HomeMy WebLinkAboutCONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES ELEMENT_1974CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES ELEMENT
OF THE NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN
ADOPTED AND RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL
BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION
NOVEMBER 29, 1973
ADOPTED BY CITY COUNCIL
JANUARY 14, 1974
RESOLUTION NO. 8174
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH ADOPTING THE
CONSERVATION OF _NATURAL RESOURCES ELEME
WHEREAS, a phase of the City's General Plan Program
has involved the preparation of a Conservation of Natural
Resources Element; and
WHEREAS, this Element sets forth objectives and
supporting policies which will serve as a guide for the
future planning and development of the City; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of
Newport Beach, pursuant to Section 707 of the Newport Beach
City Charter, has held a public hearing to consider the adoption
of the Conservation of Natural Resources Element as a part
if the City's General Plan and has adopted and has recommended
that the City Council adopt said element; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has conducted a public hearing
to consider the adoption of the Conservation of Natural Resources
Element as a part of the City's General Plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council
of the City of Newport Beach does hereby adopt the Conservation
of Natural Resources Element described above, a copy of which
is on file in the office of the City Clerk.
ADOPTED this 14th day of January , 1974.
Mayor
TTEST:
city Clerk ��1 —
RESOLUTION NO. 870
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH ADOPTING
THE CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES
ELEMENT OF THE NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN
WHEREAS, a phase of the City's General Plan Program
has involved the preparation of the Conservation of Natural
Resources Element; and
WHEREAS, said Conservation of Natural Resources
Element sets forth objectives and supporting policies which
will serve as a guide for the future planning and development
of the City; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 707 of the City Charter
of the City of Newport Beach, the Planning Commission has held
public hearing's to consider the adoption of the Conservation
of Natural Resources Element of the Newport Beach General Plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Planning
Commission does hereby adopt and recommend to the City Council
the Conservation of Natural Resources Element of the Newport
Beach General Plan described above, a copy of which is on file
in the Newport Beach Community Development Department.
Regularly passed and adopted by the Planning Commission
of the City of Newport Beach held on the 29th day of November, 1973.
AYES: Agee, Beckley, Hazewinkel,
Heather, Parker, Rosener, Seely
NOES: No
ABSENT:None
Chairman W lliam AVee
Secretary uuseph KQ!5enelof'.
TABLE Of CONTENTS
-- Pa e
INTRODUCTION ---------------------------------------
PURPOSE AND SCOPE ---------------- ------------
SECTION 1 - BAY AND OCEAN WATER QUALITY
Introduction------------------------------------- 4
Pollutants, Sources, and Effects----------------- 6
Agencies Involved in Water Quality Control------- 8
Current Water Quality Programs and Regulations--- 11
Bay and Ocean Water Quality Proposals------------ 12
SECTION 2 - AIR QUALITY
Introduction------------------------------------- 18
Current Sources and Levels of Air Pollution in - 18
Orange County---------------------------------- 20
Air Pollution Levels in Newport Beach -----------
Current Air Pollution Programs and Regulations 25
Air Quality Proposals-----------------
SECTION 3 - BEACH EROSION
Introduction------------------------------------- 28
Background--------------------------------------- 28
Proposals---------------------------------------- 30
SECTION 4 - MINERAL RESOURCES
Introduction------------------------------------- 32
Current Regulations------------------------------ 32
Proposals---------------------------------------- 33
SECTION 5 - ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND PALEONTOLOGICAL
RESOURCES
Introduction------------------------------------- 34
Known Archaeological and Paleontological Sites- 34
35
Proposals---------------------------------------
SECTION 6 - ENERGY CONSERVATION•
Introduction------------------------------------- 37
Proposals---------------------------------------- 37
INTRODUCTION
The natural resources of Newport Beach include such a
scope and variety that they alone account for much of the unique-
ness and desirability of the community.
Ocean breezes nudge the shore. Waves touch the beaches in
ever -changing strengths and patterns. Thousands of birds,
compelled only by the seasons, soar above the striated bluffs
and touch to feed in the bay and make it home.
Mastadon, sabre -tooth tiger, camel and bison once roamed
the hills. Man, before the time of Christ, lived on the bluffs
of this land. The story of time -forgotten man and beast is
laid down within the earth.
Man remains today. He lives in Newport Beach, dependent
upon the accoutrements of modern civilization, yet showered
with a myriad of nature's gifts. Without the ocean breezes
which blow away oppressive collections of smog and which cool
the deepest summer heat; without the water which supports an
astounding and mystifying circle of life and which provides
man with many varied and delightful activities; without the
grasslands and scrub which feed and hide wildlife communities
and reach their roots into the soil; and, without the treasure
trove of archaeological and paleontological sites which challenge
the seeker to probe the puzzles of eons past; the City of
Newport Beach would not be counted as "unique" in the Southern
California Community. The citizens of Newport Beach are truly
blessed by the physical environment, and that blessing itself
weighs as a terrible responsibility. This City carries the
obligation to protect the fragile treasures of life bestowed
upon it.
PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The Conservation of Natural Resources Element includes:
1. a discussion of the existing natural resources in
the City of Newport Beach and their current
conditions;
2. the agencies involved in, and current programs for,
the conservation of these resources, and
3. the actions which will be taken by the City of
Newport Beach, or which the City will encourage
other agencies to take, which will assure
conservation of these natural resources.
It is intended that this Element satisfy the State requirement
that local General Plans contain a "Conservation Element".
Section 65302 of the Government Code states, in part, that the
General Plan shall include:
"A conservation element for the conservation, development,
and utilization of natural resources, including water and
its hydraulic force, forests, soils, rivers and other
waters, harbors, fisheries, wildlife, minerals, and other
natural resources."
