APPENDIX IV.J · gas supplies from several sedimentary basins in the western United States and Canada, including supply basins located in New Mexico, West Texas, the Rocky Mountains,

APPENDIX IV.J.5

Wilshire Grand Redevelopment Project, 930 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, Environmental Impact Report, Utilities, Natural Gas

Prepared by Glumac, May 2010

1 | P a g e

WILSHIRE GRAND REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT 930 WILSHIRE BLVD, LOS ANGELES, CA

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT UTILITIES

NATURAL GAS May, 2010

Table of Contents 1.0 Introduction

1.1 Project Description 2.0 Environmental Setting

2.1 Regional Conditions 2.2 Local Area Conditions 2.3 Site Conditions

3.0 Methodology 3.1 Southcoast Air Quality Management District 3.2 California Statewide Residential Appliance Saturation Study 3.3 California Commercial End-Use Survey 3.4 Gas Distribution System

4.0 Thresholds of Significance 5.0 Project Supply and Demand

Table 1.1 – Proposed Gas Demand and Consumption Table 1.2 – Natural Gas Consumption

Table 2.1 – Net Change in Natural Gas Demand and Monthly Consumption 6.0 Project Design Features 7.0 Construction Impacts 8.0 Mitigation Measures 9.0 Landuse Equivalency Program 10.0 Design Flexibility Program 11.0 Project Alternatives

11.1 Alternative 1 – No Project Alternative 11.2 Alternative 2 – Reduced Density Alternative 11.3 Alternative 3 – Phased Construction Alternative 11.4 Alternative 4 – Office Only Alternative 11.5 Alternative 5 – Residential Only Alternative 11.6 Alternative 6 – Reduced Height Alternative 11.7 Alternative 7 – Zoning Compliant Alternative 11.8 Alternative 8 – Reduced Signage Alternative

2 | P a g e

11.9 Alternative 9 – Zoning Compliant Signage Alternative 12.0 Figures

Figure 1 – Existing Site – Aerial Photograph Figure 2 – Existing Site Plan Figure 3 – Proposed Conceptual Site Plan Appendix A – References Appendix B – Natural Gas Monthly Usage

3 | P a g e

1.0 INTRODUCTION

This Report addresses the environmental impacts related to the natural gas requirements from the Wilshire Grand Redevelopment Project (“Project”).

1.1 Project Description

The Project is proposed to be developed on a 3.2-acre site that is located in the Central City (Downtown) area of the City of Los Angeles and is bounded by Francisco Street to the west, Wilshire Boulevard to the north, Figueroa Street to the east, and 7th Street to the south (“Project Site”), as shown in Figure 1. The Project Site is currently developed with a 16-story Wilshire Grand Hotel and Centre, which consists of approximately 912,000 square feet including 896 hotel rooms and approximately 215,000 square feet of office uses, 206,600 square feet of hotel amenity, accessory retail, restaurant uses, and subterranean parking containing 286 parking spaces. The Project would include demolition of all existing structures, including the existing subterranean parking, and redevelopment of the Project Site with a maximum of 560 hotel rooms and/or condo-hotel units, 100 residential dwelling units, 1,500,000 square feet of office, and a maximum of 275,000 square feet of project-serving amenity areas, including but not limited to, retail and restaurant uses, conference and meeting rooms, ballrooms, spa, fitness center, and other ancillary hotel, residential, and office areas (“Services”). The Project proposes to develop an approximately 65-story structure, no more than 1,250 feet in height (“Building A”), an approximately 45-story structure, no more than 750 feet in height (“Building B”), and an approximately six-story podium structure, no more than 168 feet in height (“Podium”). The proposed Project would be constructed over a maximum of eight levels of subterranean parking containing approximately 1,900 parking spaces. The proposed Project would also include a pedestrian plaza at the corner of 7th Street and Figueroa Street. Lobbies, elevators, and amenities for the residential units may be shared or may be provided separate from the other proposed uses. The rooftop of Building A would provide a helistop, which would provide facilities for helicopter service for the Project.

