4.3 HUMAN HEALTH/RISK OF UPSET

4.3 HUMAN HEALTH/RISK OF UPSET

City of San Mateo General Plan Update July 2009 Draft Environmental Impact Report

4.3-1

This section provides information on safety hazards in the City of San Mateo and addresses issues of wildland fires and other emergency services, as well as hazardous materials and wastes. Sections 4.5 (Air Quality), 4.6 (Noise), 4.7 (Geology and Soils), and 4.8 (Hydrology and Water Quality) include further information regarding impacts associated with noise, air quality hazards, geologic and seismic hazards, flooding and floodplain management, and water quality.

4.3.1 EXISTING SETTING

HAZARDS AND CONTAMINATED SITES

Hazardous Materials Defined

A material is considered hazardous if it appears on a list of hazardous materials prepared by a federal, state, or local agency, or if it has characteristics defined as hazardous by such an agency. A hazardous material is defined in Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR) as:

…A substance or combination of substances which, because of its quantity, concentration, or physical, chemical or infectious characteristics, may either (1) cause, or significantly contribute to, an increase in mortality or an increase in serious irreversible, or incapacitating reversible, illness; or (2) pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or environment when improperly treated, stored, transported or disposed of or otherwise managed (California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Section 66260.10).

Chemical and physical properties that cause a substance to be considered hazardous, including the properties of toxicity, ignitability, corrosivity, and reactivity, are defined in the CCR, Title 22, Sections 66261.20–66261.24. Factors that influence the health effects of exposure to hazardous material include the dose to which the person is exposed, the frequency of exposure, the exposure pathway, and individual susceptibility.

Hazardous Materials Sites within the Planning Area

The State of California Hazardous Waste and Substances Site List (also known as the “Cortese List”) is a planning document used by state and local agencies and developers to comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements in providing information about the location of hazardous materials sites. Government Code Section 65962.5 requires the California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA) to annually update the Cortese List. The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) is responsible for preparing a portion of the information that comprises the Cortese List. Other state and local government agencies are required to provide additional hazardous material release information that is part of the complete list. The CAL-SITES (ASPIS) Database is compiled by the California Environmental Protection Agency to identify and track potential hazardous waste sites. Searches of the above resources and records identified 183 hazardous material sites in the Planning Area known to handle and store hazardous materials and associated with a hazardous material-related release or occurrence. The terms “release” or “occurrence” include any means by which a substance could harm the environment by spilling, leaking, discharging, dumping, injecting, or escaping. Table 4.3-1 displays all of the known hazardous material sites within the Planning Area.


General Plan Update City of San Mateo Draft Environmental Impact Report July 2009

4.3-2

Due to the lack of sizeable industrial operations, the City of San Mateo does not experience any significant threat from the use or storage of hazardous materials. Hazardous material sites within the Planning Area are typically associated with past automobile-related activities, such as service stations and automobile repair shops, and tend to be located in proximity to U.S. Highway 101, El Camino Real, Amphlett Boulevard, and Palm Avenue. The primary risk the sites pose is leaking gasoline and diesel fuel hydrocarbons and related compounds into the soil and groundwater. Open files are those that have not been properly remediated or where contaminant levels and threats are unknown. Closed files are those that have been determined to be remediated to the satisfaction of the lead public agency. (Satisfactory remediation usually involves removal of the underground tanks and any contaminated soil.) Files that are listed as non-applicable are sites determined to pose no or only minor risk to public health. None of the sites listed in Table 4.3-1 are currently on the Cortese List.

TABLE 4.3-1 KNOWN HAZARDOUS MATERIAL RELEASE SITES IN THE VICINITY OF THE PLANNING AREA

Number Facility Name Street Number and Name City Status Active?

Open/Closed/N/A

1 3rd Avenue Landfill, San Mateo 3rd Avenue San Mateo Open

2 76 Station #3294 1626 El Camino Real San Mateo

3 76 Station #11197 230 El Camino Real San Mateo

4 A & A Beacon 221 South El Camino Real San Mateo Open - Remediation

5 A-1 Rental Center 333 North Amphlett Boulevard San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

6 Accu-Tune 435 East 3rd Avenue San Mateo Completed - Case Closed

7 Ace Roofing Company 1154 East 19th Avenue San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

8 Ah Sam 2645 South El Camino Real San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

9 American President Systems, Ltd. 3 Waters Park San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

10 Aragon High School 900 Alameda De Las Pulgas San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

11 Arco #0515 300 South Delaware Street San Mateo Open - Verification

Monitoring

12 Arco #0725 402 North El Camino Real San Mateo Open - Remediation

13 Arco #4495 1950 South Delaware Street San Mateo Open - Site Assessment

14 Arco #0479 335 South Norfolk Street San Mateo Open - Site Assessment

15 Arco #725 402 El Camino Real San Mateo

16 Arnold Pederson Lumber

400 South Claremont Street San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed



4.3-3


Open/Closed/N/A

17 Auto Tune & Brake Center

3925 South El Camino Real San Mateo Open - Site Assessment

18 Bay Area Self Storage 1140-1150 East 19th Avenue San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

19 Bayshore Equipment Rental, Former

909 North Amphlett Boulevard San Mateo Open - Site Assessment

20 Bayshore International Truck

35 North Amphlett Boulevard San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

21 Bayside Building Materials

2075 South Norfolk Street San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

22 Bella Mangiata Restaurant 233 Baldwin San Mateo Open - Site Assessment

23 Blu-White Laundry 80 North B Street San Mateo Open - Assessment &

Interim Remedial Action

24 Bob Randick Co 1740 Leslie San Mateo Completed - Case Closed

25 Bob Reeds Service Station 1641 Palm San Mateo Open - Site Assessment

26 Borel Square Shopping Center 35-93 Bovet San Mateo Open - Remediation

27 BP #11196 404 East 19th Avenue San Mateo Open - Site Assessment

28 BP #11197 230 South El Camino Real San Mateo Open - Remediation

29 BP #11205 609 East 4th Avenue San Mateo Open - Site Assessment

30 Bud's Tire Service 836 North San Mateo San Mateo Completed - Case Closed

31 C & P Service, Inc. 2777 South El Camino Real San Mateo Open - Site Assessment

32 California Military Dept.

400 North Humboldt Street San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

33 California Water Services 0 Broadview San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

34 Caltrain N&S Ctx Construction

Caltrain Corridor (SF to Santa Clara) San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

