i n g s T r a f f i c I m p a c t A n a l y s i s , Ta b l e 3 . TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC 4.14-30 Trip distribution projections show that more than one quarter of trips generated by the proposed project in 2011 are expected to travel to/from the Gateway area (near the State Route 89 South/Donner Pass Road intersection). In addition, existing traffic volumes indicate about 25 percent of Glenshire traffic travels to/from Inter- state 80 to the east of Hirschdale Road. Under future 2031 conditions, the trip distribution to these key locations is ex- pected to be lower, considering the new commercial development assumed to oc- cur in other areas of Truckee (e.g. Railyard Development). iii. 2011 and 2031 Project Trip Assignment The proposed project assumes full access to the site via Martis Peak Road as the Edinburgh Drive access point would be gated and accessible for emergency use only. Based on a series of assumptions described in the Traffic Impact Analysis (see Appendix I of the 2012 Draft EIR) trip assignment projections indicate that the majority of project-generated traffic would use Hirschdale Road/ Interstate 80 to access the areas listed above, with the exception of Downtown Truckee (for which Glenshire Road would serve all drivers). A minority of drivers with a particular aversion to out-of-direction or freeway travel (such as the elderly) is expected to continue to use Glenshire Drive, particularly for trips where the Hirschdale/Interstate 80 travel route does not provide a large travel time savings.15 The 2011 project-generated PM peak-hour traffic volumes through the study inter- sections are illustrated in Figure 4.14-4 and the future 2031 project-generated traffic volumes are shown in Figure 4.14-5. The 2011 and 2031 project-generated intersec- tion turning-movement volumes during the AM peak hour and the PM peak hour of school-related traffic activity are shown in Table 4.14-7. Excluding trips between the project site and Reno/Sparks, Glenshire or Stampede Meadows Road, 45 percent of project traffic to/from the west would use Glenshire Drive and the remaining 55 percent would use Hirschdale Road/ Interstate 80. Given the location of the project access point in the easternmost portion of Glen- shire (2 miles east of the Glenshire General Store), this distribution proportion is consistent with the observed traffic patterns. 15 The detailed results of the travel time analysis is presented in Table 6 of the Traffic Impact Analysis, which is provided in Appendix I of the 2012 Draft EIR. CALIFORNIA 0 0 5 4 1 78 6 3 2 U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD.1 GLENSHIREDR./ HIRSCHDALED.R615 U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD.1 HIRSCHDALERD./ I-80WESTBOUNDRAMPS8U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD.1 HIRSCHDALERD./ I-80EASTBOUNDRAMPS7GLENSHIREDR./ SOMERSETDR. U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD.1 GLENSHIREDR./ DONNERPASSRD.1 14 JACKSVALLEYRD. 404/449 GLENSHIREDR./MARTIS PEAKRD./WHITEHORSERD. U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD. JAC K S V A L L E Y R D . 1 GLENSHIREDR./2 U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD.1 GLENSHIREDR./ DORCHESTERDR.3 FUTURE INTERSECTION DONNERPASSRD.EXTENSION 0 10 6 23 0 39 32 0 0 0 55 0 0 036 57 00 0 0 0 0 103 57 430 3359 1 32 3 60 0 49 29 0 23 2 0 0 41 0 0 61 0 0 103 HIGHWAYS STREETS RAILROAD LAKE STUDYINTERSECTIONS TRAFFICMOVEMENT TRAFFICVOLUME LEGEND 1 INMILES SCALE 0 .5 8 89 GLENS H I R E D R . TRUCKEE 80 80 267 SITEEDINBURG H FIGURE 4.14-4 2011 PROJECT GENERATED PM TRAFFIC VOLUMES TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC Source: LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc., 2012. CALIFORNIA 0 0 5 4 1 78 6 3 2 U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD.1 GLENSHIREDR./ R.DELADHCSRIH615 U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD.1 HIRSCHDALERD./ I-80WESTBOUNDRAMPS8U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD.1 HIRSCHDALERD./ I-80EASTBOUNDRAMPS7GLENSHIREDR./ SOMMERSETDR. U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD.1 GLENSHIREDR./ DONNERPASSRD.1 14 JACKSVALLEYRD. 404/449 GLENSHIREDR./MARTIS PEAKRD./WHITEHORSERD. U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD. JAC K S V A L L E Y R D . 1 GLENSHIREDR./2 U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD.1 GLENSHIREDR./ DORCHESTERDR.3 DONNERPASSRD.EXTENSION 0 12 7 -3 0 12 32 0 0 0 56 0 0 036 57 00 0 5 3 0 98 54 320 3765 1 36 3 60 0 50 29 0 17 2 0 0 30 0 0 61 0 0 103 24 0 0 26 25 4 HIGHWAYS STREETS RAILROAD LAKE STUDYINTERSECTIONS TRAFFICMOVEMENT TRAFFICVOLUME LEGEND 1 INMILES SCALE0 .5 8 89 SITE GLENS H I R E D R . TRUCKEE EDINBURG H 80 80 267 Source: LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc., 2012. FIGURE 4.14-5 2031 PROJECT GENERATED PM TRAFFIC VOLUMES TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS DRAFT EIR TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC TO W N O F T R U C K E E CA N Y O N S P R I N G S R E V I S E D D R A F T E I R TR A N S P O R T A T I O N A N D T R A F F I C 4.14-33 TAB L E 4. 1 4 - 7 PRO J E C T GEN E R A T E D TRA F F I C VOL U M E S DUR I N G AM A N D SCH O O L PM PEA K HOU R No r t h b o u n d S o u t h b o u n d E a s t b o u n d W e s t b o u n d Total Le f t T h r u R i g h t L e f t T h r u R i g h t L e f t T h r u R i g h t L e f t T h r u R i g h t EX I S T I N G 2 0 1 1 P R O J E C T G E N E R A T E D Su m m e r A M Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / D o n n e r P a s s R o a d 33 - - 1 1 - - - - - - - - 0 1 0 3 0 - - 5 7 Sc h o o l A M Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / D o r c h e s t e r D r i v e ( w es t ) - - - - - - 1 - - 0 0 1 3 - - - - 4 4 3 6 1 Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / S o m e r s e t D r i v e 0 - - 0 - - - - - - - - 1 4 0 0 4 7 - - 6 1 Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / M a r t i s P e a k R o a d 57 0 9 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 7 2 9 0 0 1 9 4 Sc h o o l P M Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / D o r c h e s t e r D r i v e ( w es t ) - - - - - - 3 - - 0 0 4 7 - - - - 2 7 2 7 9 Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / S o m e r s e t D r i v e 0 - - 0 - - - - - - - - 5 0 0 0 2 9 - - 7 9 Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / M a r t i s P e a k R o a d 36 0 5 7 0 0 0 0 0 6 2 1 0 2 0 0 2 5 7 FU T U R E 2 0 3 1 P R O J E C T G E N E R A T E D Su m m e r A M Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / D o n n e r P a s s R o a d 0 - - 1 3 - - - - - - - - 0 3 4 0 - - 2 0 Sc h o o l A M TO W N O F T R U C K E E CA N Y O N S P R I N G S R E V I S E D D R A F T E I R TR A N S P O R T A T I O N A N D T R A F F I C 4.14-34 TAB L E 4. 1 4 - 7 PRO J E C T GEN E R A T E D TRA F F I C VOL U M E S DUR I N G AM A N D SCH O O L PM PEA K HOU R No r t h b o u n d S o u t h b o u n d E a s t b o u n d W e s t b o u n d Total Le f t T h r u R i g h t L e f t T h r u R i g h t L e f t T h r u R i g h t L e f t T h r u R i g h t Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / D o r c h e s t e r D r i v e ( w es t ) - - - - - - 1 - - 0 0 1 3 - - - - 4 4 3 6 1 Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / S o m e r s e t D r i v e 0 - - 0 - - - - - - - - 1 4 0 0 4 7 - - 6 1 Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / M a r t i s P e a k R o a d 58 0 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 8 2 8 0 0 1 9 4 Sc h o o l P M Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / D o r c h e s t e r D r i v e ( w es t ) - - - - - - 3 - - 0 0 4 8 - - - - 2 7 2 8 0 Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / S o m e r s e t D r i v e 0 - - 0 - - - - - - - - 5 1 0 0 2 9 - - 8 0 Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / M a r t i s P e a k R o a d 37 0 5 6 0 0 0 0 0 6 4 1 0 0 0 0 2 5 7 No t e : A s s u m e s s i t e a c c e s s v i a M a r t i s P e a k R o a d o n l y . So u r c e : L S C T r a n s p o r t a t i o n C o n s ul t a n t s , I n c . , A u g u s t 2 0 1 2 . Ca n y o n S p r i n g s T r a f f i c I m p a c t A n a l y s i s , Ta b l e 7 . TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC 4.14-35 D. Impact Discussion 1. Project Impacts a. Conflict with an applicable plan, ordinance or policy establishing measures of effectiveness for the performance of the circulation system, taking into ac- count all modes of transportation including mass transit and non-motorized travel and relevant components of the circulation system, including but not limited to intersections, streets, highways and freeways, pedestrian and bicycle paths, and mass transit. Adding the 2011 project-generated traffic volumes to the “2011 without project” volumes yields the “2011 with project” intersection volumes shown in Figure 4.14- 6 and Table 4.14-8. i. 2011 Level of Service Impacts All study intersections were evaluated using the HCM 2010 method to determine existing operational conditions for the 2011 summer PM peak hour. The Glenshire Drive/Donner Pass Road intersection was also evaluated for the summer AM peak hour. In addition, the intersections of Glenshire Drive/Dorchester Drive (West), Glenshire Drive/Somerset Drive, and Glenshire Drive/Martis Peak Road were evaluated for the AM and PM peak periods of school-related traffic activity. As indicated on Table 4.14-9, using the traffic volumes identified above, all study in- tersections currently operate at acceptable levels during all periods without the pro- posed project, with the exception of the Glenshire Drive/Donner Pass Road inter- section. During the PM peak hour, the worst movement on this intersection (the left-turn movement from Glenshire Drive to Donner Pass Road) operates at LOS F, with a total of about 11.3 vehicle-hours of delay. This exceeds the Town’s standard of LOS F and a maximum of 4 vehicle-hours of delay.16 16 LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc., Canyon Springs Traffic Impact Analysis Adden- dum, January 2014, page 2. CALIFORNIA 0 0 5 4 1 78 6 3 2 U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD.1 GLENSHIREDR./ DONNERPASSRD.1 U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD. JAC K S V A L L E Y R D . 1 GLENSHIREDR./2 U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD.1 GLENSHIREDR./ DORCHESTERDR.3 FUTURE INTERSECTION DONNERPASSRD.EXTENSION 247 237 129 188 368 394 38 3497 195 276 131 U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD.1 GLENSHIREDR./ HIRSCHDALED.R615 U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD.1 HIRSCHDALERD./ I-80WESTBOUNDRAMPS8U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD.1 HIRSCHDALERD./ I-80EASTBOUNDRAMPS7GLENSHIREDR./ SOMERSETDR. 14 JACKSVALLEYRD. 404/449 GLENSHIREDR./MARTIS PEAKRD./WHITEHORSERD. 107 24 6 34 160 87 0 038 65 95 7 2 2 12 256 202 13727 107130 67 81 41 101 54 33 60 110 21 130 65 21 125 112 HIGHWAYS STREETS RAILROAD LAKE STUDYINTERSECTIONS TRAFFICMOVEMENT TRAFFICVOLUME LEGEND 1 INMILES SCALE0 .5 8 89 GLENS H I R E D R . TRUCKEE 80 80 267 SITEEDINBURGH Source: LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc., 2012. FIGURE 4.14-6 2011 PM TRAFFIC VOLUMES WITH PROJECT TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC TO W N O F T R U C K E E CA N Y O N S P R I N G S R E V I S E D D R A F T E I R TR A N S P O R T A T I O N A N D T R A F F I C 4.14-37 TAB L E 4. 1 4 - 8 20 1 1 W I T H PRO J E C T TRA F F I C VOL U M E S DUR I N G AM A N D SCH O O L PM PEA K HOU R S No r t h b o u n d S o u t h b o u n d E a s t b o u n d W e s t b o u n d Total Le f t T h r u R i g h t L e f t T h r u R i g h t Le f t T h r u R i g h t L e f t T h r u R i g h t Su m m e r A M Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / D o n n e r P a s s R o a d 35 3 - - 1 8 5 - - - - - - - - 1 9 0 1 0 4 6 0 2 2 5 - - 1 , 1 1 7 Sc h o o l A M Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / D o r c h e s t e r D r i v e ( w e s t ) -- - - - - 4 8 - - 1 9 3 1 1 5 72 - - - - 1 9 2 6 0 6 8 0 Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / S o m e r s e t D r i v e 32 - - 1 2 - - - - - - 4 2 1 3 6 9 4 1 9 9 Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / M a r t i s P e a k R o a d 62 1 9 8 1 3 0 1 1 5 8 7 2 8 3 5 3 8 6 3 8 4 Sc h o o l P M Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / D o r c h e s t e r D r i v e ( w e s t ) - - - - - - 5 1 - - 1 2 7 1 5 6 1 8 0 - - - - 1 1 7 2 9 6 6 0 Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / S o m e r s e t D r i v e 15 - - 4 - - - - - - - - 9 7 2 8 5 7 2 2 2 1 Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / M a r t i s P e a k R o a d 40 0 6 3 6 1 8 9 6 1 7 0 1 0 7 8 1 1 7 4 6 3 So u r c e : L S C T r a n s p o r t a t i o n C o n s ul t a n t s , I n c . , A u g u s t 2 0 1 2 . Ca n y o n S p r i n g s T r a f f i c I m p a c t A n a l y s i s , Ta b l e 8 . TO W N O F T R U C K E E CA N Y O N S P R I N G S R E V I S E D D R A F T E I R TR A N S P O R T A T I O N A N D T R A F F I C 4.14-38 TAB L E 4. 1 4 - 9 20 1 1 INT E R S E C T I O N LEV E L O F SER V I C E In t e r s e c t i o n C o n t r o l Ty p e Wi t h o u t P r o j e c t With Project To t a l I n t e r s e c t i o n W o r s t M o v e m e n t T o t a l I n t e r s e c t i o n W o r s t M o v e m e n t De l a y (s e c / v e h ) L O S De l a y (s e c / v e h ) L O S De l a y (s e c / v e h ) L O S Delay (sec/veh)LOS Su m m e r P M Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / D o n n e r P a s s R o a d Si d e S t r e e t S t o p 3 0 . 3 D OV F F 49 . 2 E OVF F Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / D o n n e r P a s s R o a d E x t e n s i o n Si d e S t re e t S t o p Fu t u r e I n t e r s e c t i o n Fu t u r e I n t e r s e c t i o n Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / D o r c h e s t e r D r i v e ( w e s t ) Si de S t r e e t S t o p 4 . 6 A 1 2 . 6 B 4 . 5 A 1 4 . 4 B Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / S o m e r s e t D r i v e All - W a y S t o p 8 . 0 A 8 . 0 A 8 . 5 A 8 . 7 A Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / M a r t i s P e a k R o a d Si d e S t r e e t S t o p 1 . 4 A 1 0 . 6 B 4 . 3 A 1 4 . 2 B Hi r s c h d a l e R o a d / G l e n s h i r e D r i v e Si d e S t r e e t S t o p 5 . 2 A 1 0 . 3 B 5 . 2 A 1 1 . 6 B Hi r s c h d a l e R o a d / I - 8 0 E B R a m p s Si d e St r e e t S t o p 4 . 6 A 1 0 . 6 B 5 . 1 A 1 1 . 6 B Hi r s c h d a l e R o a d / I - 8 0 W B R a m p s Si d e S t r e e t S t o p 5 . 1 A 1 0 . 2 B 6 . 0 A 1 0 . 7 B Su m m e r A M Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / D o n n e r P a s s R o a d Si de S t r e e t S t o p 1 2 . 4 B 3 3 . 5 D 1 6 . 4 C 44.4 E Sc h o o l A M Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / D o r c h e s t e r D r i v e ( w e s t ) Si de S t r e e t S t o p 6 . 7 A 1 3 . 4 B 6 . 5 A 1 4 . 6 B Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / S o m e r s e t D r i v e All - W a y S t o p 7 . 3 A 7 . 4 A 7 . 6 A 7 . 8 A Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / M a r t i s P e a k R o a d Si d e S t r e e t S t o p 2 . 3 A 9 . 4 A 6 . 0 A 1 0 . 9 B TO W N O F T R U C K E E CA N Y O N S P R I N G S R E V I S E D D R A F T E I R TR A N S P O R T A T I O N A N D T R A F F I C TAB L E 4. 1 4 - 9 20 1 1 INT E R S E C T I O N LEV E L O F SER V I C E (CO N T I N U E D ) 4.14-39 In t e r s e c t i o n C o n t r o l T y p e Wi t h o u t P r o j e c t W i t h P r o j e c t To t a l I n t e r s e c t i o n W o r s t M o v e m e n t T o t a l I n t e r s e c t i o n W o r s t M o v e m e n t De l a y (s e c / v e h ) L O S De l a y (s e c / v e h ) L O S De l a y (s e c / v e h ) L O S Delay (sec/veh)LOS Sc h o o l P M Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / D o r c h e s t e r D r i v e ( w e s t ) Si de S t r e e t S t o p 5 . 8 A 1 2 . 2 B 5 . 4 A 1 3 . 2 B Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / S o m e r s e t D r i v e All - W a y S t o p 7 . 2 A 7 . 3 A 7 . 6 A 7 . 6 A Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / M a r t i s P e a k R o a d Si d e S t r e e t S t o p 1 . 7 A 9 . 4 A 4 . 8 A 1 1 . 3 B No t e s : BO L D t e x t i n d i c a t e s e x c e e d a n c e o f t h e T o w n o f T r u c k e e L O S s t a n d a r d f o r u n s i g n a l i z e d a p p r o a c h e s , w h i c h s t a t e s t h a t a n u n s i g n a l i z e d m ov e m e n t a t L O S F w i t h g r e a t e r t h an four total vehicle-hours of de l a y i s u n a c c e p t a b l e . OV F = O v e r f l o w . O v e r f l o w i n d i c a te s a n e x c e s s i v e d e l a y , w h i c h c a n n o t b e a c c u ra t e l y c a l c u l a t e d u s i n g H C M m e t h o d o l o g y . So u r c e : L S C T r a n s p o r t a t i o n C o n s ul t a n t s , I n c . , J a n u a r y 2 0 1 4 Ca n y o n S p r i n g s T r a f f i c I m p a c t A n a l y s i s A d d e n d u m , T a b l e 1 . TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC 4.14-40 As indicated on Table 4.14-9, implementation of the proposed project would result in increased delays at all study intersections, and the level of service would degrade by one level at some intersections as described below. However, no additional in- tersections would exceed the Town standard in 2011 with the project. At the Glenshire Drive/Donner Pass Road intersection, the total intersection level of service would degrade from LOS D Existing 2011 No Project conditions (base- line) to LOS E (Existing 2011 with Project conditions) during the summer PM peak hour, while the worst movement would continue to operate at LOS F with more than 4 vehicle-hours of delay. Implementation of the proposed project would therefore exacerbate an existing level of service deficiency at this intersection, as it would result in increased vehicular delays during the summer PM peak hour. Therefore, level of service impacts at this intersection would be potentially signifi- cant. Intersection level of service mitigation measures have been considered for the Glenshire Drive/Donner Pass Road intersection, as it is expected the level of ser- vice threshold will continue to be exceeded in the 2011 summer PM peak hour, without the project, and further exacerbated with the proposed project. The follow- ing provides a summary of each of the intersection level of service mitigation measures considered. 1) The construction of a roundabout or traffic signal at this location is not feasi- ble due to the existing steep grades. The transition in and out of either im- provement would create unsafe traffic conditions, particularly in inclement weather. Therefore, this mitigation measure is considered infeasible. 2) Provide a two-way left-turn lane along Donner Pass Road between Glenshire Drive and Keiser Avenue. With a two-way left-turn lane, drivers are expected to make a left turn into the center lane and then move into a gap in the west- bound through traffic and accelerate in the through lane, rather than accelerat- ing in the median lane. A driver would be prohibited by law from traveling more than 200 feet in a two-way left-turn lane. There would be a potential for conflicts between drivers turning left from both Glenshire Drive and Keiser Avenue. Drivers in both directions would also need to accurately judge ac- ceptable gaps in oncoming traffic by looking in their rear view mirrors. As the speed limit along this portion of Glenshire Drive is 45 miles per hour, this would create an unacceptable potential for accidents. For this reason, two-way left-turn lanes are typically not provided along roadways with speeds exceeding 35 miles per hour. Therefore, this mitigation measure is considered infeasible. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC 4.14-41 3) Provide a left turn acceleration lane (center lane) along Donner Pass Road west of Glenshire Drive, which would allow drivers turning left from Glen- shire Drive to make a “two-stage” left-turn movement, first using a gap in the eastbound traffic to turn into the center lane before using a gap in the west- bound traffic to merge to the right into the westbound through lane. A con- ceptual layout for this improvement is illustrated on Figure 4.14-7. The center lane would not be permitted for drivers turning left from Keiser Avenue. The pavement markings associated with the left turn lane would be designed to discourage drivers making left turns from Keiser Avenue onto Donner Pass Road from pulling into the painted median area, in order to minimize the po- tential for traffic accidents. The presence of the center lane would improve level of service for drivers turning left from Glenshire Drive. Table 4.14-10 summarizes the level of service and delay on the worst move- ment (the left-turn movement from Glenshire Drive) under 2011 conditions with the new center lane. Implementation of this improvement would improve the level of service to an acceptable level under 2011 conditions without the proposed project, with a total of approximately 3.1 vehicle-hours of delay on the worst movement. However, with full buildout of the proposed project, the level of service would degrade to an unacceptable level, with approximately 5.6 vehicle-hours of delay on the worst movement. While project buildout would result in an unacceptable LOS F, same as the existing conditions, intersection delays would be shorter with implementation of the center lane and full devel- opment of the proposed project (5.6 total vehicle-hours of delay under sum- mer PM peak hour conditions) than under existing conditions with no center lane improvements and no project (11.3 total vehicle-hours of delay under summer PM peak hour conditions). The level of service at this intersection would nonetheless remain at an unacceptable level of service as it would ex- ceed the Town standards by 1.6 total vehicle-hours of delay under summer PM peak hour conditions. FIGURE 4.14-7 GLENSHIRE DRIVE/DONNER PASS ROAD LEFT TURN ACCELERATION LANE CONCEPTUAL DESIGN TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC 600 120 Feet TO W N O F T R U C K E E CA N Y O N S P R I N G S R E V I S E D D R A F T E I R TR A N S P O R T A T I O N A N D T R A F F I C 4. 1 4 - 4 3 TAB L E 4. 1 4 - 1 0 GLE N S H I R E DRI V E /D ON N E R PAS S ROA D INT E R S E C T I O N LO S WI T H CEN T E R TUR N LAN E Ye a r 2 0 1 1 S c e n a r i o s De l a y o n W o r s t M o v e m e n t HC M 2 0 1 0 M e t h o d – A d j u s t e d G a p T i m e s Ro a d w a y C o n f i g u r a t i o n a De l a y (s e c / v e h ) De l a y (v e h - h r s ) L O S Su m m e r P M P e a k H o u r PM N o Pr o j e c t E x i s t i n g O V F 11 . 3 F PM W i t h Pr o j e c t E x i s t i n g O V F 20 . 0 F Su m m e r A M P e a k H o u r AM N o Pr o j e c t E x i s t i n g 33 . 5 N/ A D AM W i t h Pr o j e c t E x i s t i n g 4 4 . 4 N / A E Su m m e r P M P e a k H o u r PM No P r o j e c t W i t h C e n t e r L a n e b 67 . 3 3 . 1 F PM Wi t h P r o j e c t W i t h C e n t e r L a n e b 1 0 7 . 0 5 . 