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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNB 2 EIR FOR I-5 07-16-84FROM: $ USJ ECT: WILLIAM HUSTONi, CITY MANAGER BOB LEDENDECKER., DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS/CITY ENGINEER NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT/ STATEMENT FOR SANTA ANA FREEWAY (I-5) RECOMMENDATION: That the Tustin City Council., at their meeting of July 16, 1984, authorize staff to respond to CalTrans on the Notice of Preparation of the Draft Environmental Impact Report/Statement as outlined in the attached letter dated July 16., 1984. BACKGROUND: On June 27, 1984 CalTrans conducted a scoping meeting at the Tustin City Council Chambers to provide the public an opportunity to discuss the project alternatives and the issues to be included in the environmental studies for the widening of the Santa Aha Freeway. The project study area is located on Interstate Route 5 (Santa Aha Freeway) between the Route 405 interchange and the Route 55 interchange. The project alternatives include the following: 1. No project. 2. Widening by two lanes using minimum acceptable design standards. This alternative would require the least amount of right-of-way take. 3. Widening by two lanes using high design standards. 4. Widening by two lanes plus two continuous auxiliary lanes using high design standards. 5. Widening by two lanes which would be reserved for high occupancy vehicles (HOV) only. This project is considered Phase I of a three phase program for Interstate Route 5 and is currently in the State Transportation Program (STIP) with construction programmed for 1988-89. Phase of Interstate Route 5 between Route 55 (Costa Mesa Freeway) and Grove Freeway) and Phase III., the widening between Route 22 and Gabriel Freeway). Both Phase II and III have not been included Program. widening Improvement II is the widening Route 22 (Garden Route 605 (San in any STIP JULY 11., 1984 PAGE 2 DISCUSSION: CalTrans has invited the City to participate in the scoping process for this project and provide any input or concerns that the City may have with respect to the proposed project. The information obtained by CalTrans via the scoping meeting will help to prepare a draft environmental impact report/statement that will fulfill the requirements of (State) CEQA and (Federal) NEPA. Staff has prepared a letter outlining various areas of concern which'we feel should be addressed for each project alternative.. A copy of this letter is attached for your information. Staff is requesting Council authorization to forward this letter of concerns to CalTrans so that they may be included/addressed in the draft EIR/EIS. The deadline date for these responses to be forwarded to CalTrans is Wednesday, July 18, 1984. Director of Public Works/City Engineer BL:jr July 16, 1984 Department of Public Worl~s/En~ineerin~ Mr. Wayne Ballantine, Chief of Environmental Planning Branch California Department of Transportation 120 South Spring Street Los Angeles, CA 90012 RE: NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF DRAFT ENVIRONI~ENTAL II, ACT REPORT/STATEI~ENT FOR SANTA ANA FREEWAY (1-5) Dear Mr. Ballantine: Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on the proposed widening project of the Santa Ana Freeway (I-$) between Route 405 and Route 55. This project can greatly impact our community depending upon which one of the project alternatives that are selected for implementation. Both the Community Development and Public Works Departments have reviewed and have identified various areas of concern that should be addressed in the Draft Environmental Impact Report/Statement (EIR/EIS). Our specific concerns are as follows: 1. Noise - Noise levels resulting from each of the various alternatives ~d be given. These figures should include specific reference to increased traffic volumes, noise impacts of construction, as well as an examination of noise generated by buses in conjunction with HOV alternatives. Specific locations and sizes of sound attenuation walls for each alternative should be noted. 2. Air Quality - Any increase in automotive exhaust emissions and/or the deterioration of ambient air quality should be addressed. Additionally, the specific impacts of increased alp pollutants on residential uses immediately adjacent to the freeway should be included in the air quality analysis. Of particular concern is the impact on residents at peak 'time traffic hours. 3. Traffic - A complete traffic analysis should be conducted to determine ~act of increased volume of traffic on the freeway. Also impacts from any projected increase tn traffic and/or alteration of traffic patterns on surface streets wtthin'Tustin should be noted. Also impacts to traffic circulation resulting from the actual construction of additional freeway lanes should be outlined. $00 Gentennial )+'ay * Tustin, California 92680 * (714) 544-8890 July 16, 1984 Page 2 Right-of-Way Acquisition - Precise take-lines showing properties to be displaced by freeway widening should be included in the Draft EIR/EIS. The financial impact to the City resulting from the loss of property and/or sales taxes should also be addressed, as should the costs necessary to relocate businesses or residents. Railroad Overcrossing - Presently there is an overcrossing formerly Utilized by the AT & 'SF Railroad spaning I-5, roughly between Browning Avenue and Myford Road. The i~act that freeway widening will have on the support of the overcrossing should be addressed. If the bridge is to be removed, the question whether or not the freeway at that location will be elevated to grade level or if the surface will remain below grade level should be answered. 6. Freeway Widening Geometrtcs- Each alternative requiring right-of-way acquisition ShOUld clearly outline the freeway widening with respect to the following: a. Widening symmetrically on both sides of the freeway. bo Widening on only one side of the freeway. Storm Channels/Stream Beds - Each alternative should address the need for improved drainage structures across the freeway with respect to pondtng/flooding as a result of median freeway barriers. Interchanges/Overcrosstngs - The freeway widening alternatives should adaress the effects upon the proposed Myford Road interchange project within the current CalTrans program as well as any future interchanges/overcrossings with respe,~ to existing right-of-way reservations at Jamboree Road or Bro~z~g Avenue. The City requests to be advised concerning any hearings, meetings, or potential actions regarding the preparation of this EIR/EIS. Very truly yours, Bob Ledendecker Director of Public Works/City Engineer BL:Jr