Freedom Circle Remedial Action Plan
6 Documents in Project
Summary
SCH Number
2020060425
Lead Agency
City of Santa Clara
Document Title
Freedom Circle Remedial Action Plan
Document Type
NOD - Notice of Determination
Received
Posted
8/20/2025
Document Description
The project activities involve the implementation of a Remedial Action Plan (RAP) for the Freedom Circle project (project). Shallow soil at the approximately 13.3-acre site (site), comprised of two parcels, contains concentrations of metals and organochlorine pesticides above health-risk based regulatory screening criteria for residential land use. The primary contaminants of potential concern have been identified as arsenic,
lead, and dieldrin in shallow soil (less than 5 feet below ground surface). The cleanup of the site will consist of excavation and offsite disposal of approximately 100,000 cubic yards of contaminated soil.
The Freedom Circle Focus Area Plan / Greystar Project General Plan Amendment Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was certified by the City of Santa Clara on June 7, 2022. The Final EIR analyzed the redevelopment of the Freedom Circle project site to be developed with three multifamily residential buildings and a public park.
The Final EIR concluded that a significant unavoidable impact could occur related to construction emissions that could exceed applicable BAAQMD thresholds and generate a cumulatively considerable net increase in criteria air pollutants for which the region is in non-attainment. DTSC concluded that the project activities could contribute to this significant unavoidable impact. However, the environmental benefits of the project (cleanup of the site) outweigh the unavoidable adverse environmental effects (CEQA Guidelines Section 15193). Therefore, DTSC is relying on the City’s Statement of Overriding Considerations adopted for the Final EIR.
DTSC utilized information and analysis in the Final EIR to support a final determination about the type of environmental document required to be prepared for the RAP, as provided by Sections 15162, 15163, and 15164 of the CEQA Guidelines. An Addendum has been prepared which considered the environmental impacts that
were analyzed in the Final EIR. The Addendum focuses on determining whether the project activities associated with the RAP would result in an increase in the severity of the impacts that were previously identified or would result in any new impacts not previously considered in the EIR.
Contact Information
Name
Dennis Palacios
Agency Name
Department of Toxic Substances Control
Job Title
Project Manager
Contact Types
Responsible Agency
Phone
Name
Jimmy Ly
Agency Name
CRE-GS Freedom Circle Phase I Owner, LLC
Job Title
Senior Manager
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
Santa Clara
Counties
Santa Clara
Regions
Citywide
Cross Streets
3925 and 3935 Freedom Circle
Notice of Determination
Approving Agency
Department of Toxic Substances Control
Approving Agency Role
Responsible Agency
Approved On
County Clerk
Santa Clara
Final Environmental Document Available at
www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public/profile_report?global_id=43010028
Determinations
(1) The project will have a significant impact on the environment
Yes
(2a) An Environmental Impact Report was prepared for this project pursuant to the provisions of CEQA
Yes
(2b) A Mitigated or a Negative Declaration was prepared for this project pursuant to the provisions of CEQA
No
(2c) An other document type was prepared for this project pursuant to the provisions of CEQA
No
(3) Mitigated measures were made a condition of the approval of the project
Yes
(4) A mitigation reporting or monitoring plan was adopted for this project
Yes
(5) A Statement of Overriding Considerations was adopted for this project
Yes
(6) Findings were made pursuant to the provisions of CEQA
Yes
Attachments
Notice of Determination
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