35 Carstens Realty Inc. 49 West 42nd Avenue San Mateo Completed - Case Closed

36 Chevron 2777 El Camino Real San Mateo

37 Chevron 8-4772 1966 Coyote Point San Mateo Completed - Case Closed

38 Chevron 9-0056 610 North El Camino Real San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed



4.3-4


Open/Closed/N/A

39 Chevron 9-0312 2 East 3rd Avenue San Mateo Completed - Case Closed

40 Chevron 9-2038 790 Polhemus San Mateo Open - Verification Monitoring

41 Chevron 9-3989 880 North Delaware Street San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

42 Chevron 9-4224 2950 South El Camino Real San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

43 Chevron 9-5336 602 East 4th Avenue San Mateo Completed - Case Closed

44 Chevron 9-5716, Former

1350 West Hillsdale Boulevard San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

45 Chevron 9-7781 300 East Hillsdale Boulevard San Mateo Open - Site Assessment

46 Chevron 9-7863 2009 South El Camino Real San Mateo Open - Remediation

47 Chin's Service Station 2300 South El Camino Real San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

48 Circle K Stores 2800 El Camino Real San Mateo

49 City of San Mateo 901 East 3rd Avenue San Mateo Completed - Case Closed

50 City of San Mateo -- Pump Station 1025 Patricia San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

51 City of San Mateo – Corp Yard 1949 Pacific San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

52 City of San Mateo – Fire Station #21

120 South Ellsworth Avenue San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

53 Coast Gas 254 East Hillsdale Boulevard San Mateo Open - Site Assessment

54 College of San Mateo 1700 West Hillsdale Boulevard San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

55 Cooke Property 2130 South El Camino Real San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

56 Cray Cleaners 33 37th San Mateo Open - Site Assessment

57 Deihl's Equipment 143 South San Mateo Completed - Case Closed

58 Draegers 200 East 4th Avenue San Mateo Completed - Case Closed

59 Duc Han Inc. 610 Occidental San Mateo Completed - Case Closed

60 Ducassee Property 354 Parrot Dr San Mateo Completed - Case Closed



4.3-5


Open/Closed/N/A

61 Dunfey Hotel 1770 South Amphlett Boulevard San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

62 Exxon 7-4135 Sm 1801 South Delaware Street San Mateo Open - Remediation

63 Exxon Bulk Fac, Former 320 Peninsula San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

64 Fashion Island Shopping Ctr. 0 Fashion Island San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

65 Fire Station #21 120 South Ellsworth Avenue San Mateo Open - Site Assessment

66 Firestone 2180 South El Camino Real San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

67 G & C Auto 1753 Leslie San Mateo Completed - Case Closed

68 General Hospital / Chope Hosp 222 39th San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

69 Golden Gate Flower Growers

1000 South Amphlett Boulevard San Mateo Open - Remediation

70 Good Year Tire Store, Former 616 South B Street San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

71 H.E. Underwood Warehouse 78 East 21st Avenue San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

72 Hillsborough Shell 94 S El Camino Real San Mateo

73 Hillsdale Auto Wash 3651 South El Camino Real San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

74 Hillsdale High School 3115 Del Monte San Mateo Completed - Case Closed

75 Home Made Ravioli 109 South San Mateo Completed - Case Closed

76 Honda of San Mateo 101 East 25th Avenue San Mateo Open - Remediation

77 Honda Repair 1101 South Railroad Avenue San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

78 Howard Tire 521 B San Mateo Completed - Case Closed

79 Hub Cap & Wheel Covers


80 Humboldt Distributers 66 East 21st San Mateo Completed - Case Closed

81 Investek 706 Edgewood San Mateo Completed - Case Closed

82 Izmirian Roofing & Sheet Metal

207 South Claremont Street San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed



4.3-6


Open/Closed/N/A

83 Jiffy Lube Store #608 2517 South El Camino Real San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

84 Jordan Property 245 West Bellevue Avenue San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

85 JW McClenahan Co. 2301 Palm San Mateo Completed - Case Closed

86 K-Mart Store #3595 1700 South Delaware Street San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

87 Kentucky Fried Chicken


88 Key Investment Corp. 300 North Bayshore San Mateo Completed - Case Closed

89 L C Smith Trust 1620 South Delaware Street San Mateo Open - Remediation

90 Lewis Property 353 Franklin San Mateo Completed - Case Closed

91 Lithographix 2090 South Delaware Street San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

92 Malcolm Property 625 Hurlingham San Mateo Completed - Case Closed

93 Marina Shopping Center

2978 South Norfolk Street San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

94 Metropolitan Apartments

337/338 South Fremont San Mateo Open - Verification

Monitoring

95 Mike Harvey Toyota, Former 790 North San Mateo San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

96 Mills Hospital 100 South San Mateo San Mateo Completed - Case Closed

97 Minerva Residence 813 North Idaho Street San Mateo Open - Site Assessment

98 Mobil 04-Fvk 254 East Hillsdale Boulevard San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

99 Mobil 99-Mte 5 North San Mateo San Mateo Completed - Case Closed

100 Mobil 40-Fvw 3600 South El Camino Real San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

101 Monfredini Property 311 Parrot San Mateo Completed - Case Closed

102 Morison Property 420 Westmoreland San Mateo Completed - Case Closed

103 National Auto Services 4095 Pacific San Mateo Open - Site Assessment

104 Nedwick & Son 1028 South Claremont Street San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed



4.3-7


Open/Closed/N/A

105 Olympic San Mateo 2790 South El Camino Real San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

106 O'Rourke Residence 533 Edinburgh San Mateo Completed - Case Closed

107 Pacific Bell 3 Waters Park San Mateo Completed - Case Closed

108 Pacific Insulation 149 South San Mateo Open - Site Assessment

109 Pacific Ready Mix 850 San Mateo San Mateo Completed - Case Closed

110 Palm Avenue Motors 2201 Palm San Mateo Completed - Case Closed

111 Parkside Plaza Cleaners 1870 S Norfolk Street San Mateo Open - Verification

Monitoring

112 Peninsula Forklift, Former

850 South Amphlett Boulevard San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

113 Peninsula Golf & Country Club 701 Madera San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

114 Peninsula Regent 1 Baldwin San Mateo Completed - Case Closed

115 Pet Feed & Supply 1855 South Norfolk Street San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

