Earth

The proposed project would require grading of approximately 58,080 cubic feet of dirt and 726,000 cubic feet of concrete. During grading activities, temporary noise and dust impacts would occur. Dust created by project grading, excavation and construction would create a short term impact on the regional air quality. Contractor dewatering and dust reduction measures required by SCAQMD would reduce dust emissions to a nonsignificant level.

Potential earth shaking and seismic impacts could be minimized by adherence to adopted State and City Seismic Safety Standards.

The groundwater table is located between 100 and 200 feet beneath the airport and therefore the potential for liquefaction, fissure and other ground conditions would be considered extremely low. There are no known geologic faults that lie beneath the airport.

None.

None.

Air Quality

Excavation and grading of approximately 58,080 cubic yards of dirt and 726,000 cubic yards of concrete, would result in dust emissions of approximately 13,310 pounds daily. With implementation of SCAQMD Rule 403, total dust emissions could be reduced by 50 percent. These emissions would still exceed SCAQMD threshold levels of 150 pounds for particulates. Industrial uses and residential uses located east of the airport could be affected by predominant wind direction from the project site prior to or during development.

Aircraft trips would generate 13,992 pounds of carbon monoxide, 4,545 pounds of nitrogen oxides and 8,855 pounds of hydrocarbons. These predicted amounts would not exceed SCAQMD criteria for significance.

Ground vehicle emissions would be significantly less than amounts recorded in 1993. The proposed project would not generate significantly greater air emissions than a no project scenario. Co concentrations for a no project would range from 4.3 to 5.2. Co concentrations for the proposed project would be 4.1 to 4.9. There would be no one hour or light hour exceedances.

Construction-Related Impacts

Suspend use of all construction equipment operations during second stage smog alerts.

Wherever possible, employ alternative power sources to diesel for construction equipment. These may include electricity, methanol, natural gas, propane, or butane-powered equipment.

Construction haul trucks will not be routed past schools. Construction vehicles will not park or stage on streets that border school sites.

Operations Phase

Creation of preferential parking for high occupancy vehicles, as well as other forms of parking management that would encourage higher vehicle occupancies.

Provision of amenities that would encourage transit, pedestrian or bicycle access to the proposed Project. Such amenities would include bus shelters, visible signage identifying transit routes and stops, bike racks/shower facilities, bicycle lanes, attractive pedestrian pathways and sidewalks, shuttle service to nearby activity centers or park and ride lots, free information on transit services, free or subsidized transit passes, and guaranteed ride home programs.

Encourage and facilitate the reduction of the number of trips that an individual makes from home or work by introducing compressed work weeks, telecommuting, and the combining of non-work trips.

Encourage the reduction of trips during the most congested periods and spread them throughout the day by introducing alternative, flexible, or staggered work hours, as well as vehicle and truck restrictions.

Maximize use of non fossil fuel power equipment to support airport ground operations.

The Department of Airports shall consult with the South Coast Air Quality Management District regarding the feasibility of adopting a City Council Ordinance that would impose air quality fees against aircraft that exceed specified air emissions standards. Such fees would be designated for tenant air quality performance improvement measures in accordance with Regulation 2202, Air Quality Management Plan criteria.

The Department of Airports shall work with the Los Angeles Fire Department to identify alternative materials for aircraft cleanup in lieu of degreasing agents presently used.

The Department of Airports shall consider adoption of time of day ground run up restrictions and maintenance mode restrictions that limit these uses to the midday hours and early evening hours. The Department shall establish a schedule for conducting an evaluation of these restrictions.

The Department of Airports shall fund the selection and cost of providing a certified Aircraft Consultant to train aircraft owners and operators, on a voluntary basis, in the safe and efficient use of aircraft measures that reduce aircraft emissions including increased engine speed, reduced engine during idle and taxi, reduced idle operations by control of departure times and where feasible reduced operating time of aircraft auxiliary power supply systems through use of a ground-based power supply.

Short-term air quality impacts will result during the site demolition and project construction. The creation of dust and the daily emission of pollutants from construction equipment would exceed threshold criteria established by the SCAQMD. These impacts are temporary but considered unavoidable significant adverse effects attributable to the proposed project.

