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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEnvironmental Impact ReportEnvironmental Impact Report Timber Ridge Redevelopment Project Eagle County, Colorado prepared for: Vail Timber Ridge, LLC c% Jordan Construction Services, 9639 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75243 prepared by.• Western Ecological Resource, Inc. 711 Walnut Street, Boulder, CO 80302 January 2010 Environmental Impact Report Timber Ridge Redevelopment Project Eagle County, Colorado prepared for.• Vail Timber Ridge, LLC c% Jordan Construction Services, 9639 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75243 prepared by.• Western Ecological Resource, Inc. 711 Walnut Street, Boulder, CO 80302 January 2010 7 t I 1 Table of Contents Section / Title Page 1.0 Introduction ....................................................................................................... ............................... 1 2.0 Existing Environment ......................................................................................... ............................... 1 2.1 Hydrology ...................................................................................................... ............................... 1 2.1.1 Surface Water .......................................................................................... ............................... 1 2.1.2 Ground Water ......................................................................................... ............................... 1 2.2 Atmosphere ................................................................................................... ............................... 1 2.3 Geology & Hazards ....................................................................................... ............................... 1 2.3.1 Geology .................................................................................................. ............................... 1 2.3.2 Hazards ................................................................................................... ............................... 3 2.4 Soils ............................................................................................................... ............................... 3 2.5 Vegetation Resources ..................................................................................... ............................... 4 2.6 Wildlife Resources ......................................................................................... ............................... 4 2.7 Noise ............................................................................................................. ............................... 4 2.8 Visual Resources ............................................................................................ ............................... 4 2.9 Land Use ....................................................................................................... ............................... 4 2.10 Circulation & Transportation ........................................................................ ............................... 5 2.11 Population ................................................................................................... ............................... 5 3.0 Proposed Project ............................................................................................... ............................... 5 3.1 Apartment Buildings ...................................................................................... ............................... 5 3.2 Parking Garage .............................................................................................. ............................... 5 3.3 Clubhouse ..................................................................................................... ............................... 5 4.0 Impacts & Mitigation ......................................................................................... ............................... 5 4.1 Hydrology ...................................................................................................... ............................... 5 4. 1.1 Surface Water .......................................................................................... ............................... 5 4.1.2 Groundwater ........................................................................................... ............................... 6 4.2 Atmosphere ................................................................................................... ............................... 6 4.3 Geology & Hazards ....................................................................................... ............................... 6 4.3.1 Geology .................................................................................................. ............................... 6 4.3.2 Hazards ................................................................................................... ............................... 6 4.4 Soils ............................................................................ ............................... .............................. 8 4.5 Vegetation Resources ..................................................................................... ............................... 8 4.6 Wildlife Resources ......................................................................................... ............................... 8 4.7 Noise ............................................................................................................. ............................... 8 4.8 Visual Resources ............................................................................................ ............................... 8 4.9 Land Use ....................................................................................................... ............................... 8 4.10 Circulation & Transportation ........................................................................ ............................... 8 4.11 Population ................................................................................................... ............................... 9 5.0 Cumulative & Long -term Effects & Irreversible Environmental Changes ............. ............................... 9 5.1 Hydrology ....................................................................................................... ..............................9 5. 1.1 Surface Water .......................................................................................... ............................... 9 5.1.2 Ground Water ......................................................................................... ............................... 9 5.2 Atmosphere ................................................................................................... ............................... 