116 Peter Pan Motors Inc. 2695 South El Camino Real San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

117 Puri Property 20 North Railroad Avenue San Mateo Open - Site Assessment

118 Regal 706 East 4th Avenue San Mateo Completed - Case Closed

119 Residence 717 West Poplar San Mateo Completed - Case Closed

120 Retail Buildings 33-43 East 3rd Avenue San Mateo Completed - Case Closed

121 Retail Property Development Co.


122 Reverend Pheophilos Residence 149 Warren San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

123 Rivendell III, Ltd. 980 Claremont San Mateo Completed - Case Closed

124 Roos Residence 527 Edinburgh San Mateo Completed - Case Closed

125 Ruiz Property 443 Fulton San Mateo Completed - Case Closed

126 Samaritan House 1515 South Claremont Street San Mateo Open - Site Assessment



4.3-8


Open/Closed/N/A

127 San Mateo County Fairgrounds

2495 South Delaware Street San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

128 San Mateo County Hillcrest 0 Tower San Mateo Open - Site Assessment

129 San Mateo Fire Dept. #27 1801 De Anza San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

130 San Mateo High School 506 North Delaware Street San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

131 San Mateo Nissan-Volkswagen 800 Concar San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

132 San Mateo Police Dept. 2000 South Delaware Street San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

133 San Mateo Rental 1414 East 3rd Avenue San Mateo Open - Remediation

134 San Mateo Services 501 South Norfolk Street San Mateo Open - Remediation

135 San Mateo Shell 1990 El Camino Real San Mateo

136 San Mateo Union High School 991 East Poplar San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

137 San Mateo Union High School 765 East Poplar San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

138 Sanzeri Residence 447 Fairfax San Mateo Completed - Case Closed

139 SBC Pacific Bell 262 East 19th Avenue San Mateo Completed - Case Closed

140 Scandia Craft Upholstery 1120 9th San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

141 Shell 1400 West Hillsdale Boulevard San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

142 Shell 221 East Hillsdale Boulevard San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

143 Shell 407 South Delaware Street San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

144 Shell 4140 South El Camino Real San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

145 Shell 94 South El Camino Real San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

146 Shell 1790 South Delaware Street San Mateo Open - Remediation

147 Shell 221 East Hillsdale Boulevard San Mateo Open - Site Assessment

148 Shell 1990 South El Camino Real San Mateo Open - Verification

Monitoring



4.3-9


Open/Closed/N/A

149 Shell (Former)/Former Togo's


150 Shell Station 2901 South Norfolk Street San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

151 Shell Station 611 East 3rd Avenue San Mateo Open - Site Assessment

152 Shell Station 400 Peninsula San Mateo Open - Site Assessment

153 Shen Infiniti 800 San Mateo Dr N San Mateo Open - Site Assessment

154 Shinozaki Auto 1115 South Railroad Avenue San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

155 Shum Plaza 2745 South El Camino Real San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

156 Skylawn Memorial Park 0 Cahill Ridge San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

157 SMB Properties 226 1st San Mateo Completed - Case Closed

158 SMCO Corp Yard 29 Tower San Mateo Open - Verification Monitoring

159 Stoller & Sons Inc. 1150 East 19th Avenue San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

160 Stonehurst 980 South Amphlett Boulevard San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

161 Sutton Auto Sales 4075 South El Camino Real San Mateo Open - Site Assessment

162 T. Endo Automotive 405 East 4th Avenue San Mateo Open - Site Assessment

163 Texaco #18, Former 2900 South Norfolk Street San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

164 The Garage 316 8th San Mateo Completed - Case Closed

165 The Towers 20 West 3rd Avenue San Mateo Completed - Case Closed

166 Tosco #3294 (Former Unocal)


167 Tosco #3869 (Former Unocal) 1471 East 3rd Avenue San Mateo Open - Site Assessment

168 Tosco #4178 (Former) 615 East 3rd Avenue San Mateo Open - Site Assessment


1890 South Norfolk Street San Mateo Open - Site Assessment

170 Tosco #5427 700 Polhemus San Mateo Open - Verification Monitoring


402 South Delaware Street San Mateo Open - Site Assessment



4.3-10


Open/Closed/N/A

172 Tresser's Towing 120 South Amphlett Boulevard San Mateo Open - Site Assessment

173 U.S. Postal Service 1630 South Delaware Street San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

174 United States Postal Office

1630 South Delaware Street San Mateo Open - Site Assessment

175 Unocal #0195 346 North El Camino Real San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

176 Unocal #2661 2800 South El Camino Real San Mateo Completed - Case

Closed

177 Vail Burner & Oil Co 1741 Leslie San Mateo Open - Site Assessment

178 Victor Catanzaro 727 East 3rd Avenue San Mateo Completed - Case Closed

179 Wherehouse Entertainment


180 Wisnoms Hardware 545 1st San Mateo Completed - Case Closed

181 3rd Ave. Landfill, San Mateo 3rd Ave San Mateo Open

Source: California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), 2009. State of California Hazardous Waste and Substances Sites List.

TRANSPORTATION OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

The transportation of hazardous materials within the Planning Area is subject to various federal, state, and local regulations. The roadways and transportation routes approved for the transportation of explosives, poisonous inhalation hazards, and radioactive materials in the City of San Mateo Planning Area are only the state and U.S. highways. Highway 101 traverses north/south through the City and Highway 92 traverses east/west. Highway 280 is west of the city limits, but is within the City’s Sphere of Influence. It would not be possible to identify the roads that could be used for local delivery, since any delivery of swimming pool chlorine would be considered transportation of an inhalant hazard. The transport of hazardous materials along the Highway 101, 92, and 280 corridors presents the possibility of a hazard in the event of a materials leak or transport truck accident. The San Mateo Fire Department would respond to any such incidents with the assistance of the Belmont-San Carlos Hazmat Team. The Hazardous Materials Management Plan for the City identifies places where flammable or toxic materials are used and stored, allowing appropriate response to a fire or other emergency. Mutual aid agreements with other agencies, including the Belmont-San Carlos Fire Department and the San Mateo County Fire Department, also expand the response capabilities for such emergencies.