Water/Hydrology

The project uses will cover a similar amount of the surface area now covered with structures. The amount of impermeable surface will remain about the same. Since the proposed project does not alter the current landform in such a manner as to alter drainage patterns, runoff from the site should not significantly change. After development, runoff as a result of a 50 year storm will be approximately 0.97 cubic feet per second.

None.

Unavoidable adverse effects will not occur as result of project implementation.

Plant Life

None.

Animal Life

None.

Noise

Construction activities will result in annoying short term ambient noise increases. Noise levels will fluctuate during construction, depending on construction phase, type of equipment used, distance between noise source and listener and presence or absence of barriers.

Noise generated by aircraft will decline between 1995 and 2015 based on the reduction of Stage 2 aircraft from the fleet mix. In 2015, it is estimated that the fleet mix will consist of approximately 94% Stage 3 aircraft and 6% Stage 2 aircraft. The noise impact exposure area will decrease from 1.62 square miles in 1995 to 0.77 square miles in 2015. Residential uses located in the 65 CNEL contour area will decrease from 1909 dwelling units in 1995 to 100 dwelling units in 2015.

Roadway noise levels would not significantly increase. Estimated noise level changes from existing to future conditions without the proposed project are generally one decibel or less.

Similar noise conditions will occur for the proposed project. A noise reduction is anticipated to occur. Generally, noise level changes less than 3 dB are not discernable to humans. Typically, to obtain a 3 dB increase in noise, traffic volumes must increase by 100 percent. Traffic volumes on surrounding surface streets are predicted to increase by only 28 percent when future conditions with and without the project are compared. Therefore, these minimal changes in traffic will not result in significant adverse noise impacts.

Ground Surface Measures

Site developers shall submit a construction plan to the City in sufficient detail to determine the duration of construction activities, the specific types of equipment to be used, and the approximate site use location. Locations for compressors and pumps should be specifically identified.

The proposed project shall comply with applicable City noise regulations specified in the City Noise Ordinance, Community Plans and draft Framework Plan, unless other provision is made in the proposed VNY Master Plan.

During construction, the project contractors shall muffle and shield intakes and exhaust, shroud and shield impact tools, and use electric-powered rather than diesel powered construction equipment, as feasible.

Temporary walls and noise barriers shall be placed around the airport development sites and/or locations of construction noise activity to block and deflect the noise from adjacent residential properties. A pile-drilling technique (as opposed to pile-driving) shall be used to minimize construction noise.

At certain stages of project construction, it may be feasible to use portable noise curtains or panels to contain noise from powered tools such as impact wrenches.

Truck deliveries and trash pickup shall be restricted between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. in accordance with City of Los Angeles Building Code Standards.

Any rooftop mechanical equipment shall be fully enclosed.

Parking garage ramp surfaces shall be of the type to minimize the potential for tire squeal.

Windows and walls on the office and industrial buildings shall have a sound transmission class rating (STC) sufficient to eliminate the transmission of any loud or amplified sounds exceeding 60 dB.

A minimum 8-foot height wall shall be constructed along appropriate project property lines, or other noise attenuation measures as required by the Department of Airports should be implemented to reduce sound penetration in adjacent residential areas along appropriate project property lines, or other noise attenuation measures as required by the Department of Airports should be implemented to reduce sound penetration in adjacent residential areas.

All state and local standards for exterior and interior noise exposure shall be met for the proposed project. Prior to issuance of building permits, the site developers shall submit evidence to the satisfaction of the City, that all project land uses will meet applicable exterior and interior noise standards. If determined necessary by the City, the applicant may be required to prepare a detailed acoustical assessment indicating mitigation measures necessary to achieve acceptable exterior and interior noise levels on-site, to the satisfaction of the City.

Such measures could include:

acoustically rated exterior doors, glazing, sound insulation in exterior walls, adding mass to the exterior walls, sealing seams and joints in exterior walls, fixed windows designed with double pained or laminated glass. Fixed and double glazed windows can achieve the following noise level reductions compared to an open window.

