Campus Photovoltaic Energy Project€¦ · Ventura County Description of Project: The project consists of retrofitting various parking lots within California State University Channel

Negative Declarationand Initial Study

Campus Photovoltaic Energy Projectat California State University Channel Islands

The Trustees of the California State University

Project Proponent:California State University Channel Islands

October 2009

Negative Declaration


The Trustees of the California State University

Project Proponent:California State University Channel Islands

October 2009

Lead AgencyThe Trustees of the California State University

Represented by: California State University Channel IslandsOperations, Planning and Construction

One University DriveCamarillo, CA 93012

Consultant to Lead AgencyParsons Brinckerhoff

444 South Flower Street, Suite 3700Los Angeles, CA 90071

CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY NEGATIVE DECLARATIONCHANNEL ISLANDS CAMPUS PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY PROJECT1

NEGATIVE DECLARATION

California State University Channel IslandsCampus Photovoltaic Energy Project

Lead Agency: The Trustees of the California State University

Mailing Address: The California State UniversityOffice of the ChancellorCapital Planning, Design and Construction401 Golden Shore, 2nd FloorLong Beach, CA 90802-4210

Project Proponent: California State University Channel IslandsOperations, Planning and ConstructionOne University DriveCamarillo, CA 93012

Project Location: California State University Channel Islands; City of Camarillo,Ventura County

Description of Project: The project consists of retrofitting various parking lots withinCalifornia State University Channel Islands (CSU Channel Islands) with photovoltaic (PV), i.e.solar, panels that will provide approximately 5 megawatts (mW) of electricity to the campus. Thesolar power will be provided by solar utility providers that will design, install, and operate thepanels and sell the power generated by the panels back to the campus, and/or by the campusthrough a direct purchase of installations.

Panels will be installed on canopies at the campus’ surface parking lots. The proposed retrofitis part of the University’s ongoing initiative to create a more sustainable campus environment.

Finding: The Trustees of the California State University have determined that the proposedproject will not result in a significant adverse effect on the environment.

Supporting Documentation: The documentation supporting this determination is discussed inthe attached Initial Study prepared for this project.

Initial Study


October 2009

Lead AgencyThe Trustees of the California State University

Project Proponent: California State University Channel IslandsOperations, Planning and Construction

One University DriveCamarillo, CA 93012

Consultant to Lead AgencyParsons Brinckerhoff

444 South Flower Street, Suite 3700Los Angeles, CA 90071

Table of Contents

Page

Environmental Checklist Form ................................................................................................... 2Environmental Factors Potentially Affected ................................................................................ 9References .............................................................................................................................. 25Preparers of the Initial Study.................................................................................................... 25

Figures

Figure 1: CSU Channel Islands Potential PV Panel Locations ................................................... 4Figure 3: Surface Parking Lot SH2............................................................................................. 5Figure 4: Surface Parking Lot A10 Expansion............................................................................ 5Figure 5: Surface Parking Lot A10 ............................................................................................. 6Figure 6: Surface Parking Lot SH1............................................................................................. 6Figure 7: Site of Future Lots....................................................................................................... 7Figure 8: Surface Parking Lot A11 ............................................................................................. 7Figure 9: Campus Vicinity .......................................................................................................... 8

CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY INITIAL STUDYCHANNEL ISLANDS CAMPUS PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY PROJECT2

Environmental Checklist Form

1. Project Title: Campus Photovoltaic Energy Project

2. Lead Agency Name and Address: The Trustees of the California State UniversityThe California State UniversityOffice of the ChancellorCapital Planning, Design and Construction401 Golden Shore, 2nd FloorLong Beach, CA 90802-4210

Project Proponent: California State University Channel IslandsOperations, Planning and ConstructionOne University DriveCamarillo, CA 93012

3. Contact Person and Phone Number: Alan Paul, Associate ArchitectCalifornia State University Channel IslandsOperations, Planning and Construction(805) 437-3372

4. Project Location: The approximately 1,100-acre California State University ChannelIslands (CSU Channel Islands) campus is located in the City of Camarillo, in VenturaCounty. Figure 1 illustrates the campus’ regional location, the campus master plan, and asample of parking lots being considered for retrofit with solar panels.

