4.b. air quality · 2016-08-17 · 4.b. air quality august 2016 los angeles county department of...

LosAngelesCountyDepartmentofPublicWorks Harbor‐UCLAMedicalCenterCampusMasterPlanProjectSCH#2014111004 4.B‐1

4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS B. AIR QUALITY

1. INTRODUCTION

This section addresses potential effects on air quality associated with air emissions generated by theconstructionandoperationoftheproposedusespursuanttotheHarbor‐UCLAMedicalCampusMasterPlan.Theanalysisalsoaddresses theconsistencyof theProjectwith theairqualitypoliciesset forthwithin theSouthCoastAirQualityManagementDistrict’s (SCAQMD)AirQualityManagementPlanand theCountyofLosAngelesGeneralPlan. TheanalysisofProject‐generatedairemissions focusesonwhether theProjectwouldcauseexceedanceofanambientairqualitystandardorSCAQMDsignificancethreshold.Calculationworksheets,assumptions,andmodeloutputsusedintheanalysisarecontainedinAppendixBofthisDraftEIR.

2. ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING

Certainairpollutantshavebeenrecognizedtocausenotablehealthproblemsandconsequentialdamagetothe environment either directly or in reaction with other pollutants, due to their presence in elevatedconcentrations in the atmosphere. Such pollutants have been identified as criteria air pollutants andregulatedaspartoftheoverallendeavortopreventfurtherdeteriorationandfacilitateimprovementinairquality. The following criteria pollutants are regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency(USEPA)andare subject toemissions control requirementsadoptedby federal, stateand local regulatoryagencies.

Ozone(O3):Ozoneisasecondarypollutantformedbythechemicalreactionofvolatileorganiccompoundsand nitrogen oxides (NOX) under favorable meteorological conditions such as high temperature andstagnationepisodes.Anelevatedlevelofozoneirritatesthelungsandbreathingpassages,causingcoughingandpaininthechestandthroat,therebyincreasingsusceptibilitytorespiratoryinfectionsandreducingtheabilitytoexercise.Effectsaremoresevereinpeoplewithasthmaandotherrespiratoryailments.Long‐termexposuremayleadtoscarringoflungtissueandmaylowerthelungefficiency.

VolatileOrganicCompounds(VOCs): These are compounds comprisedprimarily of atomsof hydrogenandcarbon.Internalcombustionassociatedwithmotorvehicleusageisthemajorsourceofhydrocarbons,as are architectural coatings. Emissions of VOCs themselves are not “criteria” pollutants; however, theycontributetoformationofO3andareregulatedasO3precursoremissions.

NitrogenDioxide(NO2):Nitrogendioxideisareddish‐brown,reactivegasthatisformedintheambientairthroughtheoxidationofnitricoxide(NO).TheprincipleformofNO2producedbycombustionisNO,butNOreactsquicklytoformNO2,creatingthemixtureofNOandNO2referredtoasnitrogenoxides(NOX).MajorsourcesofNOX includepowerplants, large industrial facilities, andmotor vehicles. EmissionsofNOX canpotentiallyirritatethenoseandthroatandmayincreasesusceptibilitytorespiratoryinfections,especiallyinpeoplewithasthma. AccordingtotheCaliforniaAirResourcesControlBoard(CARB),“NO2isanoxidizinggascapableofdamagingcellsliningtherespiratorytract. ExposuretoNO2alongwithothertraffic‐relatedpollutants, is associated with respiratory symptoms, episodes of respiratory illness and impaired lung

4.B. Air Quality August 2016


functioning.Studiesinanimalshavereportedbiochemical,structural,andcellularchangesinthelungwhenexposedtoNO2abovethelevelofthecurrentstateairqualitystandard.ClinicalstudiesofhumansubjectssuggestthatNO2exposuretolevelsnearthecurrentstandardmayworsentheeffectofallergensinallergicasthmatics,especiallyinchildren.”1

CarbonMonoxide (CO): Carbon monoxide is primarily emitted from combustion processes and motorvehicles due to incomplete combustion of fuel. Elevated concentrations of CO weaken the heart'scontractionsandlowertheamountofoxygencarriedbytheblood.Itisespeciallydangerousforpeoplewithchronic heart disease. Inhalation of CO can cause nausea, dizziness, and headaches at moderateconcentrationsandcanbefatalathighconcentrations.

SulfurDioxide(SO2): MajorsourcesofSO2includepowerplants,largeindustrialfacilities,dieselvehicles,and oil‐burning residential heaters. Emissions of sulfur dioxide aggravate lung diseases, especiallybronchitis. It also constricts the breathing passages, especially in asthmatics and people involved inmoderatetoheavyexercise.Sulfurdioxidepotentiallycauseswheezing,shortnessofbreath,andcoughing.High levelsofparticulates appear toworsen theeffectof sulfurdioxide, and long‐termexposures tobothpollutantsleadstohigherratesofrespiratoryillness.

ParticulateMatter(PM10andPM2.5):Thehumanbodynaturallypreventstheentryoflargerparticlesintothebody. However,smallparticles including fugitivedust,withanaerodynamicdiameterequal toor lessthantenmicrons(PM10)andevensmallerparticleswithanaerodynamicdiameterequaltoorlessthan2.5microns(PM2.5),canenterthebodyandaretrappedinthenose,throat,andupperrespiratorytract.Thesesmallparticulatescouldpotentiallyaggravateexistingheartandlungdiseases,changethebody'sdefensesagainst inhaledmaterials, and damage lung tissue. The elderly, children, and thosewith chronic lung orheartdiseasearemostsensitivetoPM10andPM2.5.Lungimpairmentcanpersistfortwotothreeweeksafterexposuretohighlevelsofparticulatematter.Sometypesofparticulatescouldbecometoxicafterinhalationduetothepresenceofcertainchemicalsandtheirreactionwithinternalbodyfluids.

Lead (Pb): Lead is emitted from industrial facilities and from the sanding or removal of old lead‐basedpaint.Smeltingorprocessingthemetalistheprimarysourceofleademissions,whichisprimarilyaregionalpollutant. Leadaffects thebrainandotherpartsof thebody'snervous system. Exposure to lead inveryyoungchildrenimpairsthedevelopmentofthenervoussystem,kidneys,andbloodformingprocessesinthebody.

a. Existing Conditions

(1) Regional Conditions

(a) Criteria Pollutants

The Project Site is locatedwithin the South Coast Air Basin (Air Basin),which is shown inFigure4.B‐1,BoundariesoftheSouthCoastAirQualityManagementDistrictandFederalPlanningAreas. TheAirBasin is

1 CaliforniaAirResourcesBoard, “NitrogenDioxide –Overview,” July 21, 2011, http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/aaqs/caaqs/no2‐

1/no2‐1.htm.AccessedMarch2015.

FIGUREBoundaries of the South Coast Air Quality

Management District and Federal Planning AreasHarbor-UCLA Medical Center Master Plan 4.B-1

Source: South Coast Air Quality Management District, 2014.

P C R

N



Thispageintentionallyblank.

August 2016 4.B. Air Quality


anapproximately6,745‐square‐mileareaboundedbythePacificOceantothewestandtheSanGabriel,SanBernardino,andSanJacintoMountainstothenorthandeast.TheAirBasinconsistsofOrangeCounty,LosAngeles County (excluding the Antelope Valley portion), and the western, non‐desert portions of SanBernardino and Riverside counties, in addition to the San Gorgonio Pass area in Riverside County. Theterrainandgeographical locationdetermine thedistinctiveclimateof theAirBasin,as it isacoastalplainwithconnectingbroadvalleysandlowhills.

TheAirBasinliesinthesemi‐permanenthigh‐pressurezoneoftheeasternPacificOcean.Theusuallymildclimatological pattern is interrupted by periods of hotweather,winter storms, or Santa Anawinds. Theextent and severity of criteriapollutant concentrations in theAirBasin is a function of the area’s naturalphysical characteristics (weather and topography) and man‐made influences (development patterns andlifestyle). Factors such as wind, sunlight, temperature, humidity, rainfall, and topography all affect theaccumulation and dispersion of pollutants throughout the Air Basin, making it an area of high pollutionpotential. The Air Basin’s meteorological conditions, in combination with regional topography, areparticularly conducive to the formation and retention of O3, which is a secondary pollutant that formsthroughphotochemicalreactionsintheatmosphere.Thus,thegreatestairpollutionimpactsthroughouttheAir Basin typically occur from June through September. This condition is generally attributed to theemissionsoccurring in theAirBasin, lightwinds, and shallowvertical atmosphericmixing. These factorsreducethepotentialforpollutantdispersioncausingelevatedairpollutantlevels.PollutantconcentrationsintheAirBasinvarywith location,season,andtimeofday. ConcentrationsofO3, forexample, tendtobeloweralongthecoast,higherinthenearinlandvalleys,andlowerinthefarinlandareasoftheAirBasinandadjacentdesert.

(b) Air Toxics

Inadditiontocriteriapollutants,theSCAQMDperiodicallyassesseslevelsoftoxicaircontaminants(TACs)intheAirBasin.ATACisdefinedbyCaliforniaHealthandSafetyCodeSection39655:

“Toxicaircontaminant”meansanairpollutantwhichmaycauseorcontributetoanincreaseinmortalityorinseriousillness,orwhichmayposeapresentorpotentialhazardtohumanhealth.Asubstancethatislistedasahazardousairpollutantpursuanttosubsection(b)ofSection112ofthefederalact(42U.S.C.Sec.7412(b))isatoxicaircontaminant.

DuringJuly2012andJune2013,theSCAQMDconductedtheMultipleAirToxicsExposureStudy(MATESIV),whichisafollow‐uptopreviousairtoxicsstudiesconductedintheAirBasin. TheMATESIVFinalReportwasissuedinOctober2014.Thestudy,basedonactualmonitoreddatathroughouttheAirBasin,consistedofseveralelementsamonitoringprogram,anupdatedemissionsinventoryofTACs,andamodelingefforttocharacterize carcinogenic risk across the Air Basin from exposure to TACs. The study applied a two‐kilometer(1.24‐mile)gridovertheAirBasinandreportedcarcinogenicriskwithineachgridspace(coveringan area of foursquare kilometers or 1.54 square miles). The study concluded that the average of themodeledairtoxicsconcentrationsmeasuredateachofthemonitoringstationsintheAirBasinequatestoabackgroundcancerriskofapproximately418in1,000,000primarilyduetodieselexhaust,whichisabout65percent lower than thepreviousMATES III cancer risk.2 TheCaliforniaEnvironmentalProtectionAgency

2 SouthCoastAirQualityManagementDistrict,DraftReport–MultipleAirToxicsExposureStudyintheSouthCoastAirBasin,(2014)

ES‐2.



OfficeofEnvironmentalHealthHazardAssessment(OEHHA)isintheprocessofupdatingthemethodsforestimatingcancerrisks.3Theproposednewmethodutilizedhigherestimatesofcancerpotencyduringearlylifeexposuresandusesdifferentassumptionsforbreathingratesandlengthofresidentialexposures.Whencombinedtogether,SCAQMDstaffestimatesthatrisksforthesameinhalationexposurelevelwillbeabout2.7timeshigherusingtheproposedupdatedmethods.4Thiswouldbereflectedintheaveragelifetimeairtoxicscancerriskestimatedfromthemonitoringsitesdatagoingfrom418permillionto1,128permillion.TheupdatedOEHHAmethodologyhasnotyetbeenformallyadoptedforuseinriskassessments;therefore,discussionofriskutilizestheapprovedmethodologyfromthe2003OEHHAguidance.5However,evenundertheupdatedmethodology,therelativereductioninriskfromtheMATESIVresultscomparedtoMATESIIIwouldbethesame(about65percent).

Approximately68percentoftheriskisattributedtodieselparticulateemissions,approximately22percentto other toxics associated with mobile sources (including benzene, butadiene, and formaldehyde), andapproximately10percentofallairbornecarcinogenicriskisattributedtostationarysources(whichincludeindustries andother certainbusinesses, such asdry cleaners and chromeplatingoperations).6 The studyalso found lower ambient concentrations of most of the measured air toxics compared to the levelsmeasuredinthepreviousstudyconductedduring2004and2006.Specifically,benzeneand1,3‐butadiene,pollutants generated mainly from vehicles, were down 35 percent and 11 percent, respectively.7 Thereductionswereattributedtoairqualitycontrolregulationsandimprovedemissioncontroltechnologies.Inadditiontoairtoxics,MATESIVincludedcontinuousmeasurementsofblackcarbonandultrafineparticles(particlessmallerthan0.1micronsinsize),whichareemittedbycombustionofdieselfuels.Samplingsiteslocatednearheavily‐traffickedfreewaysornear industrialareaswerecharacterizedby increased levelsofblackcarbonandultrafineparticlescomparedtomoreruralsites.

AspartofMATESIV,theSCAQMDpreparedmapsthatshowregionaltrendsinestimatedoutdoorinhalationcancerriskfromtoxicemissions,aspartofanongoingefforttoprovideinsightintorelativerisks.Themapsrepresent the estimated number of potential cancers per million people associated with a lifetime ofbreathingairtoxics(24hoursperdayoutdoorsfor70years).TheProjectsitespansacrossportionsoftwoMATESIVgridspaces.Thegrids,inwhichtheProjectsiteislocated,areshowninFigure4.B‐2,BackgroundInhalationCancerRiskforProjectSiteArea. Asshown,thepotentialcancerspermillionpeople forthetwogridsareestimatedat1,033to1,210permillion(themajorityoftheProjectsiteisinthegridwithariskof

3 CaliforniaEnvironmentalProtectionAgency,Office ofHealthHazardAssessment,AirToxicsHot SpotsProgramRiskAssessment

Guidelines–TheAirToxicsHotSpotsProgramGuidanceManualforPreparationofHealthRiskAssessments,JuneReviewDraft,(June2014).

4 South Coast Air Quality Management District, Agenda No. 8b, Potential Impacts of New OEHHA Risk Guidelines on SCAQMDPrograms, http://www.aqmd.gov/docs/default‐source/Agendas/Governing‐Board/2014/may‐specsess‐8b.pdf?sfvrsn=4. AccessedMarch2015.

5 CaliforniaEnvironmentalProtectionAgency,OfficeofEnvironmentalHealthHazardAssessment,AirToxicsHotSpotsProgramRiskAssessmentGuidelines,TheAirToxicsHotSpotsProgramGuidanceManualforPreparationofHealthRiskAssessments,(2003).

6 SouthCoastAirQualityManagementDistrict,DraftReport–MultipleAirToxicsExposureStudyintheSouthCoastAirBasin,(2014)ES‐2.

7 SouthCoastAirQualityManagementDistrict,DraftReport–MultipleAirToxicsExposureStudyintheSouthCoastAirBasin,(2014)6‐1.

FIGUREBackground Inhala on Cancer Risk for Project Site Area

Harbor-UCLA Medical Center Master Plan 4.B-2Source: South Coast Air Quality Management District, 2016.

N

P C R

Inhalation Cancer Risk is 1,033 – 1210 in one million

MATES IV Estimated Risk



1,033permillion).8ThisisinthegeneralrangeoftheBasinaverageof1,128inamillion.Generally,theriskfrom air toxics is lower near the coastline: it increases inland,with higher risks concentrated near largedieselsources(e.g.,freeways,airports,andports).

(2) Local Conditions

(a) Existing Pollutants Levels at Nearby Monitoring Stations

The SCAQMDmaintains a network of air qualitymonitoring stations located throughout the Air Basin tomeasureambientpollutantconcentrations.ThemonitoringstationmostrepresentativeoftheProjectsiteistheSouthwestLosAngelesCountyCoastalMonitoringStation.CriteriapollutantsmonitoredatthisstationincludeO3,NO2,CO,andPM10.ThenextmostrepresentativestationistheSouthLosAngelesCountyCoastalMonitoringStation.CriteriapollutantsmonitoredatthisstationincludeSO2andPM2.5.Themostrecentdataavailable from the SCAQMD for these monitoring stations are from years 2010 to 2014.9 The pollutantconcentrationdatafortheseyearsaresummarizedinTable4.B‐1,AmbientAirQualityData.

8 SouthCoastAirQualityManagementDistrict,MultipleAirToxicsExposure Study,MATES IVCarcinogenicRisk InteractiveMap,

http://www.aqmd.gov/home/library/air‐quality‐data‐studies/health‐studies/mates‐iv.AccessedMarch2015.9 South Coast Air Quality Management District, Historical Data by Year, http://www.aqmd.gov/home/library/air‐quality‐data‐

studies/historical‐data‐by‐year.AccessedFebruary2016.

