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HomeMy WebLinkAboutChapter 5_Third Addendum.docWest Ming Specific Plan - Recirculated Draft EIR Michael Brandman Associates H:\Client (PN-JN)\0216\02160029\Recirculated DEIR\02160029_ Recirculated DEIR.doc Chapter 5: Third Addendum to Response to Comments on the Draft EIR ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES • PLANNING • NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT Bakersfield 661.334.2755 Fresno 559.497.0310 Irvine 714.508.4100 Palm Springs 760.322.8847 Sacramento 916.383.0944 San Bernardino 909.884.2255 San Ramon 925.830.2733 Santa Cruz 831.262.1731 www.brandman.com mba@brandman.com April 2, 2007 Ms. Jennie Eng, Principal Planner City of Bakersfield Development Services Department 1715 Chester Avenue Bakersfield, CA 93301 Subject: Third Addendum to Response to Comments Document for West Ming Specific Plan Dear Ms. Eng: Subsequent to distributing the Response to Comments Document on December 8, 2006 for public review as well as the Addendum to the Response to Comments Document prepared on December 14, 2006 and the Second Addendum to the Response to Comments Document prepared on February 26, 2007, Michael Brandman Associates (MBA) determined that a third addendum is required. The following information is considered part of the Errata for the Response to Comments Document. The information includes modifications to the Draft EIR that clarify the environmental analysis in Section 3, Project Description, Section 4, Environmental Setting, Section 5.1 Agricultural Resources, Section 5.2, Air Quality, Section 5.3 Biological Resources, Section 5.5, Geology and Soils, Section 5.7 Hydrology and Water Quality, Section 5.11 Traffic and Transportation, and Section 6 Cumulative Impacts of the Draft EIR. In addition, information regarding rail crossings, construction solid waste, and global climate change impacts are provided. The new information provided below merely clarifies the information in the EIR and is not significant. The first paragraph under table Table 3-1, on page 3-7 of the Draft EIR is revised as follows: Delete: “The implementation of the proposed Specific Plan will require an amendment to the existing Metropolitan Bakersfield General Plan land use designation from R-1A (Intensive Agriculture, 20-acre minimum), R- MP (Resource - Mineral Petroleum), and OS (Open Space) to West Ming Specific Plan.” Add: “The implementation of the proposed Specific Plan will require an amendment to the existing Metropolitan Bakersfield General Plan land use designation from R-IA (Intensive Agriculture, 20-acre minimum), R- MP (Resource - Mineral Petroleum), and OS (Open Space) to West Ming Specific Plan. Ms. Jennie Eng, Principal Planner City of Bakersfield April 2, 2007 Page 2 The second sentence in the second paragraph on page 4-1, under Section 4 of the Draft EIR is revised as follows: Delete: “The project site consists of all the area within Sections 11, 13, 14; and portions of Sections 10 and 15.” Add: “The project site consists of all the area within Sections 11, 13, 14; and portions of Sections 10 and 15 of Township 30 South, Range 26 East, Mount Diablo Baseline and Meridian.” The first sentence in the first paragraph on page 5.1-3, under Section 5.1.2 of the Draft EIR is revised as follows: Delete: “The proposed project is governed by agricultural and farmland regulations established by the State of California and the City of Bakersfield.” Add: “The proposed project is governed by agricultural and farmland regulations established by the State of California, Kern County, and the City of Bakersfield.” The third sentence in the last paragraph on page 5.2-2, under Section 5.2.2 of the Draft EIR is revised as follows: Delete: “Ozone, the primary constitute of smog, is the most complex, difficult to control, and pervasive of the criteria pollutants.” Add: “Ozone, the primary constituent of smog, is the most complex, difficult to control, and pervasive of the criteria pollutants.” The last paragraph on Page 5.2-11, under Section 5.2.2 of the Draft EIR is revised as follows: Delete: “Rule 9510 (Indirect Source Review) requires the applicants of certain development projects to submit an application to the District when applying for the development’s last discretionary approval. The ISR rule becomes effective March 1, 2006. Projects that have not received a final discretionary approval by March 1, 2006 must submit an ISR application by March 31, 2006. With the adoption of District Rule 9510 (Indirect Source Review) on December 15, 2005, the District will be requiring projects subject to the rule to quantify indirect, area source, and construction exhaust emissions and to mitigate a portion of these emissions.” Add: “Rule 9510 (Indirect Source Review) requires the applicants of certain development projects to submit an ISR application (also known as an Air Impact Assessment [AIA] Application) to the District when applying for Ms. Jennie Eng, Principal Planner City of Bakersfield April 2, 2007 Page 3 the development’s last discretionary approval. The ISR rule becomes effective March 1, 2006. Projects that have not received a final discretionary approval by March 1, 2006 must submit an ISR application by April 3, 2006. With the adoption of District Rule 9510 (Indirect Source Review) on December 15, 2005, the District will be requiring projects subject to the rule to quantify indirect, area source, and construction exhaust emissions and to mitigate a portion of these emissions.” The fourth column under National Standards in Table 5.2-1 on page 5.2-13, under Section 5.2.2 of the Draft EIR is revised as follows: Delete: “0.12 ppm” The first bullet on page 5.2-19, under Section 5.2.2 of the Draft EIR is revised as follows: Delete: “Stockdale High School - located immediately to the northwest adjacent to the project boundary.” Add: “Stockdale High School - located immediately to the northeast adjacent to the project boundary.” The first bullet on page 5.3-4 under Section 5.3.2 of the Draft EIR is revised as follows: Delete: “San Joaquin Kit Fox (Vules macrotis mutica).” Add: “San Joaquin Kit Fox (Vulpes macrotis mutica).” The first bullet on page 5.5-1 under Section 5.5.1 of the Draft EIR is revised as follows: Delete: “Geotechnical Feasibility Study / Geological Hazard Study, Soils Engineering Inc., February 5, 2004. The complete report is contained in Appendix F of the Technical Appendices of the Draft EIR.” Add: “Geotechnical Feasibility Study / Geological Hazard Study for the West Ming Specific Plan (Sections 11, 13, 14 & portions of 10 &15) In Bakersfield, California, Soils Engineering Inc., February 5, 2004. The complete report is contained in Appendix F of the Technical Appendices of the Draft EIR.” The second bullet on page 5.5-1 under Section 5.5.1 of the Draft EIR is revised as follows: Delete: “Addendum #1 to Geotechnical Feasibility Study and Geological Hazard Study for the West Ming Specific Plan (Sections 11, 13, 14 & portions of 10 &15) In Bakersfield, California. The complete report is contained in Appendix F of the Technical Appendices of the Draft EIR.” Ms. Jennie Eng, Principal Planner City of Bakersfield April 2, 2007 Page 4 Add: “Addendum #1 to Geotechnical Feasibility Study/Geological Hazard Study for the West Ming Specific Plan (Sections 11, 13, 14 & portions of 10 &15) In Bakersfield, California, Soils Engineering Inc., April 18, 2005. The complete report is contained in Appendix F of the Technical Appendices of the Draft EIR.” The fifth sentence in the first paragraph on page 5.7-2 under Section 5.72 of the Draft EIR is revised as follows: Delete: “The Kern River consists of primary and secondary floodways: The primary floodway is the minimum channel area required to contain a 100-year flood flow of 10,200 cubic feet per second (cfs); and, the secondary floodway is the area where floods would occur if various flood structures, such as dikes or levees, were to fail.” Add: “The Kern River in the area of the project consists of two FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA). The Zone A SFHA is the area inundated during a 100-year flood of 10,200 cubic feet per second (cfs). The second SFHA, Zone B, is defined as areas between limits of the 100-year flood and 500-year flood; or certain areas subject to 100-year flooding with average depths less than one foot or where the contributing