Fixed 1/8 inch single pane 10 dB reduction
Fixed 1/4 inch single pane 15 dB reduction
Fixed 3/8 inch single pane 20 dB reduction
Double glazing 1/8inch each 20 dB reduction
Double glazing 1/4 inch each 25 dB reduction

Airport site developer shall comply with insulation measures needed to achieve the State-required sound attenuation standards as described in the LADOA's document entitled "Design Guide for Sound Insulation Projects around LADOA Airports".

Aircraft Measures

None required per CEQA. (See Proposed Master Plan for Noise measures and programs).

Short Term adverse noise impacts will result from demolition and construction. Other site-generated noise increases can be reduced to insignificant levels by implementing mitigation measures.

Light and Glare

Daytime glare could increase light and glare based on development of commercial and industrial buildings with reflective glass, exterior building security lighting, exterior signs and building materials that produce excessive glare.

Project glass surfaces (walls or windows) shall be tinted to decrease reflection, especially on western exposures. Project windows should also be tinted to reduce the emission of ambient light.

Exterior nighttime lighting shall be shielded and directed on-site and downward (except as exempted by LADOA or the FAA).

Foliage and landscaping shall be planted wherever possible to limit exposure of project lighting on adjacent land uses.

Exterior building materials shall be of a color, and texture to reduce daytime glare.

Outdoor lighting shall be reduced or softened after peak hours.

All outdoor lighting plans and fixtures proposed for all developments shall be reviewed by the Department of Airports Facilities Planning Bureau and determined to be in compliance with observed Department standards.

Use of exterior flashing or neon lighting is prohibited for all airport developments.

Red, white, green or amber lighting that is directed toward aircraft and appears similar to runway lighting shall be prohibited.

Outdoor parking and garage parking plans shall be designed to show an adequate amount of nighttime safety lighting.

Buildings, landscaping and other site structures shall be developed and used in a manner that does not interfere with use of runway, taxiway and approach system lighting.

The proposed project could result in an increase in daytime glare over existing conditions on the site. The project would also be a source of increased evening illumination in the area which, if unmitigated could create a significant impact on residents located east and west of the airport. In addition, the proposed project would result in nighttime illumination that would be perceptible to motorists, neighbors and pedestrian traffic. Compliance with Zoning Ordinance requirements governing lighting and reflectivity will mitigate most if not all of the increased light impacts. With implementation of mitigation measures no unavoidable significant adverse effects are anticipated.

Land Use

The project's building specifications are consistent with zoning code standards and guidelines contained in the proposed VNY Master Plan. Based on the analyses contained under other areas of the EIR, the project could be physically incompatible with surrounding environs based on construction and operational traffic noise, light and glare, public service and utility demands, and aesthetics.

With implementation of mitigation measures, the project is not expected to significantly increase intrusive effects caused by 1995 airport operations.

The Department of Airports shall adopt a Resolution that encourages the long term aviation use and protection of the runway, approach and taxiway systems. Commercial uses that create light, glare, or include reflective building uses shall be prohibited in designated runway, approach and taxiway areas.

The Department of Airports shall develop written procedures to notify tenants regarding nesting, hatching or roosting on airport sites. The written procedures shall establish a method for tenant removal of materials, soils, landscaping, water, liquids or other materials and substances that attract birds in the vicinity of an airport.

The Department of Airports shall request the City Council to remove "Q" conditions pertaining to issuance of a conditional use permit for development in excess of 10,000 square feet.

The Department of Airports shall coordinate and confer with the Planning Department regarding any future extensive airport planning projects, extensive noise, traffic or other general plan element issues.

The Department of Airports shall establish an annual inventory of VNY land uses.

The Department of Airports shall establish a method of identifying land uses that are being conducted without a leasehold agreement.

The Department of Airports shall request the Planning Commission to adopt a resolution that discourages development of new residential uses on property zoned for commercial and industrial uses in the vicinity of an airport.