Table 4.B‐1

Ambient Air Quality Data

Pollutant/Standard 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

O3(1‐hour)

MaximumConcentration(ppm)

Days>CAAQS(0.09ppm)

0.089

0

0.078

0

0.106

1

0.105

1

0.114

1

O3(8‐hour)


4thHigh8‐hourConcentration(ppm)

Days>CAAQS(0.070ppm)

Days>NAAQS(0.075ppm)

0.070

0.059

1

0

0.067

0.062

0

0

0.075

0.059

1

0

0.081

0.060

1

0

0.080

0.075

6

3

NO2(1‐hour)


98thPercentileConcentration(ppm)

Days>CAAQS(0.18ppm)

NO2(Annual)

AnnualArithmeticMean(0.030ppm)

0.076

0.061

0

0.012

0.098

0.065

0

0.013

0.062

0.055

0

0.010

0.078

0.058

0

0.012

0.087

0.066

0

0.012


Table 4.B‐1 (Continued)

Ambient Air Quality Data


Pollutant/Standard 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

CO(1‐hour)


Days>CAAQS(20ppm)

Days>NAAQS(35ppm)

CO(8‐hour)


Days>CAAQS(9ppm)

Days>NAAQS(9ppm)

3

0

0

2.2

0

0

2.3

0

0

1.8

0

0

2.8

0

0

2.5

0

0

3.1

0

0

2.5

0

0

3

0

0

1.9

0

0

SO2(1‐hour)


99thPercentileConcentration(ppm)

Days>CAAQS(0.25ppm)

Days>NAAQS(0.075ppm)

0.026

–

0

–

0.012

0.008

0

0

0.005

0.005

0

0

0.010

0.007

0

0

0.015

0.009

0

0

PM10(24‐hour)

MaximumConcentration(µg/m3)

Samples>CAAQS(50µg/m3)

Samples>NAAQS(150µg/m3)

PM10(AnnualAverage)

AnnualArithmeticMean(20µg/m3)

37

0

0

20.6

41

0

0

21.7

31

0

0

19.8

38

0

0

20.8

46

0

0

22

PM2.5(24‐hour)

MaximumConcentration(µg/m3)

98thPercentileConcentration(µg/m3)

Samples>NAAQS(35µg/m3)

PM2.5(Annual)

AnnualArithmeticMean(12µg/m3)

33.7

26.5

0

10.4

42

26.6

3

10.7

46.7

25.1

4

10.57

42.9

24.6

1

10.97

52.2

27.2

2

10.72

Lead

Maximum30‐dayaverage(µg/m3)

Samples>CAAQS(1.5µg/m3)

0.01

0

0.008

0

0.005

0

0.005

0

0.012

0

Notes: ppm = parts per million; µg/m3 = micrograms per cubic meter

Sources: South Coast Air Quality Management District, Historical Data by Year, http://www.aqmd.gov/home/library/air‐quality‐data‐studies/historical‐data‐by‐year. Accessed February 2016.

(b) Sensitive Receptors and Locations

Certainpopulationgroups,suchaschildren,elderly,andacutelyandchronicallyillpersons(especiallythosewithcardio‐respiratorydiseases),areconsideredmoresensitivetothepotentialeffectsofairpollutionthanothers. Sensitive land uses in close proximity to the Project site are shown in Figure 4.B‐3, SensitiveReceptorLocationsNearesttotheProjectSite,andincludethefollowing:

Carson Street

Norm

andie A

venue

Verm

ont Avenue

220th Street

CITY OF LOS ANGELES

WEST CARSON(Unincorporated

Los Angeles County)

Residential

Residential

Harbor-UCLA Medical Center

Residential

Commercial

Industrial

Residential

Commercial

School

Industrial

Commercial

Residential CommercialCommercial

LA BioMed Parking

Project Boundary

City Boundary

Commercial

Hospital

Industrial

Residential

School

FIGURE

Source: Microsoft, 2010 (Aerial); PCR Services Corporation, 2016.

0 400 800 Feet

Harbor-UCLA Medical Center Master Plan

Sensitive Receptor Locations Nearest to the Project Site4.B-3



TheHarbor‐UCLAMedicalCenterEmployeeChildren’sCenter(ChildCareCenter)andamultifamilyresidential apartment complex, Harbor Cove Villa, are located on Carson Street just west of theintersectionwithVermontAvenue.

TheareanorthofCarsonStreetisapredominantlysingle‐familyresidentialneighborhood.

VermontAvenue,thesouthernhalfoftheblockfacingtheMedicalCenterCampus,at219thStreet,isdeveloped with a condominium complex, Torrance Park Villas, and mobile home parks, StarliteTrailerParkandRainbowMobileHomePark.

Single‐Familyandmulti‐familyresidentialneighborhoodsbordertheMedicalCenterCampustothesouth,across220thStreet,aswellastothewest,acrossNormandieAvenuewithintheHarborCitycommunityofLosAngeles.

HalldaleAvenueElementarySchoolislocatedtothenorthwestoftheMedicalCenterCampuswestofNormandieAvenueandnorthof216thStreet.

WhiteMiddleSchoolislocatedtothesoutheastoftheMedicalCenterCampuseastofInterstate110andFigueroaStreetandsouthof220thStreet.

(c) Existing Site Emissions

TheProjectsiteiscurrentlydevelopedwithapproximately1,279,284squarefeetofdifferentiatedbuildingsincluding theExistingHospital Tower and the recenthospital expansion in the east sector of the site; LABiomed facilities in the central portion of the site; administration and facilitiesmanagement buildings invarious locations of the site; and large tenants, such as the Children’s Institute International and MFI’sHarbor‐UCLAProfessionalBuilding(outpatientcare)andImagingCenter,inthewestsectorofthesite.Theexisting site generates mobile source emissions from vehicle trips to and from the site and from theoperationofmedicalhelicopters. Theexistingsitegenerateson‐sitestationarysourceemissions fromthecombustionofnaturalgasfromtheexistingCentralPlantforbuildingcoolingandheating.TheCentralPlantconsists of a Boiler Plant and Chiller Plant. The site alsomaintains six two‐megawatt (MW) emergencygeneratorsthatwouldresultinstationarysourceemissionsfromthecombustionoffueloilwhenrequiredtooperate. Otherexistingemissionsincludeon‐sitecombustionandevaporativeareasourceemissionsfromfossil‐fueled landscaping equipment and evaporative losses associated with cleaning and maintenanceactivities (consumer product usage, solvents, adhesives, coatings, etc.). The Project would not result inchanges in emissions associated with the operation of the Central Plant or emergency generators. Inaddition,theoperationofmedicalhelicoptersunderexistingconditionsisexpectedtobesimilarundertheProject on a daily basis. In order to compare the change in emissions from the existing site to Projectimplementation,thisanalysisestimatesemissionsfromexistingusesthatwouldbedemolished,replaced,orrenovatedundertheProject.Mobilesourceemissionsfromvisitorsandemployeestravelingtoandfromthesitearealsoincludedintheemissionsestimate.

The existing operational emissions were estimated using the California Emissions Estimator Model(CalEEMod)(Version2013.2.2)software,anemissionsinventorymodelrecommendedbytheSCAQMDforlandusedevelopmentprojects.CalEEModwasusedtoforecastthedailyregionalemissionsfrommobileandarea sources. In calculatingmobile source emissions, an operational year of 2015was used and the triplengthvalueswerebasedon thedistancesprovided inCalEEMod. The tripdistanceswereapplied to themaximumdailytripestimates,basedonstandardInstituteofTransportationEngineers(ITE)tripgeneration



rates, for each existing land use provided by the Project traffic study10to estimate the total vehiclemilestraveled(VMT).AreasourceemissionsfromlandscapingequipmentandevaporativelossesassociatedwithcleaningandmaintenanceactivitiesarebasedonusageratesandemissionfactorsspecifictotheAirBasinasprovided in CalEEMod. Helicopter emissions from take‐offs and landings are generated by the existingEmergencyDepartmenthelistop.ThehelistopwouldremainoperationalaftertheProjectbuild‐outandbetemporarilyrelocatedduringconstructionofPhases3through6. Patientair transport isnotpredictedtoincreaseduetothesimilarcapacityoftheProjectcomparedtoexisting.Themaximumdailyairliftswouldcontinuetobeonehelicoptertake‐offandlanding,thushelicopteremissionswerenotevaluatedduetotherebeingnonetchangeinhelistopusage.

The estimated existing site emissions from uses and elements that would be demolished, replaced, orrenovated under the Project are summarized inTable4.B‐2, ExistingSiteEmissions. Detailed emissionscalculationsareprovidedinAppendixBofthisDraftEIR.

b. Regulatory Framework

Anumberofstatutes,regulations,plans,andpolicieshavebeenadoptedthataddressairqualityissues.TheProjectissubjecttoairqualityregulationsdevelopedandimplementedatthefederal,state,andlocallevels.ThissectionprovidesasummaryofpertinentairqualityregulationsaffectingtheProjectatthefederal,state,andlocallevels.

(1) Federal

The federal CleanAirAct of 1963was the first federal legislation regarding air pollution control andhasbeenamendednumeroustimesinsubsequentyears,withthemostrecentamendmentsoccurringin1990.At the federal level, theUSEPA is responsible for implementation of certain portions of theCleanAirActincluding mobile source requirements. Other portions of the Clean Air Act, such as stationary sourcerequirements,areimplementedbystateandlocalagencies.

10 Fehr&Peers,Harbor‐UCLAMedicalCenterTrafficStudy,(2016).

Table 4.B‐2

Existing Site Emissions (pounds per day) a

Source VOC NOX CO SO2 PM10 PM2.5

Area(Coating,ConsumerProducts,Landscaping) 23 <1 0.1 <1 <1 <1Energy(NaturalGas) 1 8 6 <1 1 1MotorVehicles 77 211 834 2 127 36TotalExistingEmissions 102 219 841 2 128 37

a Totals may not add up exactly due to rounding in the modeling calculations. Detailed emissions calculations are provided in Appendix B.

Source: PCR Services Corporation, 2016



TheCleanAirActestablishesfederalairqualitystandards,knownasNationalAmbientAirQualityStandards(NAAQS)andspecifiesfuturedatesforachievingcompliance.TheCleanAirActalsomandatesthatthestatesubmitandimplementaStateImplementationPlanforareasnotmeetingthesestandards.Theseplansmustincludepollutioncontrolmeasuresthatdemonstratehowthestandardswillbemet.The1990amendmentsto the Clean Air Act identify specific emission reduction goals for areas not meeting the NAAQS. Theseamendments require both a demonstration of reasonable further progress toward attainment andincorporationofadditionalsanctionsforfailuretoattainortomeetinterimmilestones.ThesectionsoftheCleanAirActwhicharemostapplicabletotheProjectincludeTitleI(NonattainmentProvisions)andTitleII(MobileSourceProvisions). Title Irequirementsare implementedforthepurposeofattainingNAAQSforthefollowingcriteriapollutants:(1)O3;(2)NO2;(3)CO;(4)SO2;(5)PM10;and(6)lead.TheNAAQSwereamendedinJuly1997toincludean8‐hourstandardforO3andtoadoptaNAAQSforPM2.5.TheNAAQSwerelast amended in September 2006 to include an established methodology for calculating PM2.5as well asrevokingtheannualPM10threshold.Table4.B‐3,AmbientAirQualityStandards,showstheNAAQScurrentlyineffectforeachcriteriapollutant.

Table 4.B‐3

Ambient Air Quality Standards

Pollutant Average

Time

California Standards a National Standards b

Concentration c Method d Primary c,e Secondary c,f Method g

O3h1Hour

0.09ppm(180µg/m3)

UltravioletPhotometry — Sameas

PrimaryStandard

UltravioletPhotometry

8Hour0.070ppm(137µg/m3)

0.070 ppm(137µg/m3)

NO2i

1Hour0.18ppm

(339µg/m3) GasPhaseChemi‐

luminescence

100ppb(188µg/m3)

NoneGasPhaseChemi‐luminescenceAnnual

ArithmeticMean

0.030ppm(57µg/m3)

53ppb(100µg/m3)

SameasPrimaryStandard

CO

1Hour 20ppm(23mg/m3)

Non‐DispersiveInfrared

Photometry(NDIR)

35ppm(40mg/m3)

None Non‐DispersiveInfrared

Photometry(NDIR)

8Hour9.0ppm

(10mg/m3)9ppm

(10mg/m3)8Hour(LakeTahoe)

6ppm(7mg/m3)

— —

SO2j

1Hour 0.25ppm(655µg/m3)

UltravioletFluorescence

75ppb(196µg/m3)

—

UltravioletFluorescence;

Spectrophotometry(Pararosaniline

Method)9

3Hour — —0.5ppm(1300µg/m3)

24Hour0.04ppm

(105µg/m3)0.14ppm(forcertainareas)j

—

AnnualArithmeticMean

— 0.030ppm(forcertainareas)j

—

PM10k

24Hour 50µg/m3GravimetricorBetaAttenuation

150µg/m3SameasPrimaryStandard

InertialSeparationandGravimetric

Analysis

AnnualArithmeticMean

20µg/m3 —





Pollutant Average

Time


Concentration c Method d Primary c,e Secondary c,f Method g

PM2.5k

24Hour NoSeparateStateStandard 35µg/m3SameasPrimaryStandard InertialSeparation

andGravimetricAnalysisAnnual

ArithmeticMean

12µg/m3GravimetricorBetaAttenuation

12.0µg/m3k 15µg/m3

Leadl,m

30DayAverage 1.5µg/m3

AtomicAbsorption

— —

HighVolumeSamplerand

AtomicAbsorption

CalendarQuarter

—1.5µg/m3 (for

certainareas)m Sameas

PrimaryStandardRolling3‐

MonthAveragem

‐‐ 0.15µg/m3

VisibilityReducingParticlesn

8Hour

Extinctioncoefficientof0.23perkilometer—visibilityoftenmilesormore(0.07—30milesormoreforLakeTahoe)duetoparticles

whenrelativehumidityislessthan70percent.Method:Beta

AttenuationandTransmittancethroughFilterTape.

NoFederalStandardsSulfates

(SO4)24Hour 25µg/m3 Ion

ChromatographyHydrogenSulfide


UltravioletFluorescence

VinylChloridel


GasChromatography

a California standards for ozone, carbon monoxide (except 8‐hour Lake Tahoe), sulfur dioxide (1 and 24 hour), nitrogen dioxide, and

particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5, and visibility reducing particles), are values that are not to be exceeded. All others are not to be equaled or exceeded. California ambient air quality standards are listed in the Table of Standards in Section 70200 of Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations.

b National standards (other than ozone, particulate matter, and those based on annual arithmetic mean) are not to be exceeded more than once a year. The ozone standard is attained when the fourth highest 8‐hour concentration measured at each site in a year, averaged over three years, is equal to or less than the standard. For PM10, the 24 hour standard is attained when the expected number of days per calendar year with a 24‐hour average concentration above 150 micrograms/per cubic meter (μg/m

3) is equal to or less than one. For PM2.5, the 24 hour standard is attained when 98 percent of the daily concentrations, averaged over three years, are equal to or less than the standard.

c Concentration expressed first in units in which it was promulgated. Equivalent units given in parentheses are based upon a reference temperature of 25°C and a reference pressure of 760 torr. Most measurements of air quality are to be corrected to a reference temperature of 25°C and a reference pressure of 760 torr; ppm in this table refers to ppm by volume, or micromoles of pollutant per mole of gas.

d Any equivalent procedure which can be shown to the satisfaction of the California Air Resources Board to give equivalent results at or near the level of the air quality standard may be used.

e National Primary Standards: The levels of air quality necessary, with an adequate margin of safety to protect the public health. f National Secondary Standards: The levels of air quality necessary to protect the public welfare from any known or anticipated adverse

effects of a pollutant. g Reference method as described by the USEPA. An “equivalent method” of measurement may be used but must have a “consistent

relationship to the reference method” and must be approved by the USEPA. h On October 1, 2015, the national 8‐hour ozone primary and secondary standards were lowered from 0.075 to 0.070 ppm.





Pollutant Average

Time


Concentration c Method d Primary c,e Secondary c,f Method g i To attain the 1‐hour national standard, the 3‐year average of the annual 98th percentile of the 1‐hour daily maximum concentrations

at each site must not exceed 100 ppb. j On June 2, 2010, a new 1‐hour SO2 standard was established and the existing 24‐hour and annual primary standards were revoked. To

attain the 1‐hour national standard, the 3‐year average of the annual 99th percentile of the 1‐hour daily maximum concentrations at each site must not exceed 75 ppb. The 1971 SO2 national standards (24‐hour and annual) remain in effect until one year after an area is designated for the 2010 standard, except that in areas designated non‐attainment for the 1971 standards, the 1971 standards remain in effect until implementation plans to attain or maintain the 2010 standards are approved.

k On December 14, 2012, the national annual PM2.5 primary standard was lowered from 15 μg/m3 to 12.0 μg/m3. l The California Air Resources Board has identified lead and vinyl chloride as 'toxic air contaminants' with no threshold level of exposure

for adverse health effects determined. These actions allow for the implementation of control measures at levels below the ambient concentrations specified for these pollutants.

m The national standard for lead was revised on October 15, 2008 to a rolling 3‐month average. The 1978 lead standard (1.5 μg/m3 as a quarterly average) remains in effect until one year after an area is designated for the 2008 standard, except that in areas designated non‐attainment for the 1978 standard, the 1978 standard remains in effect until implementation plans to attain or maintain the 2008 standard are approved.

n In 1989, the California Air Resources Board converted both the general statewide 10‐mile visibility standard and the Lake Tahoe 30‐mile visibility standard to instrumental equivalents, which are "extinction of 0.23 per kilometer" and "extinction of 0.07 per kilometer" for the statewide and Lake Tahoe Air Basin standards, respectively.

Source: California Air Resources Board, Ambient Air Quality Standards (10/1/15), http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/aaqs/aaqs2.pdf.

Accessed January 2016.

The Project is located within the South Coast Air Basin, which is an area designated as non‐attainmentbecauseitdoesnotcurrentlymeetNAAQSforcertainpollutantsregulatedundertheCleanAirActaccordingtotheFebruary2016designations11.TheCleanAirActsetscertaindeadlinesformeetingtheNAAQSwithinthe Air Basin including the following: (1)1‐hour O3 by the year 2010 (however, this deadline was notattained,thenewdeadlineis2023);(2)8‐hourO3bytheyear2024;12(3)PM10bytheyear200613;and(4)PM2.5bytheyear201914.Nonattainmentdesignationsarecategorizedintosevenlevelsofseverity:(1)basic,(2)marginal, (3)moderate, (4)serious, (5)severe‐15, (6) severe‐17, and (7)extreme.15On June11,2007,theUSEPAreclassifiedtheAirBasinasafederal“attainment”areaforCOandapprovedtheCOmaintenance

11 SouthCoastAirQualityManagementDistrict,NationalAmbientAirQualityStandardsandCaliforniaAmbientAirQualityStandards

Attainment Status for South Coast Air Basin, February 2016. http://www.aqmd.gov/docs/default‐source/clean‐air‐plans/air‐quality‐management‐plans/naaqs‐caaqs‐feb2016.pdf?sfvrsn=2.AccessedFebruary2016.

