Life Sciences Replacement Building
Final EIR Summary
SCH No. 2005031118
University of California, Los Angeles
September 2005
SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND
MITIGATION MEASURES
PURPOSE OF THE SUMMARY
This summary is intended to highlight the major areas of importance in the environmental analysis for the
proposed LSRB project as required by Section 15123 of the CEQA Guidelines. The summary includes a
brief description of the LSRB project, the project objectives, community/agency issues, the purpose of
the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, and alternatives to the LSRB project. In addition, this
chapter also provides a table summarizing (1) the potential environmental impacts that would occur as
result of the LSRB project; (2) the level of significance before mitigation measures; (3) the recommended
mitigation measures and/or existing campus programs, practices, and procedures that avoid significant
environmental impacts; and (4) the level of significance after mitigation measures are implemented.
Finally, a comparison of the proposed project to the project alternatives is also provided.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The University of California is directed by the Master Plan for Higher Education in California to provide
instruction in the liberal arts and sciences, and for professional education in Law, Medicine, Veterinary
Medicine, and Dentistry. It is also assigned exclusive responsibility for doctoral education in most
disciplines, and is designated as the primary State-supported academic agency for research. UCLA’s
mission within this context is to offer teaching, research, and public service programs of the highest
quality to serve the needs of the Los Angeles region, the State of California, and the nation.
The University of California, Los Angeles proposes to construct a replacement facility for academic
departments currently occupying the existing Life Sciences Building in the Core campus zone. The
proposed project would replace academic and research wet-laboratories, offices, and related support
space used by portions of the Life Sciences Division of the College of Letters and Science, in a new
facility to be constructed on a portion of the site created by the proposed demolition of the 1957 addition
and the adjacent, free-standing 1968 Annex to Hershey Hall.
Project construction would begin with site clearance, including the abatement and demolition of nonhistoric portions of Hershey Hall and the adjacent Annex (approximately 40,000 gsf total), relocation of
site utilities, and removal of existing hardscape elements, trees, and landscaping, followed by
construction of the LSRB. Following construction of the LSRB, the original, 1931 Hershey Hall would
be renovated, in conformance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of
Historic Properties, to meet current seismic and life safety requirements.
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Summary of Environmental Effects and Mitigation Measures
Hershey Hall
The 85,000 gsf Hershey Hall, a former graduate student residence hall that has been converted to
academic office use, currently consists of a 45,000 gsf building constructed in 1931, and 40,000 gsf of
non-historic additions, which include a 1957 addition and a free-standing Annex constructed in 1968.
The original (1931) Italian Renaissance-style building is eligible for listing on the California Register for
Historical Resources, while the later additions are considered non-contributing elements. The project
proposes to demolish the 1957 and 1968 additions to Hershey Hall to create the site for the LSRB.
Renovation of the original Hershey Hall would involve upgrades to the building to achieve a seismic
rating of “Good” as well as other life safety, code, accessibility and infrastructure upgrades appropriate
for the type and quality of work. The original 1931 structure would be kept intact with repair and
restoration of the portions of the building exposed following demolition of the 1957 addition undertaken
in such a way that the integrity of the building character is maintained. The original courtyards and
exterior elements would be refurbished and replacement landscaping would be provided. Any alterations
to character defining features (interior and exterior) would be designed to comply with the Secretary of
the Interior’s Guidelines for Preserving, Rehabilitating, Restoring, and Reconstructing Historic
Buildings.
Renovation of the original Hershey Hall building would be undertaken following completion of the LSRB
project construction. Due to funding and scheduling uncertainties, the campus cannot now determine
the ultimate occupancy of the renovated Hershey Hall. However, it is anticipated that an existing campus
academic or administrative use consistent with the 2002 LRDP planning principles would eventually
occupy the renovated facility sometime after 2010—the estimated planning horizon of the 2002 LRDP,
and that no increase in campus population would occur as a result of this re-occupancy. If the reoccupancy of Hershey Hall would result in an increase in campus population, any such population
increase would be reviewed in accordance with CEQA.
Life Sciences Replacement Building
The proposed LSRB would consist of a five-story “L” shaped structure with screened rooftop mechanical
equipment, and a single basement below grade. The proposed project would involve approximately
185,000 gsf of new construction, or a net increase in campus square footage of 145,000 gsf (with
demolition of 40,000 gsf of the Hershey Hall 1957 addition and annex). Approximately 25,000 gsf of the
building would be used for new life sciences research initiatives.