In addition to the state and U.S. highway network, the Union Pacific railroad tracks traverse through the City of San Mateo in a north/south direction. These tracks are used primarily by the Caltrain Commuter Rail line with local, limited, and express service lines 7 days a week. Freight service on the Union Pacific lines is infrequent but does occur. These lines may be used to transport hazardous waste through the city limits. Similar to the state and U.S. highways, if a



4.3-11

spill or incident were to occur, the San Mateo Fire Department would respond with any necessary mutual aid.

KNOWN AND UNKNOWN HAZARDOUS MATERIALS IN THE CITY OF SAN MATEO

Asbestos-Containing Building Materials

Structures constructed or remodeled between 1930 and 1981 have the potential to contain asbestos-containing building materials (ACBM). These materials may include, but are not limited to, floor coverings, drywall joint compounds, acoustic-ceiling tiles, piping insulation, electrical insulation, and fireproofing materials. Asbestos is a general name for a group of naturally occurring minerals composed of small fibers. It is common in many building materials. Various diseases have been associated with exposure to asbestos fibers, and the extensive use of asbestos in building materials has raised some concern about exposure in non-industrial settings. Health hazards associated with ACBMs include increased risks of cancer and respiratory-related illnesses and diseases. The presence of asbestos in a building does not mean that the health of building occupants is endangered. As long as asbestos-containing materials remain in good condition and are not disturbed or damaged, exposure is unlikely. On the other hand, damaged, deteriorated, or disturbed asbestos-containing materials can lead to fiber release (exposure), and unauthorized removal or disturbance of asbestos materials could result in adverse health effects. There are numerous buildings and structures within the City that were constructed between 1930 and 1981. The potential safety hazards resulting from ACBMs are greatest during demolition activities.

Lead-Based Materials

Exposure to lead from older vintage paint is possible when the paint is in poor condition or during paint removal. In construction settings, workers can be exposed to airborne lead during renovation, maintenance, or removal work. Lead-based paints were phased out of production in the early 1970s. Lead is a highly toxic metal that was used for many years in products found in and around homes. Lead may cause a range of health effects, from behavioral problems and learning disabilities to seizures and death. Children 6 years old and under are most at risk. Research suggests that the primary sources of lead exposure for most children are deteriorating lead-based paint, lead-contaminated dust, and lead-contaminated residential soil. Many of the buildings and structures within the City were constructed prior to the ban on lead-based paints, and therefore it is likely that these materials are present throughout the City. Proper handling and disposal of lead-based materials significantly reduces potential environmental-related impacts.

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB) Transformers

In 1976, the United States Congress enacted the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), which gave the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) the ability to track all industrial chemicals imported into and used in the U.S. The USEPA repeatedly screens these chemicals and can require reporting or testing of those chemicals that may pose an environmental or human health hazard. The USEPA can ban the manufacture and import of those chemicals that pose an unreasonable risk. The TSCA directed the USEPA to ban the manufacture of PCBs and regulated their use and disposal. The USEPA accomplished this through the issuance of regulations in 1978. Generally, sources of PCBs include fluorescent light ballast and electric transformers. Both of these potential PCB-containing sources are located within the existing city limits. Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) provides electric service to the entire City and is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of transformers and electrical



4.3-12

facilities. The USEPA maintains the PCB Activity Database (PADS) that identifies generators, transporters, commercial storers, and brokers and disposers of PCBs. PG&E is subject to USEPA regulations regarding PCB transformers and is required to notify USEPA of any PCB-related activities or incidents. It is PG&E’s practice to routinely identify and replace all leaking and PCB-containing transformers within its service area boundaries (PG&E, 2009).

AIRPORT OPERATIONS HAZARDS

There are no air-related facilities in the existing city limits and no public or private airport within two miles of the city limits; however, there are two airports within 5 miles of City of San Mateo city limits. San Francisco International Airport is located north of the City of San Mateo, and the San Carlos Airport is located south of the City at 620 Airport Way in San Carlos. Airport-related hazards are generally associated with aircraft accidents, particularly during takeoffs and landings. Airport operation hazards include incompatible land uses, power transmission lines, wildlife hazards (e.g., bird strikes), and tall structures that penetrate the imaginary surfaces surrounding an airport. The City of San Mateo is not within the safety zones (or Comprehensive Land Use area) of either airport.

PUBLIC SAFETY

The San Mateo Fire Department provides for the safety, health, and well-being of all individuals, property, and the environment through a range of programs designed to respond to threats from potential hazards. The Fire Department issues an Emergency Preparedness Handbook in preparation for catastrophic events as part of its disaster preparedness program and conducts five-day Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) classes for the general public and the business community.

WILDLAND FIRES

There are no designated Wildland Fire Hazards in the City of San Mateo; however directly to the west of the City of San Mateo, in San Mateo County, there are a few designated areas. These areas are generally undeveloped and consist primarily of vegetated hillsides and some single-family neighborhoods.

Fire risk potential is based on a variety of factors including the amount of surrounding fuel loads, slope, climate, and the direction a home is facing in terms of the wind direction. Landscape characteristics such as steep slopes also contribute to fire hazard by intensifying the effects of wind and making fire suppression difficult. Vegetation type influences wildfire hazard levels as well. For example, landscapes dominated by chaparral are more flammable than other vegetation types. Climate and weather characteristics such as wind, temperature, humidity, and fuel moisture content also affect the potential for fire.

While the City does not have any designated Wildland Fire Hazard areas, the San Mateo Fire Department will respond to fires in the areas surrounding the City, especially the western hills. Additionally, with the City’s Mutual Aid Agreement with its neighbors, any and all fires will be responded to by not only the San Mateo Fire Department but also by other jurisdictions when needed.



4.3-13

4.3.2 REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

FEDERAL

Environmental Protection Agency

The Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) provides leadership in the nation’s environmental science, research, education, and assessment efforts. The USEPA works closely with other federal agencies, state and local governments, and Indian tribes to develop and enforce regulations under existing environmental laws. The USEPA is responsible for researching and setting national standards for a variety of environmental programs and delegates to states and tribes responsibility for issuing permits and monitoring and enforcing compliance.

Other Federal Agencies

Other federal agencies that regulate hazardous materials include the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Department of Transportation (DOT), and the National Institute of Health (NIH). The following federal laws and guidelines govern hazardous materials.

• Federal Water Pollution Control • Clean Air Act • Occupational Safety and Health Act • Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act • Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act • Guidelines for Carcinogens and Biohazards • Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act Title III • Resource Conservation and Recovery Act • Safe Drinking Water Act • Toxic Substances Control Act

Table 4.3-2 lists federal and state regulatory agencies that oversee hazardous materials handling and hazardous waste management, and the statutes and regulations they administer.

