10/2012 Chapter 3 Environmental Report — Riverside City Council, May 10, 2022 (part 1 of 2)

City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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3.1 INTRODUCTION
Chapter 3 of this DEIR examines the environmental consequences associated with the Riverside Transmission Reliability Project (RTRP). This chapter includes analyses of the following resource areas:

Aesthetics
Agricultural and Forest Resources
Air Quality and Greenhouse Gases
Biological Resources
Cultural Resources
Geology and Soils
Hazards and Hazardous Materials
Hydrology and Water Quality
Land Use and Planning
Mineral Resources
Noise
Population and Housing
Public Services and Utilities
Recreation
Transportation and Traffic
These environmental resources are discussed in detail in Sections 3.2.1 through Sections 3.2.15.

Analysis within each resource area section includes consideration of the Proposed Project, which is described in detail in Chapter 2 of this DEIR.

3.1.1 PROPOSED PROJECT COMPONENTS
Analysis of potential impacts from the construction and operation and maintenance of the Proposed Project will take into account all components of the Proposed Project. These include:

1. Construction of approximately 10 miles of new double-circuit 230 kV transmission line from the existing Mira Loma Vista #1 Transmission Line to the proposed Wildlife Substation;

2. Construction of approximately 11 miles of new 69 kV subtransmission lines between 69 kV substations and other existing subtransmission lines within the City of Riverside:

Wilderness Jurupa double-circuit subtransmission lines
RERC Harvey Lynn/Freeman single- and double-circuit subtransmission lines Wilderness Mountain View double-circuit subtransmission line

3. Construction of two new substations (Wilderness and Wildlife);

4. Upgrade of two 230 kV substations to replace line protection relays (within existing Mechanical and Electrical Equipment Rooms [MEERs):]):Mira Loma and Vista;

5. Upgrade of four substations to make minor protection relay modifications, re-arrangement of line terminations and circuit breaker additions: Harvey Lynn, Mountain View, Freeman, and RERC;

6. Relocation of distribution lines; and

7. New fiber optic communications for system control of Wildlife and Wilderness substations and associated 230 kV transmission and 69 kV subtransmission lines.

Please see Chapter 2, Proposed Project Description, for a detailed discussion on each of the Proposed Project components listed above.

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The Proposed Project area as considered within each resource discussion is located in the northwest corner of Riverside County. The majority of the Proposed Project area falls within the City of Riverside, with portions of the proposed 230 kV transmission line reaching into unincorporated Riverside County and crossing the City of Norco. The City of Jurupa Valley was recently incorporated in July 2011, covering the areas crossed by the Proposed Project that were unincorporated Riverside County. The newly formed city has adopted the current Riverside County General Plan elements that would be applicable to the City of Jurupa Valley; therefore, the analysis within this Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) includes Riverside County General Plan designations and consistency reviews for impact analysis purposes.

Modifications within the boundaries of existing SCE substations would occur within the cities of Grand Terrace and Ontario. The Proposed Project area is generally described as bordered on the north by State Route 60 (SR-60), on the west by Interstate 15 (I-15), to the east by Riverside -
91). The Santa Ana River bisects the central portion of the Proposed Project area in an east-west orientation.

The natural topography of the Proposed Project area is valley lowland intersected by rolling hills and surrounded by mountain ranges. Elevations range from 680 to 1,900 feet above mean sea level (MSL). Most of the Proposed Project area has been developed. The only remaining large areas of native habitats occur along the Santa Ana River and in the Jurupa Mountains.

The Proposed Project area is characterized by urban, suburban, and rural development intermixed with agriculture and undeveloped lands. Rapid population growth in the Proposed Project area has resulted in increased development accompanied by changes in land use.

3.1.2 GENERAL ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY
For the purpose of this DEIR, and pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines (Section 15124(a)), the baseline conditions used to determine the impacts associated with the Proposed Project and Alternatives are the on-the-ground, physical environmental conditions that existed in the Proposed Project area in Fall of 2009, at the time the revised Notice environmental setting and the baseline conditions used to determine Proposed Project impacts are the same, as is permitted by CEQA (see CEQA Guidelines, § 15125). Additional data were collected beyond the fall of 2009, during development of this DEIR to increase the accuracy of baseline conditions, augment information, respond to scoping comments, update existing data with survey results, or update the environmental setting to reflect recent changes in land uses within the Proposed Project area. Each resource analysis below describes the data collection effort and sources utilized in the impact assessment process.

This DEIR evaluates the environmental consequences and potential impacts that would be caused by the Proposed Project and alternatives if approved and constructed. The impacts identified were compared with significance criteria and, based on these criteria, the impacts have been classified according to significance categories as generally described in each resource section (3.2.1 through 3.2.15) below.

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The City of Riverside Public Utilities Department (RPU) and Southern California Edison Company (SCE) developed and incorporated Project-specific measures that include standard practices, design features and procedures into the description of the Proposed Project to protect environmental quality and to avoid or reduce impacts from construction and operation and maintenance (see Chapter 2, Section 2.7, Environmental Protection). The measures are referred to as Environmental Protection Elements (EPEs). These EPEs are integral to the Proposed Project and were applied as part of the Proposed Project in which RPU and SCE operate and develop their electrical systems. Therefore, the EPEs were taken into consideration during the assessment of identified impacts of the Proposed Project, and are not included as mitigation measures. EPEs are identified within each resource impact discussion within this chapter and are specific to avoiding impacts to that particular environmental resource from the construction, operation, and maintenance as part of the Proposed Project. For some CEQA criteria, either no EPEs were available or proposed by SCE or RPU, or the identified EPEs were considered inadequate or too general to avoid impacts. In these instances, mitigation measures were identified and applied to reduce impacts as a result of the Project. Further, where impact analysis identified significant impacts to an environmental resource as a result of the Proposed Project, specific mitigation measures were identified and applied to reduce those impacts, in some cases to a less than significant level. Specific enforceable mitigation measures are identified, and their effectiveness in reducing impacts is discussed within this chapter for each specific resource area.

In cases where impacts were found immitigable or no effective mitigation was feasible, or impacts were considered significant even with the application of mitigation measures, statements of overriding consideration are identified.

Mitigation measures have been identified that would reduce or avoid potentially significant adverse impacts. These mitigation measures are presented for consideration by decision makers of the Proposed Project approval. SCE and RPU would be responsible to implement the mitigation measures as they apply to the 230 kV and 69 kV components of the Proposed Project, respectively. The EPEs and mitigation measures that are included within each resource section apply to each component of the Proposed Project unless they identify a specific component. In this case, either RPU or SCE would be responsible depending on that specific component, either 69 kV or 230 kV. It is the responsibility of the City of Riverside, as the Lead Agency under CEQA, to ensure that both utilities implement the identified EPEs and mitigation measures as identified in reducing impacts within this DEIR.

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3.2 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING AND ANALYSIS

3.2.1 AESTHETICS
This section presents the environmental setting and impact analysis for the proposed RTRP.

Appendix B (RTRP Aesthetics and Visual Resources Technical Report) contains further detailed inf
summarized in this section.

This section describes effects on visual resources that would be caused by implementation of the RTRP. It also describes the existing environmental conditions of the affected area, briefly explains the methodology of resource inventory and data collection, identifies environmental impacts from the Proposed Project, and provides measures to reduce or avoid adverse impacts anticipated from Proposed Project construction and operation. In addition, existing laws and regulations relevant to visual resources are described. In some cases, compliance with these existing laws and regulations would serve to reduce or avoid certain impacts that might otherwise occur with the implementation of the Proposed Project.

Scoping Issues Addressed
During the scoping period for the DEIR (November December 2009), a scoping meeting was conducted with the public and government agencies. Written comments were received from agencies and the public that identified various issues and concerns. The following issues related to visual resources that were raised during scoping are addressed in this section:

Concern that the Proposed Project may be inconsistent with Riverside County General Plan Resource Management goals and policies for visual resources.

Question regarding the proposed use of lattice steel towers (LSTs) versus tubular steel poles (TSPs).

Request that the document analyze visual impacts from the perspective of the hiker, cyclist, or horseback rider.

Concern that the Proposed Project would significantly impact aesthetic quality of the (SART) and the historic route of Juan Bautista De Anza was of particular concern.

Concern that a transmission line across the river and throughout the residential neighborhoods would have a strong negative impact. Taller towers would block the view of the mountains and would impact the views from homes.

General concerns with the visual quality and aesthetics of the transmission lines, subtransmission lines, and structures. The Proposed Project would impact community character, especially for those within close proximity to existing corridors.

Methodology for Resource Inventory and Other Data Collection The assessment of visual resources and impacts of the Proposed Project are partially modeled on Resource Management S
1986a). CEQA guidelines were incorporated into the methodology to properly establish baseline environmental conditions and assess the significance of environmental impacts.

In order to satisfy CEQA guidelines and to assess the current condition of visual resources and City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 aesthetics in the study area, existing visual resource data were gathered in order to ultimately estimate the significance of expected impacts caused as a result of the Proposed Project. The data gathered and components of the inventory phase of the study include:

The definition of the detailed study area
An inventory of agency visual management goals and objectives An inventory of the existing regional visual setting
Identification of landscape character types
An inventory of scenic quality and visual integrity
Identification of existing land uses
Visual sensitivity analysis
Determination of visibility thresholds and distance zones Definition of Detailed Study Area
A study area was determined for each Proposed Project component (69 kV subtransmission lines, 230 kV transmission lines, new fiber optic communications, and the new and upgraded substations) based on potential for significant impacts. A 1.5-mile area on each side (total of a three-mile-wide study corridor) of the centerline for the 230 kV transmission lines and a 1.0-mile area on each side (total of a two-mile-wide study corridor) of the centerline for the 69 kV subtransmission lines were inventoried for scenic quality, views, viewer sensitivity, and land uses. Previous studies of transmission line impacts on viewers have shown that thresholds of three-mile and two-mile thresholds for each of the Proposed Project voltages (and therefore, structure size) represent the expected moderate/low impact threshold for the respective structure types. Views from beyond the three and two mile distances would likely not occur; if the Proposed Project is visible from beyond this distance, the impact on views would be low and less than significant. See Figure 3.2.1-1 for a map of the study area.

Inventory of Agency Visual Management Goals and Objectives Planning documents from Riverside County, municipalities, and local jurisdictions crossed by the Proposed Project were studied for relevance in transmission line siting and visual resource management. Documentation on existing and proposed scenic highways and roadways was reviewed. Planning personnel were consulted during the process. The construction of high- voltage transmission lines may, at times, conflict with the goals and objectives stated in these planning documents.

Inventory of Existing Visual Setting
Existing regional landform, vegetation, and water features were identified by aerial photography interpretation, Proposed Project area field reconnaissance, and study of existing regional physiography documentation. Documentation of existing regional physiography was reviewed to determine broad landscape patterns in terms of mountain and hill formations, characteristics of river valleys and drainage patterns, topography, and other regionally significant natural features.

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Using topographic maps, aerial photography, and site reconnaissance, areas of similar visual character were identified along the alternative routes. These were used as a basis for assessing scenic quality and visual integrity. Landscape Character Types (LCTs) are landscapes where similar natural and cultural patterns occur within the study area. In developed areas, LCTs do not correlate with broader physiographic patterns as well as more natural, undeveloped landscapes because the modification of landscape features (landform, water, vegetation, etc.) often introduces elements that significantly deviate from naturally occurring patterns. LCTs in developed areas are more dependent on settlement patterns, socio-economic factors, local planning and zoning, architectural styles, and numerous other culturally influenced factors.

Inventory of Scenic Quality and Visual Integrity
Relatively homogeneous landscape units were delineated and evaluated for scenic quality (naturally dominated areas) and visual integrity (development-dominated areas) and rated as being Class A (unique), Class B (above average), or Class C (common) landscapes. (also see Bureau of Land Management Manual H-8410-1: Visual Resource Inventory, Illustration 2

by assigning a numeric rating to landscape components such as vegetation, water, color, landform and landscape pattern, and other factors that influence the quality of the visual landscape.

Identification of Existing Land Uses
Study area land use helped identify potential sensitive viewers, viewpoints, and corridors to be evaluated during the sensitivity analysis phase. The location of existing parks and recreation areas, travel corridors, and residences was determined through aerial photography, planning documents, agency contacts, and study area field reconnaissance.

Visual Sensitivity Analysis
Visual sensitivity is a measure of viewer concern for change to the landscape. Viewer sensitivity was determined by determining land uses and estimating overall use levels, user attitudes towards change in the landscape, and duration of views from potentially sensitive viewpoints and corridors identified in the land use study. For example, use level or use volume would be expected to be higher along an interstate highway and lower along a local street. Similarly, a neighborhood park would typically have fewer visitors and lower use volume than a regional park that serves the broader community and has amenities such as hiking trails, extensive natural and wildlife areas, and other features not typically otherwise available at the neighborhood park level.

Sensitive viewers and potentially critical viewpoints that were identified and inventoried generally include recreation areas, travel routes, and residences. All major roads (including designated parkways, gateways and scenic corridors), parks and recreational areas, occupied residences, cemeteries, and similarly identified areas of potential viewer sensitivity were assessed through land use data and site reconnaissance.

Visibility and Distance Zones
After review of previous studies (Jones & Jones, 1976) in similar geographical, topographical, City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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Distance zones for this Proposed Project were based on the BLM VRM framework and modified viewed, and the viewing environment. Table 3.2.1-1 provides the visibility thresholds and distance zones used for the 69 kV and 230 kV components of the Proposed Project.