5. Project Sponsor's Name and Address: California State University Channel IslandsOperations, Planning and ConstructionOne University DriveCamarillo, CA 93012

6. Campus Master Plan Designation: Various support campus facilities.

7. Zoning: n/a

8. Description of Project: The project consists of retrofitting campus parking lots within CSUChannel Islands with photovoltaic (PV) panels to provide approximately 5 megawatts (mW)1

of energy to the campus. The proposed retrofit is part of the University’s ongoing initiative tocreate a more sustainable campus environment.

1 1 megawatt (mW) equals 1,000 kilowatts (kW) or 1 million watts


The retrofit involves installation of canopy-mounted panels at surface parking lots. Thecampus contains numerous existing and planned surface parking lots which can beretrofitted with solar panels, including:

Lot SH2 – (see Figure 2) Lot A10 Expansion – (see Figure 3) Lot A10 – (see Figure 4) Lot SH1 – (see Figure 5) Future Lots – (see Figure 6) Lot A11 – (see Figure 7)

The power will be provided by solar utility providers that will design, install, and operate thepanels and sell the power generated by the panels back to the campus, and/or by thecampus through a direct purchase of installations.

9. Surrounding Land Uses and Setting: Surface parking lots planned for retrofit with solarpanels are located within the approximately 1,100-acre campus. They are surrounded byvarious existing and future planned campus facilities, including academic, administrative,parking, student housing, and other campus support facilities. The campus is surroundedprimarily by agricultural fields and undeveloped land and is separated from surroundinguses by streets and roadways, including Potrero Road to the south and west and LewisRoad to the north. Figure 8 illustrates the campus vicinity facing west.

10. Other public agencies whose approval may be required: None.

CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY INITIAL STUDYCHANNEL ISLANDS 4 CAMPUS PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY PROJECT

Figure 1: CSU Channel Islands Potential PV Panel Locations

Sample PV Panel Locations


Figure 2: Surface Parking Lot SH2

Figure 3: Surface Parking Lot A10 Expansion


Figure 4: Surface Parking Lot A10

Figure 5: Surface Parking Lot SH1


Figure 6: Site of Future Lots

Figure 7: Surface Parking Lot A11


Figure 8: Campus Vicinity

CSUChannelIslands

CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY INITIAL STUDYCHANNEL ISLANDS 10 CAMPUS PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY PROJECT

Issues:

PotentiallySignificant

Impact

Less ThanSignificantImpact withMitigation

Incorporated

Less ThanSignificant

ImpactNo

Impact

I. AESTHETICS -- Would the project:

a) Have a substantial adverse effect on ascenic vista?

b) Substantially damage scenicresources, including, but not limited to,trees, rock outcroppings, and historicbuildings within a State scenic highway?

c) Substantially degrade the existingvisual character or quality of the projectarea and its surroundings?

d) Create a new source of substantiallight or glare which would adverselyaffect day or nighttime views in the area?

a through d. The retrofit with canopy-mounted solar panels at surface parking lots will retain theexisting views at the eye-level of people walking by. Due to the canopies low height, they have nopotential to significantly obstruct existing views from the campus. The views from the surrounding area,including Potrero Road, encompass a multiplicity of elements including existing campus facilities as wellas major overhead power lines along Potrero Road. While the provision of canopies with solar panels atsurface parking lots will be another element within those views, it has no potential to substantiallyobstruct the existing views from the surrounding area. The panels will appear similar to residentialcarports, will be set back approximately 50 feet or more from surrounding roads, and will have nopotential to substantially degrade the existing visual character of the area. The canopies will also be at aconsiderable distance from the existing old hospital buildings and will be located at the surface parkinglots to minimize the potential for visual intrusion. The project could result in a beneficial effect ofeliminating the existing sights and glare associated with rows of cars parked in the lots. With newtechnologies, the panels do not create glare that could substantially affect views. If any landscaping isaffected by the installation of the canopies, the landscaping, including trees, will be replaced within thecampus as part of the project and no significant adverse aesthetic impact will result.