drainage area is less than one square mile; or areas protected by levels from the base flood. In the vicinity of this project the Zone B areas are land that is protected from flood by levees.” The fifth sentence in the second paragraph on Page 5.7 under Section 5.7.2 of the Draft EIR is revised as follows: Delete: “The Kern River Canal crosses Allen Road and the dirt road extension of South. Renfro Road and is present within the northern portion of the project site, north of White Lane.” Add: “The Kern River Canal crosses Allen Road and the dirt road extension of South Renfro Road, and is present within the northern portion of the project site, north of White Lane.” The fourth sentence in the last paragraph on page 5.7-2, under Section 5.7.2 of the Draft EIR is revised as follows: Delete: “FEMA requires a Letter of Map Revision for development within Zone A in order to remove requirements for flood insurance, which includes a flood study and plans for levee construction.” Add: “In order to eliminate the requirements for flood insurance for developments within a Zone A designation, FEMA will require a Letter of Map Revision to remove the area from the Zone A Special Flood Ms. Jennie Eng, Principal Planner City of Bakersfield April 2, 2007 Page 5 Hazard Areas. Letter of Map Revisions consist of a hydraulic study and certified as-built plans of the constructed levee.” Mitigation Measure 5.7.A.1 on page 5.7-7 of the Draft EIR is revised as follows: Delete: “5.7.A.1 Prior to grading plan approval, the project applicant shall prepare a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) that conforms to the State Water Resources Control Board NPDES permit in which the City of Bakersfield is a co-permitee. The SWPPP shall specify Best Management Practices (BMPs) to prevent construction-related pollutants from reaching storm water and all products of erosion from moving off- site. The SWPPP shall require approval by the State Water Resources Control Board and verification of approval provided to the City of Bakersfield Planning Department.” Add: “5.7.A.1 Prior to grading plan approval, the project applicant shall prepare a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) that conforms to the State Water Resources Control Board NPDES permit in which the City of Bakersfield is a co-permitee. The SWPPP shall specify Best Management Practices (BMPs) to prevent construction-related pollutants from reaching storm water and all products of erosion from moving off- site. A Notice of Intent (NOI) must be filed with the State Water Resources Control Board and a copy of the submitted NOI must be provided to the City of Bakersfield Planning Department, prior to the approval of grading plans.” Exhibits 5.7-1 and 5.7-2 in Section 5.7 of the Draft EIR are revised to correctly depict the flood zones as shown on the attached Exhibits 5.7-1 and 5.7-2 (see Attachment 1). The following two paragraphs are added to Mitigation Measures 5.11.A.1 after the first paragraph of the measure on page 5.11-17 of the Draft EIR. Add: “(Regional Transportation Impact Fee - Regional Mitigation) Prior to the issuance of building permits, the project applicant shall participate in the RTIF program. The applicant shall submit revised funding calculations for all improvements associated with the RTIF program pursuant to Table 10 from the project traffic study, and in accordance with Bakersfield Municipal Code Section 15.84.040, which includes the policies of the program administrator. (Local Mitigation) For impacted intersections and segments subject to fair share improvements (refer to Tables 6 & 8 from the project traffic study), prior to subdivision, updated estimates shall be submitted and approved. Unit costs used in the traffic study may be outdated due to recent rises in construction costs and shall be updated as appropriate. Applicant shall participate in the improvements required on a pro-rata, Ms. Jennie Eng, Principal Planner City of Bakersfield April 2, 2007 Page 6 fair share basis, prior to the issuance of building permits, based upon the approved estimates.” The following two paragraphs are added to Mitigation Measures 6.3.11.A.1 after the first paragraph of the measure on page 6-29 of the Draft EIR. Add: “(Regional Transportation Impact Fee - Regional Mitigation) Prior to the issuance of building permits, the project applicant shall participate in the RTIF program. The applicant shall submit revised funding calculations for all improvements associated with the RTIF program pursuant to Table 10 from the project traffic study, and in accordance with Bakersfield Municipal Code Section 15.84.040, which includes the policies of the program administrator. (Local Mitigation) For impacted intersections and segments subject to fair share improvements (refer to Tables 6 & 8 from the project traffic study), prior to subdivision, updated estimates shall be submitted and approved. Unit costs used in the traffic study may be outdated due to recent rises in construction costs and shall be updated as appropriate. Applicant shall participate in the improvements required on a pro-rata, fair share basis, prior to the issuance of building permits, based upon the approved estimates.” The California Public Utilities Commission commented on safety issues of existing at- grade rail crossings or new grade separations. An at-grade rail crossing is located along Buena Vista immediately southeast of the project site. The traffic analysis took this at- grade crossing into account. In addition, as street improvements are implemented at this location, the improvements will be reviewed by the City of Bakersfield, the Railroad, and the National Transportation Safety Board to address safety issues associated with pedestrians and vehicles (see Attachment 2). The Kern County Waste Management Department was concerned with solid waste generated during construction activities. Construction activities are planned to occur over a 20-year period on the project site. Waste generated during the construction activities would be handled similar to waste generated by long-term activities. A Global Climate Change Study was prepared by WZI, Inc in March 2007 for the West Ming Specific Plan project. Following is a brief summary of the analysis, and is included in its entirety in Attachment 3 of this Third Addendum. The Global Climate Change Study evaluates the potential for greenhouse gases to be produced from activities associated with the project as well as from cumulative activities in the region, state, and world. Ms. Jennie Eng, Principal Planner City of Bakersfield April 2, 2007 Page 7 The analysis identifies that the principal greenhouse gases resulting from human activity include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases. Due to various project design features, the proposed project will reduce the generation of greenhouse gasses. The introduction of greenhouse gases by the project alone was found to cause a less than significant affect to global climate change. The project will contribute to a cumulative increase in greenhouse gases. However, the project includes various design features and measures such as exceeding building efficiency standards, reduction of vehicular trips and miles traveled, provision of bike paths, and mitigating the loss of 2,182 acres of agricultural land on a one-to-one basis. Because the project will meet or exceed the greenhouse gas emission reduction goals identified by Assembly Bill 32 and will comply with the Metropolitan Bakersfield General Plan Air Quality Construction Element and the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District Air Quality Guidelines for General Plans, the project’s contribution to cumulative impacts on global climate change are considered less than cumulatively considerable, and therefore, less than significant. As stated above, the new information provided above merely clarifies the information in the EIR and is not significant. If you have any questions, please call me. Sincerely, Michael E. Houlihan, AICP, Manager of Environmental Services Michael Brandman Associates 220 Commerce, Suite 200 Irvine, CA 92602 Ph. 714.508.4100 Attachments: Attachment 1: Existing and Future Flood Maps Attachment 2: Safety Issues of Rail Crossings Attachment 3: Global Climate Change Study MEH:kmg H:\Client (PN-JN)\0216\02160029\RTC\Third Addendum\West Ming RTC Third Addendum 