2.0 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING

2.1 Regional Conditions

Natural gas is provided throughout Los Angeles County by Southern California Gas Company (SCG), which is also referred to as “The Gas Company” or “Sempra Utilities”. According to the California Division of Ratepayer Advocates1, SCG receive gas supplies from several sedimentary basins in the western United States and Canada, including supply basins located in New Mexico, West Texas, the Rocky Mountains, and western Canada as well as local California supplies on- and off-shore. The Rocky Mountain supply is available but is used as an alternative supply source. The traditional sources of natural gas from the southwestern United States,

1 http://www.dra.ca.gov/DRA/energy/gas/Gas+Infrastructure+So+CA.htm

http://www.dra.ca.gov/DRA/energy/gas/Gas+Infrastructure+So+CA.htm

4 | P a g e

will continue to supply most of SCG’s natural gas demand. SCG operates four storage fields that interconnect with its transmission system. These storage fields are located near the primary load centers of the SCG system; Aliso Canyon, La Goleta, Playa Del Ray and Honor Rancho.

2.2 Local Area Conditions

SCG provides natural gas service within the City of Los Angeles. There are three types of natural gas lines referenced in this report: Main Lines, Supply Lines, and Service Lines. Main lines are high pressure gas lines located in the street and owned, operated and maintained by SCG. Supply lines are also owned, operated and maintained by SCG and carry gas from the main line to the gas meter at the customer’s building. A pressure regulator is typically installed in front of the natural gas meter to reduce the higher “Street” pressure to a lower pressure for building use. Service lines are the gas lines that run from the gas meter to the point of use. The service lines are owned operated and maintained by the Applicant. The vicinity of the Project Site is served by two SCG natural gas main lines. One four inch main line runs along Figueroa and branches off to a three-inch line that heads West along 7th street. Both lines have a delivery pressure of 60 pounds per square inch. Figure 2 shows the existing natural gas system in the Figueroa and 7th Streets and the locations of the main gas lines.

2.3 Site Conditions

The Project Site receives natural gas service from SCG. Natural gas is delivered throughout the Project Site via two gas meters. The first meter has a five pound per square inch gage delivery pressure (PSIG) delivery and the second meter has a standard delivery pressure of 8 inches of water column (w.c.). The gas lines entering the Project Site operate at a maximum capacity of 21,500 cubic feet per hour (CFH)2 Based on natural gas usage billed by SCG for the past forty-one months, the total existing average natural gas consumption for the existing Wilshire Grand Hotel is 73,229 Therms of natural gas per month (Refer to Appendix B for this information). The estimated Natural Gas consumption for the Project is lower than the existing monthly usage due to improved equipment efficiencies on the Project and lower quantity of hotel rooms. The existing Wilshire Grand Hotel, has a two-part natural gas bill; one from Accent Energy and the other from SCG. Accent Energy is an alternative Energy Service Provider available to SCG’s core customers. The monthly invoice from Accent Energy charges the existing Wilshire Grand Hotel for the natural gas commodity, while SCG charges for the delivery (i.e.: use of pipelines and pumps) of the commodity.

3.0 METHODOLOGY

This report discusses the natural gas distribution system that serves the Project Site and analyzes whether the supply system has the capacity to serve the proposed Project

2 Refer to attached Correspondence from SCG.

5 | P a g e

without impacting surrounding uses. The natural gas supply discussed in this report will be in regard to its consumption and demand. The consumption is the volume of natural gas, in cubic feet, that is used by the Project site and billed by SCG. The demand describes the rate at which the natural gas is delivered to the Project site.

3.1 Southcoast Air Quality Management District

Based on the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s (SCAQMD) California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) generation factors for natural gas service, an estimate was made as to the future monthly consumption for the proposed Project. The future natural gas demand was based on generic appliances, equipment, and hot water generation, required to meet the needs of the proposed Project space, use and occupancy loads. The natural gas demand for generic appliances was obtained from ASPE (American Society of Plumbing Engineers) Data Book. Mechanical loads estimated based on guidelines set forth in the current ASHRAE (American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers) Handbooks and California State Energy Code, Title 24.

3.2 California Statewide Residential Appliance Saturation Study Alternate calculation methods for residential gas consumption was prepared by using the California Energy Commission’s 2003 Residential Appliance Saturation Survey (RASS) data base, which included a 15 percent reduction from the 2005 Title 24 Standard in the Climate Change Technical Report.3. The SCAQMD CEQA generation factors were used to calculate the Project gas consumption for residential uses, which is consistent with the gas consumptions using the California RASS data base.

3.3 California Commercial End-Use Survey Alternate calculation method for non-residential gas consumption was prepared using the California Commercial End-Use Survey, (CEUS) data base, which included a 15 percent reduction from the 2005 Title 24 Standard in the Climate Change Technical Report. 3. To be conservative, the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) generation factors were used to calculate the Project gas consumption for non-residential uses (i.e. office, hotel and retail) since it provided a greater consumption rate.