The major natural resources in the City of Newport Beach
include the bay and ocean waters, the beaches and the air. Oil
deposits constitute the only significant natural mineral resource.
There are known sites containing archaeological and paleontological
resources of great significance in the City.
There are several natural land and wildlife areas in the
City which should be considered natural resources. These natural
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land and wildlife areas are proposed in the Recreation and
Open Space Element to be retained as flora and fauna reserves.
The Conservation of Natural Resources Element is divided
into six sections:
1. Bay and Ocean Water Quality
2. Air Quality
3. Beach Erosion Control
4. Mineral Resources
5. Archaeological and Paleontological Resources
6. Energy Conservation
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_3
SECTION 1 - BAY AND OCEAN WATER QUALITY
Introduction
This section of the Conservation of Natural Resources
Element deals with the control of bay and ocean water quality.
The bay and ocean waters are the most significant natural
resources within Newport Beach, having major geological,
recreational, and economic importance to the City and the
region. Control of pollution of these waters is imperative to
the future quality of the Newport Beach living environment.
Furthermore, control of pollution of these waters is necessary
to the health and welfare of the many migratory birds who
utilize our bay and beach areas and to the marine life which is
nurtured here. The importance of Newport Bay in the Pacific
Flyway as the major resting ground between Morro Bay and Mexico
extends concern far beyond the City or even the region.
A City Council policy statement on Bay Water Quality Control,
adopted December 21, 1970, and reaffirmed February 14, 19721 states:
"The City Council is unalterably opposed to the
discharge of any raw sewage, sewage effluent,
litter, debris or other wastes into Newport
Bay that in any possible way could cause pollution
and contamination of the waters of Newport Bay.
The Council further urges the County of Orange and
any other public and private agencies to take
all practical steps to reduce or eliminate sediment
flows into Upper Newport Bay during rainy seasons."
-4-
Definition of Water Pollution
It is difficult to precisely define the term, "water pollution".
Even without the influence of man, waters in their natural
state will vary in their relative purity from area to area and
place to place as a result of natural phenomena. The State
Porter -Cologne Water Quality Control Act defines water pollution
as follows:
"'Pollution' means an alteration of the quality
of the waters of the State by waste to a degree
which unreasonably affects: (1) such waters
for beneficial uses, or (2) facilities which serve
such beneficial uses."
The term, "beneficial use", is a legal term referring to
those uses of the waters established by the Regional Water Quality
Control Boards. The Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control
Board's "Water Quality Control Policy for Coastal Bays, Marinas
and Sloughs" established the following "beneficial uses" for
Newport Bay: 1) water contact sports, 2) fishing, 3) propagation
and sustenance of aquatic life, 4) boating, 5) aesthetic enjoyment,
and 6) shellfish harvesting. Pollution, as defined by the
Regional Water Quality Control Board, occurs when any change
in the water adversely affects any of these uses in an unreasonable
manner.
It is apparent that, from time to time, bay and ocean water
conditions have changed in a manner to adversely affect one
or more of these "beneficial uses", either due to natural or
man-made causes. Whether or not these adverse effects were
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"unreasonable" is a question subject to legal interpretation.
However, swimming at public beaches has had to be prohibited
due to polluted 'water (generally as the result of a sewerage
spill), and at times floating debris obviously has interfered
With aesthetic enjoyment. Not so apparent are the adverse
effects of changes in the bay and ocean waters on fishing,
Propagation and sustenance of aquatic life, and shellfish
harvesting. While there is considerable disagreement among
scientific authorities about the source and effects of pollution
and the relative quality of the bay and ocean waters today,
there is general agreement that, in terms of the above "beneficial
uses", water quality in some areas of Newport Bay has degraded
in recent years.
Pollutants, Sources, and Effects
The following chart illustrates the apparent pollutants
which have from time to time, entered the bay (and ocean)
waters, their sources, and their apparent effects:
POLLUTANT
BASIC SOURCE
CONTRIBUTORS
ADVERSE EFFECTS
Coliforms
(bacteriological)
Sewage, human
and animal
Surface runoff,
boaters,
Human health,
wastes, soil
swimmers,
animals, and
indicates
possible
and vege-
birds
presence
of pathogens
tation
Nutrients
Fertilizer,
Surface runoff
Health of water --
garbage,
from homes, farms,
excessive nutri-
sewage
and boaters
ent leads to
excessive algal
growth in turn
leading to other
problems
Pesticides
Garden and
farm
Surface runoff from
Health of water,
sprays
homes and farms
marine life and
wildlife
POLLUTANT BASIC SOURCE CONTRIBUTORS ADVERSE EFFECTS
etergents Car washing, Surface runoff Health of water,
sewerage from homes, aesthetics,
sewerage excessive algal
growth
Oils and Fuels Boats, cars Surface runoff Aesthetics and
from streets, damage to
direct from marine life
boat spills,
running of boat
engines
Debris/Trash People Surface runoff Aesthetics
from uplands.
People using
waters and
beaches, ad-
jacent homes and
businesses
Sediment Soils Surface runoff Health of water,
from natural marine life
erosion and
poor construction
practices
-ace Metals Paints, motor Street runoff, Health of water,
vehicle fuels boat hull marine life,
and emissions scraping and wildlife
Obviously, some of the pollutants contribute more than others to
the deterioration of bay and ocean water quality. Currently there
is no definitive and comprehensive information on the total structure
of the pollution problem in both qualitative and quantitative terms.
Until such a study is conducted, it is very difficult to approach the
complex problem of water pollution control in a comprehensive manner.