The proposed LSRB would accommodate portions of the Division of Life Sciences of the College of
Letters and Science. Three of the division’s eight departments are planned to relocate to the Life Sciences
Replacement Building: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology,
and Physiological Science. The replacement space will include wet research laboratories and laboratory
support, a vivarium, academic and research offices and office support space, conference rooms, special
collections space, and building support space.
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University of California, Los Angeles
Summary of Environmental Effects and Mitigation Measures
The design of the LSRB would reflect the architectural spirit of the UCLA Core campus zone, while
carefully integrating the new structure with the proposed site to preserve the historic character of the
original Hershey Hall building, promote continuity with existing landscape concepts, and incorporate
Campus Design Guidelines in the selection of materials and development of outdoor areas, consistent
with existing campus programs, practices, and policies regarding building design and placement. A
particular design challenge for the project is the on-campus corner entry sequence at the Charles E.
Young Drive East and Manning Drive intersection. The proposed entrance to LSRB would involve a
breezeway access between the two wings of the LSRB into a newly formed courtyard between the new
LSRB building and the existing Hershey Hall. It is an important feature of the design to ensure that access
to Hershey Hall and its context is maintained.
The project would also be designed to meet the requirements of the University of California Regents’
policy promoting green building design and energy efficiency. The project will be planned to meet the
University of California equivalent of the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED) certification. The building would be required to exceed the existing
energy efficiency requirements of the California Code of Regulations (Title 24) by at least 20 percent.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES
UCLA proposes to construct a replacement facility for the Life Sciences programs in the existing Life
Sciences Building to provide a code-compliant laboratory facility on a nearby site that will be designed to
support contemporary life science programs. In order to achieve preeminence in scholarship, educational
leadership, and technological advancement by providing the highest quality teaching and research,
professional preparation, and public service for the vital and diverse population it serves, the LSRB
project includes academic, physical, and operational objectives that are fully set forth in Chapter 3
(Project Description) of this document.
COMMUNITY/AGENCY ISSUES
This EIR addresses issues that are known or were raised by agencies or interested parties during the IS
and NOP public review period with respect to the environmental resources associated with the proposed
project. Comment letters were received from the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research, the
California Department of Toxic Substances Control, and Caltrans. The issues raised include
„
„
„
Toxic emissions
Contamination hazards from construction activities
Construction-related traffic
On March 4, 2005, UCLA held a Community Leader Meeting that was attended by leaders of the
neighboring homeowner associations and other local groups and individuals. At that meeting information
about the proposed LSRB project including project components, preliminary plans, and the
environmental review schedule was presented and questions were answered. The issues raised at this
meeting concerning the potential environmental effects of the project included ongoing concerns about
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Summary of Environmental Effects and Mitigation Measures
traffic in the campus vicinity and Westwood, and the removal of trees and the aesthetics of the proposed
laboratory building when viewed from off-campus residential uses.
Each of these issues is address in this Draft Focused EIR or in the IS prepared for the project and included
in Appendix A.
MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM
CEQA requires that a public agency adopt a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) for
mitigation measures that have been incorporated into the project to reduce or avoid significant effects on
the environment. The MMRP is designed to ensure compliance during project implementation, as
required by Public Resources Code Section 21081.6.
This EIR discusses feasible mitigation measures (MMs) that would be implemented to reduce significant
environmental impacts. In addition, existing campus programs, practices, and procedures (PPs) that
currently reduce environmental impacts will be continued throughout the LSRB project. The MMRP for
the LSRB project, which includes both MMs and PPs, and obligates the University to implement MMs
and continue to follow PPs equally, will be prepared and reviewed by The Regents in conjunction with
consideration of the LSRB project and certification of the Final EIR.
ALTERNATIVES
A number of alternatives that would feasibly attain most of the basic project objectives while avoiding or
substantially lessening some of the significant effects of the project were analyzed. These alternatives
include:
„
„
„
Alternative 1: No Project/No Development—This alternative assumes that construction of the
proposed project would not occur, and that no alternative development would occur in its place,
as required by Section 15126.6(e)(3)(B) of the CEQA Guidelines.
Alternative 2: Alternative Location—This alternative assumes demolition of the Botany Building and
construction of the LSRB, along with 40,000 gsf of replacement facilities for the faculty and staff
that occupy the Botany Building, on the site of the existing Botany Building.
Alternative 3: Reduced Project Alternative—This alternative assumes construction of a 120,000 net
new square-foot structure that is four stories tall, and would eliminate the fifth above-grade level,
which consists of space for new research initiatives in the life sciences.