04.02.07.doc Third Addendum to Response to Comments Document for West Ming Specific Plan Michael Brandman Associates H:\Client (PN-JN)\0216\02160029\RTC\Third Addendum\02160029_Attachments.doc Attachment 1: Existing and Future Flood Maps 02160029 • 03/2007 | 5.7-1_Ex_fld_map.mxd Exhibit 5.7-1Existing Flood MapN OR T H Michael Brandman Associates Source: Thomas Guide Digital Edition, 2004. WEST MING SPECIFIC PLAN EIR Bakersfield Rosedale Panama Buena Vista Pensinger Toluca Ming White Barlow Airosa Jerlee Mirage Reed Pacheco Capilla Norwich Ainswick D e er P e a k Brogan Open Trail Bexhill Chamber Rosa Pueblo We dg em on t Hidalgo Brightwater Romero Zenaida C a n b y Minorca Mazatlan Christella Legend Levee Zone A Zone B Project Boundary 2,40002,4001,200 Feet 02160029 • 03/2007 | 5.7-2_Future_fld_map.mxd Exhibit 5.7-2Future Flood MapN OR T H Michael Brandman Associates Source: Thomas Guide Digital Edition, 2004. WEST MING SPECIFIC PLAN EIR Bakersfield Rosedale Panama Buena Vista Pensinger Toluca Ming White Barlow Airosa Jerlee Mirage Reed Pacheco Capilla Norwich Ainswick D e er P e a k Brogan Open Trail Bexhill Chamber Rosa Pueblo We dg em on t Hidalgo Brightwater Romero Zenaida C a n b y Minorca Mazatlan Christella Legend Project Boundary Levee Zone A Zone B 2,40002,4001,200 Feet Third Addendum to Response to Comments Document for West Ming Specific Plan Michael Brandman Associates H:\Client (PN-JN)\0216\02160029\RTC\Third Addendum\02160029_Attachments.doc Attachment 2: Safety Issues of Rail Crossings Third Addendum to Response to Comments Document for West Ming Specific Plan Michael Brandman Associates H:\Client (PN-JN)\0216\02160029\RTC\Third Addendum\02160029_Attachments.doc Attachment 3: Global Climate Change Study 1 GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE STUDY West Ming Specific Plan Kern County, California March 2007 Submitted to: Castle & Cooke California, Inc. 10000 Stockdale Highway Bakersfield, CA 93311 Prepared by: WZI Inc.1717 28th Street 4700 Bakersfield, California 93301 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION..........................................................................................................3 2. ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING....................................................................................3 2.1 REGULATORY SETTING......................................................................................4 2.2 GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE GASES................................................................6 2.3 GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE INVENTORIES..................................................7 3. GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE THRESHOLDS OF SIGNIFICANCE....................11 4. PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES/MITIGATION MEASURES.................................13 5. CUMULATIVE IMPACTS..........................................................................................20 3 GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE 1. INTRODUCTION Climate change is a shift in the “average weather” that a given region experiences. This is measured by changes in temperature, wind patterns, precipitation and storms. Global climate change means change in the climate of the earth as a whole. It can occur naturally as in the case of the ice age. According to CARB, the climate change that is occurring today differs from previous climate changes in both rate and magnitude.1 Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere are often called greenhouse gases. The Earth’s surface temperature would be about 61 degrees Fahrenheit colder than it is now if it were not for the natural heat trapping effect of greenhouse gases.2 The accumulation of these gases in the earth’s atmosphere is considered the cause of the observed increase in the earth’s temperature (global warming). The primary greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride. These particular gases are important due to the residence time in the atmosphere from tens of years to more than 100 years. Some greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide occur naturally and are emitted to the atmosphere through natural processes and as well as human activities. Other greenhouse gases (e.g., fluorinated gases) are created and emitted solely through human activities. Questions remain about how much warming will occur, how fast it will occur, and how the warming will affect the rest of the climate system including precipitation patterns and storms. 2. ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING California is a substantial contributor of global greenhouse gasses. According to the California Energy Commission, “[i]n 2004, California produced 492 million gross metric tons of carbon dioxide-equivalent GHG emissions, including imported electricity..”.3 Climate studies indicate that California is likely to see an increase of 5 to 9 degrees Fahrenheit over the next century. 4, 5 Greenhouse gases are global in their effect, which is to increase the earth’s ability to absorb heat in the atmosphere. Because the primary greenhouse gases have a long lifetime in the atmosphere, they accumulate over time, and are generally well mixed; their impact on the atmosphere is mostly independent of the point of emission.6 1 California Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board, August 6, 2004, Technical Support document for Staff Proposal Regarding Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Motor Vehicles. 2 Ibid 3 California Energy Commission, 2006, Draft Staff Report, Inventory of California Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990 to 2004. Gross emissions represent emissions without taking into account emissions reductions or sints. The term CO2-equivalentis used to describe the ensemble of GHG gases that contribute to global warming, including CO2, methane, nitrous oxidesa and a class of gases called high Global Warming Potential (GWP) gases. 4 Union of Concerned Scientists and the Ecological Society of America, Confronting Climate Change in California, 1999 5 California Air Resources Board, June 14, 2004, DRAFT Staff Proposal Regarding the Maximum Feasible and Cost-Effective Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions for Motor Vehicles 6 U.S.EPA, 2003 4 2.1 REGULATORY SETTING In 1988, the United Nations established the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to evaluate the impacts of global warming and to develop strategies that nations could implement to curtail global climate change. In 1992, the United States joined other countries around the world in signing the United Nations’ Framework Convention on Climate Change agreement with the goal of controlling greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, the Climate Change Action Plan was developed to address the reduction of greenhouse gases in the United States. The plan consists of more than 50 voluntary programs. Additionally, the Montreal Protocol was originally signed in 1987 and substantially amended in 1990 and 1992. The Montreal Protocol stipulates that the production and consumption of compounds that deplete ozone in the stratosphere--chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, carbon tetrachloride, and methyl chloroform--were to be phased out by 2000 (2005 for methyl chloroform).7 California Code of Regulations Title 24 Part 6, enacted in 1978, established Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential and Nonresidential Buildings in response to a legislative mandate to reduce California's energy consumption. The standards are updated periodically to allow consideration and possible incorporation of new energy efficiency technologies and methods. The latest amendments were made in October 2005. California Assembly Bill 1493 (Pavley) enacted on July 22, 2002, required the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to develop and adopt regulations that reduce greenhouse gases emitted by passenger vehicles and light duty trucks. Regulations adopted by CARB will apply to 2009 and later model year vehicles. California Assembly Bill 170, passed in 2003, and subsequent revisions to California Government Code require cities and counties in the San Joaquin Valley to amend appropriate elements of general plans to include data, analysis, comprehensive