A recent study of the bay and ocean areas was conducted by Dr. Peter
S. Dixon, under contract with the City of Newport Beach, as a portion
of the report, "Ecological Survey of Aquatic and Terrestrial
Resources," Dr. Peter S. Dixon and Gordon A. Marsh, July, 1973. This
tudy identifies the locations and apparent sources of water pollution
as observed in the field survey, and discusses the probable ramifications
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of this pollution. Several areas of concern were noted, including:
.) the quantity of suspended solids (silt) entering the bay from
the San Diego Creek, the Santa Ana -Delhi Ditch, and local runoff;
2) the quantity of nutrients entering the bay from the same sources
as above, from boats, and from birds and animals; 3) the quantity of
petroleum products from street runoff and boats; 4) herbicides and
pesticides from farms and homes; 5) heavy metals from both bottom
paint and boat maintenance operations; 6) floating trash conveyed in
flood control channels and storm drains, vegetative material from the
Upper Bay, local runoff, and users of the bay and ocean waters and
beaches; 7) low dissolved -oxygen concentrations in areas of the
bay with poor flushing characteristics, as a result of excess nutrients
and bacterial breakdown of plant or animal debris, and films of petroleum
products on the surface of the water; and 8) bacteriological concen-
i ^ations which may be hazardous to human health. (Refer to this
report for a detailed discussion of these items.)
As can be seen from the above discussion, water pollution can result
from both natural phenomena and the actions of man; however, it is
apparent that man is the major source of water pollutants entering the
waters of Newport Bay and the ocean. These "actions of man" sources
can be divided into two categories: 1) private sector actions (by
individuals and corporations), and 2) public sector actions (by govern-
mental agencies). Often these two categories of actions may jointly
contribute to water pollution, as in the case of governmental agencies
approving private developments which result in, for example, increased
siltation being washed from the watershed into the Bay.
Tencies Involved in Water Quality Control
There are several governmental agencies involved in the control of
bay and ocean water quality, including the City of Newport Beach.
The City has a role to play in both categories of water quality
control; i.e., in terms of private sector actions, the City has the
responsibility to regulate individual or corporate actions within
the City which may adversely affect water quality; in terms
of the public sector, the City has the responsibility for assuring
that its public actions, such as public works projects, are
sensitive to the quality of the bay and ocean waters.
In addition to these direct roles, the City of Newport Beach
may play an indirect role in influencing the public works projects
and regulatory actions of other governmental agencies involved
in water quality control within Newport Beach and the entire
watershed area which drains into Newport Bay and the Pacific
Ocean.
Several agencies, in addition to the City of Newport Beach,
are involved in the control of water quality within the Newport
Beach city limits. These agencies represent county, state, and y
federal levels of government.
MT
The following chart illustrates the primary agencies involved in
ater quality control and their functions:
AGENCY FUNCTIONS RELATED TO WATER POLLUTION CONTROL
City of Newport Beach Development and enforcement of water pollution
control regulations which apply to uses
adjacent to the shoreline; development
plan and environmental impact report
review; litter removal from adjacent land
areas; installation and maintenance of
storm drains; ordinances prohibiting
littering, dumping, or draining of materials
which may find their way into the bay.
and their enforcement; and dredging (to a
limited extent).
Orange County Harbors, Development and enforcement of boat discharge
Beaches, and Parks and littering regulations, dredging of
District major channels (in conjunction with the
Corps of Engineers), and litter and debris
removal from harbor waters and county
tidelands.
^range County Health Water quality monitoring of the Bay,
1 apartment special studies of tributaries, trace
metal studies of the sediments, shellfish
monitoring, review and evaluation of
development plans, recommendations for
water quality standards and objectives,
enforcement of ocean water contact sports
standards.
Orange County Flood Control of flood waters and resulting
Control District siltation and debris entering the bay and
ocean, monitors stream flows, enforcement
of the County's industrial waste disposal
ordinance (covering unincorporated areas
of the watershed).
California Regional Administration of water quality control
Water Quality Control regulations (particularly waste discharges),
Board, Santa Ana Region development of regional water quality
control plans, review of private development
plans.
U. S. Army Corps of Permit authority over dredging and other
Engineers construction in navigable waters of the
United States (extending to the line on
shore reached by the mean of the higher
high waters); construction of flood
control and beach erosion control projects
authorized by the Congress.
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AGENCY FUNCTIONS RELATED TO WATER POLLUTION CONTROL
anta Ana Regional Joint powers agency (among four water
.,atershed Planning districts in the watershed) for watershed
Agency planning. Doing study of watershed,
including Upper Bay, under contract with
Environmental Protection Agency and State
Water Resources Control Board. To result
in recommendations for water conservation
and pollution control.
In addition to these primary agencies, it must be recognized
that all of the general purpose governmental agencies (the cities
and Orange County) and many of the special district agencies within
the watershed have an indirect effect on the bay and ocean water
quality.
Current Water Quality Programs and Regulations
Following are the major water quality control programs involving
the City of Newport Beach directly:
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY MONITORING PLAN FOR NEWPORT BAY - A
plan for monitoring the water quality of the bay has been
developed by a joint project team of the County Health
Department; Flood Control District; Harbors, Beaches, and Parks
Districts; and the City of Newport Beach. Approval of this plan
by the Orange County Board of Supervisors and initiation of
the monitoring program is anticipated in the near future. While
there have been numerous studies of Newport Bay by various
governmental and private agencies, this project will provide
the first on -going, comprehensive monitoring study and will
provide data which was hertofore unavailable, including:
1) quality of flows from tributaries on a monthly basis, 2)
quality of bay waters on a quarterly basis, 3) benthic conditions
(biota, chemistry, sediments), 4) hydraulics of the bay (currents,
tidal range, and diffusion), and 5) waste discharges from boat
yards.
