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HomeMy Public PortalAboutAppendix A_NOPAPPENDIX A NOTICE OF PREPARATION AND COMMENT LETTERS C:\Documents and Settings\clwagner\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLK6B\DRAFT NOP 121707.doc NOTICE OF PREPARATION TO: State Clearinghouse FROM: Denyelle Nishimori, Associate Planner State Responsible Agencies Truckee Community Dev. Dept. State Trustee Agencies 10183 Truckee Airport Road Other Public Agencies Truckee, CA 96161 Interested Organizations (530) 582-7820 SUBJECT: Truckee Railyard Master Plan Notice of Preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Report The Town of Truckee will be the Lead Agency and will prepare an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the project identified below. Project Title: Truckee Railyard Master Plan Project Applicant Contact: Molly Maybrun, Development Director Holliday Development 1500 Park Avenue, Suite 200 Emeryville, CA 94608 Phone: (510) 547-2122 Fax: (510) 547-2125 An Initial Study was not prepared for the project and the Town has not made any determinations regarding less-than-significant environmental effects of the project. The EIR will consider all potential environmental effects and will analyze these potential effects at the level of detail necessary to make these determinations of significance. The exhibit attached to the Notice of Preparation lists to date those issues anticipated to require detailed analysis and technical studies that will be evaluated and/or prepared as part of the EIR. We need to know the views of your agency or organization as to the scope and content of the environmental information germane to your agency’s statutory responsibilities or of interest to your organization in connection with the proposed project. Specifically, we are requesting the following: 1. If you are a public agency, state if your agency will be a Responsible or Trustee agency for the project and list the permits or approvals from your agency that will be required for the project and its future actions; 2. Identify significant environmental effects and mitigation measures you believe should be explored in the EIR with supporting discussion of why you believe these effects may be significant; NOP – Truckee Railyard Master Plan EIR, Page 2 C:\Documents and Settings\clwagner\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLK6B\DRAFT NOP 121707.doc 3. Describe special studies and other information you believe are necessary for the Town to analyze the significant environmental effects, alternatives and mitigation measures you have identified; 4. For public agencies that provide infrastructure and public services, identify any facilities that must be provided (both on- and off-site) to provide services to the proposed development; 5. Indicate whether a member(s) from your agency would like to attend a scoping workshop for public agencies to discuss the scope and content of the EIR’s environmental information (a scoping session for public agencies will be held at 3:00 pm to 5:00pm at Town Hall 10183 Truckee Airport Road, Truckee, CA 96161, on January 16, 2008); 6. Provide the name, title, and telephone number of the contract person from your agency or organization that we can contact regarding your comments; 7. Identify alternatives that you believe need to be explored in further detail in the EIR. The Town Planning Commission will conduct a scoping session on January 30, 2008 to allow the public to comment on the scope and content of the EIR’s environmental information. The Planning Commission meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. at Truckee Town Hall, 10183 Truckee Airport Road, Truckee, California. Due to the timing of this notice and the holiday season, the time limit for responses, as mandated by State law, has been extended to from 30 days to 45 days. Your response must be sent and received by the Town of Truckee by the following deadline: · Not later than 45 days after the date of this notice: February 4, 2008. If we do not receive a response from your agency or organization, we will presume that your agency or organization will not have any comment. A responsible agency, trustee agency, or other public agency may request a meeting with Town representatives in accordance with Section 15082(c) of the CEQA Guidelines. Please send your response or comment sheet to my attention to the Truckee Community Development Department, 10183 Truckee Airport Road, Truckee, CA 96161. If you have any questions, please contact me at (530) 582-2934. Date: December 21, 2007 _____________________________________________ Denyelle Nishimori, Associate Planner NOP – Truckee Railyard Master Plan EIR, Page 3 C:\Documents and Settings\clwagner\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLK6B\DRAFT NOP 121707.doc NOTICE OF PREPARATION EXHIBIT Truckee Railyard Master Plan MASTER PLAN AREA: The Truckee Railyard Master Plan area is comprised of approximately 75 acres immediately adjacent to the eastern end of the Town of Truckee’s historic downtown. The Town of Truckee is located in Nevada County, less than 10 miles west of the California/Nevada state line. Figure 1 shows the project site’s regional and local context. The Master Plan area is generally bound by Glenshire Drive and Donner Pass Road along the northern edge, Donner Pass Road and Bridge Street to the west, and East River Street along the southern edge. The area extends east towards the Highway 267 Truckee Bypass just beyond where Trout Creek crosses over the site and begins to run parallel with the railroad line, as shown in Figure 2. Existing Land Use. The project site is generally flat and, though predominantly vacant land, contains a variety of elements, both natural and built. Trout Creek and its associated floodplain run along the northern edge of the project site. Along the western edge of the project site there are residences, an electrical substation, a glazier, a gas station, and a lumber yard. In the southwest corner of the site there are buildings associated with the railroad operations. A balloon railroad track loops through the center of the site. The eastern side of the site is primarily undeveloped with the exception of a landscape supply center located between Trout Creek and Glenshire Drive. The Master Plan area is located within the planning areas for the Town’s 2025 General Plan, the Redevelopment Plan and the Downtown Specific Plan. The 2025 General Plan defers to the Downtown Specific Plan for the policies and land use designations that apply to the Master Plan area. The Redevelopment Plan designates the site as Downtown Study Area. The Downtown Specific Plan designates the majority of the project site as Master Plan Area, with northwestern portions of the site designated as Public and a small portion of the western edge designated as High Density Residential. Surrounding Land Uses. The project site is bordered to the west and northwest by the Downtown Commercial Core, across Brockway Road and Donner Pass Road. The Downtown Commercial Core consists of a mix of uses, including commercial, office, lodging, and residential uses. Northeast of the project site, across Glenshire Drive, is open space. The project site is bordered to the east by industrial and outdoor storage uses, and open space. Across the Union Pacific Railroad track, the project site is bordered to the south by residential and outdoor storage uses. Farther south of the site, the Truckee River flows in an east-west direction and is bordered by the Truckee River Regional Park. Figure 2 shows an aerial view of the project site and surrounding land uses. PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The Master Plan provides for the development of a variety of uses throughout the Master Plan Area. A description of the anticipated build-out of the entire Plan Area is provided below. Figure 3 shows the proposed Regulatory Plan/Zoning Map for the Master Plan. Schaffer M i l l R d M aa rtis V a l l e y R d B l uebe r r Rd S .R i v e r St R u e Hillt o p R i ve r vi e w C t M a r tis Dr Schaffer M i l l R d Ma rtis V a l l e y R d Blueber r y Rd S .R i v e r St R u e Hillt o p R i ve r vi e w C t M a r tis Dr feet 230001150 legend project area CRYSTALBAY BROCKWAY 267 89 89 To Sacramento/San Francisco SodaSprings RoyalGorge DonnerSki Ranch Boreal Sugar Bowl Squaw Valley USA Alpine Meadows SUNNYSIDE HOMEWOOD TRUCKEE Granite ChiefWilderness Tahoe NationalForest Donner Summit Tahoe Donner TAHOECITY CARNELIANBAY Lake Tahoe Ca l i f o r n i a Ne v a d a Northstar KINGSBEACHTAHOEVISTA Truckee TahoeAirport Tr u c k e e R i v e r Donner Lake REGIONAL LOCATION PROJECT SITE FIGURE 1 Truckee Railyard Master Plan Proposed Project Local and Regional Vicinity Map SOURCE: GOOGLE MAPS, 2006. N:\2007\1407542 Truckee Railyard Master Plan EIR\TRK0601\PRODUCTS\NOP-IS\Figures REGIONAL LOCATION Br o c k w a y R o a d Br o c k w a y R o a d SO U R C E : G O O G L E E A R T H ; L S A A S S O C I A T E S , I N C . , 2 0 0 6 . I \ B R K 0 6 0 1 t k i l \ f i \ N O P \ F i 2 i ( 1 2 / 6 / 0 6 ) T r u c k e e R a i l y a r d M a s t e r P l a n A e r i a l P h o t o o f P r o p o s e d P r o j e c t S i t e a n d S u r r o u n d i n g L a n d U s e fe e t 60 0 0 30 0 F I G U R E 2 Ae r i a l P h o t o o f P r o p o s e d Pr o j e c t S i t e NO R T H 0 30 0 fe e t LE G E N D Ma s t e r P l a n A r e a Pr o p e r t y L i n e 80 N: \ 2 0 0 7 \ 1 4 0 7 5 4 2 T r u c k e e R a i l y a r d M a s t e r P l a n E I R \ T R K 0 6 0 1 \ P R O D U C T S \ N O P - I S \ F i g u r e s Ba l l o o n T r a c k Ta h o e Tr e e Co m p a n y H o m e s H o m e s Lu m b e r Ya r d El e c t r i c a l Su b s t a t i o n TRUCK E E R I V ER WEST R I V E R S T R E E T DONN E R P A S S R O A D TROUT CREEK SOUTH L A NE S T R E E T A DONNE R P ASS ROAD E X T E N S I O N UNION P A C I F I C R A I L R O A D B R I D G E S T R E E T B R O C K W A Y R O A D EAST R I V E R S T R E E T DONNE R P A S S R O A D C H U R C H S T R E E T S C H O O L S T R E E T E ST REET EAST K E I S E R A V E N U E EA S T J I B B O O M S T R E E T N O R T H L A N E C H U R C H S T R E E T BALLOON TRACK DRR DRR DM OS TC IH DRH-14 DE DMU DMU 80 D O N N E R P A S S R O A D S T R E E T C S T R E E T B Master Plan Area Property Line Zoning Boundary Primary Street Conceptual Location - Park Conceptual Location - Town Square Conceptual Location - Civic Bldg. Eastern Undercrossing Study Area nNORTH 0 500 feet n Downtown Extension (DE) Downtown Manufacturing/Industrial (DM) Downtown Mixed Use (DMV) Downtown High Density Residential (DRH-14) Open Space (OS) Downtown Railraod (DRR) Trout Creek (TC) Industrial Heritage (IH) 80 FIGURE 3 Truckee Railyard Master Plan Proposed Regulating Plan/ Zoning Map SOURCE: DRAFT TRUCKEE RAILYARD MASTER PLAN, 2007. N:\2007\1407542 Truckee Railyard Master Plan EIR\TRK0601\PRODUCTS\NOP-IS\Figures NOP – Truckee Railyard Master Plan EIR, Page 7 C:\Documents and Settings\clwagner\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLK6B\DRAFT NOP 121707.doc Master Plan Program. Approval of the Master Plan is anticipated to include form-based zoning provisions and a Maximum Allowable Development Program (MAD) for each of the Districts created by the Master Plan. The Districts created by the Master Plan are shown in the proposed Regulating Plan/Zoning Map is shown in Figure 3. The preliminary MAD would allow a maximum buildout of 230,000 sq. ft. of mixed use space (inclusive of commercial and office space within commercial work/live units), a 60-room hotel, a 25,000 sq.ft. civic building, 1,000-seat theater and 570 dwelling units (inclusive of live/work and work/live units). It is anticipated that the Master Plan Area will be developed in multiple phases over approximately 10 years. A breakdown of the Maximum Allowable Development within each proposed zone and other key project elements are described in the table below. Land Use Plan Designations Maximum Allowable Development (M.A.D.) Downtown Extension · 220 Multi-family Dwelling Units · 15 Residential Live/Work Lofts · 50 Commercial Work/ Live Lofts · 65,000 sq. ft. Retail · 10,000 sq.ft. Office · 1,000-seat Movie Theater · 60-room Boutique Hotel · 20,000 sq.ft. Grocery Store Trout Creek · 60 Residential Dwelling Units · 25 Residential Live/Work Lofts Industrial Heritage · 200 Residential Dwelling Units, which could include up to: 75 work/live units and 125 live/work units · 5,000 sq.ft. Retail · 5,000 sq.ft. Office Properties in Plan Area designated with existing Truckee Development Code zoning designations1 Existing uses to remain. Future development to be consistent with Truckee Development Code Other Key Project Elements