Table ES-1. Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures for the Proposed Project Page 1 of 16
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Issue Area |
Potential Impact |
Significance Determination without Mitigation |
Mitigation |
Significance Determination with Mitigation |
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Air
Quality |
AQ-1: Short-term increase in NOX emissions from well drilling, and construction of desalination plant and pipelines. |
Significant |
AQ-MM-1a: Implement NOx- AQ-MM-1b: Implement NOx-Reducing Construction Practices and Phase Construction AQ-MM-1c Purchase Emissions Credits |
Less than significant |
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AQ-2: Short-term increase in PM10 emissions from well drilling |
Less than significant |
None required |
-- |
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AQ-3: Short-term increase in PM10 emissions from well drilling |
Less than significant |
None required |
-- |
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AQ-4: Short-term increase in PM10 emissions construction of well facility and desalination plants. |
Less than significant |
None required |
-- |
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AQ-5: Potential exposure of sensitive receptors near the desalination plant to toxic air contaminants from desalination process |
Less than significant |
None required |
-- |
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Vegetation and Wildlife |
BIO-1: Loss or disturbance of sand gilia and Monterey spineflower. Degradation or loss of habitat for sand gilia and Monterey spineflower. |
Significant |
BIO-MM BIO-MM BIO-MM |
Less than significant |
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BIO-2: Direct mortality of Smith’s blue butterfly. Loss and fragmentation of Smith’s blue butterfly habitat. |
Significant |
BIO-MM BIO-MM |
Less than significant |
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BIO-3: Potential direct mortality of black legless lizards; potential permanent and temporary loss of black legless lizard habitat; potential degradation of black legless lizard habitat. |
Significant |
BIO-MM |
Less than significant |
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BIO-4: Potential disturbance to loggerhead shrike and California horned lark; potential degradation and loss of loggerhead shrike and California horned lark habitat. |
Less than significant |
None required. |
-- |
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BIO-5: Potential disturbance to breeding and wintering western snowy plovers; potential temporary loss and degradation of western snowy plover habitat; potential degradation of designated critical habitat for the western snowy plover; potential interference with objectives outlined in the western snowy plover Pacific Coast Population Draft Recovery Plan. |
Significant |
BIO-MM BIO-MM BIO-MM |
Less than significant |
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BIO |
Significant |
BIO-MM BIO-MM BIO-MM BIO-MM |
Less than significant |
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BIO-7: Introduction of non-native invasive plants (noxious weeds) that could potentially displace native plant communities. |
Significant |
BIO-MM |
Less than significant |
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BIO |
Less than significant |
None required |
-- |
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BIO |
Significant |
BIO-MM |
Less than significant |
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BIO |
Beneficial effect |
None required |
-- |
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BIO |
Potentially significant |
BIO-MM |
Less than significant |
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Aquatic Resources |
AR-1: Effects on marine organisms as a result of released drilling material |
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AR-MM-1: Frac-Out Contingency Plan |
Less than significant |
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AR-2: Entrainment of fish and other macroorganisms into the seawater collection system |
No Impact |
None required |
-- |
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AR-3: Change in primary productivity |
Less than significant |
None required |
-- |
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AR-4: Change in the density or community structure of benthic organisms over the subsurface discharge locations |
Less than significant |
None required |
-- |
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AR-5: Change in the density or community structure of benthic organisms at the MRWPCA outfall mixing zone boundary |
Less than significant |
None required |
-- |
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AR-6: Measurable change in the physical habitat of special-status marine species |
Less than significant |
None required |
-- |
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AR-7: Change in the migration patterns of marine fish or wildlife species |
Less than significant |
None required |
-- |
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AR-8: Loss of ecological function of designated marine conservation area from brine discharge below the bay floor |
Less than significant |
None required |
-- |
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AR-9: Changes in Flows for Upstream Migration of Adult Steelhead |
Positive effect. No adverse effect. |
None required |
-- |
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AR-10: Indirect Effects on Flows for Juvenile Rearing Habitat |
Positive effect. No adverse effect. |
None required |
-- |
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AR-11: Improved Flows for Fall/Winter Downstream Migration |
Positive effect. No adverse effect. |
None required |
-- |
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AR-12: Maintenance of Flows for Spring Emigration |
Positive effect. No adverse effect. |
None required |
-- |
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Cultural Resources |
CR-1: Potential for Discovery of Buried Cultural Deposits and Human Remains at Wells, Pipelines, and Desalination Plants |
Significant |
CR-MM-1: Stop Work If Buried Cultural Deposits Are Encountered during Construction Activities CR-MM-2: Stop Work If Human Remains Are Encountered during Construction Activities. |
Less than significant |