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2. WASTE DISCHARGE, HOLDING TANK, AND LITTERING ORDINANCES - Both
the City and County have adopted ordinances which: 1) prohibit
discharge of wastes into the water, 2) require holding tanks
for all toilets on boats, 3) require pump -out facilities at marinas,
4) prohibit littering the waters or shoreline, and 5) require
owners of marinas and piers to keep the area reasonably clear
of debris.
3. CONTROL OF EROSION AND SILTATION - The Uniform Building Code as
adopted by the City of Newport Beach includes provisions covering
erosion control and the denuding of natural ground covers (which
could result in sediments being washed into the bay).
Day and Ocean Water Quality Proposals
A proposal for the restoration of Upper Newport Bay was recently
.eveloped by the "Friends of Newport Bay" citizens' group. This
proposal involves th-e removal of excess silt which would enlarge
the Upper Bay water area and increase the volume of water exchanged
by tidal action, resulting in a major benefit to water quality
and wildlife productivity. The removed silt would be used as fill
material for the Corona del Mar Freeway, resulting in a major
cost savings. The proposal has been enthusiastically endorsed by
the Citizens' Environmental Quality Control Advisory Committee. As
stated in the report prepared by this Committee,
"At present Upper Newport Bay is heavily silted. It is
by a gradual, but accelerating process, filling up.
Restoration is ultimately required to preserve the bay,
but this can be very costly. The proposal . . . can
be achieved at a minimum cost and it is, in concept,
versatile and non-destructive. An arrangement of mutual
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benefit is proposed: Fill is needed for the construction
of the freeway interchange at Palisades and MacArthur,
which is now in the initial planning stages. The Highway
Department carefully removes excessive silts and uses
them for fill. We accomplish in turn an economical
means to restore bay quality. In order not to create
unworkable changes, the plan is in essence a return of
the bay to the contours and channels which were present
many years ago. The changes are proposed to occur over
many years in line with anticipated needs of the Highway
Department. This type of program is ideal from the
environmental and community point of view since it allows
us to proceed little by little, learning as we go.
No changes are proposed which are irreversible."
n September 10, 1973, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 8098
which states:
"WHEREAS, the Upper Bay presently is heavily silted and
its future viability in jeopardy because of present and
projected silt levels; and
"WHEREAS, the State Department of Transportation requires
fi•11 which can be obtained from bay silt as part of a
revitalizing program for the Upper Bay at potentially
minimal cost to the County or City; and
"WHEREAS, a program designed to restructure the original
contours and channels can be conceptualized which will
protect and in fact improve the present life support
system and water quality;
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"NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council
of the City of Newport Beach support the concept of the
restoration of Upper Newport Bay to its former viability
that existed prior to the salt works, and will endeavor
to cooperate with the County in removal of silts from
certain areas of the Upper Bay in conjunction with the
construction of the Corona del Mar freeway by the State
Department of Transportation."
In view of the disagreement among authorities on pollution sources,
levels, and solutions, and in view of the technical studies
currently underway, it would be presumptuous and premature to
propose more specific technical solutions or additional physical
improvements within the context of this General Plan. However, there
are several general governmental actions which will be undertaken
a order to maintain and improve bay and ocean water quality:
1. In view of the regional nature of the bay water quality
problem, the City will actively support the development
of a coordinated, watershed -wide program (including legal
regulations) for control of waste and sediment discharge
and to intercept, to the extent possible, wastes and sedi-
ments upstream from the Upper Bay.
2. The City will encourage a scientific study (perhaps by
U.C.I. as an educational study) which would identify the
relative importance, on both a qualitative and quantitative
basis, of each type of pollutant so that concerted effort
can be made to control the most detrimental pollutants
and their sources.
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t
3. An in-depth study of all local drainage into the bay
and ocean will be conducted identifying sources and
contents with the participation of the Citizens'
Environmental Quality Control Advisory Committee, and
all current waste and sediment discharge regulations and
enforcement programs will be closely examined. This
study will be coordinated with the Health Department's
water quality monitoring program. Where necessary, the
stringency of the regulations and enforcement program will
be increased.
4. A new grading ordinance, including more stringent erosion
control and sediment discharge provisions reflecting
current administrative practices, will be developed and
adopted in the near future.
5. To prevent any further deterioration, such as pointed
out in the "Ecological Survey" report, Environmental
Impact Reports will be required for any project which
may have an adverse effect on water qua'lity, and
appropriate mitigation measures will be required.
6. As more technical data is gathered by the water quality
monitoring program being conducted by the Health
Department, physical proposals will be developed for
improvement of bay water quality (possibly including
such projects as: improving bay hydraulics, treatment
of inflows, and diversion of inflows).
7. The City will support the development of a model
(physical, mathematical, or possibly both) of the Bay
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and coastline which will provide additional insights as
to the nature and extent of the water quality problem
and will enable prediction of the effects of any single
change on the entire system.
g. All street drainage systems and other physical improvements
created by the City will be designed, constructed, and
maintained in such a manner as to minimize adverse
impacts on water quality. The possibility of diverting
or treating street drainage will be investigated.
9, The City will support improvements in sewage treatment
and the concept of reuse and recycling of sewage waters.
10. The City will continue to oppose oil drilling in the
off -shore area, as discussed in Section 4 of this Element.
11. The City will encourage environmental awareness in the
community through the school district, library department
and contact with various civic and homeowners' associations.
