IV.
E GEOLOGY
1. INTRODUCTION
This section identifies and evaluates geologic and soils conditions at the project site that could affect, or
be affected by, implementation of the proposed project and recommends mitigation measures to avoid or
lessen potentially significant impacts.
a. Environmental Setting
Grading
A geotechnical report and supplemental geotechnical report were prepared for the proposed project.
These reports, “Reconnaissance Geotechnical Investigation” and “Supplemental Geotechnical
Investigation” were prepared by Geolabs-Westlake Village and are dated May 24, 2000, and January 27,
2009, respectively (provided in Appendix IV.E). These reports evaluated the distribution and
engineering characteristics of the earth materials that occur at the site in order to assess the feasibility of
development at the site. The May 2000 report was prepared prior to the completion of laboratory testing
and analysis, and consequently, the findings in the report are considered preliminary. It should be noted
that the “Reconnaissance Geotechnical Investigation” was prepared using a preliminary site plan
prepared by the applicant in early 2000, which proposed 51 lots.
The “Reconnaissance Geotechnical Investigation” included geologic mapping of the site and immediate
vicinity, logging and sampling of nine exploratory trenches, review of previous work, and a performance
of a rippability study by Ryland Associates. The western section of the property was inaccessible to the
backhoe, and therefore, the findings within this area are considered preliminary.
Additionally, Geolabs-Westlake Village wrote “Supplemental Geotechnical Report Revised Tentative
Tract No. 53426, 9503 Andora Avenue, City of Los Angeles, California” on January 27, 2009, in response
to the revised tentative tract map. These revisions prompted supplemental geologic mapping, laboratory
testing of samples already obtained from previous investigation, and slope stability analyses.
Natural slope gradients range from an average of 1.8:1 to 2.25:1, with localized areas of steep vertical
cliffs to areas of 0.75:1 gradients with heights of 30 to 60 feet. Sections of these slopes appear to be subject
to surficial failures including localized rock falls.
Los Angeles Department of City Planning IV.E-1 Andora Avenue Subdivision – Tentative Tract No. 53426
Impact Sciences, Inc. (0947.002) Subsequent Draft EIR
February 2010
IV.E Geology
Soils
Two types of artificial fill were noted in the Reconnaissance Geotechnical Investigation: one located at the
terminus of Andora Avenue, and a loose stockpile scattered throughout the eastern valley area of the site.
These materials consist of silty sand with cobbles and boulders. A very thin mantle, ranging from 0.5 foot
to 5-foot depths, of colluvium covers the flatter areas of the project site and consists of dry and loose silt
with sand and clay. Alluvium deposits were encountered within the broad valley area and the outlying
drainages and are composed of fine-grained silty sands, which are loose and porous to depths of 8 to
18 feet. Numerous boulders (auto size and greater) were observed within the canyon areas on the project
site. Due to the relative steepness of the surrounding slopes and the “bouldery” weathering of the
bedrock outcrops located on the project site, it is highly likely that large chunks of rocks similar to those
exposed within the canyon area, it is highly likely that large chunks of rocks similar to those in the
canyon areas may be buried within the canyon alluvium deposits. Based on the depositional
environment of the boulders (falling in and wedging into steep canyon walls) and subsequent backfill by
fluvial finer grained sediment, voids should be anticipated.
The bedrock underlying the site consists predominately of a yellowish orange to very light yellow brown
fine to coarse grained, cemented sandstone assigned to the Chatsworth Formation. Minor beds of pale
yellow brown shale (cemented claystone) were encountered within the drainage area (TP6). The
sandstone is typically very hard and forms the resistant outcrops throughout the site.
Geological Hazards – Seismicity, Liquefaction and Faulting
The site contains no known active or potentially active faults, nor is it within an Earthquake Fault Zone.
Therefore, the potential for ground rupture is considered to be very low. However, the property is
situated within the seismically active Southern California region and ground shaking is likely to occur
due to earthquakes caused by movement along nearby faults. The updated geotechnical report, contained
in Appendix IV.E conducted a EQFAULT analysis, which indicated that the nearby Northridge Hills
fault, located approximately 3 miles to the north-northeast, is capable of producing an on-site
acceleration of about 0.599 standard gravity (g) from a maximum credible event with a magnitude (M) of
7.5 (M = 7.5), and an on-site acceleration of about 0.096 g from a maximum probable event of M = 4.0. The
report found that the potential for liquefaction to occur at the site is remote as the site does not exhibit the
necessary shallow groundwater for liquefaction to occur.