12 The8‐hourozoneattainmentdeadlineforthe1997standardof80partsperbillionis2024.The8‐hourozoneattainmentdeadlineforthe2008standardof75partsperbillionis2032andthe8‐hourozoneattainmentdeadlineforthe2015standardof70partsperbillionis2037.

13 AnnualPM10standardwasrevoked,effectiveDecember18,2006;24‐hourPM10NAAQSdeadlinewasDecember31,2006;SCAQMDrequestforattainmentredesignationandPM10maintenanceplanwasapprovedbyU.S.EPAonJune26,2013,effectiveJuly26,2013.

14 Attainmentdeadlineforthe200624‐hourPM2.5NAAQS(designationeffectiveDecember14,2009)isDecember31,2019(endofthe10th calendar year after effective date ofdesignations for Seriousnonattainment areas). AnnualPM2.5standardwas revised onJanuary15,2013,effectiveMarch18,2013,from15to12µg/m3.DesignationseffectiveApril15,2015,soSeriousareaattainmentdeadlineisDecember31,2025.

15 The“‐15”and“‐17”designationsreflectthenumberofyearswithinwhichattainmentmustbeachieved.



planfortheAirBasin.16TheAirBasinpreviouslyexceededtheNAAQSforPM10,buthasmettheNAAQSatallmonitoringstationsandtheUSEPAapprovedtherequestforre‐designationtoattainmenteffectiveJuly26,2013.17TheAirBasindoesnotmeettheNAAQSforO3andPM2.5andisclassifiedasbeinginnon‐attainmentfor thesepollutants. TheLosAngelesCountyportionof theAirBasin isdesignatedasnon‐attainment forleadundertheNAAQS;however,thisisduetolocalizedemissionsfromonesource‐specificleadmonitoringstationinVernon.18However,thisleadbatteryrecyclingfacilityhasagreedtoshutdownasofMarch2015.19The attainment status of the Los Angeles County portion of the Air Basin with respect to the NAAQS issummarizedinTable4.B‐4,SouthCoastAirBasinAttainmentStatus(LosAngelesCounty).

Title II of the federal Clean Air Act pertains to mobile sources, such as cars, trucks, buses, and planes.Reformulatedgasoline,automobilepollutioncontroldevices,andvaporrecoverynozzlesongaspumpsarea16 “ApprovalandPromulgationofImplementationPlansandDesignationofAreasforAirQualityPlanningPurposes:California,Final

Rule.”FederalRegister72(11May2007):26718‐2672117 FederalRegister,Vol.78,No.123,June26,2013,38223‐38226.18 SouthCoastAirQualityManagementDistrict,BoardMeeting,AgendaNo.30,Adoptthe2012LeadStateImplementationPlan for

LosAngelesCounty,May4,2012.19 LosAngelesTimes,RegulatorsdetailExidebatteryplantclosureafterdecadesofpollution,http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la‐

me‐ln‐exide‐plant‐closure‐20150312‐story.html#page=1,AccessedAugust2015

Table 4.B‐4

South Coast Air Basin Attainment Status (Los Angeles County)

Pollutant National Standards California Standards

O3(1‐hourstandard) Non‐attainment‐ Extreme a Non‐attainmentO3(8‐hourstandard) Non‐attainment– Extreme Non‐attainment

CO Attainment (Maintenance) AttainmentNO2 Attainment (Maintenance) AttainmentSO2 Unclassifiable/Attainment AttainmentPM10 Attainment (Maintenance) Non‐attainmentPM2.5 Non‐attainment (Serious) Non‐attainmentLead Non‐attainment (Partial) Attainment

VisibilityReducingParticles N/A UnclassifiedSulfates N/A Attainment

HydrogenSulfide N/A AttainmentVinylChloride N/A Attainment

N/A = not applicable a The NAAQS for 1‐hour ozone was revoked on June 15, 2005; however, the Basin has not attained this standard based on

2008‐2010 data and is still subject to anti‐backsliding requirements. b Source: SouthCoastAirQualityManagementDistrict,NationalAmbientAirQualityStandardsandCaliforniaAmbient

Air Quality Standards Attainment Status for South Coast Air Basin, February 2016.http://www.aqmd.gov/docs/default‐source/clean‐air‐plans/air‐quality‐management‐plans/naaqs‐caaqs‐feb2016.pdf?sfvrsn=2.AccessedFebruary2016.United States Environmental Protection Agency, The Green Book Non‐attainment Areas for Criteria Pollutants, http://www.epa.gov/oaqps001/greenbk/index.html. Accessed February 2016; California Air Resources Board, Area Designations Maps/State and National, http://www.arb.ca.gov/desig/adm/adm.htm. Accessed February 2016.



fewof themechanismstheUSEPAusestoregulatemobileairemissionsources. TheprovisionsofTitle IIhave resulted in tailpipe emission standards for vehicles, which have strengthened in recent years toimproveairquality.Forexample,thestandardsforNOXemissionshavebeenloweredsubstantially,andthespecificationrequirementsforcleanerburninggasolinearemorestringent.

(2) State

(a) California Clean Air Act

TheCaliforniaCleanAirAct,signedintolawin1988,requiresallareasoftheStatetoachieveandmaintaintheCaliforniaAmbientAirQualityStandards(CAAQS)bytheearliestpracticaldate.TheCAAQSapplytothesame criteria pollutants as the federal Clean Air Act but also include State‐identified criteria pollutants,whichincludesulfates,visibility‐reducingparticles,hydrogensulfide,andvinylchloride.CARBhasprimaryresponsibility for ensuring the implementation of the California CleanAir Act,20responding to the federalCleanAirActplanningrequirementsapplicabletothestate,andregulatingemissionsfrommotorvehiclesandconsumerproductswithin thestate. Table4.B‐3shows theCAAQScurrently ineffect foreachof thecriteria pollutants aswell as the other pollutants recognized by the state. As shown in Table 4.B‐3, theCAAQSincludemorestringentstandardsthantheNAAQSformostofthecriteriaairpollutants.

Health and Safety Code Section 39607(e) requires CARB to establish and periodically review areadesignation criteria. Table4.B‐4provides a summaryof the attainment statusof theLosAngelesCountyportionoftheAirBasinwithrespecttothestatestandards.TheAirBasinisdesignatedasattainmentfortheCaliforniastandardsforsulfates,hydrogensulfide,andvinylchlorideandunclassifiedforvisibility‐reducingparticles.

(b) California Air Resources Board Air Quality and Land Use Handbook

CARB published the AirQuality and LandUseHandbook in April 2005 to serve as a general guide forconsideringimpactstosensitivereceptorsfromfacilitiesthatemittoxicaircontaminant(TAC)emissions.21Therecommendationsprovidedthereinarevoluntaryanddonotconstitutearequirementormandateforeither land use agencies or local air districts. The goal of the guidance document is to protect sensitivereceptors, such as children, the elderly, acutely ill, and chronically ill persons, from exposure to TACemissions. Some examples of CARB’s siting recommendations include the following: (1) avoid sitingsensitivereceptorswithin500feetofa freeway,urbanroadwith100,000vehiclesperday,orruralroadswith50,000vehiclesperday;(2)avoidsitingsensitivereceptorswithin1,000feetofadistributioncenter(that accommodates more than 100 trucks per day, more than 40 trucks with operating transportrefrigerationunitsperday,orwhere transportrefrigerationunitoperationsexceed300hoursperweek);and (3) avoid siting sensitive receptors within 300 feet of any dry cleaning operation usingperchloroethyleneandwithin500feetofoperationswithtwoormoremachines.

(c) California Air Resources Board On‐Road and Off‐Road Vehicle Rules

In2004,CARBadoptedanAirborneToxicControlMeasure(ATCM)tolimitheavy‐dutydieselmotorvehicleidlinginordertoreducepublicexposuretodieselPMandotherTACs.Themeasureappliestodiesel‐fueled20 Chapter1568oftheStatutesof1988.21 CaliforniaAirResourcesBoard,AirQualityandLandUseHandbook:ACommunityHealthPerspective,(2005).



commercial vehicles with gross vehicle weight ratings greater than 10,000 pounds that are licensed tooperateonhighways, regardlessofwhere theyare registered. Thismeasuredoesnotallowdiesel‐fueledcommercialvehiclestoidleformorethan5minutesatanygiventime.

In2008CARBapprovedtheTruckandBusregulationtoreduceNOX,PM10,andPM2.5emissionsfromexistingdiesel vehicles operating in California. The requirementswere amended inDecember2010 and apply tonearlyalldieselfueledtrucksandbusseswithagrossvehicleweightratinggreaterthan14,000pounds.Forthelargesttrucksinthefleet,thosewithagrossvehicleweightratinggreaterthan26,000pounds,therearetwomethods to complywith the requirements. The firstway is for the fleetowner to retrofit or replaceengines,startingwiththeoldestenginemodelyear,tomeet2010enginestandards,orbetter.Thisisphasedover8years,startingin2015andwouldbefullyimplementedby2023,meaningthatalltrucksoperatingintheStatesubjecttothisoptionwouldmeetorexceedthe2010engineemissionstandardsforNOXandPMby2023.Thesecondoption,ifchosen,requiresfleetowners,startingin2012,toretrofitaportionoftheirfleetwith diesel particulate filters achieving at least 85percent removal efficiency, so that by January1, 2016their entire fleet is equipped with diesel particulate filters. However, diesel particulate filters do nottypically lowerNOX emissions. Thus, fleet owners choosing the secondoptionmust still complywith the2010engineemissionstandardsfortheirtrucksandbussesby2020.

In addition to limitingexhaust from idling trucks,CARB recentlypromulgatedemission standards foroff‐roaddieselconstructionequipmentofgreaterthan25horsepowersuchasbulldozers,loaders,backhoesandforklifts,aswellasmanyotherself‐propelledoff‐roaddieselvehicles.TheregulationadoptedbytheCARBon July 26, 2007, aims to reduce emissions by installation of diesel soot filters and encouraging theretirement, replacement, or repower of older, dirtier engines with newer emission controlled models.Implementationisstaggeredbasedonfleetsize(whichisthetotalofalloff‐roadhorsepowerundercommonownership or control), with the largest fleets to begin compliance by January 1, 2014. Each fleet mustdemonstrate compliance through one of twomethods. The first option is to calculate andmaintain fleetaverageemissionstargets,whichencouragestheretirementorrepoweringofolderequipmentandrewardsthe introduction of newer cleaner units into the fleet. The second option is to meet the Best AvailableControl Technology (BACT) requirements by turning over or installing Verified Diesel Emission ControlStrategies (e.g., engine retrofits) on a certain percentage of its total fleet horsepower. The complianceschedulerequiresthatBACTturnoversorretrofitsbefullyimplementedby2023inallequipmentinlargeandmediumfleetsandacross100percentofsmallfleetsby2028.

(3) Local

(a) South Coast Air Quality Management District

TheSCAQMDhasjurisdictionoverairqualityplanningforallofOrangeCounty,LosAngelesCountyexceptfor the Antelope Valley, the non‐desert portion of western San Bernardino County, and thewestern andCoachella Valley portions of Riverside County. TheAir Basin is a subregionwithin SCAQMD jurisdiction.Whileairquality intheAirBasinhas improved, theAirBasinrequirescontinueddiligencetomeettheairqualitystandards.

(i) Air Quality Management Plan

The SCAQMD has adopted a series of AQMPs to meet the CAAQS and NAAQS. In December 2012, theSCAQMD adopted the 2012 Air QualityManagement Plan, which incorporates the latest scientific and



technological information and planning assumptions, including growth projections from the SouthernCalifornia Association of Government’s (SCAG) 2012‐2035 Regional Transportation Plan/SustainableCommunitiesStrategy,andupdatedemission inventorymethodologies forvarioussourcecategories.22The2012AQMPisthemostrecentplantoachieveairqualityattainmentwithintheregionandbuildsuponotheragencies’planstoachievefederalstandardsforairqualityintheAirBasin.Itincorporatesacomprehensivestrategyaimedatcontrollingpollutionfromallsources, includingstationarysources,andon‐roadandoff‐roadmobilesources. The2012AQMPbuildsuponimprovementsinpreviousplans,andincludesnewandchanging federal requirements, implementation of new technology measures, and the continueddevelopmentofeconomicallysound,flexiblecomplianceapproaches.Inaddition,ithighlightsthesignificantamountofemissionreductionsneededandtheurgentneedtoidentifyadditionalstrategies,especiallyintheareaofmobilesources,tomeetallfederalcriteriapollutantstandardswithinthetimeframesallowedunderthefederalCleanAirAct.

Thekeyundertakingofthe2012AQMPistobringtheAirBasinintoattainmentwiththeNAAQSforthe24‐hourPM2.5 standardby2014. Italso intensifies thescopeandpaceofcontinuedairquality improvementefforts toward meeting the 2024 8‐hour O3 standard deadline with new measures designed to reducerelianceonthefederalCleanAirActSection182(e)(5)long‐termmeasuresforNOXandVOCreductions.TheSCAQMDexpectsexposurereductionstobeachievedthroughimplementationofnewandadvancedcontroltechnologiesaswellasimprovementofexistingtechnologies.

Thecontrolmeasuresinthe2012AQMPconsistoffourcomponents:(1)AirBasin‐wideandEpisodicShort‐term PM2.5 Measures; (2) Contingency Measures; (3) 8‐hour O3 Implementation Measures; and (4)Transportation and ControlMeasures provided by the SCAG. The 2012 AQMP includes eight short‐termPM2.5 control measures, 16 stationary source 8‐hour O3 measures, 10 early action measures for mobilesourcesandsevenearlyactionmeasuresproposedtoacceleratenear‐zeroandzeroemissiontechnologiesforgoodsmovementrelatedsources,andfiveon‐roadandfiveoff‐roadmobilesourcecontrolmeasures.Ingeneral, the SCAQMD’s control strategy for stationary and mobile sources is based on the followingapproaches:(1)availablecleanertechnologies;(2)bestmanagementpractices;(3)incentiveprograms;(4)developmentandimplementationofzero‐near‐zerotechnologiesandvehiclesandcontrolmethods;and(5)emissionreductionsfrommobilesources.

TheSCAQMDiscurrentlyworkingonthe2016AQMPandexpectstohaveadraftavailablebySpring2016.Theupcoming2016AQMPwilldevelopintegratedstrategiesandmeasurestomeetthefollowingNAAQS:8‐hourOzone(75ppb)by2032,AnnualPM2.5(12μg/m3)by2021‐2025,8‐hourOzone(80ppb)by2024,1‐hourOzone(120ppb)by2023,and24‐hourPM2.5(35μg/m3)by2019.The2016AQMPwillalsotakeaninitiallookatthenew2015federal8‐hourozonestandard(70ppb),aswellasincorporateenergy,climate,transportation,goodsmovement,infrastructureandotherplanningeffortsthataffectfutureairquality.

(ii) SCAQMD Air Quality Guidance Documents

The CEQA Air Quality Handbook was published by the SCAQMD in November1993 to provide localgovernmentswithguidanceforanalyzingandmitigatingproject‐specificairqualityimpacts. TheCEQAAirQualityHandbookprovidesstandards,methodologies,andproceduresforconductingairqualityanalysesin22 SouthCoastAirQualityManagementDistrict,2012AirQualityManagementPlan,http://www.aqmd.gov/home/library/clean‐air‐

plans/air‐quality‐mgt‐plan.AccessedMarch2015.



EIRsandwasusedextensivelyinthepreparationofthisanalysis.However,theSCAQMDiscurrentlyintheprocessofreplacingtheCEQAAirQualityHandbookwiththeAirQualityAnalysisGuidanceHandbook. Whilethisprocess isunderway, theSCAQMDrecommendsthat leadagenciesavoidusingthescreeningtables inChapter6(DeterminingtheAirQualitySignificanceofaProject)oftheCEQAAirQualityHandbook,becausethetableswerederivedusinganobsoleteversionofCARB’smobilesourceemission factor inventory,andthetripgenerationcharacteristicsofthelandusesidentifiedinthesescreeningtableswerebasedonthefifthedition of the Institute of Transportation Engineer’s TripGenerationManual, instead of themost currentedition. Additionally, the lead agency should avoid using the on‐roadmobile source emission factors inTable A9‐5‐J1 throughA9‐5‐L (EMFAC7EPEmission Factors for PassengerVehicles and Trucks, EmissionFactorsforEstimatingMaterialHauling,andEmissionFactorsforOxidesofSulfurandLead).23

TheSCAQMDhaspublishedaguidancedocumentcalledtheLocalizedSignificanceThresholdMethodologyforCEQAEvaluationsthat is intendedtoprovideguidanceinevaluatinglocalizedeffects frommassemissionsduringconstruction.24TheSCAQMDadoptedadditionalguidanceregardingPM2.5inadocumentcalledFinalMethodologytoCalculateParticulateMatter(PM)2.5andPM2.5SignificanceThresholds.25Thislatterdocumenthas been incorporated by the SCAQMD into its CEQA significance thresholds and Localized SignificanceThresholdMethodology.

The SCAQMD has also adopted land use planning guidelines in theGuidanceDocumentforAddressingAirQuality Issues inGeneral Plans and Local Planning, which considers impacts to sensitive receptors fromfacilities that emit TACs.26 The SCAQMD’s distance recommendations are the same as those provided byCARB (e.g., a500‐foot sitingdistance for sensitive landusesproposed inproximityof freewaysandhigh‐trafficroads,andthesamesitingcriteriafordistributioncentersanddrycleaningfacilities). Theguidancedocument introduces land use related policies that rely on design and distance parameters to minimizeemissionsandlowerpotentialhealthrisk.TheSCAQMD’sguidelinesarevoluntaryinitiativesrecommendedforconsiderationbylocalplanningagencies.

(iii) SCAQMD Rules and Regulations

SeveralSCAQMDrulesadoptedtoimplementportionsoftheAQMPmayapplytotheproposedProject.Forexample,SCAQMDRule403requiresimplementationofbestavailablefugitivedustcontrolmeasuresduringactive construction periods capable of generating fugitive dust emissions from on‐site earth‐movingactivities, construction/demolition activities, and construction equipment travel on paved and unpavedroads.TheProjectmaybesubjecttothefollowingSCAQMDrulesandregulations:

23 South Coast Air Quality Management District, CEQA Air Quality Handbook (1993),

http://www.aqmd.gov/home/regulations/ceqa/air‐quality‐analysis‐handbook/ceqa‐air‐quality‐handbook‐(1993). Accessed March2015.