Civic Building Site Creation of a civic presence within the downtown; Master Plan anticipates a 25,000 sq. ft civic building within the Downtown Extension District Union Pacific Railroad · Relocation of the balloon track within the Master Plan Area. · Parking and limited commercial development within Railroad right-of-way. Roads · Realignment of Donner Pass Road between Bridge Street and Church Street. · Creation of Donner Pass Road Extension from Bridge Street to Glenshire Drive. · Hierarchy of new roads and streets within the Plan Area. Trout Creek Restoration Cooperate in the Town’s creek restoration project to restore Trout Creek to a more stable and natural creek corridor within the Plan Area. Open Space Connect people with the natural environment and provide opportunities for both active and passive recreation 1. The Master Plan supports continuation of the lumberyard, electrical substation, and single-family residential uses, and also anticipates that this area may evolve in the longer term and uses more compatible with the Master Plan may be established. Parcels within the Plan Area that are designated with an existing Development Code designation, will be subject to the development regulations of that zone. NOP – Truckee Railyard Master Plan EIR, Page 8 C:\Documents and Settings\clwagner\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLK6B\DRAFT NOP 121707.doc Project Approvals. In addition to certification of an EIR, the project will require the following: · Master Plan. · Development Code Amendment to establish proposed zoning within the Master Plan Area. · Development Agreement. · Development Permits for new construction. · Tentative Map to subdivide the Railyard Master Plan Area into multiple development parcels and parcels for public dedication. · Right-of-Way abandonment for the re-alignment of Donner Pass Road. · Approval of the Master Plan may also require amendments to the Downtown Specific Plan. ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED IN THE EIR: The Town of Truckee has not prepared an environmental checklist or Initial Study for this project. Based upon previous environmental documents prepared for projects on the subject property and staff’s preliminary analysis of the project, the Town anticipates the EIR will address the following environmental issues. 1. Land Use. The proposed project would result in redevelopment of the existing site with residential, commercial, retail, office uses, and a multi-screen movie theater. The proposed project’s compatibility within each zone and with surrounding land uses will be evaluated in the EIR. The EIR will also discuss General Plan, Downtown Specific Plan, and other applicable development plan policies as they relate to the proposed project. Mitigation measures will be recommended, as appropriate. 2. Population, Employment and Housing. The proposed project would increase the population, employment, and housing on the site. The EIR will describe the existing conditions of the project site and Town and assess the impacts that will be created by the increase in population, employment and housing as a result of the proposed project, to the extent that they will directly or indirectly result in physical changes to the environment. Mitigation measures will be recommended, as appropriate. 3. Traffic and Circulation. The proposed project would include new roadways and parking to support new commercial and residential development. The development would increase traffic on local and regional roadways. The EIR will identify potential transportation and circulation impacts of the proposed project, including on-site parking, circulation, and safety. Mitigation measures will be recommended, as appropriate. 4. Air Quality. Development of the proposed project could increase emission concentrations within the Town through increased vehicle trips, woodsmoke, and construction. This increase could contribute to existing air pollution within the Truckee air basin. Construction activities associated with development could increase concentrations of particulate matter. Increased air pollution could affect compliance with existing air quality plans and adversely affect the health of sensitive receptors. The EIR will evaluate potential air quality impacts of the proposed project. Mitigation measures will be recommended, as appropriate. 5. Noise. The project site noise environment is influenced by its proximity to Interstate 80, several local roadways, the Truckee Airport fly-over zone, and the Union Pacific main rail and balloon lines. Construction activities associated with the proposed project could result in short-term NOP – Truckee Railyard Master Plan EIR, Page 9 C:\Documents and Settings\clwagner\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLK6B\DRAFT NOP 121707.doc increases in noise levels and vibration. Proposed land uses on the project site include sensitive uses; locating sensitive uses in areas with high noise levels could result in adverse health and nuisance effects. The EIR will evaluate potential noise impacts associated with the proposed project. Mitigation measures will be recommended, as appropriate. 6. Soils, Geology and Seismicity. The project site is located in a seismically active region. The EIR will assess soil and geologic conditions of the project area to address seismic hazards, including the potential for liquefaction, ground-shaking, soil erosion, and subsidence. Mitigation measures will be recommended, where appropriate. 7. Hydrology and Water Quality. The Master Plan area is located in areas mapped by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as flood zones A (100-year), B (500-year) and C (minimal flooding) that intersect the site. Other hydrological issues include the depth of groundwater and proximity to existing urban infrastructure and stormwater runoff. The EIR will address any hydrology and storm drainage impacts that may occur as a result of the project. The analysis will discuss whether water quality and discharge requirements would be met, drainage patterns would be affected or altered, and if water resources would be degraded or depleted. Mitigation measures will be recommended, as appropriate. 8. Biological Resources. The project site is located within a predominantly developed or disturbed setting. However, Trout Creek, which flows through the site, includes a narrow band of riparian vegetation, which may support special-status species. The EIR will describe the existing biological conditions within the project area, and potential impacts of the proposed project on vegetation and wildlife, including special-status species. The EIR will evaluate the likelihood of any significant biological resource impacts, including effects the proposed project may have on the adjacent Trout Creek. Mitigation measures will be recommended, as appropriate. Restoration of Trout Creek within and adjacent to the Plan Area will not be addressed in this EIR, as the creek restoration is a separate Town sponsored project , being considered independent of the Railyard Master Plan, and it will be subject to its own environmental review. 9. Cultural Resources. The project site may contain historical resources due to past uses associated with the railroad and the site’s proximity to the historic downtown. Project design could result in indirect impacts to the setting of Commercial Row and other nearby architectural resources. The proximity of the Truckee River, Trout Creek, and other water sources also suggest that the project area may be sensitive for prehistoric archeological deposits. The EIR will address potential impacts to historic structures, archaeological resources and prehistoric archeological and paleontological deposits. Mitigation measures will be recommended, as appropriate. 10. Hazards and Hazardous Materials. Portions of the project site are occupied by industrial and commercial facilities. Because of these existing uses and other historical uses, contaminated soils are likely present at the site. Historical releases of hazardous materials at or near the site could expose construction workers to hazardous materials during project development and hazardous materials, soils, and groundwater could potentially affect future workers and users of the project. The EIR will include a description of the potential hazards at the site and the health and safety effects of development of the proposed project. Mitigation measures will be recommended, as appropriate. 11. Visual Quality. The proposed project would change the existing visual character of the site from a mix of commercial and rail development and vacant land to residential, commercial, and office uses, which may result in significant impacts to the visual character of the site and its surroundings. The EIR will describe the existing visual conditions of the project area and address the potential NOP – Truckee Railyard Master Plan EIR, Page 10 C:\Documents and Settings\clwagner\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLK6B\DRAFT NOP 121707.doc effects on scenic resources or any degradation to the existing visual character, including potential impacts associated with the introduction of new sources of light and glare. Mitigation measures will be recommended, as appropriate. 12. Public Services and Utilities. Population and employment growth resulting from the proposed project would exert additional demands on utility infrastructure (water and sewer) and service providers (parks, public schools, fire and police departments). The EIR will identify existing water, sewer, solid waste, police, fire, school, and recreation services currently serving the project site and quantify the increase in service demands resulting from the proposed project. The availability and adequacy of existing services and infrastructure will be analyzed. Mitigation measures will be recommended, as appropriate. TECHNICAL STUDIES: Several technical studies necessary to adequately address environmental issues will be prepared as part of the EIR process. These studies include, but are not limited to: a traffic study that will describe project related traffic and circulation effects; an air quality analysis to estimate project pollutant emissions; a noise analysis to quantify existing and future noise environments; a biological assessment that includes identification of any potential wetlands on the site; and a cultural resources study to identify plan potential historical or archeological resources on the site. ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS: The EIR will include the analysis of project alternatives, including the no project alternative. No alternatives have been identified at this point and the Town encourages suggestions and recommendations during the NOP comment period regarding the nature and content of the alternatives to be considered. CUMULATIVE IMPACTS: The EIR will address the impacts of project development along with other known, approved or reasonably foreseeable development activity in the Town and region. The analysis will be based on a list of known and foreseeable projects in the region as well as development forecasts in the Town of Truckee General Plan adopted November 16, 2006 and the Nevada County General Plan adopted in 1996. The analysis will address each identified issue area and will identify appropriate mitigation measures for any identified cumulative impacts. NOP – Truckee Railyard Master Plan EIR, Page 11 C:\Documents and Settings\clwagner\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLK6B\DRAFT NOP 121707.doc Notice of Preparation Distribution List Truckee Railyard Master Plan Suddenlink Pacific Bell Sierra Pacific Power Southwest Gas Corporation Tahoe Forest Hospital District Tahoe Truckee Sanitation Agency Tahoe Truckee Unified School District Truckee Cemetery District Tahoe Truckee Sierra Disposal Truckee Donner Public Utility District Truckee Donner Recreation and Park District Truckee Fire Protection District Truckee Sanitary District Truckee Tahoe Airport District Nevada County Planning Department Nevada County Resource Conservation District Nevada County Transportation Commission Placer County Planning Department Placer County Water Agency Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District Foothill Airport Land Use Commission California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Lahontan Region California Department of Transportation, District 3 California Department of Fish and Game California Department of Forestry State Clearinghouse, California Office of Planning and Research United States Forest Service, Truckee Ranger Station U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Truckee Donner Historical Society Mountain Area Preservation Foundation Sierra Watch Moonshine Inc. Truckee Trails Foundation Truckee Downtown Merchant’s Association Truckee Donner Chamber of Commerce Truckee River Watershed Council Washoe Tribe, Lynda Shoshone Maidu Tribe NOP – Truckee Railyard Master Plan EIR, Page 12 C:\Documents and Settings\clwagner\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLK6B\DRAFT NOP 121707.doc W.H.A.T.T. Union Pacific Railroad Cambridge Estates H.O.A. Donner Lake Property Owners Association Gray’s Crossing H.O.A. Old Greenwood HOA Tahoe Donner Association The Meadows H.O.A Pine Forest Owners Association Sugar Pine H.O.A. Wolfe Estates H.O.A Glenshire-Devonshire Residents Association Tahoe Sierra Meadows Community Association ions about RECEIVED STATE OF CALIFORNIA DE 3 1 GOVERNOR'S OFFICE of PLANNING AND RESEARCH STATE CLEARINGHOUSE AND PLANNING UNIT December. 