12. The City will encourage continued participation of the
Chamber of Commerce in cooperative programs among marine
businesses for upgrading water quality, and assistance
in terms of surveys, studies, and proposals related to
water quality control.
13. The City will support regulations limiting or banning
the use of insecticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals
which are shown to be detrimental to water quality.
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14. It shall be the policy of Newport Beach to take the lead
in promoting the above -mentioned proposals to correct
past deficiencies as well as to control future develop-
ments. Newport Beach will strengthen its own ordinances
where necessary and will seek strict enforcement of such
ordinances by provision of adequate staff and other neces-
sary tools. furthermore, all efforts will be made to
initiate the action required by other governmental agencies.
15. The City will pursue the adoption of a joint powers
agreement with Orange County which will delineate and
clarify City and County responsibilities for the adminis-
tration, management, and maintenance of the bay.
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SECTION 2 - AIR QUALITY
Introduction
This Section of the Conservation of Natural Resources
Element deals with the maintenance of air quality.
Air pollution is obviously a regional problem which has
no respect for political divisions. While there are certain
actions which can be taken locally, positive control of air
pollution requires a coordinated program including Federal
agencies, the State Government, and all general purpose
governments and many of the special purpose districts in the
air basin.
Current Sources and Levels of Air Pollution in Orange County
The following chart indicates the 1972 emissions and
percentage contributions from all air pollution sources for
all of Orange County, This chart clearly illustrates that
motor vehicles are the major source of air pollution in Orange
County.
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EMISSIONS
Statio
Source
i
PERCENTAGE CONTRIBUTIONS FROM ALL SOURCES
1972
TOTAL TONNAGE OF ALL CONTAMINANTS
HYDROCARBONS
477 TONS PER DAY
Stationary
Sources
10%✓ l
Aircraft
1.0% otor Vehicles
89%
PARTICULATES
18 TONS PER DAY
Motor Vehicles
Stationary /60%
Sources 32% ,
Aircraft 8%
SOURCE
CARBON MONOXIDE
3914 TONS PER DAY
-aft
.4%
tionary
rces
0.1%
OXIDES OF NITROGEN
295 TONS PER DAY
Stationary 'I Sources 83
ircraft
0.3%
Motor
Vehicles 91
OXIDES OF SULFUR
30 TONS PER DAY
!r`Stationary
Motor Sources 710m
Vehicles
28%
Aircraft
Orange County ,Air Pollution Control 1%
District -19-
Air Pollution Levels in Newport Beach
GENERAL AIR QUALITY
Due to the City's fortuitous location, Newport Beach
suffers much less than the inland cities from.air pollution.
While no data are available on local Newport Beach levels of
pollutants, the following chart does include readings taking
in the City of Costa Mesa compared to other cities and the
county as a whole (Newport Beach air pollutant readings
should be as low as, or lower than, Costa Mesa readings):
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POLLUTANT
Oxidant
including
Ozone
Nitrogen
Dioxide
(NO2)
Carbon
Monoxide
(CO)
,j
Sulfur
Dioxide
(S02)
Lead
(Pb)
AIR QUALITY 1972
DAYS CALIFORNIA STA RD EXCEEDED, 1972
CALIFORNIA
AIR QUALITY COSTA LOS COUNTY*
STANDARD ANAHEIM MESA LA HABRA ALAMITOS WIDE
0.10ppm for 61 29 115 25 126
1 hr.
0.25ppm for 6 4 7 5
1 hr.
lOppm avg. 17•
12
49
14
for 12 hrs.
40ppm for 0
0
0
0
1 hr.
0.04 ppm 0
0
2
6
avg. - 24 hrs.
0.50ppm for 0
0
0
0
1 hr.
1.5 ug/m3 12
5
12
9
30 day avg. months
months
months
months
Suspended 60 ug/m3 105 67 120 85
Particles annual geo- u /m3 3 3 3
9 metric mean ug/m ug/m ug/m
(AGM)
This is number of days standard exceeded at one or more
stations in Orange County.
Highest reading averaged over period prescribed by
air quality standard.
SOURCE: Orange County Air Pollution Control District
14
REASONS FOR AIR QUALITY MAXIMUM-'
STANDARD READING
Prevention of eye irri- 0.40ppm
tation and possible
impairment of lung
function in persons with
chronic pulmonary
disease.
Possible health effects 0.43ppm
should occur at slightly
higher dosage. Pro-
duces atmospheric dis-
coloration.
62
Prevention of interfer-
ence with oxygen trans-
0 port by blood.
Prevention of increase
8 in chronic respiratory
disease on long-term
exposure
0
23ppm
34ppm
0.065ppml
12
Higher levels have shown
months
progressive increase in
6.0
storage of lead in body.
ug/m3
Avg.
AGM
94ug/m3
Long continued exposure
120
may be associated with
ug/m3
chronic respiratory
disease. Exposure to a
352
combination of suspended
ug/m3
particles and sulfur di-
oxide may produce acute
illness. „
AIRCRAFT POLLUTANT EMISSION
Aircraft operations at Orange County Airport contribute air pollu-
tants locally. The "Orange County Airport Impact Study" prepared
by the consulting firm of Wilsey and Ham in 19729 under contract _
with the City, estimates that aircraft operations at Orange County
Airport contribute over 15 tons of air pollutants per day. The
consultant's report states:
"Recognizing that this total amount of pollutants is a
very small portion of the total air pollution from
all sources, it still represents a serious impact
to the citizens of Newport Beach. The fall -out
pattern of these pollutants includes much of the
City. Most of the particulate matter is emitted
during takeoffs directly over the City in a relatively
narrow path less than one -quarter mile wide. Land
uses and features in this "fall -out area" consist
chiefly of residences, schools, and Upper Newport
Bay. The accumulative impact of particulate fall -out
on residential neighborhoods is at best a dirty
nuisance and at worst a potentially serious health
hazard.