3.4 Gas Distribution System The natural gas distribution system was evaluated by determining the existing physical features of the system. Information was obtained from SCG as needed to define the existing systems and capacities. Based on the evaluation of the proposed Project by SCG, a determination was made as to whether the existing gas infrastructure system will be able to supply the estimated demands of the proposed Project, whether improvements may be required, and how systems will be maintained. Given the existing capacity of the natural gas system and projected future demand, an assessment was made of the impacts to the existing system.

3 Climate Change Technical Report for the Wilshire Grand Environ, dated May, 2010

6 | P a g e

4.0 THRESHOLDS OF SIGNIFICANCE

CEQA, State Guidelines provide no specific thresholds for impacts associated with natural gas consumption (per Appendix G). The City of Los Angeles, LA CEQA Threshold Guide determines the significance of the natural gas use on a case-by-case basis, considering the following: 1. The extent to which the project would require new, off-site energy supply facilities

and distribution infrastructure, or capacity enhancing alterations to existing facilities. 2. Whether and when the needed infrastructure was anticipated by adopted plans. 3. The degree to which the project design and/or operations incorporate energy

conservation measures, particularly those that go beyond city requirements.

Based on these factors, the Project would have significance if: 1. The Project would result in an increase in demand for natural gas that exceeds

supply of distribution infrastructure capabilities. 2. The design of the Project fails to incorporate energy conservative measures that

meet existing requirements.

5.0 PROJECT SUPPLY AND DEMAND

The natural gas analysis focuses upon the relationship between supply and demand. In general, the supply side involves both the availability of a resource and the ability to convey the resource. The demand side involves both the net incremental demand generated by the Project.

Natural gas is a combustible mixture of simple hydrocarbon compounds, primarily methane. It is used as a fuel source and is therefore a consumption item. Natural gas consumed in California is obtained from naturally-occurring reservoirs and delivered via high pressure transmission pipelines. The natural gas transportation system is a nationwide network and therefore, resource availability is not typically an issue. The focus is primarily on the local distribution network and its ability to deliver required amounts. Natural gas is measured in terms of cubic feet and the heating value of that cubic foot, measured in British Thermal Unit’s (BTU). The natural gas commodity is sold from a distributor to the end user in units of Therms. One Therm is defined as 100,000 BTU’s. This analysis describes the natural gas distribution system in the vicinity of the Project Site, including its physical characteristics and existing transmission capacities. It then calculates the additional demand for natural gas created by the proposed Project, and evaluates the result in comparison to future available supplies and pipeline capacities. The proposed Project will increase the demand for natural gas supply within the Project Site.

7 | P a g e

Table 1.1 estimates the new natural gas service demand to be 103,046 CFH (or 103,046,000 BTU/hr) and Table 1.2 estimates the monthly consumption, using CEQA generation factors, for the proposed Project Site to be 71,040THERMS.

TABLE 1.1 - PROPOSED NATURAL GAS DEMAND4 Wilshire Grand Hotel Redevelopment Project

Natural Gas Load (est.) Type of

Use Area Units BTU/Hr per Unit*** Total BTU/Hr Equipment Served

Office 1,500,000 ft2 13 19,500,000 Domestic Hot Water, Boilers

Hotel Rooms 560 Room

s 34,100 19,096,000 Domestic Hot Water, Boilers

Residential Dwelling

Units 100 Units 150,000 15,000,000

Domestic Hot Water, Boilers, Laundry, Kitchen appliances,

Fireplace

Restaurant** 40,000 ft2 400 10,000,000

Kitchen Equipment, Domestic Hot Water, Industrial Hot

Water, Boilers

Retail 10,000 ft2 45 450,000 Domestic Hot Water, Boilers

Meeting Room/Ball

Room 55,000 ft2 20 1,100,000 Domestic Hot Water, Boilers

Fitness Facility/Spa 20,000 ft2 20 400,000 Domestic Hot Water, Boilers

Ancillary Hotel Areas 150,000 ft2 80 7,500,000 Laundry Equipment,

Domestic Hot Water, Boilers

Total3 73,046,000 British Thermal Units per Hour (Btu/Hr5)

Additional Load to reduce electricity consumption* 30,000,000 Btu/Hr

Heating Value 1000 Btu/ft3

Anticipated Demand 103,046 Cubic Feet per Hour (CFH6)

*By way of Gas Cooling, Fuel Cell Energy, Co-Generation or similar technology. **Restaurant Gas Loads based on experience with similar projects.