TABLE 4.3-2 SUMMARY OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS REGULATORY AUTHORITY

Regulatory Agency Authority

Federal Agencies

Department of Transportation (DOT) Hazardous Materials Transport Act – Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 49

Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)

Federal Water Pollution Control Act

Clean Air Act

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA)

Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)

Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Occupational Safety and Health Act and CFR 29



4.3-14

Regulatory Agency Authority

State Agencies

Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) California Code of Regulations

Department of Industrial Relations (CAL-OSHA) California Occupational Safety and Health Act, CCR Title 8

State Water Resources Control Board and Regional Water Quality Control Board

Porter-Cologne Water Quality Act

Underground Storage Tank Law

Health and Welfare Agency Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act

Air Resources Board and Air Pollution Control District Air Resources Act

Office of Emergency Services Hazardous Materials Release Response Plans/Inventory Law

Department of Food and Agriculture Food and Agriculture Code

State Fire Marshall Uniform Fire Code, CR Title 19

Prior to August 1992, the principal agency at the federal level regulating the generation, transport, and disposal of hazardous waste was the USEPA under the authority of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). As of August 1, 1992, however, the California Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC) was authorized to implement the state’s hazardous waste management program for the USEPA. The USEPA continues to regulate hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA).

National Fire Plan

The National Fire Plan, finalized in August 2001 by the Department of the Interior and Department of Agriculture, outlines a coordinated national 10-year comprehensive strategy for the management of wildland fire, hazardous fuels, and ecosystem restoration and rehabilitation on federal and adjacent state, tribal, and private forest and range lands in the United States. This approach recognizes fire as part of the ecosystem; focuses on hazardous fuels reduction, integrated vegetation management, and firefighting strategies; and allocates and utilizes resources in a cost-effective manner over a long-term basis. An implementation plan of the National Fire Plan, completed in May 2002, designates general responsibilities for federal, state, and local agencies.

STATE

California Environmental Protection Agency

The California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA) and the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) establish rules governing the use of hazardous materials and the management of hazardous waste. Applicable state and local laws include the following:

• Public Safety/Fire Regulations/Building Codes • Hazardous Waste Control Law • Hazardous Substances Information and Training Act • Air Toxics Hot Spots and Emissions Inventory Law • Underground Storage of Hazardous Substances Act



4.3-15

• Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act • Department of Toxic Substances Control

Within Cal/EPA, the Department of Toxic Substances Control has primary regulatory responsibility, with delegation of enforcement to local jurisdictions that enter into agreements with the state agency, for the management of hazardous materials and the generation, transport, and disposal of hazardous waste under the authority of the Hazardous Waste Control Law (HWCL).

Certified United Program Agency

The Certified United Program Agency (CUPA) is the consolidation of six state environmental programs into one program under the authority of a CUPA. These can be a county, city, or JPA (joint powers authority). This program was established under the amendments to the California Health and Safety Code made by Senate Bill (SB) 1082 in 1994. The Certified Unified Program Agency is a local agency that has been certified by Cal/EPA to implement the six state environmental programs within the local agency’s jurisdiction.

California Vehicle Code

The following provisions are included in the California Vehicle Code (CVC) and pertain to the transportation of hazardous-related materials. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) designates the routes in California which are to be used for the transportation of explosives (CVC Section 31616). The CVC applies when the explosives are transported as a delivery service for hire or in quantities in excess of 1,000 pounds. The transportation of explosives in quantities of 1,000 pounds or less, or other than on a public highway, is subject to the California Health and Safety Code (Section 31601(a)). It is illegal to transport explosives or inhalation hazards on any public highway not designated for that purpose, unless the use of the highway is required to permit delivery of, or the loading of, such materials (Section 31602(b) and Section 32104(a)). When transporting explosives through or into a city for which a route has not been designated by the CHP, drivers must follow routes as may be prescribed or established by local authorities (Section 31614(a)). Inhalation hazards and poison gases are subject to additional safeguards. These materials are highly toxic, spread rapidly, and require rapid and widespread evacuation if there is loss of containment or a fire. The CHP designates through routes to be used for the transportation of inhalation hazards. It may also designate separate through routes for the transportation of inhalation hazards composed of any chemical rocket propellant (Section 32100 and Section 32102(b)).

Other Applicable State and Local Hazardous Materials Laws and Policies

Other applicable state and local hazardous materials laws and policies are listed in Table 4.3-3.



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TABLE 4.3-3 OTHER APPLICABLE HAZARDOUS MATERIAL REGULATIONS

Regulation Authority

Hazardous Substance Account Act of 1981

The Carpenter-Presley-Tanner Hazardous Substances Act or Hazardous Substance Account Act, also known as the California Superfund, establishes a program to provide for response authority and funding for accidental releases of hazardous substances and hazardous waste disposal sites that pose a threat to public health or the environment.

Toxic Injection Well Control Act of 1985

The Toxic Injection Well Control Act prohibits any injection of hazardous waste into the ground that would endanger the use of the particular groundwater that is designated as drinking water.

Business Plan Act (1985)

The California Hazardous Materials Release Response Plans and Inventory Law, also known as the Business Plan Act, requires preparation of Hazardous Materials Business Plans and disclosure of hazardous material inventories. A Business Plan includes information such as an inventory of hazardous materials handled, storage location of hazardous materials, an emergency response plan, and provisions for employee training in safety and emergency response procedures. The State Office of Emergency Services (OES) has primary regulatory responsibility with delegation of authority to local jurisdictions. Local agencies include the various local fire protection districts and the Solid Waste & Hazardous Materials Division of Emergency Management Division (EMD). Under certain circumstances, a business must prepare a Risk Management and Prevention Plan to minimize offsite risks associated with acutely hazardous materials. This plan provides additional planning information that covers equipment and system safety, operating procedures, preventive maintenance, upset risk assessments, and safety auditing. Statewide, the Department of Toxic Substance Control has primary regulatory responsibility for management of hazardous materials, with delegation of authority to the local agencies mentioned above.

California Hazardous Waste Control Act of 1986

The California Hazardous Waste Control Act, also known as the Tanner Act (AB 2948), requires the preparation of a County Hazardous Waste Management Plan and the identification of potential areas for the siting of needed future hazardous waste facilities.

Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986

The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act, also known as Proposition 65, prohibits the contamination of drinking water with chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity. Many hazardous materials are included in this category. This law also requires the publication and annual updates of a list of these chemicals. The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) last updated the list in March 4, 2005, and more than 600 chemicals have so far been listed (Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, 2005).



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Regulation Authority

Assembly Bill 1809 (1986)

Assembly Bill (AB) 1809 addresses hazardous waste generated by households. AB 1809 requires counties to identify a program for the safe management of household hazardous wastes, which should be separated from the solid waste stream. The law authorizes cities and counties to approve an increase in solid waste collection fees to offset the cost of establishing, publicizing, and maintaining a household hazardous waste inspection program. AB 1809 also requires the California Integrated Waste Management Board to develop a public information program.


AB 2185, also known as the Waters Bill, incorporated the provisions of Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act into a state program. This law delegated implementation of emergency planning and community-right-to-know programs to the OES, which has in turn authorized local government agencies to implement the program. Local Administering Agencies are required to prepare Area Plans for environmental emergency planning purposes and to identify and maintain resources for disasters and accidental releases.

Aboveground Petroleum Storage Act of 1990

The Aboveground Petroleum Storage Act establishes an inspection program for above ground storage tanks. In general, the Act requires owners or operators of aboveground petroleum storage tanks to file a storage statement and implement measures to prevent spills.

Medical Waste Management Act of 1991

Within the regulatory framework of the Medical Waste Management Act, the Medical Waste Management Program of the California Department of Health Services (DHS) ensures the proper handling and disposal of medical waste throughout California. DHS permits and inspects medical offsite treatment facilities, transfer stations, and medical waste transporters throughout the state. Locally, EMD enforces the provisions of this Act (California Department of Health Services, 2002).


AB 2707 requires cities and counties to prepare a Household Hazardous Waste Element, which would be included in their County Hazardous Waste Management Plan.

Senate Bill 1082 (1993)

Senate Bill (SB) 1082 required the establishment of a unified hazardous waste and hazardous materials management program. The result was the California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA) Unified Program, which consolidates, coordinates, and makes consistent the administration, permitting, inspections, enforcement, and fee functions of DTSC, the SWRCB, the RWQCB, OES, and the State Fire Marshal. The Unified Program is implemented at the local government level by the CUPA (California Environmental Protection Agency, 2005).

Assembly Bill 2886 of 2000

The bill authorizes the SWRCB to require a person who is submitting a report relating to a program administered by the board, to the board, a regional board, or a local agency, to submit the report in electronic format, as prescribed. This bill created the GeoTracker database.



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Fire Hazard Severity

California has enacted statewide laws aimed at reducing wildfire hazards in wildland-urban interface areas. These regulations cover topics such as fire prevention, vegetation management, notification and penalties, fire hazard severity zones, defensible space, setbacks, and exemptions. The uses of fire hazard zoning are many. Once fire hazards have been classified, zoning allows local planners to implement land use standards that agree with the state legislature’s mandates. These standards can apply to various aspects of land use, including but not limited to (1) structural components such as roofing, (2) defensible space standards such as vegetative clearance and structures, (3) infrastructure such fire apparatus access and water supplies, and (4) preventative land use planning such as greenbelts and fuel breaks. Fire hazard zoning is also an effective tool for public education and awareness.

LOCAL

San Mateo County “Operational Area” Emergency Operations Plan

The San Mateo County “Operational Area” Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) defines the scope of preparedness and incident management activities necessary for the County. The San Mateo County “Operational Area” EOP describes organizational structures, roles and responsibilities, policies, and protocols for providing emergency support. It drives decisions on long-term prevention and mitigation efforts or risk-based preparedness measures directed at specific hazards.

The San Mateo County “Operational Area” EOP is designed to be consistent with Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD-5), the National Incident Management System (NIMS), the California Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS), and Incident Command System (ICS) requirements. The San Mateo County “Operational Area” EOP:

• Supports the NIMS/SEMS utilized by the San Mateo County “Operational Area” EOC general staff.

• Supports the Incident Command System (ICS) utilized by field responders.

• Provides Emergency Operations Center (EOC) general staff members with procedures, documentation, and user-friendly checklists to effectively manage emergencies.

• Provides detailed information on supplemental requirements such as public information, damage assessment, and recovery operations.

San Mateo County Hazardous Waste Management Plan

In 1989, a majority of cities in San Mateo County approved the San Mateo County Hazardous Waste Management Plan (HWMP). The HWMP emphasizes waste reduction and recycling, extensive educational processes, coordinated identification, permitting and inspection of waste generators, and creation of a permanent facility for deposit of household hazardous waste. A major feature of the plan is the identification of sites suitable for various types of hazardous waste management facilities.

The San Mateo Public Works Department keeps records for the Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA), a program created by Senate Bill 1082 in 1993 and monitored by Cal/EPA. CUPA is responsible for the consolidation and coordination of the administrative requirements



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for permitting, inspecting, and enforcing activities following environmental and emergency management programs. CUPA is implemented at the local level and is responsible for identifying hazardous materials and waste programs within local jurisdictions, and includes:

• Hazardous Material Business Plan (HMBP – Community Right to Know) • Hazardous Waste Generators • Underground Storage Tanks (UST) • Tiered Permitting (Hazardous Waste Treatment or Permit by Rule (PBR)) • California Accidental Release Program (CalARP) • Uniform Fire Code (sections duplicate HMBP)

City of San Mateo Emergency Operations Plan

The City of San Mateo has prepared an emergency operations plan to ensure the most efficient use of resources to protect the community and its property before, during, and after a natural, technological, or man-made emergency. This plan confirms the City’s emergency organization, assigns tasks, presents policies and general procedures, and coordinates planning within various emergency management functions utilizing the Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) in alignment with the National Incident Management System. The objective of this plan is to integrate and coordinate all San Mateo facilities and personnel into an effective team that can prevent, protect, respond to, and recover from emergencies. The emergency operations plan is an extension of the State Emergency Plan and the San Mateo County Operational Area Plan.

City of San Mateo Fire Code

The City Municipal Code has a Building and Construction Fire Code for all development and construction activities within the City of San Mateo. The Fire Code requires compliance with the California Fire Code and Uniform Fire Code and was adopted for the purpose of prescribing regulations governing conditions hazardous to life and property from fire or explosion.