Other nearby faults include the Santa Susana fault, located approximately 4 miles to the north-northeast,
the Simi-Santa Rosa fault, located approximately 5 miles to the north-northwest, and the Sierra Madre–
Los Angeles Department of City Planning IV.E-2 Andora Avenue Subdivision – Tentative Tract No. 53426
Impact Sciences, Inc. (0947.002) Subsequent Draft EIR
February 2010
IV.E Geology
San Fernando Fault, located approximately 8 miles to the northeast. The San Andreas Fault is located
31 miles to the north-northeast.
Seismically Induced Settlement
During seismic groundshaking, seismically induced settlement can occur. The estimation of the potential
seismic settlement is divided into two separate causative mechanisms. The settlement of coarse grained
soils above the groundwater table is assumed to be related primarily to groundshaking adjusting the
coarse grained soils into a tighter packing configuration. The seismic settlement below the groundwater
is assumed to be related to pore pressure changes during liquefaction.
Based on the anticipated removal of loose surficial soils and alluvium deposits to bedrock, the potential
for significant seismically induced settlement to occur at the project site is remote.
Landslides and Groundwater
No landslide deposits were identified on site nor were any mapped by others. However, the potential for
rockfalls and rolling boulders is considered relatively high for the slope located adjacent to the northern
and northwestern property lines and for a few areas located on the western half of the property. The
California Division of Mines and Geology (1998) (presently known as California Geological Survey) has
identified these areas as Earthquake Induced Landslide Seismic Hazard Zones. No groundwater was
encountered within the exploratory test pits.
2. REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
a. Federal
Because, the total project area is over 1 acre in size, a General Permit for Discharges of Storm Water
Associated with Construction Activity is required by the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control
Board (LARWQCB), as part of the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), to control
erosion and pollution during construction of the project. The permit requires the project applicant to
prepare and submit a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) to be administered throughout
project construction. The SWPPP must list Best Management Practices (BMPs) that the discharger (project
applicant) will use to protect storm water runoff.
b. State
Under the Seismic Hazards Mapping Act, the California Geological Survey (CGS) provides maps of
seismic hazard zones to local governments for planning purposes. These maps are intended to protect the
Los Angeles Department of City Planning IV.E-3 Andora Avenue Subdivision – Tentative Tract No. 53426
Impact Sciences, Inc. (0947.002) Subsequent Draft EIR
February 2010
IV.E Geology
public from the risks involved with strong ground shaking, liquefaction, landslides and other hazards
related to earthquakes. CGS also provides guidelines to evaluate and mitigate hazards for projects within
seismic hazard zones.
The Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act (Public Resources Code [PRC] Section 2621.5) provides
policies and criteria to assist cities, counties, and state agencies in the development of structures for
human occupancy across the trace of active faults. Maps associated with this Act show the seismic hazard
zones throughout California.
The project applicant must comply with the California Building Code (CBC) (California Code of
Regulations [CCR] Title 24, Part 2), which provides guidelines for building design to protect occupants
from seismic hazards.
c. Regional
The South Coast Air Quality Management District’s Rule 403 – Fugitive Dust requires projects to comply
with specific actions to prevent, reduce, or mitigate fugitive dust emissions during excavation,
demolition and other construction activities.
d. City
City of Los Angeles General Plan
The Safety Element of the General Plan includes an objective to “implement comprehensive hazard
mitigation plans and programs that are integrated with each other and with the City’s comprehensive
emergency response and recovery plans and programs.”1 The City would assure compliance with
applicable state and federal planning and development regulations such as the Alquist-Priolo
Earthquake Fault Zoning Act, described above.
The Conservation Element includes an objective to conserve sand and gravel resources and enable
appropriate, environmentally sensitive extraction of sand and gravel deposits. This is to be achieved by
continuing to implement the provisions of the California Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (PRC
Section 2710 et seq.) so as to establish extraction operations at appropriate sites; to minimize operation
impacts on adjacent uses, ecologically important areas and ground water; to protect the public health and
safety; and to require appropriate restoration, reclamation and reuse of closed sites.
