The project site is a 3.2-acre parcel near the intersection of Winchester Boulevard and lark Avenue and is owned by PG&E. The existing Metcalf-Monta Vista 230 kV transmission line runs through the site. The proposed substation at full build out is planned to be a remote-controlled, two- transformer bank, low profile facility occupying an area approximately 250 feet by 150 feet and would require maintenance inspections once a month. Development of the site for the substation would involve construction over a four month period.

A 230/12 kV, 45 Megavolt-Ampere (MVA) transformer would be constructed in the first phase of the project. A similar transformer would be constructed at a later phase. A Spill Prevention Containment and Countermeasure (SPCC) pond and a paved driveway would be constructed within the substation site. An eight-foot high solid sound wall would be constructed along the easterly boundary of the site between the Charter Oaks condominium complex and the substation. The proposed project includes replacing the 80-foot high double wood pole support structures on-site and on the Elk's Lodge property across Winchester Boulevard with 100-foot high single tubular steel poles for the existing Metcalf-Monta Vista 230 kV transmission line. Because the 230 kV transmission line already passes through the site, no new extension or realignment would be required to connect the substation to the transmission system. New overhead transmission lines would be strung on the circuit (Circuit No. 1) connecting the substation to the tubular steel pole on the Elks Lodge property. The other circuit (Circuit No. 2) which by passes the substation would be reattached to the new tubular steel poles.

The existing overhead 12 kV distribution line along the east side of Winchester Boulevard between Lark Avenue and the northerly boundary of the proposed substation would be placed underground during the construction period for the project. Construction of two underground 12 kV distribution circuits would connect the Vasona Substation to the existing electric distribution system. Electrical service interruptions to customers in the area are not expected during the construction of the substation.

Further details on proposed construction methods and proposed facilities are included in the Initial Study prepared for the project and in PG&E's application and PEA.

In compliance with requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act, an Initial Study was prepared for the Vasona Substation project. This environmental study is specific to the construction of the Vasona Substation at the proposed site. An initial study under CEQA does not require the CPUC to analyze alternatives including alternative sites, (CEQA guidelines §15063(d)). The CPUC explored alternative sites under G.O. 131-D, independent of this initial study. This Mitigated Negative Declaration summarizes the findings of the Initial Study and specifically identifies mitigation measures which PG&E has incorporated into the project, in addition to those identified as part of the project in PG&E's application.

The Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration and Initial Study were issued for public review from September 8, 1997 through October 8, 1997, a 30-day review period. Extensive comments were received on these documents during and prior to the comment period. As required by CEQA, the CPUC has responded to all the comments that were received on the Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration and Initial Study. Attached is a compilation of all written comments that were received and the responses to those comments.

An Initial Study was prepared to assess the potential effects on the environment of the proposed Vasona Substation project, and the respective significance of those effects. Based on the Initial Study, the proposed Vasona Substation will have less than significant effects or no impact in the areas of:

Each of the identified impacts can be mitigated to avoid the impact or reduce it to a less than significant level by mitigation measures, which PG&E has agreed to comply with and incorporate as part of the project. These mitigation measures and monitoring requirements are as follows.

Impact: Project construction activities may create silt that would be deposited in storm drains and on road surfaces.

IV.c-1: In order to reduce hazards of silt deposition in storm drains during grading and construction of the site, PG&E shall require the construction crew or contractor to:

IV.c-2: In order to reduce hazards of silt deposition in storm drains during construction of the distribution feeder line, PG&E shall require the construction crew or contractor to:

Impact: Project construction activities may generate nuisance dust.

V.a-1: In order to reduce the potential impacts on dust generation during construction, PG&E shall require construction contractors to implement a dust abatement program during construction activities. At a minimum, the dust abatement program (as adapted from Bay Area Air Quality Management District) should include:

Impact: Project construction activities would create noise.

X.a-1: To reduce the construction noise effects, PG&E shall require construction contractors to limit noisy construction activities to the least noise-sensitive times of day and week (e.g., 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday).

X.a-2: To reduce the construction noise effects, PG&E shall require all contractors to adequately muffle and maintain construction equipment used on the site.

X.a-3: To reduce the construction noise effects, PG&E shall require all contractors to locate all stationary construction equipment (i.e., compressors and generators) as far as practicable from the eastern property line.

Impact: Following construction of trenches in the streets and sidewalks, PG&E would pave the street and sidewalk: this may create rough and uneven pavement that may be a hazard to vehicles and pedestrians.

XI.d-1: In order to prevent hazards to vehicular traffic and pedestrians from uneven pavement in traffic lanes and sidewalks dug-up for construction, following construction of the distribution feeder line and closure of the trench, PG&E shall restore the road surface in the trenched lanes along Winchester Boulevard and Lark Avenue and in the sidewalk to a condition equal to that at the time immediately prior to initiating construction.

Impact: Project security lighting may be directed in such a way as to be a nuisance to nearby residents and offices.

XIII.c-1: In order to prevent the creation of nuisance lighting, all lighting on the site shall be angled downward and directed away from adjacent residences in the Charter Oaks Circle condominiums at all times.

XIII.c-2: In order to prevent nuisance lighting, to the extent possible, all lighting fixtures on the site should be positioned behind trees as viewed from adjacent residences in the Charter Oaks Circle condominiums or, if this is not possible, PG&E shall plant new evergreen (non-deciduous broad-leaf or needle-leaf) trees to screen site lighting from the residences.

In light of the analysis in the Initial Study, and the mitigation measures identified therein (and listed above) for inclusion into the project, the CPUC proposes to find that the project will not have a significant effect on the environment.