II. AGRICULTURE RESOURCES: In determining whether impacts to agricultural resources aresignificant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to the California Agricultural Land Evaluationand Project Area Assessment Model (1997) prepared by the California Department of Conservation asan optional model to use in assessing impacts on agriculture and farmland. Would the project:


Issues:


Impact


Incorporated


ImpactNo

Impact

a) Convert Prime Farmland, UniqueFarmland, or Farmland of StatewideImportance (Farmland), as shown on themaps prepared pursuant to the FarmlandMapping and Monitoring Program of theCalifornia Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use?

b) Conflict with existing zoning foragricultural use, or a Williamson Actcontract?

c) Involve other changes in the existingenvironment which, due to their locationor nature, could result in conversion offarmland to non-agricultural use?

a through c. The University campus does not accommodate any agricultural uses or designatedfarmland. Solar panels will be installed in surface parking lots within the campus and no impact toagricultural resources will result.

III. AIR QUALITY -- Where available, the significance criteria established by the applicable air qualitymanagement or air pollution control district may be relied upon to make the following determinations.Would the project:

a) Conflict with or obstructimplementation of the applicable airquality plan?

b) Violate any air quality standard orcontribute substantially to an existing orprojected air quality violation?

c) Result in a cumulatively considerablenet increase of any criteria pollutant forwhich the project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal orstate ambient air quality standard(including releasing emissions whichexceed quantitative thresholds for ozoneprecursors)?

d) Expose sensitive receptors tosubstantial pollutant concentrations?


Issues:


Impact


Incorporated


ImpactNo

Impact

e) Create objectionable odors affecting asubstantial number of people?

a through d. The project consists of installation of solar panels in campus parking lots to generateelectricity. Thus, the project will result in a beneficial effect of incrementally contributing to the reductionin air pollutant emissions associated with the extraction, transport, and use of fossil fuels in conventionalpower plants. The installation of the panels involves a minimal short-term activity - i.e. installing postsfor a canopy and mounting the prefabricated panels, which has no potential to generate substantialemissions. No adverse impact will result.

e. The solar panels do not generate odors and no adverse impact will result.

IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES -- Would the project:

a) Have a substantial adverse effect,either directly or through habitatmodifications, on any species identifiedas a candidate, sensitive, or specialstatus species in local or regional plans,policies, or regulations, or by theCalifornia Department of Fish and Gameor U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?

b) Have a substantial adverse effect onany riparian habitat or other sensitivenatural community identified in local orregional plans, policies, regulations, orby the California Department of Fish andGame or US Fish and Wildlife Service?

c) Have a substantial adverse effect onfederally protected wetlands as definedby Section 404 of the Clean Water Act(including, but not limited to, marsh,vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through directremoval, filling, hydrological interruption,or other means?

d) Interfere substantially with themovement of any native resident ormigratory fish or wildlife species or withestablished native resident or migratorywildlife corridors, or impede the use ofnative wildlife nursery project areas?


Issues:


Impact


Incorporated


ImpactNo

Impact

e) Conflict with any local policies orordinances protecting biologicalresources, such as a tree preservationpolicy or ordinance?

f) Conflict with the provisions of anadopted Habitat Conservation Plan,Natural Community Conservation Plan,or other approved local, regional, or statehabitat conservation plan?

a through f. The campus facilities to be retrofitted with solar panels are surface parking lots locatedwithin the University campus environment and are surrounded by structures, pavement, and ornamentallandscaping. No native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species, native resident or migratory wildlifecorridors, or native wildlife nursery project areas are known to be located within or adjacent to theseparking lots. No species identified as a candidate, sensitive or special status species in local or regionalplans, policies, or regulation, or by the California Department of Fish and Games (CDFG) or U.S. Fishand Wildlife Service (USFWS) are known to live, forage, or visit the parking lots where the solar panelswill be installed. No riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regionalplans, policies, and regulation or by CDFG or USFWS exist within or near these parking lots. Nofederally protected wetlands (as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act), wildlife nurseries,wildlife corridors, natural communities, or habitats exist within the campus. The campus is not includedin any habitat conservation plan, and no local policies regarding biological resources are applicable tothe retrofit parking lots or surrounding campus facilities. No adverse impact on biological resources willoccur.