4.3.3 IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

STANDARDS OF SIGNIFICANCE

For purposes of this Draft Enviromental Impact Report (Draft EIR or DEIR), the following criteria were used in determining whether implementation of the proposed City of San Mateo General Plan Update would result in a significant impact (based on State CEQA Guidelines Appendix G):

1) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials;

2) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment;

3) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school;



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4) Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, create a significant hazard to the public or the environment;

5) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area;

6) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area;

7) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan; and

8) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires, including where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or where residences are intermixed with wildlands.

As stated in the Initial Study, the project site is not located within the vicinity of public or private airport. Therefore, these issues are not addressed further in this Draft EIR.

METHODOLOGY

This analysis of hazards, human health, and risk of upset included the review of existing documentation, field review of the Planning Area, and consultation with applicable local, state, and federal agencies, including the City of San Mateo, City of San Mateo Emergency Operation Plan, and the Geotracker database for hazardous sites within the City.

IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

Known and Unknown Hazardous Materials in the Planning Area

Impact 4.3.1 Implementation of the proposed General Plan Update may have the potential to expose persons to known and unknown hazardous materials contamination in areas. Additionally, development and other activities anticipated in the General Plan Update may involve the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials, as well as accidents involving the release of hazardous materials. This is considered a less than significant impact.

Implementation of the proposed General Plan Update may result in known and unknown hazardous material being discovered or encountered at development sites. Known hazardous waste sites are identified in Table 4.3-1. Most of these sites involve issues of leaking underground storage tanks typically associated with past automobile-related activities located in proximity to Highway 101, El Camino Real, Amphlett Boulevard, and Palm Avenue. Fifty-nine of the 183 sites identified to have known hazardous materials within the Planning Area are considered open files. In addition to the known hazardous sites, urban land uses (e.g., commercial and industrial uses) also can result in hazardous contamination such as industrial products containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and heavy metals, as well as persistent residual chemicals including pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.



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There are a number of electrical transformers throughout the Planning Area that may contain PCBs. There are no known leaking PCB transformers in the existing city limits that pose a threat to human health or safety. However, PG&E must comply with federal and state EPA regulations regarding the maintenance, storage, operation, or disposal of PCB-containing equipment.

Until 1980, numerous types of building materials, such as roofing paper, shingles, drywall, drywall texturing, linoleum, and mastic, contained considerable amounts of asbestos. Many of the existing structures in the Planning Area were built prior to 1980; therefore, they may have friable asbestos-containing building materials (ACBMs). Some of these buildings may be demolished and/or removed due to development associated with the proposed General Plan Update. Based on the age of the structures, removal or disturbance of these structures may result in the airborne release of asbestos from ACBMs.

In 1978, the Environmental Protection Agency passed legislation prohibiting the use of lead in paints and other construction materials. There are several buildings and structures located in the Planning Area that were constructed prior to 1978. Therefore, it is likely that many of the older structures contain lead-based paint materials. Implementation of the proposed General Plan Update may include the demolition and removal of some of these structures.

Hazardous materials used during construction and routine operational activities throughout the City may expose nearby residents and other sensitive receptors to toxic emissions. Known and unknown hazardous materials have the potential to pose a health and safety risk via accidental release or misuse in the City. The potential for exposure to toxic air contaminants is addressed in Section 4.5, Air Quality. As discussed in the Regulatory Framework section, the transportation of hazardous materials on area roadways is regulated by the California Vehicle Code (CVC), and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) designates the routes in California which can be used for the transportation of hazardous materials. The use, storage, and transport of hazardous materials by developers, contractors, business owners, and others are required to be in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations during project construction and operation. Facilities that use hazardous materials are required to obtain permits and comply with appropriate regulatory agency standards designed to avoid hazardous waste releases.

Additionally, CUPA maintains and monitors an active file on all hazardous materials and waste programs within the City. Impacts related to exposure of persons to hazardous materials in the event of a materials leak or truck accidents, through transport along Highway 101, 92, or 280, or any new hazardous material users are regulated by local, state, and federal standards.

The proposed General Plan Update would not result any changes to land use patterns. However, exposure to known or unknown hazardous materials may occur during development of planned projects or the transport of hazardous materials through the city limits. This impact is considered less than significant with the implementation of the policy provisions identified below that which would reduce City of San Mateo residents’ impact to known or unknown hazardous materials.

General Plan Policies and Implementing Programs

The following policy provisions are provided in the General Plan Update to address issues related to known and unknown hazardous materials.

S 5.1: County Cooperation. Cooperate with the County of San Mateo in the regulation of hazardous materials and transportation of such material in San Mateo.



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S 5.2: County Hazardous Waste Management Plan. Adopt by reference all goals, policies, implementation measures, and supporting data contained in the San Mateo County Hazardous Waste Management Plan.

S 5.3: On-site Waste Treatment. Promote on-site treatment of hazardous wastes by waste generators to minimize the use of hazardous materials and the transfer of waste for off-site treatment.

S 5.4: Transportation Routes. Restrict the transportation of hazardous materials and waste to truck routes designated in Circulation Policy C-1.3, and limit such transportation to non-commute hours.

S 5.5: Regulating Hazardous Waste Management Facilities. Regulate the location and operation of hazardous waste management facilities through the issuance of a special use permit.

S 5.6: Siting of Hazardous Waste Management Facilities. Restrict the possible location of new hazardous waste management facilities to those areas designated on Figure S-5. Prohibit the location of residual repository and incineration facilities in the City of San Mateo due to proximity to residential uses. Consider allowing waste treatment, transfer and storage facilities in manufacturing districts only, and allowing waste transfer and storage facilities in service commercial districts. The location of waste management facilities in the City should be based on the ratings of area suitability contained in Appendix Q.

S 5.7: Design of Hazardous Waste Management Facilities. Require the following features and mitigation measures in the design of proposed hazardous waste management facilities to minimize potential health, safety and aesthetic impacts on surrounding properties and occupants:

a. For sites located in areas subject to flooding or inundation as shown on Figures S-3 & 4, require facilities to have a surface elevation at least 1.5 feet above the maximum flood water level for areas containing hazardous substances or to be flood-proofed in some other manner suitable to the City.

b. Require facilities to provide for full on-site containment of maximum permitted quantities of hazardous substances, including protection of storm drain or sanitary sewer inlets from accidental entry of hazardous materials.

c. Require facilities to provide separate storage and/or treatment of potentially reactive substances, including separate spill containment vessels. Require that storage of hazardous gasses provides for adequate filtration and neutralization devices to prohibit accidental release of toxic substances.

d. Require that all storage and treatment occur within an enclosed structure.