A detailed description of these alternatives, as well as an analysis of related environmental effects, is
presented in Chapter 6 (Alternatives) of this EIR.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
Table 2-1 (Summary of Environmental Effects and Mitigation Measures), provided at the end of this
section, presents a summary of the environmental impacts resulting from the proposed LSRB project. It
has been organized to correspond with the environmental issues discussed in Chapter 4 (Environmental
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University of California, Los Angeles
Summary of Environmental Effects and Mitigation Measures
Setting, Impacts, and Mitigation Measures) and is arranged in four columns: the identified impact under
each EIR issue area; the level of significance prior to mitigation; 2002 LRDP EIR and/or LSRB projectspecific mitigation measures (MMs) and/or existing campus programs, practices, and procedures (PPs)
that would avoid or reduce the level of impacts; and the level of significance after implementation of
mitigation measures, if applicable. The campus programs, practices, and procedures, as well as
previously adopted 2002 LRDP EIR MMs, are considered to be part of the LSRB project for purposes of
determining the level of significance prior to mitigation. These PPs are also enforceable in the same
manner as the mitigation measures. Where no mitigation is required, it is noted in the table.
While the campus has evaluated a range of potential mitigation measures to reduce significant project
impacts, and will implement all feasible mitigation measures, construction and operation of the LSRB
project would result in the following significant and unavoidable impacts:
„ Noise
„ Construction impacts resulting from groundborne vibration and groundborne noise levels on
campus
„ Construction impacts resulting from an increase in on-campus and off-campus ambient noise levels
„ Traffic and Circulation
„ Construction impacts resulting from truck and construction worker trips to the intersection of
Wilshire Boulevard and Veteran Avenue during the A.M. peak hour.
All other physical environmental impacts (project-specific and cumulative) are either less than significant
or can be mitigated to a less-than-significant level.
Table 2-2 (Comparison of Alternatives to the Proposed Project) provides a summary comparison of postmitigation project impacts with those of each alternative, assuming that feasible mitigation measures are
also implemented for each alternative. This table presents the level of significance for impacts resulting
from each project alternative, by issue area, as compared to the impacts of the LSRB project (e.g., “LS
(greater)” indicates that although the level of significance of the project alternative is “less than
significant,” the impacts are greater than the proposed project).
UCLA Life Sciences Replacement Building EIR
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Summary of Environmental Effects and Mitigation Measures
Summary of Environmental Effects and Mitigation Measures
Impact
2002 LRDP EIR Mitigation Measures or Campus Programs,
Practices, and Procedures
Level of
Significance
Prior to
Mitigation
Life Sciences Replacement Building Mitigation
Measure(s)
Level of
Significance
After
Mitigation
AESTHETICS
Impact LSRB 4.1-1
Implementation of the LSRB
would not substantially degrade
the visual character or quality of
the project site and the
immediately surrounding area.
This is considered a less-thansignificant impact.
MM 4.1-2 In conjunction with CEQA
documentation required for each project
proposal under the 2002 LRDP, a tree
replacement plan shall be prepared and
implemented. The tree replacement plan for each
project shall include a 1:1 tree replacement ratio
at the development site where feasible, and/or
elsewhere within the campus boundaries where
feasible. If it is not feasible to plant replacement
trees at a 1:1 ratio within the campus boundaries,
the tree replacement plan will include the planting
of native shrubs in ecologically appropriate areas
within the campus boundaries that would provide
nesting, foraging, or roosting habitat for birds so
that the replacement number of trees and shrubs
will result in a 1:1 replacement ratio. In addition,
the following campus PPs identified in the 2002
LRDP EIR would be incorporated into the
proposed project:
LS
None required.
LS
PP 4.1-2(a) Additions to, or expansions of,
existing structures shall be designed to
complement the existing architectural character
of the buildings.
PP 4.1-2(b) The architectural and landscape
traditions that give the campus its unique
character shall be respected and reinforced. (This
is identical to Land Use PP 4.8-1(f).)
PP 4.1-2(d) Projects proposed under 2002
LRDP shall include landscaping.
PP 4.1-2(e) The western, northern, and eastern
edges of the main campus shall include a
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University of California, Los Angeles
Summary of Environmental Effects and Mitigation Measures
Summary of Environmental Effects and Mitigation Measures
Impact
2002 LRDP EIR Mitigation Measures or Campus Programs,
Practices, and Procedures
Level of
Significance
Prior to
Mitigation
Life Sciences Replacement Building Mitigation
Measure(s)
Level of
Significance
After
Mitigation
landscaped buffer to complement the residential
uses of the surrounding community and to
provide an attractive perimeter that effectively
screens and enhances future development. (This
is identical to Land Use PP 4.8-1(c).)