goals, policies, and feasible implementation strategies to improve air quality no later than one year after the first revision of their housing elements that occurs after January 1, 2004. Air Quality Guidelines for General Plans8 (Air Quality Guidelines) is a guidance document and resource for cities and counties to use to address air quality in their general plans. It includes goals, policies, and programs for adoption in general plans to reduce vehicle trips, reduce miles traveled, and improve air quality. Principles suggested for land use planning for improved air quality include the following: • Plan land use patterns that will encourage people to walk, bicycle, or use public transit for a significant number of their daily trips 7 CIESIN: http://www.ciesin.org/TG/PI/POLICY/montpro.html. 8 San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, 2005, Air Quality Guidelines for General Plans 5 - Use comprehensive community plans and specific plans to ensure development is cohesive and well connected by alternative transportation modes -Adopt transit-oriented or pedestrian-oriented design guidelines and designate areas appropriate for these designs in the general plan - Encourage higher density development in proximity to frequently used services and transportation facilities • Develop in a compact, efficient form to minimize vehicle miles traveled and to improve the effectiveness of alternatives to the automobile - Use the control of public services to direct growth to the most appropriate locations -Encourage infill of vacant land and redevelopment sites • Promote project site designs and subdivision street and lot designs that encourage walking, bicycling, and transit use -Adopt design guidelines and standards promoting designs that encourage alternative transportation modes -Require certain sites to be designed to allow convenient access by transit, bicycle, and walking. Assembly Bill 32 (Global Warming Solutions Act) (Nunez) was passed by the California Legislature on August 31, 2006. It requires the state’s global warming emissions to be reduced to 1990 levels by 2020. The reduction will be accomplished through an enforceable statewide cap on global warming emissions that will be phased in starting in 2012. By January 1, 2008, CARB is required to determine the level of global warming emissions as of 1990. On or before June 30, 2007, CARB is required to publish a list of discrete greenhouse gas emission reduction measures that can be implemented. Emission reductions shall include carbon sequestration projects and best management practices that are technologically feasible and cost-effective. The city of Bakersfield Metropolitan General Plan Conservation Element/Air Quality contains goals, policies, objectives, and implementation measures that comprehensively address general conditions and site specific circumstances that may affect air quality.9 The policies are listed below have the potential to decrease the emission of greenhouse gases. Policy 11 Improve the capacity of the existing road system through improved signalization, more right turn lanes and traffic control systems. 9 Metropolitan Bakersfield General Plan, 2002, Chapter V- Conservation Element, E. Air Quality 6 Policy 15 Promote the use of bicycles by providing attractive bicycle paths and requiring provision of storage facilities in commercial and industrial projects. Policy 16 Cooperate with Golden Empire Transit and Kern Regional Transit to provide a comprehensive mass transit system for Bakersfield; require large-scale new development to provide related improvements, such as bus stop shelters and turnouts. Policy 18 Encourage walking for short distance trips through the creation of pedestrian friendly sidewalks and street crossings. Policy 19 Promote a pattern of land uses which locates residential uses in close proximity to employment and commercial services to minimize vehicular travel. Policy 20 Provide the opportunity for the development of residential units in concert with commercial uses Policy 22 Require the provision of secure, convenient bike storage racks at shopping centers, office buildings, and other places of employment in the Bakersfield Metropolitan area. 2.2 GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE GASES The principal greenhouse gases10 resulting from human activity that enter and accumulate in the atmosphere are: • Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Carbon dioxide enters the atmosphere through the burning of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, and coal), solid waste, trees and wood products, and also as a result of other chemical reactions (e.g., manufacture of cement). Carbon dioxide is also removed from the atmosphere (or “sequestered”) when it is absorbed by plants as part of the biological carbon cycle. • Methane (CH4): Methane is emitted during the production and transport of coal, natural gas, and oil. Methane emissions also result from livestock and other agricultural practices and by the decay of organic waste in municipal solid waste landfills. • Nitrous Oxide (N2O): Nitrous oxide is emitted during agricultural and industrial activities, as well as during combustion of fossil fuels and solid waste. • Fluorinated Gases: Hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride are synthetic, powerful greenhouse gases that are emitted from a variety of industrial processes. Fluorinated gases are often used as substitutes for ozone-depleting substances (i.e., CFCs, HCFCs, and halons). These gases are typically emitted in smaller quantities, but because they are potent greenhouse 10 http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/index.html 7 gases, they are sometimes referred to as High Global Warming Potential11 gases (“High GWP gases”). HEALTH EFFECTS An increase in the instability of the weather would give rise to more intense heat waves and extreme temperatures. A result of this would be an increase in the number of heat wave related deaths. Also an increase in Earth’s ambient temperature can increase the survival rate and disease transmission rate of infections diseases.12 Climate change may lead to changes in weather patterns that can influence the frequency of meteorological conditions conductive to the development of high pollutant concentrations such as the formation of ozone or secondary organic carbon particles.13 2.3 GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE INVENTORIES GLOBAL The figure14 below presents the major sources of carbon dioxide emissions in the world. Carbon dioxide emissions from the United States represent approximately twenty percent of the global carbon dioxide emissions. 11 High Global Warming Potential gases are non-CO2 gases that cause the atmosphere to heat faster than CO2. 12 AB 1493 (Pavely) Briefing Package: Global Warming and Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Motor Vehicles, Cal EPA, Appendix IV 13 Cal EPA Air Resources Board, DRAFT Staff Proposal Regarding the Maximum Feasible and Cost-Effective Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Motor Vehicles; June 14, 2004 14 http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/globalghg.html 8 UNITED STATES The U.S. EPA develops the national greenhouse gas inventory each year to track the national trend in emissions and removals since 1990. The primary greenhouse gas emitted by human activities in the United States was carbon dioxide (CO2), representing approximately 85 percent of total greenhouse gas emissions. The largest source of CO2 was from the combustion of fossil fuels. Methane emissions, which have steadily declined since 1990, resulted primarily from decomposition of wastes in landfills, natural gas systems and activities associated with domestic livestock. Agricultural soil management and mobile source fossil fuel combustion were the major sources of nitrous oxide emissions. The emissions of hydrofluorocarbons, which are substitutes for ozone depleting substances, were the primary component of fluorinated gas emissions.15 To compare and combine emissions of different greenhouse gases into a national total, the U.S. EPA uses global warming potentials (GWPs). GWPs compare the radiative forcing or ability to trap heat of one metric ton of a greenhouse gas to a metric ton of CO2. Emissions from electricity generation accounted for the largest portion