TABLE 3.2.1-1. VISIBILITY THRESHOLDS USED IN VISUAL ANALYSIS Visibility Threshold Proposed Project Component
69 kV Subtransmission Line 230 kV Transmission Line
Immediate Foreground
Foreground -½ mile
Middleground ½ mile to 1½ mile
Background/Seldom Seen Beyond ½ mile Beyond 1½ mile

Environmental Setting
The Proposed Project is located in the Los Angeles Range Section of the Pacific Border Physiographic Province. The region is characterized by narrow ranges and broad fault blocks and alluviated lowlands (Fenneman 1931). The Proposed Project is located between the San Bernardino Mountains to the northeast, the San Gabriel Mountains to the northwest, the Santa Ana Mountains to the southwest, and the San Jacinto Mountains to the southeast. The San Jacinto Valley lies to the southeast of the Proposed Project. The Proposed Project area is located in a valley area occupied by the Santa Ana River, generally centered in the Jurupa Valley. The study area contains a variety of scenic resources such as hills and mountains, river valleys, and rock outcroppings.

Throughout this physiographic region, isolated hills and groups of hills arise from smooth, sloping alluvial plains. These hills are the higher elevations of older mountains that are gradually being filled in and inundated by the alluvial washes. Defined live stream channels are typically confined to mountainous areas that are the source of the sand washes forming the alluvial washes water over relatively impermeable substrate and dry channels in porous areas. Native vegetation characteristic of the region is dominated by flat-topped buckwheat, bush penstemon, brittle- brush, white and black sage, and California sagebrush in the form of low, widely spaced shrubs and forbs. Most of the Proposed Project area, however, is disturbed or developed in some way.

heavily developed area of northwestern Riverside County. Development in the area is a mix of industrial, residential, commercial, parkland, and open space. The most natural areas are limited City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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Views of the surrounding hills and mountains (Pedley Hills, Jurupa Mountains, Mount Rubidoux) and Santa Ana River Valley provide the most significant scenic vistas and backdrops in the study area.

A total of 14 LCTs were identified in Proposed Project area. These include:

I. Forested Riparian Corridor This landscape type is the most natural of those found in the area. See Figure 3.2.1-2 for a representative view of this Landscape Character Type.

II. Open Riparian Corridor This landscape type is primarily located along the northern and eastern sections of the Proposed Project area within the Santa Ana River corridor, where riparian vegetation is very limited and where the riparian river bed is exposed. See Figure

3.2.1-3 for a representative view of this Landscape Character Type.

III. Transitional Open River This landscape occurs adjacent to the Santa Ana River where disturbance has visually disconnected the area from the river characteristics but it is still within the floodplain of the river. See Figure 3.2.1-4 for a representative view of this Landscape Character Type.

IV. Developed Park These are developed landscapes that are dominated by grassy fields dotted with non-native shade trees and specimen trees. Passive and active recreation may be taking place in the landscapes. See Figure 3.2.1-5 for a representative view of this Landscape Character Type.

V. Undeveloped Foothill These landscapes are not developed other than occasional trails, and are typically covered with low-growing grasses and shrubs. Vertical relief in these landscapes is much more pronounced than in valley areas. See Figure 3.2.1-6 for a representative view of this Landscape Character Type.

VI. Open Field/Remnant Agriculture These areas are often open, sparsely vegetated landscapes that have not been developed for housing, commercial, or other uses, and may serve some remnant agricultural purpose. See Figure 3.2.1-7.

VII. Medium Density Unplanned Neighborhood These areas have a wide variety of architectural styles and development patterns, with secondary structures, such as garages and barns, or occasional small commercial operations are sometimes present. See Figure

3.2.1-8.

VIII. High Density Planned Neighborhood These landscapes have houses that are uniformly spaced and set back from the street, and have similar architectural styles, colors and building materials.

IX. High Density Multi-Unit Neighborhood These are areas where large, multi-story buildings dominate. Typically these are apartment blocks or complexes.

X. Mixed Industrial These landscapes have a variety of industrial and large commercial City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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XI. Strip Commercial/Office These areas are dominated by large, street-facing parking lots and abundant signage of various styles and sizes. See Figure 3.2.1-10.

XII. High Density Neighborhood These areas have various architectural styles and shallow setbacks, and typically occupy areas within the City of Riverside. A variety of historical and architectural styles are represented in this landscape. See Figure 3.2.1-11.

XIII. Mixed Use (Residential/Commercial/Institutional/Industrial) These are areas that have a wide variety of land uses, visual quality, and architectural styles. Schools, churches, and houses are present with some small retail stores occasionally present. See Figure 3.2.1-

12. XIV. Low Density Mixed Use Neighborhood This character type is visually varied and diverse, with a mix of residential, commercial, and institutional uses.

FIGURE 3.2.1-2. FORESTED RIPARIAN CORRIDOR F IGURE 3.2.1-3. OPEN RIPARIAN CORRIDOR FIGURE 3.2.1-4. TRANSITIONAL OPEN RIVER F IGURE 3.2.1-5. DEVELOPED PARK

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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 FIGURE 3.2.1-6. UNDEVELOPED FOOTHILL FIGURE 3.2.1-7. OPEN FIELD/REMNANT

AGRICULTURE
FIGURE 3.2.1-8. MEDIUM DENSITY UNPLANNED

NEIGHBORHOOD
FIGURE 3.2.1-9. MIXED INDUSTRIAL
FIGURE 3.2.1-10. STRIP COMMERCIAL/OFFICE F IGURE 3.2.1-11. HIGH DENSITY

NEIGHBORHOOD

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COMMERCIAL/INSTITUTIONAL/INDUSTRIAL)
Regulatory Setting
The visual study area falls in several local jurisdictions that regulate aesthetics and visual quality through local planning documents. Local general plans may have land use, circulation, open space, utilities, and/or scenic highway elements that relate to transmission line siting and visual City of Riverside, the County of Riverside, and the City of Norco, visual impacts can sometimes be perceived from quite a distance. Accordingly, the visual resources study area reaches into six jurisdictions, portions of which may be able to visually perceive at least a small portion of the Proposed Project. These jurisdictions include: the City of Riverside, the City of Fontana, the City of Norco, the City of Ontario, the City of Eastvale and Riverside County. However, the Proposed Project would be located only on lands within the County of Riverside and the cities of Riverside and Norco. There are no federal-owned lands in the visual study area, other than State Highway

15. The only State-owned land occurs within the California Citrus State Historic Park located in the City of Riverside southeast of the Victoria Avenue/Van Buren Boulevard intersection.

City of Riverside - The proposed 69 kV subtransmission lines are located within the City of Riverside, and a portion of the proposed 230 kV route is located in the City of Riverside. The plans and community plans) as part of its general plan to refine policies to specific or special concern areas as expressed by the public through the planning process.

In the visual study area, there are four specific plans currently in place:

Riverwalk Vista Specific Plan
La Sierra University Specific Plan
Rancho La Sierra Specific Plan
Riverside Auto Center Specific Plan
These documents are available at the City of Riverside Planning Department or online at the

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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 The City of Riverside established five themes that guided the General Plan 2025 and the vision to represent the entire community for the next 20 years. The objectives and policies related to the Element include the following:

Objective OS- s throughout the City
and sphere of influence to protect the natural and visual character of the community and implementation of Objective OS-1 include:
o Policy OS- rotect and preserve open space and natural habitat wherever o Policy OS-
spaces, particularly cemeteries, as important components of the total open space systems and protect their vis
Objective OS-
reinforced with:
o Policy OS- ines, hillsides and arroyos as
significant natural and visual resources and strengthen their role as features which sses visual
management issues. There are three sections that directly relate to visual resources: City from those sections are as follows:

Objective LU-3: Preserve prominent ridgelines and hillsides as important community visual, recreational and biological assets. Policy LU-3.1: Pursue methods to preserve hillside open space and natural habitat.

Objective LU- r linkages between
Objective LU-
neighborhoods along its path to the Santa Ana River, the Arlington Heights Greenbelt, Project visual study area, Arlington Avenue, Van Buren Boulevard, and La Sierra Avenue are mapped as city parkways.

Objective LU-21:
border. On the western border, Arlington Avenue is also identified as a regional gateway into the City. Local gateways are designated along State Highway 91 at La Sierra Avenue, Van Buren Boulevard, and Adams Street.

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City of Riverside specific plans within the 69 kV study corridors are as follows: La Sierra University Specific Plan, Rancho La Sierra Specific Plan and Magnolia Avenue Specific Plan.

Only the Rancho La Sierra Specific Plan discusses aesthetic issues pertaining to transmission character and protecting the Santa Ana River corridor. The Plan provides for recreational and open space uses. See ChapterSection3.2.9 for further Specific Plan discussions.

City of Fontana- The City of Fontana General Plan (2003) has no specific goals regarding major transmission line siting or visual quality management applicable to the Proposed Project routing alternatives. Views from Fontana generally are screened due to intervening topography, SR 60, and buildings. Any portions of the Proposed Project that would be visible would only be in the background and would be of the 230 kV transmission line component of the Proposed Project only.

City of Norco- The City of Norco General Plan is currently being updated, but the current General Plan has no specific goals regarding major transmission line siting or visual quality management applicable to the
Land Use Element refers to vista points and visual corridors in the city, no vista points or visual corridors have been identified or established by the city.

Policy 2.4.1d. The City shall identify prominent vista points and visual corridors for the City of Ontario- The City of Ontario is located outside the Proposed Project area but within the visual study area.The City of Ontario General Plan was updated and approved in January 2010. community of which the General Plan is a part. The Ontario Plan has no specific goals regarding major transmission line siting but does mention aesthetics quality and management goals related Element. Views from the City of Ontario are limited to those from the southeast corner of the city from residences located along Hammer Avenue.

LU2-6 Infrastructure Compatibility. We require infrastructure to be aesthetically pleasing and in context with the community.

LU2-7 Inter-jurisdictional Coordination. We maintain an ongoing liaison with LAWA [Los Angeles World Airports], Caltrans, Public Utilities Commission, the railroads, and other agencies to help minimize impacts and improve the operations and aesthetics of their facilities.

City of Eastvale -The City of Eastvale is located outside the Proposed Project area but within the visual study area. Views from Eastvale will occur primarily from the residential area on the west side of I-15 north and south of 68thStreet. Currently, there are in no land use plans in effect City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 for the City. However, the Eastvale Area Plan still applies to the remainder of the unincorporated Eastvale area, which falls in the Proposed Project area, and the following policies from the Eastvale Area Plan apply to the Proposed RTRP.

Policy EAP 1.2: Require development, where allowable, to be set back an appropriate distance from the top of bluffs, in order to protect the natural and recreational values of the river and to avoid public responsibility for property damage that could result from soil erosion or future floods.

Policy EAP 1.3: Encourage future development that borders the Policy Area to design for common access and views to and from the Santa Ana River.

Policy EAP 1.13: Discourage utility lines within the river corridor. If approved, lines shall be placed underground where feasible and shall be located in a manner to harmonize with the natural environment and amenity of the river.

Riverside County/City of Jurupa Valley- The Riverside County General Plan (adopted by Riverside County October 2003 and by the City of Jurupa Valley in July 2011) is applicable to all unincorporated lands within Riverside County,generally located north of the City of Riverside, and south of San Bernardino County, and the City of Jurupa Valley. The 2003 General Element, Circulation Element, Multipurpose Open Space Element, Safety Element, Noise Element, Housing Element, Air Quality Element, and Administration Element.

A large portion of the study area is under the jurisdiction of Riverside County. The 230 kV transmission line alternatives are located primarily in unincorporated areas of Riverside County.

Area Plans that focus on geographical units are identified in the General Plan. Area Plans applicable to the Proposed Project area include the Jurupa Area Plan and Eastvale Area Plan (as special or unique characteristics that merit focused policies. The Jurupa Area Plan has ten policy areas (see the Land Use Technical Report in the Technical Appendices for more detailed information).

Countywide policies that seek to preserve visual quality are located in the Land Use Element (LU), Open Space Element (OS), and Circulation Element (C) of the General Plan, and include:
allowed in any other land use designation except for the Open Space-Conservation and Open Space-Habitat land use designations. For purposes of this policy, a public facility shall include all facilities operated by the federal government, the State of California, the County of Riverside, any special district governed by the County of Riverside or any city, all facilities operated by any combination of these agencies and all facilities operated by a discussion.
ce the integrity of existing residential, employment,
agricultural, and open space areas by protecting them from encroachment of land uses City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 cated electric or communication distribution lines, which would be visible from Designated and Eligible State and County Scenic Highways, to be vis
-Mineral Resource from encroachment
c facilities be designed to consider their surroundings and urban uses, into Open Space-Conserv
utilities shall be located or screened in a manner that minimizes their visibility by the The Jurupa Area Plan the Santa Ana River Corridor Policy Area which contains relevant policies for visual resources as follows:
distance from the top of bluffs, in order to protect the natural and recreational values of the river and to avoid public responsibility for property damage that could result from soil common access and views to and from the Santa Ana Riv
be placed underground where feasible and shall be located in a manner to harmonize with Impact Assessment
Viewshed Analysis
Sensitive viewpoints were modeled in geographic information system (GIS) software to help determine visibility of the proposed transmission and subtransmission lines. Points were centered on travel corridors every 500 feet for trails, moderate- and high-sensitivity roads, gateways, parkways, and scenic boulevards. Analysis points were placed at the parcel perimeter for developed, landscaped parks. Other partially developed parks, such as the Hidden Valley Wildlife Area, were factored into the analysis by placing points along trails, overlooks, picnic shelters, and other developed areas within their boundaries.

For occupied residences, a 300-foot (69 kV) or 500-foot (230 kV) buffer was placed around each route, and all houses within those buffers were digitized into the GIS developed for the Proposed Project. Multi-family residences were estimated using average expected density for the buildings, and digitizing one point which would account for one dwelling unit. Outside the 300- foot or 500-foot buffers, residential points were placed as necessary to adequately account for all worst-case views of the line. Multi-family structures accounted for the greatest potential error margin for occupied residential counts, but would not substantially affect the visibility modeling (See Figures 3.2.1-1 and 3.2.1-2).