V. CULTURAL RESOURCES -- Would the project:

a) Cause a substantial adverse changein the significance of a historicalresource as defined in §15064.5?

b) Cause a substantial adverse changein the significance of an archaeologicalresource pursuant to §15064.5?

c) Directly or indirectly destroy a uniquepaleontological resource or project areaor unique geologic feature?

d) Disturb any human remains, includingthose interred outside of formalcemeteries?

a. The existing and new campus parking lots that will be retrofitted with solar panels are not consideredhistoric resources, nor are any other nearby structures or features. No adverse impact is anticipated.


Issues:


Impact


Incorporated


ImpactNo

Impact

b through d. The project consists of installing solar panels on canopies at campus surface parking lots.The installation of the panels does not involve any significant excavations or earthwork that would havea potential to disturb such resources. No adverse impact is anticipated.

VI. GEOLOGY AND SOILS -- Would the project:

a) Expose people or structures topotential substantial adverse effects,including the risk of loss, injury, or deathinvolving:

i) Rupture of a known earthquakefault, as delineated on the mostrecent Alquist-Priolo EarthquakeFault Zoning Map issued by theState Geologist for the area or basedon other substantial evidence of aknown fault? Refer to Division ofMines and Geology SpecialPublication 42.

ii) Strong seismic ground shaking?

iii) Seismic-related ground failure,including liquefaction?

iv) Landslides?

b) Result in substantial soil erosion orthe loss of topsoil?

c) Be located on a geologic unit or soilthat is unstable, or that would becomeunstable as a result of the project, andpotentially result in on- or off-project arealandslide, lateral spreading, subsidence,liquefaction or collapse?

d) Be located on expansive soil, asdefined in Table 18-1-B of the UniformBuilding Code (1994), creatingsubstantial risks to life or property?


Issues:


Impact


Incorporated


ImpactNo

Impact

e) Have soils incapable of adequatelysupporting the use of septic tanks oralternative waste water disposal systemswhere sewers are not available for thedisposal of waste water?

a through e. The installation of solar panels on canopies at surface parking lots will not result inchanges to the existing geotechnical conditions or affect seismic safety of these lots. With minimalinstallation activity associated with installing posts for a canopy and mounting the prefabricated panels,the proposed retrofit project has no potential to result in an adverse impact related to geology or soils.

VII. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS -- Would the project:

a) Create a significant hazard to thepublic or the environment through theroutine transport, use, or disposal ofhazardous materials?

b) Create a significant hazard to thepublic or the environment throughreasonably foreseeable upset andaccident conditions involving the releaseof hazardous materials into theenvironment?

c) Emit hazardous emissions or handlehazardous or acutely hazardousmaterials, substances, or waste withinone-quarter mile of an existing orproposed school?

d) Be located on a site which is includedon a list of hazardous materials sitescompiled pursuant to Government CodeSection 65962.5 and, as a result, wouldit create a significant hazard to the publicor the environment?


Issues:


Impact


Incorporated


ImpactNo

Impact

e) For a project located within an airportland use plan or, where such a plan hasnot been adopted, within two miles of apublic airport or public use airport, wouldthe project result in a safety hazard forpeople residing or working in the projectarea?

f) For a project within the vicinity of aprivate airstrip, would the project result ina safety hazard for people residing orworking in the project area?

g) Impair implementation of or physicallyinterfere with an adopted emergencyresponse plan or emergency evacuationplan?

h) Expose people or structures to asignificant risk of loss, injury or deathinvolving wildland fires, including wherewildlands are adjacent to urbanizedareas or where residences areintermixed with wildlands?