***Natural gas demand factors were generated based on the methodology described in section 3.0 of this report.

4 Natural gas demand refers to the maximum flo-rate of natural gas to the Project Site. This is used for sizing of pipes. 5 BTU is an acronym for British Thermal Unit. A British Thermal Unit is defined as the amount of heat required to heat one pound of water, one degree Fahrenheit from 60 degrees to 61 degrees at a constant pressure of one atmosphere. 6 CFH is an acronym for Cubic Feet per Hour, This is a measurement of Gas Volume Velocity, in this case, for natural gas traveling through piping.

8 | P a g e

TABLE 1.2 - NATURAL GAS CONSUMPTION Wilshire Grand Hotel Redevelopment Project

Proposed Natural Gas Load (est.) Totals

Land Use Rate1 Quantity SCAQMD Totals RASS/CEUS2

Totals Office 2 ft3/ft2 1.50E+06 ft2 3000000 ft3/month 15,933 ft3/month Retail 2.9 ft3/ft2 275000 ft2 797500 ft3/month 16,216 ft3/month

Condo/Residential 6665 ft3/unit 100 units 666500 ft3/month 108,333 ft3/month Hotel 4.8 ft3/ft2 550000 ft2 2640000 ft3/month 7,945 ft3/month

Total 7,104,000 ft3/month 148,428 ft3/month Total 71,040 Therms 1 Source: SCAQMD CEQA Handbook, 1993, Table A9-12 2 Usage rate established for "Climate Change Technical Report" by ENVIRON 3 The estimated natural gas consumption for the project is lower than the existing monthly usage due to improved equipment efficiencies on the project and lower quantity of hotel rooms.

Table 2.1 estimates the net new natural gas demand and consumption for the proposed Project. The net new gas demand and consumption is approximately 81,546 CFH and (2,189) Therms per month respectively. A reduction in monthly consumption does not account for the Project’s commitment to exceed Title 24, Part 6, Article 2, California Administrative Code, 2005, by 15 percent and meet 2008 Title 24. A portion of the estimated natural gas demand includes strategies to power equipment with natural gas that normally requires more electricity. Refer to Table 1.1 for a description of this equipment.

TABLE 2.1 NET CHANGE IN NATURAL GAS DEMAND AND MONTHLY

CONSUMPTION Wilshire Grand Hotel Redevelopment Project

Existing: Natural Gas Service 21,500 CFH Average Monthly Usage7 73,229 Therms/Month Proposed: Natural Gas Service 103,046 CFH Estimated Monthly Usage* 71,040 Therms/Month Estimated Monthly Usage** 1,484 Therms/Month

9 | P a g e

Net Increase Natural Gas Service 81,546 CFH (additional)

Estimated Monthly Usage*** -2,189 Therms/Month (decrease)

Alternate 1 - No Project Alternative Proposed:

Natural Gas Service 21,500 CFH Estimated Monthly Usage 73,229 Therms/Month Difference as Compared to Existing Natural Gas Service 0 CFH (no change)

Estimated Monthly Usage*** 0 Therms/Month (no change)

Difference as Compared to Project Natural Gas Service -21,500 CFH (decrease)


Alternate 2 - Reduced Density Proposed: Natural Gas Service 102,441 CFH Estimated Monthly Usage 55,419 Therms/Month

Natural Gas Demand

Quantity of Area (Unit

Area) Units of

Area

Demand Rate (BTU/hr

per Area) Total Demand Rate BTU/Hr

Office 1,250,000 ft^2 13 16250000 Hotel 560 rooms 34,100 19096000 Residential 100 Units 150,000 15000000 Restaurant 28,000 ft^2 400 11200000 Retail 7,000 ft^2 45 315000 Meeting Room/Ballroom 40,000 ft^2 20 800000 Fitness Facility/Spa 17,000 ft^2 20 340000 Ancillary Areas 118,000 ft^2 80 9440000 Additional Loads 8 30,000,000

Total Demand 102,441,000 BTU/Hr

Total Demand 102,441 CFH

Natural Gas Consumption Quantity Units

Consumption Rate

(ft^3/ft^2 per month)

Total Consumption Rate (ft^3/month)

