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Environmental Checklist Air Quality
<br /> Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration 23
<br />hour PM2.5. According to BAAQMD, if a project meets the screening criteria, the project would result
<br />in a less-than-significant cumulative impact to air quality from criteria air pollutant and precursor
<br />emissions. Since the project is below the operational screening level thresholds, impacts with
<br />respect to question (c) would be less than significant. The BAAQMD considers a sensitive receptor to
<br />be any facility or land use that includes members of the population who are particularly sensitive to
<br />the effects of air pollutants, such as children, the elderly, and people with illnesses. If a project is
<br />likely to be a place where people live, play, or convalesce, it should be considered a receptor. It
<br />should also be considered a receptor if sensitive individuals are likely to spend a significant amount
<br />of time there. Examples of sensitive receptors include residences, schools and school yards, parks
<br />and play grounds, daycare centers, nursing homes, and medical facilities (BAAQMD 2017a).
<br />The sensitive receptor nearest to the project site is Lincoln High School, approximately 1,300 feet
<br />(approximately 0.25 mile) to the east. As described above, the project would not generate emissions
<br />that exceed BAAQMD significance thresholds therefore nearby receptors would not be exposed to
<br />substantial pollutant concentrations. Impacts associated with question (d) would be less than
<br />significant.
<br />If any future use would involve stationary equipment, BAAQMD permits would be required as well
<br />as compliance with all BAAQMD regulations to reduce emissions. Impacts would be less than
<br />significant.
<br />LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
<br />e. Would the project create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people?
<br />BAAQMD’s thresholds for odors are qualitative based on BAAQMD’s Regulation 7, Odorous
<br />Substances. This rule places general limitations on odorous substances and specific emission
<br />limitations on certain odorous compounds. Odors are also regulated under BAAQMD Regulation 1,
<br />Rule 1-301, Public Nuisance, which states that no person shall discharge from any source
<br />whatsoever such quantities of air contaminants or other material that cause injury, detriment,
<br />nuisance or annoyance to any considerable number of persons or the public; endanger the comfort,
<br />repose, health, or safety of any such persons or the public; or cause or have a natural tendency to
<br />cause injury or damage to business or property. Under BAAQMD’s Rule 1-301, a facility that receives
<br />three or more violation notices within a 30-day period can be declared a public nuisance (San
<br />Leandro 2016f). According to BAAQMD, odors are generally regarded as an annoyance rather than a
<br />health hazard. Manifestations of a person’s reaction to odors can range from psychological (e.g.,
<br />irritation, anger, or anxiety) to physiological (e.g., circulatory and respiratory effects, nausea,
<br />vomiting, and headache) (BAAQMD 2017b).
<br />Table 3-3 in the BAAQMD’s 2017 CEQA Guidelines provides odor screening distances for land uses
<br />that have the potential to generate substantial odor complaints. The uses in the table include
<br />wastewater treatment plants, landfills or transfer stations, refineries, composting facilities, confined
<br />animal facilities, food manufacturing, smelting plants, and chemical plants (San Leandro 2016f).
<br />Except for food processing, none of the uses identified in the table would occur with the project.
<br />The project could involve food processing or manufacturing uses. For food processing facilities, the
<br />project screening distance is one mile. As stated previously, the closest sensitive receptor to the
<br />project site is Lincoln High School, approximately 1,300 feet to the east. Residences are also located
<br />1,500 feet to the northeast. Therefore, there are odor sensitive receptors within one mile of the
<br />project site. Nonetheless, potential food processing activities would be enclosed inside the
<br />proposed building. Most odors would generally dissipate before reaching residences 1,300 feet
<br />away. In addition, potential future food processing activities, should they occur, would be required
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