STATE OF CALIFORNIA
PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

 

Southern California Edison's

El Casco System Project

 

 

 

 

 

 

Draft Environmental Impact Report

 

 

 

 

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Notice of Availability

Executive Summary

 

ES.1. Introduction/Background
ES.2. Alternatives
ES.3. Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures
ES.4. Summary Comparison of the Proposed Project and Alternatives

ES.5. Impact Summary Tables
Figure ES-1. Electrical Needs Area
Figure ES-2. Regional Overview of El Casco System Project

A.

Introduction/Overview

 

A.1. History and Overview of the Project
A.2. Proposed Project Objectives
A.3. Agency Use of this Document
A.4. Reader's Guide to this Document
Figure A-1. El Casco System Project Overview

Figure A-2. Electrical Needs Area and Affected SCE Substations

B.

Project Description

 

B.1. Project Overview
B.2. Project Location
B.3. Project Phasing
B.4. Substation Facilities
B.5. 220 kV Transmission Line Loop-In

B.6. 115 kV Subtransmission Line Work

B.7. 115 kV Distribution Line Getaways

B.8. Telecommunications Improvements

B.9.Applicant Prosed Measures

Figure B-1. Regional Overview of the El Casco System Project

Figure B-2. Proposed El Casco Substation Site and 115 kV Subtransmission Line

Figure B-3a. El Casco Substation Site Plan

Figure B-3b. El Casco Substation Site Plan - Aerial View

Figure B-4.  Zanja Substation Proposed Plot Plan

Figure B-5. Typical Structure Designs

Figure B-6. 115 kV Subtransmission Line Route Map 1 of 5 (15MB)

Figure B-7. 115 kV Subtransmission Line Route Map 2 of 5 (16MB)

Figure B-8. 115 kV Subtransmission Line Route Map 3 of 5 (16MB)

Figure B-9. 115 kV Subtransmission Line Route Map 4 of 5 (17MB)

Figure B-10. 115 kV Subtransmission Line Route Map 5 of 5 (17MB)

Figure B-11. Mill Creek Communications Site

Figure B-12. El Casco-San Bernardino Fiber Optic Cable Route

Figure B-13. El Casco-Banning Fiber Optic Cable Route

Figure B-14. Fiber Optic Cables in the Vicinity of El Casco Substation

Figure B-15. Banning-M17 T1 Fiber Optic Cable Route

C.

Alternatives

 

C.1. Introduction

C.2. Alternatives Development and Screening Process

C.3. Summary of Screening Results

C.4. Alternatives Evaluated in this EIR

C.5. Alternatives Eliminated from Full EIR Evaluation

C.6. No Project Alternative

Figure C-1. CPUC’s Northerly Route Alternative – Option 3

Figure C-2. Location of Route Alternative Option 3 115 kV Subtransmission Lines within Existing SCE ROW

Figure C-3. CPUC’s Northerly Route Alternative – Option 3 Between Zanja Break-off and Banning Substation

Figure C-4. Partial Underground Alternative (17MB)

Figure C-5. Example of Double-Circuit 66 kV Riser Poles

Figure C-6. Underground Transmission Duct Bank Cross-Section

Figure C-7. Underground Transmission Duck Bank Plan View

D.

Environmental Analysis

D.1

Introduction to the Environmental Analysis

 

D.1.1. Introduction/Background

D.1.2. Environmental Assessment Methodology

D.2

Air Quality

 

D.2.1. Environmental Setting for the Proposed Project

D.2.2. Applicable Regulations, Plans, and Standards

D.2.3. Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures for the Proposed Project

D.2.4. CPUC’s Northerly Route Alternative Option 3

D.2.5. Partial Underground Alternative

D.2.6. No Project Alternative

D.2.7. Mitigation Monitoring, Compliance, and Reporting Table

Figure D.2-1. Normalized Maximum Short-term Historical Air Pollutant Concentrations (imbedded in text)

Figure D.2-2. Normalized Ozone Air Quality Maximum Concentrations (1997-2006) (imbedded in text)

Figure D.2-3. Ozone – Number of Days Exceeding the 1-Hr CAAQS and 8-hr NAAQS (1997-2006) (imbedded in text)

Figure D.2-4. Normalized PM10 Air Quality Maximum Concentrations (1997-2006) (imbedded in text)