Office 1,250,000 ft^2 2 2,500,000 Retail (Includes Anciliary/Ammenities areas) 210,000 ft^2 2.9 609,000

10 | P a g e

Condo/Residential 100 units 6,665 666,500 Hotel 368,000 ft^2 4.8 1,766,400 Total 5,541,900 TOTAL 55,419 Therms/month Difference as Compared to Existing Natural Gas Service 80,941 CFH (increase)


Difference as Compared to Project Natural Gas Service -605 CFH (decrease)


Alternate 3 - Phased Construction Proposed:

Natural Gas Service 103,046 CFH Estimated Monthly Usage 71,040 Therms/Month Difference as Compared to Existing Natural Gas Service 81,546 CFH (additional)


Difference as Compared to Project Natural Gas Service 0 CFH (no change)


Alternate 4 - Office Only Proposed: Natural Gas Service 84,925 CFH Estimated Monthly Usage 40,220 Therms/Month

Natural Gas Demand


Area) Units of

Area

Demand Rate (BTU/hr


Office 1,750,000 ft^2 13 22750000 Hotel 0 rooms 34,100 0 Residential 0 Units 150,000 0 Restaurant 60,000 ft^2 400 24000000 Retail 15,000 ft^2 45 675000 Meeting Room/Ballroom 0 ft^2 20 0 Fitness Facility/Spa 15,000 ft^2 20 300000 Ancillary Areas 90,000 ft^2 80 7200000 Additional Loads 8 30,000,000 Total 84,925,000 BTU/Hr

11 | P a g e

Demand



Consumption Rate



Office 1,750,000 ft^2 2 3,500,000 Retail (Includes Anciliary/Ammenities areas) 180,000 ft^2 2.9 522,000 Condo/Residential 0 units 6,665 0 Hotel 0 ft^2 4.8 0 Total 4,022,000 TOTAL 40,220 Therms/month Difference as Compared to Existing Natural Gas Service 63,425 CFH (increase)




Alternate 5 - Residential Only Proposed: Natural Gas Service 232,000 CFH Estimated Monthly Usage 78,245 Therms/Month

Natural Gas Demand


Area) Units of

Area

Demand Rate (BTU/hr


Office 0 ft^2 13 0 Hotel 0 rooms 34,100 0 Residential 1,100 Units 150,000 165000000 Restaurant 80,000 ft^2 400 32000000 Retail 20,000 ft^2 45 900000 Meeting Room/Ballroom 0 ft^2 20 0 Fitness Facility/Spa 25,000 ft^2 20 500000 Ancillary Areas 45,000 ft^2 80 3600000 Additional Loads 8 30,000,000



12 | P a g e


Consumption Rate



Office 0 ft^2 2 0 Retail (Includes Anciliary/Ammenities areas) 170,000 ft^2 2.9 493,000 Condo/Residential 1,100 units 6,665 7,331,500 Hotel 0 ft^2 4.8 0 Total 7,824,500 TOTAL 78,245 Therms/month Difference as Compared to Existing Natural Gas Service 210,500 CFH (increase)

Estimated Monthly Usage*** 5,016 Therms/Month (increase)

Difference as Compared to Project Natural Gas Service 128,954 CFH (increase)

Estimated Monthly Usage*** 7,205 Therms/Month (increase)

Alternate 6 - Reduced Height Proposed:

Natural Gas Service 103,046 CFH Estimated Monthly Usage 71,040 Therms/Month Difference as compared to Existing Natural Gas Service 81,546 CFH (increase)


Difference as compared to Project Natural Gas Service 0 CFH (no change)


Alternate 7 - Zoning Compliant Proposed: Natural Gas Service 72,835 CFH Estimated Monthly Usage 25,215 Therms/Month

Natural Gas Demand


Area) Units of

Area

Demand Rate (BTU/hr


Office 350,000 ft^2 13 4550000 Hotel 350 rooms 34,100 11935000 Residential 50 Units 150,000 7500000 Restaurant 40,000 ft^2 400 16000000

13 | P a g e

Retail 10,000 ft^2 45 450000 Meeting Room/Ballroom 50,000 ft^2 20 1000000 Fitness Facility/Spa 20,000 ft^2 20 400000 Ancillary Areas 12,500 ft^2 80 1000000 Additional Loads 8 30,000,000