"However, there is another important air pollution
receiver --the Bay. Upper Newport Bay is one of the
last remaining natural estuaries in Southern California....
"Major increases in the number of jet aircraft o:,er
the Upper Newport Bay could impair the viability of
the natural ecological balance for various forms of
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n
wildlife and marine life.
"The effects of this accumulated pollution are.difficult
to evaluate scientifically. Certain observations have
been made as a result of recent studies:
'The particulates associated with jet- -
engine exhaust... tend to fall out more - -
rapidly and therefore contribute more to local soiling problems than to
area -wide visibility reduction.
'Sulfur oxides are the product of the
combustion of fuel in jet engines as
well as automobiles. Characteristically,
the gas tends to stay close to where
it is emitted on days of low ventilation,
so accumulations in the vicinity of
airports are to be expected.
'Finally, nitrogen oxides are formed
by the oxidation of air, which is about
80% nitrogen, being introduced to
promote combustion, when the combustion
is at relatively high temperatures.
High temperature combustion is a
technique used to reduce levels of
unburned hydrocarbons and particulates.
This practice has the unfortunate
side effect of increasing the amount
of nitrogen oxides generated. The
gas is a factor in the production of
photo -chemical smog, reduces visibility
when it is converted to nitrogen
dioxide because of its brownish color,
and at high concentrations produces
adverse physiological reactions.'
"Air pollution toxicity is extremely important, however,
due to possible long-range effects. A case in point is
the ten -fold increase in emphysema in California in
the past 15 years. Many medical scientists suspect
that increasing air pollution of the last 20 to 30
years in California has been a major factor in this
increase.
"Recent technological innovations, such as the 'burner
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I
i
can' installations, show major reductions in emission
of noxious visible pollutants. As much as 95%
reduction is claimed for some installations. However,
such mechanisms have an unknown effbct upon harmful
nonvisible pollutants such as carbon monoxide. Real
relief is still only a future possibility at this.
point.
"Under these circumstances, we conclude that for the
foreseeable future, the City must recognize a probable
continuance of air pollution levels .... near current
output levels. The acceptability of such pollution
caused by aircra-ft is an important factor in developing
operational constraints for Orange County Airport."
NOXIOUS ODORS
An odor problem resulting from noxious gas seeps exists in
the Balboa Coves area of West Newport. According to the "Balboa
Coves Noxious Gas Project - Phase 3 Report" prepared by
George P. Zebal and Associates, under contract with the City, the
noxious gas seeps are of petroleum origin, resulting from chemical
action in the oil-bearing marine sediments.
A gas scavenging and burn -off system was recently installed
by the City in the Balboa Coves area, as proposed in the "Phase
3 Report."
An additional odor problem occasionally develops in the
Newport Shores area of West Newport. According to the Orange
County Air Pollution Control District, the major source of this
odor problem appears to be associated with the oil production
installations in the unincorporated area north and east of
Newport Shores.
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,
Current Air Pollution Programs and Regulations
STATIONARY SOURCES
The Orange County Air Pollution Control District enforces
State and County regulations applying to stationary sources of
air pollutants. Fundamental to the District's control program
is the engineering permit system. Anyone wishing to build or
install equipment which may cause air pollution, or which is
intended to control it, must first submit plans and specifi-
cations to the District for approval. If the Engineering
Division is satisfied after a thorough evaluation of the plans
that the proposed equipment will comply with the District's'require-
ments an Authority to Construct is issued. After construction
is completed, the installation is observed in operation and
tested to determine compliance with the District's standards.
Only when full compliance has been tested is a final Permit to
Operate granted with specific conditions to insure its continued
proper operation. A constant surveillance is made of all permit
holders and installations are visited periodically for inspections.
The District secures compliance by detecting, investigating, and
prosecuting violators of air pollution control laws. Three
permanent air monitoring stations and one mobile station are
maintained by the District.
MOBILE SOURCES
The control of motor vehicle emissions is the responsibility of
the State and Federal Governments, and the reduction of emissions
from this source will depend upon the effectiveness of the
programs of the California Air Resources Board and the Federal
Environmental Protection Agency.
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Air Quality Proposals
Recognizing that air pollution is a regional problem but
that the solution to this problem will require the support and
cooperation of all of the local governments, the Newport
Beach City Council adopted Resolution No. 7770 on July 249 19720
which states:
"WHEREAS, the likelihood of serious mortality from
air pollution in California in the near future has
become increasingly clear through newspaper reports
and scientific studies; and
"WHEREAS, although the degree of air pollution varies
in intensity from district to district, there can be
no doubt that even those cities relatively free from
air pollution at this time will most surely be seri-
ously affected as the pollution spreads; and
"WHEREAS, the pattern of steady increase in air pollu-
tion from the 1940's to the present and the varying,
sometimes ineffective, controls thus far implemented,
point up the urgent need for immediate, strict and
uniform air pollution control throughout the state,
with the basic enforcement being the task of local
and regional agencies; and
"WHEREAS, the City of Newport Beach recognizes that
the regional approach is the only way to meet the
problem of imposing statewide air quality standards,
and that cities should play their full role in de-
veloping effective machinery in order that state
and/or federal governments will not be forced to
intervene;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of
Newport Beach hereby declares its intention to play
its full role in policy formulation and planning
with respect to strict control of air pollution,
through close cooperation with the Orange County
Board of Supervisors, and through participation in
and maintenance of an efficient and effective County
air pollution control district."