27, 2007 Reviewing Agencies see Railyard Mas 1 2007122092 d for your rev Environmental ft)] p ation (NOP) foidre Truckee Rai lyard Master Plan Responsible agencies must transmit their ccrurnd tts on the scope and content of the NOP, focusing on specific information related to their o un statutory responsibility, within 30 days of receipt of the NOP from the Lead Agency. This is a courtesy notice provided by the State Clearinghouse with a reminder for you to comment in a timely manner. We encourage other agencies to also respond to this notice and express their concerns early in the environmental review process. e direct yoi r comments to: 12enyelle Nisliimori City of Truckee 10183 Truckee Airport ltoa uclee, CA 96161 copy to the State Clearinghouse iu the Office of Planning and Research. Please refer t above in all correspondence concerning this project. If you have any (916) 445-0613. Scott Morgan Project Analyst; State Clearinghouse Attaciitients cc: ead Agency vironmental document rev p plea 40010th Street P0, $ox3044 Sacramento, California 95812.3044 (916) 445-0613 FAX (916) 323.3018 www.opr.ca.gov Document Details Report State Clearinghouse Data Base SCHit Project Title Lead. Agency 2007122092 Truckee Railyard Master Plan Truckee, City of Type NOP Notice of Preparation Description The Master Plan provides the for development of a variety of uses throughout the Master Plan Area. The Truckee Railyard Master Plan area is comprised of approximately 75 acres immediately adjacent to the eastern end of the Town of Truckee s historic downtown,. The Master Plan area is generally bound by. Gtenshire Drive and Donner Pass Road along the northern edge,.. Donner Peas Road and Bridge Street to the west, and Fast River Street along the southern edge: The area extends east . towards the Highway 267 Truckee Bypass just beyond where Trout Creek crosses over the site and begins to run parallel with the railroad: tine,' Lead Agency Contact Name Denyelle Nishimori Agency City of Truckee Phone (530) 582-2934 email Address 10183 Truckee Airport Road City Truckee Fax CA Zip 96161 Project Location County Placer City Truckee Region Cross Streets Parcel No. Township Range Section Base Proximity to: Highways Airports Railways terways Schools Land Use Site generally flat and, though predominantly vacantland, contains a variety ofelements, both natural and built Portions of the site designated as Public and a small portion of the western edge designated. as High DensityResidential Projecttsstr Reviewing Agencie landuse; Population/Housing-Balance; Traffic/Circulation; Airauality; Noise; Soil Erosion/Compaction/Grading; Water Quality; Biological Resources; Archaeologic -Historic; Toxic/Hazardous; Aesthetic/Visual; Public Services Office of Historic Preservation; Department of Parks and Recreation; Reclamation Board; Department of water Resources; Department of Fish and Game, Region 2; Native American Heritage Commission; Public Utilities Commission; State Lands Commission; Caltrans, Division of Transportation Planning: California Highway Petrol; Caltrans, District 3: Air Resources Board, Transportation Projects: Roglona Water Quality Control. Bd., Region 6 (Victorville): Resources. Agency ote. Blanks in dat of Review 12127/2007 Eno' of Review O1/25/29i elds result from insulficienl information provided by lead agency. :sourc es Agenc y Resources Agency Na dell Ga yot 1 Dept. of Boating & Wat David John son California Coattat Commission Elizabeth A. Fuchs 3 Colo rado R ive r Boa rd. G erald R, Zimmerman 1 Dept. of Conservation Sharon How ell California E nergy Commission Paul R 1chin s 1 Cal Fire Allen Rnbertson 1 Office of Historic Pre servation Wayne Donaldson De pt of: Parks & Re creatI Enviro nmental Stewa rdship Section i Reclamation Board Dee Dee Jones 1 S.F. Bay Conservatio n & Go v't. Co mm. Steve McAda m Dept, of Water. Resources Reso urc es Age ncy Nadel) Geynu Conservancy h and G ame Depart of Fish & G ame Scott Flint virenn ientel Servic es 0 l Fis h & Game Region t Donald Koch Fish & G ame Region 1E La urie Harnebel µ't Fish .& G ame Regio n 2 Bantry Curtis0 .Fis h & Ga me Region 3 Robert Pla nate Fis h & Ga me Re gio n ys Julie Vance ❑ Fish & Game Re gion 5 Don Chadwick Habitat Conserv ation Progra m O Fish & Ga me :Region 6 G abrina Gatchal Habitat Conserveton Prngram © Fis h &. Game Region 017M Gahrina G etche l Inyo/Mono,Habitat Con servation Program U Dept. of Fish & M George Isaac Marine Region Other Depa rtments ❑ Food & Agriculture Steve Shaffer Dept. of Food and Agriculture ❑ -Depart. of Gen eral Service s P ublic School Construction ❑ Do pt. of Ge neral. Service s Ro bert Sleppy Environmental Services Section ❑ Dopt, of Health Services Veronica M alloy Dept, of HealllVDflnking Water In dependent Co mmisslons ,Boards ❑ Delta Protection Commission Debby Eddy O O ffice of Emerge nc y Service s Dennis Caslrill ❑ Govomo r's Office of Plan ning Slat a Native A merican Hedtage Carom. Debbie Treadway ,..Ly• \fft.(,ti Pu blic. Utilitie s Co mmiss ion Ken Le wis ❑ Sa nta Monica Sa y Restoration Guangyu Wang State Lands Com mission Je an Serino O Tahoe R egio nal Plan ning A gen cy (TRPA) Cherry Jacques 11 bus in ess Trans & Housing ❑ Caltrans • Divisio n of Aero nautics Sandy Hesnard Caltrans 6 Planning Pencovlc ifornia Highw ay Patro l Shirley Kelly Office of Special Projects ❑ Housing &Comm unity Development L15a Nichols Ho usin g Policy Divisio n Dept, of Transportation © Caltra ns, Distrlctl Rex. Jackman O Caltra ns, District 2 Marcelino Gonzalez al Caltra ns , Distric t 3 Jeff Pu lv enn an ❑ Caltrans, District 4 Tim Sable • Caltrans, District 5 Dav id Murray ❑ Caltrans, District 6 Marc Birnbaum O Caltran s, District 7 Cheryl J. Powell ❑•. Caltrans, District 8 Dan Knpulsky O Callrens, District 9 Gayle Rosander ❑ Caltrans, Distric t 10 Torn Dumas . • Caltrans, District 11 Mario Orso ❑ Caltrans, District 12 Ryan P. Chamberlain Cal EPA Alr Resources Bo ard • Airport Projects Jim Lerner )itt Transportation Pro jects Rod Remalfnga m ❑ Industrial Projects Mike Tolisfrup O California Integrated Wasle. Managemen t Board Sue O'Leary O State Water Resources C ontSi Board Regional Progra ms Unit Division of Financial Assistance © Stat e Water Ra sou B oard Student Intern, 401 Wale Certificati on Unit Division of Water Quer O State Water Resouces Steve n Herrera Di vision of Water Rights O Dept. of To xi cSub sta ncc CEQA Tr acking Center • Department of Pesticide Ft lrH /F & v v Regional W ater Quailty Control Board (RWQCB) Wr IP ❑ RWQCB 1 Cathleen Hudso n North Coast Region.(1) • RWQ CB2 Env ironmen tal Document Coordinator San Frandsen Bay Region . (2) • RWQCB'3 Central Coast Region (3) • RWQCB 4 Teresa Rodgers Los A ngeles Region (4) RWQCB. 5S. Central Valley Region (5) ❑ RW QCB 5F Central Valley Region (5). Fresno Branch Office ❑ RW QC B SR, . Central Valley Region (5) Redding B ranch'.Ofica. ❑ RW QCB6 Lahonlan Region. (6) . RWQCB 6V Latontan Region (6) Vl ctor ville Branch Office R oiorado RiverBas RW San Regio n (8). RW QCB 9 San Diego Regio n (9) (7 ❑ Other Las p d on 08112/07 TRUCKEE DONNER RAILROAD SOCIETY P 0 BOX 3830 TRUCKEE, CA 96160 January 28, 2008 Dear Town of Truckee Council Members, Planning Commissioners, Staff, Holliday Development, A few years from now Truckee will have the opportunity to celebrate that 150 years ago Truckee became a rnajor staging and worker camp for the thousands of workers that blasted, picked, and shoveled their way up, over, and through Donner Pass and the Sierra mountains to construct the transcontinental railroad that linked the East coast with the West coast. From the railroad grew the logging and lumber industry to support the construction of towns along the transcontinental railroad, and supported the mining operations in the Comstock of Nevada. Then also along the railroad the ice industry grew to refrigerate the railcars carrying the fruits of the California's Central Valley. Then the railroad brought skiers and winter sports enthusiasts, and tourists to visit Lake Tahoe in the summer. Hundreds of books have beenwritten and readthroughout the world to tell the story of the Transcontinental Railroad eonstruction, fighting the harsh winter snows of the Sierra, and the logging and recreation of this area. It is safe to say that the name Truckee is mentioned somewhere in all these books which are purchased and read worldwide. This Railyard Development creates the opportunity to develop a first class railroad museum to tell the past, present, and future of railroading in and around the Truckee area The Truckee Donner Railroad Society, a 501 C (3) organization, was formed eight years ago by a dozen or so community individuals with the stated mission to create a Truckee Railroad Museum. During those eight years we have conducted field trips to show the logging history of the area and we have maintained a display cabinet at the Chamber of Commerce for photograph, models, and other memorabilia. Our membership how exceeds 50 and we have members from as far away as Pennsylvania. Florida, Texas, Southern California, Oregon, and the Bay Area. About twc years ago, through the individual efforts of councilniember Josh Susman and then soon to he councilmember Carolyn Dee they succeeded in securing three pieces of historic railroad rolling stock from the California State Railroad Museum in Truckee to kick start a Truckee Railroad Museum. a About. 6 weeks ago we were successful in moving by truck the Operation Lifesaver 80 Ton switcher locomotive to Truckee thanks to the generosity of Teichert Aggregates and the unloading facilitated by Pombo Construction. In just a few weeks The Southern Pacific sleeper car should arrive in Truckee by rail. This car passed thru Truckee as passenger trains traveled between San Francisco and Chicago in the mid 20th Century. We hope to complete the necessary repairs within the next 30 days on the Southern Pacific 210 Rotary Snowblower. Sixty years ago the Southern Pacific Rotary snowblower #210 called Truckee and Sparks Nevada home. We hope to complete the necessary repairs within the next 30 days and return forever this historic piece of equipment to its permanent home here in Truckee. This past 6 months our organization members have expended hundreds of volunteer man- hours arraigning for these moves, raising the money, and making the necessary physical repairs to the equipment to allow their movement. By the time this task is accomplished we will have raised and expended between twenty-five and thirty-five thousand dollars. Railroading history is not only big in the sized of the equipment, big in the cost to acquire, maintain, and display properly, but accordingly it is also big in its worldwide based appeal, educational results, and economic returns. The Draft Railyard Development Plan that we are here to review discusses the desire for the display of historic railroad equipment and a potential Railroad Museum in Truckee several places in the draft document,, In order to accomplish a first class Truckee Railroad Museum we will need in addition to these places to display historic equipment, we will need the ability'to protect and secure these displays, The Contractors Association of Truckee Tahoe has already committed to help us construct shelters for that purpose. We will also need an indoor facility to display and interpret smaller equipment and artifacts relating to railroad history and the extensive logging railroads in the Truckee area. We will also need an outdoor storage area to facilitate; the storage of tools and materials, and to perform on going restoration and reconstruction work on future acquired railroad equipment in preparation for display. Finally we will need the ability to connect to the main transcontinental