Consumption Rate



Office 350,000 ft^2 2 700,000 Retail (Includes Anciliary/Ammenities areas) 132,500 ft^2 2.9 384,250 Condo/Residential 50 units 6,665 333,250 Hotel 230,000 ft^2 4.8 1,104,000 Total 2,521,500 TOTAL 25,215 Therms/month Difference as Compared to Existing Natural Gas Service 51,335 CFH (increase)




Alternate 8 - Reduced Signage Proposed: Natural Gas Service 103,046 CFH Estimated Monthly Usage 71,040 Therms/Month Difference as compared to Existing Natural Gas Service 81,546 CFH (additional)


Difference as compared to Project Natural Gas Service 0 CFH (additional)

Estimated Monthly Usage*** 0 Therms/Month (decrease)

Alternate 9 - Zoning Compliant Signage Proposed:

14 | P a g e

Natural Gas Service 103,046 CFH Estimated Monthly Usage 71,040 Therms/Month Difference as compared to Existing Natural Gas Service 81,546 CFH (additional)


Difference as compared to Project Natural Gas Service 0 CFH (additional)

Estimated Monthly Usage*** 0 Therms/Month (decrease)

7 The estimated natural gas consumption for this project is lower than existing monthly usage due to improved equipment efficiencies on the project and lower quantity of hotel rooms 8 The additional load is intended to reduce electricity consumption by way of gas cooling, fuel cell energy, cogeneration or similar technology. *Per SCAQMD methodologies **Per RASS and CEUS methodologies ***This figure uses SCAQMD natural gas estimating methodos because the figure exceed RASS and CEUS

SCG’s existing infrastructure (main lines) can adequately supply the proposed Project with natural gas.8910 Gas service lines can be provided from Figueroa Street and 7th street.

6.0 PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES

The proposed Project will include all gas service lines required for the new gas meters. The proposed Project will add additional gas service lines (from Figueroa Street and 7th Street) to distribute gas throughout the Project Site.

The following measures would be incorporated as part of the Project design: 1. Comply with State Energy Conservation Standards for New Residential and Non-

Residential Buildings (Title 24, Part 6, Article 2, California Administrative Code, 2008) or exceed Title 24, Part 6, Article 2, California Administrative Code, 2005 by 15 percent.

2. Install energy efficient heating and cooling systems, appliances (e.g. Energy Star), equipment, and control systems.

3. Specify low-flow water-usage fixtures, reducing water consumption and water heating fuel (natural gas).

4. Use energy-efficient pumps and motors for waste and storm water conveyance, fire water, domestic water, pools and spas.

5. Provide education on energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste recycling services.

6. Commit to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver rating certification. Several potential energy conservation technologies and methods may include Enhanced Commissioning, Measurement & Verification, solar power, gas

8 Written correspondence from Silvia Diaz of Sempra Utilities, dated September 25, 2009. 9 Refer to “Will Serve” letter. 10 Refer to “As Available Delivery Pressure” letter

15 | P a g e

absorption chillers, and on-site generation systems that would maximize energy efficiency beyond the Title 24 requirements.

7.0 CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS

Construction is anticipated to occur over an approximately 54-month period commencing as early as the year 2011. Construction would include trenching for the natural gas service lines on-site. The proposed Project, with the exception of a limited number of gas service connections, would not require additions to or modifications of the existing gas distribution system, such as main lines and supply lines. Connections to the SCG main line at 7th or Figueroa St. would require traffic control measures on these streets. Traffic control measures would be temporary and would be limited to one lane closure for one day during intermittent periods. SCG would install all of its service lines and connections up to the service connection after the meters for the Project Site from existing SCG pipelines.

8.0 MITIGATION MEASURES

No mitigation measures are necessary. Further, the proposed Project would incorporate specific design features which would decrease the Project’s projected natural gas consumption beyond that required by California Code of Regulations Title 24 (Part 1 Building Energy Efficient Standards, 2005).

9.0 LANDUSE EQUIVALENCY PROGRAM

Under the Land Use Equivalency Program, the proposed mix of land uses would be able to be modified within the development envelope defined by the approved entitlements. Land uses identified in Section II (Project Description) could be exchanged to allow for the development of substitute land uses based on afternoon peak hour trip generation rates, as shown on Table II-2 (Land Use Equivalency Program). These exchanges could result in different levels of natural gas demand that indicated for the Project. However, as a regulated utility, SCG is required to serve the Project. As such, implementation of the Land use Equivalency Program would not result in additional significant impacts related to natural gas service.