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Geology, Soils, and
Seismicity |
GS-1: Potential short-term increase in erosion resulting from project construction |
Less than significant |
None required |
-- |
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GS-2: Potential slope instability resulting from project construction |
Significant |
GS-MM-1: Implement Bluff Erosion Control Measures. |
Less than significant |
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GS-3: Potential structural damage and threat to public safety from fault displacement and ground shaking during a seismic event |
Less than significant |
None required |
-- |
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GS-4: Potential structural damage and threat to public safety from earthquake-induced liquefaction |
Less than significant |
None required |
-- |
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GS-5: Potential structural damage and threat to public safety from earthquake-induced lateral spread |
Less than significant |
None required |
-- |
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GS-6: Potential rupture of pipeline and threat to public safety caused by expansive soils and pipeline corrosion |
Less than significant |
None required |
-- |
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Hydrology and Water
Quality |
HWQ-1: Potential contamination of surface waters from runoff or accidental spills at grading and excavation sites during and immediately following plant construction |
Less than significant |
None required |
-- |
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HWQ-2: Potential contamination of Monterey Bay waters from uncontrolled release of drilling mud during well drilling (frac-out) |
Potentially significant |
HWQ-MM-2: Frac-Out Contingency Plan |
Less than significant |
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HWQ-3: Potential contamination of surface waters from discharge of groundwater pumped from construction sites to facilitate construction |
Less than significant |
None required |
-- |
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HWQ-4: Potential surface water contamination caused by runoff from new impervious surfaces |
Potentially significant |
HWQ-MM-4a: Sweep Roadways and Parking Lots HWQ-MM-4b: Implement BMPs |
Less than significant |
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HWQ-5: Increase in volume of runoff from new impervious surfaces, leading to increased soil scouring and erosion that contribute to sedimentation of surface waters |
Less than significant |
None required |
-- |
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HWQ-6: Decrease in area available for groundwater recharge, leading to decrease in groundwater supply and quality |
Less than significant |
None required |
-- |
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HWQ-7: Operational Phase Water Quality Degradation from Periodic Discharge of Membrane Cleaning Solutions |
Less than significant |
None required |
-- |
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HWQ-8: Change in the location and configuration of the groundwater/seawater interface near Seaside Beach from operation of radial collector wells |
Less than significant |
None required |
-- |
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HWQ-9: Change in the location and configuration of the groundwater/seawater interface along the Sand City/Seaside coast from operation of HDD collector wells |
Less than significant |
None required |
-- |
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HWQ-10: Potential change in water quality in the Seaside Groundwater Basin and on the floor of Monterey Bay offshore of former Fort Ord from operation of HDD brine disposal wells |
Less than significant |
None required |
-- |
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HWQ-11: Potential change in water quality at and near the MRWPCA outfall structure in Monterey Bay as a result of brine discharge |
Less than significant |
None required |
-- |
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HWQ-12: Changes in streamflows in the lower Carmel River. |
Beneficial impact |
None required |
-- |
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HWQ-13: Changes in sedimentation patterns in the lower Carmel River. |
Less than significant |
None required |
-- |
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HWQ-14: Potential surface water quality degradation caused by pipeline failure and discharge of brine or ocean water to freshwater bodies |
Less than significant |
None required |
-- |
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HWQ-15: Risk of Upset |
Less than significant |
None required |
-- |
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Land Use |
LU-1: Disruption to existing land uses and neighborhoods during construction of the collection and disposal well sites |
Less than significant |
None required |
-- |
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LU-2: Disruption to existing land uses or neighborhoods during construction of the collection and disposal pipelines |
Less than significant |
None required |
-- |
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LU-3: Disruption of existing adjacent land uses or neighborhoods during construction of the desalination plant |
Less than significant |
None required |
-- |
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LU-4: Disruption of existing recreational facilities during construction of the collection and disposal wells, collection and disposal pipelines, and desalination plant |
Less than significant |
None required |
-- |
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LU-5: Incompatibility with existing adjacent land uses from operation of the collection and disposal well sites |
Less than significant |
None required |
-- |
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LU-6: Incompatibility with adjacent and future land uses during operation of the desalination facility at Plant Sites 2 and 3 |
Less than significant |
None required |
-- |
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LU-7: Inconsistencies with applicable land use and zoning designations for the well sites, distribution pipelines, and desalination plant |
Less than significant |
None required |
-- |
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LU-8: Potential inconsistencies with relevant plans and policies for the well sites, distribution pipelines, and desalination plant |