9 5.3 Geology & Hazards ....................................................................................... ............................... 9 5.4 Soils ............................................................................................................... ............................... 9 5.5 Vegetation Resources ..................................................................................... ............................... 9 5.6 Wildlife Resources ......................................................................................... ............................... 9 5.7 Noise ........................................................................................................... ............................... 10 5.8 Visual Resources .......................................................................................... ............................... 10 5.9 Land Use ..................................................................................................... ............................... 10 t 1 it r, 1 5.10 Circulation & Transportation .................... ............................... 5.11 Population ............................................... ............................... 6.0 Figures ........................................................... ............................... 7.0 Photos ........................................................... ............................... 8.0 References ..................................................... ............................... Appendix A. Correspondence from Nancy Chick, CDPHE ................ ..... ............................... 10 ..... ............................... 10 ..... ............................... 11 ..... ............................... 24 ..... ............................... 27 ..... ............................... 28 List of Figures Number / Title Page Figure 1. Project Location Map ............................................................................. ............................... 12 Figure 2. Aerial Photograph of Existing Development ........................................... ............................... 13 Figure3. Regional Geology Map .......................................................................... ............................... 14 Figure4. Project Area Geology Map ..................................................................... ............................... 15 Figure5. Avalanche Hazard Map ......................................................................... ............................... 16 Figure 6. Debris Flow Hazard Map ....................................................................... ............................... 17 Figure7. Rockfall Hazard Map ............................................................................. ............................... 18 Figure 8. Floodplains and Floodways Map ........................................................... ............................... 19 Figure9. Soil Map ................................................................................................ ............................... 20 Figure 10. Architectural Site Plan .......................................................................... ............................... 21 Figure11. Front Elevation ..................................................................................... ............................... 22 Figure 12. Conceptual Rockfall Mitigation Options .............................................. ............................... 23 List of Tables Number / Title Page Table 1. Ambient Air Concentration Estimates, Timber Ridge Project ..................... ............................... 2 List of Photos Number / Title Page Photo 1. The steep slope presents a severe rockfall hazard. ( 11/ 25/ 09) ................ ............................... 25 Photo 2. A portion of the site is mapped as a High Severity Rockfall Hazard Zone. (11/25/09).......... 25 Photo 3. Ornamental landscaping surrounds the existing Timber Ridge buildings. (11/25/09)........... 26 Photo 4. Slope between the existing buildings and Lion's Ridge Loop Road. (11/25/09) .................... 26 1 1.0 Introduction Vail Timber Ridge, LLC has plans to redevelop the eastern 5.24 acres of the existing Timber Ridge affordable housing development located at 1280 N. Frontage Road West in Vail, Colorado. Specifically, the project site is located in Section 12 of Township 5 South and Range 81 West in Eagle County (Figures 1 & 2). The project would remove nine existing apartment buildings containing 106 units, and replace those with three new apartment buildings containing 352 housing units, a 5 -story parking garage, and a clubhouse. Thus, there would be a net increase of 246 affordable housing units, a positive impact for the Town of Vail. This Environmental Impact Report (EIR) describes the existing environment of the project site, presents the proposed development plan, evaluates potential impacts and mitigation, and assesses cumulative and long -term effects and irreversible environmental changes associated with the proposed project. Please note, Tables are included with the text, Figures are in Section 6.0, and Photos are in Section 7.0. ' 2.0 Existing Environment 2.1 Hydrology 2.1.1 Surface Water There are no surface water features on the Vail Timber Ridge project site. However, there is a drainage swale located just outside the property boundary that conveys water to the southwest between the North Frontage Road of Interstate 70 and the existing bike path (Figure 2). 2.1.2 Ground Water Hepwork - Pawlak Geotechnical (HP Geotech) conducted a geotechnical investigation of the project site in October, 2009 that included eight geotechnical borings with variable depths of up to 30 feet. No free water was encountered during the study. The borings were re- examined one or more days after the initial drilling but remained dry, however the upper soil layers were typically moist. Although no water was encountered, HP Geotech's report states that in similar mountainous areas with shallow bedrock, local perched water tables can develop during times of heavy precipitation or during seasonal runoff. In addition, frozen ground during spring runoff could potentially create a perched water table. 2.2 Atmosphere The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment provided data on the estimated ambient air concentrations of six air pollutants for the Town of Vail (Chick 2009, Table 1). Local air monitoring data do not exist for Vail, therefore Ms. Chick developed best estimates for the general geographic area using available CDPHE data. Ms. Chick's analysis concludes that the estimated levels of particulate matter, lead, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and ozone are below state and federal standards for these pollutants. For further details, please refer to Ms. Chick's correspondence in Appendix A. The residential land use of the project site generates an insignificant and unmeasureable volume of particulate and gaseous pollutants. 