Cypress Reservoir
Replacement Project

EIR SCOPING MEETING

City of Lomita

INTRODUCTION AND WELCOME

• Tonight's Purpose
  • To provide information on the EIR Process
  • To give you a brief overview of the project
  • To get your input on the SCOPE OF THE EIR
    • To get your feedback on the list of topics to be analyzed in the EIR
    • To get your feedback on the alternatives to be analyzed in the EIR
• Separate Hearings Will Be Held on the Merits of the Project

AGENDA

• Introductions
• Overview of the Process
• Explanation of the Project
• Preliminary Scope of the EIR
• Public Input on the Scope of the EIR
• Adjournment

WHAT IS AN EIR / CEQA

• An Informational Document Designed to Inform the Public and Decision-makes About Potential Environmental Impacts of a Project
• A Problem Solving Document That Identifies Ways to Avoid or Lessen Impacts:
  • Mitigation Measures
  • Alternatives
• Environmental Impacts Are Just One of the Factors Considered by the Decision-Makers When Deciding Whether or Not to Approve a Project

KEY ELEMENTS OF AN EIR

• Executive Summary
• Project Description
• Environmental Impact Analysis
  • Existing Environmental Setting
  • Thresholds of Significance
  • Project Impacts
  • Cumliative Impacts
  • Mitigations
  • Level of Significance after Mitigation
• Alternatives

ROLE OF THE EIR CONSULTANT

• To work with City staff to prepare a technical document that analyzes the environmental impacts of the project, identifies ways to lessen impacts, and which clarifies the environmental issues and choices.
• The EIR Consultant is not an advocate for a particular decision.

OUR GOAL

• To produce and EIR which accurately assesses the potential impacts of the project;
• Identifies mitigation measures, to reduce impacts;
• Identifies impact-reducing alternatives;
• Addresses community comments and concerns;
• And, provides the City's decision-makers with the information necessary to understand the environmental consequences of the project, and the environmental trade-offs associated with the project and the alternatives.

STEPS IN THE EIR PROCESS AND
OPPORTUNITIES FOR INPUT

HOW TO KEEP INFORMED

• Notices Will Be Published in the Local Paper: The Daily Breeze
• The Draft EIR Will Be Available at City Hall and at the Local Library on Narbonne Avenue
• Notice Will Be Given on Cable TV
• The Initial Study is Currently Available at City Hall and the Local Library. Copies have been sent to adjacent jurisdictions
• If you Specifically Request Notice in Writing, the City Will Send You Notice

PROJECT LOCATION

EXISTING RESERVOIR

Cypress Street, South of PCH Looking South

EXISTING RESERVOIR

• Has been used as a reservoir and water production plant since approximately 1929.
• Is 99.5 feet wide and 84 ft 10-inches in length.
• Has a floor elevation of 212.8 and a roof elevation of 238.78 with a 3 foot wall along the edge and a tower element on the roof of the reservoir.
• The existing reservoir was constructed in two parts with a total capacity of 1,000,000 gallons.

CURRENT RESERVOIR CAPACITY AND PROJECT NEED

• Operational capacity of existing reservoir is currently about 265,000 gallons.
• City of Lomita as a result is in violation of MWD's uniform water flow and emergency supply requirements. Proposed project is designed to cure this violation.
• On north side of site, Lomita has Water Well No. 5, which is not in operation due to water treatment needs. The project includes a small water treatment facility which will enable the CIty to make user of water from this well.

PROPOSED PROJECT

• Removal and demolition of existing reservoir.
• Construction of a 5,000,000 rectagular reservoir with two bays.
• Exterior dimensions would be approximately 84 feet by 248 feet. The floor elevation will be approximately 200 with a roof elevation of approximately 236.48.
• Construction of a water treatment facility for Water Well No. 5
• Associated water-main and storm drain tie-ins, subdrains, 18-inch RCP drain, and diversion structure.
• Tie-in to the existing 60-inch storm drain located approximately 400 feet north of the project site.

PROPOSED PROJECT

THE FIRST STEP - DETERMINING THE SCOPE OF THE EIR

• An EIR Is Only Required to Discuss an Environmental Topic When There Is Evidence of the Potential for the Project to Result in That Type of Significant Impact.
• The Initial Study Is the City's First Cut at Deciding Which Topics Need to Be Addressed in the EIR.
• It Details Why Specific Topic Areas Are Being Included or Excluded From the EIR.
• Input Received During the Public Scoping Meeting, and Written Comments On Scope Submitted During the 30-day NOP Comment Period, Are Used By The City to Define the Actual Scope.

TOPICS IDENTIFIED IN THE INITAL STUDY TO BE ADDRESSED IN THE EIR

• Aesthetics
• Geology / Soils
• Hazards and Hazardous Materials
• Hydrology and Water Quality
• Public Service and Utilities
• Air Quality
• Noise
• Cultural Resources
• (This is a preliminary list of likely issues to be addressed in the EIR.)

HELPING US WITH THE SCOPE

• If You Think the Initial Study Mised Something, Your Comments Help Us Most When You Specify:
  • The specific environmental topic you think needs to be addressed:
    • Example: Potential impact of project on the endangered whatchamacallit.
  • Why you think the project has the potential to result in a significant impact:
    • Example: You know of a recent published report showing that an endangered species is present on the site that was not cited in the Initial Study.

HEARING FROM YOU

• Comment on the Scope of the EIR
  • Environmental Topics to Be Addressed
  • Alternatives

THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP

• Next Opportunity to Comment: Draft EIR
• Have a Good Evening