TAHA INNOVATIVE SERVICES

Aesthetics and Visual Impacts

Today, many of our clients are concerned about a project creating a contrast with its surroundings. TAHA has the tools and experience to assess the potential aesthetic impact (or visual contract) of a project in relation to the surrounding environment. TAHA can conduct technical aesthetic analyses for residential, commercial/retail, mixed-use, institutional, industrial and transportation projects addressing the following areas: visual character, massing (i.e., size), scale and height; views and vistas; scenic resources, lighting, glare, and reflection; and shadows. Our technical analysis emphasizes graphic representation using the latest models and software, all designed to meet our client’s needs.

3-D Project Modeling. TAHA is experienced in preparing technical reports analyzing the potential massing, scale, height, views and vistas and shadow impact of a project. TAHA uses the latest 3-D modeling software such as SketchUp to provide our clients with 3-D models of project that illustrate building height, massing and scale, as well as development patterns and even shadows. These models can be animated to show different points in time, such as a shadow moving over the course of a day, or development changes through the lifetime of a long-range plan. The results of the project modeling are documented in a technical report, assessed using local thresholds of significance, and include graphic representations exported from the 3-D modeling software.

Lighting Modeling. Many projects include security, decorative or functional lighting that can introduce a new source of light or glare to an area during nighttime hours. Utilizing visual lighting design and modeling software, TAHA can create a model illustrating the locations of proposed light poles and /or fixtures and the amount of light that may potentially spill over onto nearby sensitive uses (e.g., residences) at night. TAHA has expertise in preparing lighting models and comparing the results with applicable local lighting standards. Our technical lighting reports may include a graphic representation of the proposed lighting scheme, properties that could be impacted by the proposed lighting and possible mitigation measures.

Greenhouse Gas/Global Warming Analysis

In response to growing scientific and political concern with global climate change, California has recently adopted a series of laws to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere from commercial and private activities within the State.  California is committed to reducing Statewide GHG emissions by 174 million metric tons by 2020.  Land use will play a key roll in controlling GHG emissions and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) has been in an important tool in facing the challenge of reducing emissions.  New CEQA guidance requires that project sponsors quantify GHG emissions and demonstrate how projects will be consistent with State goals to combat global warming.

TAHA is an expert in generating project-specific GHG emission inventories.  We use the most current methodologies to calculate GHG emissions from vehicle activity, electricity use, natural gas consumption, and energy use associated with the transport and consumption of water.  TAHA’s expertise in GHGs goes beyond evaluating project-specific GHG emissions and creating emissions inventories.  Our firm has experience in large-scale, regional planning and energy efficiency.  By taking an innovative approach, TAHA continues to be at the forefront of the global warming and GHG field.  

Noise Analysis

TAHA’s projects often require noise monitoring to assess ambient conditions.  Noise monitoring is used to determine construction impacts to sensitive land uses near project sites for mixed-use developments, commercial properties, and industrial land uses.  TAHA also uses noise measurements to assess operational impacts associated with mechanical equipment use, automobile noise, and the compatibility of proposed land uses with the existing noise environment.  For example, TAHA has completed many analyses to determine if a proposed school site would be located in a noise environment compatible with a learning atmosphere.          

TAHA operates a Quest Technologies SoundPro DL data logging sound level meter and calibrator to assess ambient noise levels.  The sound level meter is capable of monitoring in the A, C, and Z frequency weightings with a fast or slow response time and it can log data in intervals from one second to 60 minutes.  TAHA owns an outdoor measurement system that is designed to complete 24-hour noise measurements.  The system includes a weatherproof case, internal battery, and a microphone mast.  The outdoor measurement system is used to record daily noise metrics such as the Community Noise Equivalence Level or the Day-Night Level.   
Recent Work Highlights

Formation of Wiseburn Unified School District
The California State Board of Education (SBE) (Lead Agency) with assistance from the Department of General Services (DGS) has prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Report (Draft EIR) for the formation of the Wiseburn Unified School District (WUSD) in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

The proposed project involves a change of local government structure from separate elementary and high school districts to one unified district (i.e., the formation of the Wiseburn Unified School District to serve grades K-12). The SBE will decide whether to adopt a resolution approving the petition to form the WUSD through the unification of the existing Wiseburn School District (WSD)(serving grades K-8), which is comprised of three elementary schools (grades K-5) and a middle school (grades 6-8), with the corresponding portion of the Centinela Valley Union High School District (CVUHSD) within its boundaries. An SBE resolution approving the petition triggers a local election to approve the project. If the SBE adopts a resolution to approve the petition, it also will determine the area of election (i.e., whether the voters of the entire CVUHSD vote or only the voters of WSD vote).