2.3 Geology & Hazards 2.3.1 Geology HP Geotech's 2009 Geologic Site Assessment and Preliminary Rockfall Risk and Mitigation Study describes the regional geology and onsite features of the Timber Ridge redevelopment site, as illustrated by Figures 3 and 4 from their report. The near surface formation rock on the project site is the middle Pennsylvanian -age Minturn Formation (Pm). The Minturn Formation is an interbedded arkosic grit, sandstone, conglomerate, TABLE 1 Ambient Air Concentration Estimates Timber Ridge Project Vail, Colorado Pollutant Averaging Time Particulate Matter Less Annual Arithmetic than 10 Microns (PM 10) Mean 35 ppm 24 Hour Second Grand Junction, 2004 -2006 Maximum Particulate Matter Less Annual Arithmetic than 2.5 Microns (PM2.5) Mean Woodmen Exit in Colorado 98`h Percentile of 24 Hour Averages Lead Running 3 -month Average Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) Annual Arithmetic Mean Carbon Monoxide (CO) 1 Hour Second Maximum 8 Hour Second Maximum Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) Annual Mean 3 Hour Second Maximum 24 Hour Second Maximum Ozone (03) Old Standard: 1 Hour 2nd Maximum New Standard: 8 -hr Fourth Maximum Standard Estimate Data Source 50 ug/m3 15 ug/m3 Vail, 1996, 1999, 2000 150 ug/m3 35 ug/m3 15 ug/m3 9 ug/m3 Grand Junction, 2003 -2006 35 ug/m3 24 ug/m3 15 ug/m3 .0092 ug/m3 Denver Municipal Animal Shelter, 2007 -2008 0.053 ppm 0.016 ppm Woodmen Exit in Colorado Springs, 2003, 2005 -2006 35 ppm 4 ppm Grand Junction, 2004 -2006 9 ppm 2 ppm 0.030 ppm 0.002 ppm Woodmen Exit in Colorado Springs, 2003, 2005 -2006 0.500 ppm 0.025 ppm 0.140 ppm 0.013 ppm 0.12 ppm 0.081 ppm Rifle, 2008 0.075 ppm 0.066 ppm * Data Provided by Nancy Chick, Environmental Protection Specialist, Air Pollution Control Division, Colorado Department of Health and Environment. For additional detail, please refer to her correspondence in Appendix A. 2 siltstone, shale and minor limestone and dolomite. The beds in this formation range from ' cemented and hard to non - cemented but firm. The bedding strikes to the northeast and dips about 30 to 40 degrees to the northwest. On the hillside to the northwest of the project site the rock is usually covered by thin colluvium but a prominent outcrop band is present near the ridge ' crest that forms the top of the hill, as illustrated by Figure 4. This outcrop band has produced rockfall in the past and rockfall blocks are common on the hillside below the outcrop. The Gore Creek Valley in the project area was the site of valley glaciers during the Pleistocene. Remnants of a middle Pleistocene -age, Bull Lake lateral moraine (Qm2) are present on the lower valley side just to the southwest of the project site. The project site is underlain by a late Pleistocene -age, Pinedale terminal and ground moraine (Qm1). The Pinedale till encountered in ' geotechnical borings was a dense to very dense deposit of gravel- to large boulder -sized rock in a silty sand matrix. 1 1 Thin colluvium covers the Minturn Formation on the hillside to the northwest of the project site. Soil exposures in the Lion's Ridge Loop road cut indicated that the colluvium is a matrix supported deposit of angular rock blocks from gravel- to large boulder -size in a mixed silt, sand, and clay matrix. The rocks in the colluvium are exclusively from the Minturn Formation. HP Geotech also completed a Geotechnical Engineering Study for the Timber Ridge project site in October, 2009. Eight exploratory borings were conducted to evaluate subsurface conditions. The borings revealed a variable depth of fill materials underlain by subsoils characterized by dense, silty gravel, cobbles, and boulders. In Borings 5 and 7, about 1 1/z - 3 feet of mainly sandy silt and clay was encountered between the fill and the coarse granular soils. Below depths of 7 -29 feet in Borings 1, 3, and 5, hard to very hard siltstone /sandstone bedrock was encountered. Fill material was characterized by a mixture of sandy clay and gravel. HP Geotech's report concludes that the relatively dense, coarse granular soils and bedrock are suitable to support the apartment buildings and parking structure. 2.3.2 Hazards Avalanche. The project site is outside the hazard zones for avalanche, as illustrated by Figure 5, which was adapted from the Official Avalanche Hazard Map for the Town of Vail. Debris Flow. The project site is outside the hazard areas identified for debris flow on the Official Debris Flow Hazard Map for the Town of Vail (Figure 6). Rockfall. The northwest edge of the Timber Ridge project site is within an area identified as a High Severity Rockfall Hazard Zone on the Town of Vail's Official Rockfall Hazard Map (Figure 7; Photos 1 & 2). In addition, HP Geotech completed a Geologic Site Assessment and Preliminary Rockfall Risk and Mitigation Study (2009) that identified specific rockfall risks. Their report states that "exceptional, very large rockfall blocks are present on the hillside to the west of the proposed redevelopment area." Their field measurements indicate the blocks have a maximum dimension between 4.8 and 7.7 feet, and an estimated weight between 2.8 and 17.3 tons. Although they conclude that future rockfalls would likely be infrequent, if a rockfall were to hit the building facilities it has the potential for severe building damage and could harm building occupants. Floodplains and Floodways. The Timber Ridge project site is outside the FEMA mapped 100 -year floodplain and the floodway for Gore Creek, as illustrated by Figure 8. 2.4 Soils The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has mapped soils on the Vail Timber Ridge project site as part of a regional mapping effort (NRCS, 2008). As illustrated by Figure 9, the project site contains two soil map units: #46, Forsey Cobbly Loam, 12 to 25 % slopes, and #104, Torriorthents - Camborthids -Rock outcrop complex, 6 to 65% slopes. 3 1 Forsey Cobbly Loam is a deep, well- drained soil found on alluvial fans, mountainsides, and ridges. About 25 -30% of the surface is covered with cobbles. This map unit is characterized by a surface layer of dark grayish brown cobbly loam about ten inches thick. The underlying subsoil is very cobbly clay loam about 12 inches thick. About 5% of the acreage is covered by small sandstone outcrops. The Torriorthents - Camborthids -Rock outcrop complex is on moderately sloping to steep, mainly south - facing mountainsides, hills, ridges, and foot slopes, including canyonsides above major drainageways. The unit is composed of about 45% Torriorthents, 20% Camborthids, and 15% Rock outcrop. The Torriorthents are shallow or moderately deep and are well drained. The surface layer is generally covered with stones, and ranges from reddish brown to brown. The soils range from sandy loam to clay loam and have a variable content of gravel, cobbles, and stones. The depth to shale or sandstone is four to 30 inches. The Camborthids are shallow to deep and are well drained. These soils typically have a light colored surface layer and are clay loam or loam. The soils are generally free of stones throughout the profile but scattered basalt stones, cobbles, and sandstone rock fragments are on the surface. The Rock outcrop consists primarily of ' barren sandstone, shale, and basalt. 