24 SouthCoastAirQualityManagementDistrict,FinalLocalizedSignificanceThresholdMethodology,(2008).25 SouthCoastAirQualityManagementDistrict,FinalMethodology toCalculateParticulateMatter (PM)2.5andPM2.5Significance

Thresholds,(2006).26 South CoastAirQualityManagementDistrict,GuidanceDocument forAddressingAirQuality Issues inGeneral Plans and Local

Planning,(2005).



Regulation IV – Prohibitions: This regulation sets forth the restrictions for visible emissions, odornuisance, fugitive dust, various air emissions, fuel contaminants, start‐up/shutdown exemptions andbreakdownevents.ThefollowingisalistofruleswhichmayapplytotheProject:

Rule402–Nuisance:Thisrulestatesthatapersonshallnotdischargefromanysourcewhatsoeversuch quantities of air contaminants or othermaterial which cause injury, detriment, nuisance, orannoyancetoanyconsiderablenumberofpersonsortothepublic,orwhichendangerthecomfort,repose,healthorsafetyofanysuchpersonsorthepublic,orwhichcause,orhaveanaturaltendencytocause,injuryordamagetobusinessorproperty.

Rule403–FugitiveDust: Thisrulerequiresprojects toprevent,reduceormitigate fugitivedustemissions fromasite. Rule403restrictsvisible fugitivedusttotheprojectproperty line,restrictsthenetPM10emissionstolessthan50microgramspercubicmeter(µg/m3)andrestrictsthetrackingoutofbulkmaterialsontopublicroads. Additionally,projectsmustutilizeoneormoreofthebestavailable control measures (identified in the tables within the rule). Mitigation measures mayincludeaddingfreeboardtohaulvehicles,coveringloosematerialonhaulvehicles,watering,usingchemicalstabilizersand/orceasingallactivities. Finally,acontingencyplanmayberequired ifsodeterminedbytheUSEPA.

RegulationXI–SourceSpecificStandards: RegulationXIsetsemissionsstandards fordifferentspecificsources.ThefollowingisalistofruleswhichmayapplytotheProject:

Rule1113–ArchitecturalCoatings:Thisrulerequiresmanufacturers,distributors,andendusersofarchitecturalandindustrialmaintenancecoatingstoreduceVOCemissionsfromtheuseofthesecoatings,primarilybyplacinglimitsontheVOCcontentofvariouscoatingcategories.

Rule 1146.1 – Emissions of Oxides of Nitrogen from Small Industrial, Institutional, andCommercialBoilers,SteamGenerators,andProcessHeaters:Thisrulerequiresmanufacturers,distributors,retailers,refurbishers,installers,andoperatorsofnewandexistingunitstoreduceNOXemissions fromnaturalgas‐firedwaterheaters,boilers,andprocessheatersasdefined in thisrule(greaterthan2millionBritishthermalunits[Btu]perhourandlessthan5millionBtuperhour).

Rule1146.2–EmissionsofOxidesofNitrogen fromLargeWaterHeatersandSmallBoilersand Process Heaters: This rule requires manufacturers, distributors, retailers, refurbishers,installers, andoperatorsofnewandexistingunits to reduceNOXemissions fromnatural gas‐firedwaterheaters,boilers,andprocessheatersasdefinedinthisrule(lessthanorequalto2millionBtuperhour).

Rule1186–PM10EmissionsfromPavedandUnpavedRoads,andLivestockOperations: Thisruleappliestoownersandoperatorsofpavedandunpavedroadsandlivestockoperations.Theruleis intended to reduce PM10 emissions by requiring the cleanup of material deposited onto pavedroads,useofcertifiedstreetsweepingequipment,andtreatmentofhigh‐useunpavedroads(seealsoRule403).

RegulationXIV–ToxicsandOtherNon‐CriteriaPollutants: RegulationXIsetsemissionsstandardsforTACs and other non‐criteria pollutant emissions. The following is a list of ruleswhichmay apply to theProject:



Rule1402–ControlofToxicAirContaminantsfromExistingSources: Thisrulesetsstandardsfor health risk associated with emissions of TACs from existing sources by specifying limits formaximum individual cancer risk (MICR), cancerburden, andnon‐cancer acute and chronichazardindex(HI)applicabletototalfacilityemissionsandbyrequiringfacilitiestoimplementriskreductionplanstoachievespecifiedrisklimits,asrequiredbytheAB2588AirToxicsHotSpotsProgramandthisrule.Therulealsospecifiespublicnotificationandinventoryrequirements.

Rule 1403 –Asbestos Emissions fromDemolition/RenovationActivities: This rule requiresowners and operators of any demolition or renovation activity and the associated disturbance ofasbestos‐containing materials, any asbestos storage facility, or any active waste disposal site toimplement work practice requirements to limit asbestos emissions from building demolition andrenovation activities, including the removal and associated disturbance of asbestos‐containingmaterials.

Rule1404–HexavalentChromiumEmissions fromCoolingTowers: This rule sets limits andrestrictionsonhexavalentchromiumincoolingtowercirculatingwater.

Rule1472–RequirementsforFacilitieswithMultipleStationaryEmergencyStandbyDiesel‐FueledInternalCombustionEngines:Thisruleregulateddieselparticulatematteremissionsfromfacilities with three or more stationary emergency standby diesel‐fueled internal combustionengines.FacilitieswhichcomplywithallapplicablerequirementsofRule1402,includingemissionsfromdieselenginesatthefacility,maybeexemptfromthisrule.

(b) Southern California Association of Governments

TheSCAGis theregionalplanningagencyforLosAngeles,Orange,Ventura,Riverside,SanBernardinoandImperial Counties and addresses regional issues relating to transportation, the economy, communitydevelopmentandtheenvironment.SCAGisthefederallydesignatedMetropolitanPlanningOrganizationforthemajorityoftheSouthernCaliforniaregionandisthelargestMetropolitanPlanningOrganizationinthenation.Withregardtoairqualityplanning,SCAGadoptedthe2016RTP/SCSinApril2016,whichaddressesregionaldevelopmentandgrowthforecastsandformsthebasisforthelanduseandtransportationcontrolportionsoftheAQMP.Thegrowthforecastsareutilizedinthepreparationoftheairqualityforecastsandconsistency analysis included in the AQMP. The Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable CommunitiesStrategyandAQMParebasedonprojectionsoriginatingwithinlocaljurisdictions.

SCAG’s2016RTP/SCSprovidesspecificstrategies forsuccessful implementation. Thesestrategies includesupporting projects that encourage a diverse job opportunities for a variety of skills and education,recreationandcultureandafull‐rangeofshopping,entertainmentandservicesallwithinarelativelyshortdistance; encouraging employment development around current and planned transit stations andneighborhood commercial centers; encouraging the implementation of a “Complete Streets” policy thatmeetstheneedsofallusersof thestreets,roadsandhighways includingbicyclists,children,personswithdisabilities, motorists, electric vehicles, movers of commercial goods, pedestrians, users of publictransportation,andseniors;andsupportingalternativefueledvehicles.

In2008,SCAGreleasedtheRegionalComprehensivePlanwhichaddressesregionalissuessuchashousing,traffic/transportation, water, and air quality. The Regional Comprehensive Plan serves as an advisorydocument to local agencies in the Southern California region for their information and voluntary use forpreparing localplansandhandling local issuesofregionalsignificance. TheRegionalComprehensivePlan



presents a vision of how southern California can balance air quality with growth and development byincludinggoalssuchas: reducingemissionsofcriteriapollutantstoattainfederalairqualitystandardsbyprescribeddatesandstatedambientairqualitystandardsassoonaspracticable;reversecurrenttrendsingreenhouse gas emissions to support sustainability goals for energy,water supply, agriculture, and otherresource areas; and to minimize land uses that increase the risk of adverse air pollution‐related healthimpactsfromexposuretoTACs,particulates(PM10andPM2.5)andCO.

(c) County of Los Angeles General Plan

Localjurisdictions,suchastheCounty,havetheauthorityandresponsibilitytoreduceairpollutionthroughitspolicepoweranddecision‐makingauthority. Specifically, theCounty isresponsible for theassessmentandmitigationofairemissionsresultingfromitslandusedecisions.TheCountyisalsoresponsiblefortheimplementationof transportationcontrolmeasuresasoutlined in theAQMP. Examplesof suchmeasuresincludebusturnouts,energy‐efficientstreetlights,andsynchronizedtrafficsignals.InaccordancewithCEQArequirementsandtheCEQAreviewprocess,theCountyassessestheairqualityimpactsofnewdevelopmentprojects, requires mitigation of potentially significant air quality impacts by conditioning discretionarypermitsandmonitorsandenforcesimplementationofsuchmitigationmeasures.

TheLosAngelesCountyGeneralPlan2035(March2015)providesthefundamentalbasis fortheCounty’sland use and development policy, and represents the basic community values, ideals, and aspirations togovern a shared environment through 2035. The General Plan addresses all aspects of developmentincludingpublichealth,landuse,communitycharacter,transportation,economics,housing,airquality,andothertopics.TheGeneralPlansetsforthobjectives,policies,standards,andprogramsforlanduseandnewdevelopment,CirculationandPublicaccess,andServiceSystemsfortheCommunityasawhole.

TheapplicablemeasuresoftheLosAngelesCountyGeneralPlanAirQualityelementarespecifiedbelowasbeingthemostcurrentstandards.ThesemeasureswillbeimplementedinconnectionwithdevelopmentoftheProject.27

GoalAQ1Protectionfromexposuretoharmfulairpollutants.

PolicyAQ1.1 Minimizehealth risks topeople from industrial toxicorhazardousairpollutantemissions,withanemphasisonlocalhotspots,suchasexistingpointsourcesaffectingimmediatesensitivereceptors.

PolicyAQ1.2 Encourage the use of low or no volatile organic compound (VOC)emittingmaterials.

PolicyAQ1.3 Reduce particulate inorganic and biological emissions fromconstruction,grading,excavation,anddemolitiontothemaximumextentfeasible.

27 LosAngelesCountyDepartmentofRegionalPlanning,2014.PublicReviewDraftLosAngelesCountyGeneralPlan2035,Chapter8–

AirQuality.http://http://planning.lacounty.gov/assets/upl/project/gp_2035_Chapter8_2014.pdf.AccessedMarch2015.



PolicyAQ1.4 Workwithlocalairqualitymanagementdistrictstopublicizeairqualitywarnings, and to track potential sources of airborne toxics from identifiedmobile andstationarysources.

GoalAQ2Thereductionofairpollutionandmobilesourceemissionsthroughcoordinatedlanduse,transportationandairqualityplanning.

PolicyAQ2.1 Encourage the application of design and other appropriate measureswhen siting sensitiveuses, suchas residences, schools, senior centers, daycare centers,medical facilities, or parkswith active recreational facilitieswithin proximity tomajorsourcesofairpollution,suchasfreeways.

PolicyAQ2.2 Participate in, and effectively coordinate the development andimplementationofcommunityandregionalairqualityprograms.

3. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

a. Thresholds of Significance

ThepotentialforairqualityimpactsisbasedonthresholdsderivedfromtheCounty’sInitialStudyChecklistquestions, which are based in part on Appendix G of the State CEQAGuidelines.These questions are asfollows:

(III) Air Quality. Would the project:

a) Conflictwithorobstructimplementationoftheapplicableairqualityplan;

b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air qualityviolation;

c) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the projectregionisnon‐attainmentunderanapplicablefederalorstateambientairqualitystandard(includingreleasingemissionswhichexceedquantitativethresholdsforozoneprecursors);

d) Exposesensitivereceptorstosubstantialpollutantconcentrations;or

e) Createobjectionableodorsaffectingasubstantialnumberofpeople.

The State CEQA Guidelines (Section 15064.7) provide that, when available, the significance criteriaestablishedbytheapplicableairqualitymanagementdistrictorairpollutioncontroldistrictmaybereliedupontomakedeterminationsofsignificance.ThepotentialairqualityimpactsoftheProjectare,therefore,evaluated according to thresholds developed by SCAQMD in the CEQA Air Quality Handbook, Air QualityAnalysis Guidance Handbook, and subsequent guidance, discussed below. These thresholds generallyincorporatethechecklistquestionscontainedinAppendixGoftheStateCEQAGuidelines.GreenhouseGasEmissionsandrelated“climatechange” issuesareaddressed inSection4.E.,GreenhouseGasEmissions,ofthisDraftEIR.

Basedontheabovefactors,theProjectwouldhaveapotentiallysignificantimpactonAirQualityifitwouldresultinanyofthefollowing:



AQ‐1 Wouldtheprojectconflictwithorobstructimplementationoftheapplicableairqualityplan?

TheSCAQMDisrequired,pursuant to theCAAtoreduceemissionsofcriteriapollutants forwhichtheAirBasinisinnon‐attainmentofFederalstandards.ThefuturedevelopmentpursuanttotheproposedSpecificPlanwouldbesubjecttotheSCAQMD’s2012AQMP.28TheAQMPcontainsacomprehensivelistofpollutioncontrol strategies directed at reducing emissions and achieving ambient air quality standards. Thesestrategies are developed, in part, based on regional population, housing, and employment projectionspreparedbySCAG.

Withregardtoairqualityplanning,SCAGhaspreparedtheRCPG,whichincludesGrowthManagementandRegionalMobilitychapters that formthebasis for the landuseand transportationcontrolportionsof theAQMP,andareutilized in thepreparationofairquality forecastsandconsistencyanalysis included in theAQMP.BoththeRCPGandAQMPstrategyincorporateprojectionsfromlocalplanningdocuments.

The2012AQMPwaspreparedtoaccommodategrowth,toreducethehighlevelsofpollutantswithinareasunderthejurisdictionofSCAQMD,toreturncleanairtotheregion,andtominimizetheimpactofreducedairqualityontheeconomy. Projects thatareconsideredtobeconsistentwith theAQMPwouldnot interferewithattainment,becausethisgrowthisincludedintheprojectionsusedduringthepreparationoftheAQMP.The2012AQMPreliesonassumptionsanddataregardingCountyofLosAngelesgrowthconsistentwiththeapplicable zoning under the existing General Plan. The AQMP contains a comprehensive list of pollutioncontrol strategies directed at reducing emissions and achieving ambient air quality standards. Thesestrategies are developed, in part, based on regional population, housing, and employment projectionspreparedbySCAG.

Projects that are consistent with the employment and population projections identified in the GrowthManagement Chapter of the RCPG prepared by SCAG are considered consistent with the AQMP growthprojections, since the Growth Management Chapter forms the basis of the land use and transportationcontrol portions of the AQMP. SCAG’s RCP and Guide provide growth forecasts that are used in thedevelopmentofairquality‐relatedlanduseandtransportationcontrolstrategies.TheRCPprovidedcontrolstrategies introduceenforceablemeasuresbywhichareawidereductions inannualvehiclemiles traveledcanbeachieved.Thereductioninvehiclemilestraveledcorrelateswithareductioninemissionsofcriteriapollutants.

Aproject is consistentwith theAQMP if it is consistentwith theapplicable rulesand regulationsand thepopulation,housingandemploymentassumptionswhichwereusedinthedevelopmentoftheAQMP.

AQ‐2 Would the project violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing orprojectedairqualityviolation?

Because of the SCAQMD’s regulatory role in the Air Basin, the significance thresholds and analysismethodologies in the SCAQMD CEQA Air QualityHandbook guidance document was used in evaluatingProjectimpacts. TheSCAQMDhasestablishedmassemissionthresholdsbelowwhichitisunlikelythatan

28 SouthCoastAirQualityManagementDistrict,AQMDWebsite,http://www.aqmd.gov/aqmp/2012aqmp/index.htm.



individual project’s incremental increase in emissions could cause or contribute substantially to anexceedanceofapplicableambientairqualitystandards.Basedonthesecriteria,theProjectwouldresultinapotentiallysignificantimpactifanyofthefollowingwouldoccur:

(1) Construction Thresholds

Apotentially significant impactmayoccur if regional emissionsduring construction frombothdirect andindirectsourceswouldexceedanyofthefollowingSCAQMDmassemissionthresholdlevelslistedbelow.Ifso,airqualitydispersionmodelingmaybeuseddetermine if theemissionswouldcauseanexceedanceofapplicableairqualitystandards.ThenumericalthresholdsarebasedontherecognitionthattheAirBasinisadistinctgeographicareawithacriticalairpollutionproblemforwhichambientairqualitystandardshavebeenpromulgatedtoprotectpublichealth.29

550poundsperdayCO;

75poundsperdayofVOC;

100poundsperdayofNOX;

150poundsperdayofSOX;

150poundsperdayofPM10;and

55poundsperdayofPM2.5.

ExceedanceofSCAQMDmassemissionthresholdsdoesnotexplicitlymeananexceedanceofapplicableairquality standards is expected. Refined air quality dispersion modeling should be performed to predictimpacts to ground level ambient pollutant levels, as discussed below under subsection (3), LocalizedSignificanceThresholds.

(2) Operation Thresholds

A potentially significant impact may occur if regional emissions during operations from both direct andindirect sourceswould exceed anyof the followingSCAQMDmassemission threshold levels listedbelow.ThenumericalthresholdsarebasedontherecognitionthattheAirBasinisadistinctgeographicareawithacritical air pollution problem for which ambient air quality standards have been promulgated to protectpublic health.30 The SCAQMD has established numeric thresholds for operation in part based on Section182(e) of theCleanAirActwhich identifies10 tonsper year ofVOC as a significance level for stationarysource emissions in extremenon‐attainment areas for ozone.31 As shown in Table 4.B‐4, theAir Basin isdesignatedasextremenon‐attainmentforozone. TheSCAQMDconvertedthissignificanceleveltopoundsperdayforozoneprecursoremissions(10tonsperyear×2,000poundsperton÷365daysperyear=55poundsperday). Thenumeric indicators forotherpollutantsarealsobasedon federal stationary sourcesignificancelevels.Ifthethresholdsareexceeded,airqualitydispersionmodelingmaybeusedtodetermineiftheemissionswouldcauseanexceedanceofapplicableairqualitystandards.