a through d. The project consists of installing solar panels on canopies at surface parking lots. Neitherthe installation nor operation of the solar panel involves the use, storage, or transport of hazardousmaterials. The panels do not emit hazardous emissions, and no hazard to the public or the environmentwill be created.

e and f. The campus is not located in the vicinity of any private airstrip, nor is it located within anyairport land use plan. No adverse impact will result.

g. The project will result in a retrofit of campus parking lots with solar panels that will not impairimplementation of or physically interfere with any adopted emergency response or evacuation plan.

h. The retrofit of campus parking lots with solar panels does not create any hazards related to wildlandfires. No adverse impact will result.

VIII. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY -- Would the project:

a) Violate any water quality standards orwaste discharge requirements?


Issues:


Impact


Incorporated


ImpactNo

Impact

b) Substantially deplete groundwatersupplies or interfere substantially withgroundwater recharge such that therewould be a net deficit in aquifer volumeor a lowering of the local groundwatertable level (e.g., the production rate ofpre-existing nearby wells would drop to alevel which would not support existingland uses or planned uses for whichpermits have been granted)?

c) Substantially alter the existingdrainage pattern of the site or area,including through the alteration of thecourse of a stream or river, in a mannerwhich would result in substantial erosionor siltation on- or off-site?

d) Substantially alter the existingdrainage pattern of the site or area,including through the alteration of thecourse of a stream or river, orsubstantially increase the rate or amountof surface runoff in a manner whichwould result in flooding on- or off-sitearea?

e) Create or contribute runoff waterwhich would exceed the capacity ofexisting or planned stormwater drainagesystems or provide substantial additionalsources of polluted runoff?

f) Otherwise substantially degrade waterquality?

g) Place housing within a 100-year floodhazard area as mapped on a federalFlood Hazard Boundary or FloodInsurance Rate Map or other floodhazard delineation map?

h) Place within a 100-year flood hazardarea structures which would impede orredirect flood flows?


Issues:


Impact


Incorporated


ImpactNo

Impact

i) Expose people or structures to asignificant risk of loss, injury or deathinvolving flooding, including flooding as aresult of the failure of a levee or dam?

j) Inundation by seiche, tsunami, ormudflow?

a through f. The project consists of retrofitting campus surface parking lots with solar panels that willnot alter or otherwise affect the existing stormwater flows or stormwater facilities. No rivers or streamswill be affected. No erosion, siltation, or flooding will result from the installation of solar panels oncanopies at paved parking lots. No adverse impact will result.

g and h. The project involves retrofit of campus parking lots with solar panels, and does not include oraffect any housing. No adverse impact will result.

i and j. No bodies of water, levees, or dams are located uphill from the campus; therefore the surfaceparking lots where the solar panels will be installed will not be exposed to seiche and/or flooding due todam or levee failure. The campus is located inland, several miles from the ocean, and is not experiencesignificant risk of damage from tsunami or mudflows. No adverse impact will result.

IX. LAND USE AND PLANNING -- Would the project:

a) Physically divide an establishedcommunity?

b) Conflict with any applicable land useplan, policy, or regulation of an agencywith jurisdiction over the project(including, but not limited to the generalplan, specific plan, local coastalprogram, or zoning ordinance) adoptedfor the purpose of avoiding or mitigatingan environmental effect?

c) Conflict with any applicable habitatconservation plan or natural communityconservation plan?

a through c. The project involves retrofitting campus parking lots with solar panels in support of theUniversity’s planning objective to create a more sustainable campus environment. No naturalcommunity or habitat conservation plans apply to the campus. No adverse impact will result.

X. MINERAL RESOURCES -- Would the project:


Issues:


Impact


Incorporated


ImpactNo

Impact

a) Result in the loss of availability of aknown mineral resource that would be ofvalue to the region and the residents ofthe state?

b) Result in the loss of availability of alocally-important mineral resourcerecovery project area delineated on alocal general plan, specific plan or otherland use plan?

a and b. The campus is not known to contain any important mineral resources. Therefore, the projectwill not result in the loss of any known mineral resources. No adverse impact will result.