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The 300-foot or 500-foot buffers were used to model visibility of the transmission line without accounting for terrain. The other distance zones (foreground, middleground, and background) were modeled based on a GIS-generated digital elevation model (DEM). Viewer height for each point (e.g., residential, recreation, travel corridor) was set at five feet to nine feet, and structure heights were modeled based on the Proposed Project description (using average height of 75 foot structures for 69 kV lines and average height of 125 foot structures for 230 kV lines). Similar anticipated heights of each structure as determined through preliminary design). Similar approaches were taken to assess visual impacts of the 230 kV and 69 kV Proposed Project components. Slight variations in the approach are necessary due to the size and scale differences between the 69 kV and 230 kV structures. The 230 kV transmission line would be seen in greater detail at a greater viewing distance than the 69 kV subtransmission line. Further, the 69 kV subtransmission lines would be located in a more developed urban setting compared to the 230 kV transmission line. The urban setting would create opportunity for structure and other urban development screening of the Proposed Project components and, therefore, would have a shorter viewing distance than the 230 kV transmission line.

230 kV Transmission Corridors
Visual impacts were evaluated in 1/10-mile increments along each alternative link. Three visual contrast models (Landform, Vegetation, Structure) were used and combined to determine an overall contrast level. The overall contrast level was then weighed with other factors to determine initial impact levels. For example, impacts on residential, recreation, and road viewers were dependent on sensitivity level (moderate or high), viewing condition (immediate foreground, foreground, middleground, or background), and overall contrast level. Scenic quality impacts were based on scenic quality/visual integrity class rating and overall contrast level.

Ground disturbance levels address construction factors such as the extent of new road construction, associated spur road mileage, and land slope. A number of design assumptions are used for the assessment of visual impacts associated with the construction of the 230 kV transmission line portion of RTRP. These ground disturbance assumptions (see Chapter 2, Section 2.5.2) reflect the expected scope of new roadway construction, pulling and tensioning sites, and guard structures. Given the predominant urban setting and flat terrain of the study area, visual impacts due to ground disturbance were expected to be minimal.

Visual contrast is a measure of the degree of physical change in the landscape. Contrast, the measure of actual visual change, is evaluated regardless of how the change is seen by viewers, sensitivity of viewpoints, or viewing conditions. Contrast is determined by the difference in form, line, color, texture, scale, and the landscape juxtaposition between the Proposed Project and its setting. How the visual change is experienced or seen from sensitive viewpoints, or viewer impacts, is addressed in a different part of the analysis.

An overall level of visual contrast is determined by combining the three levels of contrast to assign a final high, moderate, or low level of contrast. The following describes some of the conditions associated with each visual contrast level, with one or more the following conditions occurring:

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Contrast caused by construction of new access roads in steep terrain Removal of dense riparian vegetation for right-of-way clearing, tower sites, or access roads
A landscape with no existing transmission lines or other overhead utilities Moderate Visual Contrast
Contrasts caused by blading of existing access roads or construction of new access roads in rolling terrain with occasional short, steep slopes
Removal of grassland or agricultural vegetation for right-of-way, site, or access road clearing
A landscape where the Proposed Project is smaller in scale to existing nearby or paralleled utility facilities
Weak Visual Contrast
The use of existing access roads and where there is limited new spur or construction roads
Minimal removal of vegetation
A landscape where existing similar transmission line facilities of similar scale would be nearby or paralleled
To determine visual impacts, the overall contrast levels are combined with the visibility and distance zones of sensitive viewpoints (residences, recreation areas, and travel routes) and scenic values (scenic quality and visual integrity) of the landscape. Thus, visual impacts are the result of impacts to sensitive viewers as well as impacts to the inherent visual quality/integrity of the landscape independent of viewers. In both evaluations, visual impacts are based on the result of changes in the landscape in terms of dominance, form, line, color, and texture that occur during construction, operations, and maintenance of the Proposed Project.

High and moderate levels of sensitivity, determined from viewer attitude, use volume, and duration of view for specific viewpoints, were evaluated. Visual changes associated with transmission lines in the landscape are also evaluated in terms of distance zones. The mapping of distance to the Proposed Project from viewpoints helps define the level of visual perception of change that can be expected. To determine sensitive viewer impact levels, the overall contrast levels were overlaid with the visibility and distance zones.

Scenic quality and visual integrity impacts are based on the change in quality and quantity of the visual resources inherent in the landscape without regard to how they are seen from viewpoints.

Impacts on scenic quality or visual integrity were determined based on overall contrast level compared to the scenic quality/visual integrity class.

Potential impacts (low, moderate, or high) were recorded into a data table in 1/10-mile increments along the length of the route. The assigned impact levels were determined by evaluation of the results for scenic values, residential, and sensitive viewpoints. Other variables or impact modifiers, such as viewer orientation, Proposed Project location in relation to the viewer, and nature of development context, were also evaluated to obtain the overall impact levels. Where appropriate, impact modifiers were recognized and also incorporated to reflect City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 final impact levels. Impact modifiers would be relevant and applied where specific site conditions were obvious. Modifiers that were considered to reduce impact levels were conditions where: views are fully or partially obscured by buildings and/or structures; views are oriented away from the Proposed Project; use levels or view expectations are consistently very low; the development context (commercial, industrial, infrastructure, etc.) is compatible with the Proposed Project and not degrading. Impacts are defined as follows:

Low ImpactViewers and/or scenic quality are barely affected by the construction and operation of the Proposed Project due to low levels of change, blending with existing features, and weak contrast levels.

Moderate ImpactViewers and/or scenic quality may be adversely affected by the contrasts created by the Proposed Project. Viewers may be close enough to the Proposed Project to notice changes in the landscape, though they do not dominate the viewshed.

High Impact Viewers and/or scenic quality may be significantly affected as a result of Proposed Project construction and operation. The Proposed Project may dominate views, and is located where no existing infrastructure is currently in place. 69 kV Subtransmission Corridors
Impacts created as a result of the 69 kV subtransmission component of the Proposed Project were determined in a similar manner as the 230 kV transmission line. Visual contrasts were compared to visibility and scenic quality/visual integrity to determine impact levels.

Visual contrast levels were determined by the presence of existing distribution poles and the potential necessity for street tree removal in the road right-of-way. Existing road rights-of-way would be utilized for the 69 kV subtransmission component of the Proposed Project. Thus, landform contrast was not considered given the relatively flat terrain and the urban context of the 69 kV component. Potential tree removal was overlaid with the presence of existing overhead electrical structures that resulted in overall contrast levels.

Substation visual impacts were modeled primarily through an evaluation of the visual simulations and an analysis of the contrasts expected as visible by nearby viewers, and the compatibility within existing land uses.

Photo-Simulations
Eighteen viewpoints or key observation points (KOPs) for photo-simulation study were selected environmental context. The simulations are used to evaluate the accuracy and verify the impacts associated with representative viewer locations. The process ensures that spatial relationships, perspective, proportions, and similar attributes are accurate and match existing landscape conditions. Digital imaging, geographic information systems (GIS), computer-aided design (CAD), and global positioning system (GPS) software assisted in the development of the photo- simulations. Various focal lengths were used for the simulations, with some showing wide-angle views (28mm focal length). While the use of 55mm photos would more precisely match the human eye in terms of perspective accuracy and is more often used as compared to a 28mm lens, the use of a wider angle lens gives a broader landscape context to the image while preserving the height and scale of the Proposed Project relative to surrounding features.

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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 The proposed structure types were modeled based on engineering input from RPU and SCE engineering staff to represent the best configurations of distribution underbuild, street light affixation, and other visually important features as currently best known. The simulations are subtransmission line structure spotting, access road layout, pulling and tensioning sites, and substation modeling. Final engineering has not been completed during the environmental analysis phase of the Proposed Project, and actual pole locations and underbuild configurations may slightly deviate from the simulation when constructed. These minor deviations will not affect the final analysis or determination of impacts created as a result of the Proposed Project. transmission infrastructure or in areas where the Project is causing a major change in the context of the existing visual setting (e.g., presence of sensitive viewers or designated scenic vista, existing scenic quality). Therefore, minor structure location adjustments or other minor deviations would not ultimately alter the findings of significance or overall visual impact determinations.

Photo-simulations were done in areas that reflect typical views in a variety of settings (not necessarily high visual sensitivity areas) at the following locations for the Proposed Project (see Figures 3.2.1-13 through 3.2.1-2625):

Viewpoint 1: Wildlife/Wilderness Substations and 230 kV transmission and 69 kV subtransmission lines from Wilderness Avenue & Ed Perkic Street looking north Viewpoint 2: 230 kV transmission line from Santa Ana River Trail & Bradford Street looking west
Viewpoint 3: 230 kV transmission line from Santa Ana River Trail & west of Riverside County Parks Headquarters looking east
Viewpoint 4: 230 kV transmission line from Santa Ana River Trail west of Hidden Valley Park Entrance road looking southwest
Viewpoint 5: 230 kV transmission line from I-15 Freeway south of 68th Street overpass looking north
Viewpoint 6 through Viewpoint 9: photo simulations for Van Buren Offset Alternative (see Visual Resources Technical Report)
Viewpoint 10: 69 kV subtransmission line from Jurupa Avenue looking east Viewpoint 11: 69 kV subtransmission line from Tyler Street looking southeast Viewpoint 12: 69 kV subtransmission line from Mull Avenue looking southwest Viewpoint 13: 230 kV subtransmission line from the corner of Crest Avenue and Hershey Way looking northeast
Viewpoint 14: 230 kV subtransmission line from near the corner of 68thStreet and Smith Avenue looking southeast to river
Viewpoint 15: 230 kV subtransmission line from Grulla Court near Pinto Place intersection looking east
Viewpoint 16: 69 kV subtransmission line from Crest Avenue south of Keller Avenue intersection looking north
Viewpoint 17: 69 kV subtransmission line from Tyler Mall entrance on Tyler Avenue looking northwest
Viewpoint 18: 230kV transmission line from the south end of Vernola Marketplace looking north

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The Proposed Project would be consistent with the policies identified in the Regulatory Setting section of Section 3.2 where the Project ROW crosses the applicable jurisdictions (City of Riverside General Plan 2025, City of Jurupa Valley/Riverside County General Plan, and City of Norco General Plan).

Significance Threshold Criteria
The assessment of significant visual impacts is weighed in consideration of CEQA requirements.

Visual impact significance on aesthetics was determined by impact levels and observed conditions occurring in the study area. Appendix G of the CEQA guidelines recommends the l impact on visual resources by
considering if a project would:

Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista;
Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a State Scenic Highway; Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings; and
Create a new source of substantial light or glare that would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area.

Any impact resulting from the implementation of the Proposed Project (including the EPEs) is identified below. Where mitigation measures would reduce these impacts, the measures and their effectiveness have been included in the impact discussion.

TABLE 3.2.1-2. AESTHETICS AND VISUAL RESOURCES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

ELEMENTS AND APPLICABLE SYSTEM COMPONENTS
Environmental
Protection
Element
Description Applicable System Components
AES-01
Transmission lines: Use Nonreflective/Nonrefractive
Transmission StructuresLattice Steel Towers (LSTs)
and Tubular Steel Poles (TSPs) with a dulled galvanized grey finish to minimize reflected light will be used.
230 kV Transmission Line
AES-02
Transmission lines and Substations: Use
Nonreflective/Nonrefractive InsulatorsInsulators that do not reflect or refract light will be used.
230kV Transmission Line
Wildlife & Wilderness Substations
Substation Upgrades
AES-03
Transmission lines: Use Nonreflective/Nonrefractive
ConductorsConductors that do not reflect or refract light will be used.
230 kV Transmission Line
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Protection
Element
Description Applicable System Components
AES-04
Substations: Use Low-Reflectivity Structures &
Equipment- Substation equipment and structures will have materials that minimize reflective light.

Wildlife & Wilderness Substations
Substation Upgrades
AES-05
Substations: Use Hooded, Nonreflective Exterior Light
Fixtures/Standards Exterior light fixtures/standards will be manufactured with hoods and made with nonreflective
materials to direct light from spilling off-site as well as skywards while reducing potential effects of glare.

Wildlife & Wilderness Substations
Substation Upgrades
AES-06
Placement of Transmission StructuresAdjacent to
Existing Electrical Infrastructure:Transmission structures will be located adjacent to or in proximity of existing electrical infrastructure.
230 kV Transmission Line
69 kV Subtransmission Lines
Fiber Optic Telecommunications
AES-07
Rehabilitation of Vegetation in Storage Areas:

Rehabilitate pulling, tensioning, and construction storage areas to original contour and vegetative state.
230kV Transmission Line
69 kV Subtransmission Lines
Fiber Optic Telecommunications
AES-08
Nighttime Construction Lighting:A Construction Safety
Lighting Plan will be prepared and implemented and will include but not be limited to:

Lighting shall be designed so exterior lighting is
hooded, with lights directed downward or toward the
area to be illuminated and so that backscatter to the
nighttime sky is minimized. The design of the lighting
shall be such that the luminescence or light sources
are shielded to prevent light trespass outside the
project boundary.

All lighting shall be of minimum necessary brightness
consistent with OSHA requirements.
230 kV Transmission Line
Wildlife Substation
AES-09
Staging Areas:Staging areas will be kept organized, and litter and debris will be regularly removed on at least a weekly basis.
230kV Transmission Line
69 kV Subtransmission Lines
Wildlife & Wilderness Substations
Substation Upgrades
Fiber Optic Telecommunications
Environmental Impacts
a) Would the project have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? Potentially Significant Impact -There are no designated scenic vistas, as defined by CEQA Guidelines §150
in the vicinity of the Proposed Project area. Therefore, there would be no impact to designated scenic vistas from construction, operation, or maintenance of the Proposed Project. Therefore, the Proposed Project would not cause substantial change or adverse effects on designated scenic vistas.