of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2004. Transportation activities accounted for the second largest portion and emissions from industry comprised the third largest portion. The agriculture, commercial and residential economic sectors, listed in descending order of their contribution, together account for the remaining U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Reference: Inventory of U.S. GreenhouseGas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2004, USEPA #430-R-06-002 15 Ibid 9 CALIFORNIA The population in California increased 16 percent from 1990 to 2004, as shown on the graph below.16 During this same period, California has slowed the rate of growth (by more than half) of GHG emissions17 due to a number of programs: • energy efficiency requirements • renewable energy programs • air pollution control programs A greenhouse gas inventory prepared by the California Energy Commission for the years 1990 through 2004 indicated there has been an overall decrease of 9.7% in greenhouse gases attributed to residential and commercial sources as shown in the graph below.18 The thickness of the band shown on the graph represents the amount of carbon dioxide equivalent in million metric tons attributed to that particular sector analyzed in the inventory. The graph shows that although greenhouse gas emissions for the State have increased from 1990 to 2004, emissions attributed to residential and commercial sources have actually decreased. The decrease in greenhouse gases attributed to residential and commercial sources demonstrates the effectiveness of energy conservation in buildings (Title 24 requirements) and appliances. The decrease in greenhouse gases attributed to these sources is even more significant when the population increase is considered. The 2005 Building Energy Efficiency Standards for residential and nonresidential buildings will further reduce energy consumption (and resulting greenhouse gas emissions) in new construction. The California Energy Commission estimates that the residential electricity reduction due to the 2005 standards is 20.4% and the natural gas reduction is 8.3% compared to the 2001 standards.19 The electricity savings related to the 2005 standards for nonresidential construction is estimated to be 8.3%.20 16 California Department of Finance 17 California Energy Commission, 2006, Inventory of California Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990 to 2004 18 California Energy Commission, 2006, Inventory of California Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990 to 2004 19 California Energy Commission, 2005, 2005 Building Energy Efficiency Standards, Residential Compliance Manual CEC-400-2005- 005-CMF Revision 3 20 California Energy Commission, 2005, 2005 Building Energy Efficiency Standards, Nonresidential Compliance Manual CEC-400- 2005-006-CMF Revision 3 10 California Population 1990-2004 27,000,000 28,000,000 29,000,000 30,000,000 31,000,000 32,000,000 33,000,000 34,000,000 35,000,000 36,000,000 37,000,000 2,004 20032002200120001999199819971996199519941993199219911990 Year Population California’s Gross GHG Emissions Trends21 21 Ibid 11 California’s economy experienced the second largest percentage growth in terms of gross state product (in dollars, not adjusted for inflation) of any state in the country from 1990 to 2003. Yet, while California’s Gross State Product (GSP) grew 83 percent, its GHG emissions grew more slowly at 12 percent.22 California has one of the lowest carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel combustion per GSP unit by State. Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Fossil Fuel Combustion per Gross State Product23 3. GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE THRESHOLDS OF SIGNIFICANCE Assembly Bill 32 (Global Warming Solutions Act) (Nunez) was passed by the California Legislature on August 31, 2006. It requires the state’s global warming emissions to be reduced to 1990 levels by 2020. Current strategies for meeting California’s greenhouse gas emission reduction goals include Smart Growth, water efficiency, energy efficiency, renewable fuels, and clean cars.24 Energy efficiency improvements reduce greenhouse 22 California Energy Commission, “Inventory Of California Greenhouse Gas Emissions And Sinks: 1990 To 2004”, Draft Staff Report, October 2006, Cec-600-2006-013-D 23 Ibid 24 California Air Resources Board, March 2007, Near-Term Solutions for Mitigation of Carbon Dioxide CARB Symposium 12 gases; therefore, project impacts for CEQA purposes should be assessed in terms of the efficient use of energy derived from hydrocarbons through the implementation of current strategies being developed to meet California’s greenhouse gas emission reduction goals defined in AB32. Greenhouse gas emission reduction strategies identified by the California Environmental Protection Agency Climate Action Team25 that are applicable to residential and commercial developments are both regulatory and voluntary. Regulatory strategies include Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24), Appliance Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 20), and Motor Vehicle Standards (AB 1493). Voluntary measures include water use efficiency and Smart Land Use/Smart Growth. Compliance with the Metropolitan Bakersfield General Plan Air Quality Conservation Element and following the guidance in the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District Air Quality Guidelines for General Plans will also result in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in new residential and commercial developments. Building related energy consumption is reduced by adherence to Title 24 construction standards. The impact of these standards is seen in the California Energy Commission inventory for the years 1990 through 2004 which indicates there has been an overall decrease of 9.7% in greenhouse gases attributed to residential and commercial sources.26 The decrease in greenhouse gases attributed to these sources is even more significant when the population increase of 16% over the same time period is considered. Based on the California Energy Commission inventory for the years 1990 through 2004, residential and commercial sectors are already in compliance with the stated goals of AB32 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels as shown in the table below. California Greenhouse Gas Emissions (MMTCO2E)27 1990 2004 Residential 28.97 27.86 Commercial 12.65 12.19 The 2005 Building Energy Efficiency Standards for residential and nonresidential buildings further reduce energy consumption (and resulting greenhouse gas emissions) in new construction. The California Energy Commission estimates that the residential electricity reduction due to the 2005 standards is 20.4% and the natural gas reduction is 8.3% compared to the 2001 standards.28 The electricity savings related to the 2005 standards for nonresidential construction is estimated to be 8.3%.29 Compliance with the 25California Environmental Protection Agency, March 2006, Climate Action Team Report to Governor Schwarzenegger and the Legislature 26 California Energy Commission, 2006, Inventory of California Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990 to 2004 27 California Energy Commission, 2006, Inventory of California Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990 to 2004, Million Metric Tons Carbon Dioxide Equivalent 28 California Energy Commission, 2005, 2005 Building Energy Efficiency Standards, Residential Compliance Manual CEC-400-2005- 005-CMF Revision 3 29 California Energy Commission, 2005, 2005 Building Energy Efficiency Standards, Nonresidential Compliance Manual CEC-400- 2005-006-CMF Revision 3 13 latest Title 24 standards will further reduce greenhouse gases emissions in new residential and commercial developments compared to older construction. The importance of water use efficiency is highlighted in the Climate Action Team Report30, “[a]pproximately 19 percent of all electricity, 30 percent of all natural gas, and 88 million gallons of diesel are used to convey, treat, distribute and use water and wastewater….When a unit of water is saved, so too is the energy required to convey, treat, affect local delivery, perform wastewater treatment and safely dispose of that unit of water. In short saving water saves energy.” Implementation of best management practices and efficient