2.5 Vegetation Resources The Timber Ridge project site is an existing development with no native plant communities (Figure 2). Ornamental landscaping surrounding the existing buildings generally consists of bluegrass and fescue lawns with tree and shrub plantings including blue spruce (Picea pungens), ' aspen (Populus tremuloides), poplar (Populus sp.), silver sagebrush (Artemsia cana), serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia), spirea (Spiraea sp.), and privet (Ligustrum vulgare) (Photo 3). A steep slope between the condominium buildings and Lions Ridge Loop Road is dominated by the introduced grasses smooth brome (Bromus inermis) and intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium) growing with numerous weedy forbs including the noxious weed plumeless thistle (Carduus acanthoides), prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola), tumble mustard (Sysimbrium altissimum), and salsify (Tragopogon dubius) (Photo 4). A small stand of serviceberry shrubs is also present on ' the hillside. 2.6 Wildlife Resources ' The existing Timber Ridge project site provides limited wildlife habitat due to the lack of native vegetation, the density of existing buildings, and proximity of the Interstate -70 corridor. Urban adapted species present include songbirds and small mammals. ' 2.7 Noise The existing Timber Ridge development generates some noise from the current residents and their vehicles, however any noise generated onsite is negligible given the proximity of the Interstate -70 corridor and the noise generated by vehicular traffic on the highway and frontage road. 2.8 Visual Resources The existing Timber Ridge development was constructed in 1981. The appearance and condition of the nine buildings has deteriorated and now requires many costly repairs. The condition of the ' existing Timber Ridge apartments and the high cost of required maintenance and repairs were important factors in the decision to redevelop the site. ' 2.9 Land Use The Town of Vail's official zoning for the Timber Ridge Project site is Housing (H). The Current Land Use Map indicates a High Density Residential Development. The proposed redevelopment ' area contains nine apartment buildings with 106 residential units. 4 ' 2.10 Circulation & Transportation The Timber Ridge project site is located along the Interstate -70 North Frontage Road between the ' Lionshead and West Vail Exits. Specifically, it can be accessed by traveling approximately 1.17 miles east of the West Vail exit or 1.42 miles west of the Lionshead exit along the North Frontage Road. Two driveways from the frontage road provide access into the development (Figure 2). A Traffic Impact Study completed by Kimley -Horn and Associates, Inc (2010) evaluated vehicle trips generated by the existing Timber Ridge development, as well as person trips using the Town of Vail's public transportation system. The traffic study was conducted on December 30, 2009, a peak day during the peak of the winter ski season. Of the 198 units in Timber Ridge, 171 were occupied at the time of the study. These units generated 25 morning peak hour and 46 afternoon peak hour vehicle trips. For residents using the public transportation system, the development generated 106 morning peak hour and 137 afternoon peak hour person trips. Thus, the majority of the residents in Timber Ridge use the public transportation system for their mode of travel. 2.11 Population The proposed Timber Ridge redevelopment project encompasses the eastern portion of the existing residential development (Figure 2). Within the redevelopment area, there are nine ' buildings that contain a total of 106 units, with an estimated total population of 424 residents. ' 3.0 Proposed Project 3.1 Apartment Buildings The proposed Timber Ridge project will consist of three 5 -story apartment buildings that adjoin a 5 -story parking garage. These are referred to as the East, West, and Center apartment buildings. The three buildings will have a combined total of 352 units. The East and West buildings would ' be on the sides of the parking garage, while the Center building would be constructed across the front of the garage such that it would obscure the garage from the Frontage Road. The proposed development plan is illustrated by Figure 10. Figure 11 presents a front elevation view. ' 3.2 Parking Garage A five -story parking garage will adjoin the three apartment buildings. The garage would be accessed from an entryway on the North Frontage Road, and would contain 522 parking spaces. Please note, 18 additional surface parking spaces would be located within the redevelopment area, for a grand total of 540 spaces. Twelve of these spaces would provide handicap parking. 3.3 Clubhouse A 4,689 square foot clubhouse would be constructed within the first and second floors of the West Building. The clubhouse would include exercise areas, offices, a cyber caf6, a club room, and a business /conference space. ' 4.0 Impacts & Mitigation 4.1 Hydrology 4. 1.1 Surface Water There are no surface water features within the proposed redevelopment area of Timber Ridge. Storm water runoff will be managed in accordance with state law. Best management practices S J JJ I 1 including sediment traps and silt fencing will be used during construction to limit potential surface water impacts. The proposed redevelopment area will have onsite storm water detention. Storm water runoff from drain inlets will be conveyed via buried culverts to a belowground detention area constructed of a 72 -inch pipe. Three vortex sand and oil separators will be used to filter runoff before it enters the buried detention pipe. In addition, the detention pipe acts as a water quality feature because fines that pass through the sand and oil separators will settle out within the pipe. The release structure of the buried detention pipe will convey water to a buried 24 -inch culvert which will tie -in to an existing culvert that conveys runoff south under the Interstate 70 Frontage Road to the CDOT Right -of -Way. Thus, storm water runoff will be released in the location of the historic discharge. 4.1.2 Groundwater HP Geotech's 2009 report provides recommendations for mitigating the potential effects of groundwater on the proposed development. Specifically, it recommends that below -grade construction such as retaining walls, crawlspace, and basement areas be protected from wetting and hydrostatic pressure buildup by an underdrain system. In addition, it recommends placing a minimum 4 -inch layer of free - draining gravel beneath basement slabs to facilitate drainage. The under slab gravel should be connected with the perimeter underdrain system by interior lateral subdrains. 