O
and sensitivity analysis. The Proposed Project is located throughout a developed urban context where existing electrical lines and facilities, diverse development, and mature landscape vegetation routinely block potential vistas. However, scenic vistas do occur where open, unobstructed views of high quality (Class A) landscapes, exclusively located from the parks, recreation, historic and residential viewpoints along the river, occur. The 230 kV transmission City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 line would affect scenic vistas occurring along the Santa Ana River Trail and residences in the Bradford Street, Grulla Court, Julian Drive, Auld Street, Viceroy Avenue, and 68th Street neighborhoods. Impacts on undesignated scenic vistas may, therefore, be potentially significant.

Views to the surrounding mountains may potentially be affected by the Proposed Project. The blocking of views toward the surrounding mountains is dependent on the location and type of structure used (LST vs. TSP), the viewing position, and the line of sight to the mountains. There are several hills surrounding the Jurupa Valley, along with the Santa Ana Mountains located to the south and the San Gabriel Mountains located to the north. Generally, transmission lines do not tend to block views from specific viewpoints, but rather are visible or impede views while not specifically providing an opaque barrier. Although the conductors (wires) may be in view within a viewshed towards a mountain range, the view would not be blocked, and visibility of the mountains would remain. Adverse affects would occur, but would not be significant based on potential view blockage. There are four locations where structures would potentially be in the direct sightline and partially blocking views towards the San Gabriel or Santa Ana Mountains from houses: 1) along Rutland Avenue/Bradford Street north of Jurupa Ave. directly south of the Santa Ana River; 2) Auld Street/Julian Drive also north of Jurupa Ave.; 3) Grulla Court/Viceroy Avenue north of Arlington Ave. on the south side of the Santa Ana River; and 4) 68th Street north of the Santa Ana River. The exact locations of structures and potential line of sight obstructions would not be known until structure spotting and final engineering is completed. The views to the distant mountains contribute to the appeal of these views, and effects of potential obscurement of the views to these mountains was considered as a worst-case scenario, but it is the vistas of river corridor directly adjacent to these observation points that make views scenic.

Significant impacts are not are not based on distant mountain view interference, but as stated above.

b) Would the project substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway? Less than Significant Impact There are no designated or eligible state scenic highways within the Proposed Project area. Therefore, the Proposed Project would not affect scenic resources within a state scenic highway. Additionally, the Proposed Project would not substantially damage existing scenic resources as the Proposed Project is located throughout a diversely developed urban context where electrical lines and facilities are not uncommon. Other scenic resources (trees, rock outcroppings, etc.) within the study area not associated with a scenic highway are limited and associated with the Santa Ana River corridor. The elements that make up the scenic resources of the corridor, primarily the color and texture of the riparian trees and vegetation, and the linear flowing water and dry season river bed cobblestone, will not be damaged because the design for the transmission structure foundations, access roads, and other Proposed Project features would be constructed outside of these areas.

c) Would the project substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings?
Potentially Significant Impact The Proposed Project would generally result in incremental changes to the existing visual quality and the landscape character of most of the Proposed Project area. However, there are conditions along the 230 kV component where the route travels adjacent to and crosses the Santa Ana River corridor that would result in greater impacts on recreational and residential viewers. Most of the Proposed Project is located within highly City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 developed urban areas where transmission, subtransmission, distribution, and other utility facilities are existing visual elements that contribute to the definition of the current landscape character. The majority of the visual resources currently experienced by the public would not be significantly impacted by the addition of the various components of the Proposed Project; however, there are immitigable impacts from some portions of the 230 kV route that would degrade the visual character and quality of the interface of residential, recreational, and the Santa technologies such as undergrounding may reduce some visual impacts. However, these alternative technologies are infeasible for the 230 kV transmission line due to increased land disturbance during construction, poor accessibility after construction, significantly increased environmental impacts associated with construction (air quality, biological impacts, etc.), increased construction and operational costs, and decreased system reliability due to longer outages. See Chapter 6 for more detail.
230 kV Transmission Line
Emanating from the Wildlife/Wilderness Substations, the proposed route generally heads west along the southern side of the Santa River corridor. between the SART and the City of Riverside Water Quality Control Plant. This portion of the route between the substations and Van Buren Boulevard would have low to moderate visual impacts on visual resources as it travels through industrial land uses and areas of low visual quality and viewer sensitivity, and are therefore.

Because the transmission line would be located in the industrial area of the Water Quality Control Plant and views are directed toward and unimpeded from the SART to the scenic vistas of the Santa Ana River corridor, impacts in this area are less than significant. Continuing west of Van Buren Boulevard, however, the route would have higher visual impacts. where high- sensitivity viewers would have scenic vistas of the Santa Ana River corridor affected by the presence of the transmission line. Crossing over Van Buren Boulevard and continuing west, the route would degrade the scenic quality of the Santa Ana River corridor and impact sensitive viewers traveling Van Buren Boulevard (a City-designated Parkway and Gateway), SART users, and residences in the Bradford Street/Julian Drive neighborhoods, causing potentially significant, immitigable impacts (see Photo-simulation Viewpoint 2, Figure 3.2.1-14 and Photo-simulation Viewpoint 13, Figure 3.2.1-21).

In those limited areas where impacts are potentially significant, immitigable, and unavoidable, lines were undergrounded. However, as discussed in detail in Chapter 6 (Alternatives), undergrounding even limited sections of the Project as a means of potential mitigation is nificant visual
impacts, the overall environmental impacts caused by undergrounding would be greater and, as such, it is not considered a feasible mitigation measure for the Proposed Project. Specifically, undergrounding requires substantially more excavation than overhead structures. This level of ground disturbance would require several times more heavy equipment than overhead construction. Complete ground disturbance along the line (or sections) would make it difficult or impossible to avoid sensitive areas, such as wetlands and stream crossingsparticularly in the area where the Project crosses the Santa Ana River. In addition, vegetation restoration options are much more limited for undergrounding as opposed to the currently proposed Project. This is because vegetation growing over an underground line would need to support heat dissipation and prevent root intrusion into the lines. Further, during future repairs of an underground line, entire sections between vaults, approximately 2,000 feet apart, may require re-excavation.

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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 Undergrounded portions within the Santa Ana River corridor would be prone to washouts during a flood event, requiring re-installation. These considerations equate to increased environmental impacts to air quality, agricultural resources, biological resources, cultural resources, and geologic and water resources, as impacts would be inflicted again and again during any future repairs or wash-out incidents. Further, outages would be prolonged on the underground line, due to poor accessibility and time required in identifying the failure location, excavating the underground line, and correcting any outage. Also, economic considerations associated with undergrounding show that undergrounding is infeasible as a mitigation measure, even for more limited sections of the Project, as discussed in Chapter 6. In all, then, undergrounding even a limited portion of the Project as a means of potential mitigation is both infeasible and overhead lines.

As the proposed route continues west adjacent to SART on the south side of the Santa Ana River corridor, residences would be impacted by immediate foreground views of the Proposed Project from the Idyllwild Lane/Dunn Court neighborhood to the east and also from the Viceroy Avenue/Grulla Court neighborhood (see Photo-simulation Viewpoint 15, Figure 3.2.1-23) and the Hidden Valley Wildlife area to the west (see Photo-simulation Viewpoint 3, Figure 3.2.1-15).

Impacts on views from this area would be potentially significant and immitigable, as they would degrade the visual character and quality of the interface of residential, recreational, and the Santa .

At this point, The proposed route crosses the Santa River with a single span of nearly a half mile (approximately 2,600025 feet).. The span would stretch between two approximately 175180-foot tall sets of single-circuit, lattice steel structures on each side of the river. The southern set of structuresstructure would be in the immediate foreground view of sensitive viewers in the neighborhood of the Viceroy Avenue/Grulla Court neighborhood and SART users. The northern set of structuresstructure would be located within the Goose Creek Golf Club, which would also be an immediate foreground, high impact to the recreational golfers and would degrade the existing character of the golf course and adjacent river corridor. Impacts on views from this area would be potentially significant and immitigable, as they would degrade the visual character and space uses.

The route would continue northwest through the Goose Creek Golf Club to 68th Street near Dana Avenue. Continuing west on the south side of 68th Street, the route would have more moderate impacts as it occurs within undeveloped landscapes of common scenic quality. However, this portion along 68th Street is within the immediate foreground of residential views on the north side of 68th Street (see Photo-simulation Viewpoint 14, Figure 3.2.1-22) and VanderMolen Elementary School on the northwest corner of 68th Street and Wineville Avenue. Impacts in this area would be potentially significant and immitigable, as they would degrade the visual character and quality of the interface of residential and recreational uses.

The proposed route continues adjacent to 68th Street until it turns north when reaching the I-15 Freeway. The route traverses a variety of landscapes and land uses over approximately 3.5 miles Impacts would be less than significant from this portion because the route is located in undeveloped open space or primarily associated with the adjacent I-15 freeway to the west. The freeway is not considered a highly sensitive road for travelers, and impacts would be less than City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 significant (see Photo-simulation Viewpoint 5, Figure 3.2.1-17). As detailed in the visual technical report, a sensitivity analysis determined that viewing duration of the Proposed Project would be high for the I-15 corridor. The corridor also traverses a highly urbanized corridor, and therefore, the overall sensitivity is moderate.

The re-route of the 230 kV portion of the Proposed Project behind the Vernola Marketplace would shift some of the visual impacts from the commercial development to the area behind the shopping center, adjacent to the I-15 corridor. For the reasons described above, the views along the I-15 corridor are not considered to be highly sensitive, and the same would be true for the location of this incremental addition of 230 kV structures behind the Vernola Marketplace. In addition, the re-route would also have the effect of reducing visual impacts at the front side of the commercial development. Accordingly, the re-route of the 230 kV portion would not generate any additional significant visual impacts compared to the previously considered portion of the route through the Vernola Marketplace.

The route would have moderate visual impacts as it passes through the existing Vernola Marketplace commercial center south of Limonite Avenue (see Photo-simulation Viewpoint 18, Figure 3.2.1-26) as well as the industrial developments to the north. The route does span Limonite Avenuespans Limonite Avenue in the area of the I-15 interchange, which would present structural contrast and some heightened impact to the travelers on Limonite Avenue.

Although residential receptors typically reflect a high sensitivity rating, in this case the residences on the west side of the freeway would be buffered by the freeway corridor and residences adjacent to freeways naturally orientate their viewing behaviors away from the freeway and the proposed route. The north end of the route is low to moderate impact, as it is located within a developed industrial complex. Therefore, any impact would be less than significant.
69 kV Subtransmission Lines
Impacts for the 69 kV subtransmission line component are summarized below. Although the impacts from the 69 kV subtransmission lines on visual resources would be similar throughout, they have been functionally defined in three categories:

Wilderness Substation to Mountain View Substation
Wilderness Substation to Jurupa Avenue
RERC to Harvey Lynn Substation and Freeman Substation
The 69 kV portion of the Proposed Project would generally result in incremental changes to the existing visual quality and the landscape character of the Proposed Project area. The 69 kV component is located within highly developed urban areas where subtransmission, distribution and other utility facilities are existing visual elements that contribute to the definition of the current landscape character. Although the Proposed Project travelswould be locatedin immediate foreground views of residences throughout the route, and runs adjacent to the southwestern edge of the existing Van Buren Golf Center, there are no highly visually sensitive areas where 69 kV line construction would be out of scale or in contrast with the existing landscape to the extent where landscape character would be substantially degraded, and impacts would be less than significant (see Photo-simulation Viewpoints 10, 11, 12, 16& 17, Figures 3.2.1-18, 19, 20 24 & 25)., and 17, and Figures 3.2.1-18, 19, 20, 24, and 25). In the area of the Van Buren Golf Course City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 Center and Van Buren Boulevard, the Proposed Project would be undergrounded. The single shaft steel structures would be similar in scale with the typical 69 kV dead-end structures, and visibility from the Van Buren Golf Center, as well as Van Buren Boulevard, would be very limited. Views of the steel shaft transition structures would generally be screened from the golf center by vegetation and would be brief for Van Buren Boulevard travelers. The access manholes installed along the underground portion of the line in this area would create weak contrasts in the urban setting, and less than significant impacts.

High sensitivity Martha Mclean Anza Narrows Park users entering from Jurupa Avenue would briefly view the Proposed Project. Given the extensively engineered railroad and existing transmission infrastructure in the area, the impacts of the line on park users would be less than significant. Views of the lines from within the park would generally be screened along the railroad, and viewer orientation is directed towards the river valley and hills to the north and northeast; therefore impacts would be less than significant.

There are three locations where the Proposed Project would require the construction of a new 69 kV subtransmission line on the opposite side of the road where distribution lines or other subtransmission lines are located and would remain in place: along Cypress Avenue between Chapel Street and Crest Avenue; along Jurupa Avenue between Martha McLean-Anza Narrows Park and Florence Street; and along Wilderness Avenue. In these areas, the new subtransmission pole spacing would be greater than the approximately 150-foot spacing of the existing distribution poles. The distance between the new poles, up to about 300 feet, would be substantially greater than the distribution poles on the opposite side of the street, and the width of the street diminishes the impacts of the two lines, minimizing the potential for a transmission line The Indiana Street alignment would replace the existing transmission structures on the south side of the road, and would retain the visual character of the area due to the presence of the existing transmission line and the similar materials, location, and weak contrasts created by the rebuilt structures. Impacts on existing visual quality or character of the site and surroundings would not be significant.

Wildlife and Wilderness Substations
Visual impacts created by the construction of the new 230 kV and 69 kV substations on the site viewers using the Santa Ana River Trail to the north. The site and its surroundings are dominated and characterized by industrial uses and existing utilities, such as water pipelines and overhead electrical lines. Perimeter walls and fencing will screen many of the visual contrasts created by the substation facilities, providing uniformity to the otherwise complex and visually disordered site. The construction of the substation would cause an incremental change to the industrial character of the site and surroundings, and the contrasts created would be moderate and less than significant (see Photo-simulation Viewpoint 1, Figure 3.2.1-13).