XI. NOISE -- Would the project result in:

a) Exposure of persons to or generationof noise levels in excess of standardsestablished in the local general plan ornoise ordinance, or applicable standardsof other agencies?

b) Exposure of persons to or generationof excessive ground-born vibration orground-born noise levels?

c) A substantial permanent increase inambient noise levels in the projectvicinity above levels existing without theproject?

d) A substantial temporary or periodicincrease in ambient noise levels in theproject vicinity above levels existingwithout the project?

e) For a project located within an airportland use plan or, where such a plan hasnot been adopted, within two miles of apublic airport or public use airport, wouldthe project expose people residing orworking in the project area to excessivenoise levels?


Issues:


Impact


Incorporated


ImpactNo

Impact

f) For a project within the vicinity of aprivate airstrip, would the project exposepeople residing or working in the projectarea to excessive noise levels?

a and c. The project involves retrofitting campus parking lots with solar panels that do not generatenoise. The installation of the panels involves a minimal short-term activity of installing posts for acanopy and mounting the prefabricated panels in surface parking lots that has no potential to generatesubstantial noise. The impact will be less than significant.

b and d. Due to the minor nature of installation activity associated with solar panels that does notinvolve any massive excavation or other vibration or noise-generating activity, no adverse impact willresult.

e and f. No private airstrips are located in the campus vicinity. The solar panels will not expose anypersons to excessive noise levels, and no adverse impact will result.

XII. POPULATION AND HOUSING -- Would the project:

a) Induce substantial population growthin an area, either directly (for example,by proposing new homes andbusinesses) or indirectly (for example,through extension of roads or otherinfrastructure)?

b) Displace substantial numbers ofexisting housing, necessitating theconstruction of replacement housingelsewhere?

c) Displace substantial numbers ofpeople, necessitating the construction ofreplacement housing elsewhere?

a through c. The project involves retrofitting campus parking lots with solar panels that will not result ineither new infrastructure or any increase in student enrollment that might induce population growth. Nohousing or people will be displaced. No adverse impact will result.

XIII. PUBLIC SERVICES


Issues:


Impact


Incorporated


ImpactNo

Impact

a) Would the project result in substantialadverse physical impacts associatedwith the provision of new or physicallyaltered governmental facilities, need fornew or physically altered governmentalfacilities, the construction of which couldcause significant environmental impacts,in order to maintain acceptable serviceratios, response times or otherperformance objectives for any of thepublic services:

Fire protection?

Police protection?

Schools?

Parks?

Other public facilities?

a. The project is a retrofit of campus parking lots with solar panels that will not increase studentenrolment. Therefore, no increase in demand for police or fire protection, schools, parks, or other publicfacilities will result. No need for new or physically altered governmental facilities that might causesignificant environmental impacts will result from the project.

XIV. RECREATION

a) Would the project increase the use ofexisting neighborhood and regionalparks or other recreational facilities suchthat substantial physical deterioration ofthe facility would occur or beaccelerated?

b) Does the project include recreationalfacilities or require the construction orexpansion of recreational facilities whichmight have an adverse physical effect onthe environment?

a and b. The project is a retrofit of campus parking lots with solar panels that will not requireconstruction or expansion of recreational facilities. No increase in the use of parks or recreationalfacilities will result. No adverse impact will result.


Issues:


Impact


Incorporated


ImpactNo

Impact

XV. TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC -- Would the project:

a) Cause an increase in traffic which issubstantial in relation to the existingtraffic load and capacity of the streetsystem (i.e., result in a substantialincrease in either the number of vehicletrips, the volume to capacity ratio onroads, or congestion at intersections)?

b) Exceed, either individually orcumulatively, a level of service standardestablished by the county congestionmanagement agency for designatedroads or highways?

c) Result in a change in air trafficpatterns, including either an increase intraffic levels or a change in locationwhich results in substantial safety risks?

d) Substantially increase hazards due toa design feature (e.g., sharp curves ordangerous intersections) or incompatibleuses (e.g., farm equipment)?

e) Result in inadequate emergencyaccess?

f) Result in inadequate parking capacity?

g) Conflict with adopted policies, plans,or programs supporting alternativetransportation (e.g., bus turnouts, bicycleracks)?

a through g. The project is a retrofit of campus parking lots with solar panels that will not result in anincreased enrollment at the University and therefore, no increase in vehicle trips or any changes to theexisting traffic and street patterns, air patterns, emergency access, or parking will occur. No adverseimpact will result.