Impact LSRB 4.1-2
Implementation of the LSRB
would not result in a substantial
adverse effect on focal views of
Hershey Hall. This is considered
a less-than-significant impact.
None required.
LS
None required.
LS
LS
None required.
LS
AIR QUALITY
Impact LSRB 4.2-1
Construction of the proposed
project would not contribute
substantially to an existing or
projected air quality violation.
This is considered a less-thansignificant impact.
PP 4.2-2(a) The campus shall continue to
implement dust control measures consistent with
SCAQMD Rule 403—Fugitive Dust during the
construction phases of new project development.
The following actions 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:
• Apply water and/or approved nontoxic
chemical soil stabilizers according to
manufacturer’s specification to all inactive
construction areas (previously graded areas
that have been inactive for 10 or more
days)
• Replace ground cover in disturbed areas as
quickly as possible
• Enclose, cover, water twice daily, or apply
approved chemical soil binders to exposed
piles with 5 percent or greater silt content
UCLA Life Sciences Replacement Building EIR
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Summary of Environmental Effects and Mitigation Measures
Summary of Environmental Effects and Mitigation Measures
Impact
2002 LRDP EIR Mitigation Measures or Campus Programs,
Practices, and Procedures
Level of
Significance
Prior to
Mitigation
Life Sciences Replacement Building Mitigation
Measure(s)
Level of
Significance
After
Mitigation
• Water active grading sites at least twice
daily
• Suspend all excavating and grading
operations when wind speeds (as
instantaneous gusts) exceed 25 miles per
hour over a 30-minute period
• All trucks hauling dirt, sand, soil, or other
loose materials are to be covered or should
maintain at least two feet of freeboard (i.e.,
minimum vertical distance between top of
the load and the top of the trailer), in
accordance with Section 23114 of the
California Vehicle Code
• Sweep streets at the end of the day if visible
soil material is carried over to adjacent
roads
• Install wheel washers where vehicles enter
and exit unpaved roads onto paved roads,
or wash off trucks and any equipment
leaving the site each trip
• Apply water three times daily or chemical
soil stabilizers according to manufacturers’
specifications to all unpaved parking or
staging areas or unpaved road surfaces
• Post and enforce traffic speed limits of 15
miles per hour or less on all unpaved roads
PP 4.2-2(b) The campus shall continue to
require
by
contract
specifications
that
construction equipment engines will be
maintained in good condition and in proper tune
per manufacturer’s specification for the duration
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University of California, Los Angeles
Summary of Environmental Effects and Mitigation Measures
Summary of Environmental Effects and Mitigation Measures
Impact
2002 LRDP EIR Mitigation Measures or Campus Programs,
Practices, and Procedures
Level of
Significance
Prior to
Mitigation
Life Sciences Replacement Building Mitigation
Measure(s)
Level of
Significance
After
Mitigation
of construction.
PP 4.2-2(c) The campus shall continue to
require
by
contract
specifications
that
construction operations rely on the campus’
existing electricity infrastructure rather than
electrical generators powered by internal
combustion engines to the extent feasible.
MM 4.2-2(a) The campus shall require by
contract specifications that construction-related
equipment, including heavy-duty equipment,
motor vehicles, and portable equipment, shall be
turned off when not in use for more than five
minutes.
MM 4.2-2(b) The campus shall encourage
contractors to utilize alternative fuel construction
equipment (i.e., compressed natural gas, liquid
petroleum gas, and unleaded gasoline) and lowemission diesel construction equipment to the
extent that the equipment is readily available and
cost effective.
CULTURAL RESOURCES
Impact LSRB 4.3-1
Implementation of the proposed
project would not result in a
substantial adverse change in the
significance of structures that
have been designated as eligible
or potentially eligible for listing
on the NRHP or CRHR. This is
considered a less-than-significant
impact.
PP 4.4-1(a) The campus shall continue to
implement all modifications to historic structures
in compliance with the Secretary of the Interior’s
Standards for Treatment of Historic Properties
with Guidelines for Preserving, Rehabilitating,
Restoring, and Reconstructing Historic Buildings
(Weeks and Grimmer 1995).
UCLA Life Sciences Replacement Building EIR
LS
MM LSRB 4.3-1(a) As preliminary
designs for renovation are developed, the
campus
shall
retain
a
qualified
architectural historian (i.e., meeting the
qualifications of the Secretary of the
Interior) to evaluate the design and
identify contributing features of Hershey
Hall that could be affected. The
architectural historian shall provide
recommendations for the treatment of
affected contributing features identified in
the 1995 HRR and 2004 Supplemental
LS
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Summary of Environmental Effects and Mitigation Measures
Summary of Environmental Effects and Mitigation Measures
Impact
2002 LRDP EIR Mitigation Measures or Campus Programs,
Practices, and Procedures
Level of
Significance
Prior to
Mitigation
Life Sciences Replacement Building Mitigation
Measure(s)
Level of
Significance
After
Mitigation
HSR.
