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LSA ASSOCIATES, INC.
<br />SEPTEMBER 2016
<br />ROCKETSHIP REDWOOD CITY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PROJECT
<br />INITIAL STUDY/ MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION
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<br />P:\RWC1401B Rocketship School\PRODUCTS\IS-MND\Public\Rocketship Public Review 09-29-16.docx (09/29/16) PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT 51
<br />Construction activities conducted to convert the project site for use as a charter school would include
<br />removal of the existing metal storage shed on the south corner of the property and pavements,
<br />modifications of the existing warehouse building, and conversion of the existing parking lot area into
<br />an outdoor play area, surface parking lot, and drop-off/pick-up area. During construction, hazardous
<br />materials such as vehicle fuels and lubricants and building materials such as asphalt, paints, and
<br />adhesives would be used. While these are commonly used materials, if handled improperly, they could
<br />endanger workers or the public. Locally, the use, storage, and management of hazardous materials are
<br />regulated by the Hazardous Materials Program (HMP), which is part of the San Mateo County's
<br />Environmental Health Division (SMCDEH). The HMP is the Certified Unified Program Agency
<br />(CUPA) for all areas of San Mateo County. The HMP provides comprehensive environmental
<br />regulatory compliance inspection services to protect human health and the environment. Additionally,
<br />program personnel perform plan reviews and inspections associated with the construction, upgrading,
<br />and closure of hazardous materials storage facilities and equipment. Compliance with federal, State,
<br />and San Mateo County hazardous materials laws and regulations would minimize any potential risks to
<br />the public from construction-related hazardous materials.
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<br />b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable
<br />upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the
<br />environment? (Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated)
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<br />Three Phase I ESAs have been conducted for the project site. The first was performed by Geologica,
<br />Inc. in 2004. In 2005, an update to the Phase I ESA was prepared by Converse Consultants. A third
<br />Phase I ESA was performed by Cornerstone Earth Group in August of 2014 (Appendix D).53 The
<br />Phase I ESA conducted for the project site in 2014 included research of the historical land use of the
<br />project site, a site reconnaissance, and review of regulatory agency databases related to hazardous
<br />materials use, storage, and releases, and a summary of the findings of the previous Phase I ESAs.54
<br />Subsequent to the 2014 Phase I ESA, a supplemental investigation was conducted by Cornerstone
<br />Earth Group in October of 2014 to evaluate soil, soil vapor and groundwater quality at the project site
<br />(Appendix E).55 The Phase I ESA report prepared by Cornerstone Earth Group and the evaluation of
<br />soil, soil vapor and groundwater quality were reviewed and used to evaluate the potential hazards and
<br />hazardous materials impacts for this analysis.
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<br />Based on the findings of the 2014 Phase I ESA, the site was previously undeveloped land, possibly
<br />used for cattle grazing or hay production, until the construction of the existing warehouse building
<br />around 1954. Records indicate that the building was occupied by Ampex Corporation, a manufacturer
<br />of magnetic tape and audio recording equipment from 1958 through the 1960s. From the early 1970s
<br />until the early 1980s, the building was occupied by several San Mateo County departments, including
<br />Conservatorship, Coroner, Health Nursing, Health & Welfare, Public Administrator, Public Guardian
<br />and Visiting Nursing Association. From the early 1980s until the 2000s, the site was occupied by a
<br />machine shop, Star Tool & Engineering Company. Bother’s Furniture Warehouse then occupied the
<br />site, followed by the current tenant Specialty Sales Classics; a consignment used car showroom and
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<br />53 Cornerstone Earth Group, 2014. Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, 860 Charter Street, Redwood City,
<br />California. August 26.
<br />54 Ibid.
<br />55 Cornerstone Earth Group, 2014. Soil, Soil Vapor and Ground Water Quality Evaluation. October 31.
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<br />ATTY/RESO.0032/PC RESO APPROVING CEQA - 860 CHARTER ST. EXHIBIT A
<br />REV: 06-15-17 PR
<br />Page 59 of 124
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