Figure D.2-5. PM10 24-Hour – Monitored Days Exceeding the CAAQS (1998-2006) (imbedded in text)

D.3

Land Use

 

D.3.1. Environmental Setting for the Proposed Project

D.3.2. Applicable Regulations, Plans, and Standards

D.3.3. Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures for the Proposed Project

D.3.4. CPUC’s Northerly Route Alternative Option 3

D.3.5. Partial Underground Alternative

D.3.6. No Project Alternative

D.3.7. Mitigation Monitoring, Compliance, and Reporting Table

Figure D.3-1. Farmland and Williamson Act Contract Lands in the Vicinity of the Proposed Project

Figure D.3-2. Existing Land Uses in the Vicinity of the El Casco Substation, 115 kV Subtransmission Line, and Banning Substation – 1 of 4

Figure D.3-3. Existing Land Uses in the Vicinity of the El Casco Substation, 115 kV Subtransmission Line, and Banning Substation – 2 of 4

Figure D.3-4. Existing Land Uses in the Vicinity of the El Casco Substation, 115 kV Subtransmission Line, and Banning Substation – 3 of 4

Figure D.3-5. Existing Land Uses in the Vicinity of the El Casco Substation, 115 kV Subtransmission Line, and Banning Substation – 4 of 4

Figure D.3-6. Existing Land Uses in the Vicinity of the Zanja Substation and Mill Creek Communications Site

Figure D.3-7. Recreational Resources in the Vicinity of the Proposed Project and Alternatives (5MB)

Figure D.3-8. Farmland and Williamson Act Contract Lands in the Vicinity of the CPUC’s Northerly Route Alternative Option 3

D.4

Biological Resources

 

D.4.1. Environmental Setting for the Proposed Project

D.4.2. Regulatory Framework

D.4.3. Significance Criteria

D.4.4. Applicant-Proposed Measures

D.4.5. Proposed Project Impact Analysis

D.4.6. CPUC’s Northerly Route Alternative Option 3

D.4.7. Partial Underground Alternative

D.4.8. No Project Alternative

D.4.9. Mitigation Monitoring, Compliance, and Reporting Table

Figure D.4-1a. Vegetation Communities

Figure D.4-1b. Vegetation Communities

Figure D.4-1c. Vegetation Communities

Figure D.4-1d. Vegetation Communities

Figure D.4-1e. Vegetation Communities

Figure D.4-2a. Sensitive Species Location

Figure D.4-2b. Sensitive Species Location

Figure D.4-2c. Sensitive Species Location

Figure D.4-2d. Sensitive Species Location

Figure D.4-2e. Sensitive Species Location

D.5

Cultural Resources

 

D.5.1. Environmental Setting for the Proposed Project

D.5.2. Applicable Regulations, Plans, and Standards

D.5.3. Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures for the Proposed Project

D.5.4. CPUC’s Northerly Route Alternative Option 3

D.5.5. Partial Underground Alternative

D.5.6. No Project Alternative

D.5.7. Mitigation Monitoring, Compliance, and Reporting Table

D.6

Geology and Soils

 

D.6.1. Environmental Setting for the Proposed Project

D.6.2. Applicable Regulations, Plans, and Standards

D.6.3. Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures for the Proposed Project

D.6.4. CPUC’s Northerly Route Alternative Option 3

D.6.5. Partial Underground Alternative

D.6.6. No Project Alternative

D.6.7. Mitigation Monitoring, Compliance, and Reporting Table

Figure D.6-1. Regional Fault Map

Figure D.6-2a. Local Fault Map

Figure D.6-2b. Local Fault Map

Figure D.6-3. Liquefaction Potential Map (7MB)

Figure D.6-4a. Soils - Proposed Project and Alternatives

Figure D.6-4b. Soils - Proposed Project and Alternatives

Figure D.6-4c. Soils - Proposed Project and Alternatives

Figure D.6-4d. Soils - Proposed Project and Alternatives

Figure D.6-4e. Soils- Proposed Project Facilities

D.7

Hazards and Hazardous Materials

 

D.7.1. Environmental Setting for the Proposed Project

D.7.2. Applicable Regulations, Plans, and Standards

D.7.3. Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures for the Proposed Project