Less than significant |
None required |
-- |
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Noise |
NZ-1: Exposure of noise-sensitive land uses to high levels of noise during construction of the seawater collection and brine disposal wells |
Significant |
NZ-MM-1: Limit Hours of Construction Activities NZ-MM-2: Employ Noise-Control Construction Practices |
Less than significant |
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NZ-2: Exposure of noise-sensitive land uses to high levels of construction-related noise during construction of seawater collection, brine disposal, and treated-water pipelines |
Significant |
NZ-MM-1: Limit Hours of Construction Activities NZ-MM-2: Employ Noise-Control Construction Practices NZ-MM-3: Implement A Noise Control Plan |
Less than significant |
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NZ-3: Exposure of noise-sensitive land uses to high levels of noise during construction of desalination plants |
Significant |
NZ-MM-1: Limit Hours of Construction Activities NZ-MM-2: Employ Noise-Control Construction Practices NZ-MM-3: Implement A Noise Control Plan |
Less than significant |
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NZ-4: Exposure of sensitive land uses to high levels of construction-related vibration during construction of radial and HDD wells |
Significant |
NZ-MM-1: Limit Hours of Construction Activities |
Less than significant |
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NZ-5: Exposure of sensitive land uses to groundborne vibration during seawater collection, brine disposal, and treated-water pipeline construction |
Significant |
NZ-MM-1: Limit Hours of Construction Activities |
Less than significant |
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NZ-6: Generation of noise in excess of 60 dBA Ldn, and a change in noise level relative to design-year baseline conditions of greater than 3 dB at well sites |
Less than significant |
None required |
-- |
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NZ-7: Generation of noise in excess of 60 dBA Ldn, and a change in noise level relative to design-year baseline conditions of greater than 3 dB from desalination plant operation |
Significant |
NZ-MM-4. Design Pump Stations to Meet Local Noise Standards |
Less than significant |
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Hazardous Materials |
HAZ-1: Expose employees and public to hazardous materials during construction of wells and pipelines |
Significant |
HAZ-MM-1: Prepare a Health and Safety Plan and Risk Management Plan for Construction Activities on the Former Fort Ord HAZ-MM-2: Implement feasible PM10/Dust Control Measures during Construction Activities. |
Less than significant |
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HAZ-2: Potential creation of a hazard to the public and environment from routine use of hazardous materials and/or accidental release of hazardous materials during operation of the desalination plant |
Less than significant |
None required |
-- |
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HAZ-3: Handling of hazardous materials within ¼ mile of an existing school |
Less than significant |
None required |
-- |
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Public Services and
Utilities |
PS-1: Increase in solid waste generation and construction debris during construction of wells, pipelines, and desalination plant |
Potentially significant |
PS-MM-1: Ensure Proper Disposal of All Demolition and Construction Debris HWQ-MM-3a: Sweep Roadways and |
Less than significant |
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PS-2: Temporary disruption of existing underground utilities and utility service during construction of wells, pipelines, and desalination plan |
Potentially significant |
PS-MM-2: Coordinate Relocation and Interruptions of Service with Utility Providers during Construction PS-MM-3: Protect All Existing Utilities Slated to Remain. |
Less than significant |
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PS-3: Increased demand for energy from operation of the desalination plant |
Less than Significant |
None required |
-- |
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PS-4: Increase of solid waste generation from operation of desalination plant |
Less than significant |
None required |
-- |
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PS-5: Minor alteration to existing wastewater facilities for operation of brine Disposal Option 2 (connection to MRWPCA outfall) |
Less than significant |
None required |
-- |
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Traffic and Circulation |
TR-1: Temporary traffic increase and potential level of service degradation during construction of pipelines |
Significant |
TR-MM-1: Prepare and Implement a Traffic Control Plan. |
Less than significant |
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TR-2: Temporary traffic increases and potential for level of service degradation during construction of the wells and desalination plant |
Significant |
TR-MM-1: Prepare and Implement a Traffic Control Plan. |
Less than significant |
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TR-3: Potential conflict with fixed route Monterey-Salinas Transit Service during construction of pipelines |
Significant |
TR-MM-1: Prepare and Implement a Traffic Control Plan. |
Less than significant |
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TR-4: Potential pedestrian and bicycle hazards from pathway and bikeway closures or disruption during construction of wells, pipelines, and desalination plant |
Significant |
TR-MM-1: Prepare and Implement a Traffic Control Plan. |
Less than significant |
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TR-5: Potential conflict with use of Union Pacific Railroad tracks during construction of wells on former Fort Ord, brine disposal pipelines and desalination site 3 |
Significant |
TR-MM-1: Prepare and Implement a Traffic Control Plan. |
Less than significant |
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TR-6: Potential for increased traffic and level of service degradation from operation and maintenance of the wells and desalination plant |
Less than significant |
None required |
-- |
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TR-7: Increased parking demand due to operations and maintenance of the wells sites and desalination plant |