10.0 DESIGN FLEXIBILITY PROGRAM

The design of the Project as a conceptual plan allows for flexibility in the finalized building design within a determined set of parameters. Since the Project Site conditions would not change from what was discussed previously, and the Project Site would be constructed within the same parameters as analyzed under the Project, the Design Flexibility Program would have no effect regarding natural gas supply and infrastructure.

11.0 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES

This report considers a range of alternatives to the proposed Project to provide informed decision-making in accordance with Section 15126.6 of the CEQA Guidelines. As described below in greater detail, the alternatives to the proposed Project that are analyzed include:

16 | P a g e

1. No Project Alternative 2. Reduced Density Alternative 3. Phased Construction Alternative 4. Office Only Alternative 5. Residential Only Alternative 6. Reduced Height Alternative 7. Zoning Compliant Alternative 8. Reduced Signage Altenative 9. Zoning Compliant + Signage Alternate

11.1 Alternative 1 – No Project Alternative

The No Project Alternative/Current Operation is the circumstance under which the proposed Project does not proceed, and no other project is built in its place. Therefore, the No Project Alternative assumes that the Project Site will remain in its current condition that is, developed with the Wilshire Grand Hotel and Centre. Therefore, the result of this alternative would have no effect on the natural gas in comparison to the existing Wilshire Grand hotel. Refer to table 2.1 for details.

11.2 Alternative 2 – Reduced Density Alternative

Under the Reduced Density Alternative, the Project Site would be developed with the same office, residential, and hotel development as the Project, but would be reduced in overall density. The Reduced Density Alternative would include the demolition of all existing structures, including existing subterranean parking, and redevelopment of the Project Site with maximum of 560 hotel rooms and/or condo-hotel units, 100 residential units, 1,250,000 square feet of office uses, and 210,000 square feet of amenity areas. The Reduced Density Alternative would include provision of approximately 1,566 parking spaces in a maximum of eight levels of subterranean parking. Vacation of Francisco Street would also occur under this alternative. All other aspects of the Alternative would be the same as described under the Project. Therefore, the result of this alternative would be a decrease in natural gas demand and monthly consumption in comparison to the proposed Project. Refer to table 2.1 for details.

11.3 Alternative 3 – Phased Construction Alternative

Under the Phased Construction Alternative, the Project Site would be developed with the same office, residential, and hotel development as the Project, but would be built in two phases. In Phase I, Building B, the subterranean parking, and the Podium would be constructed. Phase I of construction is anticipated to require approximately 47 months inclusive of demolition and construction. Phase II would include construction of Building A and is anticipated to require approximately 28 months of construction. With the exception of the construction scenario, all other aspects of the Alternative would be the same as described under the Project. Therefore, the result of this alternative would have no effect on the natural gas demand and consumption in comparison to the proposed Project. Refer to table 2.1 for details.

17 | P a g e

11.4 Alternative 4 – Office Only Alternative

Under the Office-Only Alternative, the Project Site would be developed with office and associated retail and parking uses only. Hotel and residential units would not be included in the development. The Office- Only Alternative would include the demolition of all existing structures, including existing subterranean parking, and redevelopment of the Project Site with approximately 1,750,000 square feet of office and 90,000 square feet of amenity retail and restaurant. The Office-Only Alternative would include provision of approximately 1,384 parking spaces in a subterranean parking garage. Vacation of Francisco Street would also occur under this Alternative. All other aspects of the project would be the same as described under the Project, except that the Equivalency Program would not be included. Therefore, the result of this alternative would be a significant decrease in natural gas demand and consumption in comparison to the proposed Project. Refer to table 2.1 for details.

11.5 Alternative 5 – Residential Only Alternative

Under the Residential-Only Alternative, the Project Site would be developed with residential and associated retail, restaurant, and parking uses only. Office space would not be included in the development. The Residential-Only Alternative would include the demolition of all existing structures, including existing subterranean parking, and redevelopment of the Project Site with approximately 1,100 residential units and approximately 170,000 square feet of pedestrian-oriented retail. The Residential- Only Alternative would include provision of approximately 1,433 parking spaces in subterranean parking. Vacation of Francisco Street would also occur under this Alternative. All other aspects of the Alternative would be the same as described under the Proposed Project, except that the Equivalency Program would not be included. Therefore, the result of this alternative would be a significant increase in natural gas demand and consumption in comparison to the proposed Project. Refer to table 2.1 for details.