1 City of Los Angeles Department of City Planning, City of Los Angeles Safety Element, p. III-1, Adopted November
1996.
Los Angeles Department of City Planning IV.E-4 Andora Avenue Subdivision – Tentative Tract No. 53426
Impact Sciences, Inc. (0947.002) Subsequent Draft EIR
February 2010
IV.E Geology
City of Los Angeles Municipal Code
The City of Los Angeles also regulates building design through the Los Angeles Building Code (LABC).
The LABC provides requirements for construction, grading, excavations, use of fill and foundation work,
including type of materials, design and procedures, which are intended to limit the probability of
occurrence and the severity of consequences from geological hazards (Los Angeles Municipal Code
Sections 91.7000 through 91.7016).
3. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
The following thresholds for determining the significance of impacts related to geology are contained in
the 2006 L.A. California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Thresholds Guide.
GEO-1 Cause or accelerate geologic hazards, which would result in substantial damage to structures or
infrastructure, or expose people to substantial risk of injury.
GEO-2 Constitute a geologic hazard to other properties by causing or accelerating instability from
erosion; or
GEO-3 Accelerate natural processes of wind and water erosion and sedimentation, resulting in sediment
runoff or deposition that would not be contained or controlled on site.
GEO-4 Have one or more distinct and prominent geologic or topographic features destroyed,
permanently covered, or materially and adversely modified. Such features may include, but are
not limited to, hilltops, ridges, hill slopes, canyons, ravines, rock outcrops, water bodies,
streambeds, and wetlands.
GEO-5 Whether, or to the degree to which, the project might result in the permanent loss of, or loss of
access to, a mineral resource that is located in a MRZ-2 or other known or potential mineral
resource area; and
GEO-6 Whether the mineral resource is of regional or statewide significance or is noted in the
Conservation Element as being of local importance.
Los Angeles Department of City Planning IV.E-5 Andora Avenue Subdivision – Tentative Tract No. 53426
Impact Sciences, Inc. (0947.002) Subsequent Draft EIR
February 2010
IV.E Geology
a. Project Impacts
Thresholds
GEO-2 Constitute a geologic hazard to other properties by causing or accelerating instability from
erosion; or
GEO-3 Accelerate natural processes of wind and water erosion and sedimentation, resulting in sediment
runoff or deposition that would not be contained or controlled on site.
GEO-4 Have one or more distinct and prominent geologic or topographic features destroyed, permanently
covered, or materially and adversely modified. Such features may include, but are not limited to,
hilltops, ridges, hill slopes, canyons, ravines, rock outcrops, water bodies, streambeds, and
wetlands.
GEO-5 Whether, or to the degree to which, the project might result in the permanent loss of, or loss of
access to, a mineral resource that is located in a MRZ-2 or other known or potential mineral
resource area; and
GEO-6 Whether the mineral resource is of regional or statewide significance or is noted in the
Conservation Element as being of local importance.
Geologic Hazards
GEO-1 Impacts related to geologic hazards are considered significant if the proposed project would cause
or accelerate geologic hazards which would result in substantial damage to structures or
infrastructure, or expose people to substantial risk of injury.
Local Geologic Setting and Earth Materials
The proposed project would result in the grading of portions of the project site for 45 level building pads
and roadways. It is estimated that approximately 600,000 cubic yards (cy) would be graded. Cut and fill
would be balanced on site. The proposed project would designate three large areas totaling
approximately 38 acres as open space and a 12-foot public equestrian trail. The proposed project would
preserve both a northern and southern portion of the project site, which include rock outcroppings, oak
trees, and sensitive plant resources as undisturbed open space. Therefore, it is anticipated that overall,
impacts related to the amount of area to be graded would be less than significant.
The geotechnical report found a potential for removal of local large bedrock outcrops, which would
require mitigation. The geotechnical report also found a potential for debris flows during periods of
significant precipitation and the quantification of such hazards and appropriate mitigation would require
additional studies. In addition, the geotechnical report states that any cut slopes with proposed gradients
Los Angeles Department of City Planning IV.E-6 Andora Avenue Subdivision – Tentative Tract No. 53426
Impact Sciences, Inc. (0947.002) Subsequent Draft EIR
February 2010
IV.E Geology
steeper than 2:1 would require further evaluation. The report recommends that fill slopes and cut slopes
that require stabilization or buttressing should be designed at 2:1 or flatter.