MM LSRB 4.3-1(b) Prior to approval of
final renovation plans, the architectural
historian shall review the plans to ensure
that the final design of the renovation
would comply with the Secretary of the
Interior’s Standards for Treatment of
Historic Properties with Guidelines for
Preserving, Rehabilitating, Restoring, and
Reconstructing Historic Buildings (Weeks
and Grimmer 1995).
MM LSRB 4.3-1(c) Prior to commencement of the project, a qualified consultant
shall be retained to prepare photographic
documentation of the interior and
exterior character-defining features of the
1931 Hershey Hall Structure, consistent
with Historic American Building Survey
standards for documentation.
NOISE
Impact LSRB 4.4-1
The
proposed project construction
could generate and expose
persons
to
excessive
groundborne
vibration
or
groundborne noise levels. This is
considered a significant impact.
PP 4.9-2 The campus shall continue to notify
research facilities located near approved
construction sites of the planned schedule of
vibration causing activities so that the researchers
can take necessary precautionary measures to
avoid negative effects to their research.
S
None available.
SU
Impact LSRB 4.4-2
Construction of the proposed
project
would
result
in
substantial temporary or periodic
increases in ambient noise levels.
This is considered a significant
PP 4.9-8(a) To the extent feasible, construction
activities shall be limited to 7:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M.
Monday through Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. on
Saturday, and no construction on Sunday and
national holidays, as appropriate, in order to
minimize disruption to area residences
S
None available.
SU
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University of California, Los Angeles
Summary of Environmental Effects and Mitigation Measures
Summary of Environmental Effects and Mitigation Measures
Impact
impact.
2002 LRDP EIR Mitigation Measures or Campus Programs,
Practices, and Procedures
Level of
Significance
Prior to
Mitigation
Life Sciences Replacement Building Mitigation
Measure(s)
Level of
Significance
After
Mitigation
surrounding the campus and to on-campus uses
that are sensitive to noise.
PP 4.9-8(b) The campus shall continue to
require
by
contract
specifications
that
construction equipment be required to be muffled
or otherwise shielded. Contracts shall specify that
engine-driven equipment be fitted with
appropriate noise mufflers.
PP 4.9-8(c) The campus shall continue to
require that stationary construction equipment
material and vehicle staging be placed to direct
noise away from sensitive receptors.
PP 4.9-8(d) The campus shall continue to
conduct regular meetings with on-campus
constituents to provide advance notice of
construction activities in order to coordinate
these activities with the academic calendar,
scheduled events, and other situations, as needed.
TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC
Impact LSRB 4.5-1
Construction activities associated
with the LSRB would result in
the generation of constructionrelated vehicle trips, which would
impact traffic conditions along
roadway segments and at
individual intersections. This is
considered a significant impact.
PP 4.13-3 UCLA Capital Programs will assess
construction schedules of major projects to
determine the potential for overlapping
construction activities to result in periods of
heavy construction vehicle traffic on individual
roadway segments, and adjust construction
schedules, work hours, or access routes to the
extent feasible to reduce construction-related
traffic congestion.
S
None available.
SU
LS = Less Than Significant
PS = Potentially Significant
S = Significant
SU = Significant Unavoidable Impact Requiring a “Statement of Overriding Considerations” Prior to Project Approval
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Summary of Environmental Effects and Mitigation Measures
Table 2-2
Comparison of Alternatives to the Proposed Project
LSRB Project
Alternative 1
No Project/ No
Development
Alternative 2
Botany Building/Lath
House Site Alternative
Alternative 3
Reduced Project
Aesthetics
LS
NI (Less)
SU (Greater)
LS (Less)
Air Quality—Construction
LS
NI (Less)
LS (Greater)
LS (Less)
Cultural Resources
LS
NI (Less)
NI (Less)
LS (Less)
Noise—Construction
SU
NI (Less)
SU (Greater)
SU (Less)
Transportation—Construction
SU
NI (Less)
SU (Greater)
SU (Less)
Relationship to objectives
—
Less
Less
Less
Impact Area
NI = No Impact
LS = Less Than Significant
PS = Potentially Significant
S = Significant
SU = Significant and Unavoidable
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University of California, Los Angeles