11.6 Alternative 6 – Reduced Height Alternative

Under the Reduced Height Alternative, Buildings A and B would be the same height, both at approximately 53 stories, or a maximum of 717 feet tall. The Reduced Height Alternative would include the demolition of all existing structures, including existing subterranean parking, and redevelopment of the Project Site with maximum of 560 hotel rooms and/or condo-hotel units, 100 residential units, 1,500,000 square feet of office uses, and 275,000 square feet of amenity areas. The Reduced Height Alternative would include provision of approximately 1,900 parking spaces in a maximum of eight levels of subterranean parking. Vacation of Francisco Street would also occur under this alternative. All other aspects of the Alternative would be the same as described under the Project. Therefore, the result of this alternative would have no effect on the natural gas demand and consumption in comparison to the proposed Project. Refer to table 2.1 for details.

11.7 Alternative 7 – Zoning Compliant Alternative Under the Zoning Compliant Alternative, the Project Site would be developed up to a floor area ratio (FAR) of 6:1, based on a 2.7-acre site (would not include the

18 | P a g e

centerline of surrounding streets or vacation of Francisco Street). The Zoning Compliant Alternative would include the demolition of all existing structures, including existing subterranean parking, and redevelopment of the Project Site with maximum of 350 hotel rooms and/or condo-hotel units, 50 residential units, 350,000 square feet of office uses, and 132,500 square feet of amenity areas. The Zoning Compliant Alternative would include provision of approximately 917 parking spaces in a subterranean parking, in compliance with code requirements. All other aspects of the Alternative would be the same as described under the Project. Therefore, the result of this alternative would be a significant decrease in natural gas demand and consumption in comparison to the proposed Project. Refer to table 2.1 for details.

11.8 Alternative 8 – Reduced Signage Alternative

Under the Reduced Signage Alternative, the Project Site would be developed with the same office, residential, and hotel development as the Project. However, overall signage (as designated under the Signage Supplemental Use District (Wilshire Grand SUD) would be reduced. The Reduced Signage Alternative would adopt the same signage regulations as set forth in the Wilshire Grand SUD for the Project, however, Sign Level 2 would have reduced overall signage coverage and Sign Level 3 would be replaced by architectural lighting. Sign coverage for Sign Levels 1 and 4 would remain unchanged under this Alternative, Sign Level 2 would allow 50 percent coverage of the buildings’ facades, rather than 80 percent coverage of the buildings’ facades, as under the Project. With the exception of the Wilshire Grand SUD, all other aspects of the Reduced Signage Alternative would be the same as described under the Project. Therefore, the result of this alternative would have no effect on the natural gas demand and consumption in comparison to the proposed Project. Refer to table 2.1 for details.

11.9 Zoning Compliant Signage Alternative

Under the Zoning Compliant Signage Alternative, the Project Site would be developed with the same office, residential, and hotel development as the Project. However, signage would be limited to what is currently permitted under the zoning code. Other characteristics (e.g., lighting, landscaping, etc.) are assumed to be generally similar to those of the Project, including the Land Use Equivalency Program and Design Flexibility Program, for the purpose of analyzing this Alternative. In addition, all applicable Project mitigation measures and design features would be implemented under this Alternative. Therefore, the result of this alternative would have no effect on the natural gas demand and consumption in comparison to the proposed Project. Refer to table 2.1 for details.

12.0 FIGURES AND TABLES Figure 1 – Existing Site – Aerial Photograph Figure 2 – Existing Site Plan Figure 3 – Proposed Conceptual Site Plan Table 1.1 – Proposed Gas Demand Table 1.2 – Proposed Gas Consumption Table 2.1 – Net Change in Natural Gas Demand and Consumption

19 | P a g e

Appendix A – References Appendix B – Natural Gas Monthly Usage

20 | P a g e

Figure 1 – Project Site – Arial Photograph

21 | P a g e

Figure 2 – Existing Site Plan

4” GAS MAIN (E)

3” GAS MAIN (E)

22 | P a g e

Figure 3 – Proposed Site Plan

3” GAS MAIN (E)

4” GAS MAIN (E) Proposed Service Lines

23 | P a g e

Appendix A References

24 | P a g e

Appendix B Natural Gas Monthly Usage

Documents

APPENDIX IV.J · gas supplies from several sedimentary basins in the western United States and Canada, including supply basins located in New Mexico, West Texas, the Rocky Mountains,