In addition the City will:
1. Pay particular attention to.possible stationary sources
of air pollution in the review of all Environmental
Impact Reports.
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2. Continue attempts to assure limitation of Orange
County Airport operations.
3. Encourage development and use of emission reduction
equipment for aircraft and automobile engines.
4. Pursue the development of alternative means of
transportation which would reduce use of the
automobile within the City.
5. Continue to oppose freeways which would bisect the
community and which would bring increased through
traffic with its attendant increase in air pollution
emissions.
6. Continue to monitor the noxious gas odor problem in
West Newport and periodically check on the effectiveness
of the gas scavenging and burn -off system; additional
corrective measures, if necessary, will be undertaken
within economic and physical constaints.
7. Attempt to assure elimination of the oil production -
associated odors in the Newport Shores area through
cooperation with the Orange County Air Pollution
Control District.
8. Re-evaluate City policies to include the purchase
.1•, of lower weight or horsepower or lower emission
vehicles whener feasible.
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SECTION 3 - BEACH EROSION
Introduction
Broad, sandy beaches form a major part of the Newport Beach
image and are among the City's most valuable natural resources.
The conservation of these beaches requires more than merely
keeping them free of development; a major section of the ocean
beach in West Newport (westerly of the Newport Pier) periodically
experiences considerable erosion, which, if allowed to continue
unchecked, would result in a total loss of this section of
sandy beach and destruction of many beach -front homes.
Background
In 1934, a major storm hit Newport Beach. The storm raised
one home off its foundation and felled a total of four homes;
one of them dashed on the beach a half mile away. Twenty feet
of beach were carved away in one day, with the waves undermining
railroad tracks all along the peninsula. In 1939, 15-foot to
25-foot waves destroyed Balboa and Newport Piers, depositing
their remains on Seal Beach. Since that time Newport Beach
experienced more ocean storms and was plagued with the serious
and costly problem of beach erosion.
Detritus, which is carried by streams in flood flow,
constitutes the main source of supply of sands to the ocean
beach. Newport Beach's principal source of sand supply is the
Santa Ana River (in fact, West Newport and the Balboa
Peninsula are a "sand spit" created by the Santa Ana River
before its mouth was relocated. The natural supply of sand
to the ocean beach has practically been eliminated as the
result of extensive impervious areas resulting from urbanization;
the construction of flood control dams, channels and storm drains;
the construction of water storage reservoirs; and programs of
soil conservation.
By 1958 it appeared as though natural processes of
erosion had been halted. New erosion problems arose in 1965, M
although this time it was due to the unfortunate addition of
tropical storm currents to the combination of normal littoral
drift, California currents, and inshore currents. The heavy
surf and the combination of these four currents scoured the
sand from the beach and moved it upcoast. The U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers began a multiple -stage project for
restoration and protection of the shoreline in 1967.
In February 1968, the placement of 494,000 cubic yards of
sand on the beach between 32nd and 50th Streets at Newport
Beach and the construction of an experimental 258-foot steel
sheet -pile groin at 40th Street were completed. In November 1968,
240,000 cubic yards of sand were added in the upcoast area,
and the construction of a 190-foot steel sheet -pile groin at
44th Street and a 60-foot steel sheet -pile groin at 48th
Street were completed.
The construction of four rubblemound groins and the place-
ment of 750,000 cubic yards of sand on the Newport Beach area
was started in 1969. The groin work, completed in November 1969,
comprised rebuilding the steel sheet -pile groin at 48th Street
with rubblemound construction to a length of 340 feet, and
constructing groins at 36th, 52nd and 56th Streets with lengths
of 490, 340, and 570 feet, respectively. Sand fill was
obtained from the Santa Ana River Channel as part of a flood
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control channel restoration project.
In 1972, as the most recent stage of the project, stone
groins were constructed at 28th and 30th Streets to lengths of
600 and 540 feet, respectively. The steel sheet -pile groins
at 40th and 44th Streets were rehabilitated with rubblemound
construction and Were extended to lengths of 480 and 470 feet, -
respectively. A total of 321,000 cubic yards of sand was
imported from borrow sites located on the Balboa Peninsula
and near the mouth of the Santa Ana River. In addition,
37,000 cubic yards of silty material from the earlier river
channel restoration project were removed from the beach surface
and replaced with clean beach sand.
The Corps of Engineers has plans to construct a rubblemound
groin at 62nd Street and to extend the downcoast jetty of the
Santa Ana River in the event a need for these structures is
demonstrated by a continued surveillance of beach conditions.
Groin construction would be supplemented with imported sandfill
as required.
Proposals
The Corps of Engineers groin construction project in
West Newport is part of a larger shoreline protection program
for about 15 miles of beach frontage extending from the U.S.
Naval Weapons Station north of Surfside-Sunset Beach to the
Newport Harbor entrance. Because of the complexity of the
shore processes in this area, it is impossible to predict the
long-range consequences of the Corps' shoreline protection
project without the use of "modeling" techniques.
The City of Newport Beach will continue to monitor the
effects of the groin construction project, with the cooperation
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of the Corps of Engineers and County and State agencies. If
it becomes apparent that major adverse effects are resulting
from the groins, the City will endeavor to have modifications
accomplished as may be necessary to mitigate the adverse
effects.
The City of Newport Beach will also support the'
development of a model of the Orange County shoreline so that
all alternative shoreline protection strategies can be
adequately tested for their long-range effects, and so that
the optimum shoreline protection system can be identified and
developed.