29 SouthCoastAirQualityManagementDistrict,CEQAAirQualityHandbook(1993)6‐2.30 SouthCoastAirQualityManagementDistrict,CEQAAirQualityHandbook(1993)6‐2.31 SouthCoastAirQualityManagementDistrict,CEQAAirQualityHandbook(1993)6‐1.



550poundsperdayofCO;

55poundsperdayofVOC;

55poundsperdayofNOX;

150poundsperdayofSOX;

150poundsperdayofPM10;and

55poundsperdayofPM2.5.

ExceedanceofSCAQMDmassemissionthresholdsdoesnotexplicitlymeananexceedanceofapplicableairquality standards is expected. Refined air quality dispersion modeling should be performed to predictimpactstogroundlevelambientpollutantlevels.

(3) Localized Significance Thresholds

Localized Significance Thresholds (LSTs)were developed in response to the SCAQMD Governing Board’sEnvironmentalJusticeEnhancementInitiative(I‐4).TheLSTmethodologywasprovisionallyadoptedbytheSCAQMDGoverningBoardinOctober2003andformallyapprovedbySCAQMD’sMobileSourceCommitteeinFebruary2005.LSTsrepresentthemaximumemissionsfromaprojectthatarenotexpectedtocauseorcontributetoanexceedanceof themoststringentapplicable federalorstateambientairqualitystandard,andaredevelopedbasedonthe localambientconcentrationsof thatpollutantanddistancetothenearestsensitivereceptor.

LSTs, which are voluntary, only apply to CO, NO2, PM10, and PM2.5 emissions during construction andoperation at the discretion of the lead agency. Screening‐level analysis of LSTs is only recommended forconstructionactivitiesatprojectsitesthatare5acresor less. TheSCAQMDrecommendsthatoperationalactivitiesandconstruction foranyprojectover5acresshouldperformairqualitydispersionmodeling toassessimpactstonearbysensitivereceptors.DispersionmodelingwouldberequiredforCO2,NOX,PM10,andPM2.5 emissions during construction and for operational activities. NOX to NO2 conversion would beaccountedforduringthemodelingtodeterminethemaximumNO2concentrationsatthenearestsensitivereceptors.

The SCAQMD has developed methodology to assess the potential for localized emissions to cause anexceedance of applicable ambient air quality standards. Impacts would be considered significant if thefollowingwouldoccur:

Maximumdaily localizedemissionswouldbegreaterthantheLSTs,resultinginpredictedambientconcentrationsinthevicinityoftheprojectsitegreaterthanthemoststringentambientairqualitystandardsforCOandNO2.32

MaximumlocalizedPM10orPM2.5emissionsduringconstructionwouldbegreaterthantheapplicableLSTs,resultinginpredictedambientconcentrationsinthevicinityofthesitetoexceed50μg/m3overfivehours(SCAQMDRule403controlrequirement).

32 SouthCoastAirQualityManagementDistrict,LSTMethodology,http://www.aqmd.gov/ceqa/handbook/lst/Method_fina.pdf.



Maximum localizePM10orPM2.5emissionsduringoperationswouldbegreater than theapplicableLSTs, resulting inpredicted ambient concentrations in the vicinity of the site to exceed2.5μg/m3overa24‐hourperiodor1.0μg/m3overanannualperiod.

Basedoncriteria set forth in theSCAQMDCEQAAirQualityHandbook, theproposedprojectwouldhaveasignificantimpactwithregardtooperationalemissionsifanyofthefollowingwouldoccur:

Traffic generated by the project causes an exceedance of the California 1‐hour or 8‐hour COstandardsof20or9.0ppm,respectively,atanintersectionorroadwaywithinone‐quartermileofasensitivereceptor.

The project would not be compatible with County of Los Angeles, SCAQMD and SCAG air qualitypolicies.

AQ‐3 Would theproject result in a cumulatively considerablenet increaseof any criteriapollutant forwhichtheprojectregionisnon‐attainmentunderanapplicablefederalorstateambientairqualitystandard(includingreleasingemissionswhichexceedquantitativethresholdsforozoneprecursors)?

TheAirBasin fails tomeetnationalandstatestandards forO3(forboththe1‐hourand8‐hourstandard),PM10(24hourandannual)andPM2.5,andthereforeisconsideredafederalandstate“non‐attainment”areafor these pollutants. A significant impact may occur if a project would add a cumulatively considerablecontributionofafederalorstatenon‐attainmentpollutant.

AQ‐4 Wouldtheprojectexposesensitivereceptorstosubstantialpollutantconcentrations?

TheSCAQMDCEQAAirQualityHandbook states that thedeterminationof thesignificanceofTACsshallbemadeonacase‐by‐casebasis,consideringthefollowingfactors:

Theregulatoryframeworkforthetoxicmaterial(s)andprocess(es)involved

TheproximityoftheTACstosensitivereceptors

Thequantity,volumeandtoxicityofthecontaminantsexpectedtobeemitted

Thelikelihoodandpotentiallevelofexposure

Thedegreetowhichthedesignoftheproposedprojectwillreducetheriskofexposure

Impacts from TAC emissions may be assessed via a health risk assessment (HRA). The California AirPollution Control Officers Association (CAPCOA) has provided general guidance for preparing HRAs.CAPCOA’sHealthRiskAssessmentsforProposedLandUseProjectsdescribessignificancelevelsthathavebeenusedbyvariousairdistrictsinCaliforniaasenumeratedbelow:33

33 CaliforniaAirPollutionControlOfficersAssociation,HealthRiskAssessmentsforProposedLandUseProjects,(2009)12.



Thresholdscanbebasedonaspecificrisklevelsuchthata10permillionexcesscancerriskandanacute and chronic hazard index of one should not be exceeded. These thresholds tend to beconsistentwiththeHotSpotProgramthresholds.

Thresholdscanalsobebasedontheregion’sexistingbackgroundcancerriskvalueifoneexists.

o Oneoptionistoestablisharisklevelequaltoaregion’sbackgroundrisklevel.

o Anotheroptionistoestablisharisklevelequaltotwicearegion’sbackgroundrisklevel.

o Stillanotheroptionistolookattheambientriskintheimmediatevicinityoftheprojectarearatherthantheregionalrisklevel.

Casebycasethresholdsmayalsobedefined.

TheSCAQMDCEQAHandbookrecommends:(a)alifetimeprobabilityofcontractingcancergreaterthan10inonemillion(10x10‐6)asasignificancethresholdforevaluatingcancerimpactsfromafacility,and(b)ahealth hazard index of 1.0 as a significance threshold for evaluating non‐carcinogenic impacts from afacility.34 These thresholds are normally applied to new facilities that emit TACs into the surroundingenvironmentandpotentiallyimpactoff‐sitesensitivereceptors.Inthiscase,theProjectinvolveslocatinganewsensitivereceptorratherthananewsourceofTACs. AccordingtoSCAQMDStaff,projectsthatwouldlocatesensitivereceptorswithin500feetofa freewayshouldalsoutilizethesethresholdswhenassessingimpacts to the project site frommotor vehicles traveling on the freeway. Based on these guidelines, theProjectwouldhaveasignificantimpactfromTACs,if:

On‐site stationary sources emit carcinogenic air contaminants or TACs that individually orcumulativelyexceedthemaximumindividualcancerriskofteninonemillionoranacuteorchronichazardindexof1.0.35

Hazardousmaterialsassociatedwithon‐sitestationarysourcesresultinanaccidentalreleaseofairtoxicemissionsoracutelyhazardousmaterialsposingathreattopublichealthandsafety.

In addition, since the project introduces potentially sensitive populations to the area, CARB’s sitingguidelinesforTACemissions(asdiscussedaboveundertheRegulatoryFrameworksection)willbeusedinadditiontheSCAQMDcriterialistedabove.

AQ‐5 Wouldtheprojectcreateobjectionableodorsaffectingasubstantialnumberofpeople?

TheSCAQMDCEQAAirQualityHandbook containssecondary thresholdsconsistentwithAppendixGCEQAguidelines regarding odors. More specifically, the Project would have a significant impact if it has thepotential to create, or be subjected to, an objectionable odor that could impact a substantial number ofsensitivereceptors.

34 SouthCoastAirQualityManagementDistrict,SCAQMDAirQualitySignificanceThresholds,(2011).35 SCAQMDRiskAssessmentProceduresforRules1401and212,November1998.



b. Methodology

Theevaluationofpotential impacts to localandregionalairquality thatmayresult fromtheconstructionandlong‐termoperationsoftheProjectisconductedasfollows:

(1) Consistency with Air Quality Management Plan

The2012AQMPwaspreparedtoaccommodategrowth,reducethehighlevelsofpollutantswithintheareasunderthejurisdictionofSCAQMD,returncleanairtotheregion,andminimizetheimpactontheeconomy.Projects that are consistent with the assumptions used in the AQMP do not interfere with attainmentbecause the growth is included in the projections utilized in the formulation of the AQMP, as discussedabove. Thus, projects, uses, and activities that are consistentwith the applicable growth projections andcontrolstrategiesusedinthedevelopmentoftheAQMPwouldnotjeopardizeattainmentoftheairqualitylevelsidentifiedintheAQMP,eveniftheyexceedtheSCAQMD’snumericindicators.

(2) Construction Impacts

Construction of the proposed uses pursuant to the Harbor‐UCLA Medical Campus Master Plan has thepotential tocreateairquality impacts throughtheuseofheavy‐dutyconstructionequipmentandthroughvehicle trips generated from constructionworkers traveling to and from the Project site. Mobile sourceemissions,primarilyNOX,wouldresultfromtheuseofconstructionequipmentsuchasbulldozers,wheeledloaders, cranes, and haul trucks. Workers commuting to and from the site would also generate mobilesourceemissions frompassengervehicles. Fugitivedustemissionswouldresult fromdemolition,gradingsoil movement and excavation activities. Evaporative emissions of VOCs would be generated from theapplication of architectural coatings (i.e., paints) and asphalt paving. Construction emissions can varysubstantiallyfromdaytoday,dependingonthelevelofactivity,thespecifictypeofoperationand,fordust,the prevailingweather conditions. The assessment of construction air quality impacts considers each ofthesepotentialsources.

Build‐outof theCampusMasterPlan isexpected tooccur ineightphases,witheachphase lasting severalyears.Constructionisanticipatedtobeginasearlyaslate‐2016andfullbuild‐outofallphasesisexpectedin2030. From 2020 through the end of construction, phases may overlap; therefore, the emissions areestimatedassumingoverlappingphasesinordertoevaluatethemaximumdailyemissions.Theamountofconstructionequipmentusedandthedurationofconstructionactivitycouldhaveasubstantialeffectupontheamountofconstructionemissions,concentrationsandtheresultingimpactsoccurringatanyonetime.As such, the emission forecastsprovided reflect a set of conservative assumptions basedon the expectedconstructionscenariowhereinarelativelylargeamountofconstructionisoccurringinarelativelyintensivemanner. There are typically four major types of construction activities for development projects:demolition, site preparation, grading, and building construction. The building construction phase cantypically be broken down into three sub‐categories: building construction, architectural painting, andasphaltpaving. Theemissionsfromconstructionequipmentthatwouldbeusedduringeachactivityweremodeled assuming that several activities would occur simultaneously (i.e., overlap) within each of thephases. Thiswouldensurethattheanalysisprovidesareasonablyconservativeestimateofthemaximumdailyregionalemissions.

Mass daily emissions during construction were calculated using CalEEMod, which is an emissionsestimation/evaluation model developed in conjunction with SCAQMD and other California Air Districts.



CalEEMod was used to assist in quantifying emissions from construction activities for build‐out of theproposedCampusMasterPlan.TheoutputvaluesusedinthisanalysiswereadjustedtobeProject‐specific,based on construction equipment types and the construction schedule. For fugitive dust, consistentwithRule 403, water would be applied to disturbed areas of the site with a control efficiency of 61 percent.Detailedconstructionequipment lists, constructionscheduling,andemissionscalculationsareprovided inAppendixBofthisDraftEIR.

The potential for localized effects from the on‐site portion of daily emissions are evaluated at nearbysensitivereceptorlocationsthatcouldbeimpactedbytheProjectbasedontheSCAQMD’sLSTmethodology,whichutilizeson‐sitemassemissionrate look‐uptablesandproject‐specificmodeling,whereappropriate.LSTs are applicable to the following criteria pollutants: NOX, CO, PM10, and PM2.5. LSTs represent themaximumemissionsfromaprojectthatarenotexpectedtocauseorcontributetoanexceedanceofthemoststringent applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard. For NOX and CO emissions, LSTs aredevelopedbasedonthelocalambientconcentrationsofthatpollutantanddistancetothenearestsensitivereceptor.ForPM10andPM2.5,LSTswerederivedbasedonrequirementsinSCAQMDRule403,FugitiveDust.TheSCAQMDhasestablishedscreeningcriteriathatcanbeusedtodeterminethemaximumallowabledailyemissionsthatwouldsatisfythelocalizedsignificancethresholdsandthereforenotcauseorcontributetoanexceedance of the applicable ambient air quality standards without project‐specific dispersionmodeling.Thescreeningcriteriadependon:(1)theareainwhichtheprojectislocated,(2)thesizeoftheprojectsite,and (3) thedistancebetween theproject site and thenearest sensitive receptor (e.g., residences, schools,hospitals).Thescreeningcriteriaaregenerallyapplicabletoprojectsfiveacresorlessindisturbedarea.IfaprojectexceedsfiveacresoranyapplicableLSTwhenthemassratelook‐uptablesareusedasascreeninganalysis,thenprojectspecificairqualitymodelingmodelmaybeperformed.ConstructionoftheproposedusespursuanttotheCampusMasterPlanwouldpotentiallydisturbmorethanfiveacres.Therefore,Project‐specific dispersion modeling was conducted for NO2, CO, PM10, and PM2.5 using the USEPA AERMODdispersion model with meteorological data from the applicable SCAQMD monitoring station (i.e., LAXAirport).36Maximumon‐siteemissionsfromthevariousphasesandactivitiesweremodeledatlocationsontheCampuswheretheconstructionactivitieswouldtakeplace.Nearbyreceptorsrepresentinglocationsofoff‐sitesensitiveuses(i.e.,residentialuses)wereplacedinalldirectionsaroundtheProjectsiteinordertoestimatemaximumimpacts.TheresultsoftheLSTdispersionmodelinganalysisareprovidedinAppendixBofthisDraftEIR.

(3) Operational Impacts

Operation of the Project has the potential to generate criteria pollutant emissions through vehicle tripstravelingtoandfromthesite.Inaddition,emissionswouldresultfromstationaryandareasourcessuchasfossil fuel combustion for cooling and heating and from landscaping equipment, and evaporative lossemissions associated with cleaning and maintenance activities (consumer product usage, solvents,adhesives,coatings,etc.).

The operational emissions were estimated for an interim build‐out year (2023) and full build‐out year(2030).ThemobileandareasourceemissionswereestimatedusingCalEEMod.Incalculatingmobilesource

36 TheProjectsiteislocatedinSRA3andthemeteorologicalstationinSRA3islocatedatLosAngelesInternationalAirport.However,

the site is located on the border of SRA 4 and is physically closer to themeteorological station for that region. Therefore, themeteorologicaldatafromtheLongBeachstationinSRA4isusedfordispersionmodelingpurposes.



emissions,thetriplengthvalueswerebasedonthedistancesprovidedinCalEEMod.Thetripdistanceswereappliedtothemaximumdailytripestimates,basedontripgenerationratesprovidedbytheProjecttrafficstudy37toestimatethetotalvehiclemilestraveled(VMT).Stationaryandareasourceemissionsfromfossilfuel combustion for heating and cool and landscaping equipment, and evaporative losses associatedwithcleaningandmaintenanceactivitiesarebasedonusageratesandemissionfactorsspecifictotheAirBasinasprovidedinCalEEMod.

Regional operational air quality impacts are assessed based on the incremental increase in emissionscompared to baseline conditions. CEQA established the baseline environmental setting at the time thatenvironmental assessment commences. For purposes of the operational emissions analysis, the existingbaselineyearisassumedtobe2015.Therefore,theincrementalchangeinoperationalemissionsisbasedontheProjectemissionsminustheexistingbaselineemissions.

Thepotential for localizedeffects fromtheon‐siteportionofdailyoperationemissionswereevaluatedatsensitivereceptorlocationsthatcouldbeimpactedbytheProjectbasedontheSCAQMD’sLSTmethodology.Maximum on‐site emissions were compared to applicable LST using the mass rate look‐up tables. Thescreeningcriteriawereforaprojectsitegreaterthan5acreswithareceptordistanceoflessthan25metersin Source Receptor Area 3 (Southwest Los Angeles County Coastal). Localized CO concentrations areevaluatedbasedonpriordispersionmodelingof the fourbusiest intersections in theBasin that hasbeenconductedbytheSCAQMDforitsCOAttainmentDemonstrationPlanintheAQMP.Theanalysiscomparestheintersectionswiththegreatestpeak‐hourtrafficvolumesthatwouldbeimpactedbytheProjecttotheintersectionsmodeledbytheSCAQMD.Project‐impactedintersectionswithpeak‐hourtrafficvolumesthatarelowerthantheintersectionsmodeledbytheSCAQMD,inconjunctionwithlowerbackgroundCOlevels,wouldresultinloweroverallCOconcentrationscomparedtotheSCAQMDmodeledvaluesinitsAQMP.