rail tine to bring in new equipment, rotate equipment, and provide a place for the staging of visitinghistoric equipment for events and rail fairs. Ideally this connection, perhaps via a turntable, would link the community parks where some of the displayed equipment could be placed. We look forward to continue working with the Holliday Development team, the' Town of Truckee, and the community to aoeomphsh the best educational and railroad experience we can. Every year a half a million visitdrs travel to Sacramento to visit the California State Railroad Museum and a great majority of those visitors will travel highway 80 thru Truckee. Most Rail fans can't get enough railroad history and they will stop, visit, and spend money in the Truckee community. If we do it right, we have the opportunity to create a first class and dynamic Railroad Museum that will attract these quality visitors and rail fan enthusiasts, not only from all parts of the country, but from all around the world. But, most important, we will also be creating an educational and railroad history experience that all citizens of the Truckee community can actively participate in and be proud of, TO: Denyelle Nishimori, Associate Planner . Truckee Community Development Department 10183 Truckee Airport Road Truckee, Ca, 96161 FROM: Gordon Richards, Research Historian Truckee Donner Historical Society P.O. Box 893 Truckee, Ca. 96160 January 28, 2008 SUBJECT: Truckee Railyard Master Plan Draft EIR The Historical Society has been working with Holliday Development for the past few years, researching and documenting the historical resources and issues of Holliday's proposed Railyard development. We expect to continue this process with the Town as it prepares the Railyard Master Plan. Our concerns regarding the Master Plan and the impacts on historical resources are as follows. What are the impacts of the Master Plan on the historic structures on Commercial Row, the single most important historic site of the region? These buildings are maintained by having them occupied as part of a viable business district. The impacts of a new, possibly competitive, business area may have unintended consequences on the historic structures ongoing preservation. The existing Church Street and Trout Creek and East River Street residences are mostly historical in nature, and are part of the Historical District. These historical residential streets appear to remain residential and relatively unchanged in the plan, but what is the impact of the Master Plan on the character of these historical neighborhood remnants? What are the impacts of the Master Plan on the entire Historic District? The architectural character of new development must compliment existing Historic structures and neighborhoods. The original Railroad right of way is a historical resource, and the rail yards have had industrial uses dating from 1866. Underground construction might impact sites of three previous roundhouses, various shop buildings, supply houses and bunkers, coal and wood sheds, oil tanks, lumber manufacturing and yards, ice house, sewer cesspools, and various other industrial and commercial uses have occurred on the site. Remnants of the stone foundation of the granite roundhouse built in 1883 and dismantled in the 1950s is still on the site. We are interested in reviewing an archeological monitoring program in the Master Plan. The existing'Glenshire Drive is the route of the Lincoln -Victory Highway, constructed in 1924. What are the impacts to this resource? The report/mitigation should extend to off site physical impacts on historical sites. Additional offsite infrastructure construction related to the development must be included in the report, not just those areas inside the Master Plan area. Too many times in the recent past off site utility construction is done without any related technical studies, this needs to be addressed. We request a full scale Cultural Resources Study. In the proposed Master Plan, we will be reviewing the following for more details; Section 2= Vision " compliments the historical character of the Downtown" Goal 3 = "Require development of the Industrial Heritage district to reflect the heritage of the old lumber mill & railyards and the industrial heritage of the area. Goal 4= Downtown Specific Plan is the guiding document for the Railyard Master Plan, therefore all actions and impacts of the Railyard Master Plan on Downtown and its many components must be fully studied and mitigated. Goal 4= DTSP Millsite policy 5 requires outdoor railroad Museum at the southeast • corner of Bridge/Donner Pass Rd. Protection strategies for historic resources within the DTSP ....shall be consistent with the Historic Design Guidelines. Town/developers must not blur the line between the Historic portion of the Master Plan and the non historic designated. areas. Chapter 8 Public Infrastructure =All studies and documentation must be fully implemented not just in work on the Railyard Master Plan development, but also on any project related infrastructure in the Historic Downtown designated areas. For Master Plan mitigation, full historical & archeological excavation, study of recovered artifacts, and interpretive display of appropriate artifacts on site or in Historic Downtown should be studied. There needs to be a stated goal of a railroad/lumber historical space, be it outdoors or indoor space, and possibly combined with public art displays. It is quite possible that the mitigation would include a full scale Railroad Museum. As far as alternatives to the proposed project we have no comment. Attached is a brief history of the Master Plan area, with recent updates from previous work. This can be used as a guide of the major historical components of the site. The TDHS contact person for this EIR will be Gordon Richards, Home Phone 587-7438 gprich®ItoLcom • TRUCKEE RAILYARD-MILLSJTE HISTORY The eastern edge of downtown Truckee is currently a vacant lot. Redevelopment of this once industrial site is in the planning stage. This area historically served as the rail yards and was a sawmill site for several decades. The Central Pacific Railroad was very important to Truckee's early days. Truckee was very important to the railroad's early years of operation. When the railroad was being constructed, Truckee served as the dominant supply point. As a separate stretch of track was extended down the Truckee River while the Donner Pass tunnels were being built, Truckee was a major staging point for the rails and rolling stock that were brought over the mountains by wagons. The rail yard was a huge stockpile as forty miles of track were constructed down the river to the Nevada state line. Once the transcontinental railroad was done, Truckee became important to the maintenance and operations and as a division point. The focal point of the operations were the rail yards and the roundhouse. In January of 1869 40 engines a day were coming and going. Around twenty engines were housed in the first roundhouse.ihat was completed in late 1868. On March 29, 1869 the Truckee roundhouse caught on fire and burned Within several months a new roundhouse was constructed and railroad operations continued to expand. On May 10, 1869 the transcontinental railroad was completed, and Truckee's future as a railroad town was secured. With its proximity to the Sierra Nevada summit, its vast forests, and its natural transfer point for passenger and freight traffic, south to Lake Tahoe and north to the Sierra Valley, Truckee would remain a railroad town of great importance for many decades. During the 1870's Truckee shipped more freight than any other point on the Central Pacific. By 1872, the rail yard had a repair and machine shop; a wrecking train, a fu -e train, the Samson, two immense snow plows, and huge piles of cordwood to supply engines all along the railroad. The repair shop could fix cars or locomotives, assist in getting rolling stock back on track when derailed, and performed all forms of maintenance. There were many derailed rolling stock from wrecks, accidents, and damaged cars that had to be repaired in Truckee before they could be put back into service. The shop also had a backup hand powered fire pump that could shoot a stream over the entire building. The repair shop was run for years by Nate Webb, who was the C.P. 's most prominent supervisor between Ogden and Sacramento. While Webb was in charge, he developed a new flanger that would remove snow and ice from inside the rails. In the late 1870's Nate Webb was promoted to supervisor of the Sacramento repair shops. Another notable repair shop man was George Royal. He invented and manufactured a newer style, improved flanger that cleared the ice from inside the tracks. The Royal flanger was constructed in the Truckee repair shops and was an instant success from its unveiling in 1875, In 1877 an improved Royal ice cutter was also built at the Truckee shops. Truckee's second roundhouse contained 4 stalls that held 4 engines each. It too was built of wood, but it had an impressive fire protection system. Each stall had a hydrant with a hose attached. A new water supply that was 150 feet in elevation, on the north side of Truckee supplied 75 pounds of pressure. Water barrels were also placed on the roof. Arrangements were made so that the engines could be moved out quickly by hand in case of another fire. Several small fires did occur in the life of this. roundhouse, but all were quickly put out before causing major damage. In 1875 anew larger outdoor turntable and more sidings were added. Tracks were raised in the yards too allow for the easier removal of snow. A 600 foot long wood shed capable holding several hundred cords of 4 foot long locomotive wood was also constructed in 1880. As rail traffic grew so did the Truckee yards. THE LUMBER INDUSTRY The immense forest that the railroad passed through naturally led to the construction of sawmills. George Schaffer and Joseph Gray built the first sawmill across the river from -Truckee in 1867. Elle Ellen built a sawmill along Trout Creek, just to the northwest of downtown Truckee in 1868. The present Truckee -Tahoe Lumber Company and Catholic Church now occupy the site. Side tracks were extended to the mill so much needed rail ties and bridge timbers could be loaded directly onto rail cars. Ellen also built a factory that produced planed lumber, shingles, windows and doors. Ellen's mill burned in 1869 and was quickly rebuilt. In 1878 the factory caught fire and burned down, but was also rebuilt. In 1878 Ellen built a new sawmill 3 miles up Trout Creek in what is now Tahoe Donner. A wooden V flume was built to float rough lumber, timbers, and cordwood down to the railroad tracks until 1902. The side tracks were in use until about 1904. Elle Ellen's son in law Pat Henry ran the operations from 1888 on. George Schaffer built his second sawmill in Martis Valley, 3 miles from Truckee. He built a box flume to float his lumber to the rail yards. His flume crossed theTruckee River on a 50 foot high trestle and landed the lumber in a large lumber yard on the south side of the tracks next to what is now East River Street. In 1897 the Sierra Nevada Lumber & Wood Company built the Hobart Mills complex on Prosser Creek.. They connected it with a seven mile standard gauge railroad that hauled the finished lumber to the Southern Pacific. Dozens of miles of narrow gauge logging railroad were built in the forests north of Hobart Mills. Much of the lumber that built the towns and houses of the interior west came from the Truckee area. Millions of board feet of Truckee, lumber passed through the Truckee railroad yards. RAILROAD DIVISION POINT As an operating point for almost three -decades, Truckee figured importantly in the scheme of things. Situated at the foot of the steep climb to the Donner Summit, helper engines would congregate here and trains would crowd the local railyard. The affairs of over 325 miles of rail line from Truckee to Carlin Nevada, were administered and dispatched from these rail yards. Train crews were switched at Truckee, which was the first crew change east of Sacramento. Even today some train crews are still changed at Truckee. The rail yard and roundhouse were also the headquarters for the fire trains that responded to the many fires that plagued the railroad system. The first fire engine was the Samson, which was stationed here to protect the second roundhouse, the freight depot, and more importantly the wooden snow sheds that protected the tracks from the heavy snows. It served the town of Truckee as its fire alarm and was the most efficient fire fighting apparatus in town for many