The Draft EIR has been completed. You can view the Draft EIR and the appendices to the Draft EIR, please click on the following links. Please note that the files are large and will take a moment to open.

Formation of the Wiseburn Unified School District Draft EIR.pdf   (4mb)

Appendices A & B Formation of Wiseburn School Dist Draft EIR.pdf   (7.75mb)

Appendices C thru F Formation of Wiseburn School Dist Draft EIR.pdf   (7.4mb)
Metro Projects
TAHA is busy with environmental work on four Los Metro projects throughout the Los Angeles Region.

The first project kicked-off by Metro was the EIR for the Canoga Transportation Corridor Project, located in Canoga Park in the San Fernando Valley. This project includes a six-mile northern extension of bus service from the current terminus of the Orange Line at the existing Canoga Avenue Station to the Chatsworth Street Metrolink Station. Several project and corridor alternatives was evaluated and screened during the EIR process, including an alternative that may extend the project an additional two miles north to a potential park-and-ride facility adjacent to the 118 Freeway. As part of a larger team of experts, TAHA focused on evaluating the air quality, noise and vibration, land acquisition, relocation, and displacement, environmental justice, and other potential impacts of the project.

TAHA is also preparing an EIS/EIR for the Crenshaw-Prairie Transit Corridor Project. This corridor includes Crenshaw Boulevard, extending from Wilshire Boulevard to the City of Inglewood and continues south on Prairie Avenue and Crenshaw Boulevard potentially to the 105 Freeway and terminating at LAX. The EIS/EIR process will allow Metro and the FTA to evaluate a range of alternative improvements that would accommodate projected population growth, transit demand, and be compatible with land uses and future development. Currently, Metro is conducting a study to determine what type of high-capacity transit improvements are needed.

TAHA is supporting the preparation of the Alternative Analysis for the Regional Transit Connector Project. Conceptually, the Regional Transit Connector will extend the Metro Blue Line, Gold Line, and Exposition Light Rail Transit Corridors within the Central Business District of the City of Los Angeles.

And the fourth Metro project that TAHA is working on, the Westside Extension Transit Corridor Project, is also underway. TAHA is also supporting the preparation of the Alternative Analysis for this project as well. The Westside Extension Transit Corridor, or “Subway to the Sea,” will extend the existing underground Metro Red Line subway, which currently terminates at Wilshire Boulevard and Western Avenue, west to Santa Monica.

Depending on the findings of these two Alternatives Analyses, an EIS/EIR may eventually be prepared for each of these projects.
Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach Air Programs
We've had our contract extended to conduct real-time air quality monitoring for the Port of Los Angeles and begun the monitoring at the Port of Long Beach as well. The program monitors fine particulate matter (PM2.5) at six sites located in Wilmington, San Pedro, and Long Beach. PM2.5, which is emitted from the combustion of diesel, is of particular concern to the Port communities because of health risks associated PM2.5. The results of the studies should identify not only how much PM2.5 is present in the air, but also pinpoint its major source. TAHA is responsible for regular visits to the air monitoring sites, maintaining accurate data records, and consistent communication with the project team regarding the studies' status.

UPCOMING PROJECTS
In addition to the above, TAHA is working on a number of new projects, including the preparation of environmental documents for the South Los Angeles and the Southeast Los Angeles Community Plans, the Downtown Redlands Specific Plan, and for the Gale Avenue/Nogales Grade Separation Combined Project.

And...

This month we welcomed Andres Flores to TAHA as a full-time employee. Andres is an Assistant Planner/Field Technician working at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach and also our man in the field doing reconnaissance, photography, noise monitoring, etc. We're pleased he's part of the TAHA team and are looking forward to working with him.
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