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PL24-0025 (Site Approval)
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LOCATION MAP
PROJECT NO.: PL24-0025 (Site Approval)
APPLICANT: USA Waste of California, Inc.
REQUEST: A request for a developer modification to PL13-0629 (Site Approval) to further upgrade Waste Management’s existing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fueling facility to include 20 additional CNG fueling stalls to serve Waste Management vehicles, and a new CNG compressor located within the General Industrial (M2) zoning district.
LOCATION: 13821 Redwood Avenue (APN 1021-142-15)
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. PC2025-001, approving PL24-0025 (Site Approval), based upon the findings and subject to the departmental conditions of approval.
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SURROUNDING ZONING AND LAND USE:
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Existing Land Use |
General Plan |
Zoning District |
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Project Site - |
Waste Management Facility |
General Industrial (GI) |
General Industrial (M2) |
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North - |
Industrial |
General Industrial (GI) |
General Industrial (M2) |
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East - |
Industrial |
General Industrial (GI) |
General Industrial (M2) |
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South - |
Industrial |
General Industrial (GI) |
General Industrial (M2) |
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West - |
Single Family Residential, Vacant |
Residential, 4.5 dwelling units/acre (RD 4.5) |
Residential, 4.5 dwelling units/acre (RD 4.5) |
BACKGROUND
On February 19, 2014, the Planning Commission approved PL13-0629 (Site Approval) and PL13-0630 (Special Conditional Use Permit), which permitted the conversion of a portable Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fueling system to a permanent facility. This project included various site improvements to the Waste Management facility, including the installation of 39 CNG fueling stalls for Waste Management vehicles, along with the addition of a public CNG fueling island. The initiative was part of Waste Management’s effort to transition its service fleet from diesel to CNG. The applicant is now requesting a developer modification to PL13-0629 for further site improvements to expand the facility, which includes the addition of 20 additional CNG fueling stalls. Waste Management provides municipal waste services to hundreds of cities across the country, including the City of Chino. The previous conditions of approval for PL13-0629 and PL13-0630 shall apply to this project.
ISSUES/ANALYSIS
Site Plan
Waste Management is proposing the addition of 20 CNG fueling parking stalls within a private yard area along the south property line. Each parking stall will be 12 feet wide by 73 feet long and can accommodate two tandem Waste Management trucks. In addition, a new CNG compressor is proposed at the northwest portion of the project site, along with an overhead truss structure above the parking stalls to provide the necessary equipment (i.e. hose and nozzles) for dispensing CNG fuel. These fueling stations will allow for overnight refueling of the entire truck fleet when not in use. The new parking area will be setback 97 feet from the front property line. An underground water quality infiltration system will also be installed beneath the parking area to treat water runoff associated with the project. These fueling stalls will be exclusively used by Waste Management and not accessible to the public.
Safety
As with any fuel, safe handling depends on knowledge of its particular physical, chemical, and thermal properties, and consideration of safe ways to accommodate those properties. CNG has been safely produced, stored, transported, and used for many years to generate electricity, heat homes, and cook meals. It can be used safely by following standard practices and common sense procedures. Some of the safety advantages of CNG are that it has no potential for ground or water contamination in the event of a fuel release, and since it is lighter than air, leaks quickly rise and dissipate rather than pool on the ground as liquid fuels do. An odorant is added to the gas to provide a distinctive smell which is easy to recognize. The odorant is detectable at one-fifth of the gas’ lower flammability limit, meaning that you can smell the gas well before it is at flammable concentrations. CNG is delivered to the fueling system by the same pipelines that serve our homes and businesses. Pipelines have proven to be the safest way to transport fuels, and because the fuel is delivered by a pipeline, there are no large storage vessels needed onsite. The natural gas vehicles are fueled from the pipeline by compressing the gas directly into the vehicle fuel tanks.
The safety measures implemented in the original approval will continue to be utilized with the proposed expansion. This includes the continued use of emergency shutoff devices, and the addition of extra fire extinguishers installed within a safe distance of the CNG equipment. The proposed CNG equipment will also be integrated into the existing gas leak detection and automatic shutdown system. The Chino Valley Independent Fire District has reviewed the project and has outlined several safety measures incorporated as conditions of approval for the project.
Landscaping
To enhance the project frontage and to further screen the private yard area on Redwood Avenue, hedges will be planted along the existing 7-foot-high wall. These hedges are expected to grow to a maximum height of at least 12 feet, effectively screening the overnight storage of Waste Management trucks, as well as the associated CNG equipment.
Public Noticing
A 10-day notice was mailed to all property owners within a 300-foot radius of the project site. In addition, a notice was published in the Chino Champion on February 8, 2025, and the City sent information out on the City’s social media platforms. In response to the public notice, no comments have been received. The notice meets legal noticing requirements. Supplemental noticing was provided from Waste Management, who mailed project informative flyers to residents on Anderson Street.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The proposed project is categorically exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per Section 15332 of the guidelines-Infill Development projects. The exemption applies to infill projects that are consistent with the General Plan and Zoning Requirements; are located on a project site of no more than 5 acres substantially surrounded by urban uses; are located on a site that has no value for habitat for endangered, rare or threatened species; will not result in significant effects relating to traffic, noise, air quality, or water quality; and are located on a site that can be adequately served by utilities and public services. The proposed Project is located on 0.51 acres of a developed 4.52-acre site and fully surrounded by existing development. Furthermore, none of the exceptions to the categorical exemptions set forth in the CEQA Guidelines 15300.2, apply to this project.