decades. In 1885 the Central Pacific Railroad ceased to exist. The cars & locomotives were renamed and repainted to reflect the new ownership of the Southem Pacific Railroad. Still Truckee continued its place as a major operation, employing hundreds of railroad workers. THE THIRD ROUNDHOUSE Larger engines and more rail traffic put a severe strain on the Truckee roundhouse. Planning for a new roundhouse began in 1880. In the fall of 1882 the imposing 24 stall roundhouse was started. This roundhouse was built as fire proof as possible with very little wood. The decking on the turntable pit that turned with the turntable was the only wood in the structure. The outside of the top was covered with galvanized sheet iron so it would not catch fire from coals or sparks, This metal roof absorbed enough heat from inside so that the snow would slide off of the roof. The floor and walls were constructed of blocks of granite. There were wood stoves in each stall to keep the water pipes on the locomotives from freezing and bursting during sub zero weather. It was built of Rocklin granite and was one of three similar structures in Houston, Texas and Algiers, Lousiana. The walls were 23 feet high and several feet thick. It was designed and the construction was supervised by George Washington Barnhart, who was hired by the Central Pacific's Mark Hopkins for the project. The roundhouse had pillars in away from the walls with the turntable in the center. It was held up by steel rods and braces, as present domes are constructed. It had to be very sturdy to withstand the heavy snows that blanketed Truckee. At first the engines went into the stalls or pits headfirst. Each engine stack was parked under a chimney in the roof that took the engine -smoke out. However, as the locomotives got larger, they had back in to keep the stacks from hitting the braces and the chimneys. With the stacks in the center of the house, the smoke collected in the top of the roundhouse. Enough sulphur fumes were in the smoke that when condensation formed, it turned to sulphuric acid that ate away the steel rods and braces. The building was condemned, the roof was removed in 1939, but the walls and the turntable were still standing until 1955, when it was torn down to build the Burney Lumber Company sawmill. • The balloon track was built in 1901 to facilitate the turning of long snowplow trains. Before that the individual engines and plows had to be run onto the turntable in the roundhouse, and turned around for another run up to Donner Pass. When larger cab forward engines were put into service in 1909, the balloon track was improved and strengthened. Since these locomotives used more water, an additional water.supply was acquired on Trout Creek and new water tanks were built at the roundhouse. COAL AND OIL The first Central Pacific locomotives used wood fuel, creating hundreds of jobs in the Truckee forests. Wood fueled locomotives used many tens of thousands of cords of Truckee cut wood that kept the economy of Truckee rolling along. • In 1886, partly in a response to the Chinese wood cutting contracts being canceled under pressure of the Truckee Caucasian League, and partly by the decreasing cost of coal in the West In 1905 the railroad started switching its engines to oil fuel. A large oil tank was built east of the roundhouse in 1906. An even larger one was built in 1916. Coal had been both a boon and curse to Truckee. A large coal shed had been built in 1886 to supply passing engines. Before that thousands of cords of four foot wood had been loaded onto locomotives, However two years later most locomotives were changed back to wood fired boilers.. In 1904 a coal fire that started in the Truckee yards burned for four weeks, sending up choking noxious smoke that drifted over Truckee. Oil wasn't all that great for the Truckee River. Twice about 1910, oil seeped into the railyard and into the river in large enough quantities that it reached Reno both times. Waste oil was dumped into a pit, creating the underground pollution that still is below the surface of the site. In 1907 Truckee lost its place as a crew changing point. The addition of double trackage and the larger engines sped up the trains so that crews could make it from Roseville to Sparks in a single 16 hour shift. Many jobs also went out of town with the change, depressing the Truckee economy a little more. RESIDENTIAL USES While not historically part of the rail or lumber operations, portions of the Master Plan area are part of the historical downtown Truckee. The Trout Creek neighborhood, consisting of three remaining homes, was originally • developed at the start of Pat Henry's Trout Creek Ice Company in 1897, and expanded after the demise of the ice house by fire in 1912. It was a working class neighborhood and remained in the hands of the Ellen family descendant as late as 1949. Several of the structures have been rated as contributory to the historical character of Truckee. The Church Street( named for early resident Eli Church, not the two churches) neighborhood was developed in the late 1860 - early 1870s, and was populated by many of the Central Pacific's railroadworkers: It included the site of the Catholic Church from 1869 to 1889 when it burned in a fire that consumed all of the Church Street neighborhood east of Bridge Street, but was stopped before it reached the Central Pacific shops. It was rebuilt a year later, and was relocated in 1949 for the construction of US 40 (Donner Pass Road). The families that owned or lived on this block include many important Truckee names such as Cabona, Lichtenberger, and Loehr. The South East River Street portion of the Master Plan area contained railroad associated industrial activities, including The Pacific Fruit Express ice house. The only remaining historical structure was constructed of two old passenger railcars, one dating from 1869. ICE and CATTLE . The California agriculture industry relied on the Truckee yards to get its fresh produce to points east. At first icing was done at ice plants at Boca, Prosser Creek, Polaris and Donner Creek. As early as 1877, an ice house was built to store and transfer ice to cooler cars that kept the fruits and vegetables cool. By 1906 a new Pacific Fruit Express icing shed had been built in the rail yard and was icing 10,000 refrigerator cars a year, using 50,000 tons of Truckee basin ice a year. By 1920 the icing was shifted to man made ice stations at Roseville and Sparks. Elle Ellen's son in law Pat Henry converted the former Ellen sawmill and factory siteinto the Trout Creek Ice Company pond and warehouse, harvesting- 15,000 tons of clear ice each season. The ice house could hold the ice into the summer season whemn it was loaded onto train cars. The local cattle and dairy industry also used the rail yards for a transfer point. Each spring cows were brought up from the Sacramento Valley and unloaded, then driven to local pastures. In the fall the cows were loaded backup and shipped back below. -Local butchers such as Joe Marzen shipped in beef cattle from Nevada and processed them at their local slaughterhouses. The stockyards at the rail yard were at the east end of the site and were also the site of impromptu rodeos. In the late 1800's the area was used as a shooting range for the Truckee Rifle Club. During the holidays, a turkey and chicken shooting contest was held. At the east end of the site was the Kearney chicken ranch. It supplied the local chicken & egg market for several decades through the mid -1900's. As Truckee grew it needed sites for its wastes. In 1905 a sewer system was constructed in Truckee, with the cesspool being located near the balloon track. As the town increased it population it increased its sewer flows. Each spring the cesspool would overflow, causing waste to flow overland until it reached Trout Creek. The situation continued until new sewer ponds were completed in the 1950s. CAB FORWARDS. The freight traffic increased to the point that larger and larger locomotives were needed. In 1911 a new freight station was constructed in the western part of town. Beginning in 1909, the first Mallet compound locomotive was tested on the Donner Route, These oil powered steam monsters were large enough to pull the heavy trains up the steep grades. The smoke of these locomotives was choking the train crews, so Southem Pacific created a cab forward Mallet to solve the problem. The new design Mallets began to work the mountain grade in 1910 and train crews were a lot happier and healthier. The Truckee balloon track was modified to handle the heavier and longer locomotives. A modified articulated Cab Forward was introduced in 1928. These unusual engines were in use as long as steam power lasted. An engine shed was constructed over the main sidings so that waiting helper engines did not have to sit out in the • snowstorms. - CONTINUED OPERATIONS Traffic continued to increase and despite no longer being a division point, Truckee still served as an important yard. Helper engines were still needed on the steep grade going west. Maintenance and snow removal crews were still stationed here. However in 1923 the Truckee fire train was reassigned to Andover, on Schallenberger Ridge. In 1924 a new oil fired steam heat system was built to provide heat to waiting locomotives. The system was extended up to the passenger depot to heat Pullman passenger cars that were parked overnight to provide sleeping quarters for the thousands of visitors that came to Truckee each weekend to frolic in the snow of Truckee Winter Sports activities. The Truckee yards gained additional staff and responsibilities in 1926 when the Southern Pacific leased the Lake Tahoe Railway & Transportation Co. narrow gauge line from Truckee to Tahoe City. Once standard.gauging was coinplete,Truckee based engines kept traffic moving on that branch. By 1939 the roundhouse was being phased out in favor of housing engines at Sparks, Nevada. The roof was removed but the turntable was still used. In 1955 the roundhouse was removed, the granite blocks being disbursed around Truckee. Many ended up in gardens and as walkways. As diesels took over the traffic demands for the Southern Pacific, the importance of the Truckee yards.diminished. Yet even today the Union Pacific still intends to maintain a presence in Truckee's railroad yards. , LUMBER INDUSTRY RETURNS By 1955, modern technology and advancements in logging trucks allowed for another round of lumber. production. Several sawmills sprung up around Truckee. The vacant rail yard site and land to the east was the perfect spot for the largest and longest lasting of this second round of industry. The Burney Lumber Company built a large sawmill, hauling logs in from the surrounding mountains that had not been logged in the early railroad based logging operations. Much of this timber was white & red fir which was a secondary lumber species. As the years went by the Douglas Lumber Co, Fibreboard Corporation, Louisiana- Pacific and finally Fibreboard again operated the sawmill. At its close in 1989, the sawmill was milling 45 million board feet a year. • - - The logging & lumber industry in the Sierra has never been a sustainable industry, as the history of the Truckee area shows. The conversion of the abandoned rail yard -mill site is the natural progression of the history of the region. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Rohoit W. Affeldt, DDS Jerry Gilmore Brian Kent Smart Michael F Sullivan Ron Sweet , January 9, 2008 R E C E 1 vRO s S. SELFRIDGE, P.E. L [-General Manager JAN .f 2001 Chief Engineer TRUCKEE SANITARY DISTRICT A PUBLIC AGENCY 12304 Joerger Dr. • Truckee, California 96161-3312 Telephone (530) 587-3804 • Fax (530) 587-1340 Denyelle Nishimori, Associate Planner Truckee Community Development Department 10183 Truckee Airport Road Truckee, CA 96161 SUBJECT: TRUCKEE RAILYARD MASTER PLAN - NOTICE OF PREPARATION The Truckee Sanitary District (TSD) has reviewed the Notice of Preparation of a Drag Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the above referenced project and has the following comments: • n url CE-Iw'D 0.3*133ad 1. TSD is the public agency responsible for the collection and conveyance of wastewater in the • greater Truckee area. 2. The,Railyards project is within TSD's current service area. 3. The existing sewer infrastructure in the project area does not have sufficient capacity to serve the proposed project without infrastructure improvements. The DEIR should address the following: a. The sewer on the project site will likely heed to be realigned and upsized. b. A sewer pump station may be required depending upon grades. 