The Department of Airports shall prepare an annual report that identifies land use and other EIR measures that are completed or are in the process of being conducted. The report shall be forwarded to the Board of Airport Commissioners, Planning Commission and City Council, FAA, VNY Citizens Advisory Council, and VNY Tenants Association.

The Department of Airports shall prepare a mitigation monitoring program in compliance with CEQA Section 21081.6. The mitigation monitoring program shall provide a detailed discussion of the party or parties responsible for implementation of specific measures, the phase of the project during which the measure should be monitored, pre-construction periods, construction periods and post occupancy periods.

The Department shall adopt a uniform sign and exterior illumination program for all aviation and non-aviation uses at VNY.

In the absence of mitigation, the proposed project could create some potentially adverse land use impacts. However, if properly mitigated, no significant adverse impacts are anticipated to occur.

Natural Resources

During operation of the proposed project approximately 20.19 kwh of electricity and 56.89 cf of natural gas will be consumed. The DWP and Gas Company do not anticipate any problems in serving the proposed project.

None.

Development of the proposed project will increase the consumption of power and diminish non-renewable resources. However, no unavoidable significant adverse impacts are anticipated to occur.

Risk of Upset

The continued use of general aviation aircraft operations and fuel facilities will continue to pose a risk of explosion, fire or other incident. Aircraft accidents are expected to decrease, based on forecasts developed for the Master Plan that indicate growth among aircraft with instrument flight panels. The risk of underground tanks will be minimized through removal of older tanks on the Air National Guard site and Woodley/Volpar site. According to the LAFD, the installation of emergency shut off valves on newer tanks will reduce risk of upset impacts for fuel tanks.

Employment, Population, Housing

The proposed project is estimated to generate 1,316 new employment positions at VNY. At full staffing levels, the project represents less than .01 percent of projected employment growth for the San Fernando Valley, .001 percent for the City of Los Angeles, and .0001 percent for Los Angeles County. The employment growth associated with the project would not be considered significantly adverse.

While the proposed project has the potential to generate incrementally small housing demand and competition impacts, most of the demand and competition would result in fewer vacancies in the region and increased revenue for property owners. The magnitude of these impacts should not be considered significant.

None.

No unavoidable significant adverse effects are anticipated.

None.

Right of Way

The project will significantly increase the amount of public access to the airport. Right-of-way and access to the project could be minimally impacted by the introduction of commercial and industrial uses on areas that previously contained aviation uses.

Transporation/Circulation

Prior to mitigation, the proposed project could have significant impacts at 23 intersections. Once mitigation measures are implemented, actual impacts will be reduced to a less than significant level.

None.

Category 1- TDM Programs

Compliance with ordinance No. 168,700 (Transporation Demand Management and Trip Reduction Measures).

This ordinance focuses on incorporating TDM facilities into the design of new buildings to promote alternative modes of transporation. It should be followed in the design and construction of the project site and buildings.

Compliance with SCAQMD Rule 2202.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) has adopted a rule designed to reduce the air pollution impacts of commute trips. This rule, unlike the rules it replaces, does not mandate trip reduction programs but allows individual employers to select from a variety of options. However, most employers have continued to select ridesharing programs as the most cost-effective method of reducing air quality impacts. If site employers implement thesse trip reduction measures, 15 percent or more of the peak hour traffic generation from the industrial/ technology park component of the project could be eliminated.

Category 2 - Transit Improvements

Bus transit improvements.

This project should work with the appropriate transit districts (i.e., LADOT and MTA) to improve transit service to the site. Further, the sidewalks through the sites should be designed to provide attractive pedestrian routes to and from transit stops.

Category 3, 4, and 5.

This project will require various system improvements, street widenings and restriping, and parking restrictions to provide an improvement level of service at several intersections in the vicinity of the project.

No unavoidable significant adverse right-of-way access impacts are anticipated to occur.

None.