6 F No t e : Bo l d t e x t i n d i c a t e s t h a t L O S S t a n d a r d i s e x c e e d e d . a A l l s c e n a r i o s a r e a n a l y z e d u s i n g a d j u s t e d g a p a c c e p t a n c e c r i t e r i a . b A l l s c e n a r i o s w i t h c e n t e r l a n e a s s u m e 1 - c a r s t o r a g e i n t h e m e d i a n . So u r c e : L S C T r a n s p o r t a t i o n C o n s ul t a n t s , I n c . , J a n u a r y 2 0 1 4 . Ca n y o n S p r i n g s T r a f f i c I m p a c t A n a l y s i s A d d e n d u m , Ta b l e 5 . TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC 4.14-44 Temporary off-site impacts associated with the provision of a center lane on Don- ner Pass Road during Phase 1 of project construction would be considered to be less than significant through implementation mitigation measures and mandatory regulations described in other chapters of the 2012 Draft EIR. Mitigation Measure HYDRO-1a through -1c and HYDRO-2a through -2c described in Chapter 4.9, Hydrology and Water Quality, recommends measures and Best Management Prac- tices to stabilize soils and minimize erosion during the construction process. Man- datory regulations described in Chapter 4.5, Cultural Resources, of the 2012 Draft EIR, impacts to unknown cultural resources and human remains would be less than significant as well. Mitigation Measure TRANS-4 would reduce temporary impact to local roadways through the preparation of a Construction Traffic Management Plan to be prepared and approved by the Town’s Public Works Department prior to Phase 1 of project construction. With the new center turn lane, some level of development could occur before the level of service threshold is exceeded. It is estimated that construction Phases 1 through the beginning of Phase 4 or about 45 percent of the Canyon Springs de- velopment (including about 84 single-family lots) could be constructed before the level of service threshold is exceeded. This would generate about 10 left turns from Glenshire Drive onto Donner Pass Road. In addition to the potential mitigation measures discussed above, the impacts of the implementation of the Donner Pass Road Extension to be constructed east of Bridge Street tying into a new T-intersection on Glenshire Drive (which is part of the approved Railyard Master Plan Project) were considered. This roadway exten- sion would substantially reduce the left-turning traffic volume from Glenshire Drive onto Donner Pass Road, as drivers faced with long delays for making left- turn movements from Glenshire Drive can be expected to shift their travel patterns to instead use the Donner Pass Road Extension. As a result, the Glenshire Drive/Donner Pass Road intersection is shown to operate within the level of ser- vice thresholds with implementation of the Donner Pass Road Extension. Note that the level of service at the Glenshire Drive/Donner Pass Road Extension inter- section would continue to be acceptable with these additional left turn movements. The Railyard Master Plan Project is a planned project and it is included in the Town of Truckee Traffic Fee Program, which requires entities initiating new devel- opment within the Town to pay traffic impact fees. The project applicant would be required to pay the current fee of $5,771 per single-family dwelling unit and $3,578 TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC 4.14-45 per multi-family unit,17 resulting in a total fee of approximately $1,121,651.18 How- ever, according to Table CIR-6 in the Town of Truckee 2025 General Plan Circula- tion Element, when a Category 3 Project (such as Canyon Springs) encounters an existing unacceptable level of service on an arterial or collector road, that develop- ment is allowed if either of the following are true:  Project constructs improvements to impacted roads and intersections as iden- tified in General Plan Table CIR-5; or  Improvements to impacted roads and intersections are identified in the CIP, fully funded, and scheduled for completion within three years. While the construction of the Donner Pass Road Extension is identified in the CIP, it is not fully funded, nor is it scheduled for completion within three years. There- fore, the level of service improvements to the Glenshire Drive/Donner Pass Road intersection as a result of the Donner Pass Road Extension are not considered at this time. Consequently, based upon this analysis and the physical constraints at this location, project level of service impacts to the Glenshire Drive/Donner Pass Road intersection are considered significant. ii. 2011 Intersection Queuing Impacts Traffic queues at specific intersections that exceed the storage capacity of turn lanes or ramps, or that block turn movements at important nearby intersections or driveways, can cause operational problems beyond those identified in the level of service analysis. The 95th-percentile traffic queue length was reviewed at locations where queuing could potentially cause traffic problems. The longest traffic queue occurs at the left-turn movement from Glenshire Drive onto Donner Pass Road during the summer PM peak hour. The 95th-percentile queue length for this turn- ing movement is calculated to be approximately 18 vehicles, including traffic from the proposed project. Assuming a length of about 25 feet per vehicle, this equates to a total queue length of about 450 feet, which would not affect any nearby inter- sections or driveways. The longest traffic queue length for drivers stopped on Dorchester Drive (West) waiting to turn onto Glenshire Drive occurs during the school AM peak hour. The 17 Traffic and Facility Impact Fees, Effective Date, February 1, 2014, http://www.townoftruckee.com/about-us/forms-documents/folder-198, retrieved Septem- ber 3, 2014. 18 (177 single-family homes multiplied by $5,771 equals $1,021,467) plus (28 multi- family units multiplied by $3,578 equals $100,184) equals $1,121,651. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC 4.14-46 95th-percentile queue length on this approach is approximately two vehicles (or about 50 feet), with or without the proposed project. As the nearest driveway on Dorchester Drive is located about 180 feet from the intersection, no operational queuing problems are identified. Therefore, 2011 queuing impacts would be less than significant. iii. 2011 Turn Lane Warrants Guidelines for adding turn lanes are provided in the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Report 457 – Evaluating Intersection Improvements: An Engineering Study Guide,19 as well as in the Guidelines for Reconstruction of Intersections.20 Left-turn lane volume warrants are defined by volume thresholds of opposing traffic versus advancing traffic, as well as the percentage of left-turns on the advancing approach. Right-turn lane warrants are based on a graphical curve of right-turning volumes versus total traffic in the travel lane.21 The need for left-turn lanes was evaluated at the following two locations:  Glenshire Drive at the Western End of Dorchester Drive: Based upon the 2011 summer AM and PM peak-hour traffic volumes, an eastbound left-turn lane is warranted along Glenshire Drive at its intersection with Dorchester Drive (West), with or without the project. The calculated 95th-percentile traf- fic queue length on the eastbound left-turn movement is less than one vehicle.  Whitehorse Road/Martis Peak Road Intersection: The traffic volumes at the Glenshire Drive/Whitehorse Road/Martis Peak Road intersection do not warrant a left-turn lane along Glenshire Drive under existing conditions, with or without the project. Therefore, a left-turn lane along Glenshire Drive is not warranted at this location. The need for right-turn lanes was evaluated at the following two locations:  Glenshire Drive at Dorchester Drive (West): The right-turn lane warrant is not met under 2011 conditions, with or without the project. Therefore, the ad- dition of new right-turn lanes is not warranted. 19 Transportation Research Board, 2001. National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Report 457 – Evaluating Intersection Improvements: An Engineering Study Guide. 20 Caltrans, 1985. Guidelines for Reconstruction of Intersections. 21 The warrant charts are included in Appendix H of the Traffic Impact Analysis, which is included in Appendix I of the 2012 Draft EIR. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC 4.14-47  Whitehorse Road/Martis Peak Road Intersection: The right-turn lane warrant is not met under 2011 conditions, with or without the project. There- fore, the addition of new right-turn lanes is not warranted. Because a left-turn lane is warranted at Glenshire Drive at the western end of Dor- chester Drive, turn lane impacts would be significant under 2011 conditions. iv. 2011 Roadway Capacity Roadway capacity is evaluated in order to determine whether a specific roadway segment can accommodate existing and/or future traffic volumes. Different meth- odologies can be employed to determine capacity, but generally, the calculation will incorporate a series of factors including roadway facility type, evaluation period, and level of service thresholds. The Town of Truckee roadway capacity standards are based upon hourly traffic volumes, and the Nevada County roadway volume criteria are based upon daily traffic volumes. According to the Nevada County General Plan, a LOS C can be maintained on a two-lane major collector with an Average Daily Traffic (ADT) of 8,800 or less and on a two-lane minor collector with an ADT of 7,600 or less. The maximum allowable traffic volumes to obtain the level of service thresholds applicable to the study roadway segments are shown in Table 4.14-11. Table 4.14-11 also presents a comparison of 2011 traffic volumes with the perti- nent level of service standard. The ADT volume along each study roadway segment is estimated by applying an ADT-to-peak hour volume factor calculated from the traffic counts, except for several local roadway segments. The volume factors range from approximately 9.5 to 10.6. The traffic volumes along the local roadway seg- ments of Edinburgh Drive, Regency Circle, and Courtenay Lane were estimated by applying standard ITE trip generation rates to the number of dwelling units served. As shown in Table 4.14-11, all study roadway segments currently operate within the allowable traffic volume threshold and all study roadway segments are within the allowable traffic volume threshold with implementation of the proposed project. Therefore, roadway capacity impacts under existing conditions would be less than significant. TO W N O F T R U C K E E CA N Y O N S P R I N G S R E V I S E D D R A F T E I R TR A N S P O R T A T I O N A N D T R A F F I C 4.14-48 TAB L E 4. 1 4 - 1 1 20 1 1 ROA D W A Y LEV E L O F SER V I C E ANA L Y S I S Ro a d w a y S e g m e n t J u r i s d i c t i o n C l a s s i f i c a t i o n LO S Th r e s h o l d Ma x i m u m Al l o w a b l e V o l u m e to O b t a i n L O S St a n d a r d PM Pe a k H o u r Tw o - W a y Vo l u m e PM Pe a k H o u r Pe a k - Di r e c t i o n Vo l u m e A D T a,bLOS Threshold Exceeded? Pe a k H o u r Pe r L a n e A D T Wi t h o u t P r o j e c t Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e , b e t w e e n D o n n e r P a s s Ro a d a n d H i g h l a n d A v e n u e To w n o f T r u c k e e M i n o r A r t e r i a l D 1 , 4 2 0 - - 8 7 0 5 8 2 9 , 2 2 0 N o Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e , b e t w e e n H i g h l a n d Av e n u e a n d D o r c h e s t e r D r i v e ( W e s t ) To w n o f T r u c k e e M i n o r A r t e r i a l D 1 , 4 2 0 - - 6 2 1 4 2 2 6 , 4 6 0 N o Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e , b e t w e e n D o r c h e s t e r Dr i v e ( W e s t ) a n d S o m e r s e t D r i v e To w n o f T r u c k e e M i n o r A r t e r i a l D 1 , 4 2 0 - - 3 9 2 2 5 5 4 , 0 8 0 N o Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e , b e t w e e n S o m e r s e t Dr i v e a n d M a r t i s P e a k R o a d To w n o f T r u c k e e M i n o r A r t e r i a l D 1 , 4 2 0 - - 2 8 7 1 5 5 2 , 9 9 0 N o Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e , b e t w e e n M a r t i s P e a k Ro a d a n d H i r s c h d a l e R o a d Ne v a d a C o u n t y M i n o r C o l l e c t o r C - - 7 , 6 0 0 3 0 2 1 5 5 3 , 0 1 0 N o 3 Hi r s c h d a l e R o a d , b e t w e e n G l e n s h i r e Dr i v e a n d I - 8 0 W e s t b o u n d R a m p s Ne v a d a C o u n t y M i n o r C o l l e c t o r C - - 7 , 6 0 0 3 1 7 1 6 5 3 , 1 6 0 N o Ma r t i s P e a k R o a d , b e t w e e n G l e n s h i r e Dr i v e a n d P r o j e c t A c c e s s Ne v a d a C o u n t y P r i v a t e R o a d N / A d N / A d N/ A d 2 3 1 3 2 2 0 N o So m e r s e t D r i v e b e t w e e n G l e n s h i r e D r i v e an d C o u r t e n a y L a n e To w n o f T r u c k e e L o c a l R o a d w a y D 5 0 0 - - 1 5 1 1 1 1 1 , 4 3 0 N o Co u r t e n a y L a n e b e t w e e n S o m e r s e t D r i v e an d R e g e n c y C i r c l e e To w n o f T r u c k e e L o c a l R o a d w a y D 5 0 0 - - 5 6 4 1 5 3 0 N o Re g e n c y C i r c l e e To w n o f T r u c k e e L o c a l R o a d w a y D 5 0 0 - - 5 4 40 5 1 0 N o Ed i n b u r g h D r i v e e To w n o f T r u c k e e L o c a l R o a d w a y D 5 0 0 - - 1 4 10 1 3 0 N o Wi t h P r o p o s e d P r o j e c t Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e , b e t w e e n D o n n e r P a s s Ro a d a n d H i g h l a n d A v e n u e To w n o f T r u c k e e M i n o r A r t e r i a l D 1 , 4 2 0 - - 9 4 8 6 3 1 1 0 , 0 5 0 N o Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e , b e t w e e n H i g h l a n d Av e n u e a n d D o r c h e s t e r D r i v e ( W e s t ) To w n o f T r u c k e e M i n o r A r t e r i a l D 1 , 4 2 0 - - 6 9 9 4 7 1 7 , 2 8 0 N o TO W N O F T R U C K E E CA N Y O N S P R I N G S R E V I S E D D R A F T E I R TR A N S P O R T A T I O N A N D T R A F F I C TAB L E 4. 1 4 - 1 1 20 1 1 ROA D W A Y LEV E L O F SER V I C E ANA L Y S I S (CO N T I N U E D ) 4.14-49 Ro a d w a y S e g m e n t J u r i s d i c t i o n C l a s s i f i c a t i o n LO S Th r e s h o l d Ma x i m u m Al l o w a b l e V o l u m e to O b t a i n L O S St a n d a r d PM Pe a k H o u r Tw o - W a y Vo l u m e PM Pe a k H o u r Pe a k - Di r e c t i o n Vo l u m e A D T a,bLOS Threshold Exceeded? Pe a k H o u r Pe r L a n e A D T Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e , b e t w e e n D o r c h e s t e r Dr i v e ( W e s t ) a n d S o m e r s e t D r i v e To w n o f T r u c k e e M i n o r A r t e r i a l D 1 , 4 2 0 - - 4 7 9 3 1 0 4 , 9 9 0 N o Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e , b e t w e e n S o m e r s e t Dr i v e a n d M a r t i s P e a k R o a d To w n o f T r u c k e e M i n o r A r t e r i a l D 1 , 4 2 0 - - 3 8 4 2 1 6 4 , 0 0 0 N o Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e , b e t w e e n M a r t i s P e a k Ro a d a n d H i r s c h d a l e R o a d Ne v a d a C o u n t y M i n o r C o l l e c t o r C - - 7 , 6 0 0 4 6 2 2 5 8 4 , 6 1 0 N o c Hi r s c h d a l e R o a d , b e t w e e n G l e n s h i r e dr i v e a n d I - 8 0 W e s t b o u n d R a m p s Ne v a d a C o u n t y M i n o r C o l l e c t o r C - - 7 , 6 0 0 4 7 7 2 6 8 4 , 7 6 0 N o Ma r t i s P e a k R o a d , b e t w e e n G l e n s h i r e Dr i v e a n d P r o j e c t A c c e s s To w n o f T r u c k e e f Co l l e c t o r f D 8 9 0 - - 2 8 0 1 7 7 2 , 6 5 0 N o So m e r s e t D r i v e b e t w e e n G l e n s h i r e D r i v e an d C o u r t e n a y L a n e To w n o f T r u c k e e Lo c a l R o a d w a y D 5 0 0 - - 1 5 1 1 1 1 1 , 4 3 0 N o Co u r t e n a y L a n e b e t w e e n S o m e r s e t D r i v e an d R e g e n c y C i r c l e e To w n o f T r u c k e e L o c a l R o a d w a y D 5 0 0 - - 5 6 41 5 3 0 N o Re g e n c y C i r c l e e To w n o f T r u c k e e L o c a l R o a d w a y D 5 0 0 - - 5 4 40 5 1 0 N o Ed i n b u r g h D r i v e e To w n o f T r u c k e e L o c a l R o a d w a y D 5 0 0 - - 1 4 10 1 3 0 N o No t e s : A s s u m e s s i t e a c c e s s v i a M a r t i s P e a k R o a d o n l y . AD T = A v e r a g e D a i l y T r a f f i c v o l u m e a AD T i s e s t i m a t e d u s i n g a n A D T - t o - p e a k - ho u r v o l u m e f a c t o r c a l c u l a t e d f r o m t r a f f i c c o u n t s , e x c e p t f o r l o c a l r o a d w a y s . b Lo c a l r o a d w a y A D T i s e s t i m a t e d u s i n g t h e r a t i o o f d a i l y t o P M p e a k h o u r I T E t r i p r a t e s f o r s i n g l e - f a m i l y d w e l l i n g u n i t s . c Al t h o u g h t h e r e i s n o l e v e l o f s e r v i c e d e f i c i e n c y , t h i s r o a d w a y s e g m e n t h a s a n e x i s t i n g g e o m e t r i c d e f i c i e n c y . d Ne v a d a C o u n t y d o e s n o t h a v e a v o lu m e c r i t e r i o n f o r p r i v a t e r o a d s . e Tr a f f i c v o l u m e s a r e e s t i m a t e d f o r t h e s e r o a d w a y s e g m e n t s b y a p p l y i n g t r i p g e n e r a t i o n r a t e s t o t h e nu m b e r o f d w e l l i n g u n i t s s e r v ed . f Al t h o u g h M a r t i s P e a k R o a d i s l o c a t e d o u t s i d e T o w n l i m i t s , t h i s ro a d w a y s e g m e n t i s r e q u i r e d t o m e e t T o w n s t a n d a r d s w i t h t h e p r o j ec t , a s t h e T o w n i s p r o c e s s i ng t h e P r o j e c t A p p l i c a t i o n . So u r c e : L S C T r a n s p o r t a t i o n C o n s ul t a n t s , I n c . , A u g u s t 2 0 1 2 . Ca n y o n S p r i n g s T r a f f i c I m p a c t A n a l y s i s , T a b l e 1 0 . TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC 4.14-50 v. 2011 Local Residential Roadway Impacts According to the 2025 General Plan Circulation Element Policy P2.2, the proposed project would meet the adopted standard for impact on a local residential roadway if the project does not increase traffic on a local road by more than 1,000 ADT or if the project increases traffic on a local road by more than 1,000 ADT but the in- crease in ADT is less than 50 percent, and the provisions of Circulation Element Policy P2.4, which calls for improving the connectivity throughout the Town’s roadway network, through roadway improvements, while minimizing environmen- tal, circulation, and residential neighborhood impacts, can be met. The increase in traffic on the local roadways as a result of the proposed project would not impact the traffic volumes on local roadway segments from Somerset Drive to Edinburgh Drive given that the Edinburgh access point would be gated for emergency access only. Therefore, the proposed project meets the adopted standard for impacts to local residential roadways within the Town limit. Martis Peak Road is a privately-maintained road outside the Town of Truckee Lim- its. However, the relatively short segment of Martis Peak Road that provides access to the project site is subject to the Town’s thresholds. This roadway segment has a total pavement width ranging from 20 to 23 feet. In 2011 with the project, Martis Peak Road would have an ADT volume exceeding 2,000 vehicles, and it would function as a Collector roadway. According to Town standards, a Collector road- way should provide 12-foot travel lanes with 2-foot shoulders. As the existing pavement width along Martis Peak Road does not accommodate 12-foot travel lanes, the segment of Martis Peak Road between Glenshire Drive and the proposed main project access point would not meet Town standards with the project. Therefore, the proposed project would not meet the adopted standard for impacts to local residential roadways and impacts local roadways under 2011 conditions and impacts would be significant. vi. Construction Impacts As described in Chapter 3, Project Description, of the 2012 Draft EIR, the project is proposed to be constructed in eight phases. The construction schedule for the new residences is dependent upon market demand, and full buildout of the project is anticipated to take at least 20 years. Phase 1 is expected to generate the greatest amount of construction traffic, as it is the phase with the largest number of lots (37) and the longest length of roadway (approximately 1.36 miles) to be construct- ed. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC 4.14-51 Table 4.14-12 provides an analysis of the construction related traffic that is ex- pected to be generated over the course of a peak day during Phase I activities. The analysis is based upon a number of assumptions included in the project Traffic Im- pact Analysis, which is included as Appendix I of the 2012 Draft EIR. As shown in Table 4.14-12, construction Phase 1 is expected to generate approxi- mately 388 one-way passenger-car-equivalent trips over the course of a busy con- struction day, with about 96 exiting trips occurring during the PM peak hour of commuter traffic. In comparison with the proposed development traffic, the num- ber of inbound trips during the PM peak hour would be less during construction, but a similar amount of exiting traffic would occur(the project would generate about 93 exiting trips, compared to about 96 during construction). Consequently, the traffic impacts during construction Phase 1 are similar to that under full buildout of the proposed project. All study intersections and roadway segments are expected to operate at an ac- ceptable level of service during the construction phases, except the Glenshire Drive/Donner Pass Road intersection, which as previously discussed is at unac- ceptable levels under existing conditions. If any project construction traffic accesses the site to/from the west via the Glenshire Drive/Donner Pass Road intersection before implementation of the Donner Pass Road Extension, this would exacerbate an existing level of service deficiency and construction impacts during Phase 1 would be significant. vii. Pedestrian and Bicycle Paths, and Mass Transit As discussed further below the project would provide 4.5 miles of publicly accessi- ble trails and no mass transit services are currently located in the project area. b. Conflict with an applicable congestion management program, including, but not limited to level of service standards and travel demand measures, or other standards established by the county congestion management agency for desig- nated roads or highways. There is no applicable congestion management program. Therefore, no impacts would occur. TO W N O F T R U C K E E CA N Y O N S P R I N G S R E V I S E D D R A F T E I R TR A N S P O R T A T I O N A N D T R A F F I C 4.14-52 TAB L E 4. 1 4 - 1 2 CON S T R U C T I O N TRI P GEN E R A T I O N De s c r i p t i o n Ph a s e 1 C o n s t r u c t i o n Ro a d w a y s L o t s Total Eq u i p m e n t E m p l o y e e s E q u i p m e n t Ho m e Co n s t r u c t i o n Em p l o y e e s Ot h e r Em p l o y e e s Em p l o y e e s P e r D a y -- 12 -- 12 5 16 -- Em p l o y e e s V e h i c l e O c c u p a n c y -- 1. 2 -- 1. 2 1. 2 -- Ve h i c l e s P e r D a y 6 10 8 10 4 13 141 On e - W a y T r i p s P e r D a y – P e r V e h i c l e 2 2. 5 2 2. 5 2. 5 -- On e - W a y T r i p s P e r D a y – T o t a l 12 25 16 26 0 33 346 Pa s s e n g e r C a r E q u i v a l e n t s p e r V e h i c l e 2. 5 1 2. 5 1 1 -- Pa s s e n g e r C a r E q u i v a l e n t T r i p s P e r D a y 30 25 40 26 0 33 388 Pe r c e n t a g e o f T r i p s E x i t i n g i n P M P e a k H o u r 10 % 28 % 10 % 28 % 28 % -- Nu m b e r o f P M P e a k - H o u r E x i t i n g T r i p s 3 7 4 73 9 96 No t e : T h e 2 8 p e r c e n t o f e m p l o y e e ve h i c l e t r i p s e x i t i n g d u r i n g t h e P M p e a k h o u r is c a l c u l a t e d b a s e d o n t h e t o t a l n u m b e r o f o n e - w ay v e h i c l e - t r i p s p e r d a y a n d t h e a s s u m p t i o n t h a t 7 0 p e r c e n t o f e m p l o y e e s de p a r t t h e s i t e d u r i n g t h e P M p e a k h o u r . So u r c e : L S C T r a n s p o r t a t i o n C o n s ul t a n t s , I n c . , A u g u s t 2 0 1 2 . Ca n y o n S p r i n g s T r a f f i c I m p a c t A n a l y s i s , T a b l e 2 4 . TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC 4.14-53 c. Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including either an increase in traffic levels or a change in location that results in substantial safety risks. The airport closest to the project site is the Truckee Tahoe Airport, located approx- imately four miles to the west-southwest of the project site. The project would not result in a change in air traffic patterns, including either an increase in traffic levels or a change in location that results in substantial safety risks; therefore, no impact would occur. d. Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g. sharp curves or dan- gerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g. farm equipment). i. Intersection Corner Sight Distance The addition of project traffic at the Martis Peak Road/Glenshire Drive/ Whitehorse Road intersection could result in hazardous driving conditions due to the current limited sight distance conditions. a) Martis Peak Road Looking West and East Along Glenshire Drive The driver sight distance survey prepared for the project found that the corner sight distance from Martis Peak Road looking to the west along Glenshire Drive was adequate as it exceeds 330 feet applicable corner sight distance (measured at a 10-foot setback from the edge of the travel lane) at 30 miles per hour and the cor- ner sight distance from Martis Peak Road looking to the east along Glenshire Drive, roughly 425 feet, is also adequate. Therefore, no driver sight distance defi- ciencies are identified on the Martis Peak Road approach and impacts would be less than significant at this location. b) Whitehorse Road Looking West Along Glenshire Drive Whitehorse Road looking to the west along Glenshire Drive is roughly 195 feet, which does not meet the Town’s 330-foot requirement (see Figure 4.14-8). The corner sight distance at this location is limited by the existing embankment and vegetation on the northwest corner of the intersection, as well as by the horizontal and vertical curvature along Glenshire Drive. The corner sight distance improves as the driver on Whitehorse Road approaches the edge of the travel lane on Glenshire Drive. Measured 10 feet back from the edge of the traveled way, the corner sight distance is approximately 195 feet, and when measured from a 5-foot setback the corner sight distance increases to approximately 255 feet; however, these values do not achieve the Town’s 330-foot requirement and impacts to drivers on White- horse Road would be potentially significant. 100feet FIGURE– ExistingDriverSightDistanceatWhitehorseApproachtoGlenshireDrive SightDistanceforDriverssoutheast- boundonWhitehorseDrivelooking northeastonGlenshireDrive=170feet. Constrainedbyutilityboxandvegetation. SightDistanceforDriverssoutheast- boundonWhitehorseDrivelooking southwestonGlenshireDrive=195 feet.Constrainedbyhorizontaland verticalcurvatureonGlenshireDrive. FIGURE 4.14-8 WHITEHORSE ROAD/GLENSHIRE DRIVE INTERSECTION SIGHT DISTANCE TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC Source: LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc., 2012. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC 4.14-55 The corner sight distance at this location could be improved by modifying the ex- isting embankment on the northwest corner of the intersection. However, such an improvement would likely require the acquisition of right-of- way from the single- family parcel located on this corner. Town standards indicate that “where restric- tive conditions do not allow compliance with the specified sight distance require- ments, the Town Engineer may approve a reduction of the corner sight distance to the minimum stopping sight distance as outlined in the Caltrans Highway Design Manual.” According to Caltrans standards, at a 30-mile-per-hour design speed, the minimum stopping sight distance is 200 feet. Measured stopping sight distance for drivers approaching along Glenshire Drive from the west is 210 feet measured to an object six inches in height, and at least 255 feet to a vehicle turning into the eastbound through lane. Therefore, adequate stopping sight distance is provided for eastbound drivers along Glenshire Drive to see and react to a driver pulling out from Whitehorse Road. Furthermore, no accidents were reported at this intersec- tion during the 5-year period from 2006 to 2010. Therefore, hazardous driving im- pacts at this location would be less than significant and no mitigation measures are warranted. c) Whitehorse Road Looking East Along Glenshire Drive The corner sight distance from Whitehorse Road looking to the east along Glen- shire Drive is roughly 170 feet, which does not meet the Town’s 330-foot corner sight distance requirement. To the east of the intersection Glenshire Drive curves to the north and then back to the south. When looking east from Whitehorse Road, a driver can see a portion of the road, but as it turns to the north it disappears from sight and reappears into the driver’s sight as it curves back to the south. The corner sight distance at this location is limited by an existing utility box in the northeast quadrant of the intersection, as well as by existing vegetation. If the existing utility box and vegetation were removed, then the corner sight distance to the east would be improved to roughly 580 feet, thereby meeting minimum corner sight distance requirements. However, the stopping sight distance along Glenshire Drive east of Whitehorse Drive (measured along the travel lane) is over 500 feet, as the existing utility box does not block the driver sight line along the traveled way. Therefore, adequate stopping sight distance is provided. If a driver makes a right turn from Whitehorse Road without an adequate gap, a vehicle traveling on Glenshire Drive westbound would have adequate stopping sight distance to react and come to a stop. Furthermore, no accidents were reported at this intersection during the 5-year period from 2006 to 2010. Therefore, hazardous driving impacts at this location would be less than significant and no mitigation measures are warranted. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC 4.14-56 ii. Roadway Segment Hazards The Glenshire Drive east of Martis Peak Road roadway segment has an average accident rate (from 2006 to 2010) about two times the State and County average rates for similar facilities. The injury and fatal accident rate is also higher than the State and County average rates for similar facilities. However, the severity of the accidents is relatively minor overall, given that no fatalities were reported, and two- thirds of the accidents resulted in property damage only (no injuries). Furthermore, while one-third of the accidents occurred under icy/snowy road conditions, which represents a relatively small proportion of the overall winter, each of these acci- dents involved a single vehicle, and there were no injuries. This roadway segment has a steep grade of about nine percent. The existing travel lane width is striped to accommodate two 11-foot travel lanes with an outside fog line22 and the actual asphalt roadway is 24 to 25 feet wide in all locations. Paved and unpaved shoulder widths are generally 2 to 4 feet wide. Both Nevada County and Town of Truckee roadway design standards call for 12-foot travel lanes with 4-foot shoulders, and maximum grade of eight percent. Therefore, while this seg- ment of Glenshire Drive is deficient with respect to the current County standards for this type of roadway in some areas, it essentially meets the required design standards. It should be noted that Glenshire Drive met the standards that were applicable at the time it was constructed. As the County standards have been up- dated over the years, most of the rural County roadways do not meet the current County standards. In 2008, Nevada County installed several hundred feet of guardrail along the por- tion of the roadway segment approximately 1,500 feet east of the Martis Peak Road/Glenshire Drive intersection, and rehabilitated the pavement on the Nevada County section of Glenshire Road in 2009. As previously stated, the Nevada Community Development Agency Department of Public Works’ investigations on this road show a majority of crashes occurred in 2006 and 2007 and were concen- trated in a 500 foot area approximately 1,500 feet east of the Martis Peak Road intersection. While the guardrail and pavement improvements were not specifically intended as safety projects, according to the Nevada Community Development Agency Department of Public Works, both improvements have contributed to overall improved roadway conditions at this location. The Nevada Community Development Agency Department of Public Works found that accident rates at this location have been reduced since these improvements have been installed. This 22 A fog line is the line painted on a road (usually bright white) that marks the edge of the legally drivable portion. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC 4.14-57 is consistent with the County’s findings that crash rates typically drop after a pave- ment improvement project, either due to the improved pavement surface or the improved striping associated with pavement projects.23 While the accident rate along this roadway segment is higher than State and County averages, it would be speculative to try and predict potential traffic impacts based on variables such as icy/snowy road conditions or illegal driving behaviors such as speeding or using handheld electronics (e.g. smart phones) while driving. It is driver responsibility to comply with the law and exercise safe driving practices such as slowing down, leaving more distance between vehicles and avoiding sudden stops and quick direction changes in icy/snow conditions, which are often the cause of accidents. Additionally, in rural communities throughout California, including Truckee and the area surrounding the project site, the incident of vehicular and wildlife collisions is an expected and unpredictable hazard. Although the proposed project would result in an increase of up to 1,600 daily one- way trips, including 160 peak-hour trips, on this roadway segment, which when compared to existing conditions, equates to about a 50-percent increase in the total peak-hour traffic volume, the 2008 and 2009 roadway improvements, as described above, have reduced potential hazards at this roadway segment. Therefore, poten- tial hazardous driving impacts related to the additional vehicle trips of the proposed project at this roadway segment would be less than significant. e. Result in inadequate emergency access. While Glenshire Drive and Martis Peak Road currently serve the project area, new internal access roads would be created on the project site. The privately owned and maintained internal roadway system would provide residential and emergency vehi- cle access. Vehicles would circulate through the project area using the internal roadway system and main entrance point off Martis Peak Road approximately 690 feet south of its intersection with Glenshire Drive. As noted in the Chapter 3, Pro- ject Description, and shown on Figure 3-5 of the 2012 Draft EIR, emergency ac- cess would be provided by creating a secondary access point to the project off of Edinburgh Drive located on the western border of the project site. Fire lanes and turning radii would be designed to meet the standards of the TFPD so as to be adequate for emergency response vehicles. Roadways would be designed with all 23 Written correspondence from Steve Castleberry, Director, Nevada County De- partment of Public Works, to Denyelle Nishimori, Senior Associate, Town of Truckee, Feb- ruary 13, 2013. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC 4.14-58 weather surfaces and would be capable of supporting emergency vehicles up to 40,000 pounds. Consistent with General Plan Policy SAF-P4.7, the project’s final site plans would be reviewed by the TFPD for adequate emergency access, site design for maintenance of defensible space and use of non-materials prior to the issuance of building permits. Furthermore, as described in Chapter 3, Project Description, project construction Phase 1 would include the construction of the connecting roadway between the project’s main access point and the secondary emergency access point at Edinburgh Drive prior to the completion of the proposed homes. Therefore, considering the completion of this connecting road between the project’s two access points and roadways built to Town and TFPD standards the project would provide adequate emergency access and impacts would be less than significant. f. Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs regarding public transit, bicycle, or pedestrian facilities, or otherwise decrease the performance or safe- ty of such facilities. The project is consistent with General Plan Policy CIR-P4.1 and CIR-P10.2, which requires transportation systems to be planned and constructed in conjunction with significant development projects, including roads, trails, bikeways, and other im- provements, to provide links to the existing transportation network, and implement the network of trails and bikeways described in the TBMP. The project would cre- ate internal roads that would interface at various points on the project site and would connect to Edinburgh Drive and Martis Peak Road. As described in detail in Chapter 3, Project Description, and Chapter 4.13, Public Services and Recreation, of the 2012 Draft EIR, the project includes a 4.5-mile publicly accessible trail sys- tem. Consistent with General Plan Policy CIR-P10.5, the proposed trail network includes public access points that utilize existing trail alignments to provide connec- tivity to the surrounding community and adjacent open spaces for permitted and lawful use of on-site trails by the public. Similar to surrounding residential areas, the project would not include sidewalks. The project’s proposed 4.5-mile trail sys- tem exceeds the new pedestrian facilities beyond those identified in the TBMP con- sistent with General Plan Policy CIR-P10.3. While there are no bicycle lanes currently proposed as part of the project, the pro- posed publicly accessible trail system would connect to the Town’s proposed recre- ational trail corridor as identified in the TBMP generally crossing the project site in TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC 4.14-59 an east and west direction.24 The vehicular roadway network would include signage to instruct drivers to be aware of cyclists and to share the road. General Plan Policy CIR-P4.2 requires planning for land use and transportation systems in new growth areas that provides opportunities for residents, employees, and those without vehicles to accomplish many of their trips by walking, bicycling or using transit. While the project is a permitted land use consistent with General Plan land use designations (RC/OS and RES) and zoning districts (OS and RS-1.0) it is located on the eastern border of the Town limit and is not located in close proximity to basic commercial services. Future residents would have access to the Dial-A-Ride bus service in the provided throughout the greater Truckee area. However, it is likely future residents of the project, similar to those of the sur- rounding Glenshire area, would rely on “trip-chaining”25 to reduce trips as opposed to alternate modes of transportation. Therefore, future residents of the project would be primarily automobile dependent as the project is not in close proximity to basic commercial services and the project would not be consistent with this policy. Nonetheless, when considering the project’s rural location and overall consistency with the General Plan and the TBMP as identified above, the project would not conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs regarding public transit, bicycle, or pedestrian facilities, or otherwise decrease the performance or safety of such facilities, and impacts would be less than significant. 2. Cumulative Impacts The addition of the 2031 project-generated turning movement volumes to the “2031 without project” intersection volumes yields the “2031 with project” vol- umes that are shown in Figure 4.14-9 and Table 4.14-13. Furthermore, as previously described this Revised Draft EIR includes cumulative 2031 summer PM peak-hour intersection turning-movement volumes under the 2011 TransCAD model that were developed for the Glenshire Drive/Donner Pass Road and Glenshire Drive/Donner Pass Road Extension intersections for the pro- posed project. Adding the Canyon Springs project-generated traffic volumes to the 24 Town of Truckee Trails and Bikeway Master Plan Appendix D, Exhibit 1, Existing and Proposed Trail and Bikeway Network, Section 42, as of May 17, 2007. 25 Due to the relatively long travel distance from Glenshire to the rest of the Truckee community, “trip chaining” (making multiple stops as part of a single external round-trip from the residential area) would occur resulting in reduced vehicular trips. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC 4.14-60 updated “2031 without project” volumes at the two intersections yields the “2031 with project” volumes shown in Figure 4.14-9. a. 2031 Level of Service Impacts All study intersections were evaluated to determine operational conditions under future 2031 traffic volumes.26 Table 4.14-14 summarizes the results for future 2031 conditions without the project. In comparison with existing 2011 conditions, the level of service at the Glenshire Drive/Donner Pass Road intersection would im- prove to an acceptable level (LOS F with less than 4 vehicle-hours of delay on the worst approach) in the future peak hours, due to the addition of the Donner Pass Road Extension. The level of service is expected to degrade by one level at some of the other study intersections in the future, due to growth in background traffic. However, as indicated in Table 4.14-14, all study intersections would operate within the applicable level of service thresholds in 2031 with the proposed project. There- fore, 2031 level of service impacts would be less than significant. b. 2031 Intersection Queuing Analysis As previously described, traffic queues at specific intersections that exceed the stor- age capacity of turn lanes or ramps, or that block turn movements at important nearby intersections or driveways, can cause operational problems beyond those identified in the level of service analysis. Similar to existing conditions, the 95th- percentile traffic queue length was reviewed at locations where queuing could po- tentially cause traffic problems in 2031. The traffic queue lengths for the left-turn movement from Glenshire Drive onto Donner Pass Road during the summer PM peak hour are expected to decrease in the future, due to the implementation of the Donner Pass Road Extension. The longest traffic queue length for vehicles stopped on Dorchester Drive (West) waiting to turn onto Glenshire Drive occurs during the AM peak hour. The 95th-percentile queue length on this approach is approxi- mately three vehicles in 2031 without the proposed project. Assuming 25 feet per vehicle, this equates to a total queue length of about 75 feet. As the nearest drive- way on Dorchester Drive is located about 180 feet from the intersection, no opera- tional problems are identified without the proposed project. Therefore, queuing impacts would be less than significant. 26 The output from each of the LOS calculations for the study intersections is pro- vided in Appendix F of the Traffic Impact Analysis, which is included in Appendix I of the 2012 Draft EIR. The output from the level of service calculations for the Glenshire Drive/Donner Pass Road and Glenshire Drive/Donner Pass Road Extension intersections in included in Appendix B of the Traffic Impact Analysis Addendum, which is included in Ap- pendix B of this Revised Draft EIR. CALIFORNIA 0 0 5 4 1 78 6 3 2 U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD.1 GLENSHIREDR./ DONNERPASSRD.1 U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD. JAC K S V A L L E Y R D . 1 GLENSHIREDR./2 U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD.1 GLENSHIREDR./ DORCHESTERDR.3 DONNERPASSRD.EXTENSION 225 510 358 50 221 449 47 42120 264 318 153 U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD.1 GLENSHIREDR./ HIRSCHDALED.R615 U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD.1 HIRSCHDALERD./ I-80WESTBOUNDRAMPS8U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD.1 HIRSCHDALERD./ I-80EASTBOUNDRAMPS7GLENSHIREDR./ SOMERSETDR. 14 JACKSVALLEYRD. 404/449 GLENSHIREDR./MARTIS PEAKRD./WHITEHORSERD. 113 36 8 51 147 122 0 03 8 98 112 35 12 144 120 137 12027 106144 53 104 51 162 30 84 24 117 29 132 6 21 125 9 921 38 45 135 238 363 HIGHWAYS STREETS RAILROAD LAKE STUDYINTERSECTIONS TRAFFICMOVEMENT TRAFFICVOLUME LEGEND 1 INMILES SCALE 0 .5 8 89 GLENS H I R E D R . TRUCKEE 80 80 267 SITEEDINBURG H Source: LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc., 2014. FIGURE 4.14-9 2031 PROJECT GENERATED PM TRAFFIC VOLUMES TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC TO W N O F T R U C K E E CA N Y O N S P R I N G S R E V I S E D D R A F T E I R TR A N S P O R T A T I O N A N D T R A F F I C 4.14-62 TAB L E 4. 1 4 - 1 3 20 3 1 TRA F F I C VOL U M E S DUR I N G AM A N D SCH O O L PM PEA K HOU R S WIT H PRO J E C T No r t h b o u n d S o u t h b o u n d E a s t b o u n d W e s t b o u n d Total Le f t T h r u R i g h t L e f t T h r u R i g h t L e f t T h r u R i g h t L e f t T h r u R i g h t Su m m e r A M Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / D o n n e r P a s s R o a d 15 1 - - 4 7 6 - - - - - - - - 1 8 1 5 0 1 3 2 1 8 5 - - 1 , 1 7 5 Sc h o o l A M Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / D o r c h e s t e r D r i v e ( w e s t ) -- - - - - 7 2 - - 2 3 9 1 5 6 96 - - - - 2 6 6 8 0 9 0 9 Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / S o m e r s e t D r i v e 48 - - 1 6 - - - - - - - - 5 3 1 8 9 1 1 8 - - 2 6 2 Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / M a r t i s P e a k R o a d 66 0 9 7 1 3 0 1 8 7 8 9 3 5 3 4 3 8 6 4 0 3 Sc h o o l P M Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / D o r c h e s t e r D r i v e ( w e s t ) -- - - - - 7 5 - - 1 5 7 2 1 1 2 3 4 - - - - 1 6 2 3 8 8 7 7 Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / S o m e r s e t D r i v e 23 - - 5 - - - - - - - - 1 1 7 3 9 8 9 4 - - 2 8 6 Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / M a r t i s P e a k R o a d 43 0 6 2 6 0 1 3 1 2 6 2 7 6 1 0 5 8 1 1 7 4 7 7 No t e : A s s u m e s s i t e a c c e s s v i a M a r t i s P e a k R o a d o n l y . So u r c e : L S C T r a n s p o r t a t i o n C o n s ul t a n t s , I n c . , A u g u s t 2 0 1 2 . Ca n y o n S p r i n g s T r a f f i c I m p a c t A n a l y s i s , Ta b l e 1 2 . TO W N O F T R U C K E E CA N Y O N S P R I N G S R E V I S E D D R A F T E I R TR A N S P O R T A T I O N A N D T R A F F I C 4.14-63 TAB L E 4. 1 4 - 1 4 20 3 1 INT E R S E C T I O N LEV E L O F SER V I C E In t e r s e c t i o n C o n t r o l Ty p e Wi t h o u t P r o j e c t With Projecta To t a l I n t e r s e c t i o n W o r s t M o v e m e n t T o t a l I n t e r s e c t i o n W o r s t M o v e m e n t De l a y (s e c / v e h ) L O S De l a y (s e c / v e h ) L O S De l a y (s e c / v e h ) L O S Delay (sec/veh)LOS Su m m e r P M Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / D o n n e r P a s s R o a d Si d e S t r e e t S t o p 1 6 . 1 C O V F Fb 16 . 6 C O V F Fb Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / D o n n e r P a s s R o a d E x te n s i o n S i d e S t r e e t S t o p 7 . 3 A 1 3 1 . 9 Fb 9. 5 A 1 8 2 . 4 Fb Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / D o r c h e s t e r D r i v e ( w e s t ) Si de S t r e e t S t o p 5 . 5 A 1 8 . 5 C 5 . 9 A 2 3 . 0 C Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / S o m e r s e t D r i v e All - W a y S t o p 8 . 6 A 8 . 7 A 9 . 3 A 9 . 6 A Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / M a r t i s P e a k R o a d Si d e S t r e e t S t o p 1 . 6 A 1 0 . 4 B 4 . 4 A 1 3 . 1 B Hi r s c h d a l e R o a d / G l e n s h i r e D r i v e Si d e S t r e e t S t o p 9 . 7 A 1 9 . 0 C 1 1 . 8 B 2 7 . 9 D Hi r s c h d a l e R o a d / I - 8 0 E B R a m p s Si d e St r e e t S t o p 6 . 1 A 1 2 . 5 B 6 . 7 A 1 4 . 0 B Hi r s c h d a l e R o a d / I - 8 0 W B R a m p s Si d e S t r e e t S t o p 5 . 3 A 9 . 9 A 5 . 9 A 1 0 . 2 B Su m m e r A M Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / D o n n e r P a s s R o a d Si d e S t r e e t S t o p 1 8 . 5 C 4 9 . 6 E 1 8 . 5 C 4 9 . 7 E Sc h o o l A M Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / D o r c h e s t e r D r i v e ( w e s t ) Si de S t r e e t S t o p 8 . 0 A 1 7 . 7 C 8 . 3 A 2 0 . 1 C Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / S o m e r s e t D r i v e All - W a y S t o p 7 . 5 A 7 . 6 A 7 . 7 A 7 . 9 A Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / M a r t i s P e a k R o a d Si d e S t r e e t S t o p 2 . 5 A 9 . 4 A 5 . 8 A 1 0 . 6 B TO W N O F T R U C K E E CA N Y O N S P R I N G S R E V I S E D D R A F T E I R TR A N S P O R T A T I O N A N D T R A F F I C TAB L E 4. 1 4 - 1 4 20 3 1 INT E R S E C T I O N LEV E L O F SER V I C E (CO N T I N U E D ) 4.14-64 In t e r s e c t i o n C o n t r o l T y p e Wi t h o u t P r o j e c t W i t h P r o j e c t a To t a l I n t e r s e c t i o n W o r s t M o v e m e n t T o t a l I n t e r s e c t i o n W o r s t M o v e m e n t De l a y (s e c / v e h ) L O S De l a y (s e c / v e h ) L O S De l a y (s e c / v e h ) L O S Delay (sec/veh)LOS Sc h o o l P M Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / D o r c h e s t e r D r i v e ( w e s t ) Si de S t r e e t S t o p 7 . 0 A 1 7 . 0 C 7 . 2 A 1 9 . 6 C Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / S o m e r s e t D r i v e All - W a y S t o p 7 . 4 A 7 . 5 A 7 . 8 A 7 . 8 A Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e / M a r t i s P e a k R o a d Si d e S t r e e t S t o p 1 . 9 A 9 . 3 A 4 . 8 A 1 1 . 4 B a As s u m e s a c c e s s t o t h e s i t e v i a M a r t i s P e a k R o a d o n l y . b Th e T o w n o f T r u c k e e l e v e l o f s e r v i c e s t a n d a r d f o r u n s i g n a l i z e d a pp r o a c h e s s t a t e s t h a t a n u n s i g n a l i z e d m o v e m e n t a t L O S F w i t h g r e a t e r t h a n 4 t o t a l v e h i c l e - h o u r s o f d e l a y is unacceptable. As the total delay fo r t h i s m o v e m e n t i s l e s s t h a n 4 v e h i c l e - h o u r s , t h e L O S i s a c c e p t a b l e . OV F = O v e r f l o w . O v e r f l o w i n di c a t e s a n e x c e s s i v e d e l a y , w h i c h c a n n o t b e a c c u r a t e l y ca l c u l a t e d u s i n g H C M m e t h o d o l o g y . So u r c e : L S C T r a n s p o r t a t i o n C o n s ul t a n t s , I n c . , A u g u s t 2 0 1 2 . Ca n y o n S p r i n g s T r a f f i c I m p a c t A n a l y s i s , Ta b l e 1 3 a n d J a n u a r y 2 0 1 4 Ca n y o n S p r i n g s T r a f f i c I m p a c t A n a l y s i s A d d e n d u m , T a b l e 4 . . TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC 4.14-65 c. 2031 Turn Lane Warrants As discussed above under 2011 conditions, the need for left-turn lanes was evaluat- ed at the following two locations:  Glenshire Drive at the Western End of Dorchester Drive: Based upon the 2011 AM and PM peak-hour traffic volumes, an eastbound left-turn lane is warranted along Glenshire Drive at its intersection with Dorchester Drive (West), with or without the project under future conditions. The calculated 95th-percentile traffic queue length on the eastbound left-turn movement is less than one vehicle.  