The tract map indicates there would be a total of seven retaining walls in five locations. Two retaining
walls would be located north of the proposed Rogers Way in the vicinity of lots 25–27. These retaining
walls would be approximately 300 feet in length and 10 feet in height with a 1.5:1 gradient cut slope. Two
retaining walls would be located west of the proposed Rogers Way in the vicinity of lot 36. These
retaining walls would be 110 and 40 feet in length, respectively, and 10 feet in height. 2 An additional wall
is located on the east side of Rogers Way adjoining Lot 47 and would be approximately 180 feet in length
and a maximum of 10 feet in height. Also, there is a 5-foot wall on Lot 38 and a 5-foot wall on Lots 40 and
41. The maximum depth of proposed fill would be approximately 100 feet, with fill slopes at a gradient of
2:1. The maximum height of proposed cut slopes would be approximately 85 feet, also at a gradient of
1.5:1. The project is not proposing any gradients steeper than 2:1, with the exception of the area adjacent
to the proposed retaining walls north of Rogers Way. The proposed project would result in a major
change in the land formation of the project site. Therefore, the proposed project would result in
potentially significant grading impacts.
Based on preliminary observations, the existing colluvial and alluvial deposits are not suitable for
structural support and would be removed to competent bedrock within areas where development is
planned. The maximum depth of these materials, based on the geotechnical investigation, is estimated to
be 18 feet from existing grade in the eastern portion of the project site and approximately 20 feet in the
western portion of the project site. Buried large boulders are anticipated to occur within the alluvial
deposits and would be removed and replaced with compact fill. However, with implementation of the
recommendations of the geologic report and mitigation measures for processing, subgrade preparation,
fill placement, and grading would reduce potentially significant impacts to less than significant levels.
The alluvium may have shrinkage of ranging from 0 to 5 percent and bedrock may have shrinkage is
estimated to be approximately 12 to 17 percent when the material is compacted in accordance with the
mitigation measures recommended for this project. This shrinkage could result in a potentially significant
impact. As such, foundation design criteria for the treatment of differing expansive soils are provided in
the geotechnical reports contained in Appendix IV.E. The geotechnical reports concluded that on-site
soils are suitable for use as structural fill. However, with implementation of the recommendations of the
geologic reports and mitigation measures related to shrinkage, potentially significant impacts would be
reduced to less than significant levels.
2 Geolabs-Westlake Village, Supplemental Geotechnical Report: Revised Tentative Tract No. 53426, 9503 Andora
Avenue, City of Los Angeles, California. January 27, 2009.
Los Angeles Department of City Planning IV.E-7 Andora Avenue Subdivision – Tentative Tract No. 53426
Impact Sciences, Inc. (0947.002) Subsequent Draft EIR
February 2010
IV.E Geology
The potential for rockfalls and rolling boulders is considered relatively high for the slope located adjacent
to the northern and northwestern property lines and for a few areas located on the western half of the
property. The California Division of Mines and Geology (1998) (presently known as California Geological
Survey) has identified these areas as Earthquake Induced Landslide Seismic Hazard Zones. As such, the
proposed project would require mitigation to avoid potentially significant geologic hazards. As such
implementation of the recommendations of the geologic report and the proposed mitigation measures
would reduce potentially significant impacts to less than significant levels.
Groundwater
Groundwater was not encountered during exploration of the site and is not anticipated to impact
excavations or grading operations for the project. As such, these impacts would be less than significant.
Seismicity
The site, similar to all of Southern California, is located within a seismically active region. The project site
is not within a currently designated Fault Rupture Hazard Zone, but is located approximately 3 miles to
the south-southwest of Northridge Hills Fault, approximately 4 miles to the south-southwest of the Santa
Susana fault, and approximately 5 miles to the south-southeast of the Simi-Santa Rosa fault, and
approximately 8 miles to the southwest of the Sierra Madre-San Fernando Fault. Accordingly, should a
major seismic event occur, strong ground shaking would be anticipated at the proposed project site. The
proposed structure would be designed in accordance with the CBC and Los Angeles Building Code
(LABC); because of this, impacts associated with strong seismic ground shaking would be less than
significant.
