Reso13 PC 13-09 2859 Initial Study Mitigated Negative Declaration Kensington

Browse Search

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS Less Than Potentially Significant Less Than Significant With Significant No Impact Beneficial Information Impact Mitigation �p�f �P�f Source(s) Incorporated Would the project: 2) Conflict with an applicable plan, � � � � � 1,2,3 policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of reenhouse ases? 4.7.3 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Impacts The BAAQMD Air Quality CEQA Thresholds of Significance for operational-related GHG emissions is 1,100 metric tons of COze per year. In addition to this bright line threshold,the Guidelines include an "efficiency"threshold to be used for projects that result in overall emissions greater than 1,100 metric tons per year but emit GHGs at efficient levels that still allow achievement of AB 32. This efficiency threshold is 4.6 metric tons of COze per service population (e.g.,residents and employees)per year. BAAQMD does not have an adopted threshold of significance for construction-related GHG emissions. As discussed in CEQA Guidelines Section 15064(b),the determination of whether a project may have a significant effect on the environment calls for careful judgment on the part of the Lead Agency and must be based to the extent possible on scientific and factual data. The City of Redwood City and other Lead Agencies in the San Francisco Bay Area Air Basin often use the thresholds and methodology for assessing GHG emissions put forth by BAAQMD based upon the scientific and other factual data prepared by BAAQMD in developing those thresholds. In December 2010,the California Building Association (BIA) filed a lawsuit in Alameda County Superior Court challenging toxic air contaminants and PMz.s thresholds adopted by BAAQMD in its CEQA Air Quality Guidelines (California Building Industry Association v. Bay Area Air Quality Management District, Alameda County Superior Court Case No. RG10548693). One of the indentified concerns is inhibiting infill and smart growth in the urbanized Bay Area. On January 9, 2012,the Superior Court found that adoption of thresholds by BAAQMD in its CEQA Air Quality Guidelines is a CEQA project,through no further findings or rulings were made.20 At the time of publication of the IS, BAAQMD has determined that Lead Agencies may rely of the BAAQMD CEQA Guidelines (May 2011) for assistance in calculating air pollutant emission but they no longer recommend using the thresholds as a general measure of the project's significant air quality impacts. As noted above,the determination of whether the project may have a significant effect on the environment is made by the Lead Agency,based upon substantial evidence. The City considers the BAAQMD thresholds to be based on the best information available for the San Francisco Bay Area zo As of August 2012,BAAQMD has appealed the Superior Court ruling. Kensington Assisted Living Facility Project 42 Initial Study Redwood City Apri12013