The Santa Margarita Ranch Subcommittee recommends that SMAAC formally responds to the draft EIR with the following comments: 

1.      We understand the county policies set the threshold for noise levels at 60 dBA CNEL therefore the existing noise levels at receptor sites currently exceed this threshold creating a class 1 impact regardless of any development.

2.      The need for construction noise monitoring highlights a need for mitigation monitoring standards, procedures and enforcement project wide.

3.      The EIR should consider the “quite zone” efforts underway in the community of Santa Margarita and mitigate any adverse impacts if any exist.

4.      The future development program impacts seem inconsistent with the findings for the Agricultural Residential Cluster in regards to noises.

5.      The noise impacts of the future development portion are difficult to predict without site specificity for each element. 

6.      The EIR should analyze impacts associated with traffic shortcutting down I St.

7.      Obvious problems with trip assignments such as the addition of only one trip to the elementary school and inconsistencies at Estrada and H st. give concern about the accuracy of all trip assignments

8.      The EIR should consider impacts to the park and ride at the Santa Margarita exit from highway 101

9.      The EIR  should prioritize the correction of the vertical curve at Estrada and H St. with all vested parties contributing to the mitigation.