Due to the number of slopes on the project site and the steepness of these slopes, slope stability poses a
potentially significant geologic hazard impact to the proposed project. In analyzing potential impacts
from slope stability, shear keys and buttress fills were designed to minimize slope instability. However,
to further reduce potentially significant geologic hazard impacts associated with slope instability,
mitigation measures are required. Implementation of the recommendations of the geologic report and the
proposed mitigation measures would reduce potentially significant impacts to less than significant levels.
During grading, alluvium and colluvium soils would be removed and recompacted, thereby preventing
impacts associated with seismic settlement. Additionally, during grading, alluvium and colluvium
subject to liquefaction would be removed to firm bedrock and recompacted. Therefore, the potential for
significant impacts associated with liquefaction would be avoided through conventional grading.
Therefore, with the implementation of the recommendations of the geologic report and mitigation
measures related to slope stability, all potentially significant impacts would be reduced to less than
significant levels.
Los Angeles Department of City Planning IV.E-8 Andora Avenue Subdivision – Tentative Tract No. 53426
Impact Sciences, Inc. (0947.002) Subsequent Draft EIR
February 2010
IV.E Geology
Expansion Potential
Colluvial and alluvial soils to be utilized as engineered are anticipated to be expansive in nature. The
majority of soils have expansive indices of less than 50, which are medium expansion soils. Medium
expansion soils have the potential to result in significant geologic hazard impacts. However, with
implementation of the recommendations of the geologic report and mitigation measures related to
expansion potential and surficial soils, potentially significant impacts would be reduced to less than
significant levels.
Sedimentation and Erosion
GEO-2 Impacts related to sedimentation and erosion are considered significant if the proposed project
would constitute a geologic hazard to other properties by causing or accelerating instability from
erosion; or
GEO-3 Impacts related to sedimentation and erosion are considered significant if the proposed project
would accelerate natural processes of wind and water erosion and sedimentation, resulting in
sediment runoff or deposition, which would not be contained or controlled on site.
Construction activity associated with project site development has the potential to result in wind and
water driven soil erosion during project grading activities due to exposure of slopes and/or stockpiled or
exposed soils throughout project construction. Since project construction would occur for a limited
period of time, this impact would be considered short term in nature; the potential for significant impacts
associated with sedimentation and erosion would end upon completion of construction. Nevertheless,
during project construction, potentially significant impacts associated with sedimentation and erosion
could result.
After construction, the majority of the developed area of the project site would be covered with
structures, pavement and landscaping; portions of the project site disturbed during project construction
but not covered with built structures would be re-landscaped. The remaining 38 acres of the site would
primarily remain unaffected and unchanged by project construction and operation. However, due to
permanent changes in topography and new graded slopes on the project site but within close proximity
to the three first order streams and one second order stream ,3 project implementation has the potential to
result in new significant impacts associated with sedimentation and erosion into drainage channels.
As part of the project, the applicant would adhere to conditions under the NPDES Permit set forth by the
LARWQCB and prepare and submit an SWPPP, as outlined in MM-GEO-3, to be administered
3 None of these streams are designated a “blue line stream” on the Calabasas or Canoga Park USGS 7.5-minute
quadrangles, nor would they be regulated by USACE as they do not connect to a navigable water of the U.S. All
of these drainages may be regulated by CDFG, however, pending a jurisdictional delineation which has not been
performed.
Los Angeles Department of City Planning IV.E-9 Andora Avenue Subdivision – Tentative Tract No. 53426
Impact Sciences, Inc. (0947.002) Subsequent Draft EIR
February 2010
IV.E Geology
throughout project construction. The SWPPP would incorporate BMPs to ensure that potential water
quality impacts during construction from erosion would be reduced to less than significant. In addition,
the applicant would adhere to Southern California Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule
403 – Fugitive Dust during construction activities, which would further prevent impacts associated with
wind erosion. The project applicant would employ actions described in MM-GEO-4, which are currently
recommended to implement Rule 403 and have been quantified by the SCAQMD as being able to reduce
dust generation between 30 and 85 percent depending on the source of the dust generation. Therefore,
with incorporation of mitigation, potentially significant sedimentation and erosion impacts would be
reduced to less than significant levels.