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SECTION 4 - MINERAL RESOURCES
Introduction
Oil deposits constitute the only significant extractable
mineral resource in the Newport Beach planning area. Currently,
oil companies are operating oil extraction wells in the West
Newport area, for the most part in the unincorporated "County
Island" north of the Newport Shores neighborhood.
Current Regulations
Both the City and the State have regulations affecting
oil extraction in the Newport Beach planning area.
The original Charter for the City of Newport Beach,
adopted in 19559 specifically prohibited additional drilling
for oil within the City limits, except for "slant drilling"
in a limited area of West Newport which was initiated under
a lease with the City negotiated in 1943.
Section 20.52.010 of the Newport Beach Municipal Code also
prohibits the extraction of oil in all areas of the City except
the section in West Newport where slant drilling (with drilling
and pumping sites outside the city limits) is permitted under
the 1943 lease. Section 20.52.020 of the Municipal Code
requires a vote of the citizens prior to any expansion of the
area where slant drilling is permitted.
In order to protect the coastline from adverse aesthetic
effects, and the potential adverse ecological effects of an
oil leak, the State Shell -Cunningham Act of 1955 (Section 6871.2
of the Public Resources Code) was enacted. This Act prohibits
oil extraction on all State tide and submerged lands from the
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northerly city limits of Newport Beach to the Mexican border.
There is one exception in this Act which would allow oil
exploration and drilling in the event that oil deposits
under State tide and submerged lands are being drained by
oil wells on adjacent lands, such as in the ocean area beyond
the city (3 mile) limit.
Although federal legislation which would prohibit oil
extraction in federal waters has been proposed, none of these
bills were passed by Congress. The City of Newport Beach has
actively supported such federal legislation.
Proposals
The City of Newport Beach will: 1) continue to prohibit
additional oil extraction activities within the City limits,
2) continue to support the Shell -Cunningham Act, and 3)
oppose oil extraction in the federal waters.
This position may be modified at some future date
should the need for oil become extremely critical, but only if
it can be proven that oil extraction can be accomplished with
no adverse aesthetic effects and no potential ecological
consequences from such occurrences as oil leaks, noxious odors,
and ground subsidence.
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SECTION 5 - ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Introduction
This section of the Conservation of Natural Resources
Element deals with the scientific resources which have been, and
which may be, discovered in the undeveloped portions of the
City.
Known Archaeological and Paleontological Sites
Even though the area has not been extensively studied,
well over thirty (30) archaeological sites have been discovered
and recorded in Newport Beach; most of these are adjacent to
and around the Upper Bay. These sites are on record with the
Archaeological Survey Office at UCLA.
The majority of the known archaeological sites have
already been destroyed by development; roads, housing, and
other building activities. There are, however, several important
sites which remain intact.
The importance of the archaeological values within the
City boundaries has been accentuated by recent discoveries
which indicate that this area may contain important prehistoric
remains. Prehistoric remains of man have been definitely dated
as far back as 8,000 to 10,000 years; there are indications that
man may have inhabited the area as far back as 20,000 years. A
discovery was announced just this summer which revealed that
the art of modelling, decorating, and firing clay objects
occurred in this area 6,000 to 8,000 years ago; this predates
any such discovery in both North and South America.
Archaeologists have, through excavation, established that
at least two and possibly three distinct cultural groups
inhabited the area. Late sites indicate that the City of Newport
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area was heavily populated at the time of Spanish contact.
Sites vary in size, content, and depth. Through proper
archaeological excavation, the historical and cultural
information offered by these remains is obtained.
The City also contains unique paleontological localities,
especially along .the bluffs of the east shore of the bay and
the adjoining foothills. One site, Fossil Canyon, was dis-
covered in the North Bluffs Area; the extent of this deposit
has yet to be determined. Known vertebrate deposits within
the City boundaries are considered to be among the most important
in the entire State.
Archaeological and paleontological resources are
irreplaceable and nonrenewable. Once a site is destroyed, it is
lost forever.
Proposals
In order to encourage the identification, preservation,
and cataloging of archaeological and paleontological sites, the
City of Newport Beach will:
1. Attempt to establish an on -going inventory of
all sites within the City boundaries which would
be utilized by the Community Development Department.
2. Request the property owners in each of the large
undeveloped sites to conduct scientific surveys of
the property prior to any development or earth -
moving activities.
3. Notify Archaeological Research, Inc. (ARI) and
appropriate academic institutions prior to any
large scale improvements on undeveloped publicly -
owned property to determine if any scientific
resources exist.
4. Explore the possibility of establishing a museum
for archaeological and paleontological objects found
in Newport Beach. This museum could be a part of
the "Nature Education Center" which may be
developed with the Upper Bay Flora and Fauna Reserve,
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or a part of the cultural center proposed in
Newport Center. The possibility of recreating
one of the early Indian places of habitation
should be considered.
6. Encourage the preservation of one or more
archaeological -paleontological sites to be
used as an educational resource and preserve.
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0
SECTION 6 - ENERGY CONSERVATION
Introduction
In order to reduce demand for energy, which will in turn
reduce the adverse effects of air and thermal pollution and
extend the life expectency of current reserves, the City of
Newport Beach will enact an energy policy.
Proposals
There are many areas in which the City will participate in
the conservation of energy, such as:
1. City will upgrade building codes to require high grade
insulation and weather sealing materials to cut both
heating and cooling costs for all new structures within
the jurisdiction of Newport Beach.
2. Set policies for all city buildings to conserve energy.
3. Encourage architectural standards which take advantage of
natural heat and light sources.
4. Encourage business, industry, and the residential community
to adopt and/or practice conservation techniques.
5. Study traffic patterns and speed limits based on consideration
of fuel conservation.
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