4. Depending upon the scope of development, some off -site sewer infrastructure improvements may be required. •- a. An existing sewer force main across Trout Creek may require realignment. 5. A sewer master plan for the project should be developed which examines sewer flows from the ultimate buildout of the site. Please provide an estimate date on when this plan will be completed. 6. All sewer improvement plans for the project must be reviewed and approved by the TSD. 7. TSD plans to attend the scoping workshop for public agencies to discuss the scope and content of the EIR. If you have questions, please feel free to contact me. Sincerely, TRUCKEE SANITARY DISTRICT B1akk Tresan, PE District Engineer Z:\HOME\ENGINEERING\Commercial Projects \I9-420-69, Railyards\NOPLtr.doc .. RECEIVED DEC 312007 FOOTHILLS AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION 560 Wall Street, Suite F Auburn, CA 95603 December 26, 2007 Denyelle Nishimori, Associate Planner Truckee Community Development Department 10183 Truckee Airport Road Truckee, CA 96161 Re: Truckee Railyard Master Plan Notice of Preparation (NOP) of Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) Dear Ms. Nishimori, Thank you for the NOP referenced above. As you know, because the Truckee Railyard project site is within the airport overflight zone for the Truckee -Tahoe airport, it is subject to the requirements of the Truckee -Tahoe Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (CLUP). A number of policies are addressed in the CLUP specifically for the Railyard site. Noise mitigation must be addressed, and I have noted that the listing of issues to be included in the EIR include an analysis of the site noise environment. Additional CLUP policies suggest that the proposed EIR should also address: • Average intensity limits for the entire area and for any one -acre portion of the area; • Maximum number of habitable above -ground floors for any new structures; and • Incorporation of design features thatwould help to protect building occupants in the event of a small -aircraft crash. Thank you for the opportunity to respond to the NOP, and we look forward to reviewing the Railyard Master Plan EIR. The fee for review of the EIR will be $400; please forward the required fee in the form of a check made payable to FALUC's fiscal agent, SEDCorp, along with the EIR when it is ready for review. Sincerely, / ^ Brent Smith Secretary STATE OF CALIFORNIA - Arnold Schwarzenegger, Govemor PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION 505 VAN NESS AVENUE SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102-3298 January 17, 2008 Denyelle Nishimori City of Truckee 10183 Truckee Airport Road Truckee, CA 96161 RE: Truckee Railyard Master Plan, SCH# 2007122092 Dear Ms. Nishimori: RECEIVED JAN 2 3 MB As the state agency responsible for rail safety within California, we recommend that this development project planned adjacent to the Union Pacific Railroad's (UP) main line rail corridor be planned with the safety of the rail corridor in mind. New developments may increase traffic volumes not only on streets and at intersections, but also at at -grade highway -rail crossings. Planning must also consider pedestrian circulation patterns/destinations with respect to railroad right-of-way. Safety factors to consider include, but are not limited to, the planning for grade separations for major thoroughfares, improvements to existing at -grade highway -rail crossings due to increase in traffic volumes and appropriate fencing to limit the access of trespassers onto the railroad right-of-way. Any project that includes a modification to an exiting crossing or proposes a new crossing is legally required to obtain authority to construct from the Commission. If the project includes a proposed new crossing, the Commission will be a responsible party under CEQA and the impacts of the crossing must be discussed within the environmental documents. Trespassing The project could have a significant impact on safety by increasing the number of pedestrians in the area and by creating new commercial/residential destinations that could increase trespassing over the UP tracks by pedestrians seeking short cuts over the tracks. Since one of the project goals is improved access between the downtown core, the Railyard site and the Truckee River and its parks, public safety demands that continuous vandal resistant fencing or other appropriate barriers be installed on both sides of the UP rail corridor within the entire project area to deter trespassing along the active rail line. Brockway Road: Rail Crossing The project could have a significant impact on safety by increasing the number of vehicles at the existing at -grade highway -rail crossing on Brockway Road. Potential safety improvements for this crossing include the installation of raised medians to deter motorist from driving around lowered railroad gates. The traffic study should analyze the potential of vehicles queuing on to the rail crossing Denyelle Nishunori January 17,2008 Page 2 of 2 from the nearby Brockway Road/Donner Pass Road intersection. Advance traffic signal preemption should be considered to clear the rail crossing if there is any chance of queuing. There is a plan to raise the heights of the UP tunnels through the Donner Pass which is likely to cause a major increase in rail traffic on the line; the traffic study should factor in the down time for railroad gates on traffic circulation due to increased rail traffic and for railroad switching operations at UP 's Truckee rail yard. Eastern Undercrossing Our agency would strongly support an additional grade -separated crossing in the vicinity to reduce the amount of traffic at the Brockway Road crossing. The above -mentioned safety improvements should be considered when approval is sought for the new development. Working with Commission staff early in the conceptual design phase will help improve the safety to motorists and pedestrians in the City. If you have any questions in this matter, please call me at (415) 703-2795. Very truly yours, ..• //// //' !/ " Kevin Boles Environmental Specialist Rail Crossings Engineering Section Consumer Protection and Safety Division • cc: Terrel Anderson, Union Pacific Railroad NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE COMMISSION 915 CAPITOL MALL, ROOM 364 SACRAMENTO, CA 95814 (916)653-4082 (916) 657-5390 - Fax January 8, 2008 Denyelle Nishimori City of Truckee 10183 Truckee Airport Road Truckee, CA 96161 RE: SCH#2007122092 Truckee Railyard Master Plan; Placer County. Dear Ms. Nishimori: The Native American HeritageCommission(NAHC) has reviewed the Notice of Preparation (NOP) regarding the above project. To adequately assess and mitigate project -related impacts on archaeological resources, the Commission recommends the following actions be required: Contact the appropriate Information Center for a record search to determine: If a part or all of the area of -project effect (APE) has been previously surveyed for cultural resources. - • If any known cultural resources have already been recorded on or adjacent to the APE. • If the probability is low, moderate, or high that cultural resources are located in the APE. • If a survey is required to determine whether previously unrecorded cultural resources are present. ✓ if an archaeological inventory survey is required, the -final stage is the preparation of a professional report detailing the findings and recommendations of the records search and field survey. • The final report containing site forms, site significance, and mitigation measurers should be submitted immediately to the planning department. All information regarding site locations, Native American human remains, and associated funerary objects should be in a separate confidential addendum, and not be made available for pubic disclosure. • The final written report should be submitted within 3 months after work has been completed to the appropriate regional archaeological Information Center. ✓ Contact the NAHC for a Sacred Lands File Check. • Check Completed with negative results. 01/07/08 . The absence of specific site information in the Sacred Lands File does not indicate the absence of cultural resources in any project area. Other sources of cultural resources should also be contacted for information regarding known and recorded sites (see below). ✓ Contact the NAHC for a Ilst of appropriate Native American Contacts for consultation concerning the project site and to assist in the mitigation measures. - • Native American Contacts List attached The NAHC makes no recommehdation or preference of a single individual, or group over another. This list should provide a starting place in locating areas of potential adverse impact within the . proposed project area. I suggest you contact all of those indicated, if they cannot supply information, they might recommend other with specific knowledge. If a response has not been received within two weeks of notification, the Commission requests that you follow-up with a telephone call to ensure that the project information has been received. If you receive notification of change of addresses and phone numbers from any these individuals or groups, please notify me. With your assistance we are able to assure that our lists contain current information. • Lack of surface evidence of archeological resources does not preclude their subsurface existence. • Lead agencies should include in their mitigation plan provisions for the identification and evaluation of accidentally discovered archeological resources,- per. California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) §15064.5 (f). In.areas of identified archaeological sensitivity, a certified archaeologist and a culturally affiliated Native American, with knowledge in cultural resources, should monitor all ground -disturbing activities. Page). of 2 • Lead agencies should include in their mitigation plan provisions for the disposition of recovered artifacts, in consultation with culturally affiliated Native Americans. - Lead agencies should include provisions for discovery of Native American human remains in their mitigation plan. Health and Safety Code §7050.5, CEQA §15064.5 (e), and Public Resources Code §5097.98 mandates the process to be followed in the event of an accidental discovery of any human remains in a location other than a dedicated cemetery. Sincerely, 01: (tilt 37 Katy Sanchez Program Analyst • (916) 653-4040 CC: State Clearinghouse Page 2 of 2 Native American Contacts Placer County January 7, 2008 Todd Valley Miwok-Maidu Cultural Foundation Christopher Suehead, Cultural Representative PO Box 1490 Miwok Foresthill CA 95631 Maidu tvmrncf@foothill.net (530) 367-3893 - Voice 1 Fax Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California Waldo Walker, Chairperson 919 Highway 395 South Washoe Gardnerville NV 89410 waido.walker@washoetribe.us 775-265-4191 775-265-6240 Fax Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California THPO Lynda Shoshone, Cultural Resources 919 Highway 395 South Washoe Gardnerville , NV 89410 .&-thpo@yahoo.com 75) 265-7274 • (775) 265-2254 FAX This list Is current only as of the date of this document. Distribution of this list does not relieve any person of statutory responsibility as defined in Section 7050.5 of the Health and Safety Code, Section 5097.94 of the Public Resources Code and Section 5097.98 of the Public Resources Code. s Iist Is only applicable for contacting local Native Americans with regard to cultural resources for the proposed riff 2007122092 Truckee Rallyard Master Plan; Placer County. .