4.2 Atmosphere The proposed redevelopment of Timber Ridge will have a small and unmeasureable impact on air quality. There will be a short -term increase in hydrocarbon pollutants and dust generated during the construction process. There would also be small releases of hydrocarbon pollutants generated by activities such as heating the new development. The traffic study prepared by Kimley Horne (2009) estimated traffic volumes for the development in 2015 following redevelopment of the eastern portion of Timber Ridge. During the peak winter ski season, their analysis indicates the completed project is expected to generate 42 and 78 new vehicle trips during weekday morning and afternoon peak hours, respectively. These additional vehicle trips would slightly increase the levels of hydrocarbon pollutants over the existing condition. Overall, however the project is expected to reduce traffic within the Town of Vail by providing employee housing in close proximity to work. Employees that now commute from greater distances outside of Vail would have a reduced commute distance or would be more likely to use public transportation, which would have a positive impact on air quality. The magnitude of this impact on air quality has not been estimated, but it would likely be small and unmeasureable. 4.3 Geology & Hazards 4.3.1 Geology HP Geotech's Geotechnical Engineering Study (2009) provides specific recommendations based on their subsurface investigations of the Timber Ridge project site. It states that the native soil and bedrock are suitable for supporting the apartment buildings and parking garage, but that all fill material and debris from the existing development should be completely removed from below the proposed building areas. 4.3.2 Hazards Avalanche, Debris Flow, and Floodplains & Floodways. The project site is outside the hazard zones for avalanche and debris flow, as illustrated by Figures 5 and 6, therefore no mitigation is required for these hazards. Likewise, it is outside the FEMA mapped floodplain and floodway for Gore Creek (Figure 8). R Rockfall Hazard. A portion of the Timber Ridge project site is within an area identified as a High Severity Rockfall Hazard Zone on the Town of Vail's Official Rockfall Hazard Map (Figure 7). Hepworth - Pawlak Geotechnical's Draft Geologic Site Assessment and Preliminary Rockfall Risk and Mitigation Study (HP Geotech, 2009) presents four conceptual options for mitigating rockfall hazards on the project site. The four mitigation options vary in the placement and type of barrier used, as illustrated by Figure 12. IThe first mitigation option is the placement of either a wire rope net barrier or MSE barrier located on the property just south of Lion's Ridge Loop Road. The second option is a wire rope net barrier located off of the project site near the top of the Lion's Ridge Loop road cut. The third option is to install a wire rope barrier off of the property near the base of the outcrop start zone. Finally, option four is to stabilize the rock outcrop with and anchored steel mesh net. The Colorado Rockfall Simulation Program (CRSP 4.0) was used to evaluate the four different barrier options by simulating rockfall events. The program predicts the velocity, bounce height, and kinetic energy of rocks taking into account the slope profile, rebound and frictional ' characteristics of the slope, and rotational energy of the rocks. Using this program, HP Geotech developed conceptual design information for each of the barrier options including the height, width, length, and impact energy they should withstand, to be used for feasibility evaluations and preliminary cost estimates. The conceptual design characteristics were developed for barriers that provide two levels of protection: 90% probability (10% chance it would be exceeded) and 98% probability (2% chance it would be exceeded) assuming a spherical rock with a diameter of 6.6 feet and a weight of 12.4 tons. The level of protection to be used will depend on the degree of ' risk acceptable to the owner and governmental regulatory agencies. HP Geotech states that additional studies would be needed for specific design evaluations. In addition, the report briefly summarizes the equipment and access needed for installation of barriers under the four options. ' For Option 1, there are two alternatives: placement of a 900 - foot -long MSE barrier or wire rope barrier entirely on the Timber Ridge property. Both barrier options would require a nearly level, retained fill bench wide enough to construct the barrier. Construction access could be from the property or from Lion's Ridge Loop Road. For both alternatives, rockfall kinetic energy and barrier heights at the 90 and 98 percent probability levels are within the capacity of commercially available MSE and wire rope net barriers. Option 2, the 990 - foot -long wire rope net barrier would require an easement on the hillside north of Lion's Ridge Loop Road. Little permanent hillside disturbance would be required, and most construction access could likely be accomplished using a crane located on Lion's Ridge Loop Road. For this option, the rockfall kinetic energy and barrier heights at the 90 and 98 percent probability levels are within the capacity of commercially available wire rope net barriers. ' Option 3, a 1,060- foot -long wire rope net barrier would also require an easement above Lion's Ridge Loop Road. Although there would be little permanent disturbance to the hillside, construction access would be difficult and would require an access trail, highline, helicopter, or a combination of these. For this option, the rockfall kinetic energy and barrier heights at the 90 and 98 percent probability levels are within the capacity of commercially available wire rope net barriers. Option 4, stabilization of the rock outcrop using an anchored steel mesh net, would require an easement on the hillside above Lion's Ridge Loop Road. Grouted rock bolts would be used to pin the flexible steel mesh netting to the outcrops. There would be little permanent hillside disturbance with this option. Construction access would be difficult, and would require an access trail, highline, helicopter, or a combination of these. It should be possible to provide effective outcrop stabilization with commercially available anchored, flexible steel mesh netting systems. 7 1 I]- 4.4 Soils The native soils of the site were disturbed when the existing Timber Ridge development was constructed. Fill material of variable depths was used to create a level development area and topsoil was applied to the fill to create habitats for ornamental vegetation. The existing fill material and topsoil would be removed and additional topsoil would be brought to the site for the proposed landscaping. 