Sensitive viewers using the SART are set back from the site, are in an inferior viewing position (from the base of the bluff), and experience screening effects from the intervening topography.

While the orientation of the viewers using the trail is typically towards the river, the substation would dominate the view of trail users approaching from the east. Impacts would be high, but would be reduced substantially with the installation of landscape screening and introduction of vegetation compatible with the area around the substation facility. Impacts, therefore, would be less than significant.

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Substation upgrades would be contained within the confines of the existing perimeter walls of each facility. Perimeter walls and fencing will screen many of the visual contrasts created by the substation facilities, providing uniformity to the otherwise complex and visually disordered site.

Additional ancillary structures would slightly increase the industrial nature of the substations, but would not be noticeable to the casual viewer due to very weak structural contrasts created. The associated 69 kV subtransmission lines emanating from the substations would provide the most substantial changes in the landscape. Impacts to nearby sensitive viewers (primarily residences and road travelers) would be low and less than significant.

Fiber Optic Telecommunication System
Telecommunications facilities would result in slight additional visual impact from the Proposed Project. The single-line telecommunications component of the Proposed Project would be built onto existing subtransmission structures, or onto the Proposed Proj transmission structures. As described in Chapter 2, because of the proximity of the proposed new 230 kV transmission line to the existing SCE distribution line, select locations of the telecommunications facilities would be placed underground at the distribution line crossings. No new poles or structures would be required for the telecommunications components. Impacts to nearby sensitive viewers would be low and less than significant.

Construction
Construction-related impacts to visual resources would be temporary and result in low visual impacts. Minimal impacts would result from the presence of construction equipment, materials, and work crews along the subtransmission and transmission routes, and pulling, tensioning, and construction staging areas. Work crews would be required to maintain work areas to be clean and free of debris on a daily basis. A crane would be utilized to erect each transmission structure, and would be the most visually dominant feature during this phase. The 80-ton, 200-foot-tall (approximate maximum size) crane would cause short-term, less than significant impacts related to form, line and movement contrasts in the skyline of the construction area.

d) Would the project create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area?
Less Than Significant Impact Most of the construction and operation activities associated with the Proposed Project would occur during daylight hours, minimizing the need for construction lighting. Routine construction, operation, and maintenance work would be performed during the day. No overnight construction is planned. Nevertheless, after sunset, construction has the potential to occur from approximately 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. each work day afternoon during the winter months (December, January, February) when twilight settles onto the may be required to allow for the completion of work tasks and daily clean-up as well as for safety. When work is being performed on the Proposed Project adjacent to or across roads during this time, temporary lighting units would be in operation to provide workers with a level of illumination that will allow the safe continuation of their work. Lighting would be provided by temporary assemblies or permanent fixtures as described in Chapter 2. There would be no helicopter construction activities at night. The potential effects of night-time lighting would affect sensitive views in the Proposed Project area, which are limited to SART and residences located approximately 0.5 mile across the river to the north. SART users would not be affected because the trail is not typically used at night when the intermittent lighting would occur. For the City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 residential viewers, the lighting would largely be screened from view by the vegetation along the river and a perimeter wall surrounding the subdivision, but where visible, would less than significant, producing minimal glare that would increase night-time sky brightness similar to that produced by a commercial parking lot. The temporary duration would be during the construction period of the substation, expected to be approximately 14 to 18 months. As part of the Proposed Project, temporary lighting would be directed toward the work areas requiring illumination and away from motorists and residences. Even with integrated EPEs, some minor light and glare would, on occasion, be created for a short time after dusk. However, because motorists, residences and other potentially sensitive receptors are not nearby, SART use times are during daylight hours, and the additional light would not cause a substantial increase in light or glare, the effects on day or nighttime views would also be less than significant due to the implementation of EPEs AES-02, AES-03, AES-05, and AES-08 as described in Table 3.2.1-2.

See Section 3.2.4 for discussion of potential impacts to wildlife species related to construction lighting, and proposed mitigation to reduce impacts.

Significant Unavoidable Impacts
The 230 kV transmission line would degrade the scenic quality of the Santa Ana River corridor, and impact sensitive viewers traveling Van Buren Boulevard (a City-designated Parkway and Gateway), Santa Ana River Trail users, and residences in the Bradford Street, Julian Drive, Auld Street, Viceroy Avenue, and 68th Street neighborhoods. As planned, the Proposed Project, including integrated EPEs, would avoid impacts to the maximum extent possible, but not to under a significant level. Significant impacts in these areas will be a result of the proximity of the transmission line (in the immediate foreground), typically as viewed in the context of the Santa Ana River scenic backdrop. EPEs that reduce the reflectivity of the structures and conductors, reduce the scale of the structures, screen views or otherwise attempt to minimize impacts when seen at this distance and in this landscape context will not modify the contrast of the Proposed Project sufficiently to reduce impacts to a less than a significant level because the contrasts created would still be strong for those viewers. There are no feasible mitigation measures to reduce the impact level to less-than-significant due to the contrasts caused primarily by the scale and dominance of the new structures as seen by sensitive viewers located immediately adjacent to Proposed Project. No change in materials or colors would mitigate the form and line contrasts caused by these structures. The installation of screening materials at the scale necessary to block the Proposed Project (100 feet tall, in some places) is not feasible and would not mitigate the change in the character of the Santa Ana River corridor. Therefore, a statement of overriding considerations is required should the Proposed Project be approved.

References
City of Riverside. 2007. Riverside General Plan 2025. November.

County of Riverside. 2003. Riverside County General Plan. October.

in Proceedings for Our National Landscape: a Conference on Applied Techniques for Analysis and Management of Visual Resources. Incline Village, Nevada, April 23-25 1979. General Technical Report PSW-35, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Forest and Range Experiment Station, Berkeley, CA. Available at
http://www.nationalwind.org/pubs/permit/permitting.htm.

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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 Fenneman, N.M. 1931. Physiography of the Western United States, McGraw Hill, Book Company Inc., New York and London.

Jones and Jones. 1976. Measuring the Visibility of High Voltage Transmission Facilities in the Pacific Northwest, Jones & Jones, Seattle, Washington.

Miller, C., Jetha, N., and R. MacDonald.

Proceedings for Our National Landscape: a Conference on Applied Techniques for Analysis and Management of Visual Resources. Incline Village, Nevada, April 23-25 1979. General Technical Report PSW-35, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Forest and Range Experiment Station, Berkeley, CA.

Smardon, R.C., Palmer, J.F., and J.P. Felleman. 1986. Foundations for Visual Project Analysis.

John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York.

U. S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM). 1986. Visual Resource Inventory, Manual H-8410-1, Bureau of Land Management. Available at http://www.blm.gov/nstc/VRM/8410.html.
_____. 1986a. Visual Resource Contrast Rating, Manual H-8431-1. Available at http://www.blm.gov/nstc/VRM/8431.html.

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3.2.2 AGRICULTURAL AND FORESTRY RESOURCES
This section provides the environmental and regulatory setting within the Proposed Project area and addresses potential impacts resulting from the Proposed Project on agricultural and forest resources.

Environmental Setting
Farmland Classification
The California Department of Conservation (DOC) applies the Natural Resources Conservation Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program (FMMP), these designated agricultural lands are included in the Important Farmland Maps (IFM) used in planning for the present and future of location, quality, and quantity of agricultural lands and the conversion of these lands. The FMMP provides analysis of agricultural land use and land use changes throughout California.

The DOC has a minimum mapping unit of 10 acres, with parcels that are smaller than ten acres being absorbed into the surrounding classifications.

The list below provides a description of all the categories mapped by the DOC (DOC 2004).

Collectively, lands classified as Prime Farmland, Farmland of Statewide Importance, and Unique Farmland are referred to as Farmland (DOC 2004).

Prime Farmland:Farmland that has the best combination of physical and chemical features able to sustain long-term agricultural production. This land has the soil quality, growing season, and moisture supply needed to produce sustained high yields. Land must have been used for irrigated agricultural production at some time during the four years prior to the mapping date.

Farmland of Statewide Importance: Farmland similar to Prime Farmland but with minor shortcomings, such as greater slopes or less ability to store soil moisture. Land must have been used for irrigated agricultural production at some time during the four years prior to the mapping date.

Unique Farmland: Farmland of lesser quality soils used for the production of th leading agricultural crops. This land is usually irrigated, but may include non-irrigated orchards or vineyards as found in some climatic zones in California. Land must have been cropped at some time during the four years prior to the mapping date.

Farmland of Local Importance: Land of importance to the local agricultural economy as Local Importance in Riverside County is defined as:

Soils that would be classified as Prime and Statewide but lack available irrigation water.

Lands planted to dryland crops of barley, oats, and wheat.

Lands producing major crops for Riverside County but that are not listed as Unique crops. These crops are identified as returning one million or more dollars on the 1980 Riverside County Agriculture Crop Report. Crops identified are permanent pasture (irrigated), summer squash, okra, eggplant, radishes, and watermelons.

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Lands identified by city or county ordinance as Agricultural Zones or Contracts, which oba which are under
cultivation and are of producing age.

Grazing Land: Land on which the existing vegetation is suited to the grazing of livestock. This category was developed
of California Cooperative Extension, and other groups interested in the extent of grazing activities. The minimum mapping unit for Grazing Land is 40 acres.

Urban and Built-up Land: Land occupied by structures with a building density of at least one unit to 1.5 acres, or approximately six structures to a ten-acre parcel. This land is used for residential, industrial, commercial, institutional, public administrative purposes, railroad and other transportation yards, cemeteries, airports, golf courses, sanitary landfills, sewage treatment, water control structures, and other developed purposes.

Other Land: Land not included in any other mapping category. Common examples include low density rural developments; brush, timber, wetland, and riparian areas not suitable for livestock grazing; confined livestock, poultry or aquaculture facilities; strip mines and borrow pits; and water bodies smaller than 40 acres. Vacant and nonagricultural land surrounded on all sides by urban development and greater than 40 acres is mapped as Other Land.

Table 3.2.2-1 shows the acres of agricultural land in Riverside County in 2006 and 2008, as well as the amount of conversion of land from agricultural use to non-agricultural use.

TABLE 3.2.2-1. AGRICULTURAL LAND CONVERSION FROM 2006-2008IN RIVERSIDE COUNTY Total Acres Inventoried 2006-2008 Acreage Changes
Land Use Category 2006 2008 Acres Lost
(-)
Acres Gained
(+)
Net Acreage
Changed
Prime Farmland 128,505 122,936 6,540 971 -5,569
Farmland of Statewide Importance 46,916 44,651 2,366 101 -2,265 Unique Farmland 37,949 37,135 1,595 781 -814
Farmland of Local Importance 231,085 229,157 8,873 6,823 -2,050 Grazing Land 111,696 111,221 502 27 -475
Agricultural Land Subtotal 556,151 545,100 19,876 8,703 -11,173 Source: FMMP, 2008.

Forest Land Classification
Forest land is land that can support 10-percent native treecover of any species, including hardwoods, under natural conditions, and that allows for management of one or more forest resources, including timber, aesthetics, fish and wildlife, biodiversity, water quality, recreation, and other public benefits. Timberland is land, other than land owned by the federal government and land designated by the State Board of Forestry as experimental forest land, which is available for, and capable of, growing a crop of trees of any commercial species used to produce lumber and other forest products.

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230 kV Transmission Line
Agriculture in the Proposed Project area has long been an established land use in the Eastvale, Norco, Glen Avon, and Mira Loma areas and includes field crops (primarily alfalfa), vineyards, and dairy farms. However, with its abundance of relatively flat land with few safety hazards, proximity to the Orange County employment region, and direct access to a major transportation corridor, the area has been undergoing a transition to residential, commercial, and industrial uses.

The proposed 230 kV transmission line would traverse parcels that contain soils classified as Prime Farmland, Farmland of Statewide Importance, Unique Farmland, and Farmland of Local Importance.

The proposed 230 kV transmission line would also traverse land under a Williamson Act (agricultural preserve) contract (Mira Loma Agricultural Preserves No. 1, No. 11, and No. 14).

Total reported Williamson Act contract enrollment in Riverside County for 2007 was 59,895 acres (California Department of Conservation).

The proposed 230 kV transmission line would traverse forest land (Riparian Forest and Open Woodland) where crossing the Santa Ana River.

69 kV Subtransmission Lines (Wilderness Substation to Mountain View Substation, Wilderness/Wildlife Substation to Jurupa Avenue, RERC to Harvey Lynn Substation and Freeman Substation)
Most of the existing agricultural resources within the City of Riverside are southeast of Victoria Avenue on the south side of SR-91 in the Arlington Heights Greenbelt that was traditionally planted with orange groves. Other areas of agricultural resources are scattered throughout the city, with concentrations located near Arlanza/La Sierra as well as the University of California at Riverside (UCR).

According to FMMP Important Farmland Maps, the proposed 69 kV subtransmission lines are located on designated Urban and Built-up Land with a majority of the surrounding land also characterized as Urban and Built-up Land. No agricultural operations are located within and in the vicinity of the proposed 69 kV subtransmission lines.

According to the City of Riverside General Plan 2025, the proposed 69 kV subtransmission lines will not be located in an existing Agricultural Preserve or on lands under a Williamson Act Contract.

Wildlife and Wilderness 230 kV Substations
The proposed Wildlife and Wilderness Substations would be located on City of Riverside-owned land classified as Farmland of Statewide Importance. The two substation sites are located in a light industrial/manufacturing area currently being leased by the Toro Company for turf irrigation/cutting uses. The land has been under City ownership since the 1970s and has not been used for agricultural production during this time period.