Landform Alteration
GEO-4 Impacts related to landform alteration are considered significant if the proposed project would
have one or more distinct and prominent geologic or topographic features destroyed, permanently
covered, or materially and adversely modified. Such features may include, but are not limited to,
hilltops, ridges, hill slopes, canyons, ravines, rock outcrops, water bodies, streambeds, and
wetlands.
The proposed project would result in the grading of portions of the project site for 45 level building pads
and roadways. The grading would consist of a balanced cut and fill operation with an estimated
600,000 cy of earth material being moved. All earth material would remain on the project site, as no dirt
would be imported or exported as a result of project construction or operation. The proposed project
would preserve both a northern and southern portion of the project site, which include rock
outcroppings, oak trees, and sensitive plant resources as undisturbed open space.
The maximum depth of proposed fill would be approximately 100 feet, with fill slopes at a gradient of
2:1. The maximum height of proposed cut slopes would be approximately 85 feet, others at a gradient of
1.5:1.
The site currently ranges in elevation from approximately 950 feet above mean sea level in the
southwestern portion of the property to 1,380 feet in the northwestern portion. The project site has
several slopes, in which 83 percent of the slopes are over 15 percent grade. As discussed above, the
project would result in the grading, cut, and fill of 600,000 cy, balanced on site.
Additionally, the proposed project would remove some of the rock outcroppings located on the project
site. However, the project has been designed to avoid as many potential impacts to rock outcroppings as
possible. Construction of the proposed project would result in the direct removal of wetland resources.
Significant impacts to rock outcroppings and riparian habitat would be reduced to less than significant
Los Angeles Department of City Planning IV.E-10 Andora Avenue Subdivision – Tentative Tract No. 53426
Impact Sciences, Inc. (0947.002) Subsequent Draft EIR
February 2010
IV.E Geology
levels with implementation of mitigation, as identified and discussed in Section IV.B, Biological
Resources.
Because of the minimal impact to topographic elevations, and because impacts to streambeds and
wetlands would be mitigated to less than significant levels, impacts related to landform alteration would
be less than significant.
Mineral Resources
The determination of significance to mineral resources shall be made on a case-by-case basis, considering
the following factors:
GEO-5 Whether, or the degree to which, the project might result in the permanent loss of, or loss of access
to, a mineral resource that is located in a MRZ-2 or other known or potential mineral resource
area; and
GEO-6 Whether the mineral resource is of regional or statewide significance or is noted in the
Conservation Element as being of local importance.
The project site is not located near an MRZ-2 zone or near a known or potential mineral resource area.
The site is not identified as a “locally important mineral resource recovery site,” a “regionally significant
construction aggregate resource area,” or an available site with known mineral resources of value to the
area, region, or state in the Los Angeles County General Plan. For these reasons, impacts related to
mineral resources would be less than significant.
b. Mitigation Measures
Grading
MM-GEO-1 During construction, all grading and excavation will be performed under the supervision
of a licensed engineering geologist and/or soils engineer and all on-site hazards that are
not considered remote to on or off-site properties would be investigated and
recommended for corrective grading to the satisfaction of the City Engineer or
Superintendent of Building and Safety.
MM-GEO-2 During construction, the developer shall adhere to all applicable provisions of the
Municipal Code and the recommendations of the City Engineer and the Superintendent
of Building and Safety.
Los Angeles Department of City Planning IV.E-11 Andora Avenue Subdivision – Tentative Tract No. 53426
Impact Sciences, Inc. (0947.002) Subsequent Draft EIR
February 2010
IV.E Geology
MM-GEO-3 Plans for the construction of permanent drainage facilities, including any necessary catch
basins and sumps would be contained in the final grading plan and tentative tract map
for the proposed project and subject to the recommendations of the Bureau of
Engineering.
MM-GEO-4 Sufficient vegetation would be planted to cover any grading or cut-and-fill on which
structures or improvements are not to be constructed. Vegetation shall be coordinated
with the City Fire Department approved list of fire-resistant plants and Department of
Building and Safety’s approved plant list. Provisions will be made to ensure
maintenance of vegetation.
MM-GEO-5 An approved haul route will be provided for the export of any graded materials from the
project site.
MM-GEO-6 Any existing fill and disturbed natural soils within the building areas would be
excavated and replaced with properly compacted fill, as recommended by a soils
engineer.