4.5 Vegetation Resources The project site does not support any native plant communities, but contains ornamental landscaping surrounding the existing buildings. These landscaped areas will be impacted when the site is redeveloped and will be replaced with similar areas of ornamental landscaping in proposed courtyards and in areas surrounding the new buildings (Figure 10). 4.6 Wildlife Resources The existing Timber Ridge project site provides only limited wildlife habitat for urban adapted species. During the construction process, these urban - adapted species may be temporarily displaced. When the redevelopment is complete, the urban - adapted wildlife would return to the project site. 4.7 Noise The proposed project would create a short -term increase in noise levels due to heavy equipment use during the construction process. By 2015, redevelopment of the eastern portion of Timber Ridge is expected to generate approximately 42 peak morning and 78 peak afternoon new vehicle trips per day, which would create a slight, but permanent increase in the ambient noise environment of the area. However, given the background noise generated by the proximity of the Interstate -70 corridor, the added impact would be negligible. 4.8 Visual Resources The existing Timber Ridge project was constructed in 1981. The buildings have aged and they now require significant repairs and maintenance. Replacing these deteriorating buildings with attractive, modern apartment buildings would improve the visual character of the area. The existing three -story buildings would be replaced with taller five -story buildings. However the parking garage would be constructed behind the Center apartment building, thus producing an attractive fagade that will be visible from the Interstate -70 corridor (Figure 11). Due to the steep, undeveloped slope above Lion's Ridge Loop Road, the taller buildings would not obscure views from the hillside behind the development. 1 4.9 Land Use The proposed land use is consistent with the Town of Vail's zoning for the project site (H- Housing) and would replace one high - density residential development with another similar project. 4.10 Circulation & Transportation I The traffic study prepared by Kimley Horne (2009) estimated traffic volumes for the development in 2015 following redevelopment of the eastern portion of Timber Ridge. During the peak winter ski season, their analysis indicates the completed project is expected to generate 42 and 78 new vehicle trips during weekday morning and afternoon peak hours, respectively. In addition, it would generate 184 new peak morning and 232 new peak afternoon person trips on the public transit system. Overall, however the project is expected to reduce traffic within the Town of Vail by providing employee housing in close proximity to work. Employees that now commute from u greater distances outside of Vail would have a reduced commute distance or would be more likely to use public transportation. 4.11 Population ' The proposed apartment buildings will provide year -round affordable housing to 552 -570 individuals, compared with approximately 424 individuals in the existing buildings. Thus, there would be an increase of approximately 128 -146 people residing in the project area when the re- development is complete. ! 5.0 Cumulative & Long -term Effects & Irreversible Environmental Changes 5.1 Hydrology 5.1.1 Surface Water The proposed redevelopment of the eastern portion of Timber Ridge would have no cumulative, long -term effect or irreversible environmental change on the surface water hydrology of the project site. 5.1.2 Ground Water The proposed development would have a slight, cumulative long -term effect or irreversible environmental change on the ground water hydrology of the project site due to dewatering of building foundations via underdrains. ! 5.2 Atmosphere The slight increase in hydrocarbon pollutants generated by the development and associated vehicular traffic represents a cumulative and long term effect. However, Kimley- Horn's traffic ' analysis concludes that redevelopment of Timber Ridge would have an overall effect of reducing traffic within Vail because employees would reside closer to their workplace. The majority of residents in Timber Ridge utilize public transportation. 5.3 Geology & Hazards The long -term risks presented by the rockfall hazard could be mitigated by any of the four conceptual options presented in HP Geotech's 2009 Geologic Site Assessment and Preliminary Rockfall Risk and Mitigation Study. After the feasibility analysis and preliminary cost estimates are completed, an option can be selected and further studies would be needed to develop more precise design specifications. 5.4 Soils Because this is a redevelopment project, it would not result in any new cumulative or long -term impacts to the native soil. As described in the Geotechnical Study completed by HP Geotech, the site is overlain by fill material from the initial development. 5.5 Vegetation Resources The proposed project would create only a negligible long -term change in the plant community as areas of ornamental vegetation are impacted and replaced with similar ornamental vegetation. 5.6 Wildlife Resources 1 The proposed redevelopment would not have any significant long -term impacts or irreversible environmental changes on wildlife resources. The site is already a high- density residential development, and there will be no change in land use or vegetation resources. ! a 1 5.7 Noise Ll J Li Noise generated by the proposed development and associated vehicular traffic would create a slight cumulative and long -term environmental change, however given the proximity of the Interstate -70 corridor, this change will be negligible. 5.8 Visual Resources Redevelopment of the eastern portion of Timber Ridge would create an irreversible change on the visual resources of the area. However, this would be a positive impact because the aging buildings would be replaced with newer, updated buildings with an aesthetically pleasing architectural style that compliments other developments within the Town of Vail (Figure 11). 5.9 Land Use The proposed project would not result in changes to the land use as one high- density residential development will be replaced with a similar high- density residential development. 5.10 Circulation & Transportation Long -term traffic estimates included in Kimley- Horn's Traffic Impact Study (2010) assume the entire Timber Ridge site is re- developed to include 700 units by 2025. Their analysis estimates the development would generate 77 new vehicle trips during the peak morning hour and 142 new vehicle trips during the peak afternoon hour of the peak winter ski season. Likewise there would be 337 new person trips during the peak morning hour and 424 new person trips during the peak afternoon hour on the public transportation system. Kimley -Horn reports that the full build -out may have a significant impact on the Town of Vail's public transit system and states that additional busses may be needed to accommodate this use. 5.11 Population The redeveloped apartment buildings will support a larger population, an increase estimated between 128 -146 people. This represents a cumulative and long -term increase in the population of the Town. 10 t u 11 6.0 Figures -R 81 W I R 80 W 378000m E. 379000m E. 380000m E. WGS84 Zone 13S BASE: USGS 7.5 Minute Vail West, Colorado Quadrangle FIGURE 1. Project Location M Photorevised: 1987 ro1 ec ocaon a P Timber Ridge Project WESTERN ECOLOGICAL pp RESOURCE, INC. Scale 1" = 2000' Map wy��� sa.