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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 69 kV Substation Upgrades (RERC, Mountain View, Harvey Lynn, Freeman) The existing RERC, Mountain View, Harvey Lynn, and Freeman Substations are not located on agricultural land.

Fiber Optic Telecommunications System
The fiber optic cable would be installed on existing overhead distribution poles, on new 230 kV transmission structures, or in new underground conduit. New underground fiber cable rights-of- way (ROWs) along the existing distribution pole line would be required for installation of the underground fiber optic cable.

Regulatory Setting
Federal
There are no federal regulations applicable to the Proposed Project with respect to agriculture.

State
California Department of Conservation, Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program The California Department of Conservation, under the Division of Land Resource Protection, has

agricultural use. The map series identifies eight classifications and uses a minimum mapping unit size of ten acres. The FMMP also produces a biannual report on the amount of land converted from agricultural to non-agricultural use. The FMMP is an informational service only and does not have regulatory jurisdiction over local land use decisions. For the purpose of this environmental analysis and consistency with the federal Farmland Protection Policy Act of 1981, Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, and Farmland of Statewide Importance.

California Land Conservation Act of 1965 (Williamson Act) The California Land Conservation Act, commonly referred to as the Williamson Act, is an agricultural land protection program enacted in 1965. Fundamentally, the Williamson Act is a state policy administered by local governments. Local governments are not mandated to administer the act, but those that do have some latitude to tailor the program to suit local goals and objectives.

A three-way relationship between private landowners, local governments, and the state is central to the Williamson Act. Local governments and landowners voluntarily enter into a contract in which each accepts certain costs in return for other benefits. The landowner forgoes the possibility of development, or converting his or her property into nonagricultural or non-open space use, during the term of the contract, in return for lower property taxes. The local government foregoes a portion of its property taxes in return for the planning advantages and values implicit in retaining land in agriculture or open space. The state supports local governments and landowners in the form of technical and implementation assistance, interpretation of the act, subventions to local governments, research of issues and policies, contract enforcement, and preparation of the Williamson Act Status Report.

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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 Williamson Act contracts have a minimum term of ten years, with renewal occurring automatically each year (local governments can establish initial contract terms for longer periods of time). In Riverside County, the property owner may file a Notice of Non-renewal, stopping the automatic annual renewals and placing the contract in a status in which it runs out over the remaining life of the contract until the contract expires. Alternatively, a property owner may request the cancellation of a contract, which is subject to an approval process and cancellation ice
of Non-renewal has matured (i.e., the remaining years have run out and the property is no longer subject to the contract) or a cancellation occurs, removal of the subject land from the affected agricultural preserve requires a separate Board of Supervi county agricultural preserve maps by diminishing or disestablishing the agricultural preserve.

Regional and Local
Riverside County General Plan
The Riverside County General Plan Land Use Element includes the Agricultural Foundation Component, which contains the Agriculture Area Plan. The Agriculture land use designation has been established to help conserve productive agricultural lands within the county. The intent of the General Plan Agriculture Foundation Component and its associated policies is to identify and preserve areas where agricultural uses are the long-term desirable use, as stated in the General products by conserving areas appropriate for agriculture and related infrastructure and supporting agricultural and urban or suburban uses.

The following agricultural conservation policies identified in the General Land Use Element (RCIP, 2003) may be applicable to the Proposed Project.

Policy LU 16.1. Encourage retaining agriculturally designated lands where agricultural activity can be sustained at an operational scale, where it accommodates lifestyle choice, and in locations where impacts to and from potentially incompatible uses, such as residential uses, are minimized through incentives such as tax credits.

Policy LU 16.2. Protect agricultural uses, including those with industrial characteristics (dairies, poultry, hog farms, etc.) by discouraging inappropriate land division in the immediate proximity and allowing only uses and intensities that are compatible with agricultural uses.

Policy LU 16.4. Encourage conservation of productive agricultural lands. Preserve prime agricultural lands for high-value crop production.

Policy LU 16.5. Continue to participate in the California Land Conservation Act (the Williamson Act) of 1965.

Policy LU 5.4. Ensure that development and conservation land uses do not infringe upon existing public utility corridors, including fee owned rights-of-way and permanent easements, whose true designation governs over what otherwise may be inferred by the large scale general plan maps.

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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 Policy LU 25.7.Due to the scale of General Plan and Area Plan maps and the size of the County, utility easements and linear rights-of-way that are narrow in width are not depicted on General Plan and Area Plan maps. These features need to be taken into consideration in the review of applications to develop land and proposals to preserve land for conservation.

The following forest resource conservation policies identified in the Multipurpose Open Space Element (RCIP, 2003) may be applicable to the Proposed Project.

OS 8.1.Cooperate with federal and state agencies to achieve the sustainable conservation of forest land as a means of providing open space and protecting natural resources and habitat lands included within the MSHCPs.

OS 8.2. Support conservation programs to reforest privately held forest lands.

Riverside County Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 12.16 of the Riverside County Zoning Code provides the regulatory framework for Williamson Act agricultural preserves. In Section 12.16.030(A) a list of compatible uses is provided and includes:

Gas, electric, water and communication utility facilities, and public service facilities of like nature operated by a public agency or mutual water company City of Riverside General Plan 2025
La Sierra Acres
Policy LU-63.5: Implement the Rancho La Sierra Specific Plan pursuant to Proposition R and Measure C with the following applicable criteria:

Natural open space areas shall be preserved to protect the natural features of the site such as significant natural hills, steep slopes, rock outcroppings, and arroyos; The wildlife refuge, agricultural land, and open space character of the river shall be preserved;
Any future roads or utility service shall be located so as to protect the wildlife refuge; and Public trail access along the river corridor compatible with protection of the wildlife refuge shall be maintained and provide for hiking, bicycling and equestrian use.

Agricultural Preservation Proposition R and Measure C
Policy OS-3.1: Promote and encourage agriculture as an essential industry and a desirable open space use. The Arlington Heights Greenbelt and La Sierra Lands (i.e., Rancho La Sierra) are important agricultural lands because of their high soil quality, favorable climate and low water costs.

Policy OS-3.2: Identify land for retention and encouragement of agricultural use based on consideration of historic use, soil suitability, agricultural significance, prevailing parcel sizes, City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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Policy OS-3.3: Protect valuable agricultural land from urban development through the use of agricultural zones and other appropriate development regulations, as well as financial and tax incentives.

Policy OS-3.9: Coordinate programs to preserve agricultural lands with other public, private and non-profit organizations where feasible.

Policy OS-4.1: Continue to enforce Proposition R and Measure C.

Policy OS-4.2: Establish buffers and/or open space between agricultural and urban uses so that the potential impacts from urban development will be mitigated.

Policy OS-4.3: Explore the possibility of establishing a fee for all new development in Riverside for land banking to create new buffers and/or purchase sensitive lands between urban development and existing open space resources.

The Proposed Project is not inconsistent with Agricultural Preservation Proposition R and Measure C policies identified in the Rancho La Sierra Specific Plan.

City of Norco General Plan (Proposed Project)
The Land Use Element does not have any goals or policies regarding the siting of electrical transmission lines on farmland.

City of Norco Zoning Ordinance (Proposed Project)
According to the City of Norco Zoning Map (City Council Resolution No. 2007-23/Date May 2, 2007), a portion of the proposed 230 kV transmission line is located in the A-E Zone Agricultural Estate.

Impact Assessment
Significance Threshold Criteria
The significance criteria for this analysis were developed from criteria presented in Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines. The Proposed Project would result in a significant impact to agricultural resources if it would:

a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use; b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract; c) Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code section 12220(g)), timberland (as defined by Public Resources Code section 4526), or timberland zoned Timberland Production (as defined by Government Code section 51104(g));
d) Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non-forest use; or e) Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 could result in conversion of Farmland, to non-agricultural use or conversion of forest land to non-forest use.

Environmental Protection Elements
Following best management and design practices throughout conception, construction, and implementation of the Proposed Project ensures that public safety is paramount and potential environmental impacts are minimized through avoidance. Table 3.2.2-2 outlines the proposed SCE and RPU Environmental Protection Elements (EPEs) related to agricultural resources. As discussed above in Section 3.1.2, the EPEs have been included as part of the Proposed Project; therefore, the impact analysis section that follows includes the implementation of the EPEs listed below. Any impact resulting from the implementation of the Proposed Project (including the EPEs) is identified below. Where mitigation measures would reduce these impacts, the measures and their effectiveness have been included in the impact discussion.

TABLE 3.2.2-2. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ELEMENTS AGRICULTURAL AND FORESTRY

RESOURCES
Environmental
Protection Element Description
AGR-01
Locate Project Activities to Minimize Impacts to Active Agricultural Operations.

Transmission structures would be located adjacent to existing electrical infrastructure in order to consolidate any potential obstructions to the movement of agricultural machinery Access roads, spur roads, staging areas, and pulling/splicing sites would be located in areas that minimize impacts to agricultural operations
Removal of perennial crops would be minimized
Mitigation Measures
Specific mitigation measures (see Table 3.2.2-3) would be applied for impacts related to agricultural and forestry resources.

TABLE 3.2.2-3. MITIGATION MEASURES AGRICULTURAL AND FORESTRY RESOURCES Mitigation Measure Description
MM AGR-01
Restore Soils to Pre-Project Conditions.

Replace soils in a manner that shall minimize negative impacts on crop productivity by stockpiling surface and subsurface layers separately and returning those layers to their pre- construction locations in the soil profile.

The top soil layers shall be ripped to restore compacted soils to their original density. Ripping may also be used in areas where vehicle and equipment traffic have compacted the top soil layers.

MM AGR-02
Maintain Irrigation Facilities.

Project would be constructed to maintain existing drainage systems, existing irrigation systems and other ancillary farming systems that are needed for farming activities so that agricultural uses are not disrupted.

Maintain existing levels of water available to farmers.

Environmental Impacts
Based on the CEQA Guidelines, the analysis considers whether the Proposed Project would result in impacts to Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, and Farmland of Statewide Importance (hereafter collectively referred to as Farmland). For informational purposes, impacts to City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 Farmland of Local Importance are provided below; however, from a CEQA perspective, impacts to designated Farmland of Local Importance are not considered significant for this Project, and consequently, do not require mitigation.

This impact analysis considers the potential agricultural effects of activities associated with the construction, operation, and maintenance of the Proposed Project, including the upgrades of the RERC, Mountain View, Harvey Lynn, and Freeman Substations. The proposed upgrades of these substations consist of electrical system and safety upgrades. Substation work would occur on previously disturbed areas within the existing footprint of the substations, and the associated construction, operation and maintenance activities would have no impact to agricultural resources.

The fiber optic cable would be installed on existing overhead distribution poles, on new 230 kV transmission structures, or in new underground conduit. New underground fiber cable ROWs along the existing distribution pole line would be required for installation of the underground fiber optic cable.

a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use. 230 kV Transmission Line Construction
Less than Significant Impact with Mitigation. Even with integrated EPEs, the proposed 230 kV transmission line would traverse some Farmland. Construction activities would temporarily impact Farmland designated as Prime Farmland (7.4 acres), Unique Farmland (2.1 acres), and Farmland of Statewide Importance (3.2 acres) due to temporary pulling and tensioning sites, structure assembly areas, and guard pole holes. The proposed 230 kV transmission line would also traverse Farmland of Local Importance (4.9 acres). After the completion of construction, these acres would be returned to agricultural use. This impact would be temporary and less than significant with implementation of MM AGR-01 (Restore Soils to Pre-Project Conditions), which would ensure that agricultural lands would be restored to pre- project conditions to allow for the continued use of the land for agricultural purposes.

230 kV Transmission Line Operation
Significant and Unavoidable Impact. While the proposed 230 kV transmission line would have Farmland temporarily converted to non-agricultural uses as described above, Farmland designated as Prime Farmland (0.7 acre), Unique Farmland (0.7 acre), and Farmland of Statewide Importance (0.1 acre) would be permanently converted, as a result of structure placement, to non-agricultural uses. The proposed 230 kV transmission line would also permanently convert Farmland of Local Importance (0.5 acres) to non-agricultural uses. Areas removed from use for the life of the Proposed Project would include the small areas at the transmission structure footings and/or guy anchors. Although the City has considered the imposition of agricultural easements and purchase of mitigation credits as potential mitigation not actually avoid, minimize, rectify, reduce, eliminate, or compensate for the permanent loss of agricultural lands, because any such easement or credits would simply restrict development on lands that are already designated as agricultural lands or set aside for agricultural conservation City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 purposes. As such, the creation of an agricultural easement or purchase of agricultural mitigation credits are not considered by the City to be valid or feasible mitigation under CEQA because City finds such potential mitigation measures to be infeasible (see CEQA Guidelines, §15370; Cherry Valley Pass Acres & Neighbors v. City of Beaumont [2010] 190 Cal.App.4th 316, 352- 353 [addressing agricultural easements]). Instead, the City agrees with the conclusion set forth in the Cherry Valley Pass Acres decision and the Friends of the Kangaroo Rat v. California Department of Corrections, August 18, 2003 (Fifth Appellate District Number F040956, unpub.) decision, both of which confirm that lead agencies may reject agricultural easements as infeasible mitigation and which further suppor
may be rejected as an infeasible mitigation measure.

reasonable or feasible mitigation to reduce the significant impacts resulting from the loss of agricultural land to a less than significant level. While the implementation of General Plan policies would encourage the conservation of agricultural land, the conversion of State- designated farmland and/or actively utilized agricultural land to non-agricultural uses, remains a

Since there are no feasible mitigation measures for Proposed Project-related loss of these agricultural lands, the impact would remain significant and unavoidable.

Wildlife and Wilderness Substations
No Impact. The proposed Wildlife and Wilderness Substations are located on City of Riverside- owned land classified as Farmland of Statewide Importance. As discussed above, the site of both of the proposed substations is currently being leased by the Toro Company. The land has been under City ownership since the 1970s and has not been used for agricultural production during this time period. The site of both of the substations is surrounded by and located in an area that is classified by the FMMP as Urban and Built-up land. The site is also zoned by the City of Riverside as a Business and Manufacturing Park according to the City of Riverside Zoning Code.