(4) Toxic Air Contaminants (TAC) Impacts (Construction and Operations)

TAC emissions sources during construction consist of diesel particulatematter (DPM) from constructionequipment andoperations consist of chemicals fromaircraftmaintenance and fueling. Sensitive receptorlocationsare identifiedandsite‐specificdispersionmodelingwasconductedtodetermineProject impacts.PotentialTACimpactsareevaluatedbyconductingadetailedanalysisusingAERMODdispersionmodeling.

TheOEHHAisresponsiblefordevelopingandrevisingguidelinesforperformingHRAsundertheState’sAirToxics Hot Spots Program Risk Assessment (AB 2588) regulation. InMarch 2015, OEHHA adopted newguidelines that update the previous guidance by incorporating advances in risk assessment withconsideration of infants and children using Age Sensitivity Factors (ASF). These changes also take intoaccount the sensitivity of children to TAC emissions, different breathing rates, and time spent at home.Children have a higher breathing rate compared to adults and would likely spend more time at homeresulting in longer exposure durations. On June 5, 2015, SCAQMD incorporated these guidelines in to

37 Fehr&Peers,Harbor‐UCLAMedicalCenterTrafficStudy,2016.



relevantrulesdesignedforpermittingofstationarysources.38Althoughconstructionwouldbetemporary,constructionimpactsassociatedwithTACsareaddressedquantitativelyinarefinedHRA.

TheHRAwasperformed inaccordancewith theOEHHAAirToxicsHotSpotsProgramGuidanceManualforPreparation of Health Risk Assessments (OEHHA Guidance).39 The analysis incorporates the estimatedconstructionemissions,aspreviouslydiscussed,anddispersionmodelingusingtheUSEPAAERMODmodelwith meteorological data from the closest SCAQMD monitoring station. Sensitive receptors used formodelingwere placed at the location of sensitive receptor (i.e., residential) buildings near to the subjectproperty. Heavy‐duty equipment and trucks were modeled as volume sources and were located on thesubjectpropertyandonroadwaysthattruckswouldpotentiallytravelonwithina0.25miledistanceofthesubject property. Health risk calculations were performed using a spreadsheet tool consistent with theOEHHA Guidance and CARB Hotspots Analysis and Reporting Program (HARP) version 2 spreadsheetmethodology.DetailedinformationabouttheHRAisprovidedinAppendixBofthisDraftEIR.

PotentialTACimpactsforoperationsareevaluatedbyconductingaqualitativescreening‐levelanalysis.Thescreening‐level analysis consists of identification of new or modified TAC emissions sources. If it isdetermined thataprojectwould introduceapotentiallysignificantnewsource,ormodifyanexistingTACemissions source, then downwind sensitive receptor locations are identified and site‐specific dispersionmodelingisconductedtodetermineprojectimpacts.

(5) Odor Impacts (Construction and Operations)

Potentialodor impactsareevaluatedbyconductingascreening‐levelanalysis followedbyamoredetailedanalysis (i.e., dispersion modeling) as necessary. The screening‐level analysis consists of reviewing theproject’ssiteplanandprojectdescriptiontoidentifynewormodifiedodorsources.IfitisdeterminedthattheproposedProjectwouldintroduceapotentiallysignificantnewodorsource,ormodifyanexistingodorsource, thendownwind sensitive receptor locationsare identifiedand site‐specificdispersionmodeling isconductedtodetermineproposedProjectimpacts.

c. Project Characteristics or Design Features

(1) Project Characteristics

The Project includes characteristics consistent with the CAPCOA guidance document40for mitigating orreducing emissions from land use development projects. The Project would provide and encourageemployeesandvisitorstoutilizealternativemodesoftransportationwhichwouldreducevehicletripsandVMT. More specifically, the Project would be located within a quarter‐mile of public transportation,includingexistingTorranceTransitSystembusroutes (e.g., routes1and3)withstopsonSouthVermontStreetandWestCarsonStreet,andLosAngelesMetrobusroutes(e.g.,routes205and550)withstopsonSouthVermontStreet.WhiletheProjectsite’stransitaccessibilitywouldresultinacorrespondingreduction

38 South Coast Air Quality Management District, Minutes of the June 5, 2015 Meeting, http://www.aqmd.gov/docs/default‐

source/Agendas/Governing‐Board/2015/2015‐Jul10‐001.pdf?sfvrsn=8,AccessedSeptember28,201539 OfficeofEnvironmentalHealthHazardAssessment,AirToxicsHotSpotsProgramGuidanceManualforPreparationofHealthRisk

Assessments,(2015).40 CaliforniaAirPollutionControlOfficersAssociation,QuantifyingGreenhouseGasMitigationMeasures,(2010).



in transportation‐related emissions, the emissions calculations do not incorporate reductions from thetransitaccessibilitycharacteristics.Asaresult,theemissionscalculationsareconsideredtobeconservativeandmayoverestimateactualemissions.

(2) Project Design Features

The Project would achieve the applicable objectives of the Los Angeles County General Plan FrameworkElement,SCAGRegionalTransportationPlan,andSCAQMDAirQualityManagementPlanforestablishingaregionallandusepatternthatpromotessustainability.TheProjectwouldsupportpedestrianactivityontheProjectsite,andincorporateenergyefficientandwaterefficientmeasures.

TheProjectwouldbedesignedtomeetthestandardsforLeadership inEnergyandEnvironmentalDesign(LEED)SilverCertificationby theU.S.GreenBuildingCouncil (USGBC) through the incorporationofgreenbuilding techniques and other sustainability features. A sustainability program would be prepared andmonitoredbyaLEED‐accrediteddesignconsultanttoprovideguidanceinProjectdesign,constructionandoperations; and to provide performance monitoring during Project operations to reconcile design andenergyperformanceandenhanceenergysavings. TheProjectwouldalsobedesigned tocomplywith theLosAngelesCountyGreenBuildingStandardsCode.ThefollowingProjectDesignFeatureswouldreduceairpollutant emissions as well as greenhouse gas emissions, which would be incorporated into the biddocument requirements for thedesignandconstructionof futuredevelopmentprojectsunder theMasterPlanProject:

PDFAQ‐1:GreenBuildingMeasures: TheMasterPlanProjectwouldbedesignedandoperate tomeetorexceedtheapplicablegreenbuilding,energy,water,andwasterequirementsoftheStateofCaliforniaGreenBuildingStandardsCodeandtheLosAngelesCountyGreenBuildingOrdinanceandmeetthestandardsoftheUSGBCLEEDSilverCertificationlevelor its equivalent. Green building measures would include, but are not limited to thefollowing:

The Project would implement a construction waste management plan to recycleand/orsalvagenonhazardousconstructiondebristhatmeetsorexceedstheCounty’sadoptedConstructionandDemolitionDebrisRecyclingandReuseordinance.

TheProjectwouldbedesignedtooptimizeenergyperformanceandreducebuildingenergy cost by 5 percent ormore for new construction and 3 percent ormore formajor renovations compared to ASHRAE 90.1‐2010, Appendix G and the Title 24(2013)BuildingStandardsCode.

TheProjectwouldreduceindoorandoutdoorwaterusebyaminimumof20percentcompared to baseline standards by installingwater fixtures that exceed applicablestandards.Thereductioninpotablewaterwouldbeachievedthroughtheinstallationof high‐efficiency water faucets, high‐efficiency toilets, flushless urinals, water‐efficient irrigation systems, planting native or drought‐tolerant plant species, usingrecycledwaterforlandscaping,orothersimilarmeans.

TheProjectwouldincludelightingcontrolswithoccupancysensorstotakeadvantageofavailablenaturallight.

The Project shall install cool roofs for heat island reduction and strive tomeet theCALGreenTier1SolarReflectanceIndex(SRI)orequivalent.



Projectbuildingsshallbeconstructedwithsolar‐readyrooftopsthatwouldallowforthefutureinstallationofon‐sitesolarphotovoltaic(PV)orsolarwaterheating(SWH)systems.ThebuildingdesigndocumentsshallshowanallocatedSolarZoneandthepathway for interconnecting the PV or SWH systemwith the building electrical orplumbing system. TheSolarZone is a sectionof the roof thathasbeenspecificallydesignatedandreservedfortheinstallationofasolarPVsystem,SWHsystem,and/orother solar generating system. The Solar Zone must be kept free from roofpenetrationsandhaveminimalshading.

The Projectwould be design and operatedwithmechanically ventilated areas thatwouldutilize air filtrationmedia foroutsideand returnairprior tooccupancy thatprovidesatleastaMinimumEfficiencyReportingValue(MERV)of15asrequiredforhospitalinpatientcare.

To encourage carpooling and the use of electric vehicles by project employees andvisitors, the Applicant shall designate a minimum of eight (8) percent on on‐siteparking for carpool and/or alternative‐fueled vehicles and shall pre‐wire, or installconduit and panel capacity for, electric vehicle charging stations for aminimum offive(5)percentofon‐siteparkingspaces.

The Project shall appropriate incorporate bicycle infrastructure including bicycleparkingand“end‐of‐trip”facilities incompliancewiththeapplicableportionsoftheCounty’sHealthyDesignOrdinance(HDO)(LosAngelesCountyCode,Title22,Section22.52.1225).

PDFAQ‐2:ConstructionMeasures: The Project shall implement the followingmeasures duringconstructionactivities:

TheProjectshallrequireconstructioncontractor(s)toutilizeoff‐roaddiesel‐poweredconstructionequipment thatmeetsorexceeds theCARBandUSEPATier4off‐roademissions standard for equipment rated at 50 hp or greater during Projectconstruction.Theserequirementsshallbeincludedinapplicablebiddocumentsandsuccessful contractor(s)must demonstrate the ability to supply such equipment. Acopyofeachunit’scertifiedtierspecificationormodelyearspecificationandCARBorSCAQMDoperatingpermit(ifapplicable)shallbeavailableuponrequestatthetimeofmobilizationofeachapplicableunitofequipment.

To the greatest extent possible, electric power will be made available for use forelectrictools,equipment,lighting,etc.

TheProject shall encourage construction contractors to apply for SCAQMD “SOON”funds, which provides funds to accelerate the use of less polluting off‐road dieselvehicles, such as heavy duty construction equipment. More information on thisprogram can be found at the following website:http://www.aqmd.gov/tao/Implementation/SOONProgram.htm.

InaccordancewithSection2485inTitle13oftheCaliforniaCodeofRegulations,theidlingofalldiesel‐fueledcommercialvehicles(weighingover10,000pounds)duringconstructionshallbelimitedtofiveminutesatanylocation.

TheApplicant shall prohibit heavy‐duty construction equipment and truckqueuingandstaginginfrontofon‐sitebuildingentrancesandexits.



The Project shall comply with the applicable provisions of SCAQMD Rule 403 tominimizegenerationoffugitivedust.Activedemolitionorgradingconstructionareasandunpavedroadsshallbecontrolledbytemporarycoversorwettedsufficientlytoreducedust.

Enhancedwateringshallberequiredforsoilmovingactivitieswithin100feetoftheexisting patient tower, such as ensuring that water is applied not more than 15minutespriortosoilexcavation.

On‐sitevehiclesshallbelimitedto15milesperhouronunpavedroadways.

Haul trucks carrying dirt, soil, sand, or other loose material shall be covered andmaintainafreeboardheightof12inches.

Priortoleavingareasofactiveconstruction,haultruckswouldbeinspectedandputthroughproceduresasnecessarytoremove loosedebris fromtirewellsandonthetruckexteriortopreventtrackout.

Constructionareasshallinstalltemporaryfencing,ifnecessary,topreventdebrisandmaterialmovementonthesiteandintopatientcarebuildingsortooff‐siteareas.

TheApplicantshallensurebuildingairfiltrationmediaandheating,ventilation,andair conditioning (HVAC) systems are serviced, maintained, and replaced permanufacturers specifications and are not compromised from the accumulation ofparticulatematterandfugitivedust.

All coatings used on‐site shall complywith SCAQMDRule 1113, as applicable. Theproject will strive to utilize material which is pre‐primed or pre‐painted.Additionally,theprojectshalllimitdailyapplicationofarchitecturalcoatingsappliedon‐siteto170gallonsperdaywithanaverageof50gramsVOCper literofcoating, less water and less exempt compounds, or equivalent usage resulting insimilarorlessVOCemissions.Forexample,stains,specialtyprimers,andindustrialmaintenancecoatingsallowedbyRule1113thatcontainVOCsatalevelof100gramsper liter of coating, lesswater and less exempt compoundswould be limited to 85gallonsperdayonsite.

d. Project Impacts

(1) Consistency with Air Quality Management Plan

ThresholdAQ‐1: Wouldtheprojectconflictwithorobstruct implementationof theapplicableairqualityplan?

ImpactStatementAQ‐1: Construction and operation of the Project would not conflict with the growthprojectionsintheSCAQMDAQMPandwouldcomplywithapplicablecontrolmeasures.Asaresult,theProjectwouldnotconflictwithorobstructimplementationofthePlanandimpactswouldbelessthansignificant.

(a) Construction

Under this criterion, the SCAQMD recommends that lead agencies demonstrate that a project would notdirectlyobstructimplementationofanapplicableairqualityplanandthataprojectbeconsistentwiththeassumptions(typicallyland‐userelated,suchasresultantemploymentorresidentialunits)uponwhichtheairqualityplanarebased.TheProjectwouldresultinanincreaseinshort‐termemploymentcomparedto



existingconditions.Beingrelativelysmallinnumberandtemporaryinnature,constructionjobsundertheProject would not conflict with the long‐term employment projections upon which the AQMP is based.Control strategies in the AQMP with potential applicability to short‐term emissions from constructionactivitiesincludestrategiesdenotedintheAQMPasONRD‐04andOFFRD‐01,whichareintendedtoreduceemissions from on‐road and off‐road heavy‐duty vehicles and equipment by accelerating replacement ofolder,emissions‐proneengineswithnewerenginesmeetingmorestringentemissionstandards.TheProjectwould not conflictwith implementation of these strategies. Additionally, the Project would complywithCARB requirements tominimize short‐term emissions from on‐road and off‐road diesel equipment. TheProjectwouldalsocomplywithSCAQMDregulationsforcontrollingfugitivedustpursuanttoSCAQMDRule403.

Compliancewith these requirements is consistentwithandmeetsorexceeds theAQMPrequirements forcontrol strategies intended to reduce emissions from construction equipment and activities. Because theProject would not conflict with the control strategies intended to reduce emissions from constructionequipment,theProjectwouldnotconflictwithorobstructimplementationoftheAQMP,andimpactswouldbelessthansignificant.

(b) Operation

The 2012 AQMPwas prepared to accommodate growth, reduce the levels of pollutantswithin the areasunderthejurisdictionofSCAQMD,returncleanairtotheregion,andminimizetheimpactontheeconomy.Projects that are considered consistentwith the AQMPwould not interferewith attainment because thisgrowthisincludedintheprojectionsusedintheformulationoftheAQMP.

AsdiscussedinSection4.H.,LandUse,ofthisDraftEIR,theProjectsiteisdesignated“P”(PublicandSemi‐Public) by the County of Los Angeles 2035General PlanUpdate. The “P” General Plan LandUse (GPLU)designationpermitsabroadrangeofpublicandsemi‐publicfacilitiesandcommunity‐servinguses,includingpublic buildings and campuses, schools, hospitals, cemeteries, fairgrounds, airports and other majortransportationfacilities, landfills,solidandliquidwastedisposalsites,multipleusestormwatertreatmentfacilities,andmajorutilitiesatamaximumFARof3:1.41Assuch, theProjectwouldbeconsistentwith thegrowth projections as contained in the County’s General Plan and thus be consistent with the growthprojectionsintheAQMP.

TheAQMP includes Transportation ControlMeasures that are intended to reduce regionalmobile sourceemissions. While the majority of the measures are implemented by cities, counties, and other regionalagenciessuchasSCAGandSCAQMD,theProjectwouldbesupportiveofmeasuresrelatedtoreducingvehicletripsforpatronsandemployeesandincreasingcommercialdensitynearpublictransit(seediscussionunderSubsection4.C.3.c,ProjectDesignFeatures).

As theProjectwouldbe consistentwith the growthprojections in theAQMPandwouldbe supportiveofrelevant Transportation Control Measures aimed at reducing vehicle trips, impacts would be less thansignificant.

41 County of Los Angeles, County of Los Angeles General PlanUpdate (2035), Chapter 6: LandUse Element, Table 6.2, LandUse

Designations.AdoptedOctober6,2015.



(2) Violation of Air Quality Standards

ThresholdAQ‐2:Would the project violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to anexistingorprojectedairqualityviolation?

ImpactStatementAQ‐2: ConstructionoftheProjectwouldnotexceedtheapplicableSCAQMDdailynumericindicators for VOC, NOX, CO, SOX, PM10, or PM2.5. The incremental change in interim operationalemissions,when combinedwith on‐going construction emissions,wouldnot exceed the thresholds ofsignificance.Theincrementalchangeinoperationalatfullbuild‐outoftheProjectwouldnotexceedtheSCAQMD daily regional numeric indicators. As a result, construction and operations of the Projectwouldnotviolateanyairquality standardorcontribute substantially toanexistingorprojectedairqualityviolationandoperationalimpactswouldbelessthansignificant.

(a) Construction

Constructionoftheproposeduseshasthepotentialtocreateairqualityimpactsthroughtheuseofheavy‐duty construction equipment and through vehicle trips generated from constructionworkers traveling toand from the Project site. In addition, fugitive dust emissions would result from excavation and debrisremoval. The maximum daily regional construction emissions were calculated for the eight phases ofconstruction.Itshouldbenotedthatthemaximumdailyemissionsarepredictedvaluesfortheworst‐caseday and do not represent the emissions that would occur for every day within the construction period.DetailedemissionscalculationsareprovidedinAppendixBofthisDraftEIR.ResultsofthecriteriapollutantcalculationsarepresentedinTable4.B‐5,MaximumUnmitigatedRegionalConstructionEmissions.Asshowntherein,construction‐relateddailyemissionsforthecriteriaandprecursorpollutantswouldnotexceedtheSCAQMDregionalthresholdsofsignificanceforVOC,NOX,CO,SOX,PM10,andPM2.5.Therefore,withrespecttoregionalemissions,impactswouldbelessthansignificantduringconstructionoftheProject.