water management practices will reduce greenhouse gas emissions through a reduction in energy use. Smart Land Use is a term for strategies that integrate transportation and land-use decisions. Strategies include jobs/housing proximity, transit oriented development, and high-density residential/commercial development along transit corridors. Efficient land- use patterns need to match population increases, workforce and socioeconomic needs for the full spectrum of the population. Therefore, a Smart Land Use project design encourages alternative means of transportation that reduces vehicle miles traveled and results in a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions through a reduction in energy use. Smart Growth, as defined by the California Energy Commission31, “refers to the application of specific development principles to make prudent use of resources and create genial, low impact communities through enlightened design and layout.” It is estimated that “suburban smart growth measures could reduce household vehicle miles traveled between 10 and 30 percent…”32 Implementation of strategies identified by the California Environmental Protection Agency Climate Action Team to meet California’s greenhouse gas emission reduction goals identified in AB 32 will result in impacts that are less than significant. Compliance with the Metropolitan Bakersfield General Plan Air Quality Conservation Element and following the guidance in the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District Air Quality Guidelines for General Plans will also result in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in new residential and commercial developments and will result in impacts that are less than significant.. 4. PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES/MITIGATION MEASURES/PROJECT LEVEL IMPACTS West Ming is a proposed planned mixed-use development encompassing 2182 acres within the City of Bakersfield, with residential, commercial, recreational, schools, and light industrial uses. The project design contains Smart Land Use/Smart Growth strategies that result in a reduction in the vehicle miles traveled compared to a non- 30 California Environmental Protection Agency, March 2006, Climate Action Team Report to Governor Schwarzenegger and the Legislature 31 California Energy Commission, 2007, Integrated Energy Policy Report Update, CEC-100-2006-001-CMF 32 California Energy Commission, 2007, Integrated Energy Policy Report Update, CEC-100-2006-001-CMF 14 planned residential/commercial development. The project includes a maximum of 7,450 residential units, 478,880 square feet of commercial (including office, service, and retail), 331,200 square feet of town center commercial and mixed use (including office, service, and retail), 1,135,000 square feet of special uses (light industrial, mineral and petroleum, public facilities, open space, parks, public transportation, office, and other uses permitted by the Specific Plan). The West Ming Specific Plan provides for employment, shopping, recreation, open spaces, and housing opportunities that provide for a diverse environment catering to the needs of residents with differing lifestyles. The project design philosophy creates a smaller ecological footprint using master planned community opportunities such as high efficiency homes which exceed Title 24 energy efficiency standards by at least fifteen percent, alternative transportation and state-of-the-art engineering of heating, venting and air-conditioning (HVAC). Higher energy efficiency means less utility operation, and less utility operation per household means less greenhouse gas generation per household. In addition, solar panels will be available for optional installation, to further reduce the energy required from fossil fuels. The West Ming Specific Plan serves as the planning tool for the implementation of the Metropolitan Bakersfield General Plan. The Specific Plan was developed based on guiding principles set forth in the Metropolitan Bakersfield General Plan and is in compliance with provisions of the General Plan. Upon adoption of the West Ming Specific Plan, the Metropolitan Bakersfield General Plan Land Use Map will be revised to designate the project area as the West Ming Specific Plan. The proposed project includes a phasing plan that will be implemented over a 20-year time frame. The development will be phased so that adequate utilities are provided for each area of development. The existing agriculture and oil production activities will continue and be located adjacent to new developed areas of the Specific Plan until each area of the project site is developed. A Development Agreement is proposed as part of the West Ming Specific Plan which specifies the responsibilities of the City and the developer of the project. For the term of the Development Agreement, the rules, regulations and official policies governing permitted uses, governing density, and governing design, improvement and construction standards and specifications applicable to development of the project site shall be those rules, regulations and official policies in force at the time of the effective date of the Development Agreement. The Specific Plan development standards include Green Building Techniques. The techniques which will be used by the builder(s) include: • Designing and building homes to exceed 2005 California Title 24 standards by a minimum of 15 percent and meet the California Green Builder Requirements, which includes professional design and 3rd party independent testing. • Adopt Building Industry Institute’s (BII) waste reduction guidelines and work with local jurisdictions to divert 50 percent of construction waste from landfills to recycling. Where diversion and recycling are unavailable, builders shall agree to work without penalties with jurisdictions and the BII to overcome market barriers. 15 • Reduce water consumption by utilizing innovative indoor plumbing designs and outdoor drip/mist irrigation for landscaping. • Reduce wood use by employing engineered wood systems where practicable. The Smart Land Use Design concepts embodied in the land use plan encourage walking and alternative modes of transportation. Residential areas are designed so that dwelling units are within a reasonable walking distance from neighborhood facilities such as parks and retail areas. This encourages the neighborhood concept as well as reducing air quality impacts through the reduced use of motorized vehicles. The number of cul-de-sacs incorporated into the circulation system is kept at a minimum to encourage pedestrian and bicycle usage and to reduce motorized vehicle emissions by providing more direct vehicle routes. Vehicle emissions are further reduced by the extensive use of roundabouts instead of traffic signals throughout the project. The project will have an extensive system of bicycle lanes and routes, and pedestrian walking and hiking trails to encourage travel by other than motorized vehicles within the project area. Bicycle and pedestrian access is proposed throughout the project site. Both modes of transportation are provided within the multi-purpose trail system. Two trail under-crossings will be constructed; one at White Lane west of South Allen Road and the second along South Allen Road south of White Lane. Additional neighborhood trails providing bicycle and pedestrian connection to parks, schools, water elements, and commercial areas will also be provided. Street trees, parks and landscaping assist in the reduction of air quality impacts. Implementation Measure C-1 of the Specific Plan requires the placement of bicycle racks/facilities at recreation areas, commercial areas and employment centers to encourage bicycle usage. Consistent with Smart Land Use strategies, the proposed project will include employment generating uses that will provide a substantial amount of employment opportunities in proximity to residential uses. General employment factors were obtained by Kern COG. These factors included 17 employees per acre for commercial uses, 13 employees per acre for industrial uses, and 2 employees per acre for schools. Based on the proposed land uses and the employment factors approximately 4,226 employment opportunities would be generated within the implementation of the West Ming Specific Plan. Although not specifically designed to address greenhouse gases, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District has published Air Quality Guidelines for General Plans which includes goals, policies and programs designed to improve air quality by implementation of design features that reduce vehicle trips and miles traveled. West Ming project design is consistent with this document. The Land Use Polices incorporated into the project design include the centers concept, allowance for mixed use areas, bike paths, pedestrian friendly sidewalks and street crossings, and residential uses proposed in close proximity to employment and commercial services. The applicable policies and the associated project design features are summarized in the table below. 