RES 06035 - Laserfiche WebLink

Draft Environmental Impact Report Bernal Property Phase \I Specific Plan EI R 3. Key Project Characteristics, Impacts, and Mitigation Measures a. Key Project Characteristics The project proposes the construction of recreational, child care, school, public, agricultural, and open space uses on 318 acres of land west of downtown Pleasanton. Potential project uses that are located adjacent to the major noise sources in the area (1-680, Bernal Avenue, and UPRR) could be exposed to noise levels that would be considered "conditionally acceptable" with their land uses. The majority of the potential project uses (see Chapter 2 and Appendix B) are not anticipated to generate substantial noise. However, with the implementation of the Phase II Specific Plan, additional traffic noise would be generated as increased traffic volumes use the Pleasanton Avenue Extension and as people use access or leave the development, would also add to the noise environment. Outdoor activities utilizing site facilities (including the sports fields, the potential amphitheater, and potential agricultural uses) would introduce new noise sources to the site. Activities located indoors, such as in the potential cultural arts center, would not be anticipated to substantially changes the noise environment at nearby noise sensitive uses. Noise generation would occur during the construction, as well as the operation, of the Phase II uses. Mitigation measures built into the Specific Plan would reduce project-generated noise impacts, as discussed below under c. Impacts. b. Significance Criteria Significance criteria for the proposed project's noise impacts are drawn from CEQA Guidelines Appendix G (Items XI (a), (b), (c), and (d); Items (e) and (I) do not apply because the project site is not within an airport land use plan area or within the vicinity of a private airport). Noise impacts would be significant: if they would result in: (1) Exposure of persons to, or generation of, noise levels in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies; (2) Exposure of persons to, or generation of, excessive ground borne vibration or ground borne noise levels; (3) A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above the levels existing without the project; or (4) A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise in the project vicinity above the levels existing without the project. CEQA does not define what noise level increase would be considered "substantial": determination of what constitutes a "substantial" increase in noise is normally made by reference to local general plans or other policy documents. 104