TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION Description The Energy Commission staff is required to complete an independent analysis of transportation impacts resulting from construction and operation of a proposed power plant and related facilities and transmission corridor zones. The evaluation will address such areas as existing and anticipated road capacity, design and safety standards, vehicle miles travelled, changes to road and highway levels of service, hazardous materials delivery routes, and proximity of construction worker/truck travel routes to schools and school bus routes. Evaluation of impacts on other forms of transportation, such as railroads and air traffic, including analysis of the effects of solar glint/glare, ground-hugging water vapor plumes, and thermal exhaust plumes, may also be necessary. The analysis requires an understanding of the proposed project, how it will affect the existing environment, the significance of the impacts, and recommendations for mitigation to offset expected impacts. A Glint and Glare Specialist will provide calculations of estimated glint and glare from solar thermal projects to inform the Traffic and Transportation specialist’s analysis of the effects of a solar project on ground traffic and aviation safety. The Glint and Glare Specialist will identify and evaluate design or operational changes to minimize any significant glare impacts on transportation. Required Findings Plants and Related Facilities The Warren-Alquist Act [Pub. Resources Code § 25523(a)] requires specific provisions relating to the manner in which the proposed facility is to be designed, sited, and operated in order to protect environmental quality. CEQA also requires that all feasible measures to substantially lessen significant impacts have been incorporated into the project. Appendix G (section XVI.) of the CEQA Guidelines lists examples of questions regarding traffic and transportation effects that are typically considered. Approved projects must comply with applicable state, federal, and local laws and regulations. As a lead agency for approving power plants and related facilities, the Energy Commission is obligated by state law and policy to minimize transportation impacts. Transmission Corridor Zones Public Resources Code section 25332 identifies the Energy Commission as lead agency for all transmission corridor zones proposed for designation. California Code of Regulations, Title 20, section 2329, states that staff shall be responsible for preparing a draft and final environmental impact report on a proposed transmission corridor zone.
TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION Description The Energy Commission staff is required to complete an independent analysis of transportation impacts resulting from construction and operation of a proposed power plant and related facilities and transmission corridor zones. The evaluation will address such areas as existing and anticipated road capacity, design and safety standards, vehicle miles travelled, changes to road and highway levels of service, hazardous materials delivery routes, and proximity of construction worker/truck travel routes to schools and school bus routes. Evaluation of impacts on other forms of transportation, such as railroads and air traffic, including analysis of the effects of solar glint/glare, ground-hugging water vapor plumes, and thermal exhaust plumes, may also be necessary. The analysis requires an understanding of the proposed project, how it will affect the existing environment, the significance of the impacts, and recommendations for mitigation to offset expected impacts. A Glint and Glare Specialist will provide calculations of estimated glint and glare from solar thermal projects to inform the Traffic and Transportation specialist’s analysis of the effects of a solar project on ground traffic and aviation safety. The Glint and Glare Specialist will identify and evaluate design or operational changes to minimize any significant glare impacts on transportation. Required Findings Plants and Related Facilities The Warren-Alquist Act [Pub. Resources Code § 25523(a)] requires specific provisions relating to the manner in which the proposed facility is to be designed, sited, and operated in order to protect environmental quality. CEQA also requires that all feasible measures to substantially lessen significant impacts have been incorporated into the project. Appendix G (section XVI.) of the CEQA Guidelines lists examples of questions regarding traffic and transportation effects that are typically considered. Approved projects must comply with applicable state, federal, and local laws and regulations. As a lead agency for approving power plants and related facilities, the Energy Commission is obligated by state law and policy to minimize transportation impacts. Transmission Corridor Zones Public Resources Code section 25332 identifies the Energy Commission as lead agency for all transmission corridor zones proposed for designation. California Code of Regulations, Title 20, section 2329, states that staff shall be responsible for preparing a draft and final environmental impact report on a proposed transmission corridor zone.
10_Att-10_Technical-Descriptions.docx