Public Services Fire

The Fire Department has preliminarily estimated that the project would require a fire flow of approximately 9,000 gpm. The Fire Department considers the existing water lines (excluding Air National Guard), capabilities to be adequate to respond to fire and emergency calls. The Fire Department has indicated that the estimated response time to portions of the site is inadequate. The Fire Department has indicated that arterials operating at LOS E or F would be significantly affected by project development. However, with implementation of mitigation measures, the project could reduce fire department impacts to levels of nonsignificance.

The development of other projects in the immediate area will result in a need for increased staff for existing facilities, additional fire protection facilities, or relocation of present fire protection facilities which may produce some area-wide cumulative impacts. As with the proposed development, related projects will be subject to review and approval by the LAFD.

The proposed Master Plan's developments will comply with the Fire Protection and Fire Prevention Plan and the Safety Plan elements of the Los Angeles General Plan's guidelines.

The design of the underground storage facilities shall include a continuous monitoring system for the purpose of detecting the release of any hazardous or combustible substances, in accordance with monitoring requirements in Chapter 5, Article 7, Division 31, Section 39 of the Los Angeles Fire Code (LAFC).

Develop a Traffic Congestion Management Plan (TCMP) for the development sites will be developed and implemented in stages that coincide with the development of the five subject parcels.

Ensure strategic location of timely access points to all portions of VNY for off-site Fire Department apparatus and personnel will be ensured. Prior to construction, all access points shall be approved by the LAFD.

Provide adequate off-site public and on-site private fire hydrants with sufficient capacity will be provided. The number and locations of fire protection and safety improvements shall be approved by the LAFD upon review of the plot plans for each individual site.

All first story portions of any structure shall be within 300 feet of an approved fire hydrant.

All access roads, including fire lanes, shall be maintained in an unobstructed manner. The entrance to all required fire lanes or required private driveways shall be posted with a sign no less than three square feet in area in accordance with section 57.09.05 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code.

No building or portion of the building shall be constructed more than 150 feet from the edge of a roadway of an improved street, access road, or designated fire lane without approval from LAFD prior to construction.

Sprinkler systems shall be installed in all structures in accordance with Los Angeles Municipal Code 57.09.07.

Consider providing effective fire protection systems in new hangars which will effectively protect the areas beneath the wings and fuselage portions of large aircraft. This can be accomplished by incorporating foam-water deluge sprinkler systems with foam producing and oscillating nozzles

Develop a Business Plan in accordance with the Hazardous Materials Release Response Plans and Inventory Law of 1985 for each applicable site.

Design on-site landscaping with fire resistant plants and materials.

Conform to the standard street dimensions shown on the Department of Public Works Standard Plan D - 22549 and utilize standard cut-corners on all turns.

The width of private roadways for general access use and fire lanes shall not be less than 20 feet clear to the sky.

Fire Lane width shall not be less than 20 feet or less than 28 feet where fire hydrants are installed or the lane must accommodate aerial ladder apparatus..

The proposed project will contain transportation mitigation measures that will eliminate significant traffic impacts associated with growth and development at Van Nuys Airport. Although cumulative related development and growth will increase the burden for fire services and result in fire personnel response time to arrive at sites, those projects will be required to mitigate significant impacts caused by the respective development. Once mitigation measures are implemented for the proposed project, existing intersection impacts will not deteriorate or cause additional traffic delays. Therefore, unavoidable fire service effects caused by the proposed project will not occur.

Police

Although the proposed project will not increase the residential population of the area, the daytime population is estimated to increase by 5,500 people at buildout. Thus, the project will contribute to an increased need for 17 additional police officers. It is anticipated that the development of the related day-time population increase would have a significant impact on police service in the Van Nuys Area. According to the LAPD, any significant increase in population as a result of new development will create a need for more officers and equipment to maintain the current level of service.

The Los Angeles Police Department's Crime Prevention Section shall be consulted regarding crime prevention features appropriate to the design of the individual structures involved in the project.

Upon completion of the individual properties, a diagram of the structure including site access, unit/building numbers, and any additional information that might facilitate police response shall be submitted to the Area Commanding Officer.

Tenant parking areas shall be controlled by a electronic card-key gate.

Entryways, elevations, lobbies, and parking areas shall be illuminated and designed with minimum dead space to eliminate areas for potential concealment.