<� . ear. � �� 711 Location COLO DO Contour Interval = 40' ' 12 f a�y ,• � : , � r- , s � Figure 2. Aerial Photograph Timber Ridge ... • o ey r]`c b Existing Timber Ridge Buildings �S t h a! A Y� ! Timber Ridge Boundary Area to be Redeveloped v Ile '��f �, :t x I ,�'�`�� ,.� r'•"a ^V I � c ' r > a t � r +. .! r Wr {{ Y �� � �..��',.;.ar• yf,�vF- . f -:.,. ,� . i ysl' /1 ' '�f°''' � P�1. � I t r.,'S/ e�'P- ' � r,.,�„�� i jl..` ,,, � Y J �,,, ' � �r„r- y � • '}'�,y:,:�. - *y- r'U� `{ I `�T I� ♦g'4 R p41 a �YfVe r Date: January 2010 Scale: 1 in = 150 ft prepared by: Western Ecological Resource, Inc. 711 Walnut Street Boulder, CO 80302 13 (303) 449 -9009 FAX (303) 449 -9038 TKs T Hot Mz � T T I TKs Granby -p Mz Mz Kremmling X Y r Mz \ YXr g YXr TKi YX r YXr N� C n� r a Ti (D � (`j(( wiFork Mz t s YX S Res. Ts TKs Xr Tabemash YXr IS ,p � o� � Ts Pz � YXr z Eraser T G v Ts Tv Tv N d� z Ti TV Mz �2a Tv YXr i v Gree tn Sta Bridge Mz Res. S TV Tv Ts r Mz TV ��fd?r Ts BUrnS C L \ psi Ti b TK Mz % � . qd TKi,] olcott C o �rD dG Sy PZ Georyeto �1 Sowards � Project YXr �1P Tv Avon Site Silvertnomm T ® Vail ® \ V Pze 1O Ts s YXr 1z Ts Pz ` °'� Mz Ti Pz tdintum Pz C� Ti TKi Frisco Red Cliff �7 \ Mz P YXr / 3 YXr Copppe ® TKi /K ` e ke ' i z Pando TK\, 1 QJ 0 Ki Pz rK TKi TKi TKi q) Pz Ti IFO� T , Pz , �R Pz j �O TKi TV YXr TKi 4m Jefferson Mz Ti Climax ) Pz P ° p / TKi z TKi RTKi pJ A ' TKi y (j comp TKs ` Zi w rK� .S� TKi Tur oise Pz TKi ® O Mz F r0 r rj1 Res � KI Alma Explanation: Ts Post - Laramide Sediments Mz Pre - Laramide Mesozoic Sediments Contact EDPost - Laramide Volcanics Paleozoic Sediments High -Angle Faults Ti Post - Laramide Intrusives - Pennsylvanian Evaporites Thrust Faults 0 7 mi. TKs Laramide Basin Sediments YXr Precambrian Crystalline Rocks Synclines I I I Scale 1 in. = 7 mi. Laramide Intrusivesp� Highways Modified from: Tweto (1979) G49 ;tech Vail Timber Ridge Redevelopment Project Figure 3 109 3108 Re ional Geolo Ma g HEPWOR- rN- PAWLAK GEOTECHNICAL FIGURE 3. Regional Geology Map Timber Ridge Project 14 3 5e` iV 1- 'X E 0 E 0 109 310B GoMech HEFWORTI+PAWLAK GEOTECHNICAL E CO3 S E 0 a U) 0_J O 2 4) C n C: Ca 'D .0 00 (D O 2 m to C: 0 0 (D :E: CO W1 o ti E :3 CL M E C 0 CL 0 'CO, C 7i :5 0 % 3 2 n 0 0 0 a > 4) a- C3 o di G E2 C C14 > C C3 < E E 4i Li LL 0 0) 'D Ca U Ca 0 6 M 0 if Q) M 0 01 O.S CL 22 E Om Wa Vail Timber Ridge Redevelopment Project Figure 4 Project Area Geology Map 15 FIGURE 4. Project Area Geology Map Timber Ridge Project Official Avalanche Hazard Map Town of Vail, Colorado Project Site Thin Is to certify that this is the Offlclsl Avalanche Hazard Map of the Toren of Veil, Colorado as adopted Council on October 77, 2000 Mayor, T t 6 $ A L a in accordance with Resdudon No. 73, Series TOWN "�°°° I I Attest: Town Cleric. Town of Vail 4 . A'r.., Prodreed by the Depertrnem of Commurtty Development _ Source: Town of Vail Website: www.vailgov.com Adapted from official Town of Vail Map Hazard Zones High Hazard - Red Zone Moderate Hazard - Blue Zone Possible Avalanche Influence Zone Powder Blast FIGURE 5. Avalanche Hazard Map Timber Ridge Project N 16 oWESTERN ECOLOGICAL torRESOURCE, INC. 711 Walnut 3rree[ •Boulder, CO aD302 t t 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Is Official Debris Flow Hazard Map Town of Vail, Colorado N I V This is to certify that this is the Official Debris Flow Hazard Map of the Town of Vail, Colorado as adopted by Council on October 17, 2000 in accordance with Resolution No. 13, Series of 2000. Project Site Mayor, Towrlbf Vail ` SAttest: Town Clerk, Town of Vail �taas r+b.1.r a Source: Town of Vail Website: www.vailgov.com FIGURE 6. Debris Flow Hazard Map Adapted from official Town of Vail Map Timber Ridge Project N Hazard Zones - High Hazard Debris Flow WESTERN Moderate Hazard Debris Flow ECOLOGICAL High Hazard Debris Avalanche oot RESOURCE, INC. 17 711 Walnut Street • Bo IO r. CO 90302 Official Rockfall Hazard Map Town of Vail, Colorado y f. This is to certify that this is the Official Rockfall Hazard Map of the Town of Vail, Colorado as adopted by Council on October 17, 2000 in accordance with Resolution No. 13, Series of 2000. Project Site .� - « 44, kleWr, TovoW Vail Jrub-- ZL�� a = Attes t: Town Clerk, Town of Vail Source: Town of Vail Website: www.vailgov.com FIGURE 7. Rockfall Hazard Map Adapted from official Town of Vail Map Timber Ridge Project N Hazard Zones Rockfall Hazard with Approved Mitigation High Severity Rockfall WESTERN Medium Severity Rockfall D ECOLOGICAL a RESOURCE, INC. 44 18 711 W 1— Street . Bwlder, CO 80002 project Site / z U Q 1' G� - onovan Park °��"' M 461 Z 4. J 152 -1554 • Ix �• ,_- s 250 0 250 500 Feet M d �`r� This map is for flood insurance purposes only; it does not necessanly show all areas subject to flooding in the community or all planimebic wfeatures outside of the indicated flood hazard areas. 100 0 100 200 Meters Z This map was created by the Town of Vail GIS Department. Use Emil 33 ■ w � QQ of this map should be for general purposes only. The Town of Vail - -- � 0 �� � does not warrant the accuracy of the information contained herein. ,0 1� 01 Source: Town of Vail Website: www.vailgov.com FIGURE 8. Floodplain & Floodway Map Adapted from official Town of Vail Map Timber Ridge Project Legend: N FEMA Flood Hazard • Gore Creek • Building Footprints Flood Hazard Extent U Floodway 0 Parcels (approximate) WESTERN ECOLOGICAL 1 %Annual Chance of Flood Hazard Q Vail Town Boundary ry Or RESOURCE, INC. 19 711 walnut Street . Boulder, CO $0302 vp Awl i r •OF $` * • F A i VOW �# �t• k , ' �• r` #�'• . q �� %—ee rr y, I ti 4 I ` w. \` opop, ,"s r. • ;t 20 0.4 V rL � L �a '0 a� cn :a W L cm E iz r o P 0 �mw o� w _ P 4 a0 r � e Y Y � O Y O LL a O O CD N co 0 o LO C) O N (p X O O d O E U') O O CJ Q O Z3 n0 O Y 0 0 L N p � L (6 E O co -U -0 0 O >1 o Y) ` L L 0 LL � (0 O co 0 � c D 0 m a U Co C a cn J EXISTING BLDG.J LION'S RIDGE LOOp EXIT y� a i ," � . 11111111111111111111 I . •- . OR . 1111111113,1!11111111 „� " i - � mesas:!! a� OWN- UNIT TABULATION 1 12/29/09 UNIT NAME UNIT TYPE NET AR SF 5-STORY TOTAL NET Al STUDIO 391 22 6.25% 8,602 1- BEDROOM A2 lbr /lba 527 100 28.41% 52,700 45.5% A3 lbr /lba 647 38 10.80% 24,586 81 -1ST 2br /2ba I 17 LLLLISTING 13,294 2- BEDROOM ' FICE 2br /2ba 812 . 5-STORY 20.45% 58,464 54.5% B2 2br/2ba 46 13.07% 41,078 62 -TOP -lac" 990 4 1,14% 3,960 f ... ..4.