As such, no impacts would occur.

69 kV Subtransmission Lines; Substation Upgrades
No Impact. The proposed 69 kV subtransmission lines and substation upgrades do not occur on Farmland. As such, construction activities associated with the 69 kV subtransmission lines; RERC, Mountain View, Harvey Lynn, and Freeman Substation improvements; and the fiber optic telecommunications system infrastructure would not convert Farmland to non-agricultural use.

b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act Contract.

Less than Significant Impact. The Proposed Project (230 kV transmission line) traverses land under a Williamson Act (agricultural preserve) contract (Mira Loma Agricultural Preserves No. 1, No. 11, and No. 14). A Notice of Non-Renewal has been filed on all three of these agricultural preserves (i.e., the party under contract has started the process with local government to end the contract). Components of the Proposed Project are consistent with Agricultural Preservation Proposition R and Measure C policies identified in the Rancho La Sierra Specific Plan.

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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 Specifically, the line through the Rancho La Sierra lands is on the outer edge on the north side adjacent or near the Santa Ana River Trail and away from any agricultural lands. This location is consistent with the Rancho La Sierra Specific Plan in protecting the agricultural lands.

The Proposed Project would not conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use. Land under a Williamson Act Contract would be temporarily and permanently disturbed by the Proposed Project. Proposed Project components, however, would be consistent with the Williamson Act because California Government Code Section 51238 states that the construction, operation, and maintenance of electric and communication facilities are compatible uses on lands under Williamson Act contracts, unless otherwise specified by the local board or council. According to Riverside County Ordinance No. 509, gas, electric, water, and communication utility facilities, and public service facilities of like nature operated by a public agency or mutual water company, are considered compatible uses. The placement of transmission structures on land currently under Williamson Act contract would not remove the land from Williamson Act contract status.

Thus, there would be a less than significant impact related to Williamson Act status of parcels through which the Proposed Project would traverse. In addition, the transmission line would allow for many agricultural uses under and adjacent to the line.

c) Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code section 12220(g)), timberland (as defined by Public Resources Code section 4526), or timberland zoned Timberland Production (as defined by Government Code section 51104(g)).

No Impact.

The Proposed Project area does not contain land zoned as forest land, timberland, or timberland for timber production as defined above. Therefore, construction and operation of the Proposed Project would not conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land, timberland, or timberland zoned Timberland Production.

d) Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non-forest use.

No Impact. As discussed above, the Proposed Project area does not contain land zoned as forest land, timberland, or timberland for timber production. As described in Section 3.2.4, Biological Resources, forest land (riparian forest and open woodland) occurs where the Proposed Project crosses the Santa Ana River. Construction of the Proposed Project, however, does not require the removal or disturbance of this forest land. Therefore, construction and operation of the Proposed Project would not result in the loss or conversion of forest land to non-forest use.

e) Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland, to non-agricultural use or conversion of forest land to non-forest use.

Less than Significant Impact with Mitigation. The Proposed Project has the potential to result in temporary or permanent removal, relocation, and/or replacement of ancillary farming systems crops could effectively render formerly productive Farmland unusable, resulting in the conversion of additional Farmland to non-agricultural use. As proposed, including integration of EPEs, these effects would be minimized to the maximum extent possible without jeopardizing City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 Project feasibility.

MM AGR-02 (Maintain Irrigation Facilities) would ensure that no additional Farmland is indirectly converted to non-agricultural use because of impacts to existing irrigation and other ancillary systems required for farming productivity. As such, long-term impacts to agricultural operations would be minimized such that impacts would be less than significant.

Significant Unavoidable Impacts
Impacts to agricultural and forest lands, other than the conversion of farmland, are less than significant. However, significant and unavoidable impacts to agricultural resources would result kV transmission line,
which conversion cannot be mitigated to below a level of less than significant. CEQA Guidelines shall describe feasible mitigation measures which could minimize significant economic viability of agriculture. Some of the techniques that have been developed have resulted in programs that are enacted and administered at the State level, while others are used primarily by local governments.

Several potential farmland protection and preservation measures have been analyzed by the City of Riverside to determine if implementation of any such measures would reduce the impact of the Project on Farmland. Purchasing of agricultural conservation easements and purchasing credits from an agricultural mitigation bank, were analyzed to determine their feasibility in providing adequate mitigation for the loss of the Important Farmland. Each of these, for various reasons, was determined not to be feasible.

In summary, no mitigation measures were found feasible that would reduce the impact to Important Farmland to a level that is less than significant. Therefore, impacts would remain significant and unavoidable, and a statement of overriding considerations will be required should the Proposed Project be approved.

References
California Department of Finance (DOF), Summary of California County Agricultural -2005. Gross Values by Commodity Groups, October
2006. Available at http://www.dof.ca.gov/HTML/FS_DATA/Fs_home.asp.

City of Riverside. 2004. General Plans and Supporting Documents, Environmental Impact Report. November.
_____. 2005. General Plan 2025 Final Program Environmental Impact Report. Available at http://www.riversideca.gov/planning/genplan2025-2.htm.
_____. 2007. Riverside General Plan 2025. November.

County of Riverside. Riverside County Integrated Project General Plan Final Program Environmental Impact Report (State Clearinghouse No. 20022051143), March 2003.

Available at http://www.rctlma.org/genplan/default.aspx.

County of Riverside. 2003. General Plan, Eastvale Area Plan. _____. 2003. General Plan, Jurupa Area Plan.

City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 _____. 2003. Riverside County Integrated Project, General Plan. Adopted October 7, 2003.

Available at http://www.rctlma.org/generalplan/index.html. _____. 2006. Geographic Information System Database. Available for review at the County of Riverside Planning Department or on December 21, 2006, at http://www3.tlma.co.riverside.ca.us/pa/rclis/index.html. _____. 2007. Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, Ordinances, April 2007. Available at http://www.clerkoftheboard.co.riverside.ca.us/ords.htm. _____. 2009. County of Riverside Land Information System. Available at http://www2.tlma.co.riverside.ca.us/aims/pa/rclis. Accessed 2009. _____. 2009. Riverside County Zoning Ordinance.

County of Riverside Transportation and Land Management Agency (TLMA). 2004. Geographic Information Systems, Agricultural Preserves Shapefile.

Department of Conservation. 2002. Riverside County Williamson Act Lands Map. Prepared by the State of California, Department of Conservation, Division of Land Resource Protection.
_____. 2004. Farmland Mitigation and Monitoring Program (FMMP). Riverside County. _____. 2004. Farmland in California Map. State of California, Department of Conservation, Division of Land Resource Protection.

Hayes, Steve. 2006. City of Riverside, Community Development Department, Planning Division.

Personal communication on March 29, 2006.

Office of the Agricultural Commissioners. 2005. Riverside County 2005 Agricultural Production Report. Available at http://www.rivcoag.org.

Riverside County Agricultural Crop and Livestock Report. 2005. Available at www.rivcoag.org/agdept/opencms/publications.

Riverside County Integrated Project. 2003. General Plan Final Program, Environmental Impact Report, Volume I. Riverside County, California.

U.S. Department of Agriculture. 1971. Soil Conservation Service, Soil Survey, Western Riverside Area, California. November. Available at the County of Riverside.

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3.2.3 AIR QUALITY AND GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
This section describes the air quality impacts associated with the construction and operation of the Proposed Project. It outlines the methodology used to conduct the analysis, and identifies the regulations and standards that could apply to these topics.

Environmental Setting
Regional Climate
The topography and climate of Southern California combine to make the South Coast Air Basin an area with a high potential for air pollution, constraining efforts to achieve clean air. During the summer months, a warm air mass frequently descends over the cool moist marine layer pollutants released into the marine layer from dispersing upward. In addition, light winds during the summer further limit ventilation. Furthermore, sunlight triggers the photochemical reactions which produce ozone, and this region experiences more days of sunlight than many other major urban areas in the nation.

Regional Air Quality
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) has the responsibility to ensure that state and federal ambient air quality standards are achieved and maintained in its geographical jurisdiction. Health-based air quality standards have been established by California and the federal government for the following criteria air pollutants: ozone (O3); carbon monoxide (CO); nitrogen dioxide (NO2); particulate matter less than 10 microns (PM10); particulate matter less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5); sulfur dioxide (SO2); and lead. These standards were established to protect sensitive receptors with a margin of safety from adverse health impacts due to exposure to air pollution. California standards are more stringent than federal standards, and, in the case of PM10 and SO2, far more stringent. California has also established standards for volatile organic compounds (VOC), sulfate, visibility reducing particles, hydrogen sulfide, and vinyl chloride.

The state and national ambient air quality standards for each of these pollutants are shown in Table 3.2.3-2.

Health Impacts of Criteria Pollutants
The following paragraphs briefly describe the adverse human health effects of the six criteria pollutants monitored in the Basin.

Ozone
Description: Ozone (O3) is a gas composed of three oxygen atoms. Ozone is not usually emitted directly into the air, but at ground-level is formed by photochemical reactions between NOX and VOCs in the presence of sunlight. O3 is a pungent, colorless gas typical of southern California smog. O3 levels peak during the summer and early fall months. VOCs accumulate in the atmosphere more quickly during the winter when sunlight is limited and photochemical reactions are slower. VOC is also commonly referred to as Reactive Organic Gas.

Health Effects: Breathing O3 can trigger a variety of health problems including chest pain, coughing, throat irritation, and congestion. It can worsen bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma.

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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 Ground-level ozone can also reduce lung function and inflame the linings of the lungs. Repeated exposure may permanently scar lung tissue. These health problems are particularly acute in sensitive receptors such as the sick, elderly, and young children.

Sources: Motor vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions, gasoline vapors, and chemical solvents as well as natural sources emit NOX and VOC that help form O3. Sunlight and hot weather cause O3 to form in harmful concentrations in the air (EPA).

Carbon Monoxide
Description: Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, practically odorless, and tasteless gas or liquid. It results from incomplete oxidation of carbon in combustion.

Health Effects: At low concentrations, CO can cause fatigue in healthy people and chest pain in people with heart disease. At higher concentrations CO can cause impaired vision and coordination, headaches, dizziness, confusion, and nausea, and flu-like symptoms. Acute effects are due to the formation of carboxyhemoglobin in the blood, which inhibits oxygen intake. At moderate concentrations, angina, impaired vision, and reduced brain function may result. At higher concentrations, CO exposure can be fatal.

Sources: Incomplete oxidation during combustion in gas ranges and unvented gas or kerosene heaters may cause high concentrations of CO in indoor air. Worn or poorly adjusted and maintained combustion devices (e.g., boilers, furnaces) can be significant sources. Auto, truck, or bus exhaust from roads or parking areas can be a source (EPA).

Oxides of Nitrogen
Description: Oxides of nitrogen (NOX) is the generic term for a group of highly reactive gases, all of which contain nitrogen and oxygen in varying amounts. NOX contributes to other pollution problems, including a high concentration of fine particulate matter, poor visibility, and acid deposition. NO2, a reddish-brown gas, and nitric oxide, a colorless, odorless gas, are formed from fuel combustion under high temperature or pressure. NOX is a primary component of the photochemical smog reaction.

Health Effects: NO2 decreases lung function and may reduce resistance to infection.

Sources: Nitrogen oxides form when fuel is burned at high temperatures, as in a combustion process. The primary manmade sources of NOX are motor vehicles, electric utilities, and other industrial, commercial, and residential sources that burn fuels. NOX can also be formed naturally.

Sulfur Dioxide
Description: Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a colorless, irritating gas formed primarily from incomplete combustion of fuels containing sulfur. Industrial facilities also contribute to gaseous SO2 levels in the Basin.

Health Effects: SO2 irritates the respiratory tract, can injure lung tissue when combined with fine particulate matter, and reduces visibility and the level of sunlight.

Sources: According to the EPA, in California, the largest emission sources of SO2 are from fossil fuel combustion, emissions from non-road equipment, and industrial processes.

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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 Particulate Matter
Description: Particulate matter is the term used for a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air.

Health Effects: Coarse particles can accumulate in the respiratory system and aggravate health concentrations that extend well below those allowed by the current PM10 standards, which penetrate deeply into the lungs, are more likely than coarse particles to contribute to the health effects listed in a number of recently published community epidemiological studies. These health effects include premature death, increased hospital admissions, and emergency room visits (primarily the elderly and individuals with cardiopulmonary disease); increased respiratory symptoms and disease (children and individuals with cardiopulmonary disease such as asthma); decreased lung functions (particularly in children and individuals with asthma); and alterations in lung tissue and structure and in respiratory tract defense mechanisms.

Sources: Coarse particles (larger than 2.5 microns or PM10) come from a variety of sources, including windblown dust and grinding operations. Fine particles (less than 2.5 microns, or PM2.5) often come from fuel combustion, power plants, diesel buses, and trucks. Fine particles can also be formed in the atmosphere through chemical reactions.

Greenhouse Gases
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions that contribute to global climate change are CO2, methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFC), perfluorocarbons (PFC), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) (CEQA Guidelines Section 15364.5). In response to Executive Order S-3-05 California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, Assembly Bill 32 (AB 32), was signed into effect on September 27, 2006. In passing the bill, the California Legislature found that:

-being, public health, natural
resources, and the environment of California. The potential adverse impacts of global warming include the exacerbation of air quality problems, a reduction in the quality and supply of water to the state from the Sierra snowpack, a rise in sea levels resulting in the displacement of thousands of coastal businesses and residences, damage to marine ecosystems and the natural environment, and an increase in the incidences of infectious diseases, asthma, and other human health- (California Health & Safety Code, § 38500, Division 25.5, Part 1).