Whitehorse Road/Martis Peak Road Intersection: The traffic volumes at the Glenshire Drive/Whitehorse Road/Martis Peak Road intersection do not warrant a left-turn lane along Glenshire Drive under future conditions, with or without the project. Therefore, a left-turn lane along Glenshire Drive is not warranted at this location. The need for right-turn lanes was evaluated at the following two locations:  Glenshire Drive at Dorchester Drive (West): The right-turn lane warrant is not met under future conditions, with or without the project. Therefore, the addition of new right-turn lanes is not warranted.  Whitehorse Road/Martis Peak Road Intersection: The right-turn lane warrant is not met under future conditions, with or without the project. There- fore, the addition of new right-turn lanes is not warranted. Because a left-turn lane is warranted at the Glenshire Drive at the western end of Dorchester Drive, turn lane impacts would be significant under 2031 conditions. d. 2031 Roadway Capacity Table 4.14-15 presents a comparison of 2031 roadway volumes with the pertinent standards. The ADT volumes for 2031 conditions were estimated using the same methodology as the 2011 volumes described above. As shown, all study roadway segments are expected to operate within the allowable traffic volume threshold, with or without implementation of the proposed project. Therefore, roadway ca- pacity impacts at future buildout would be less than significant. TO W N O F T R U C K E E CA N Y O N S P R I N G S R E V I S E D D R A F T E I R TR A N S P O R T A T I O N A N D T R A F F I C 4. 1 4 - 6 6 TAB L E 4. 1 4 - 1 5 20 3 1 ROA D W A Y LEV E L O F SER V I C E ANA L Y S I S Ro a d w a y S e g m e n t J u r i s d i c t i o n C l a s s i f i c a t i o n LO S Th r e s h o l d Ma x i m u m Al l o w a b l e Vo l u m e t o O b t a i n LO S S t a n d a r d PM Pe a k H o u r Tw o - W a y Vo l u m e PM Pe a k H o u r Pe a k - Di r e c t i o n Vo l u m e A D T a,bLOS Threshold Exceeded? Pe a k Ho u r Pe r L a n e A D T Wi t h o u t P r o j e c t Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e , b e t w e e n D o n n e r P a s s Ro a d a n d H i g h l a n d A v e n u e To w n o f T r u c k e e M i n o r A r t e r i a l D 1 , 4 2 0 - - 1 , 0 9 1 6 8 6 1 1 , 5 6 0 N o Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e , b e t w e e n H i g h l a n d Av e n u e a n d D o r c h e s t e r D r i v e ( W e s t ) To w n o f T r u c k e e M i n o r A r t e r i a l D 1 , 4 2 0 - - 8 5 5 5 8 2 8 , 9 0 0 N o Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e , b e t w e e n D o r c h e s t e r Dr i v e ( W e s t ) a n d S o m e r s e t D r i v e To w n o f T r u c k e e M i n o r A r t e r i a l D 1 , 4 2 0 - - 5 6 0 3 6 0 5 , 8 3 0 N o Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e , b e t w e e n S o m e r s e t Dr i v e a n d M a r t i s P e a k R o a d To w n o f T r u c k e e M i n o r A r t e r i a l D 1 , 4 2 0 - - 3 0 4 1 6 7 3 , 1 6 0 N o Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e , b e t w e e n M a r t i s P e a k Ro a d a n d H i r s c h d a l e R o a d Ne v a d a C o u n t y M i n o r C o l l e c t o r C - - 7 , 6 0 0 3 0 4 1 5 5 3 , 0 3 0 N o 3 Hi r s c h d a l e R o a d , b e t w e e n G l e n s h i r e dr i v e a n d I - 8 0 W e s t b o u n d R a m p s Ne v a d a C o u n t y M i n o r C o l l e c t o r C - - 7 , 6 0 0 5 3 2 2 6 8 5 , 3 0 0 N o Ma r t i s P e a k R o a d , b e t w e e n G l e n s h i r e Dr i v e a n d P r o j e c t A c c e s s Ne v a d a C o u n t y P r i v a t e R o a d N / A d N / A d N / A d 2 6 1 5 2 5 0 N o So m e r s e t D r i v e b e t w e e n G l e n s h i r e D r i v e an d C o u r t e n a y L a n e To w n o f T r u c k e e L o c a l R o a d w a y D 5 0 0 - - 2 1 7 1 5 8 2 , 0 6 0 N o Co u r t e n a y L a n e b e t w e e n S o m e r s e t D r i v e an d R e g e n c y C i r c l e e To w n o f T r u c k e e L o c a l R o a d w a y D 5 0 0 - - 6 2 4 5 5 9 0 N o Re g e n c y C i r c l e e To w n o f T r u c k e e L o c a l R o a d w a y D 5 0 0 - - 6 0 44 5 7 0 N o Ed i n b u r g h D r i v e e To w n o f T r u c k e e L o c a l R o a d w a y D 5 0 0 - - 1 6 12 1 5 0 N o Wi t h P r o p o s e d P r o j e c t Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e , b e t w e e n D o n n e r P a s s Ro a d a n d H i g h l a n d A v e n u e To w n o f T r u c k e e M i n o r A r t e r i a l D 1 , 4 2 0 - - 1 , 1 2 2 7 1 0 1 1 , 8 9 0 N o Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e , b e t w e e n H i g h l a n d Av e n u e a n d D o r c h e s t e r D r i v e ( W e s t ) To w n o f T r u c k e e M i n o r A r t e r i a l D 1 , 4 2 0 - - 9 3 4 6 3 2 9 , 7 2 0 N o TO W N O F T R U C K E E CA N Y O N S P R I N G S R E V I S E D D R A F T E I R TR A N S P O R T A T I O N A N D T R A F F I C TAB L E 4. 1 4 - 1 5 20 3 1 ROA D W A Y LEV E L O F SER V I C E ANA L Y S I S (CO N T I N U E D ) 4.14-67 Ro a d w a y S e g m e n t J u r i s d i c t i o n C l a s s i f i c a t i o n LO S Th r e s h o l d Ma x i m u m Al l o w a b l e Vo l u m e t o O b t a i n LO S S t a n d a r d PM Pe a k H o u r Tw o - W a y Vo l u m e PM Pe a k H o u r Pe a k - Di r e c t i o n Vo l u m e A D T a,bLOS Threshold Exceeded? Pe a k Ho u r Pe r L a n e A D T Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e , b e t w e e n D o r c h e s t e r Dr i v e ( W e s t ) a n d S o m e r s e t D r i v e To w n o f T r u c k e e M i n o r A r t e r i a l D 1 , 4 2 0 - - 6 4 8 4 1 6 6 , 7 5 0 N o Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e , b e t w e e n S o m e r s e t Dr i v e a n d M a r t i s P e a k R o a d To w n o f T r u c k e e M i n o r A r t e r i a l D 1 , 4 2 0 - - 4 0 0 2 2 8 4 , 1 6 0 N o Gl e n s h i r e D r i v e , b e t w e e n M a r t i s P e a k Ro a d a n d H i r s c h d a l e R o a d Ne v a d a C o u n t y M i n o r C o l l e c t o r C - - 7 , 6 0 0 4 6 4 2 5 8 4 , 6 3 0 N o 3 Hi r s c h d a l e R o a d , b e t w e e n G l e n s h i r e dr i v e a n d I - 8 0 W e s t b o u n d R a m p s Ne v a d a C o u n t y M i n o r C o l l e c t o r C - - 7 , 6 0 0 6 8 3 3 6 2 6 , 8 1 0 N o Ma r t i s P e a k R o a d , b e t w e e n G l e n s h i r e Dr i v e a n d P r o j e c t A c c e s s To w n o f T r u c k e e f Co l l e c t o r f D 8 9 0 - - 2 8 3 1 7 9 2 , 6 8 0 N o So m e r s e t D r i v e b e t w e e n G l e n s h i r e D r i v e an d C o u r t e n a y L a n e To w n o f T r u c k e e Lo c a l R o a d w a y D 5 0 0 - - 2 1 7 15 8 2 , 0 6 0 N o Co u r t e n a y L a n e b e t w e e n S o m e r s e t D r i v e an d R e g e n c y C i r c l e e To w n o f T r u c k e e L o c a l R o a d w a y D 5 0 0 - - 6 2 45 5 9 0 N o Re g e n c y C i r c l e e To w n o f T r u c k e e L o c a l R o a d w a y D 5 0 0 - - 6 0 44 5 7 0 N o Ed i n b u r g h D r i v e e To w n o f T r u c k e e L o c a l R o a d w a y D 5 0 0 - - 1 6 12 1 5 0 N o No t e s : A s s u m e s s i t e a c c e s s v i a M a r t i s P e a k R o a d o n l y . AD T = A v e r a g e D a i l y T r a f f i c v o l u m e a AD T i s e s t i m a t e d u s i n g a n A D T - t o - p e a k - ho u r v o l u m e f a c t o r c a l c u l a t e d f r o m t r a f f i c c o u n t s , e x c e p t f o r l o c a l r o a d w a y s . b Lo c a l r o a d w a y A D T i s e s t i m a t e d u s i n g t h e r a t i o o f d a i l y t o P M p e a k h o u r I T E t r i p r a t e s f o r s i n g l e - f a m i l y d w e l l i n g u n i t s . c Al t h o u g h t h e r e i s n o l e v e l o f s e r v i c e d e f i c i e n c y , t h i s r o a d w a y s e g m e n t h a s a n e x i s t i n g g e o m e t r i c d e f i c i e n c y . d Ne v a d a C o u n t y d o e s n o t h a v e a v o lu m e c r i t e r i o n f o r p r i v a t e r o a d s . e Tr a f f i c v o l u m e s a r e e s t i m a t e d f o r t h e s e r o a d w a y s e g m e n t s b y a p p l y i n g t r i p g e n e r a t i o n r a t e s t o t h e nu m b e r o f d w e l l i n g u n i t s s e r v ed . f Al t h o u g h M a r t i s P e a k R o a d i s l o c a t e d o u t s i d e T o w n l i m i t s , t h i s ro a d w a y s e g m e n t i s r e q u i r e d t o m e e t T o w n s t a n d a r d s w i t h t h e p r o j ec t , a s t h e T o w n i s p r o c e s s i ng t h e P r o j e c t A p p l i c a t i o n . So u r c e : L S C T r a n s p o r t a t i o n Co n s u l t a n t s , I n c . , 2 0 1 2 . Ca n y o n S p r i n g s T r a f f i c I m p a c t A n a l y s i s , Ta b l e 1 4 . TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC 4.14-68 e. 2031 Local Residential Roadways Impacts Similar to existing conditions, the increase in traffic on the local roadways as a re- sult of the proposed project under 2031 conditions would not impact the traffic volumes on local roadway segments from Somerset Drive to Edinburgh Drive giv- en that the Edinburgh access point would be gated for emergency access only. Fur- thermore, as described under 2011 Local Roadway Impacts, the segment of Martis Peak Road between Glenshire Drive and the proposed main project access point would not meet Town standards with the project. Therefore, the proposed project would not meet the adopted standard for impacts to local residential roadways and impacts would be significant. E. Impacts and Mitigation Measures Impact TRANS-1: The Glenshire Drive/Donner Pass Road intersection exceeds the level of service thresholds during the PM peak hour in 2011 without the pro- posed project. Implementation of the proposed project would exacerbate an exist- ing deficiency at this intersection, as it would result in increased vehicular delays during the PM peak hour. Mitigation Measure TRANS-1: The project applicant shall construct a center turn lane on Donner Pass Road to allow two-stage left-turn movements to be made from Glenshire Drive. The turn lane shall be constructed during Phase 1 of project construction and prior to any Parcel or Final Map recordation. If the two-stage left-turn lane is constructed prior to Canyon Springs Phase I construction, the project applicant shall pay its fair share portion of the cost. The Town Engineer shall not approve a Parcel Map or Final Map that would result in the creation of more than a total of 84 single-family lots and eight af- fordable housing lots within the project unless (i) the completion of the Don- ner Pass Road Extension is identified in the Town’s Capital Improvement Plan, fully funded, and scheduled for completion within three years of any Parcel or Final map that would bring the recorded lot total above 84; or (ii) all of the following criteria are met:  A minimum of five years have elapsed since the final approval of the pro- ject by the Town Council;  A minimum of 30 single-family homes have been constructed and certifi- cates of occupancy issued by the Town Building Division;  The project applicant provides an updated traffic analysis of the Glenshire Drive/Donner Pass Road intersection using the existing Town-approved TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC 4.14-69 traffic analysis model and the trip generation numbers from the occupied single-family homes within the project;  The updated traffic analysis demonstrates that there is sufficient capacity at the Glenshire Drive/Donner Pass Road intersection to accommodate the additional requested units while remaining in compliance with General Plan Circulation Element Policy P2.1 (maintain LOS E for the intersection and any individual turning movement, not cause a cumulative vehicle delay of four vehicle hours). Significance After Mitigation: Less than significant Impact TRANS-2: The segment of Martis Peak Road that provides access to the project site is subject to the Town’s thresholds and would have an ADT volume exceeding 2,000 vehicles, and it would function as a collector roadway. This road- way segment has a total pavement width ranging from 20 to 23 feet and does not meet the adopted standard for impacts to local residential roadways and impacts local roadways under 2011 conditions. Mitigation Measure TRANS-2: The project applicant shall widen the segment of Martis Peak Road between Glenshire Drive and the project’s main entrance to provide 12-foot travel lanes with 2-foot shoulders during Phase 1 of project construction. Significance After Mitigation: Less than significant. Impact TRANS-3: Based upon the AM and PM peak-hour traffic volumes, an eastbound left-turn lane is warranted along Glenshire Drive at its intersection with Dorchester Drive (West), with or without the project under 2011 and 2031 condi- tions. Mitigation Measure TRANS-3: Install an eastbound left-turn lane along Glen- shire Drive at its intersection with Dorchester Drive (West) during construc- tion Phase 1 of the proposed project. The turn lane shall provide approximate- ly 50 feet of storage length. If the left-turn lane is constructed prior to Canyon Springs Phase I construction, the project applicant shall pay its fair share por- tion of the cost. Significance After Mitigation: Less than significant. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC 4.14-70 Impact TRANS-4: Construction trips added to Glenshire Drive/Donner Pass Road or the eastbound left-turn lane along Glenshire Drive at its intersection with the western end of Dorchester Drive intersection would exacerbate these already deficient intersections. Mitigation Measure TRANS-4a: A Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) shall be prepared and approved by the Town’s Public Works De- partment prior to Phase 1 construction of the project. The CTMP shall be up- dated and approved by the Town prior to the start of each construction phase The CTMP shall include the following:  An on-site staging and materials storage plan.  Haul routes and general procedures for managing traffic, including tempo- rary traffic advisory signage to be posted along construction routes at least one month in advance of construction to alert traffic, pedestrian, and bicy- clists about the upcoming construction traffic.  Public notification materials, which may include information post cards to be distributed to adjacent residents and/or e-mail alerts to interested parties about the upcoming construction traffic. Notification materials shall be dis- tributed up to one month in advance of upcoming construction activities.  Training materials for construction workers, which shall include information on haul routes, speed limits, location of flaggers, wildlife awareness and oth- er relevant safety information. Training materials shall be updated as road- way and other surrounding area conditions change.  A construction monitoring plan to identify traffic congestion, safety con- cerns regarding truck, vehicle, pedestrian and bicycle conflicts and to adjust the CTMP as needed. Mitigation Measure TRANS-4b: Construction traffic shall not be permitted to exceed the Town's level of service standards at the Glenshire Drive/Donner Pass Road and Glenshire Drive/Dorchester Drive intersections and construc- tion traffic shall not travel to and from the project site using the Glenshire Drive/Donner Pass Road intersection during the AM or PM peak hour. Significance After Mitigation: Less than significant. 5 ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT 5-1 A. Introduction The State CEQA Guidelines require that EIRs include the identification and evalu- ation of a reasonable range of alternatives that are designed to reduce the signifi- cant environmental impacts of the project while still meeting the general project objectives. The State CEQA Guidelines also set forth the intent and extent of al- ternatives analysis to be provided in an EIR. Those considerations are discussed below. B. Alternatives to the Proposed Project Section 15126.6(a) of the State CEQA Guidelines states: “An EIR shall describe a range of reasonable alternatives to the project, or to the location of the project, which would feasibly attain most of the basic objectives of the project but would avoid or substantially lessen any of the significant effects of the project, and evalu- ate the comparable merits of the alternatives. An EIR need not consider every con- ceivable alternative to a project. Rather it must consider a reasonable range of po- tentially feasible alternatives that will foster informed decision-making and public participation. An EIR is not required to consider alternatives which are infeasible. The lead agency is responsible for selecting a range of project alternatives for exam- ination and must publicly disclose it’s reasoning for selecting those alternatives. There is no ironclad rule governing the nature or scope of the alternatives to be discussed other than the rule of reason.” 1. Purpose The alternatives evaluated in this EIR were developed with the intent of avoiding or lessening significant effects of the project as identified in Chapter 4 of the 2012 Draft EIR and listed below. 2. Potentially Significant Project Impacts The project impacts that would be less than significant with mitigation include the following:  Air Quality – conflict with the goals and policies of the Town of Truckee’s Particulate Matter AQMP, construction PM10 levels, Northern Sierra Air Qual- ity Management District’s Level B threshold for PM10 levels.  Biological Resources – Sierra Nevada red foxes, nesting birds, and roosting bats. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT 5-2  Cultural Resources – archaeological resources and paleontological resources.  Geology and Soils – rupture of a known earthquake fault, landslides, loss of topsoil and soil erosion, and potentially result in on- or off-site landslide, lat- eral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction, or collapse.  Hazards and Hazardous Materials – wildland fires.  Hydrology and Water Quality – reduce water quality through sedimentation of on-site and off-site watercourses and urban runoff.  Traffic and Circulation – increased vehicular delays during the AM and PM peak hours, exceeding roadway capacity, construction trip generation, and roadway design hazards. All other impacts were found to be less than significant without mitigation. 3. Project Objectives The objectives of the proposed project are as follows:  Create a residential community compatible with adjacent neighborhoods in the Town and Nevada County;  Provide additional affordable housing in the Town;  Provide low impact recreational opportunities (i.e. trails, trailheads, informal parking areas, information/interpretive kiosks, and directional/way finding signage) for future residents, surrounding neighbors and the public;  Protect open space areas that serve as native habitat and wildlife corridors;  Cluster development, and enhance and improve the existing on-site informal trail network to avoid environmentally sensitive areas;  Complement the natural forest setting through project design and landscaping; and  Achieve sustainable aspects of construction through green building practices. 4. Alternatives Considered and Rejected as Being Infeasible As described above, Section 15126.6(c) of the State CEQA Guidelines requires EIRs to identify any alternatives that were considered by the lead agency but were rejected as infeasible during the scoping process, and briefly explain the reasons underlying the lead agency’s determination. The following is a discussion of alterna- TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT 5-3 tives that were considered and rejected, along with the reasons they are not includ- ed in the analysis. a. Off-Site Analysis An alternate site with the same General Plan Land Use and Town Zoning designa- tion of a size to accommodate 185 single-family residential was not found within the Town limit; therefore, an off-site alternative was determined to be infeasible. Additionally, an off-site alternative would not meet the project objectives and would not necessarily reduce the potentially significant impacts associated with the proposed project. b. Alternate Land Use Alternative land uses, such as open space/non-motorized recreational, commercial, or institutional uses, were also rejected as being infeasible because they are not al- lowed under the General Plan Land Use and Town Zoning designations for the site. In addition alternate land uses would not meet the project objectives. c. Higher Density Alternative While it is not an infeasible alternative, an alternative to develop the allowed 213 lots was not analyzed. This alternative could increase the project’s impacts as the increase of 28 lots over the proposed project could increase trip generation impacts as well as the demand for public services and utilities. Therefore, this proposal would not meet the intent of the alternatives analysis under CEQA, which evaluat- ed alternatives that would reduce the significant environmental impacts of the pro- ject while still meeting the general project objectives. d. Rural Residential Alternative An alternative considering development on the project site applying the General Plan Land Use designation standards for Residential Cluster – 5 acres (RC-5) and Rural Residential (RR) zoning district standards was considered. Under this pro- posal 42 lots would be permitted on 213 acres of the project site designated for residential development, which represents a 77-percent reduction in the number of residential lots on the site. However, this alternative was considered infeasible as it would increase the private development area by 49 percent from the proposed pro- ject (107.29 acres compared to 213 acres) and would reduce the public open space from 176.17 acres to 70.76 acres. In addition, this proposal would not achieve a minimum density of at least 50 percent of the maximum allowed density under current zoning. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT 5-4 e. No Open Space Crossing An alternative similar to Alternative C, but with no bridge over the main drainage, was considered. Under Alternative C, the proposed roadway that connects the east- ern and western sides of the project over the main drainage through the open space area would be gated and restricted to use by emergency vehicles only. In contrast, under this alternative considered there would no connection between the two groupings of homes. Similar to Alternative C, public access to the development would be from Edinburgh drive on the west and Martis Peak Road on the north. Unlike Alternative C, emergency response vehicles would not be able to cross the main drainage between the two groupings of homes. It is not considered to be ac- ceptable for the fire department to only have one entrance to each of the groupings of homes. 