Less than significant |
None required |
-- |
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Visual Resources |
VIS-1: Temporary alteration of
scenic views during construction of wells, pipelines, and desalination plant |
Less than significant |
None required |
-- |
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VIS-2: Degrade existing visual
character during construction of wells, pipelines, and desalination plant |
Less than significant |
None required |
-- |
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VIS-3: Creation of light and
glare during construction of wells, pipelines, and desalination plant |
Less than significant |
None required |
-- |
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VIS-4: Creation of new visual features and alteration of existing
visual character at collection radial well sites |
Less than significant |
None required |
-- |
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VIS-5: Creation of new visual features and alteration of existing
visual character at collection and disposal HDD well sites |
Significant |
VIS-MM-1: Provide Vegetative Buffers on Site to Screen Views of the Well Sites and Parking Areas. VIS-MM-2: Minimize Visually Intrusive Fencing. |
Less than significant |
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VIS-6: Alteration of existing views at desalination plant sites 2 and 3
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Significant |
VIS-MM-1: Provide Vegetative Buffers on Site to Screen Views of the Well Sites and Parking Areas. VIS-MM-2: Minimize Visually Intrusive Fencing. VIS-MM-3: Design the Reservoir for Plant Site 2 for Compatibility with Existing Dunes. VIS-MM-4: Design the Desalination Facilities at Plant Site 3 for Compatibility with Existing Dune Environment.. |
Less than significant |
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VIS-7: Potential Inconsistency with Sand City General Plan and LCP
design policies for development west of SR 1 at plant site 3 |
Less than significant; additional measures |
VIS-MM-1: Provide Vegetative Buffers on Site to Screen Views of the Well Sites and Parking Areas. VIS-MM-2: Minimize Visually Intrusive Fencing. VIS-MM-4: Design the Desalination Facilities at Plant Site 3 for Compatibility with Existing Dune Environment. |
Less than significant |
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VIS-8: Alteration of existing visual character at reservoir site for
desalination plant site 2 |
Significant |
VIS-MM-1: Provide Vegetative Buffers on Site to Screen Views of the Well Sites and Parking Areas. VIS-MM-2: Minimize Visually Intrusive Fencing. VIS-MM-3: Design the Reservoir for Plant Site 2 for Compatibility with Existing Dunes. |
Less than significant |
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VIS-9: Alteration of existing visual character at desalination plant site 3 |
Significant |
VIS-MM-1: Provide Vegetative Buffers on Site to Screen Views of the Well Sites and Parking Areas. VIS-MM-2: Minimize Visually Intrusive Fencing. VIS-MM-4: Design the Desalination Facilities at Plant Site 3 for Compatibility with Existing Dune Environment. |
Less than significant |
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VIS-10: Creation of new light and glare at well sites and desalination plant sites |
Significant |
VIS-MM-5: Incorporate Light-Reduction Measures into the Plan and Design of Exterior Lighting at Well Sites and Desalination Plant Sites. |
Less than significant |
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Cumulative Impacts |
Cumulative air quality impacts include short-term increases in NOx emissions from construction equipment exhaust and PM10 emissions from fugitive dust of ground-disturbing activities |
Significant |
Cume-MM-1: Coordinate with Relevant Local Agencies to Develop and Implement a Phased Construction Plan to Reduce Cumulative Traffic, Air Quality, and Noise Impacts |
Significant |
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Cumulative
noise impacts during construction include exposure of sensitive land uses to
high levels of noise and vibration during construction. |
Significant |
Cume-MM-1: Coordinate with Relevant Local Agencies to Develop and Implement a Phased Construction Plan to Reduce Cumulative Traffic, Air Quality, and Noise Impacts |
Significant |
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Construction
of the wells, pipelines in unpaved areas, desalination plant site 3, and the
reservoir at plant site 2 could result in the loss or disturbance to
special-status plant and wildlife species or their habitat. |
Significant |
Cume-MM-2: Conduct Preconstruction and
Postconstruction Biological Surveys for Special-Status Plant and Wildlife
Species and Their Habitat for Projects Affecting Undeveloped Dune Habitat;
Compensate for Losses and |
Less than significant |
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Cumulative water quality
impacts could include decreased water quality in Monterey Bay from brine or
treated wastewater disposal. |
Less than significant |
None required |
-- |
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There could be a cumulative effect on marine organisms and a loss of ecological function of a designated marine conservation area because minor increases in salinity could affect sensitive life stages of marine organisms. |
Less than significant |
None required |
-- |
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There would be a cumulative energy effect because desalination and other treatment facilities require a substantial amount of electricity to operate the RO process and pumps. |
Less than significant |
None required |
-- |
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The cumulative traffic effect would be increased traffic from employees needed to operate and maintain the facilities because there are roadways and intersections in the project vicinity operating at or below acceptable standards. |
Significant |
Cume-MM-3: Avoid critical intersections during peak hours. |
Less than significant |
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The
cumulative noise effect during operation would be from increased noise of
desalination plant operation in the vicinity of sensitive receptors. |
Less than significant |
None required |
-- |
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