S 5.8: Risk Assessment. Require the preparation of a risk assessment to determine site suitability for applications for hazardous waste management facilities, establishing the distance requirements from public assembly, residential or immobile population and recreational areas or structures; impacts from seismic, geologic and flood hazards; impacts on wetlands, endangered species, air quality and emergency response capabilities; and proximity to major transport routes.



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S 5.9: Shared Data. Maintain the sharing of County data on businesses which store hazardous substances with local emergency service providers, such as the Police and Fire departments, as well as the Public Works Department for the wastewater source control program.

S 5.10: Contaminated Sites. Require the clean-up of contaminated sites indicated on the Hazardous Waste and Substances Sites List published by the Department of Toxic Substance Control and/or the Health Department in conjunction with substantial site development or redevelopment, where feasible.

S 5.11: Cost Recovery. Require San Mateo County businesses which generate hazardous waste or applicants for hazardous waste management facilities to pay necessary costs for implementation of the HWMP programs and for application costs, and to pay for costs associated with emergency response services in the event of a hazardous material release, to the extent permitted by law.

Implementation of the above policies and existing federal, state, and local hazardous material regulations would reduce any potential impacts resulting from accidental exposure to known or unknown hazardous materials relating to the proposed General Plan Update to a less than significant level.

Mitigation Measures

None required.

Impairment of an Emergency Response Plan

Impact 4.3.2 Future development within the City could impair implementation of the existing emergency response plan. This is considered to be a less than significant impact.

The proposed General Plan Update does not change the City’s overall land use patterns or land use designations; therefore, there would be no conflict with the City Emergency Operations Plans. The City’s Emergency Operations Plan includes programs and action items that help to ensure effective emergency response to significant hazards. Objectives and action items in the Plan include community education programs including a disaster preparedness handbook, post-emergency power generators, and communication and response systems that contribute to effective emergency response in the City. This impact is considered less than significant with the implementation of the policy provisions identified below that would update the City’s Emergency Response Plan and promote awareness of natural hazards to the residents of San Mateo.


The following policy provisions are provided in the General Plan Update to address issues related to the emergency response plan.

S 4.1: Emergency Readiness. Maintain the City’s emergency readiness and response capabilities, especially regarding hazardous materials spills, natural gas pipeline ruptures, earthquakes, and flooding due to dam failure, tsunami, peak storms and dike failure. Increase public awareness of potential hazards and the City’s emergency readiness and response program.



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S 4.2: Evacuation Routes. Maintain adequate evacuation routes as identified by arterial streets shown in the Circulation Element, Figure C-1.

Implementation of the above policies would reduce any potential impacts resulting from the proposed General Plan Update interfering with the San Mateo Emergency Operations Plan to a less than significant level.

Mitigation Measures

None required.

Risk of Wildland Fires

Impact 4.3.3 The City does not have any designated wildland fire areas but is in close proximity to wildlands. This is considered to be a less than significant impact.

There are no designated Wildland Fire Hazards in the City of San Mateo; however directly to the west of the City of San Mateo, in San Mateo County, there are wildland areas. These areas are generally undeveloped and consist primarily of vegetated hillsides and some single-family neighborhoods. The proposed General Plan Update would not result in changes to the City’s land use patterns and therefore would have no effect on the wildland areas west of the City.

The San Mateo Fire Code would be implemented for any development or activities under the proposed General Plan Update. The Fire Code provides development standards and restrictions regarding structure design, fuel modification zone design, adequacy of emergency access, water for firefighting, and other associated standards.

Policies and implementation programs proposed with the General Plan Update, identified below, require fire prevention methods for new development near the wildlands; therefore, this impact is considered less than significant.


The following policy provisions are provided in the General Plan Update to address the risk of wildland fires.

S 3.1: Wildland Fire Protection. Require all development adjacent to wildlands to provide fire retardant roofing materials, adequate site access, and fire breaks of at least 30 feet.

Implementation of the above policy and its associated implementation program would reduce potential impacts to the risk of wildland fires to less than significant.

Mitigation Measures

None required.



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4.3.4 CUMULATIVE SETTING, IMPACTS, AND MITIGATION MEASURES

CUMULATIVE SETTING

Hazards associated with hazardous materials contamination and the use and potential upset of hazardous materials are generally site-specific conditions and are not cumulative in nature. The cumulative setting for wildland fires would consist of wildland hazard areas adjacent to the city boundaries which include limited areas of San Mateo County.

CUMULATIVE IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

Cumulative Hazard Impacts

Impact 4.3.4 Land use and infill development under the proposed General Plan would not result in cumulative hazardous materials and human health risk impacts. This impact would be less than cumulatively considerable.

The proposed General Plan Update does not change any of the City’s land use designations. Potential exposure to or generation of hazardous conditions in the City is site-specific rather than associated with the combination of other hazards in the region to result in a significant effect. Implementation of policies identified under Impacts 4.3.1 through 4.3.3 would address site-specific hazards and emergency access and operation. Planned development projects that would occur under the proposed General Plan Update would not significantly increase human health or safety risks.

This impact is considered less than cumulatively considerable with the implementation of the policy provisions and mitigation measures identified above for fire hazards, emergency operations, and identification of hazardous materials and contamination before site development.

Mitigation Measures

None required.



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REFERENCES

California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC). 2009. State of California Hazardous Waste and Substances Sites List. http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/SiteCleanup/Cortese_List.cfm (accessed May 2009).

City of San Mateo. 2009a. City of San Mateo Emergency Operations Plan. San Mateo, CA.

City of San Mateo Planning Division. 2009b. City of San Mateo General Plan. San Mateo, CA.

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E). 2009. http://www.pge.com/ (accessed May 2009).

San Mateo County. 2009. The San Mateo County “Operational Area” Emergency Operations Plan. San Mateo, CA.

State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). 2009. County of San Mateo Environmental Corrective Action Case List. http://geotracker.swrcb.ca.gov/ (accessed May 2009).

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). 2009. http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/hazard/ tsd/pcbs/pubs/data.htm (accessed June 2009).

Documents

4.3 HUMAN HEALTH/RISK OF UPSET