16 San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District Air Quality Guidelines for General Plans Summary of Policies and Applicable Project Design Features Policy Number Policy Design Feature Policy 34 The City/County of ______ shall encourage new residential, commercial, and industrial development to reduce air quality impacts from area sources and from energy consumption. Specific Plan- Green Building Techniques Buildings to exceed Title 24 Standards by a minimum of 15 %. Buildings are required to meet the California Green Builder Requirements. Reduce water consumption through innovative plumbing designs and irrigation systems. Policy 36 The City/County of ______ shall encourage projects proposing pedestrian or transit-oriented designs (TOD)33 at suitable locations Specific Plan- Residential villages will be interconnected by trails and will contain open space and recreational opportunities. The circulation system consists of roadways, trails, and pedestrian access designed to facilitate attractive, pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods. The Traditional Neighborhood Development concepts include narrower streets, shorter blocks, canopy street trees, roundabouts, neck downs and chokers, which are utilized to calm traffic and promote pedestrian friendly neighborhoods. Policy 40 The City/County of ______ shall encourage mixed-use developments that provide commercial services such as day care centers, restaurants, banks, and stores near employment centers. Specific Plan- Master Planned Community with residential and commercial uses. Residential villages surround a Village Center District. Live/work opportunities are provided for in this area. The Village Center provides services to the residential villages. Policy 42 The City/County of ______ shall plan adequate neighborhood commercial shopping areas to serve new residential development. Specific Plan- Residential villages surround a Village Center District containing retail commercial, offices, and higher density residential uses. Policy 43 The City/County of ______ shall encourage subdivision designs that provide neighborhood parks in proximity to activity centers such as schools, libraries and community centers. Specific Plan- a minimum of 56 acres of public park area will be provided. The parks must be centrally located within residential villages, adjacent to collector streets. Two five-acre recreation centers are planned. One five- acre lake with public access will be provided. Policy 47 The City/County of ______ shall encourage the development of Specific Plan- Residential villages surround a Village Center District containing retail commercial, offices, and 33 A TOD is defined as a “Moderate to higher-density development, located within an easy walk of a major transit stop, generally with a mix of residential, employment and shopping opportunities designed for pedestrians without excluding the auto. TOD can be new construction or redevelopment of one or more buildings whose design and orientation facilitate transit use." (Caltrans 2002) 17 pedestrian-oriented shopping areas within walking distance of high- density residential neighborhoods. higher density residential uses. The Village Center District will function as the activity center containing retail, commercial, offices and higher density residential uses. Residential areas are designed so that dwelling units are within a reasonable walking distance from neighborhood facilities. Policy 56 The City/County of ______ shall encourage project sites designed to increase the convenience, safety and comfort of people using transit, walking or cycling. Specific Plan Implementation Measure C-9: Connection to the City of Bakersfield Kern River Bicycle Trail. Bicycle and pedestrian access throughout the project area are presented in the Specific Plan. A key trail segment will be provided through a major open space element that traverses the project site. Two trail undercrossings will be constructed at White Lane and Allen Road. Air Quality Mitigation Agreement- Utilization of land use designs, which create walkable communities and encourage pedestrian travel; Utilization of interconnecting sidewalks, walking paths, and/or bike paths in order to encourage travel by other means other than motor vehicle; Utilization of appropriate landscaping to create reasonable shade canopies for streets, parkways, and parking areas; Utilization of roadway designs, which enhance pedestrian safety by appropriate signaling, signage, and separation from traffic. Policy 57 The City/County of ______ shall require an air quality/transportation design analysis for projects exceeding District CEQA significance thresholds. See Air Quality Analysis Policy 67 The City/County of ______ shall ensure that a comprehensive system of bikeways and pedestrian paths is planned and constructed in accordance with an adopted City/County plan. Specific Plan Implementation Measure C-9: Connection to the City of Bakersfield Kern River Bicycle Trail. Bicycle and pedestrian access throughout the project area are presented in the Specific Plan. A key trail segment will be provided through a major open space element that traverses the project site. Two trail undercrossings will be constructed at White Lane and Allen Road. Policy 68 The City/County of ______ shall ensure that regional and commuter bikeways are extended to serve new development consistent with the Specific Plan Implementation Measure C-9 (Traffic and Circulation): Connection to the City of Bakersfield Kern River Bicycle Trail will be constructed by the developer in conjunction 18 adopted bikeway plan. with improvements to the surrounding area. The trail connection will be constructed to a width of approximately twelve feet and in accordance with standards as approved by the City of Bakersfield. DEIR: The Metropolitan Bakersfield Bikeway Mater Plan identifies future Class 2 bike lanes along Buena Vista Road, South Allen road, Ming Avenue, White Land and Pacheco Road in the vicinity of the project site. The closest existing bike path is designated Class I, and it is located along the south side of the Kern River. The proposed includes twelve foot wide bike lanes along Buena Vista, South Allen road, Ming Avenue, and White Lane. The project does not include bike lanes along Pacheco road because the roadway is located south of the existing railroad tracks and is located off the project site. Policy 70 The City/County of ______ shall require new major activity centers, office and commercial development to provide secure bicycle storage and parking facilities. Specific Plan- Implementation Measure C-1 (Conservation): Bicycle racks/facilities will be provided at recreation areas, commercial areas and employment centers to encourage bicycle usage. The project is also consistent with the Metropolitan Bakersfield General Plan Land Use and Circulation Elements concepts and policies which are designed to reduce emissions from mobile sources through planning. Similar to planning features described in the SJVAPCD Air Quality Guidance for General Plans, these concepts and policies are designed to reduce vehicle trips and vehicle miles traveled, thus reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The policies listed below have the potential to decrease the emission of greenhouse gases. Policy 11 Improve the capacity of the existing road system through improved signalization, more right turn lanes and traffic control systems. Policy 15 Promote the use of bicycles by providing attractive bicycle paths and requiring provision of storage facilities in commercial and industrial projects. Policy 16 Cooperate with Golden Empire Transit and Kern Regional Transit to provide a comprehensive mass transit system for Bakersfield; require large-scale new development to provide related improvements, such as bus stop shelters and turnouts. Policy 18 Encourage walking for short distance trips through the creation of pedestrian friendly sidewalks and street crossings. Policy 19 Promote a pattern of land uses which locates residential uses in close proximity to employment and commercial services to minimize vehicular travel. 