The proposed project will contain transportation mitigation measures that will eliminate significant traffic impacts associated with growth and development at Van Nuys Airport. Although cumulative related development and growth will increase the burden for police services and result in police personnel response time to arrival sites, those projects will be required to mitigate significant impacts caused by the respective development. Once mitigation measures are implemented for the proposed project, existing intersection impacts will not deteriorate or cause additional traffic delays. Therefore, unavoidable police service effects caused by the proposed project will not occur.

Schools   None.

None.

Libraries

Although the project development will not directly increase residential population of the project area, the proposed development is anticipated to increase day-time population (commercial patrons and employees); therefore, an increase in day-time library patronage may result. Generally, any additional demand will have an adverse impact on the library system. Thus, the impact is anticipated to be less than significant.

Related Projects will increase dwelling units by 204 in the area. As a result, the population is anticipated to increase by 437 persons. This increase in population is anticipated to increase the libraries' patronage which will result in an impact. Overall, an adverse but less than significant impact may result with an increased population due to the related projects.

The Library Department has recommended that each new development be required to contribute toward public services to mitigate any project related impacts. However, there are presently no specific guidelines regarding such measures at this time. Thus no mitigation measures are currently available.

The proposed development would add to the commercial population of the development area. As a result, no unavoidable significant adverse impacts are anticipated.

Utilities Sanitary Sewage

The airport is estimated to generate 244,861 gallons per day of sewage in the year 2015. Existing airport uses generate 142,111 gallons per day. Therefore, the net increase in sewage is expected to be 102,150 gallons per day. In general, the existing sewer lines under the airport and under perimeter streets have adequate capacity to serve the project. The project will be subject to current and future ordinances.

None.

No unavoidable significant adverse effects are anticipated.

Solid Waste

The airport is estimated to generate 16,285 pounds of solid waste per day in the year 2015. The existing solid waste generated by the uses on the site is estimated to be 8,087 pounds per day. Therefore, the net increase in site-generated solid waste is estimated to be 8,198 pounds per day, or 2,992,270 pounds (1,496 tons) per year. This waste would be collected and transported by City of Los Angeles public collection services or by private disposal companies for disposal at available landfills. The Department of Public Works Wastewater Division anticipated no problems in serving the proposed project.

Solid waste generated by the project would contribute to the ultimate exhaustion of one of several local landfills. However, the contribution of the project to the depletion of available landfill capacity would be incremental and does not represent a significant impact.

None.

No unavoidable significant adverse effects are anticipated.

Communications

Pacific Bell has indicated that adequate telephone service can be provided to the proposed project, given sufficient lead time and access to the site and building plans. Underground cable installation would be required pursuant to City Ordinance and the proposed Master Plan.

None.

No unavoidable significant adverse effects are anticipated.

Hazardous Waste

Demolition construction of buildings on the Air National Guard West and East sites and Wookley/Volar sites could result in exposure of construction workers and others to contaminated interior building walls and ceilings, contaminated soils and contaminated underground storage tanks.

Mandatory asbestos abatement testing and soil and underground tank depth testing conducted in accordance with prescribed federal, state and regional requirements will further reduce this nonsignificant impact.

None.

Unavoidable significant effects are not anticipated.

Prime and Unique Farmlands

None.

None.

None.

Coastal Zone Management Program

None.

None.

None.

Aesthetics

Visually, the project will not differ significantly from existing development. The demolition of buildings on three airport sites and development of non-aviation uses with exterior lighting, signage and building styles that differ from existing hangars located on those sites could result in aesthetic concerns for some residents. However, the project will still not change the character of the site from its existing mixed aviation and non-aviation usage. Overall, the proposed project should create a beneficial aesthetic impact for on-airport and off-airport land uses.

None.

The proposed project would not result in unavoidable significant adverse impacts.

Recreation

None.

None.

None.

Historic/Cultural Resources

None.

None.

None.

Paleontological /Archaeological Resources

In and of itself the proposed project is not expected to affect paleontological or archaeological sites.

None.

None.