•l• • vcvr41 11 1 .vrlIMrlvL.mL. I11 IJh 1 nrlr 1 Ureicnen uennin AI'UU QUINCY FIELD OFFICE 270 County Hospital Road, Suite 127 P.O. Box 3981, Quincy, CA 95971 (530) 283-4654 / FAX: (530) 283-0699 email: george@myairdistrict.com DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS 200 Litton Drive, Suite 320 ii P.O. Box 2509 Grass Valley, CA 95945 (530) 274-9360 / FAX: (530) 274-7546 email: office@myairdistrict.com or www.myairdistrict.com February 4, 2008 TRUCKEE FIELD OFFICE 13450 Donner Pass Rd., Ste. 6, Truckee, CA 96161 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 9766, Truckee, CA 96162 (530) 550-7872 / FAX: (530) 587-2623 email: ryan@myairdistrict.com Town of Truckee Community Development Attn: Denyelle Nishimori, Associate Planner 10183 Truckee Airport Road Truckee, California 96161 RECEIVED Re: Notice of Preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Report, Truckee Railyard Master Plan - Dear Denyelle Nishimori: The Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District (District) has reviewed the notice for the referenced project and would like to submit the following commenting agency comments for the official record. The District is pleased to see that an Environmental Impact Report will be competed for this project. The District recommends an Air Quality Analysis be prepared. Emissions must be compared to our Emission Thresholds of Significance to determine the impact this project will have on air quality within the Town of Truckee. Need for Air Pollution Permitting 1. Any person building, altering, replacing, or operating any sourceof air contaminants during construction, whether portable or stationary, shall first obtain an Authority to Construct from the Air Pollution Control Officer, unless the District has determined that such equipment is exempt from permitting or unless such equipment is currently registered with the California Air Resources Board under the Portable Equipment Registration Program. The applicant shall be responsible for contacting the District regarding the possible need for permitting. Examples of equipment for which an air pollution permit may be required include, but are not limited to: A. Portable or stationary equipment units including confined and unconfined abrasive blasting, Portland concrete batch plants, sand and gravel screening, rock crushing, and unheated pavement recycling and crushing operations. B. Engines used in conjunction with the aforementioned equipment and the following types of portable operations: well drilling, service or work -over rigs; pumps; compressors; diesel pile -driving hammers; welding equipment; cranes; woodchippers; dredges; equipment necessary for the operation of portable engines and equipment units; and power generation. 2. The operator shall submit an application for Authority to Construct for any source of air contaminants that exists after construction that is not exempt from permit requirements (for example, a gas station). Such requirements do not apply to motor vehicles or self - SERVING THE COUNTIES OF NEVADA, PLUMAS AND SIERRA - 1 - propelled construction equipment. The applicant should consult the District to determine what other equipment is exempt. Emission Thresholds. of Significance This project's emissions and impacts should be reviewed by the District to assure both short- and long-term air pollution emissions are mitigated to below the level of significant air quality impacts. Thresholds of significance illustrate the extent of a sources' impacts and are a basis from which to apply mitigation measures. The District has developed a tiered approach to significance levels; a project with emissions qualifying it for Level A thresholds will require the most basic mitigations. Projects which qualify for Level B will require a more extensive mitigations, and subsequently, those projects which qualify for Level C will require the most extensive application of mitigations. The tiered thresholds for Level A, B and C are given below for a projects' estimated emissions of criteria pollutants in lbs/day. Level A Thresholds NOX ROG PM10 < 24 lbs/day < 24 lbs/day < 79 Ibs/day Level B Thresholds NOX ROG PM10 25-136 lbs/day 25-136 lbs/day 80-136 lbs/day Level C Thresholds NOX ROG PM10 >1371bs/day >1371bs/day >137 lbs/day NOx, ROG and PM10 emissions must be mitigated to a level below significant. If emissions for NOx, ROG and PM10 exceeds 136 pounds per day (Level C), then there is a significant impact; below Level C would be potentially significant. The Town of Truckee's Air Quality Management Plan calls for "no net increase of PM10 or PM2.5." Therefore, particulate matter emissions should be mitigated 100%. SERVING THE COUNTIES OF NEVADA, PLUMAS AND SIERRA -2 District Recommendations A detailed air quality analysis of potential emissions (in pounds per day) from this project using a reasonable worst case scenario needs to be included in the EIR. A listing should be provided of the emissions increases anticipated from the project for the various categories of emissions sources by phases or project. A comparison should be made of the total emissions increases for PM10, reactive organic gases, nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide to thresholds of significance. The analysis should also include an estimate of greenhouse gas emissions during construction and long-term. Pursuant to provisions and precedents stemming from AB32, greenhouse gas emissions should be quantified for decision -makers and the public to consider. It is important that both short term and long term emission impacts are identified. The impacts of hazardous air pollutants (diesel, asbestos) should be evaluated, as well as an analysis of cumulative air quality impacts. During the construction phase, there are many short-term air quality impacts from construction vehicles and earth moving. Emissions estimates in pounds per day should be provided for the following sources of pollution: A. Tailpipe emissions of particulate, carbon monoxide and nitrous oxide from diesel powered earth moving equipment. B Particulate emissions from vehicular traffic on unpaved roads. Particulate emissions from soil disturbance. This estimate should be based upon how many acres are disturbed by earth moving equipment. Long-term or mobile source emissions should be estimated using the latest CAPCOA/ARB-approved version of URBEMIS computer model. Emissions estimates should be provided in pounds per day and tons per year. If the traffic study for this project identifies any intersection(s) that would fall below a Level of Service D under this project alone or cumulative development scenarios, a detailed Caline 4 carbon monoxide analysis should be prepared. The traffic study should evaluate project alone and cumulative Level of Service impacts to such intersections. Additionally, particulate emissions from traffic on sanded, paved roads should be estimated. A Setting and Background section should be included so that significance of the project and cumulative projects can be determined. 3. Qualitatively discuss the project's air quality impacts in relation to recently promulgated National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone and particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5). What effect will this project have on the District's ability to meet these standards? SERVING THE COUNTIES OF NEVADA, PLUMAS AND SIERRA -3- 4. Identify meaningful mitigation measures that can be implemented to reduce short and long-term air quality impacts. Qualitatively and quantitatively (when possible) evaluate the effectiveness of the mitigation measures that are proposed to reduce air quality impacts. It is important to discuss how the mitigation measures will be monitored to ensure they are implemented. Mitigation Measures As stated in the California Environmental Quality Act, the commenting agency (the District) shall submit to the lead agency complete and detailed performance objectives for mitigation measures. Once emission impacts from the above listed sources are calculated, please review the suggested list of mitigations offered below for both short-term and long term sources. This list is not all-inclusive, and may be revised by the lead agency. As the lead agency, the planning agency will either accept or reject recommendations of the District (as a commenting agency). Please contact our office to discuss these mitigations before your agency commits to a final mitigation plan for this project. Be aware that compliance with the prescribed air quality mitigations during project construction and subsequent land use will be the primary responsibility of the project developer, with oversight by the planning agency with jurisdiction as established by the California Environmental Quality Act. It is expected that projects with higher emissions (Level C Thresholds) will automatically mitigate more emissions, quantitatively, than will a lower impact project (Level A). Mitigations Suggested for Use During Construction Phase of Project For all Significance Level Thresholds (A, B and C) a. Alternatives to open burning of vegetative material will be used unless otherwise deemed infeasible by the District. Among suitable alternatives are chipping, mulching, or conversion to biomass fuel. b. Adequate dust control measures will be implemented in a timely and effective manner during all phases of project development and construction. c. All material excavated, stockpiled, or graded should be sufficiently watered, treated or covered, to prevent fugitive dust from leaving property boundaries and causing a public nuisance or a violation of an ambient air standard. Watering should occur at least twice daily with complete site coverage, preferably in the mid-moming and after work is completed each day. d. All areas (including unpaved roads) with vehicle traffic should be watered or have dust palliatives applied, as necessary, for regular stabilization -of dust emissions. e. All on -site vehicles should be limited to a speed of 15 mph on unpaved roads. f. All land clearing, grading, earth moving or excavation activities on a project will be suspended as necessary when winds are expected to exceed 20 mph. SERVING THE COUNTIES OF NEVADA, PLUMAS AND SIERRA -4- g. All material transported off -site will be either sufficiently watered or securely covered to prevent a public nuisance. h. If serpentine rock is found in the area, the presence of asbestos, in the chrysotile or amphibole forms must be determined. Additional mitigations may be needed on a site -specific basis. Temporary traffic control will be provided during all phases of the construction to improve traffic flow as deemed appropriate by local transportation agencies and/or Caltrans. J. Construction activities should be scheduled to direct traffic flow to off-peak hours as much as practicable. For Classifications as Level B Threshold k. All controls discussed above (a -j ) should be implemented. 1. All inactive portions of the construction site should be covered, seeded, or watered until a suitable cover is established. m. The applicant will be responsible for applying County -approved non-toxic soil stabilizers (according to manufacturer's specifications) to all inactive construction areas (previously graded areas which remain inactive for 96 hours) in accordance with the local grading ordinance. Acceptable materials that may be used for chemical stabilization of soils include petroleum resins, asphaltic emulsions, acrylics and adhesives which do not violate Regional Water Quality Control Board or California Air Resource Board standards. For Classification as Level C Threshold n. All controls discussed above (a -m) should be implemented. o. During initial grading, earth moving, or site preparation, larger projects may be required to construct a paved (or dust palliative treated) apron, at least 100 feet in length, onto the paved road(s). p. Wheel washers will be installed where project vehicles and/or equipment enter and/or exit onto paved streets from unpaved roads on larger projects. Vehicles and/or equipment will be washed prior to each trip, if necessary. II. Mitigation for Residential Heating if Project Emissions are Classified as either Level A, B or C Threshold a. The District strongly recommends that all wood burning appliances be prohibited. Gas, pellet or fuel -oil heating appliances are viable alternatives.. If the project insists upon installing wood -burning appliances, they may still be able to meet the Truckee General Plan's air quality goal of no net increase of particulate matter by participating in a "Great Stove Changeout Program" or contributing financially to any other programs that will offset the emissions that will be caused by the wood burning heating appliances installed in the project. SERVING THE COUNTIES OF NEVADA, PLUMAS AND SIERRA Additionally, if wood -burning appliances are allowed within new construction under this plan, then each residential unit and occupied commercial building must have residential wood combustion units and/or fireplaces that are Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Phase II or better devices. Any wood burning appliance or fireplace that is not EPA Phase II certified or better shall be prohibited. Additionally, each residential unit and occupied commercial building shall not emit more then 7.5 g/hr of particulate matter. III. Mitigation for Public Transit For All Significance Thresholds (Level A, B or C) a. Street should be designed to maximize pedestrian access to transit stops, where feasible. For Classification as Level C Threshold b. The project will provide for on -site road and off -site bus turnouts, passenger benches, and shelters