MM-GEO-7 As recommended by the soils engineer, due to the hard nature of the bedrock on site,
overexcavation of building pads and street subgrade to a depth of future utilities would
be replaced with compacted fill to facilitate placement of future utilities.
MM-GEO-8 All required footing backfill and utility trench backfill are to be mechanically compacted.
MM-GEO-9 Exterior grades are to be sloped or drained in such a way that surface water would drain
away from buildings.
MM-GEO-10 Minimizing building pad size is proposed to reduce the required amount of grading
necessary.
MM-GEO-11 Realignment of the internal roadways will be required to allow for contoured grading.
MM-GEO-12 Implementation of contoured grading techniques outlined in the Planning Guidelines
Landform Grading Manual, adopted by the City Council June 1983.
MM-GEO-13 Ground wetting shall occur during grading operations to reduce impacts from dust.
MM-GEO-14 All mitigation measures from Geolabs-Westlake Village, Inc., Reconnaissance
Geotechnical Investigation, May 24, 2000, and Supplemental Geotechnical Investigation,
Los Angeles Department of City Planning IV.E-12 Andora Avenue Subdivision – Tentative Tract No. 53426
Impact Sciences, Inc. (0947.002) Subsequent Draft EIR
February 2010
IV.E Geology
January 27, 2009, for site preparation, excavations, cut and fill slopes, and the correction
of potential geologic hazards shall be incorporated into final design and construction. All
such work and design shall be in conformance with local governmental regulations or
the recommendations contained in the Reconnaissance Geotechnical Investigation,
whichever is more restrictive.
MM-GEO-15 Prior to start of soil-disturbing activities at the site, a Notice of Intent (NOI) and SWPPP
shall be prepared in accordance with, and in order to partially fulfill, the California State
Water Resources Control Board Order No. 99-08-DWQ, NPDES General Permit No.
CAS000002 (General Construction Permit) and Chapter 6 Article 4.4, Stormwater and
Urban Runoff Pollution Control from the Los Angeles Municipal Code. The SWPPP shall
meet the applicable provisions of Sections 301 and 402 of the Clean Water Act (CWA)
and Chapter 6 Article 4.4, Stormwater and Urban Runoff Pollution Control from the Los
Angeles Municipal Code, by requiring controls of pollutant discharges that utilize best
available technology economically achievable (BAT) and best conventional pollutant
control technology (BCT) to reduce pollutants.
MM-GEO-16 Establishment of a property owners’ association to assure that commonly held slopes
and drainage facilities are properly maintained.
Seismicity
MM-GEO-17 The project shall conform to applicable provisions of the Municipal Code, including
Building Code (Division 23, Loads and General Design).
MM-GEO-18 The project shall conform to the intent and recommendations adopted in the Safety
Element of the General Plan.
MM-GEO-19 Any design features for site preparation and development recommended by a
geotechnical report prepared for the project site (e.g., removal of boulders) shall be
implemented.
With implementation of the mitigation measures, impacts of the proposed project related to alteration of
landforms would remain significant and impacts related to seismicity and other geologic hazards would
be reduced to a level less than significant. The proposed project’s potential impacts have been evaluated
in the context of the present environmental and regulatory setting.
Los Angeles Department of City Planning IV.E-13 Andora Avenue Subdivision – Tentative Tract No. 53426
Impact Sciences, Inc. (0947.002) Subsequent Draft EIR
February 2010
IV.E Geology
4. CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
Implementation of the proposed project and other projects in the Southern California region would
cumulatively increase the number of structures and people exposed to geologic- and seismic-related
hazards. Compliance with the City’s requirements would ensure that both individual and cumulative
project impacts associated with the proposed project’s structures and grading would not be significant.
As long as project design and construction occurs consistent with proper engineering practices and to the
requirements of applicable portions of the Municipal Code as they apply to the proposed project, seismic
and regional geologic hazards would not be considered cumulatively considerable and would be less
than significant.
a. Adverse Effects
With implementation of the recommended mitigation measures, MM-GEO-1 through MM-GEO-19,
project and cumulative impacts related to geological hazards would be less than significant.
Los Angeles Department of City Planning IV.E-14 Andora Avenue Subdivision – Tentative Tract No. 53426
Impact Sciences, Inc. (0947.002) Subsequent Draft EIR
February 2010