5. Overview of Selected Alternatives The alternatives to be analyzed in comparison to the proposed project include:  Alternative A: No Project  Alternative B: Edinburgh Drive Open Access (185 lots)  Alternative C: No Open Space Crossing (185 lots)  Alternative D: Medium Density Cluster (185 lots)  Alternative E: Reduced Density (88 lots)  Alternative F: Open Space Buffer (185 lots) These alternatives were selected because of their potential to reduce the significant- but-mitigable impacts of the proposed project. A discussion of each of the selected alternatives is provided below. Table 5-1 summarizes the comparative impacts of each of the alternatives com- pared to the project. TO W N O F T R U C K E E CA N Y O N S P R I N G S A D M I N I ST R A T I V E D R A F T E I R AL T E R N A T I V E S T O T H E P R O P O S E D P R O J E C T 5- 5 TAB L E 5- 1 ALT E R N A T I V E S IMP A C T S COM P A R I S O N S Im p a c t A r e a EI R Pr o p o s e d Pr o j e c t Al t e r n a t i v e A A l t e r n a t i v e B A l t e r n a t i v e C Al t e r n a t i v e D A l t e r n a t i v e E A l t e r n a t i v e F No P r o j e c t Ed i n b u r g h Dr i v e A c c e s s (1 8 5 l o t s ) No O p e n S p a c e Cr o s s i n g (1 8 5 l o t s ) Me d i u m De n s i t y C l u s t e r (1 8 5 l o t s ) Re d u c e d D e n s i t y (88 lots) Open Space Buffer (185 lots) Ae s t h e t i c s L T S ++ = + + + = Ag r i c u l t u r a l a n d F o r e s t r y R e s o u r c e s LT S ++ = + + + = Ai r Q u a l i t y LT S / M ++ + + + + = Bi o l o g i c a l R e s o u r c e s LT S / M + = + + + = Cu l t u r a l R e s o u r c e s LT S / M + = = = + = Ge o l o g y , S o i l s a n d S e i s m i c i t y LT S / M ++ = = = = = Gr e e n h o u s e G a s E m i s s i o n s LT S / M ++ + + = + = Ha z a r d s a n d H a z a r d o u s M a t e r i a l s LT S / M + = = = = = Hy d r o l o g y a n d W a t e r Q u a l i t y LT S / M ++ = = + + = La n d U s e a n d P l a n n i n g LT S = = = = - - = No i s e L T S ++ - - = + = Po p u l a t i o n a n d H o u s i n g LT S = = = = = = Pu b l i c S e r v i c e s a n d R e c r ea t i o n L T S + = = = + = Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n a n d T r a f f i c LT S / M ++ = = = + = Ut i l i t i e s a n d S e r v i c e S y s t e m s LT S ++ = = = = = ++ + = - - - Su b s t a n t i a l i m p r o v e m e n t c o m p a r ed t o t h e p r o p o s e d p r o j e c t . Sl i g h t i m p r o v e m e n t co m p a r e d t o t h e p r o p o s e d p r o j e c t . Si m i l a r t o t h e p r op o s e d p r o j e c t . Sl i g h t d e t e r i o r a t i o n c o m p a r ed t o t h e p r o p o s e d p r o j e c t . Su b s t a n t i a l d e t e r i o r a t i o n c o m p ar e d t o t h e p r o p o s e d p r o j e c t . TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT 5-6 a. Assumptions and Methodology The anticipated means for implementation of the alternatives can influence the assessment and/or probability of impacts for those alternatives. For example, a project may have the potential to generate significant impacts, but considerations in project design may also afford the opportunity to avoid or reduce such impacts. The alternatives analysis is presented as a comparative analysis to the proposed project and assumes that all applicable mitigation measures proposed for the pro- ject would apply to each alternative. Impacts associated with the alternatives are compared to project-related impacts and are classified as greater, less, or essentially similar to (or comparable to) the level of impacts associated with the proposed project. The following analysis compares the potential significant environmental impacts of five alternatives with those of the proposed project for each of the environmental topics analyzed in detail in Chapter 4 of the 2012 Draft EIR. C. Alternative A: No Project 1. Description As required by CEQA, this subsection analyzes a “No Project” Alternative (Alter- native A) and describes the effects of taking no action or not receiving project ap- proval. Under Alternative A, the proposed project would not be constructed, and the project site would remain in its current condition. As described in Chapter 3, Project Description, the project site is generally undeveloped. A well-developed network of unpaved roads and trails is distributed throughout the site. The project site is accessed by surrounding subdivision residents through connecting trails and experiences year-round unregulated and unauthorized use. In the winter, the site is used by cross-country and backcountry skiers, snowshoers, and snowmobile users. In other seasons the project site is used by hikers with unleashed dogs,1 mountain bikers, equestrians, and off-road vehicle users. The only formal development on the project site is the Liberty Energy – California Pacific Electric Company’s overhead 1 According to Municipal Code, Title 8, Animal Control, Chapter 8.01, Humane Animal Control, Section, 8.01.420, Animals Running At Large, it is unlawful for any person owning or having possession, charge, custody, or control of any animal to cause, permit or allow the animal to stray, run or in any other manner to be at large in or upon any public street, sidewalk, park, school ground, or other public place, or upon any private place or property without consent of the owner or person in control of such private place or proper- ty. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT 5-7 high-power transmission line and associated access road that spans the project site in a southwest-northeast orientation for approximately 2,300 feet. In addition, a well exists near the central portion of the project site on Assessor Parcel Number 49-020-20. The potential environmental impacts associated with Alternative A are described below and are compared to the proposed project. 2. Impact Discussion a. Aesthetics Under Alternative A, no grading, tree and vegetation removal, or new development would occur on the project site and the existing aesthetic characteristics would re- main unchanged. There would be no changes to the visual character and no new sources of light and glare on the site. Therefore, this alternative would eliminate the aesthetic impacts associated with the proposed project. Overall aesthetics impacts under this alternative would be less than those of the proposed project since no development would occur on the site. b. Agricultural and Forestry Resources Similar to the proposed project, no agricultural lands would be impacted by devel- opment on the project site. Therefore, agricultural impacts would be the same as those of the proposed project. However, as no trees would be removed under this alternative, impacts to forestry resources would be less than those under the pro- ject. c. Air Quality Project-generated fugitive dust and other pollutant emissions associated with con- struction activities at the site would not occur under this alternative; thereby, elimi- nating the project’s significant-but-mitigable air quality impacts. Under Alternative A, pollutant emissions associated with vehicle trips would not occur and emissions associated with residential development would not occur. However, the unregulat- ed and unauthorized snowmobile and off-road vehicle use could potentially con- tinue, which would generate fugitive dust and other pollutant emissions associated with these uses. Nonetheless, overall impacts to air quality would be likely be less than those of the proposed project. d. Biological Resources Under this alternative the proposed project would not be developed and therefore, no impacts to biological resources as a result of future development on the site would occur. However, the unregulated and unauthorized recreational uses, which include hikers, dog walkers, mountain bikers, equestrians, and off-road vehicles, could potentially continue. These recreational uses, when unregulated, have the TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT 5-8 potential to modify habitat for identified special-status species and impact riparian habitat or other sensitive natural communities, including federally protected wet- lands. Alternative A would not result in development that would potentially inter- fere or remove access to a migratory wildlife corridor or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites; however, the unregulated and unauthorized recreational uses that occur on the site have the potential to disturb these biological resources. Al- ternative A, same as the proposed project, would not be inconsistent with local regulations pertaining to biological resources or conservation plans. Nonetheless, overall impacts to biological resources would be less than those of the proposed project under Alternative A because no development on the project site would occur. e. Cultural Resources Under Alternative A, no ground-disturbing activities would occur as a result of future development on the site; however, the unregulated and unauthorized recrea- tional uses that occur on the site have the potential to disturb the known and un- known cultural resources on the site. Therefore, this alternative, similar to the pro- ject, would have the potential to damage or destroy known and unknown archaeo- logical resources or unknown paleontological resources and human remains. Under this alternative the known cultural resource sites within the Town’s OS Zoning District (Open Space) areas would not be permanently reserved under the protec- tive conservation easement or dedication to the Town of Truckee/Truckee Donner Land Trust that is included as part of the proposed project. However, since imple- mentation of the project would disturb land area to a greater degree through exca- vation and grading than the current uses, impacts to cultural resources would be less than those of the proposed project under this alternative. f. Geology, Soils, and Seismicity Under Alternative A, no new development would occur on the site, which elimi- nates the potential for damage to residential land uses from soil/geologic condi- tions (i.e. seismicity and ground shaking; flooding; liquefaction, lateral spreading; geologic and soil instabilities; soil erosion/loss of topsoil; expansive and corrosive soils; and groundwater). Therefore, overall impacts from seismic hazards would be less than those of the proposed project under Alternative A. g. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Under Alternative A, no new development requiring grading, tree and vegetation removal, and construction and landscaping improvements would occur on the site. However, the unregulated and unauthorized snowmobile and off-road vehicle use could potentially continue, which would generate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT 5-9 associated with these uses. Nonetheless, this alternative would not result in the same level of GHG emissions and would eliminate impacts related to a net increase in GHG emissions and overall impacts would be less. h. Hazards and Hazardous Materials Under Alternative A, no new development would occur on the site. Therefore, this alternative would eliminate impacts related to introducing a residential development in an area with a high risk of wildfire hazards, potential high voltage transmission line hazards, and impacts related to emergency evacuation. While the project site would remain an area of high wildfire risk, because no residential land uses would be developed on the site, the overall impacts related to wildfire hazards would be less than those of the proposed project under Alternative A. i. Hydrology and Water Quality This alternative would eliminate the project’s less-than-significant and significant- but-mitigable impacts to water quality as a result of the development of the project. However, the existing areas of erosion within the ephemeral drainages would con- tinue to occur from natural occurrences and as a result of the unregulated and un- authorized recreational uses on the site. Nonetheless, under Alternative A, impacts to hydrology and water quality are considered to be less than those under the pro- posed project less land would be disturbed. j. Land Use and Planning Because Alternative A would not involve any new development the site would re- main in its current condition. There are no land use conflicts under the proposed project and current conditions, with the exception of unauthorized use of the site for unregulated recreational activities. Similar to the proposed project, Alternative A would meet the intent of the General Plan RC/OS (Resource Conserva- tion/Open Space) and Town’s OS Zoning District (Open Space) as no develop- ment is permitted on this portion of the project site. Therefore, under Alternative A, impacts would be the same as those of the proposed project. k. Noise Because Alternative A would not involve any short-term noise from construction nor long-term project noise from project operation, this alternative would eliminate the project’s less-than-significant construction and long-term operational noise impacts. Therefore, noise impacts under Alternative A would be less than those of the proposed project. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT 5-10 l. Population and Housing A would result in no residential uses on the project site. Alternative A would not achieve a minimum density of at least 50 percent of the maximum allowed density and Alternative A would not provide affordable housing. However, neither Alter- native A nor the proposed project would displace substantial numbers of existing housing or people, and would not induce unanticipated growth in the Town. As such, overall impacts to population and housing would be the similar to those of the proposed project. m. Public Services (Fire, Police, Schools, and Parks) and Recreation Alternative A would result in no new development of the project site and would not change the type and frequency of fire and police protection services required. Alternative A would not directly contribute any school-aged children to the Tahoe- Truckee Unified School District. Alternative A would not generate the greatest users of parks and recreational facilities (families with children); therefore, impacts to schools and parks would be less than the proposed project. Overall impacts to public services would be less than those of the proposed project. While the proposed project’s features that would increase the permitted and lawful recreational opportunities in the Town (i.e. 4.5-mile publicly accessible trail system and recreation center) and the 176.17 acres of open space that would be perma- nently reserved by protective conservation easement or dedication to the Town of Truckee/Truckee Donner Land Trust would not occur under Alternative A, the introduction of new users of recreational amenities in the Town and surrounding area would not occur; therefore, overall impacts to recreation would be less than that of the proposed project. n. Transportation and Traffic Under Alternative A, no new development on the site would occur. As such, no new traffic trips would be generated and no traffic impacts as a result of develop- ment on the project site would occur. Overall impacts to transportation and traffic would be less than those of the proposed project. o. Utilities and Service Systems (Sewer, Water, Solid Waste, Natural Gas and Electricity) Under Alternative A, no new development on the project site would occur and there would be no changes to demand for sewer, water supply, solid waste disposal services, natural gas, or electricity. Therefore, impacts to these utilities and service systems would be less than those of the proposed project. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT 5-11 3. Relationship of the Alternative to the Objectives Under Alternative A, the proposed project would not be constructed and therefore this alternative does not meet any of the project objectives. D. Alternative B: Edinburgh Drive Open Access (185 Lots) 1. Description Alternative B would be essentially the same as the proposed project with the excep- tion of providing open, unrestricted access to the site from Edinburgh Drive, west of the project. With the Edinburgh Drive access open, this alternative is expected to result in an increase of vehicular trips on the local roadways in the Glenshire subdivision, including Edinburgh Drive, Somerset Drive, Courtenay Lane, Regency Circle, Rolands Way, Dorchester Drive, Wellington Way, Oxford Circle, Canter- bury Lane, and Wiltshire Lane. Based on the layout of the site, it is assumed that 85 percent of trips made to/from points west of Glenshire would use the Edinburgh Drive access, and the remaining 15 percent of these trips would use Martis Peak Road. All other aspects of the project would be the same as those described in Chapter 3, Project Description, of the 2012 Draft EIR. A site plan of this alterna- tive is shown in Figure 5-1. 2. Impact Discussion a. Aesthetics Under Alternative B, grading, tree and vegetation removal and new development with landscaping improvements would occur on the site in the same manner that would occur under the proposed project. Therefore, this alternative would not eliminate or reduce the project’s less-than-significant impacts to aesthetics. Overall, impacts to aesthetics under this alternative would be the same as those of the pro- posed project since development would be exactly the same. b. Agricultural and Forestry Resources Similar to the proposed project, no agricultural lands would be impacted by devel- opment on the project site. Therefore, agricultural impacts would be the same as those of the proposed project. Under Alternative B, grading, tree and vegetation removal, and new development and landscaping improvements would occur on the site in the same manner that would occur under the proposed project. Therefore, this alternative would not eliminate or reduce the project’s less-than-significant impacts to agricultural and forestry resources. Overall, impacts to agricultural and forestry resources under this alternative would be the same as those of the pro- posed project. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT 5-12 c. Air Quality Under Alternative B, air quality impacts would occur at the same level as those of the proposed project. Thus, this alternative would generate the same degree of fugi- tive dust and other pollutant emissions associated with construction activities at the site. Additionally, under Alternative B, the same number of new traffic trips would be generated and Alternative B would generate pollutant emissions associated with long-term operation of a residential development. However, this alternative would generate fewer vehicle miles traveled (VMT) in the region during the summer PM peak hour, which would result in relatively lower air quality impacts. All mitigation measures that are applicable to the proposed project would also be applied to Al- ternative B. Therefore, this alternative would not eliminate or reduce the project’s less-than-significant or significant-but-mitigable impacts to air quality. Overall, con- struction and operational air quality impacts under Alternative B would be less than that of the proposed project. d. Biological Resources Under Alternative B, grading, tree and vegetation removal, and new development and landscaping improvements would occur on the site in the same manner that would occur under the proposed project. Therefore, this alternative would not eliminate or reduce the project’s less-than-significant impacts to biological re- sources. Furthermore, all mitigation measures that are applicable to the proposed project would also be applied to Alternative B; therefore Alternative B would not eliminate or reduce the project’s significant-but-mitigable impacts to biological re- sources. Overall, impacts to biological resources under this alternative would be the same as those of the proposed project. e. Cultural Resources Under Alternative B, the ground-disturbing activities would be exactly the same as those of the proposed project. Therefore, this alternative would not eliminate or reduce the project’s less-than-significant impacts to human remains. All mandatory regulations and mitigation measures that are applicable to the proposed project would also be applied to Alternative B; therefore Alternative B would not eliminate or reduce the project’s significant-but-mitigable impacts to unknown archaeological resources or unknown paleontological resources. Overall, impacts to cultural re- sources under this alternative would be the same as those of the proposed project. ALTERNATIVE B (EDINBURGH DRIVE OPEN ACCESS) SITE PLAN Source: SCO Planning & Engineering, Inc., 2012. FIGURE 5-1 TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS DRAFT EIR ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT 4000 800 FeetNORTH TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT 5-15 f. Geology, Soils, and Seismicity Under Alternative B, new development would occur on the site in the same man- ner as that of the proposed project. Therefore, this alternative would not eliminate the proposed project’s less-than-significant impacts related to soil/geologic condi- tions (i.e. seismicity and ground shaking, flooding, liquefaction, lateral spreading, and expansive and corrosive soils). All mitigation measures that are applicable to the proposed project would also be applied to Alternative B; therefore Alternative B would not eliminate or reduce the project’s significant-but-mitigable impacts to fault rupture, geologic and soil instabilities and soil erosion/loss of topsoil. Overall, impacts to geology and soils under this alternative would be the same as those of the proposed project. g. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Under Alternative B, grading, tree and vegetation removal, and new construction and landscaping improvements would occur at the project site at the same level as those of the proposed project. However, the open access at Edinburgh Drive would result in less VMT generated. Thus, this alternative would generate less net increase in GHG emissions as that of the proposed project. All mitigation measures that are applicable to the proposed project would also be applied to Al- ternative B; therefore Alternative B would not eliminate or reduce the project’s significant-but-mitigable impacts related to GHG emissions. Overall, impacts from GHG emissions under this alternative would be less than those of the proposed project. h. Hazards and Hazardous Materials Under Alternative B, grading, tree and vegetation removal, and new construction and landscaping improvements would occur at the project site at the same level as those of the proposed project. This Draft EIR found that potential impacts associ- ated with the development of the project with respect to the high voltage transmis- sion line hazards in the project area would be less than significant; accordingly, the same would be true for Alternative B. Further, all mitigation measures that are ap- plicable to the proposed project would also be applied to Alternative B; therefore Alternative B would not eliminate or reduce the project’s significant-but-mitigable impacts related to introducing a residential development in an area with a high risk of wildfire hazards. Under Alternative B, with the Edinburgh access open, more project trips would tend to use surface streets to access locations to the west. Therefore, under an emergency evacuation situation, more vehicles would exit the site to the west. However, as under the proposed project, intersections between the project site and major points west and east, including State Route 267 and Inter- TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT 5-16 state 80, would operate under acceptable traffic conditions. Therefore, traffic con- gestion under Alternative B would not be expected to interfere with emergency evacuation. Overall, impacts from hazards under this alternative would be the same as those of the proposed project. i. Hydrology and Water Quality Under Alternative B, grading, tree and vegetation removal, and new construction and landscaping improvements would occur at the project site at the same level as those of the proposed project. Therefore, this alternative would have the same sig- nificant-but-mitigable water quality impacts from the sedimentation of on-site and off-site watercourses and urban runoff associated with the development on the site. All mitigation measures that are applicable to the proposed project would also be applied to Alternative B; therefore Alternative B would not eliminate or reduce the project’s significant-but-mitigable impacts related to water quality. Overall, impacts to hydrology and water quality under this alternative would be the same as those of the proposed project. j. Land Use and Planning Under Alternative B, a residential development would occur on the project site in the same manner as that of the proposed project. Therefore, Alternative B would meet the intent of the General Plan land use designations for RES (Residential) 0.5 to 1 dwelling units per acre (du/acre) land use designations or the Town’s RS-1.0 Zoning District (Single-Family Residential, density of 1 du/acre). Furthermore, Alternative B would be consistent with the Overlay Area 6 land use designation, which requires a planned development that links access, open space areas, and in- frastructure between the properties. In addition, similar to the proposed project, Alternative B would meet the intent of the General Plan RC/OS and Town’s OS Zoning District. Under Alternative B the residential land uses on the site would be consistent with the overall intent of the General Plan land use designations and the Town’s zoning districts for the site. Alternative B would achieve a minimum density of at least 50 percent of the maximum allowed density and Alternative B would provide afforda- ble housing units consistent with the minimum 15 percent affordable housing allo- cation for new residential developments (i.e. eight lots.) As such, impacts related to policy consistency and land use compatibility would be considered the same as those of the proposed project under Alternative B. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT 5-17 k. Noise Under Alternative B, grading, tree and vegetation removal, and new construction and landscaping improvements would occur at the project site at the same level as those of the proposed project. Under Alternative B, the infrastructure construction would span an eight-year period and the overall buildout of the proposed 185 housing lots would span approximately 20 years. However, the traffic patterns would be changed and more traffic would be distributed on local roadways when compared to the proposed project. While the Draft EIR found that only the road- way segment from Martis Peak Road east of Glenshire Drive would experience an increase in project-related traffic noise levels, and as noted in the Traffic Impact Analysis, no local roadways would experience an equivalent volume of traffic; the increase of trips on local roadways is considered a substantial change. Therefore, this alternative would result in the same less-than-significant construction impacts, but potentially greater operational noise impacts compared to the proposed project. l. Population and Housing Similar to the project, Alternative B would result in residential uses on the project site and as noted above, this alternative would achieve a minimum density of at least 50 percent of the maximum allowed density and provide affordable housing. However, neither Alternative B nor the proposed project would displace substantial numbers of existing housing or people, and would not induce unanticipated growth in the Town. As such, overall impacts to population and housing would be the same as those of the proposed project. m. Public Services (Fire, Police, Schools, and Parks) and Recreation Similar to the proposed project, Alternative B would result in new development of the project site and would change the type and frequency of fire and police protec- tion services required; therefore, impacts to these services under Alternative B would be the same as the proposed project. Alternative B would result in the same amount of new residential housing (i.e. 185 lots) as that of the proposed project and therefore, would directly contribute to the population of school-aged children that could attend the Tahoe-Truckee Unified School District and would also gener- ate the greatest users of parks and recreational facilities (families with children); therefore, impacts to schools and parks would be the same as the proposed project. Alternative B would also include the 4.5-mile publicly accessible trail system and recreation center, thus impacts to parks and recreational services would be the same as those under the proposed project. Accordingly, overall impacts to public services and recreation would be the same as those of the proposed project. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT 5-18 n. Transportation and Traffic Under Alternative B, the same amount of residential development on the project site would occur and as such, the same level of new traffic trips would be generat- ed. However, unlike the proposed project, under Alternative B the two proposed vehicular access points at Martis Peak Road to the north of the project site and Edinburgh Drive to the west of the project site would both provide unrestricted access. As analyzed in the Canyon Springs Traffic Impact Analysis, which is included in Appen- dix I of the 2012 Draft EIR and the 2014 Canyon Springs Traffic Impact Analysis Ad- dendum prepared by LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc., this alternative would generate the same number of trips; however, the Edinburgh Drive access would present many additional possible route choices. The addition of the Edinburgh Drive route lessens the travel time advantage of using the Hirschdale Road/Interstate 80 route for trips to/from the west. Therefore, with the Edin- burgh access open, more project trips would tend to use surface streets to access locations to the west. Under Alternative B, similar to the proposed project, all traffic impacts would gen- erally be the same as that of the proposed project including impacts to local road- ways.2 Figures 5-2 through 5-5 show the net project and total PM peak hour trips in 2011 and 2031 under this alternative. With the Edinburgh Drive connection open to general traffic, the Alternative B is expected to result in an increase of up to approximately 89 PM peak-hour one-way trips and 840 average daily traffic (ADT) in 2011, and 91 PM peak-hour trips and 860 ADT in 2031 on the local roadway segments in the project study area. As this increase is less than 1,000 ADT, Alternative B would meet the Town’s adopted standard for impacts on local residential roadways, so long as the provisions of Circulation Element Policy P2.4 can be met. As discussed in Chapter 4.10, Land Use and Planning, of the 2012 Draft EIR, the project would be consistent with this policy. Alternative B would also be consistent with this policy as it would improve connectivity throughout the Town's roadway network, through roadway improvements, while minimizing envi- ronmental, circulation, and residential neighborhood impacts. Furthermore, with Edinburgh Drive open, a slightly lower level of project traffic would use the Glen- shire Drive/Martis Peak Road/Whitehorse Road intersection; however, the haz- ardous conditions are existing conditions; therefore, the conclusions regarding driver sight distance would not be affected. 2 Alternative B analysis is provided in detail in the Traffic Impact Analysis, which is provided in Appendix I of this Draft EIR. CALIFORNIA 0 0 5 4 1 78 6 3 2 U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD.1 GLENSHIREDR./ HIRSCHDALED.R615 U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD.1 HIRSCHDALERD./ I-80WESTBOUNDRAMPS8U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD.1 HIRSCHDALERD./ I-80EASTBOUNDRAMPS7GLENSHIREDR./ SOMERSETDR. U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD.1 GLENSHIREDR./ DONNERPASSRD.1 14 JACKSVALLEYRD. 404/449 GLENSHIREDR./MARTIS PEAKRD./WHITEHORSERD. U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD. JAC K S V A L L E Y R D . 1 GLENSHIREDR./2 U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD.1 GLENSHIREDR./ DORCHESTERDR.3 FUTURE INTERSECTION DONNERPASSRD.EXTENSION 0 17 34 0 41 14 -2 -1 430 46 0 0 014 37 00 0 0 0 0 101 36 430 1257 1 11 6 100 0 52 51 0 23 2 0 0 41 0 -1 17 0 -2 103 HIGHWAYS STREETS RAILROAD LAKE STUDYINTERSECTIONS TRAFFICMOVEMENT TRAFFICVOLUME LEGEND 1 INMILES SCALE0 .5 8 89 GLENS H I R E D R . TRUCKEE 80 80 267 SITEEDINBURGH 11 Source: LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc., 2012. 2011 PROJECT NET IMPACT ON PM TRAFFIC VOLUMES WITH EDINBURGH ACCESS FIGURE 5-2 TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT CALIFORNIA 0 0 5 4 1 78 6 3 2 U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD.1 GLENSHIREDR./ R.DELADHCSRIH615 U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD.1 HIRSCHDALERD./ I-80WESTBOUNDRAMPS8U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD.1 HIRSCHDALERD./ I-80EASTBOUNDRAMPS7GLENSHIREDR./ SOMERSETDR. U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD.1 GLENSHIREDR./ DONNERPASSRD.1 14 JACKSVALLEYRD. 404/449 GLENSHIREDR./MARTIS PEAKRD./WHITEHORSERD. U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD. JAC K S V A L L E Y R D . 1 GLENSHIREDR./2 U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD.1 GLENSHIREDR./ DORCHESTERDR.3 DONNERPASSRD.EXTENSION 0 12 21 -3 0 12 13 -2 -1 46 16 45 0 013 35 00 0 5 3 0 97 31 320 1464 1 13 7 110 0 50 52 0 17 2 0 0 30 0 -1 17 0 -2 104 24 0 0 26 34 18 HIGHWAYS STREETS RAILROAD LAKE STUDYINTERSECTIONS TRAFFICMOVEMENT TRAFFICVOLUME LEGEND 1 INMILES SCALE0 .5 8 89 SITE GLENS H I R E D R . TRUCKEE EDINBURG H 80 80 267 Negativenumbersreflecttheshiftinexisting trafficvolumesthatwouldusethenewprojectroadways. NOTE: Source: LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc., 2012. 2031 PROJECT NET IMPACT ON PM TRAFFIC VOLUMES WITH EDINBURGH ACCESS FIGURE 5-3 TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT CALIFORNIA 0 0 5 4 1 78 6 3 2 U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD.1 GLENSHIREDR./ DONNERPASSRD.1 U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD. JAC K S V A L L E Y R D . 1 GLENSHIREDR./2 U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD.1 GLENSHIREDR./ DORCHESTERDR.3 FUTURE INTERSECTION DONNERPASSRD.EXTENSION 247 238 140 199 368 396 41 3897 195 279 153 U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD.1 GLENSHIREDR./ HIRSCHDALED.R615 U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD.1 HIRSCHDALERD./ I-80WESTBOUNDRAMPS8U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD.1 HIRSCHDALERD./ I-80EASTBOUNDRAMPS7GLENSHIREDR./ SOMERSETDR. 14 JACKSVALLEYRD. 404/449 GLENSHIREDR./MARTIS PEAKRD./WHITEHORSERD. 89 22 5 77 121 133 0 016 45 95 7 2 2 12 254 181 13727 86128 67 60 41 101 54 33 60 110 21 129 21 21 123 112 HIGHWAYS STREETS RAILROAD LAKE STUDYINTERSECTIONS TRAFFICMOVEMENT TRAFFICVOLUME LEGEND 1 INMILES SCALE0 .5 8 89 GLENS H I R E D R . TRUCKEE 80 80 267 SITEEDINBURGH Source: LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc., 2012. 2011 PM TRAFFIC VOLUMES WITH EDINBURGH ACCESS FIGURE 5-4 TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT CALIFORNIA 0 0 5 4 1 78 6 3 2 U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD.1 GLENSHIREDR./ DONNERPASSRD.1 U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD. JAC K S V A L L E Y R D . 1 GLENSHIREDR./2 U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD.1 GLENSHIREDR./ DORCHESTERDR.3 DONNERPASSRD.EXTENSION 225 522 379 47 221 461 54 53120 264 368 205 U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD.1 GLENSHIREDR./ HIRSCHDALED.R615 U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD.1 HIRSCHDALERD./ I-80WESTBOUNDRAMPS8U.S.395/JACKSVALLEYRD.1 HIRSCHDALERD./ I-80EASTBOUNDRAMPS7GLENSHIREDR./ SOMERSETDR. 14 JACKSVALLEYRD. 404/449 GLENSHIREDR./MARTIS PEAKRD./WHITEHORSERD. 126 34 7 97 163 167 0 016 43 98 112 40 15 144 217 168 15227 120208 54 117 51 179 32 84 24 147 29 131 23 21 123 113 945 38 45 161 272 381 HIGHWAYS STREETS RAILROAD LAKE STUDYINTERSECTIONS TRAFFICMOVEMENT TRAFFICVOLUME LEGEND 1 INMILES SCALE 0 .5 8 89 GLENS H I R E D R . TRUCKEE 80 80 267 SITEEDINBURG H Source: LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc., 2014. 2031 PM TRAFFIC VOLUMES WITH EDINBURGH ACCESS FIGURE 5-5 TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT 5-23 Therefore, overall impacts to transportation and traffic under Alternative B would be similar to those of the proposed project. o. Utilities and Service Systems (Sewer, Water, Solid Waste, Natural Gas and Electricity) Under Alternative B, the same demand for utilities and services would occur as that of the proposed project. Therefore, impacts to these utilities and service systems would be the same as those of the proposed project. 3. Relationship of the Alternative to the Objectives Under Alternative B, the proposed project would be constructed in the exact same way as that of the proposed project. However, the gated emergency only vehicular access point at Edinburgh Drive would provide unrestricted access. Therefore, Alternative B would meet all of the project objectives. E. Alternative C: No Open Space Crossing (185 Lots) 1. Description Alternative C would be similar to the proposed project with the exception of pro- ject access and lot cluster design. Under Alternative C, the proposed roadway that connects the eastern and western sides of the project through the open space area would be gated and restricted to use by emergency vehicles only. Consequently, access to the development would be from Edinburgh drive on the west and Martis Peak Road on the north. The west side would include 64 lots (compared to 100 lots under the proposed project) and the north side would include 121 lots (compared to 85 lots under the proposed project). The 121 lots on the northern side would be smaller than the proposed project, resulting in the same development area. The west side would have fewer lots under Alternative C and the overall building area would be reduced; however, all buffers between the Glenshire area to the west would be the same as the proposed project. All other aspects of the project would be the same as those described in Chapter 3, Project Description, of the 2012 Draft EIR. A site plan of this alternative is shown in Figure 5-6. 2. Impact Discussion a. Aesthetics Under Alternative C, grading, tree and vegetation removal, and new development with landscaping improvements would occur on the site in the same manner that would occur under the proposed project, albeit slightly less on the west side due to the reduced lots. Therefore, this alternative would not eliminate or reduce the pro- TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT 5-24 ject’s less-than-significant impacts to aesthetics. Overall, impacts to aesthetics un- der this alternative would be less than those of the proposed project since devel- opment would be less on the west side. b. Agricultural and Forestry Resources Similar to the proposed project, no agricultural lands would be impacted by devel- opment on the project site. Therefore, agricultural impacts would be the same as those of the proposed project. Under Alternative C, slightly less tree removal would occur due to less development occurring on the west side. Therefore, this alternative would not eliminate or reduce the project’s less-than-significant impacts to agricultural and forestry resources, but it would reduce the impacts. Overall, impacts to agricultural and forestry resources under this alternative would be less than those of the proposed project. c. Air Quality Under Alternative C, grading, tree and vegetation removal, and new construction and landscaping improvements would occur at the project site at generally the same level as that of the proposed project. Less tree removal would occur on the west side due to fewer lots. Thus, this alternative would generate the same degree of fugitive dust and other pollutant emissions associated with construction activities at the site. Additionally, under Alternative C, the same number of new traffic trips would be generated resulting in similar criteria pollutants emission as the proposed project. However, this alternative would generate fewer VMT in the region during the summer PM peak hour due to the open access point at Edinburgh Drive, which would result in fewer emissions. All mitigation measures that are applicable to the proposed project would also be applied to Alternative C. Therefore, this alternative would not eliminate or reduce the project’s less-than-significant or significant-but- mitigable impacts to air quality. Overall, construction impacts would be the same as the proposed project and operational air quality impacts would be less than that of the proposed project. ALTERNATIVE C (NO OPEN SPACE CROSSING) SITE PLAN Source: SCO Planning & Engineering, Inc., 2012. FIGURE 5-6 TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT 4000 800 FeetNORTH TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT 5-27 d. Biological Resources Under Alternative C, grading, tree and vegetation removal, and new development and landscaping improvements would occur on the site in generally the same man- ner that would occur under the proposed project, with less development occurring on the west side. It is possible that fewer trees would be retained on the smaller lots in the northern portion of the project site. While future traffic would not routinely cross the open space corridor located in the middle of the site, no impacts were identified in the Draft EIR that would be reduced by prohibiting such access. Therefore, this alternative would not eliminate or reduce the project’s less-than- significant impacts to biological resources. Furthermore, all mitigation measures that are applicable to the proposed project would also be applied to Alternative C; therefore Alternative C would not eliminate or reduce the project’s significant-but- mitigable impacts to biological resources. Overall, impacts to biological resources under this alternative would be less than those of the proposed project. e. Cultural Resources Under Alternative C, the ground-disturbing activities would be generally the same as those of the proposed project with less development occurring on the west side. Therefore, this alternative would not eliminate or reduce the project’s less-than- significant impacts to human remains. All mandatory regulations and mitigation measures that are applicable to the proposed project would also be applied to Al- ternative C; therefore Alternative C would not eliminate or reduce the project’s significant-but-mitigable impacts to unknown archaeological resources or unknown paleontological resources. Overall, impacts to cultural resources under this alterna- tive would be the same as those of the proposed project. f. Geology, Soils, and Seismicity Under Alternative C, new development would occur on the site in the same man- ner as that of the proposed project, but with less development on the west side. It is possible that increased grading would occur under this alternative due to the smaller lot sizes on the northern portion of the project site, because the smaller lots would require a reduced length to transition driveways into the lots to the finish floor elevation. Therefore, this alternative would not eliminate the proposed pro- ject’s less-than-significant impacts related to soil/geologic instabilities (i.e. seismici- ty and ground shaking, flooding, liquefaction, lateral spreading, and expansive and corrosive soils). All mitigation measures that are applicable to the proposed project would also be applied to Alternative C; therefore Alternative C would not eliminate or reduce the project’s significant-but-mitigable impacts to fault rupture, geologic and soil instabilities, and soil erosion/loss of topsoil. Overall, impacts to geology and soils under this alternative would be the same as those of the proposed project. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT 5-28 g. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Under Alternative C, grading, tree and vegetation removal, and new construction and landscaping improvements would occur at the project site at generally the same level as that of the proposed project, but with less development on the west side, which would consequently reduce the VMT generated. Thus, this alternative would generate slightly less net increase in GHG emissions as that of the proposed pro- ject. All mitigation measures that are applicable to the proposed project would also be applied to Alternative C; therefore Alternative C would not eliminate or reduce the project’s significant-but-mitigable impacts related to GHG emissions. Overall, impacts from GHG emissions under this alternative would be less than those of the proposed project. h. Hazards and Hazardous Materials Under Alternative C, grading, tree and vegetation removal, and new construction and landscaping improvements would occur at the project site at the same level as that of the proposed project. This Draft EIR found that potential impacts associat- ed with the development of the project with respect to the high voltage transmis- sion line hazards in the project area would be less than significant; accordingly, the same would be true for Alternative C. Further, all mitigation measures that are ap- plicable to the proposed project would also be applied to Alternative C; therefore Alternative C would not eliminate or reduce the project’s significant-but-mitigable impacts related to introducing a residential development in an area with a high risk of wildfire hazards. Under Alternative C, as under Alternative B, with the Edin- burgh access open, more project trips would tend to use surface streets to access locations to the west. Therefore, under an emergency evacuation situation more vehicles would be expected to exit the site to the west. However, as under the pro- posed project, intersections between the project site and major points west and east, including State Route 267 and Interstate 80, would operate under acceptable traffic conditions. Therefore, traffic congestion under Alternative C would not be expected to interfere with emergency evacuation. Overall, impacts from hazards under this alternative would be the same as those of the proposed project. i. Hydrology and Water Quality Under Alternative C, tree and vegetation removal, and new construction and land- scaping improvements would occur at the project site at the same general level as that of the proposed project, but with fewer lots on the west side. It is possible that increased grading would occur under this alternative due to the smaller lot sizes on the northern portion of the project site, because the smaller lots would require a reduced length to transition driveways into the lots to the finish floor elevation. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT 5-29 However, this alternative would have generally the same significant-but-mitigable water quality impacts from the sedimentation of on-site and off-site watercourses and urban runoff associated with the development on the site. All mitigation measures that are applicable to the proposed project would also be applied to Al- ternative C; therefore Alternative C would not eliminate or reduce the project’s significant-but-mitigable impacts related to water quality. Overall, impacts to hy- drology and water quality under this alternative would be the same as those of the proposed project. j. Land Use and Planning Under Alternative C, a residential development would occur on the project site in the same manner as that of the proposed project, but with less development on the west side. Therefore, Alternative C would result in the similar land use impacts compared to those of the proposed project. The closed access point between the two development areas could promote connectivity between the two residential areas within Canyon Springs and maintains connection to the adjacent residential areas within Glenshire. For these reasons, the impacts related to policy consistency and land use compatibility would be considered the same as those of the proposed project compared to Alternative C. k. Noise Under Alternative C, grading, tree and vegetation removal, and new construction and landscaping improvements would occur at the project site at generally the same level as that of the proposed project, but with less development on the west side. Under Alternative C, the infrastructure construction would span an eight-year peri- od and the overall buildout of the proposed 185 housing lots would span approxi- mately 20 years. However, the traffic patterns would be changed and more traffic would be distributed on local roadways when compared to the proposed project. While the Draft EIR found that only the roadway segment from Martis Peak Road east of Glenshire Drive would experience an increase in project-related traffic noise levels, and as noted in the Traffic Impact Analysis, no local roadways would experi- ence an equivalent volume of traffic; the increase of trips on local roadways is con- sidered a substantial change. Therefore, this alternative would result in the same less-than-significant construction impacts, but greater operational noise impacts compared to the proposed project. l. Population and Housing Similar to the project, Alternative C would result in residential uses on the project site and as noted above, Alternative C would achieve a minimum density of at least 50 percent of the maximum allowed density and Alternative C would provide af- TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT 5-30 fordable housing. However, neither Alternative C nor the proposed project would displace substantial numbers of existing housing or people, and would not induce unanticipated growth in the Town. As such, overall impacts to population and housing would be the same as those of the proposed project. m. Public Services (Fire, Police, Schools, and Parks) and Recreation Similar to the proposed project, Alternative C would result in new development of the project site and would change the type and frequency of fire and police protec- tion services required; therefore, impacts to these services under Alternative C would be the same as the proposed project. Alternative C would result in the same amount of new residential housing (i.e. 185 lots) as that of the proposed project and therefore, would directly contribute to the population of school-aged children that could attend the Tahoe-Truckee Unified School District and would also gener- ate the greatest users of parks and recreational facilities (families with children); therefore, impacts to schools and parks would be the same as the proposed project. Alternative C would also include the 4.5-mile publicly accessible trail system and recreation center, and would provide more open space than under the proposed project. Therefore, impacts to parks and recreational services would be the same as those under the proposed project. Accordingly, overall impacts to public services and recreation would be the same as those of the proposed project. n. Transportation and Traffic Under Alternative C, the same amount of residential development on the project site would occur and as such, the same level of new traffic trips would be generat- ed. However, unlike the proposed project, under Alternative C the two proposed vehicular access points at Martis Peak Road to the north of the project site and Edinburgh Drive to the west of the project site would both provide unrestricted access and the road that crosses the open space area through the center of the site would be gated for emergency vehicle use only. Although the west side of the de- velopment would contain fewer lots than the proposed project, vehicle trips on local roadways would be higher due to the unrestricted access. ADT is projected to increase by 995 average daily trips. As described above, similar to Alternative B, the site access patterns would be af- fected by the change in access options. Under Alternative C, traffic impacts would be similar to the proposed project trips, which is under the Town’s standard re- garding local road impacts threshold of “not more than 1,000 ADT” under existing and future conditions. Therefore, transportation and traffic impacts under Alterna- tive C would be similar to those of the proposed project. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT 5-31 o. Utilities and Service Systems (Sewer, Water, Solid Waste, Natural Gas and Electricity) Under Alternative C, the same amount of residential development on the project site would occur and the same demand for sewer, water supply, solid waste disposal services, natural gas, or electricity would occur. It is possible that reduced lot sizes would allow for less flexibility for solar orientation in building design. Overall, im- pacts to these utilities and service systems would be the same as those of the pro- posed project. 3. Relationship of the Alternative to the Objectives Under Alternative C, the proposed project would be constructed in generally the same way as that of the proposed project and therefore, would meet all of the pro- ject objectives. F. Alternative D: Medium Density Cluster (185 lots) 1. Description Alternative D would reduce the lot size for each of the 185 proposed residential lots, which would decrease the overall development area and increase the open space area from that of the proposed project. Under Alternative D, the residential lots would be designed to be consistent with the Medium Density Residential Clus- ter standards outlined in Table LU-7, Cluster Development Types and Applicable Land Use Designations, in the Land Use Element of the 2025 General Plan. As such, the residential lots would cover approximately 54 acres (approximately 3 to 4 dwelling units/acre) and public open space areas would cover approximately 230 acres, an increase of 54 acres of open space from that of the proposed project. The development area would be reduced approximately 50 percent (53.8 acres versus 107.6 acres). In general, all other aspects of the proposed development under Al- ternative D would be essentially the same as the proposed project in Chapter 3, Project Description, of the 2012 Draft EIR. A site plan of this alternative is shown in Figure 5-7. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT 5-32 2. Impact Discussion a. Aesthetics Under Alternative D, the area of disturbance would be lower than the proposed project and public open space areas would cover approximately 230 acres, an in- crease of 54 acres of open space from that of the proposed project (230 acres ver- sus 176.17 acres). Similar to the proposed project, the proposed residential lots would be sited under the existing tree canopy and would not be developed on hillsides, prominent slope exposures, ridges, or bluff lines. Subsequently, no views of the site from high mountain peaks and ridges of the Sierra Nevada and Carson Range would be adversely impacted. Under Alternative D, no development would occur within the proposed open space area and the increased open space areas would provide additional screening of the residential lots; therefore, adjacent resi- dential land uses and users of the publicly accessible trails network and open space would not be subject to blocked views of scenic resources, same as the proposed project. The visual buffer ranging from 100 to 300 feet between the proposed homes and the existing adjacent homes would be the same as the buffer under the proposed project. The Draft Design Guidelines prepared for the project would also apply to the development under Alternative D. This alternative would not eliminate the project’s less-than-significant impacts to aesthetics, but would slightly reduce the impacts as fewer tree and vegetation re- moval would occur and open space would be increased. Overall, impacts to aes- thetics under this alternative would be less than those of the proposed project since the overall development area would be reduced. b. Agricultural and Forestry Resources Similar to the proposed project, no agricultural lands would be impacted by devel- opment on the project site. Therefore, agricultural impacts would be the same as those of the proposed project. Under Alternative D, the area of disturbance would be reduced by 50 percent and the open space would be increased by 54 acres. Simi- lar to the proposed project, this alternative would provide the same restoration opportunities as the proposed project. Therefore, this alternative would not elimi- nate the project’s less-than-significant impacts to agricultural and forestry re- sources, but it would reduce the impacts. Overall, impacts to agricultural and for- estry resources under this alternative would be less than those of the proposed pro- ject. ALTERNATIVE D (MEDIUM DENSITY CLUSTER) SITE PLAN Source: SCO Planning & Engineering, Inc., 2012. FIGURE 5-7 TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT 4000 800 FeetNORTH TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT 5-35 c. Air Quality Under Alternative D, grading, tree and vegetation removal, and new development with landscaping improvements would occur on the site; however, the reduced development area would result in less overall grading than the proposed project. Additionally, the same number of new traffic trips would be generated, and Alter- native D would generate pollutant emissions associated with long-term operation of a residential development. All mitigation measures that are applicable to the proposed project would also be applied to Alternative D. Therefore, this alternative would not eliminate or reduce the project’s less-than-significant or significant-but- mitigable impacts to air quality. Overall, construction and operational air quality impacts under Alternative D would be less than those of the proposed project. d. Biological Resources Under Alternative D, the area of disturbance would be reduced by 50 percent and the open space would be increased by 54 acres. Fewer trees would be retained be- cause all the lots on the project site would be smaller and more clustered than un- der the proposed project. Similar to the proposed project, this alternative would provide the same restoration opportunities as the proposed project. Alternative D would also provide the same level of recreational and open space amenities. How- ever, unlike the proposed project, the close proximity of the houses would create a wall effect, which could reduce the ability of resident wildlife species to move throughout the project site. Nonetheless, this alternative would reduce the project’s less-than-significant impacts and significant-but-mitigable impacts to biological resources since the overall development area would be less when compared to the proposed project, and the same restoration opportunities would occur. All mitiga- tion measures that are recommended for the proposed project would also be ap- plied to Alternative D as necessary; therefore Alternative D would result in less- than-significant impacts to biological resources, same as the proposed project. Overall, impacts to biological resources under this alternative would be slightly less than those of the proposed project. e. Cultural Resources Under Alternative D, the ground-disturbing activities would be less than those of the proposed project, which reduces potential impacts to cultural resources. How- ever, because the potential for the discovery of unknown human remains, unknown archaeological resources and/or unknown paleontological resources would still exist during the construction phase, Alternative D would not eliminate or reduce the project’s less-than-significant or significant-but-mitigable impacts to unknown cultural resources. However, all mandatory regulations and mitigation measures TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT 5-36 that are recommended for the proposed project would also be applied to Alterna- tive D as applicable; therefore, impacts to unknown cultural resources would be the same as those of the proposed project. Furthermore, similar to the proposed pro- ject, no construction would occur on the areas within the project site with known cultural resources; therefore, impacts to cultural resources would be the same as those of the proposed project. f. Geology, Soils, and Seismicity Under Alternative D, new development would occur on the site in generally the same manner as that of the proposed project, albeit on a smaller area (53.8 acres versus 107.6 acres). It is possible that increased grading would occur under this alternative due to the reduced lot sizes on the entire site, because the smaller lots would require a reduced length to transition driveways into the lots to the finish floor elevation. The reduction in the development area does not have any bearing on the existing geologic setting of the project site or project area. Therefore, this alternative would not eliminate the proposed project’s less-than-significant impacts related to soil/geologic instabilities (i.e. seismicity and ground shaking; flooding; liquefaction, lateral spreading; and expansive and corrosive soils). All mitigation measures that are recommended for the proposed project would also be applied to Alternative D as applicable; therefore Alternative D would not eliminate or reduce the project’s significant-but-mitigable impacts to fault rupture, geologic and soil instabilities and soil erosion/loss of topsoil. Overall, impacts to geology and soils under this alternative would be the same as those of the proposed project. g. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Under Alternative D, the development area would be reduced by approximately 50 percent (53.8 acres versus 107.6 acres); however, this would not reduce the amount of overall development. Accordingly, this alternative would generate the same net increase in GHG emissions as that of the proposed project. Similar to the pro- posed project, design features to reduce energy consumption would be incorpo- rated, and Alternative D would be required to conform to applicable plans and policies related to energy conservation and solid waste reduction, and would not conflict with any applicable plan, policy, or regulation for the purpose of reducing GHG emissions. Nonetheless, Alternative D would not eliminate or reduce the project’s less-than-significant impacts related to GHG emissions. Overall, impacts from GHG emissions under this alternative would be the same as those of the proposed project. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT 5-37 h. Hazards and Hazardous Materials Under Alternative D, the development area would be reduced by 50 percent from that of the proposed project; however, the introduction of 185 residential lots would occur on the site, which is considered to have a high risk of wildfire hazards. Therefore, wildfire hazards would be the same as those of the proposed project. This Draft EIR found that potential impacts associated with the development of the project with respect to the high voltage transmission line hazards in the project area would be less than significant; accordingly, the same would be true for Alter- native D. Further, all mitigation measures that are applicable to the proposed pro- ject would also be applied to Alternative D; therefore Alternative D would not eliminate or reduce the project’s significant-but-mitigable impacts related to intro- ducing a residential development in an area with a high risk of wildfire hazards. Overall, impacts from hazards under this alternative would be the same as those of the proposed project. i. Hydrology and Water Quality Under Alternative D, new development would occur on the site in generally the same manner as that of the proposed project, albeit on a smaller area (53.8 acres versus 107.6 acres). However, it is possible that increased grading would occur un- der this alternative because the smaller lots would require a reduced length to tran- sition driveways into the lots to the finish floor elevation. Alternative D would im- plement the same waterway setback standards that are applied to the proposed project, and all mitigation measures that are applicable to the proposed project would also be applied to Alternative D. Therefore, similar to the proposed project, any significant water quality impacts under Alternative D would be reduced to less- than-significant levels. However, the reduction in the development area would re- duce the potential for water quality impacts from the sedimentation of on-site and off-site watercourses and urban runoff associated with the development on the site. Therefore, overall impacts to hydrology and water quality under this alternative would be less than those of the proposed project. j. Land Use and Planning Under Alternative D, a residential development would occur on the project site in the same manner as that of the proposed project, but on a reduced area (53.8 acres versus 107.6 acres). Therefore, Alternative D would meet the intent of the General Plan land use designations for RES (Residential) 0.5 to 1 du/acre land use designa- tions or the Town’s RS-1.0 Zoning District (Single-Family Residential, density of 1 du/acre). Furthermore, Alternative D would be consistent with the Overlay Area 6 land use designation, which requires a planned development that links access, open space areas, and infrastructure between the properties. In addition, similar to the TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT 5-38 proposed project, Alternative D would meet the intent of the General Plan RC/OS and Town’s OS Zoning District. Alternative D would achieve a minimum density of at least 50 percent of the max- imum allowed density, and Alternative D would provide affordable housing units consistent with the minimum 15 percent affordable housing allocation for new residential developments (i.e. eight lots). Under Alternative D, a trail would connect to the Town’s proposed recreational trail corridor as identified in the Town of Truckee Trails & Bikeways Master Plan. Furthermore, Alternative D would preserve approximately 230 acres of public open space. Overall, impacts related to policy consistency and land use compatibility under Alternative D would be considered the same as those of the proposed project. k. Noise Under Alternative D, similar to the proposed project, the same number of new homes would occur on the project site, and therefore the same number of trips would be generated. Under Alternative D, the infrastructure construction would span an eight-year period and the overall buildout of the proposed 185 housing lots would span approximately 20 years. Therefore, this alternative would result in the same less-than-significant construction and operational noise impacts as those of the proposed project. l. Population and Housing Similar to the project, Alternative D would result in residential uses on the project site and as noted above, would achieve a minimum density of at least 50 percent of the maximum allowed density would provide affordable housing. However, neither Alternative D nor the proposed project would displace substantial numbers of ex- isting housing or people, and would not induce unanticipated growth in the Town. As such, overall impacts to population and housing would be the same as those of the proposed project. m. Public Services (Fire, Police, Schools, and Parks) and Recreation Similar to the proposed project, Alternative D would result in new development of the project site and would change the type and frequency of fire and police protec- tion services required; therefore, impacts to these services under Alternative D would be the same as the proposed project. Alternative D would result in the same amount of new residential housing (i.e. 185 lots) as that of the proposed project and therefore, would directly contribute to the population of school-aged children that could attend the Tahoe-Truckee Unified School District. Furthermore, Alter- native D would also generate the greatest users of parks and recreational facilities TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT 5-39 (families with children); therefore, impacts to schools and parks would be the same as the proposed project. Alternative D would also include the same publicly accessible trail system and rec- reation center and would provide more open space than under the proposed pro- ject. Therefore, impacts to parks and recreational services would be the same as those under the proposed project. Accordingly, overall impacts to public services and recreation would be the same as those of the proposed project. n. Transportation and Traffic Under Alternative D, the same amount of residential development on the project site would occur and as such, the same level of new traffic trips would be generated under both 2011 and 2031 conditions. As with the proposed project, vehicular ac- cess at Edinburgh Drive would be restricted to emergency vehicles only. All mitiga- tion measures that are applicable to the proposed project would also be applied to Alternative D; therefore Alternative D would not eliminate or reduce the project’s significant-but-mitigable impacts related to transportation and traffic. Overall, im- pacts to transportation and traffic under this alternative would be the same as those of the proposed project. o. Utilities and Service Systems (Sewer, Water, Solid Waste, Natural Gas and Electricity) Under Alternative D, the same amount of residential development on the project site would occur and like the proposed project the same demand for sewer, water supply, solid waste disposal services, natural gas, or electricity would occur. It is possible that reduced lot sizes would reduce flexibility for solar orientation in build- ing design. Overall, impacts to these utilities and service systems would be the same as those of the proposed project. p. Relationship of the Alternative to the Objectives Alternative D would meet all of the project objectives given the similarity to the proposed project. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT 5-40 G. Alternative E: Reduced Density (88 Lots) 1. Description Alternative E is a reduced density development that proposes the number of lots to be reduced by 53 percent compared to the proposed project (88 lots compared to 185 lots) over the proposed development area of 107.59 acres. Under this alterna- tive the development area would essentially be the same as the proposed project; however, the lot sizes would be larger than those of the proposed project. Alterna- tive E would result in one dwelling unit per 1.2 acres. All other development as- pects of Alternative E would be the same as those of the proposed project de- scribed in Chapter 3, Project Description, of the 2012 Draft EIR. A site plan of this alternative is shown in Figure 5-8. 2. Impact Discussion a. Aesthetics Under Alternative E, fewer homes would be constructed and housing lots would be larger than those of the proposed project. Similar to the proposed project, the lots would be sited under the existing tree canopy and would not be developed on hillsides, prominent slope exposures, ridges, or bluff lines. Subsequently, no views of the site from high mountain peaks and ridges of the Sierra Nevada and Carson Range would be adversely impacted. Under Alternative E, no development would occur within the proposed public open space area and the public open space areas would provide screening of the residential lots; therefore, as with the proposed project, adjacent residential land uses and users of the publicly accessible trails net- work and public open space would not be subject to blocked views of scenic re- sources. Development areas and visual buffers ranging from 100 to 300 feet be- tween the proposed homes and the existing adjacent homes would be the same as the proposed project. The Draft Design Guidelines prepared for the project would also apply to the development under Alternative E. Therefore, this alternative would not eliminate the project’s less-than-significant impacts to aesthetics, but would slightly reduce the area of disturbance, including trees and vegetation. Overall, impacts to aesthetics under this alternative would be less than those of the proposed project since the development would be reduced from that of the proposed project. ALTERNATIVE E (REDUCED DENSITY) SITE PLAN Source: SCO Planning, Engineering & Surveying. FIGURE 5-8 TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT 3000 600 FeetNORTH TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT 5-42 Back of 5-8 TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT 5-43 b. Agricultural and Forestry Resources Similar to the proposed project, no agricultural lands would be impacted by devel- opment on the project site. Therefore, agricultural impacts would be the same as those of the proposed project. Under Alternative E, the overall development area would be the same as that of the proposed project, but the development on indi- vidual housing lots would be reduced from that of the proposed project; therefore, fewer trees would likely be removed and less land disturbance would occur when compared to the proposed project. Similar to the proposed project, this alternative would provide the same restoration opportunities and amenities. Accordingly, this alternative would reduce the project’s less-than-significant impacts to agricultural and forestry resources. Overall, impacts to agricultural and forestry under this al- ternative would be less than those of the proposed project. c. Air Quality Under Alternative E, less fugitive dust and other criteria pollutant emissions associ- ated with construction activities at the site would be generated. Additionally, under Alternative E, the development of 88 housing units would generate lower traffic volumes overall and therefore fewer air emissions associated with long-term opera- tion of a residential development. All mitigation measures that are applicable to the proposed project would also be applied to Alternative E. Therefore, this alternative would slightly reduce the project’s less-than-significant or significant-but-mitigable impacts to air quality, but would not eliminate the impacts. Overall, construction and operational air quality impacts under Alternative E would be less than that of the proposed project. d. Biological Resources Under Alternative E, the overall development area would be the same as that of the proposed project, but the development on individual housing lots would be re- duced from that of the proposed project. Therefore, less land disturbance would occur when compared to the proposed project. Similar to the proposed project this alternative would provide the same restoration opportunities and amenities. Ac- cordingly, this alternative would reduce the project’s less-than-significant impacts or significant-but-mitigable impacts to biological resources. All mitigation measures that are recommended for the proposed project would also be applied to Alterna- tive E as applicable; therefore Alternative E would result in less-than-significant impacts to biological resources, same as the project. Overall, impacts to biological resources under this alternative would be less than those of the proposed project. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT 5-44 e. Cultural Resources Under Alternative E, the ground-disturbing activities would be generally the same as those of the proposed project since the overall development area would be the same. Therefore, this alternative would be a slight improvement to the proposed project. All mandatory regulations and mitigation measures that are recommend for the proposed project would also be applied to Alternative E as applicable; therefore Alternative E would not eliminate or reduce the project’s significant-but-mitigable impacts to unknown archaeological resources or unknown paleontological re- sources. Overall, impacts to cultural resources under this alternative would be less than those of the proposed project, because of less ground disturbance. f. Geology, Soils, and Seismicity Under Alternative E, new development would occur on the site in the same man- ner as that of the proposed project albeit with fewer residential lots (88 lots com- pared to 185 lots). However, as with any development on the site, the reduction in the development area does not have any bearing on the existing geologic setting of the project site or project area. Therefore, this alternative would not eliminate the proposed project’s less-than-significant impacts related to soil/geologic conditions. All mitigation measures that are recommended for the proposed project would also be applied to Alternative E as applicable; therefore Alternative E would not elimi- nate or reduce the project’s significant-but-mitigable impacts to fault rupture, geo- logic and soil instabilities and soil erosion/loss of topsoil. Overall, impacts to geol- ogy and soils under this alternative would be the same as those of the proposed project. g. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Under Alternative E, the development area would be the same as that of the pro- posed project; however, homes would be constructed resulting in fewer GHG emissions than those of the proposed project. Similar to the proposed project de- sign features to reduced energy consumption would be incorporated, and Alterna- tive E would be in conformance with applicable plans and policies related to energy conservation and solid waste reduction, and would not conflict with any applicable plan, policy, or regulation for the purpose of reducing GHG emissions. Nonethe- less, Alternative E would not eliminate or reduce the project’s less-than-significant impacts related to GHG emissions, but overall, impacts from GHG emissions un- der this alternative would be less than those of the proposed project. h. Hazards and Hazardous Materials Under Alternative E, the development area would be the same as that of the pro- posed project, but fewer homes would ultimately be constructed (88 lots versus 185 TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT 5-45 lots) than the proposed project and the introduction of residential lots in an area considered to have a high risk of wildfire hazards would occur. Therefore, wildfire hazards would be the same as those of the proposed project. This Draft EIR found that potential impacts associated with the development of the project with respect to the high voltage transmission line hazards in the project area would be less than significant; accordingly, the same would be true for Alternative E. Further, all miti- gation measures that are applicable to the proposed project would also be applied to Alternative E; therefore Alternative E would not eliminate or reduce the pro- ject’s significant-but-mitigable impacts related to introducing a residential develop- ment in an area with a high risk of wildfire hazards. Overall, impacts from hazards under this alternative would be the same as those of the proposed project. i. Hydrology and Water Quality Under Alternative E, the overall development area would be the same as that of the proposed project, but less development would occur (88 lots compared to 185 lots). Accordingly, the overall grading, tree and vegetation removal, and new con- struction and landscaping improvements would be less than that of the proposed project. Alternative E would implement the same waterway setback standards that are applied to the proposed project, and all mitigation measures that are applicable to the proposed project would also be applied to Alternative E. Therefore, this alternative would reduce the potential for water quality impacts from the sedimen- tation of on-site and off-site watercourses and urban runoff associated with the development on the site same as the proposed project. Overall, impacts to hydrol- ogy and water quality under this alternative would be less than those of the pro- posed project since less development would occur. j. Land Use and Planning Under Alternative E, a reduced density residential development is proposed. There- fore, Alternative E would meet the intent of the General Plan land use designations for RES (Residential) 0.5 to 1 du/acre land use designations or the Town’s RS-1.0 Zoning District (Single-Family Residential, density of 1 du/acre). Furthermore, Alternative E would be consistent with the Overlay Area 6 land use designation, which requires a planned development that links access, open space areas, and in- frastructure between the properties. In addition, similar to the proposed project, Alternative E would meet the intent of the General Plan RC/OS and Town’s OS Zoning District. However, Alternative E would not achieve a minimum density of at least 50 percent of the maximum allowed density. As with any development on the project site, a minimum 15 percent affordable housing allocation for new residential developments would be required under Al- TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT 5-46 ternative E. Under Alternative E, a trail would connect to the Town’s proposed recreational trail corridor as identified in the Town of Truckee Trails and Bikeways Master Plan. Furthermore, Alternative E would preserve 176.17 acres of public open space, as under the proposed project. Overall, since Alternative E would not meet the minimum density standards, impacts would be considered greater than those of the proposed project. k. Noise Under Alternative E, fewer new homes would occur on the project site and there- fore fewer vehicle trips would be generated. Under Alternative E the infrastructure construction would span an eight-year period and the overall buildout of the pro- posed 88 housing lots would span approximately 20 years, same as the proposed project. Therefore, while this alternative would result in the same less-than- significant construction and operational noise impacts as those of the proposed project, the overall noise impacts would be less due to fewer vehicle trips and less overall construction. l. Population and Housing Similar to the proposed project, Alternative E would result in residential uses on the project site. As noted above, Alternative E would not achieve a minimum den- sity of at least 50 percent of the maximum allowed density, but would provide af- fordable housing as required. However, neither Alternative E nor the proposed project would displace substantial numbers of existing housing or people, and would not induce unanticipated growth in the Town. As such, overall impacts to population and housing would be the same as those of the proposed project. m. Public Services (Fire, Police, Schools, and Parks) and Recreation Similar to the proposed project, Alternative E would result in new development of the project site and would change the type and frequency of fire and police protec- tion services required albeit less than that of the proposed project, and impacts to these services under Alternative E would be the similar to those of the proposed project. Alternative E would result new residential housing and therefore, would directly contribute to the population of school-aged children that could attend the Tahoe-Truckee Unified School District. Alternative E would also generate the greatest users of parks and recreational facilities (families with children); therefore, impacts to schools and parks would be the similar to that of the proposed project. Alternative E would also include the publicly accessible trail system and recreation center, thus impacts to parks and recreational services would be the same as those under the proposed project. Accordingly, overall impacts to public services and TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT 5-47 recreation would generally be the less when compared to those of the proposed project as fewer residential lots are proposed. n. Transportation and Traffic Under Alternative E, less residential development on the project site would occur and as such, fewer new traffic trips would be generated under both 2011 and 2031 conditions. Because the mitigation measures that are recommended for the pro- posed project are required to improve existing deficiencies to which the addition of any new trips would result in significant impact, the mitigation measures would also be applied to Alternative E as applicable; therefore Alternative E would not elimi- nate or reduce the project’s significant-but-mitigable impacts related to transporta- tion and traffic. Overall, impacts to transportation and traffic under this alternative would generally be the less than those of the proposed project since fewer trips would be generated. 3. Utilities and Service Systems (Sewer, Water, Solid Waste, Natural Gas and Electricity) Under Alternative E, less residential development on the project site would occur and therefore less demand for sewer, water supply, solid waste disposal services, natural gas, or electricity would occur. Therefore, impacts to these utilities and ser- vice systems would be the less than those of the proposed project. 4. Relationship of the Alternative to the Objectives Under Alternative E, the proposed project would be constructed in a similar man- ner as that of the proposed project, but with fewer residential lots. Therefore, Al- ternative E would meet all of the project objectives. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT 5-48 H. Alternative F: Open Space Buffer (185 Lots) 1. Description Alternative F would result in less development in the southeast corner of the pro- ject site when compared to the proposed project. Development under this alterna- tive would provide an increased buffer between the development area and the open space in the southeast corner of the project site. As such, the public open space areas would cover 180.8 acres, an increase of approximately 4.6 acre of open space from that of the proposed project. In general, all other aspects of the project would be the same as those described in Chapter 3, Project Description, of the 2012 Draft EIR. A site plan of this alternative is shown in Figure 5-9. 2. Impact Discussion a. Aesthetics Under Alternative F, grading, tree and vegetation removal and new development with landscaping improvements would generally occur on the site in the same manner that would occur under the proposed project. Therefore, this alternative would not eliminate or reduce the project’s less-than-significant impacts to aesthet- ics. Overall, impacts to aesthetics under this alternative would be the same as those of the proposed project since development would be the same with the exception of one less acre of development in the southeast corner of the project site. b. Agricultural and Forestry Resources Similar to the proposed project, no agricultural lands would be impacted by devel- opment on the project site. Therefore, agricultural impacts would be the same as those of the proposed project. Under Alternative F, grading, tree and vegetation removal, and new development and landscaping improvements would occur on the site in the same manner that would occur under the proposed project. Therefore, this alternative would not eliminate or reduce the project’s less-than-significant impacts to agricultural and forestry resources. Overall, impacts to agricultural and forestry resources under this alternative would be the same as those of the pro- posed project. ALTERNATIVE F (OPEN SPACE BUFFERS) SITE PLAN Source: SCO Planning & Engineering, Inc., 2012. FIGURE 5-9 TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT 5-51 c. Air Quality Under Alternative F, air quality impacts would occur at the same level as those of the proposed project. Thus, this alternative would generate the same degree of fugi- tive dust and other pollutant emissions associated with construction activities at the site. Additionally, under Alternative F, the same number of new traffic trips would be generated and Alternative F would generate pollutant emissions associated with long-term operation of a residential development. All mitigation measures that are applicable to the proposed project would also be applied to Alternative F. There- fore, this alternative would not eliminate or reduce the project’s less-than- significant or significant-but-mitigable impacts to air quality. Overall, construction and operational air quality impacts under Alternative F would be the same of the proposed project. d. Biological Resources Under Alternative F, grading, tree and vegetation removal, and new development and landscaping improvements would occur on the site in the same manner that would occur under the proposed project. However, under this alternative, the over- all development footprint would be reduced by approximately 4.6 acres in the southeast corner of the project site. This would provide an additional open space buffer between the future homes and the undeveloped land in the southeast corner of the site. In addition, the portion of the publicly accessible trail system would be re-routed to avoid direct access to the southeast corner of the project site, which includes the large pebble meadow. Consistent with Town Policies regarding preser- vation of open space, maintaining the southeastern portion of the subject property as open space would provide protection for the pebble meadow habitat and would preclude introduction of any barriers to wildlife movement. Therefore, this alternative would further reduce the project’s less-than-significant impacts to biological resources by providing additional open space for sensitive biological habitat. Furthermore, all mitigation measures and project design features that minimize impacts to wildlife corridors and resident wildlife species that are applicable to the proposed project would also be applied to Alternative F; therefore Alternative F would further reduce the project’s significant-but-mitigable impacts to biological resources. Overall, impacts to biological resources under this alterna- tive would be similar to those of the proposed project. e. Cultural Resources Under Alternative F, the ground-disturbing activities would be similar to those of the proposed project, albeit at a slightly reduced area. Therefore, this alternative would not eliminate or reduce the project’s less-than-significant impacts to human TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT 5-52 remains. All mandatory regulations and mitigation measures that are applicable to the proposed project would also be applied to Alternative F; therefore, Alternative F would not eliminate or reduce the project’s significant-but-mitigable impacts to unknown archaeological resources or unknown paleontological resources. Overall, impacts to cultural resources under this alternative would be similar to those of the proposed project. f. Geology, Soils, and Seismicity Under Alternative F, new development would occur on the site in generally the same manner as that of the proposed project. Therefore, this alternative would not eliminate the proposed project’s less-than-significant impacts related to soil/geologic conditions (i.e. seismicity and ground shaking, flooding, liquefaction, lateral spreading, and expansive and corrosive soils). All mitigation measures that are applicable to the proposed project would also be applied to Alternative F; therefore, Alternative F would not eliminate or reduce the project’s significant-but- mitigable impacts to fault rupture, geologic and soil instabilities, and soil ero- sion/loss of topsoil. Overall, impacts to geology and soils under this alternative would be the same as those of the proposed project. g. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Under Alternative F, grading, tree and vegetation removal, and new construction and landscaping improvements would occur at the project site at generally the same level as those of the proposed project. Under this alternative, slightly more grading and vegetation removal would occur to realign the publicly accessible trail in the southeast corner of the site. Thus, this alternative would generate about the same net increase in GHG emissions as that of the proposed project. All mitigation measures that are applicable to the proposed project would also be applied to Al- ternative F; therefore, Alternative F would not eliminate or reduce the project’s significant-but-mitigable impacts related to GHG emissions. Overall, impacts from GHG emissions under this alternative would be the same of those of the proposed project. h. Hazards and Hazardous Materials Under Alternative F, grading, tree and vegetation removal, and new construction and landscaping improvements would occur at the project site at the same level as those of the proposed project. This Draft EIR found that potential impacts associ- ated with the development of the project with respect to the high voltage transmis- sion line hazards in the project area would be less than significant; accordingly, the same would be true for Alternative F. Further, all mitigation measures that are ap- plicable to the proposed project would also be applied to Alternative F; therefore, TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT 5-53 Alternative F would not eliminate or reduce the project’s significant-but-mitigable impacts related to introducing a residential development in an area with a high risk of wildfire hazards. Overall, impacts from hazards under this alternative would be the same as those of the proposed project. i. Hydrology and Water Quality Under Alternative F, grading, tree and vegetation removal, and new construction and landscaping improvements would occur at the project site at the same level as those of the proposed project. Therefore, this alternative would have the same sig- nificant-but-mitigable water quality impacts from the sedimentation of on-site and off-site watercourses and urban runoff associated with the development on the site. All mitigation measures that are applicable to the proposed project would also be applied to Alternative F; therefore, Alternative F would not eliminate or reduce the project’s significant-but-mitigable impacts related to water quality. Overall, impacts to hydrology and water quality under this alternative would be the same as those of the proposed project. j. Land Use and Planning Under Alternative F, a residential development would occur on the project site in generally the same manner as that of the proposed project. Therefore, Alternative F would meet the intent of the General Plan land use designations for RES (Residen- tial) 0.5 to 1 dwelling units per acre (du/acre) land use designations or the Town’s RS-1.0 Zoning District (Single-Family Residential, density of 1 du/acre). Further- more, Alternative F would be consistent with the Overlay Area 6 land use designa- tion, which requires a planned development that links access, open space areas, and infrastructure between the properties. In addition, similar to the proposed project, Alternative F would meet the intent of the General Plan RC/OS and Town’s OS Zoning District. Under Alternative F, the residential land uses on the site would be consistent with the overall intent of the General Plan land use designations and the Town’s zoning districts for the site. Alternative F would achieve a minimum density of at least 50 percent of the maximum allowed density and Alternative F would provide afforda- ble housing units consistent with the minimum 15 percent affordable housing allo- cation for new residential developments (i.e. eight lots). As such, impacts related to policy consistency and land use compatibility would be considered similar to those of the proposed project under Alternative F. TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT 5-54 k. Noise Under Alternative F, similar to the proposed project, the same number of new homes would occur on the project site, and therefore the same number of trips would be generated. Under Alternative F, the infrastructure construction would span an eight-year period and the overall buildout of the proposed 185 housing lots would span approximately 20 years. Therefore, this alternative would result in the same less-than-significant construction and operational noise impacts as those of the proposed project. l. Population and Housing Similar to the project, Alternative F would result in residential uses on the project site and as noted above, would achieve a minimum density of at least 50 percent of the maximum allowed density and provide affordable housing. However, neither Alternative F, nor the proposed project would displace substantial numbers of ex- isting housing or people, and would not induce unanticipated growth in the Town. As such, overall impacts to population and housing would be the same as those of the proposed project. m. Public Services (Fire, Police, Schools, and Parks) and Recreation Similar to the proposed project, Alternative F would result in new development of the project site and would change the type and frequency of fire and police protec- tion services required; therefore, impacts to these services under Alternative F would be the same as the proposed project. Alternative F would result in the same amount of new residential housing (i.e. 185 lots) as that of the proposed project, and therefore, would directly contribute to the population of school-aged children that could attend the Tahoe-Truckee Unified School District, and would also gen- erate the greatest users of parks and recreational facilities (families with children); therefore, impacts to schools and parks would be the same as the proposed project. Alternative F would also include the 4.5-mile publicly accessible trail system and recreation center, thus impacts to parks and recreational services would be the same as those under the proposed project. Accordingly, overall impacts to public services and recreation would be the same as those of the proposed project. n. Transportation and Traffic Under Alternative F, the same amount of residential development on the project site would occur and as such, the same level of new traffic trips would be generated under both 2011 and 2031 conditions. As with the proposed project, vehicular ac- cess at Edinburgh Drive would be restricted to emergency vehicles only. All mitiga- tion measures that are applicable to the proposed project would also be applied to Alternative F; therefore, Alternative F would not eliminate or reduce the project’s TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT 5-55 significant-but-mitigable impacts related to transportation and traffic. Overall, im- pacts to transportation and traffic under this alternative would be the same as those of the proposed project. o. Utilities and Service Systems (Sewer, Water, Solid Waste, Natural Gas and Electricity) Under Alternative F, the same demand for utilities and services would occur as that of the proposed project. Therefore, impacts to these utilities and service systems would be the same as those of the proposed project. 3. Relationship of the Alternative to the Objectives Under Alternative F, the proposed project would be constructed in the same way as that of the proposed project, but would preserve and additional acre of open space and slightly re-route the publicly accessible trail system. Therefore, Alternative F would meet all of the project objectives. I. Environmentally Superior Alternative In addition to the discussion and comparison of impacts of the proposed project and the alternatives, Section 15126.6 of the State CEQA Guidelines requires that an “environmentally superior” alternative be selected and the reasons for such a selection to be disclosed. In general, the environmentally superior alternative is the alternative that would be expected to generate the least amount of significant im- pacts. Identification of the environmentally superior alternative is an informational procedure and the alternative selected may not be the alternative that best meets the goals or needs of the Town. The project under consideration cannot be identi- fied as the Environmentally Superior Alternative. Additionally, in accordance with State CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.6(e)(2), if the Environmentally Superior Alternative is the “no project” alternative, the EIR shall also identify an environ- mentally superior alternative among the other alternatives. As discussed in the analysis above, Alternative D (Medium Density Cluster: 185 lots) and Alternative E (Reduced Density Alternative: 88 lots) would result in less development than that of the proposed project and would therefore reduce the less-than-significant impacts to aesthetics and agricultural and forestry resources. Alternative D and E would also reduce the significant-but-mitigable impacts to air quality, biological resources, and hydrology and water quality. However, Alternative E would also reduce the project’s less-than-significant impacts to noise and public services, and the project’s significant-but-mitigable impacts to cultural resources, TOWN OF TRUCKEE CANYON SPRINGS REVISED DRAFT EIR ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT 5-56 greenhouse gas emissions, and transportation and traffic due to the reduced num- ber of lots. For these reasons, Alterative E is considered the Environmentally Supe- rior Alternative. Alternative E would meet the project objectives, decrease the overall development area and increase the open space area from that of the pro- posed project and, with 185 lots, would achieve the minimum density of at least 50 percent of the maximum allowed density.