19 Policy 20 Provide the opportunity for the development of residential units in concert with commercial uses Policy 22 Require the provision of secure, convenient bike storage racks at shopping centers, office buildings, and other places of employment in the Bakersfield Metropolitan area. The change in land use from agricultural to residential/commercial results in the reduction of a greenhouse gas sink. This loss in agricultural land is mitigated by the proposed mitigation: 5.1.A.1 The applicant shall mitigate loss of 2,182 acres of agricultural lands, on a one-to- one basis, by selecting one or more of the items described below. The applicant shall submit written verification of the applicant’s compliance with this mitigation measure to the Planning Director’s satisfaction at the time of recordation of final tract maps and parcel maps for urban development or support facilities as contemplated in the West Ming Specific Plan. Compliance with this condition may be phased as the project is developed. The amount of agricultural land to be mitigated shall be equal to the amount of land being developed as each phase is developed. Funding and/or purchase of agricultural conservation easements. Such easements shall be accepted or purchased and monitored and enforced by a land trust or another appropriate entity. Funds may be used for easement purchases, ongoing monitoring and enforcement, transaction costs, and reasonable administrative costs. Contribution of agricultural land or equivalent funding to an organization that provides for the preservation of farmland in California. Funds may be used for purchases, ongoing monitoring and enforcement, transaction costs, and reasonable administrative costs. Purchase of credits from an established agricultural farmland mitigation bank approved by applicable governmental authority. During the life of the project, if the City of Bakersfield or other responsible agency adopts an agricultural land mitigation program that provides equal or more effective mitigation than measures listed above, the applicant may choose to participate in that alternate program to mitigate loss of agricultural land impacts. Prior to participation in the alternate program, the applicant shall obtain written approval from the City of Bakersfield agreeing to the participation, and the applicant shall submit written verification of compliance with the alternate program at the same time described above in the first paragraph. Agricultural land used for mitigation shall be of at least equal agricultural classification as the land being converted or be capable of being developed as such; that is, mitigation land shall be classified or developed as Prime Farmland, Farmland of Statewide Importance, etc., (as established by the California Department of Conservation in the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program), the mitigation acreage being at least equivalent in classification to the converted land, or being capable of producing the same or equivalent crops as the land being converted. 20 Completion of the selected mitigation measure, or with the Planning Director’s approval, a combination of the selected mitigation measures, can be on qualifying agricultural land within the San Joaquin Valley (San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Fresno, Madera, Kings, Tulare, Kern), or outside the San Joaquin Valley with written evidence that the same or equivalent crops can be produced on the mitigation land. The West Ming Specific Plan and all measures included therein result in a project which uses 15 percent less energy than other Title 24 compliant projects and has fewer vehicle miles traveled. Because of the lack of conformity with the new efficiency regulations and traffic reduction requirements, the per capita carbon footprint for older less efficient communities and commercial developments are greater. Therefore, the per capita carbon footprint for the West Ming Specific Plan would be less than significant. In light of the foregoing, and because the Project’s impacts alone would not cause or significantly affect global climate change, the Project’s impacts on global climate change are less than significant. 5. CUMULATIVE IMPACTS Global Climate Change impacts are a result of cumulative emissions from anthropogenic activities in the region, the state, and the world. The project design as defined by the West Ming Specific Plan is consistent with greenhouse gas emission reduction strategies identified by the California Environmental Protection Agency Climate Action Team to meet the goals of greenhouse gas reductions in AB32. These design features include building efficiency standards that are at least fifteen percent greater than the mandatory 2005 Title 24 standards, a Smart Land Use/Smart Growth design of the proposed mixed use development, green building techniques, optional solar installation, and water efficiency measures. The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District has published Air Quality Guidelines for General Plans which includes goals, policies and programs designed to improve air quality by implementation of design features that reduce vehicle trips and miles traveled. The West Ming Specific Plan design contains features, such as sidewalks, bike paths, bike lanes on arterials and collectors, a neighborhood retail center, and community parks and open space, which are consistent with this document. These design features reduce greenhouse gas emissions through a reduction in vehicle miles traveled. Therefore, it is estimated that the vehicle miles traveled and the resultant greenhouse gas emissions for the project will be below the California average per household. At the present time there are no provisions for a light-rail system in Metropolitan Bakersfield, however, if the City and/or the County determines that a light-rail system is feasible to implement in the future, the Specific Plan has a Special Use District that allows a future light-rail station adjacent to the existing railroad tracks on the southern boundary of the project site. The proposed project design as defined by the West Ming Specific Plan is also consistent with policies in the Metropolitan Bakersfield General Plan Land Use and Circulation 21 Elements which are designed to reduce emissions from mobile sources through land use planning. Greenhouse gases are further reduced by uptake of carbon dioxide by the agricultural ecosystem. Mitigation for the conversion of agricultural land will provide for a means of preservation an equivalent amount of prime farmland. California’s agricultural ecosystem, centered in the San Joaquin Valley covers over 11% of its landscape. Most crop species respond positively to growth with increased atmospheric carbon dioxide. Over much of the United States, a number of crop models indicate that the beneficial effects of elevated carbon dioxide come close to canceling any detrimental effects of the potential global warming. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, this generalization is likely to hold at least approximately for California and the San Joaquin Valley where farmers have access to modern and constantly changing crop varieties, tools for pest control, and nutriment supplement.34 In light of the foregoing, and because the Project will meet or exceed the greenhouse gas emission reduction goals identified on AB32 and will comply with the Metropolitan Bakersfield General Plan Air Quality Construction Element and the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District Air Quality Guidelines for General Plans, the Project’s cumulative impacts on global climate change are considered less than significant and less than cumulatively considerable. 34 Union of Concerned Scientists and the Ecological Society of America, Confronting Climate Change in California, http://www.ucsusa.org/global_environment/archive/page.cfm?pageID=961. 1999.