Thesecalculationsincludeappropriatedustcontrolmeasuresthatwouldbeimplementedduringeachphaseof construction, as requiredby SCAQMDRule 403 (Control of FugitiveDust). All construction equipmentwitharatingof50horsepowerorgreaterwasassumedtohaveanenginethatmeetsCARBandUSEPATier4Final off‐road emissions standard. Low‐VOC coatings, as specified in PDF AQ‐1, were utilized forarchitecturalcoatingsphases.

(b) Operation

Operationalemissionswereassessedformobile,area,andstationarysources.Operationalcriteriapollutantemissionswere calculated for theProject for an interimbuild‐out year (2023) and the full build‐out year(2030). BasedontheProjectDesignFeaturesincorporatedintotheProject,theenergyusagerateandthenumberofvehicletripsfromtheProjectwouldbereducedcomparedtotheappropriatebaselinelevel(seediscussedunderSubsection4.C.3.c,ProjectDesignFeatures).DailytripgenerationratesfortheProjectwereprovided by the Project traffic study42and include trips associated with the hospital and research anddevelopmentuses.DetailedemissionscalculationsareprovidedinAppendixBofthisDraftEIR.ResultsofthecriteriapollutantcalculationsarepresentedinTable4.B‐6,MaximumUnmitigatedRegionalOperationalEmissions.Table4.B‐6alsoshowstheexistingemissionsfromtheexistingusesonthesite.Theevaluationof

42 Fehr&Peers,Harbor‐UCLAMedicalCenterTrafficStudy,(2016).



theProject’ssignificancewithrespecttotheSCAQMDthresholdsofsignificanceisbasedonthenetchangeinoperationalemissionsfromtheexistingsiteandtheProject. Asshowntherein,thenetoperational‐relateddaily emissions for the criteria and precursor pollutants (VOC, NOX, CO, SOX, PM10, and PM2.5) would notexceedthethresholdofsignificanceduringinterimoperationswhencombinedwithon‐goingconstructionemissions. Additionallyat fullbuild‐out,operationof theProjectwouldnot exceed theSCAQMDnumericindicators. Therefore, with respect to regional emissions from operations, impacts would be less thansignificantduringtheinterimyearandatfullbuild‐out.

Table 4.B‐5

Maximum Unmitigated Regional Construction Emissions a (pounds per day)

Construction Year

Maximum Daily Regional Emissions b

VOC NOX CO SOX PM10 c PM2.5

c

ConstructionYear1 1 24 50 <1 5 1ConstructionYear2 1 10 39 <1 5 1ConstructionYear3 2 46 114 <1 12 4ConstructionYear4 2 20 112 <1 11 4ConstructionYear5 51 26 149 <1 18 6ConstructionYear6 52 92 210 1 31 10ConstructionYear7 16 46 225 1 45 13ConstructionYear8 54 49 276 1 52 15ConstructionYear9 29 52 351 1 83 23ConstructionYear10 64 46 229 1 73 20ConstructionYear11 64 31 220 1 67 19ConstructionYear12 2 13 89 <1 22 6ConstructionYear13 2 13 79 <1 21 6ConstructionYear14 14 13 82 <1 22 6ConstructionYear15 14 9 55 <1 8 2MaximumRegionalEmissions 64 92 351 1 83 23RegionalSignificanceThreshold 75 100 550 150 150 55Over(Under) (11) (8) (199) (149) (67) (32)ExceedThreshold? No No No No No No a Emission quantities are rounded to “whole number” values. As such, the “total” values presented herein may be one unit

more or less than actual values. Exact values (i.e., non‐rounded) are provided in the CalEEMod printout sheets and/or calculation worksheets that are presented in Appendix B.

b Shaded values indicate maximum emissions. c PM10 and PM2.5 emissions estimates are based on compliance with SCAQMD Rule 403 requirements for fugitive dust

suppression.




(3) Non‐Attainment Pollutants

ThresholdAQ‐3: Would the project result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteriapollutant forwhich theproject region isnon‐attainmentunderanapplicable federalorstate ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions which exceedquantitativethresholdsforozoneprecursors)?

Impact StatementAQ‐3: Constructionof theProjectwouldnotexceed theSCAQMDdailyregionalnumericindicators. The incremental change in interimoperational emissions,when combinedwithon‐goingconstruction emissions,would not exceed the thresholds of significance. The incremental change inoperational emissions at full build‐out of the Projectwould not exceed the SCAQMD daily regionalnumericindicators.Thus,constructionandoperationsoftheProjectwouldnotresultinacumulativelyconsiderablenet increaseofanycriteriapollutantforwhichtheProjectregion isnon‐attainmentandimpactswouldbelessthansignificant.

Table 4.B‐6

Maximum Unmitigated Regional Operational Emissions – Interim and Build‐Out a

(pounds per day)

Operational Source VOC NOX CO SOX PM10 PM2.5

ExistingEmissions 102 219 841 2 128 37ProjectInterimYear Area(Coating,ConsumerProducts,Landscaping) 29 <1 0.1 <1 <1 <1Energy(NaturalGas) 1 6 5 <1 0.5 0.5MotorVehicles 58 132 611 2 143 40

Construction(InterimYear) 54 49 276 1 52 15TotalProjectInterimYearEmissions 142 188 892 3 195 56TotalNetIncrease/(Decrease)inEmissions(TotalInterim–Existing)

40 (31) 51 1 67 19

SCAQMDSignificanceThreshold 55 55 550 150 150 55Over/(Under) (15) (86) (499) (149) (83) (36)ExceedThreshold? No No No No No NoProjectBuild‐Out Area(Coating,ConsumerProducts,Landscaping) 40 <1 0.2 <1 <1 <1Energy(NaturalGas) 1 8 6 <1 0.6 0.6MotorVehicles 63 148 666 3 183 52

TotalProjectBuild‐OutEmissions 104 156 672 3 184 53TotalNetIncrease/(Decrease)inEmissions(ProjectBuild‐Out‐Existing)

2 (63) (169) 1 56 16

SCAQMDSignificanceThreshold 55 55 550 150 150 55Over/(Under) (53) (118) (719) (149) (94) (39)ExceedThreshold? No No No No No No

a Emission quantities are rounded to “whole number” values. As such, the “total” values presented herein may be one unit more or less than actual values. Exact values (i.e., non‐rounded) are provided in the CalEEMod printout sheets and/or calculation worksheets that are presented in Appendix B.




(a) Construction

ConstructionoftheProjectwouldnotresultintheemissionofcriteriapollutantsforwhichtheregionisinnonattainment.TheLosAngelesCountyportionoftheAirBasinisdesignatednon‐attainmentforozoneandPM2.5NAAQSandnon‐attainmentforozone,NO2,PM10,andPM2.5CAAQS.AsshowninTable4.B‐5,maximumdailyemissionsfromconstructionoftheProjectwouldnotexceedthenumericindicatorofsignificanceforanyofthesepollutantsnortheirprecursors.ProjectcompliancewithCARBandSCAQMDcontrolmeasuresandProjectDesignFeatureswouldbe implemented tominimizeandreduceconstructionemissions. Asaresult, the Projectwould not result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of a criteria pollutant forwhichtheregionisnon‐attainment.Therefore,constructionimpactswouldbelessthansignificant.

(b) Operation

Operation of theProjectwouldnot result in the emission of criteria pollutants forwhich the region is innonattainment.AsshowninTable4.B‐6,maximumdailyemissionsfromoperationoftheProjectwouldnotexceed the threshold of significance for any of pollutants in nonattainment nor their precursors. Duringinterimoperations thatoverlapwith constructionemissionsandat fullbuild‐out,operationof theProjectwouldnot exceed the applicable thresholdsof significance. Therefore, operational impactswouldbe lessthansignificant.

(4) Substantial Pollutant Concentrations

ThresholdAQ‐4: Wouldtheprojectexposesensitivereceptorstosubstantialpollutantconcentrations?

Impact Statement AQ‐4: Construction of the Project would not exceed SCAQMD localized significancethresholds forNOX,CO,PM10,orPM2.5atnearbysensitivereceptors. InterimoperationoftheProject,when combined with on‐going construction emissions, would not exceed the localized significancethresholds forNOX, CO, PM10, or PM2.5. Operation of the Project at full build‐outwould not exceedSCAQMD localized significance thresholds at nearby sensitive receptors forNOX, CO, PM10, or PM2.5.ConstructionandoperationoftheProjectwouldnotresult insubstantialemissionsofTACsatnearbysensitive receptors. Construction activities would not result in health risks that exceed SCAQMDnumeric indicatorsofanallowable incremental increase incancerriskof10 inonemillionandnon‐cancer health index of 1.0. Construction and operation of the Project would not result in trafficcongestionthatwouldcauseorcontributetoformationoflocalizedCOhotspotsthatexceedtheCAAQSorNAAQS.Asaresult,constructionandoperationoftheProjectwouldnotexposesensitivereceptorstosubstantial pollutant concentrations, and localized emissions during construction and interimoperationswouldresultinalessthansignificantimpact.

(a) Construction

(i) Localized Impacts

The localized construction air quality analysis was conducted using the methodology described in theSCAQMD Localized Significance ThresholdMethodology (June 2003, revised July 2008).43 The screeningcriteria provided in the Localized Significance ThresholdMethodology were used to determine localized

43 SouthCoastAirQualityManagementDistrict,FinalLocalizedSignificanceThresholdMethodology,(2008).



constructionemissions thresholds for theProject. Themaximumdaily localizedemissions foreachof theconstruction phases and localized significance thresholds are presented in Table 4.B‐7, MaximumUnmitigatedLocalizedSignificanceThresholdAnalysis–Construction. Asshowntherein,maximumlocalizedconcentrations during construction activities would not exceed the allowable thresholds at the closestsensitivereceptorsfortherelevantstandards. Therefore,withrespecttolocalizedconstructionemissions,impactswouldbelessthansignificant.

(ii) Toxic Air Contaminants

ThegreatestpotentialforTACemissionswouldberelatedtodieselparticulatematteremissionsassociatedwith heavy equipment operations during demolition, grading and excavation, and building constructionactivities.Inaddition,incidentalamountsoftoxicsubstancessuchasoils,solvents,andpaintswouldbeused.TheseproductswouldcomplywithallapplicableSCAQMDrulesfortheirmanufactureanduse.TheProjectwillbesubject toseveralSCAQMDrulesdesignedto limitexposuretoTACsduringconstructionactivities.The Project would be required to comply with the CARB Air Toxics Control Measure that limits dieselpoweredequipmentandvehicle idling tonomore than5minutesata location, and theCARB In‐UseOff‐Road Diesel Vehicle Regulation; compliance with these would minimize emissions of TACs duringconstruction. TheProjectwould also complywith the requirements of SCAQMDRule 1403 if asbestos isfound during the renovation and construction activities. Furthermore, the Project would voluntarilyimplementtheconstructioncontrolmeasuresdescribedinPDF‐AQ‐2.

Health risk impacts (cancer risk)wereassessed fornearbyexistingand futureoff‐site sensitive receptors(residentialandschooluses). Table4.B‐8,MaximumCarcinogenicRiskforOff‐SiteSensitiveReceptorsfromConstruction, summarizes the carcinogenic risk for representative receptors located throughout the sitevicinity.Forcarcinogenicexposures,thecancerriskfromDPMemissionsfromconstructionoftheprojectisestimated to result in amaximum carcinogenic risk of 4.1 per onemillion. Themaximum impactwould

Table 4.B‐7

Maximum Unmitigated Localized Significance Threshold Analysis – Construction

Pollutant a Averaging Period

Project Concentration

(ug/m3)

Ambient Background b

(ug/m3) Total

(ug/m3) Threshold

(ug/m3) Exceed

Threshold?

CO 1‐hr 273.1 3,548 3,821 23,000 NoCO 8‐hr 42.7 2,862 2,904 10,000 NoNO2 1‐hr 86.1 163.6 249.7 339 NoNO2 1‐hr(98thpercentile)c 50.9 112.2 163.1 188 NoPM10 24‐hr 0.87 — 0.87 10.4 NoPM2.5 24‐hr 0.34 — 0.34 10.4 No

a PM10 and PM2.5 emissions estimates are based on compliance with SCAQMD Rule 403 requirements for fugitive dust suppression. b Background concentrations are based on the maximum of the most recent three years for which data is available from the SCAQMD

for the Long Beach Monitoring Station (2011‐2013). See SCAQMD website: http://www.aqmd.gov/home/library/air‐quality‐data‐studies/historical‐data‐by‐year. The 1‐hour CO concentration is based on data from the same time period from the USEPA. See USEPA website: http://www.epa.gov/airdata/ad_rep_mon.html. Accessed March 2015.

c Based on the 3‐year average of the 98th percentile of the yearly distribution of 1‐hour daily maximum concentrations.




occur at sensitive land uses (residences) directly south of the site. As discussed previously, the lifetimeexposureunderOEHHAguidelinestakesintoaccountearlylife(infantandchildren)exposure.Itshouldbenoted that the calculated cancer risk conservatively assumes sensitive receptors (residential school uses)wouldnothaveanymitigationsuchasmechanicalfiltration.Asthemaximumimpactwouldbelessthantheriskthresholdof10inonemillion,impactswouldbeconsideredlessthansignificant.

Potential non‐cancer effects of chronic (i.e., long term) DPM exposureswere evaluated using the HazardIndexapproachasdescribedintheOEHHAGuidance.Ahazardindexequaltoorgreaterthan1.0representsasignificantchronichealthhazard.AsshowninTable4.B‐9,MaximumNon‐CancerChronicImpactsforOff‐SiteSensitiveReceptors, nearby off‐site sensitive receptorswould not be exposed to chronic impacts thatwouldexceedthethresholdof1.0.Themaximumimpactwouldoccuratsensitivereceptorsdirectlyeastofthesite.Therefore,non‐cancerchronicimpactswouldbeconsideredlessthansignificant.

Theprocessofassessinghealthrisksandimpactsincludesadegreeofuncertainty.Thelevelofuncertaintyisdependentontheavailabilityofdataandtheextenttowhichassumptionsarerelieduponincaseswhere

Table 4.B‐8

Maximum Carcinogenic Risk from Project Construction

Sensitive Receptor

Maximum Cancer Risk (# in one million)

Starting Exposure Age: 3rd Trimester

Starting Exposure Age:Adult (16 and over)

NorthofProjectSite 2.2 0.2SouthofProjectSite 4.1 0.4EastofProjectSite 2.2 0.2WestofProjectSite 0.6 0.1

MaximumIndividualCancerRiskThreshold 10 10ExceedsThreshold? No No

Source: PCR Services Corporation, 2016.

Table 4.B‐9

Maximum Non‐Cancer Chronic Impacts from Project Construction Sensitive Receptor Chronic Hazard Index

NorthofProjectSite 0.002SouthofProjectSite 0.007EastofProjectSite 0.002WestofProjectSite 0.001TotalHazardIndex 1.0Exceedsthreshold? No

Source: PCR Services Corporation, 2016.



thedataare incompleteorunknown. AllHRAsrelyuponscientificstudies inorder toreduce the levelofuncertainty; however, it is not possible to completely eliminate uncertainty from the analysis. Whereassumptionsareused to substitute for incompleteorunknowndata, it is standardpractice inperformingHRAstoerronthesideofhealthprotectioninordertoavoidunderestimatingorunderreportingtherisktothepublic. Ingeneral,sourcesofuncertaintythatmayleadtoanoverestimationoranunderestimationofthe risk include extrapolation of toxicity data in animals to humans and uncertainty in the exposureestimates.Inadditiontouncertainty,thereexists“anaturalrangeorvariabilityinthehumanpopulationinsuchpropertiesasheight,weight,andsusceptibilitytochemicaltoxicants.”44Asmentionedpreviously,itistypical toerron thesideofhealthprotectionbyassessingriskon themostsensitivepopulations, suchaschildrenandtheelderly.

(b) Operation

(i) Localized Impacts

The localized operational air quality analysis was conducted using the methodology described in theSCAQMD Localized Significance Threshold Methodology (June 2003, revised July 2008).45The screeningcriteria provided in the Localized Significance ThresholdMethodology were used to determine localizedoperational emissions thresholds for the Project. The maximum daily localized emissions and localizedsignificance thresholds are presented in Table 4.B‐10, Maximum Unmitigated Localized OperationalEmissions–InterimandBuild‐Out. Emissionswereevaluated for the interimand fullbuild‐outoperationalphasesoftheProject. ExistingemissionsweredeductedfromProjectemissionsandthenet(incremental)emissionswerecomparedtothescreeningthresholds.Forsomepollutants,existingoperationalemissionsare greater than Project emissions resulting in negative net emissions. As shown therein, maximumlocalizedoperational emissions for sensitive receptorswouldnotexceed the localized thresholds forNOX,CO,PM10andPM2.5.Therefore,withrespecttolocalizedoperationalemissions,impactswouldbelessthansignificant.

(ii) Carbon Monoxide Hotspots (Construction and Operations)

The potential for the Project to cause or contribute to CO hotspots is evaluated by comparing Projectintersections(bothintersectiongeometryandtrafficvolumes)withpriorstudiesconductedbytheSCAQMDinsupportoftheirAQMPsandconsideringexistingbackgroundCOconcentrations.Asdiscussedbelow,thiscomparison provides evidence that the Project would not cause or contribute to the formation of COhotspots,thatCOconcentrationsatProjectimpactedintersectionswouldremainwellbelowtheambientairqualitystandards,andthatnofurtherCOanalysisiswarrantedorrequired.

