HomeMy WebLinkAbout01 - 4.0 - Environmental SettingSection 4.0
Environmental Impacts Introduction
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ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING, THRESHOLDS OF SIGNIFICANCE,
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS, MITIGATION PROGRAM AND LEVEL OF
SIGNIFICANCE AFTER MITIGATION
Sections 4.1 through 4.15 of this Environmental Impact Report (EIR) provide an impact analysis
for those environmental impact categories where it was determined that the proposed Project
could result in "potentially significant impacts ". Each topical EIR section includes the following
information: description of the existing environmental setting; identification of thresholds of
significance; analysis of potential Project effects; identification of a Mitigation Program as
needed to reduce the identified impacts; and identification of the level of significance of impacts
after mitigation, including any unavoidable significant adverse impacts. Section 5.0 provides an
analysis of cumulative impacts.
The impact analysis is formatted to analyze the potential impacts of the Project related to each
identified threshold of significance set forth in Sections 4.1 through 4.15.
The Mitigation Program identified to reduce potential Project impacts consists of Project Design
Features (PDFs), Standard Conditions and Requirements (SCs), and Mitigation Measures
(MMs). The components of the Mitigation Program are described below.
Project Design Features — PDFs are specific design elements proposed by the Project
Applicant that have been incorporated into the Project to prevent the occurrence of, or
reduce the significance of, potential environmental effects. Because PDFs have been
incorporated into the Project, they do not constitute mitigation measures as defined by
the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). However, PDFs are identified many
topical issues in the Mitigation Program, and are included in the Mitigation Monitoring
and Reporting Program (MMRP) to be developed for, and would be implemented as a
part of, the proposed Project. In the absence of the implementation of a PDF, a
significant impact could occur.
Standard Conditions and Requirements — Existing requirements and standard
conditions are based on local, State, or federal regulations or laws that are frequently
required independently of CEQA review and also serve to offset or prevent specific
impacts. Typical SCs include compliance with the provisions of the California Building
Code, South Coast Air Quality Management District rules, local agency requirements,
and other regulations and standards. The City of Newport Beach may impose additional
conditions including those that are standard to all projects, typical to a project of a
particular nature, or specific to the proposed Project during the approval process, as
appropriate.
Mitigation Measures — Where a potentially significant environmental effect has been
identified and is not reduced to a level considered less than significant through the
application of PDFs and SCs, Project- specific mitigation measures have been
recommended.
Modifications to the Mitigation Program may be made by the City subject to one of the following
findings, documented by evidence included in the administrative record:
a. The PDF, SC, or MM included in the Final EIR and MMRP is no longer required because
the significant environmental impact identified in the Final EIR has been found not to
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Section 4.0
Environmental Impacts Introduction
exist, or to occur at a level which makes the impact less than significant as a result of
changes in the Project, changes in conditions of the environment, or other factors; or
b. The modified or substitute PDF, SC, or MM to be included in the MMRP provides a level
of environmental protection equal to, or greater than that afforded by the PDF, SC, or
MM included in the Final EIR and the MMRP; and
c. The modified or substitute PDF, SC, or MM does not have significant adverse effects on
the environment in addition to, or greater than that which was considered by the
responsible hearing bodies in their decisions on the Final EIR and the proposed Project;
and
d. The modified or substitute PDF, SC, or MM is feasible, and the City, through measures
included in the MMRP or other City procedures, can ensure its implementation.
The City of Newport Beach Community Development Department, in conjunction with any
appropriate agencies or City departments, shall determine the adequacy of any proposed
.,environmental equivalent/timing" and, if determined necessary, may refer said determination to
the Planning Commission. Findings and related documentation supporting the findings involving
modifications to any PDF, SC, and /or MM shall be maintained in the Project file with the MMRP
and shall be made available to the public upon request.
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Draft Environmental Impact Report