D.7.4. CPUC’s Northerly Route Alternative Option 3

D.7.5. Partial Underground Alternative

D.7.6. No Project Alternative

D.7.7. Electric and Magnetic Fields and Other Field Related Concerns

D.7.8. Mitigation Monitoring, Compliance, and Reporting Table

Figure D.7-1. Fire Hazard Zones             

Figure D.7-2. Methane Hazard Area

Figure D.7-3. Magnetic Field Profiles – Segment 1 (El Casco Substation to Maraschino Loop West) (imbedded in text)

Figure D.7-4. Magnetic Field Profiles – Segment 2 (Maraschino Loop West) (imbedded in text)

Figure D.7-5. Magnetic Field Profiles – Segment 3 (Maraschino Loop South) (imbedded in text)

Figure D.7-6. Magnetic Field Profiles – Segment 4 (El Casco-Banning between Maraschino Loop West and Maraschino Loop South) (imbedded in text)

Figure D.7-7. Magnetic Field Profiles – Segment 5 (Maraschino Loop South to Banning Substation) (imbedded in text)

Figure D.7-8. A Design Comparison of Magnetic Field Levels for the El Casco-Banning 115 kV Subtransmission Line (imbedded in text)

Figure D.7-9. A Design Comparison of Magnetic Field Levels for the Banning-Marschino 115 kV Subtransmission Line (Segment 5) (imbedded in text)

Figure D.7-10. Comparison of Magnetic Fields Levels within the Sun Lakes Community (imbedded in text)

D.8

Hydrology and Water Quality

 

D.8.1. Environmental Setting for the Proposed Project

D.8.2. Applicable Regulations, Plans, and Standards

D.8.3. Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures for the Proposed Project

D.8.4. CPUC’s Northerly Route Alternative Option 3

D.8.5. Partial Underground Alternative

D.8.6. No Project Alternative

D.8.7. Mitigation Monitoring, Compliance, and Reporting Table
Figure D.8-1. Hydrologic Regions in the Project Area (5MB)

Figure D.8-2. Watersheds in the Project Area (10MB)

Figure D.8-3. Surface Waters in the Project Area

Figure D.8-4. Ephemeral Stream at El Casco Substation Site

Figure D.8-5. Flood Hazards in the Project Area

D.9

Noise

 

D.9.1. Environmental Setting for the Proposed Project

D.9.2. Applicable Regulations, Plans, and Standards

D.9.3. Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures for the Proposed Project

D.9.4. CPUC’s Northerly Route Alternative Option 3

D.9.5. Partial Underground Alternative

D.9.6. No Project Alternative

D.9.7. Mitigation Monitoring, Compliance, and Reporting Table

Figure D.9-1. Typical Range of Common Sounds Heard in the Environment

Figure D.9-2. Outdoor Day/Night Sound Levels in Different Areas

D.10

Public Services and Utilities

 

D.10.1. Environmental Setting for the Proposed Project

D.10.2. Applicable Regulations, Plans, and Standards

D.10.3. Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures for the Proposed Project

D.10.4. CPUC’s Northerly Route Alternative Option 3

D.10.5. Partial Underground Alternative

D.10.6. No Project Alternative

D.10.7. Mitigation Monitoring, Compliance, and Reporting Table

D.11

Transportation and Traffic

 

D.11.1. Environmental Setting for the Proposed Project

D.11.2. Applicable Regulations, Plans, and Standards

D.11.3. Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures for the Proposed Project

D.11.4. CPUC’s Northerly Route Alternative Option 3

D.11.5. Partial Underground Alternative

D.11.6. No Project Alternative

D.11.7. Mitigation Monitoring, Compliance, and Reporting Table

Figure D.11-1. Major Roadways in Project Area

Figure D.11-2. Major Roadways in the Zanja Substation and Mill Creek Communication Site Area

Figure D.11-3. Major Roadways Along Alternative Routes

D.12

Visual Resources

 

D.12.1. Environmental Setting for the Proposed Project

D.12.2. Applicable Regulations, Plans, and Standards

D.12.3. Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures for the Proposed Project

