HomeMy WebLinkAboutDTSC_Froom Ranch Specific PlanDepartment of Toxic Substances Control
Jared Blumenfeld
Secretary for
Environmental Protection
December 18, 2019
Meredith Williams, Ph.D.
Acting Director
8800 Cal Center Drive
Sacramento, California 95826-3200
Ms. Shawna Scott
City of San Luis Obispo
919 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, California 93401
Gavin Newsom
Governor
DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR THE FROOM RANCH SPECIFIC
PLAN — DATED NOVEMBER 6, 2019
STATE CLEARINGHOUSE NUMBER: 2017071033)
Dear Ms. Scott:
The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) received a Draft Environmental
Impact Report (EIR) for the Froom Ranch Specific Plan (FRSP).
The Project involves the adoption of the Draft FRSP, including an amendment to the
City's General Plan, pre -zoning, annexation to the City, and related actions to allow for
a mix of residential uses (39.1 acres), commercial uses (3.1 acres), and open
space/park uses (61.9 acres).
DTSC recommends that the following issues be evaluated in the EIR, Hazards and
Hazardous Materials section:
1. The EIR should acknowledge the potential for project site activities to result in the
release of hazardous wastes/substances. In instances in which releases may
occur, further studies should be carried out to delineate the nature and extent of
the contamination, and the potential threat to public health and/or the
environment should be evaluated. The EIR should also identify the mechanism(s)
to initiate any required investigation and/or remediation and the government
agency who will be responsible for providing appropriate regulatory oversight.
2. If buildings or other structures are to be demolished on any project sites included
in the proposed project, surveys should be conducted for the presence of
lead -based paints or products, mercury, asbestos containing materials, and
polychlorinated biphenyl caulk. Removal, demolition and disposal of any of the
above -mentioned chemicals should be conducted in compliance with California
Ms. Shawna Scott
December 18, 2019
Page 2
environmental regulations and policies. In addition, sampling near current and/or
former buildings should be conducted in accordance with DTSC's 2006 Interim
Guidance Evaluation of School Sites with Potential Contamination from Lead
Based Paint, Termiticides, and Electrical Transformers
https:Hdtsc.ca.gov/wpcontent/uploads/sites/31/2018/09/Guidance Lead
Contamination 050118.pdf .
3. If any sites within the project area or sites located within the vicinity of the project
have been used or are suspected of having been used for mining activities,
proper investigation for mine waste should be discussed in the EIR. DTSC
recommends that any project sites with current and/or former mining operations
onsite or in the project site area should be evaluated for mine waste according to
DTSC's 1998 Abandoned Mine Land Mines Preliminary Assessment Handbook
https://dtsc.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/31/2018/11/amI handbook.pdf).
4. If any projects initiated as part of the proposed project require the importation of
soil to backfill any excavated areas, proper sampling should be conducted to
ensure that the imported soil is free of contamination. DTSC recommends the
imported materials be characterized according to DTSC's 2001 Information
Advisory Clean Imported Fill Material (https://dtsc.ca.gov/wp-
content/uploads/sites/31/2018/09/SMP FS Cleanfill-Schools.pdf).
5. If any sites included as part of the proposed project have been used for
agricultural, weed abatement or related activities, proper investigation for
organochlorinated pesticides should be discussed in the EIR. DTSC
recommends the current and former agricultural lands be evaluated in
accordance with DTSC's 2008 Interim Guidance for Sampling Agricultural
Properties (Third Revision) (https://dtsc.ca.gov/wp-
content/uploads/sites/31/2018/09/Ag-Guidance-Rev-3-August-7-2008-2.pdf .
DTSC appreciates the opportunity to review the EIR. Should you need any assistance
with an environmental investigation, please submit a request for Lead Agency Oversight
Application, which can be found at: https:Hdtsc.ca.gov/wp-
content/u P load s/s ites/31/201 8/09NC P App-1460.doc. Additional information regarding
voluntary agreements with DTSC can be found at: https:Hdtsc.ca.gov/brownfieIds/.
Ms. Shawna Scott
December 18, 2019
Page 3
If you have any questions, please contact me at (916) 255-3710 or via email at
Gavin. McCrearyCcD-dtsc.ca.gov.
Sincerely,
JOP eAi
Gavin McCreary
Project Manager
Site Evaluation and Remediation Unit
Site Mitigation and Restoration Program
Department of Toxic Substances Control
cc: (via email)
Governor's Office of Planning and Research
State Clearinghouse
State. clearinghouse(cD-opr.ca.gov
Ms. Lora Jameson, Chief
Site Evaluation and Remediation Unit
Department of Toxic Substances Control
Lora. Jameson(c dtsc.ca.gov
Mr. Dave Kereazis
Office of Planning & Environmental Analysis
Department of Toxic Substances Control
Dave. KereasisC—Wtsc.ca.gov