AsshownpreviouslyinTable4.B‐1,COlevelsintheProjectareaaresubstantiallybelowthefederalandstatestandards. Maximum CO levels in recent years are 3 ppm (one‐hour average) and 2.5 ppm (eight‐houraverage)comparedtothethresholdsof20ppm(one‐houraverage)and9.0(eight‐houraverage). Carbonmonoxidedecreaseddramatically intheAirBasinwiththeintroductionofthecatalyticconverter in1975.NoexceedancesofCOhavebeenrecordedatmonitoringstationsintheAirBasinforsometimeandtheAirBasin is currently designated as a CO attainment area for both the CAAQS and NAAQS. Thus, it is not

44 OEHHA,AirToxicsHotSpotsProgramGuidanceManualforPreparationofHealthRiskAssessments,(August2003)1‐4.45 SouthCoastAirQualityManagementDistrict,FinalLocalizedSignificanceThresholdMethodology,(2008).



expectedthatCOlevelsatProject‐impactedintersectionswouldrisetothelevelofanexceedanceofthesestandards.

The SCAQMDconductedCOmodeling for the 2003AQMP for the fourworst‐case intersections in theAirBasin. These include: (a) Wilshire Boulevard and Veteran Avenue; (b) Sunset Boulevard and HighlandAvenue;(c)LaCienegaBoulevardandCenturyBoulevard;(d)LongBeachBoulevardandImperialHighway.Inthe2003AQMP,theSCAQMDnotesthattheintersectionofWilshireBoulevardandVeteranAvenueisthemost congested intersection inLosAngelesCountywithanaveragedaily trafficvolumeof about100,000vehicles per day.46 This intersection is located near the on‐ and off‐ramps to Interstate 405 inWest LosAngeles. The evidence provided in Table 4‐10 of Appendix V of the 2003 AQMP shows that the peakmodeled CO concentration due to vehicle emissions at these four intersections was 4.6 ppm (one‐houraverage) and 3.2 (eight‐hour average) at Wilshire Boulevard and Veteran Avenue.47 When added to theexistingbackgroundCOconcentrations,thescreeningvalueswouldbe7.6ppm(one‐houraverage)and5.7ppm(eight‐houraverage).

Based on theProject traffic study, of the studied intersections that are predicted to operate at a Level ofService(“LOS”)ofD,E,orFunderinterimyear2023andfutureyear2030plusProjectconditions,multipleintersectionswouldpotentiallyhavepeak trafficvolumesgreater than100,000perday.48However, theseintersectionalreadyoperateatLOSofD,E,orFunderexistingconditions. Thenetchange inpeak traffic

46 South Coast Air Quality Management District, 2003 Air Quality Management Plan, Appendix V: Modeling and Attainment

Demonstrations,(2003)V‐4‐24.47 Theeight‐houraverageisbasedona0.7persistencefactor,asrecommendedbytheSCAQMD.48 Fehr&Peers,Harbor‐UCLAMedicalCenterTrafficStudy,2016.

Table 4.B‐10

Maximum Unmitigated Localized Operational Emissions – Build‐Out a

(pounds per day)

Operational Source VOC NOX CO SOX PM10 PM2.5

ExistingEmissions 24.2 7.7 6.6 <1 0.6 0.6ProjectBuild‐Out Area(Coating,ConsumerProducts,Landscaping) 39.8 0.0 0.2 <1 <0.1 <0.1Energy(NaturalGas) 0.8 7.5 6.3 <1 0.6 0.6

TotalProjectBuild‐OutEmissions 40.6 7.5 6.5 <1 <1 <1TotalNetIncrease/(Decrease)inOnsiteEmissions(ProjectBuild‐Out–Existing) 16.4 (0.2) (0.1)

<1

<0.1 <0.1

SCAQMDSignificanceThreshold – 197 1,796 – 4.0 2.0Over/(Under) – (197) (1,796) – (4) (2)ExceedThreshold? – No No – No No

a Emission quantities are rounded to “whole number” values. As such, the “total” values presented herein may be one unit more or less than actual values. Exact values (i.e., non‐rounded) are provided in the CalEEMod printout sheets and/or calculation worksheets that are presented in Appendix B.




volumeswouldbelessthan100,000perday;asaresult,COconcentrationsareexpectedtoremainbelowthresholds.Thus,thiscomparisonprovidesevidencethattheProjectwouldnotcontributetotheformationof CO hotspots and no further CO analysis is required. Therefore, the Project would result in less thansignificantimpactswithrespecttoCOhotspots.

(iii) Toxic Air Contaminants

The SCAQMD recommends that a health risk assessment (HRA) be conducted for substantial sources ofdiesel particulates (e.g., truck stops andwarehouse distribution facilities) and has provided guidance foranalyzingmobilesourcedieselemissions.49TheCARBsitingguidelines,AirQualityandLandUseHandbook,50whichtheSCAQMDcitesinitsownguidelines,GuidanceDocumentforAddressingAirQualityIssuesinGeneralPlansandLocalPlanning (May 2005), defines a warehouse as having more than 100 truck trips or 40refrigeratedtrucktripsperday.WhiletheProjectwouldgenerateminoramountsofdieselemissionsfromdeliverytrucksandincidentalmaintenanceactivities,theProjectwouldnotresultindailytrucktripsatthelevelofawarehousefacility.TruckswouldcomplywiththeapplicableprovisionsoftheCARBTruckandBusregulationtominimizeandreducePMandNOXemissionsfromexistingdieseltrucks.TheProjectwouldnotgeneratedieselemissionsequivalentto100ormoretrucktripsperday.Therefore,theProjectwouldnotbeconsideredasubstantialsourceofdieselparticulates.

In addition, typical sources of acutely and chronically hazardous TACs include industrial manufacturingprocesses, automotive repair facilities, and dry cleaning facilities. The Project does not propose theseactivities on‐site. Minimal emissions of air toxicsmay result frommaintenance, such as from the use ofarchitecturalcoatingsandotherproducts.Toxicorcarcinogenicairpollutantsarenotexpectedtooccurinanymeaningful amounts in conjunctionwith operation of the proposed landuseswithin the Project site.BasedontheusesexpectedontheProjectsite,potentiallong‐termoperationalimpactsassociatedwiththereleaseofTACswouldbelessthansignificant.

(5) Odors

ThresholdAQ‐5: Wouldtheprojectcreateobjectionableodorsaffectingasubstantialnumberofpeople?

Impact Statement AQ‐5: Construction and operation of the Project would not create or introduceobjectionableodorsaffectinga substantialnumberofpeople. Therefore,odor impactswouldbe lessthansignificant.

(a) Construction

Potentialsourcesthatmayemitodorsduringconstructionactivitiesincludetheuseofarchitecturalcoatingsand solvents. SCAQMD Rule 1113 limits the allowable amount of VOCs from architectural coatings andsolvents.SincecompliancewithSCAQMDRulesgoverningthesecompoundsismandatory,noconstructionactivitiesormaterialsareproposedthatwouldcreateobjectionableodors.Therefore,nosignificantimpactwouldoccurandnomitigationisrequired.

49 SouthCoastAirQualityManagementDistrict,HealthRiskAssessmentGuidanceforAnalyzingCancerRisksfromMobileSourceDiesel

Emissions,December2002.50 CaliforniaAirResourcesBoard,AirQualityandLandUseHandbook:ACommunityHealthPerspective,(2005).



(b) Operations

According to theSCAQMDCEQAAirQualityHandbook, landusesassociatedwithodorcomplaints typicallyincludeagriculturaluses,wastewatertreatmentplants,food‐processingplants,chemicalplants,composting,refineries,landfills,dairies,andfiberglassmolding.Long‐termProjectoperationswouldnotintroducenewsourcesofodorsandwouldnotbecreateobjectionableodorsthatcouldaffectnearbysensitivereceptors.The Project does not include any uses identified by the SCAQMD as being typically associated withobjectionableornuisanceodors.WastecollectionareasanddisposalfortheProjectwouldbecoveredandsituatedawayfromthepropertylineandsensitiveoff‐siteuses.Medicalwastewouldbeproperlysealedandstored in accordance with applicable rules to ensure that no objectionable medical waste‐related odorswould be created. Best management and good housekeeping practices would be sufficient to preventnuisance odors. Therefore, potential odor impacts would be less‐than‐significant and no mitigation isrequired.

(6) On‐Site Sensitive Uses

Hospital uses are normally considered sensitive receptors. However, potential effects resulting from aProjectonsensitivepopulationsontheProject‐sitearenotconsideredanimpacttotheenvironmentunderCEQA. Nonetheless,due to thesensitivityofon‐site receptors, thepotential forairpollutantemissions toaffecton‐sitereceptorsisdisclosedherein.

AsrequiredinPDF‐AQ‐2,constructionoftheProjectwouldutilizeheavy‐dutyconstructionequipmentthatmeet themost stringent USEPA and CARB certified Tier 4 standards,whichwould result in substantiallyreducedcombustionemissionsofNOX,PM10,andPM2.5ascomparedtothestatewidefleetaverage.PDF‐AQ‐2requirestheProjecttocomplywithstrictidlinglimitsinaccordancewithSection2485inTitle13oftheCaliforniaCodeofRegulationsandtoprohibitthequeuingandstagingofheavy‐dutyequipmentandtrucksinfrontofon‐sitebuildingentrancesandexitsandasfarawayaspossiblefrompatientroomsandbuildingair intake systems,whichwouldminimize thepotential for exposure of construction emissions to on‐sitesensitive receptors. The Projectwould also implement numerous fugitive dust controlmeasures as bestmanagementpracticesincompliancewithSCAQMDRule403,whichwouldinclude,butisnotlimitedto,theuseofcoversandwatering, limitingon‐sitevehiclesspeedsonunpavedroads,requiringhaul trucks tobecoveredwithadequatefreeboardspace,andimplementinghaultruckprocedurestopreventthetrackoutofdust and debris. Enhanced watering shall be required for soil moving activities within 100 feet of theexisting patient tower, such as ensuring that water is applied not more than 15 minutes prior to soilexcavation. The Project would install temporary fencing around active construction areas as needed toprevent debris and material movement on the site and into patient care buildings or to off‐site areas.Furthermore, the Project would ensure building air filtration media and HVAC systems are serviced,maintained, and replaced to ensure a high level of indoor air quality. As listed in PDF‐AQ‐1, the Projectbuildingswouldbedesignedandoperatedwithmechanicallyventilatedareasthatwouldutilizeairfiltrationmedia for outside and return air prior to occupancy that provides at least aMERV of 15 as required forhospitalinpatientcare.PerASHRAEStandard52.2(2012),MERV15wouldresultinaremovalefficiencyofat least 85 percent for particles from 0.3 to 1.0micrometers (µm), 90 percent for 1.0 to 3.0 µm, and 95percent for 3.0 to 10.0 µm.51 As such, the use of MERV 15 air filtration media or better would achieve51 ASHRAE, Method of Testing General Ventilation Air‐Cleaning Devices for Removal Efficiency by Particle Size.

https://www.ashrae.org/File%20Library/docLib/StdsAddenda/52_2_2012_2015Supplement.pdf.AccessedMarch2016.

B. Air Quality August 2016


substantial reductions in PM10 and PM2.5 from outdoor air concentrations, including from construction‐relatedDPMconcentrations and associatedhealth risks. ImplementationofPDF‐AQ‐1 andPDF‐AQ‐2 andcompliancewith applicable regulations and other construction bestmanagement practices in accordancewithSCAQMDRule403wouldensurethatconstruction‐relatedemissionswouldnotadverselyaffecton‐sitesensitivereceptors.

Operationof theProjectwouldnot introducenewsubstantialsourcesofemissions. TheExistingHospitalhas373budgeted/staffedbeds.TheProjectwouldresultin379budgeted/staffedbeds,whichisanincreaseof6budgeted/staffedbedsoverexistingconditions.Asaresult,theProjectwouldnotresultinsubstantialchangestohospitaloperationsandwouldnotresultinasubstantialincreaseinthenumberofvendorandservicetrucksandemergencyvehiclesvisitingthesite.Asdiscussedpreviously,CARBadoptedanATCMtolimitheavy‐dutydieselmotorvehicleidlinginordertoreducepublicexposuretoDPMandotherTACsandairpollutants. Themeasureappliestodiesel‐fueledcommercialvehicleswithgrossvehicleweightratingsgreaterthan10,000pounds,licensedtooperateonhighways,regardlessofwheretheyareregistered.Thismeasuredoesnotallowdiesel‐fueledcommercialvehicles to idle formore than fiveminutesatanygiventime.Potentiallocalizednetchangesinairqualityimpactsfromon‐sitesourcesofemissions,includingDPM,wouldbeminimal sincehospitaloperationsand thenumberofvendorandservice trucksandemergencyvehiclesvisitingthesiteundertheProjectwouldbegenerallysimilartoexistingconditions.Typicalsourcesof acutely and chronically hazardous toxic air contaminants include industrial manufacturing processes,automotiverepairfacilities,anddrycleaners.TheProjectwouldnotintroducenewsourcesofthesetypes.Minimal emissions may result from use of consumer and cleaning products; however, usage of theseproductsundertheProjectwouldbesimilartoexistingconditions.Assuch,theProjectwouldnotresultinasubstantialnetchangeinlocalizedon‐siteemissions,includingDPMandotherTACs.Therefore,operationoftheProjectwouldnotadverselyaffecton‐sitesensitivereceptors.

4. CUMULATIVE IMPACTS

a. Construction

ThereareanumberofrelatedprojectsintheProjectareathathavenotyetbeenbuiltorarecurrentlyunderconstruction. SincetheApplicanthasnocontroloverthetimingorsequencingoftherelatedprojects,anyquantitative analysis to ascertain daily construction emissions that assumes multiple, concurrentconstructionprojectswouldbespeculative.Forthisreason,theSCAQMD’smethodologytoassessaproject’scumulativeimpactdiffersfromthecumulativeimpactsmethodologyemployedelsewhereinthisDraftEIR.

With respect to the Project’s short‐term construction‐related air quality emissions and cumulativeconditions, the SCAQMD has developed strategies to reduce criteria pollutant emissions outlined in theAQMPpursuant to the federalCleanAirActmandates. Assuch,constructionof theProjectwouldcomplywithSCAQMDRule403 requirementsand theATCM to limitheavydutydieselmotorvehicle idling tonomorethan5minutesatanygiventime. Inaddition, theProjectwouldutilizeaconstructioncontractor(s)thatcomplieswithrequiredandapplicableBestAvailableControlTechnology(“BACT”)andtheIn‐UseOff‐RoadDiesel Vehicle Regulation. Per SCAQMD rules andmandates aswell as the CEQA requirement thatsignificantimpactsbemitigatedtotheextentfeasible,thesesamerequirements(i.e.,Rule403compliance,the implementation of all feasible mitigation measures, and compliance with adopted AQMP emissionscontrolmeasures)would also be imposedon constructionprojects in theAirBasin,whichwould includeeachoftherelatedprojectsintheProjectarea.AsshownaboveinTable4.B‐5andTable4.B‐7,regionaland

August 2016 B. Air Quality


localized construction emissions associated with the Project would not exceed the SCAQMD numericindicators.Assuch,theProject’scontributiontocumulativelysignificantconstructionimpactstoairqualitywouldbelessthansignificant.

b. Operation

The SCAQMD’s approach for assessing cumulative impacts related to operations or long‐termimplementation is based on attainment of ambient air quality standards in accordance with therequirements of the federal and State CleanAir Acts. As discussed earlier, the SCAQMDhas developed acomprehensiveplan,theAQMP,whichaddressestheregion’scumulativeairqualitycondition.

Asignificantimpactmayoccurifaprojectwouldaddacumulativelyconsiderablecontributionofafederalorstate non‐attainment pollutant. Because the Los Angeles County portion of the Air Basin is currently innonattainmentforozone,PM10,andPM2.5,relatedprojectscouldexceedanairqualitystandardorcontributetoanexistingorprojectedairqualityexceedance.Cumulativeimpactstoairqualityareevaluatedundertwosets of thresholds for CEQA and the SCAQMD. In particular, Section 15064(h)(3) of the CEQAGuidelinesprovidesguidanceindeterminingthesignificanceofcumulativeimpacts. Specifically,Section15064(h)(3)statesinpartthat:

“Aleadagencymaydeterminethataproject’sincrementalcontributiontoacumulativeeffectis not cumulatively considerable if the project will comply with the requirements in apreviouslyapproved plan ormitigationprogramwhich provides specific requirements thatwillavoidorsubstantiallylessenthecumulativeproblem(e.g.,waterqualitycontrolplan,airqualityplan, integratedwastemanagementplan)within the geographicarea inwhich theprojectislocated. Suchplansorprogramsmustbespecifiedinlaworadoptedbythepublicagency with jurisdiction over the affected resources through a public review process toimplement, interpret, or make specific the law enforced or administered by the publicagency…”

ForpurposesofthecumulativeairqualityanalysiswithrespecttoCEQAGuidelinesSection15064(h)(3),theProject’sincrementalcontributiontocumulativeairqualityimpactsisdeterminedbasedoncompliancewiththeSCAQMDadopted2012AQMP.TheProjectwouldnotconflictwithorobstructimplementationofAQMPandwouldbeconsistentwiththegrowthprojectionsintheAQMP.

Nonetheless, SCAQMD no longer recommends relying solely upon consistency with the AQMP as anappropriate methodology for assessing cumulative air quality impacts. The SCAQMD recommends thatproject‐specific air quality impacts be used to determine the potential cumulative impacts to regional airquality. As discussed previously, the Projectwould not exceed the SCAQMD regional numeric indicators.Therefore, theProject’s incrementalcontributionto long‐termemissionsofnon‐attainmentpollutantsandozoneprecursors, considered togetherwithrelatedprojects,wouldnotbecumulativelyconsiderable,andthereforeimpactswouldbelessthansignificant.

5. MITIGATION MEASURES

The Project would result in less‐than‐significant impacts with respect to emissions of construction andoperationalemissionsandconsistencywithapplicableairqualityplans,policies,orregulations.Therefore,nomitigationmeasureswouldberequired.

B. Air Quality August 2016


6. LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE AFTER MITIGATION

Impactsregardingconstructionandoperationalemissionsandconsistencywithapplicableairqualityplans,policies,orregulationswouldbelessthansignificant.