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SAN LEANDRO SHORELINE DEVELOPMENT DRAFT EIR <br />CITY OF SAN LEANDRO <br />AIR QUALITY <br />be much lower compared to TAC exposures for the nearby residences. Therefore, only the on-site and off- <br />site residents were considered sensitive receptors for this evaluation. <br />4.2.2 THRESHOLDS OF SIGNIFICANCE <br />According to Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines, the Project would have a significant effect on the <br />environment with respect to air quality if it would: <br />1. Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan. <br />2. Violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality <br />violation. <br />3. Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the Project region <br />is nonattainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard (including releasing <br />emissions, which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors). <br />4. Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations. <br />5. Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people. <br />4.2.2.1 BAAQMD SIGNIFICANCE CRITERIA <br />The BAAQMD CEQA Air Quality Guidelines were prepared to assist in the evaluation of air quality impacts <br />of projects and plans proposed within the Bay Area. The guidelines provide recommended procedures for <br />evaluating potential air impacts during the environmental review process, consistent with CEQA <br />requirements, and include recommended thresholds of significance, mitigation measures, and <br />background air quality information. They also include recommended assessment methodologies for air <br />toxics, odors, and greenhouse gas emissions. In June 2010, the BAAQMD's Board of Directors adopted <br />CEQA thresholds of significance and an update of the CEQA Guidelines. In May 2011, the updated <br />BAAQMD CEQA Air Quality Guidelines were amended to include a risk and hazards threshold for new <br />receptors and modified procedures for assessing impacts related to risk and hazard impacts. <br />On March 5, 2012, the Alameda County Superior Court issued a judgment finding that the BAAQMD had <br />failed to comply with CEQA when it adopted the thresholds of significance in the BAAQMD CEQA Air <br />Quality Guidelines. The court did not determine whether the thresholds of significance were valid on their <br />merits, but found that the adoption of the thresholds was a project under CEQA. The court issued a writ <br />of mandate ordering the BAAQMD to set aside the thresholds and cease dissemination of them until the <br />BAAQMD complied with CEQA. <br />Following the court's order, the BAAQMD released revised CEQA Air Quality Guidelines in May 2012 that <br />include guidance on calculating air pollution emissions, obtaining information regarding the health <br />impacts of air pollutants, and identifying potential mitigation measures, and which set aside the <br />significance thresholds. The BAAQMD recognizes that lead agencies may rely on the previously <br />recommended Thresholds of Significance contained in its CEQA Guidelines adopted in 1999. The Alameda <br />County Superior Court, in ordering BAAQMD to set aside the thresholds, did not address the merits of the <br />science or evidence supporting the thresholds. The City finds, therefore, that despite the Superior Court' <br />ruling, and in light of the subsequent case history discussed below, the science and reasoning contained in <br />4.2-18 DECEMBER 2014 <br />