D.12.4. CPUC’s Northerly Route Alternative Option 3

D.12.5. Partial Underground Alternative

D.12.6. No Project Alternative

D.12.7. Mitigation Monitoring, Compliance, and Reporting Table

Figure D.12-1. Key Viewpoint Map

Figure D.12-2A. Key Viewpoint 1 San Timoteo Canyon Road – Existing View

Figure D.12-2B. Key Viewpoint 1 San Timoteo Canyon Road – Visual Simulation

Figure D.12-3A-B. Key Viewpoint 2 Norton Younglove Reserve – Existing View

Figure D.12-4A. Key Viewpoint 3: New San Timoteo Canyon Residential Development – Existing View

Figure D.12-4B. Key Viewpoint 3: New San Timoteo Canyon Residential Development – Visual Simulation

Figure D.12-4C. Key Viewpoint 3 Alternative: New San Timoteo Canyon Residential Development – Existing View

Figure D.12-5A. Key Viewpoint 4: State Route 60 – Existing View

Figure D.12-5B. Key Viewpoint 4: State Route 60 – Visual Simulation

Figure D.12-6A. Key Viewpoint 5: Faircliff Street – Existing View

Figure D.12-6B. Key Viewpoint 5: Faircliff Street – Visual Simulation

Figure D.12-7A. Key Viewpoint 6: Pine Valley Road – Existing View

Figure D.12-7B. Key Viewpoint 6: Pine Valley Road – Visual Simulation

Figure D.12-8. Key Viewpoint 7: East Lincoln Street – Existing View

Figure D.12-9A-C. Key Viewpoint 8: North Juniper Avenue – Existing View and elevation drawings

Figure D.12-10A-B. Key Viewpoint 9: Carter Street – Existing View and Visual Simulation

Figure D.12-11A. Key Viewpoint 10: Live Oak Canyon Road – Existing View

Figure D.12-11B. Key Viewpoint 10: Live Oak Canyon Road – Visual Simulation

Figure D.12-12A. Key Viewpoint 11: Summit Drive – Existing View

Figure D.12-12B.  Key Viewpoint 11: Summit Drive – Visual Simulation

Figure D.12-13A. Key Viewpoint 12: Cedar Hollow Road – Existing View

Figure D.12-13B. Key Viewpoint 12: Cedar Hollow Road – Visual Simulation

Figure D.12-14A. Key Viewpoint 13: San Timoteo Canyon Road – Existing View

Figure D.12-14B. Key Viewpoint 13: San Timoteo Canyon Road – Visual Simulation

Figure D.12-15A. Key Viewpoint 14: South Highland Home Road – Existing View

Figure D.12-15B. Key Viewpoint 14: South Highland Home Road – Visual Simulation

Figure D.12-16. Key Viewpoint 6: Pine Valley Road – Visual Simulation of Partial Underground Alternative

D.13

Effects Found Not To Be Significant

 

D.13.1. Mineral Resources
D.13-2. Population and Housing

 

E.

Comparison of Alternatives

 

E.1. Comparison Methodology

E.2. Environmentally Superior Alternative

E.3. No Project Alternative vs. the Environmentally Superior Alternative

 

F.

Other Considerations

 

F.1. Other CEQA Requirements and Considerations

F.2. Other Important Considerations

Figure F.1a. Cumulative Projects– Northwest

Figure F.1b. Cumulative Projects– Southeast

 

 

G.

Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting

 

G.1. Authority for the Mitigation Monitoring, Compliance and Reporting Program

G.2. Organization of the Final Mitigation Monitoring Implementation Plan

G.3. Condition Effectiveness Review

G.4. Mitigation Monitoring Program Tables

 

 

H.

Public Participation

 

H.1. Introduction

H.2. Public Participation Program

H.3. Public Review Period

 

I.

References and Organization/Persons Consulted

 

I.1. References

I.2. Organizations and Persons Consulted

J.

Glossary

 

 

K.

List of Preparers

APPENDICES

Appendix 1. Alternatives Screening Report (6MB)
Appendix 2. Notice of Preparation
Appendix 3. Air Quality Calculations
Appendix 4. Biological Resources

         4.1. Biological Resources Technical Report

         4.2. Jurisdictional Delineation Report (5MB)
Appendix 5. Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF) Field Management Reports
Appendix 6. Cultural Resources – Tribal Consultation
Appendix 7. Soils in Project Area

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