XVI. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS -- Would the project:


Issues:


Impact


Incorporated


ImpactNo

Impact

a) Exceed wastewater treatmentrequirements of the applicable RegionalWater Quality Control Board?

b) Require or result in the construction ofnew water or wastewater treatmentfacilities or expansion of existingfacilities, the construction of which couldcause significant environmental effects?

c) Require or result in the construction ofnew storm water drainage facilities orexpansion of existing facilities, theconstruction of which could causesignificant environmental effects?

d) Have sufficient water suppliesavailable to serve the project fromexisting entitlements and resources, orare new or expanded entitlementsneeded?

e) Result in a determination by thewastewater treatment provider whichserves or may serve the project that ithas adequate capacity to serve theproject’s projected demand in addition tothe provider’s existing commitments?

f) Be served by a landfill with sufficientpermitted capacity to accommodate theproject’s solid waste disposal needs?

g) Comply with federal, State, and localstatutes and regulations related to solidwaste?

a through g. The project involves retrofitting campus parking lots with solar panels that will not usewater or generate wastewater or solid waste. No adverse impact will result.

XVII. MANDATORY FINDINGS OFSIGNIFICANCE


Issues:


Impact


Incorporated


ImpactNo

Impact

a) Does the project have the potential todegrade the quality of the environment,substantially reduce the habitat of a fishor wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlifepopulation to drop below self-sustaininglevels, threaten to eliminate a plant oranimal community, reduce the number orrestrict the range of a rare orendangered plant or animal or eliminateimportant examples of the major periodsof California history or prehistory?

b) Does the project have impacts thatare individually limited, but cumulativelyconsiderable? ("Cumulativelyconsiderable" means that theincremental effects of a project areconsiderable when viewed in connectionwith the effects of past projects, theeffects of other current projects, and theeffects of probable future projects)?

c) Does the project have environmentaleffects which will cause substantialadverse effects on human beings, eitherdirectly or indirectly?

a through c. The project involves retrofitting campus parking lots with solar panels that will not affectany known biological, historic, archaeological, or paleontological resources. No adverse impact onpeople will result. Overall, the project will result in a beneficial cumulative effect of incrementallycontributing to the reduction of air pollutant emissions and other adverse effects associated withextraction, transport, and use of fossil fuels to generate electricity.

References

California State University Channel Islands, Campus Master Plan, October 2007.(http://www.csuci.edu/opc/documents/CSUCI_masterplan.pdf).

California State University Channel Islands, (http://www.csuci.edu).

Google Earth. 2008.

Preparers of the Initial Study

Lead Agency

The Trustees of the California State UniversityThe California State UniversityOffice of the ChancellorCapital Planning, Design and Construction401 Golden Shore, 2nd FloorLong Beach, CA 90802-4210

Project ProponentCalifornia State University Channel IslandsOperations, Planning and ConstructionOne University DriveCamarillo, CA 93012

Contact: Alan Paul, Associate Architect(805) 437-3372

Consultant to the Lead Agency

Parsons Brinckerhoff444 South Flower Street, Suite 3700Los Angeles, CA 90071

Irena Finkelstein, AICP Principal-in-ChargeStephanie Roberts, PE Project ManagerAyelet Ezran Environmental AnalystRebecca Kalauskas Environmental Analyst

Phone: (213) 362-9470Fax: (213) 362-9480

Documents

Campus Photovoltaic Energy Project€¦ · Ventura County Description of Project: The project consists of retrofitting various parking lots within California State University Channel