as demand and service routes warrant subject to review and approval by local transportation planning agencies. c. Larger projects may be required to contribute a proportionate share to the development and/or continuation of a regional transit system. Contributions could consist of dedicated right-of-way, capital improvements, easements, etc. IV. Mitigation for Traffic Emissions For Classification as Level B Threshold a. The project will provide for pedestrian access between bus service and major transportation points within the project where deemed feasible. b. The project should contribute to traffic -flow improvements (IE, right-of-way, capital improvements, etc.) that reduce emissions and are not considered as substantially growth inducing. c. Larger projects may be required to provide for, contribute to, or dedicate land for the provision of off -site bicycle trails linking the project to designated bicycle commuting routes in accordance with an adopted citywide or countrywide bikeway plan. V. Mitigation for Land Use Emissions For Classification as Level B Threshold a. The project will incorporate mixed uses, where permitted by local development regulations, to achieve a balance of commercial, employment, and housing options within the project site. b. Larger projects will provide for neighborhood parks or other recreational options such as trails to minimize vehicle travel to off -site recreational uses and/or commercial areas. SERVING THE COUNTIES OF NEVADA, PLUMAS AND SIERRA -6- c. The project should provide densities of nine units per acre or greater, where allowed by the General Plan and/or Zone Plan, along busroutes and at bus stops to encourage transit use. d. The project should encourage neighborhood retail sales and services. Offsite Mitigation If a new project is unable to provide adequate on -site mitigation of their long-term air quality impacts, an off -site mitigation program may be necessary. Projects emitting high levels of pollutants (as determined by the District) may be required to implement all feasible on -site mitigation measures AND participate in an offsite mitigation program to reduce emissions. Impacts of local pollutants are cumulatively significant when modeling shows that combined emissions from the project and other existing and planned projects will exceed air quality standards. With an offsite mitigation program; these programs could be better coordinated, especially across county jurisdictional lines. Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting A mitigation monitoring and reporting program should be developed for each mitigated project and should include the following components: 1. A description of each mitigation measure adopted by the Lead Agency; 2. The party responsible for implementing each mitigation measure; 3. A schedule for the implementation of each measure; 4. The agency or entity responsible for monitoring mitigation measure implementation; 5. Criteria for assessing whether each measure has been implemented; 6. Enforcement mechanisms. Please add the District to your distribution list for copies of future documents pertaining to this project, so that the District can review and comment on the adequacy of the Air Quality Analysis and mitigation measures. Please feel free to contact me at 530-550-7872 if you have any questions or comments Sincerely, L1 yt La yan Murano Air Pollution Control Specialist SERVING THE COUNTIES OF NEVADA, PLUMAS AND SIERRA -7- - , Ronnie Colby Truckee Biofuels PO Box 9857 Truckee, CA 96162 530-412-2617 rnnie@truckeebiofuels.com Town of Truckee Planning Commission 10183 Truckee Airport Road Truckee, CA 96161 530-582-7700 Subject: Railyard Development Master Plan EIR and Associated Emissions Dear Commissioners et al, January 30, 2008 As a Truckee resident who has started and continues to run his own business, I write to you about the Railyard Master Plan's EIR and specifically about the Technical Studies (p. 10) needed to properly ascertain associated project emissions. The EIR will conduct "an air quality analysis to estimate project pollutant emissions." While they are not often considered,exhaust emissions from construction equipment (mostly diesel -powered) is a large part of any comprehensive pollutant emissions assessment. For every gallon of petroleum Diesel #2 burned, Carbon Monoxide, some 2.7 lbs. of Carbon Dioxide, various amounts of Particulate Matter, and various amounts of Unburned Hydrocarbons, among other pollutants, are sent into our air. All of these measurements are measured in micrograms or nanograms per cubic meter (see the CA Air Resources Board's 2007 Almanac of Emissions and Air Quality for details), so instead of boring you with tiny measurements, here are some more tangible numbers comparing what we all know and love as Diesel #2 with Biodiesel, an alternative fuel that could be used to build on the Railyard. (B100 is pure biodiesel. B20 is 20% biodiesel and 80% petroleum diesel#2. Biodiesel is nicely miscible with Emission Type B100 B20 Regulated Total Unburned Hydrocarbons -67% -20% Carbon Monoxide -48% -12% Particulate Matter -47% -12% 1` QK 10% +2% to - 2% Non -Regulated sulfates -100% -20%* PAH (Ppiycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)** -80% -13% DE,M (nitrated )** -90% -5096*** Ozone potential of p j toad HC -50% -10% * Estimated from 8100 result ** Average reduction across all compounds measured *** 2-nitroflourine results were within test method variability diesel at any ratio.) (Courtesy of the National Biodiesel Board) Biodiesel works seamlessly in any diesel vehicle. B20 is particularly interchangeable with diesel fuel and any age diesel doing any kind of work. Power stays the same, yet emissions decrease and the engine enjoys greater. lubricity. B100 is also ready to go in any diesel engine, and even greater emissions benefits are yielded. So, using 1 gallon of B20 means: • 4.13 pounds less carbon dioxide • 0.0014 pounds less sulfur • 0.0040 pounds less carbon monoxide • 0.0005 pounds less particulate matter (USDA) Those are pretty small numbers, so let's look at a bigger amount, far closer to the amount of diesel that will be used to build the on the Railyard. Using 10,000 gallons of B20 means: • 41,300 pounds less carbon dioxide • 14 pounds less sulfur • 40 pounds less carbon monoxide • 5 pounds less particulate matter (USDA) These are more meaningful numbers. Biodiesel can and should play a significant role in this Redevelopment, which will use closer to 100,000 gallons of diesel over the course of construction. Emission reductions at that amount of fuel become rather profound. I ask that the Planning Commission and the Town of Truckee give serious consideration to using a B20 blend of biodiesel, at the minimum, to fuel the diesel construction equipment developing the Railyard. I ask that the Town Staff and Planning Commission feel free to consult with Truckee Biofuels, a local business, retailer, distributor, and expert on biodiesel, and that Truckee Biofuels be allowed to bid on fueling the construction equipment building the Railyard Redevelopment project, should biodiesel be chosen as a key part of EIR compliance. Truckee Biofuels is always happy to expound on the benefits of biodiesel, for this project and others, as the Town considers ways to ensure environmental integrity amidst expanded development. Thank you for your consideration. Contact us any time. Ronnie Colby Truckee Biofuels cc. Denyelle Nishimori, Truckee Town Councilmembers, Tony Lashbrook, David Griffith, Duane Hall, and John McLaughlin, Dan Wilkins Wagner, Charity L. From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Wagner, Charity L. Thursday, January 31, 2008 5:09 PM 'Denyelle Nishimori' Dias, Lynette; Molly Maybrun; Mike Vaughan; Jessica Thompson; Dan Wilkins RE: NOP - Railyard Master Plan Denyelle, Thanks for forwarding this message. We typically forward all transportation related comments to LSC a part of the completing the loop on the NOP process. I am fairly confident that LSC will consult with Caltrans in preparing their analysis (as they have multiple highway intersections included in the analysis). I will add this email to my stack of written comments received thus far. Charity Wagner 1 rrmdesigngroup Original Message From: Denyelle Nishimori [mailto:DNishimori@townoftruckee.com] Sent: Thursday, January 31, 2008 1:49 PM To: William A Davis Cc: Dias, Lynette; Wagner, Charity L.; Molly Maybrun; Mike Vaughan; Jessica Thompson; Dan Wilkins Subject: RE: NOP - Railyard Master Plan Hi William, Thank you for your comment. I have included other Town staff as well as our EIR consultant pn this response. I will see who is the best person for you to work with. Denyelle Nishimori, AICP Associate Planner, Town of Truckee 10183 Truckee Airport Road. Truckee, CA 96162 Ph: 530-582-2934 (direct)/ Fx: 530-582-7710 Original Message From: William A Davis [mailto:william_a davis@dot.ca.gov] Sent: Thursday, January 31, 2008 1:41 PM To: Denyelle Nishimori Subject: NOP - Railyard Master Plan Denyelle: Please accept this email in response to the Notice of Preparation for the Truckee Railyard Master Plan. The proposed project may have a significant effect on the State Highway system, specifically SR 89, SR 267, and I-80. We would appreciate consultation on the proposed scope (e.g., Intersections, highway segments, freeway ramps to be.analyzed) of the traffic impact study for the 8roject. Ae would also appreciate early consultation during development of the traffic study. Thank you for your cooperation AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA William A. Davis Senior Transportation Planner Tahoe/Truckee/Tribal Liaison caltrans - District 03 (530)634-7618 Fax(530)741-5346 2 Wagner, Charity L. From: Denyelle Nishimori [DNishimori@townoftruckee.com] Sent: Monday, January 28, 2008 9:54 AM To: Molly Maybrun Cc: Wagner, Charity L.; Dias, Lynette Subject: 1-28-08 Public Comment #1 Denyelle Nishimori, AICP Associate Planner, Town of Truckee 10183 Truckee Airport Road. Truckee, CA 96162 Ph: 530-582-2934 (direct)/ Fx: 530-582-7710 Original Message From: Judy Price Sent: Monday, January 28, 2008 9:51 AM To: Denyelle Nishimori Subject: FW: railyard ideas Judy Price Town Clerk Town of Truckee 10183 Truckee Airport Rd Truckee, CA 96161 (530) 582-2924 jprice@townoftruckee.com Original Message From: Rolf Godon [mailto:rgodon@pacbell.net] Sent: Sunday, January 27, 2008 6:02 PM To: Judy Price Subject: railyard ideas Please distribute this to the appropriate recipients (Rick Holiday, Town planning commission/council, planners) Railyard vision I believe that it is of highest priority to create a TRUE town center, a gathering spot, a meeting spot, a spot for refreshment, a pleasant environment winter and summer. In my travels in Europe and Latin America I noticed that every town regardless of size has a plaza or more than one, in the case of larger towns and cities. These are pleasant open spaces surrounded by shops. They have outdoor cafes, band stands, and other amenities. They are where the residents gather for any and all reasons. Thus, I propose that the railyard plan be configured to have such a space as a central focus, more than just small parks and open spaces, but a formal central plaza or town square. In the winter the outside space could become an ice rink, snow storage, snow play area. We are always giving lip service to non car transportation. The public buses are underutilized 1 and thus far bike and walking connections are not developed and during winter months are not useable. I have long had the fantasy of a narrow gauge steam train running from the central plaza, down Donner Pass Road to at least the factory store area. This train would chug along slowly stopping frequently to let people off and on along its path and go back and forth all day long. It would be entertaining as well as functional and shoppers and others would and could easily jump on and off summer and winter. I visualize at the center of the plaza a turntable or some functional and intersting feature such as the turntables forthe cable cars in SF. I believe the ridereship would be big and people could park in parking areas at the factory stores or lots at the railyard. Just as we finally discovered the efficiency of roundabouts which have been used in profusion in Europe for generations, we can now also look at our more mature cultures for what works there and learn from them. The central plaza concept is to me so important to our community which has no place of identity to meet and hang out and do business and so forth. I look forward to hearing feedback on these ideas. Respectfulliy, Rolf Godon Ph.D. 2