� a 2br /2ba 926 10 2.84% 9,260 ...A B3 2br/2ba 969 43 1222% 41,667 OW n TOTALS ni 352 100.0% 253,611 UNIT AVERAGE NET SF: 720 NORTH FRONTAGE WEST INTERSTATE HIGH 0.70 UNIT TABULATION 1 12/29/09 UNIT NAME UNIT TYPE NET AR SF UNIT COUNT % TOTAL NET Al STUDIO 391 22 6.25% 8,602 1- BEDROOM A2 lbr /lba 527 100 28.41% 52,700 45.5% A3 lbr /lba 647 38 10.80% 24,586 81 -1ST 2br /2ba 782 17 4.83% 13,294 2- BEDROOM B1 2br /2ba 812 72 20.45% 58,464 54.5% B2 2br/2ba 893 46 13.07% 41,078 62 -TOP 2br/2ba 990 4 1,14% 3,960 B3 -1ST 2br /2ba 926 10 2.84% 9,260 B3 2br/2ba 969 43 1222% 41,667 TOTALS 352 100.0% 253,611 UNIT AVERAGE NET SF: 720 D SITE PLAN SITE DEVELOPMENT STANDARD CALCULATIONS LOT AREA: 5.24 ACRES CURRENT ZONING: H (HOUSING) TOTAL UNITS: 352 DENSITY: 67 UNITS PER ACRE BUILDING HEIGHT: 5 -STORY CLUBHOUSE: 4689 SF. BUILDING GROSS AREA: 305,400 SF. GARAGE GROSS AREA 164,250 SF. PAVED AREA: 3,000 SF. PARKING & DRIVEWAYS: 31,308 SF. BUILDING COVERAGE: 94,100 SF. C41 %) SNOW STORAGE AREA: 10,000 SF. (30% PAVED AREA) LANDSCAPE AREA: 72.372 SF.1.66 ACRES (31% SITE AREA) PARKING REQUIRED: 1.5 SPACES FOR UNITS LESS THAN 500 SF. 2 SPACES FOR UNITS MORE THAN 500 SF. TOTAL 693 SPACES REQUIRED WITHOUT REDUCTION TOTAL 520 SPACES REQUIRED WITH 25% REDUCTION ( 25% COMPACT CAR SPACES ALLOWED) PARKING PROVIDED: GARAGE: 522 SPACES SURFACE: 18 SPACES TOTAL: 540 SPACES INCLUDING 106 COMPACT SPACES (19%),12 HANDICAP SPACES ( 1.53 SPACES PER UNIT) TYP. PARKING STALL: 9'X 19' (SURFACE); 9'x 24' ( PARALLEL) 9 X 18' ,::(GARAGE) 81X 16' ( COMPACT) FIGURE 10. Architectural Site Plan Timber Ridge Project 21 41 fl- to �o °�o _o u 2 N _ S E °—'o (D c� o U)U o � � �f �• 11.1. �. .w- Wow ` LL •f IIf1 fff 1� 111 � � �� \ •'���� ., '� ►111 f f111fQi `� \ '� ��111111111111�1 \ ��� `11 11 •, t G�i • �j 1111U ��\ �� ca IL •, � 14 —WANW VNEM 11 1 • F+11� f111f�,�� \ „ '1 .. ��1111f1�� �• 111111111.E , \`� • � 11 I f1► 14 0 •• • ,11 1111• ` AF 0 W CL .►..�r�� 4,,4-�111�1� 1'► WN— • +�If11f1 .�. . 11 11 1�♦ ` QV , R W4 ca 0 CL CL 1V N r • ;, '��f�1111•� • ••� �•�, , ��� 111 �1� �, 111' ;; ice` �• �` 111,,x•... +,' '.. W. • • • • Na CL Ul Vail Timber Ridge Redevelopment • - M — u — • FIGURE 12. Conceptual Rockfall Mitigation Options Timber Ridge Project 23 fl 24 7.0 Photos I Photo 1. The steep slope behind the proposed Timber Ridge redevelopment site presents a severe rockfall hazard. 01/25/09). Photo 2. The northwest edge of the Timber Ridge project site is mapped as a High Severity Rockfall Hazard Zone by the Town of Vail. (11/25/09). 25 u LI Photo 3. Ornamental landscaping surrounds the existing Timber Ridge apartment buildings. (11/25/09). Photo 4. The slope between the existing buildings and Lion's Ridge Loop Road is dominated by introduced grasses and weedy forbs. (11/25/09). f3: 8.0 References ' Chick, Nancy. 2009. December 1, 2009 correspondence to Heather Houston of Western Ecological Resource. HP Geotech. 2009. Geologic Site Assessment and Preliminary Rockfall Risk and Mitigation Study, Vail Timber Ridge Redevelopment Project, 1280 North Frontage Road West, Vail Colorado. Prepared for: Vail Timber Ridge, LLC. Prepared by: Hepworth - Pawlak Geotechnical, October 27, 2009. HP Geotech. 2009. Geotechnical Engineering Study, Proposed Timber Ridge Redevelopment, ' 1280 North Frontage Road West, Vail, Colorado. Prepared for: Vail Timber Ridge, LLC, October 27, 2009. ' Kimley -Horn and Associates, Inc. 2010. Traffic Impact Study, Timber Ridge. Prepared for: Town of Vail. Prepared by: Kimley -Horn and Associates, Dever Colorado, January 2010. I I � I IL � I � I it] � I � I � I I I 27 L Appendix A. Correspondence from Nancy Chick, CDPHE 28 STATE OF COLORADO Bill Ritter, Jr., Governor Ned Calonge, M.D., Interim Executive Director �Q Dedicated to protecting and improving the health and environment of the people of Colorado 4300 Cherry Creek Dr. S. Laboratory Services Division �e- Denver, Colorado 80246-1530 8100 Lowry Blvd. W;�� Phone (303) 692.2000 Denver, Colorado 80230.6928 on other data our agency has. The estimates and the basis for each are given in the Table below. TDD Line (303) 691 -7700 (303) 692 -3090 Colorado Located in Glendale, Colorado s Health of Public Health http: / /www.cdphs.state.co.us and Environment Heather Houston Western Ecological Resource Via Email: heather @westcmeco.com December 1, 2009 Dear Ms. Houston, You requested background pollutant concentration estimates for an Environmental Impact Assessment for the Vail Timber Ridge project at 1280 North Frontage Road, West Vail. Except for PM14, local air monitoring data does not exist for Vail. Therefore, I have developed best estimates based on other data our agency has. The estimates and the basis for each are given in the Table below. Pollutant Averaging Time Standard Estimate Data Source PM18 Annual Mean 50 ug/m3 15 ug/m3 Vail, 1996, 1999, 2000. 24 Hour Second 150 ug/m3 35 ug/m3 Maximum PM2.s Annual Arithmetic 15 ug/m3 9 ug/m3 Grand Junction, 2003- 2006. Mean 98`b Percentile 35 ug/m3 24 ug/m3 Of 24 Hour Averages Lead Running 3 -month 0.15 ug/m3 .0092 ug/m3 Denver Municipal Average Animal Shelter, 2007 -2008. NO2 Annual Mean .053 ppm .016 ppm Woodmen Exit in Colorado Springs, 2003, 2005 —2006. CO I Hour Second 35 ppm 4 ppm Grand Junction, 2004 -2006. Maximum 8 Hour Second 9 ppm 2 ppm Maximum 1 0 0 0 Pollutant Averaging Time Standard Estimate Data Source SO2 Annual Mean .030 ppm .002 ppm Woodmen Exit in Colorado Springs, 2003, 2005 —2006. 3 Hour Second .500 ppm .025 ppm Maximum 24 Hour Second .140 ppm .013 ppm Maximum Ozone Old Standard .12 ppm .081 ppm Rifle, 2008. 1 hour 2nd Maximum New Standard .075 ppm .066 ppm 8 Hour Fourth Maximum Please note that these values are conservative indicators of ambient concentrations developed for internal use by the Division in initial screening models for permit applications. They are not suitable for applications beyond that scope of use. The Ambient Background Concentration summary values were generated through an analysis of the ambient monitored data that are available to the Division. The quantity of data is sometimes limited and may be of uncertain quality. Therefore, the ambient concentration background values do not necessarily represent quantitative indicators of ambient air quality and should not be used in instances where such information is necessary. The Ambient Background Concentrations - ' 1. Do not necessarily substitute for on -site monitoring data. 2. Indicate the ambient pollution levels in general geographic areas, not a specific location. This is particularly true for particulate concentration values. ' 3. Are subject to change without notice as new information is acquired. When the Ambient Background Concentrations are to be quoted outside of Division use, they ' should be accompanied by an appropriate citation indicating their source and their limitations. Referencing this letter would be adequate, but an expanded explanation is suggested. I hope this information is useful. If you have further questions, I can be reached at 303 -692- 3226. CABackground Conc\Vailabc.doc Since�reyl9ya, Nancy b. Chick Environmental Protection Specialist Air Pollution Control Division