Almost 90 percent of the total GHG emissions in the 1990 inventory were in the form of CO2 (ARB, 2007). Emissions of CO2 occur largely from combustion of fossil fuels. Other GHG emissions such as methane and nitrous oxide are also tracked by state inventories but occur in much smaller quantities. The global warming potential of methane and nitrous oxide are 21 and 310 times that of CO2, respectively. When quantifying GHG emissions, the different global warming potentials of GHG pollutants are usually taken into account by normalizing their rates to a CO2-equivalent emission rate (CO2e).

AB 32 required the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to adopt a statewide GHG emissions limit for 2020 based on the 1990 emissions level. CARB staff recommended that the City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 Board approve 427 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MMT CO2e) as the total statewide aggregated GHG 1990 emissions level and 2020 emissions limit (CARB, 2007). This recommendation was approved by the board on December 6, 2007. CARB staff estimated the -as-usual 2e, effectively establishing
2e.

approximately 484 MMT CO2e, or roughly
one percent of the 49,000 MMT CO2e emitted globally (IPCC, 2007). Statewide emissions of GHGs in 1990 and 2004 are summarized in Table 3.2.3-1. Emission sources are broken out into seven major categories: transportation; electricity generation; industrial; residential; agriculture; commercial; and forestry.

TABLE 3.2.3-1. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS BY SECTOR IN 1990 AND 2004 Sector 1990 2004
MMT CO2e Percent of Total
Gross Emissions MMT CO2e Percent of Total
Gross Emissions
Agriculture 23.4 5 percent 27.9 6 percent
Commercial 14.4 3 percent 12.8 3 percent
Electricity Generation 110.6 26 percent 119.8 25 percent Forestry (excluding sinks) 0.2 <1 percent 0.2 <1 percent Industrial 103.0 24 percent 96.2 20 percent
Residential 29.7 7 percent 29.1 6 percent
Transportation 150.7 35 percent 182.4 38 percent
Forestry Sinks -6.7 -- -4.7 --
Source: CARB, 2007

Health Impacts of Greenhouse Gases
The cumulative effect of global climate change has the potential to adversely affect human health. Increased ambient temperatures may cause more intense heat waves, contributing to heat stroke and heat-related deaths. Shifts in weather patterns can also cause draughts and thus food shortages. In addition to the cumulative effects, the individual GHGs are known to have direct health effects. Characteristics, health effects, and sources of the greenhouse gases quantified in this analysis are presented below:

Carbon Dioxide
Description: Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a colorless, odorless gas at standard temperature.

Atmospheric concentrations of CO2 fluctuate slightly with the change of the seasons, and are more predominant in the winter months.

Health Effects: CO2 is harmless at atmospheric concentrations (0.038%). It is toxic in high concentrations and has the potential to result in headaches, dizziness, restlessness, paresthesis, dyspnea, sweating, malaise, increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, coma, asphyxia, and/or convulsions (OSHA). Levels above 4% may be tolerated for short periods of time. OSHA has set and eight-hour exposure limit of 0.5%.

Sources: CO2 enters the atmosphere through the burning of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, and coal), solid waste, trees and wood products, and also as a result of other chemical reactions (e.g., City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 manufacture of cement) (EPA).

Methane
Description: Methane (CH4) is a colorless, odorless gas at standard temperature. It is the principal component of natural gas.

Health Effects: CH4 is extremely reactive with oxidizers, halogens, and other halogen-containing compounds. Methane is also an asphyxiant and may displace oxygen in an enclosed space (OSHA).

Sources: CH4 is emitted during the production and transport of coal, natural gas, and oil.

Methane emissions also result from livestock and other agricultural practices and by the decay of organic waste in municipal solid waste landfills (EPA).

Nitrous Oxide
Description: Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a colorless non-flammable gas, with an odor and taste described as slightly sweet. It is commonly known a
of inhaling it.

Health Effects: N2O is an asphyxiant at high concentrations. At lower concentrations, exposure causes central nervous system, cardiovascular, hepatic, hematopoietic, and reproductive effects.

Sources: N2O is produced by both natural and human-related sources. Primary human-related sources of N2O are agricultural soil management, animal manure management, sewage treatment, mobile and stationary combustion of fossil fuel, adipic acid production, and nitric acid production. N2O is also produced naturally from a wide variety of biological sources in soil and water, particularly microbial action in wet tropical forests (EPA).

Sensitive Receptors
Air quality sensitive receptors are facilities or areas (e.g., residential areas, hospitals, schools, park, offices; see Figures 3.2.9-1 and 3.2.9-2) where degradation of air quality may cause annoyance or loss of business.

Proposed 230 kV Transmission Line
The proposed 230 kV transmission line route into the new Wildlife Substation runs primarily along I-15 and crosses Van Buren Blvd. Residential areas are located less than 100 feet from the route near the intersections of Bradford Street/Julian Drive, Idyllwild Lane/Dunn Court, and Viceroy Avenue/Grulla Court. Additionally, there are a few residential areas near Limonite Avenue that are more than 100 feet from the proposed line route. There are no hospitals or public schools within 100 feet of the proposed route.

Wilderness Mountain View 69 kV Subtransmission Line
The Wilderness Mt. View 69 kV subtransmission line route is located partially in residential areas. There are no hospitals, schools, or parks within 100 feet of the proposed route.

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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 RERC Harvey Lynn/Freeman 69 kV Subtransmission Lines
The RERC Harvey Lynn/Freeman 69 kV subtransmission line route is located primarily in residential areas. There are no hospitals or public schools within 100 feet of the proposed route.

The proposed RERC-Harvey Lynn/Freeman 69 kV subtransmission line route is located within The Riverside Municipal Airport is east
of the northern end of the line route.

Wilderness Jurupa Ave 69 kV Subtransmission Line
The Wilderness Jurupa Ave 69 kV subtransmission line route is located in commercial and industrial areas.

Regulatory Setting
The Proposed Project includes construction but does not include any stationary emission sources, so there are very few direct air quality regulations that specifically regulate the Proposed regulations, are general and allow multiple means of achieving compliance. A description of the specific and general regulations that apply to the Proposed Project is provided below.

Federal
Federal Clean Air Act
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforces the Federal Clean Air Act (FCAA) and the associated national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) for carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), sulfur dioxides (SO2), respirable particulate matter (PM10), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and lead. These air quality standards are concentrations above which the pollutant is known to cause adverse health effects.

The EPA def
does not meet federal air quality standards designed to protect public health). A nonattainment designation indicates that the air quality violates an ambient air quality standard. An attainment designation indicates that the air quality does not violate the established standard. An unclassified designation indicates that there are insufficient data for determining attainment or nonattainment. EPA requires that states submit State Implementation Plans (SIPs) demonstrating how clean air will be attained or maintained with each air quality basin.

The Proposed Project site is located in the County and City of Riverside, within the South Coast Air Basin (SCAB). The SCAB includes the southern two-thirds of Los Angeles County, all of Orange County, and the western urbanized portions of Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

Please refer to Table 3.2.3-3 for state and federal attainment/non-attainment designations.

EPA Endangerment Finding
On April 2, 2007, in Massachusetts v. EPA, 549 U.S. 497 (2007), the Supreme Court found that GHG are air pollutants covered by the Clean Air Act. The court held that the administrator must determine whether or not emissions of GHG from new motor vehicles cause or contribute to air pollution which may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health or welfare, or whether the science is too uncertain to make a reasoned decision. The Proposed Endangerment and Cause or Contribute Findings for Greenhouse Gases under the Clean Air Act was signed on April 17, City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 2009. On April 24, 2009, the proposed rule was published in the Federal Register under Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2009-0171. The administrator proposed to find that:

[G]reenhouse gases in the atmosphere endanger the public health and welfare of current and future generations. Concentrations of greenhouse gases are at unprecedented levels compared to the recent and distant past. These high atmospheric levels are the unambiguous result of human emissions, and are very likely the cause of the observed increase in average temperatures and other climatic changes. The effects of climate change observed to date and projected to occur in the futureincluding but not limited to the increased likelihood of more frequent and intense heat waves, more wildfires, degraded air quality, more heavy downpours and flooding, increased drought, greater sea level rise, more intense storms, harm to water resources, harm to agriculture, and harm to wildlife and ecosystemsare effects on public health and welfare within the meaning of the Clean Air Act.

State
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is the state agency that:

1. Sets and enforces emission standards for motor vehicles, fuels and consumer products;

2. Sets health-based air quality standards;

3. Conducts research;

4. Monitors air quality;

5. Identifies and sets control measures for toxic air contaminants;

6. Provides compliance assistance for businesses;

7. Produces education and outreach programs and materials; and

8. Oversees and assists local air quality districts which regulate most non-vehicular sources of air pollution.

CARB approves the regional air quality management plans (AQMPs) for incorporation into the SIP and is responsible for preparing those portions of the SIP related to mobile source emissions.

The SIPs are then submitted to EPA for approval. CARB implements the California Clean Air Act (CCAA) requirements, regulating emissions from motor vehicles, and setting fuel standards.

The CCAA established ambient air quality standards for ozone, PM10, PM2.5, CO, N2O, SO2, lead (Pb), visibility-reducing particles, sulfates, hydrogen sulfide, and vinyl chloride. California standards are generally stricter than federal standards.

Table 3.2.3-2 presents the California Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) and National (Federal) Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).

TABLE 3.2.3-2. NATIONAL AND CALIFORNIA AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARDS Pollutant Averaging Time CAAQS1,3 NAAQS2
Primary3,4 Secondary 3,5
O3
1 hour 0.09 ppm (180 µg/m3) --- Same as primary
8 hours 0.070 ppm (137 µg/m 3)*) 0.075 ppm
(147 µg/m3)6 Same as primary
CO 8 hours 9.0 ppm (10 mg/m3) 9.0 ppm (10 mg/m3) ---
1 hour 20 ppm (23 mg/m3) 35 ppm (40 mg/m3) ---
NO2 Annual Arithmetic Mean 0.030 ppm (57 µg/m3)8 0.053 ppm (100 µg/m3) Same as primary
1 hour 0.18 ppm (339 µg/m3) 0.100 ppm96 ---
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Primary3,4 Secondary3,5
SO2 Annual Arithmetic Mean --- 0.030 ppm (80
µg/m3) ---
SO2 24 hours 0.04 ppm (105 µg/m 3) 0.14 ppm (365
µg/m3)--- ---
3 hours --- --- 0.5 ppm
(1,300 µg/m3)7
1 hour 0.25 ppm (655 µg/m 3) ---0.075 ppm (196
µg/m3)7 ---
Respirable
PM10
Annual Arithmetic Mean 20 µg/m3 --- Same as primary
24 hours 50 µg/m3 150 µg/m3 Same as primary
PM2.5 6 Annual Arithmetic Mean 12 µg/m3 15 µg/m3 Same as primary 24 hours --- 35 µg/m3 Same as primary
Sulfates 24 hours 25 µg/m3 --- ---
Pb
30 day Average 1.5 µg/m3 --- ---
Calendar Quarter --- 1.5 µg/m3 Same as primary
Rolling 3-Month Average9 --- 0.15 µg/m3 Same as primary Hydrogen
sulfide 1 hour 0.03 ppm (42 µg/m 3) --- ---
Vinylchloride 78 24 hours 0.010 ppm (26 µg/m3) --- ---
Visibility
reducing
particles
8 hours
Extinction coefficient of 0.23 per
km - visibility of 10 miles or more -
due to particles when the relative
humidity is less than 70 percent.
--- ---
Source: CARB, JulySeptember2010. Ambient Air Quality Standards Chart (California and Federal). Although information available in the Fall of 2009 (i.e., the NOP issuance date) was generally used as the baseline for the determination of impacts, here data from JulySeptember2010 is presented because it represents the most recent and accurate data available.

Notes

1. California standards for O3, CO, SO2(1-hour and 24-hour), NO2, suspended particulate matter PM10, PM2.5, and visibility reducing particles are values that are not to be exceeded. All others are not to be equaled or exceeded. California ambient air quality standards are listed in the Table of Standards in Section 70200 of Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations.

2. National standards, other than O3, particulate matter, and those based on annual averages (or annual arithmetic mean), are not to be exceeded more than once a year. The O3standard is attained when the fourth-highest 8-hour concentration, averaged over three years is equal to or less than the standard. For PM10, the 24-hour standard is attained when the expected number of days per calendar year with a 24-hour average concentration above 150 µg/m3is equal to or less than one For PM2.5, the 24-hour standard is attained when 98% of the daily concentrations, averaged over three years, are equal to or less than the standard.

3. Concentration expressed first in units in which it was promulgated. Equivalent units given in parentheses are based on a reference temperature of 25
C and a reference pressure of 760 torr. Most measurements of air quality are to be corrected to a reference temperature of 25
C and a reference pressure of 760 torr; ppm in this table refers to ppm by volume, or micromoles of pollutant per mole of gas.

4. National Primary Standards: The levels of air quality necessary, with an adequate margin of safety to protect the public health.

5. National Secondary Standards: The levels of air quality necessary to protect the public welfare from any known or anticipated adverse effects of a pollutant.

6. New Federal 8-hour O3and fine PM2.5standards were promulgated by EPA on July 18, 1997.

7.6. To attain this standard, the 3-year average of the 98thpercentile of the daily maximum 1-hour average at each monitor within an area must not exceed 0.100 ppm (effective January 22, 2010).

7. On June 2, 2010, the U.S. EPA established a new 1-hour SO2standard, effective August 23, 2010, which is based on the 3-year average of the annual 99thpercentile of 1-hour daily maximum concentrations. The EPA also revoked both the existing 24-hour SO2standard of 0.14 ppm and the annual primary SO2standard of 0.030 ppm, effective August 23, 2010.

8. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has identified Pb and vinyl chloride as toxic air contaminantswith no threshold level of exposure for adverse health effects determined. These actions allow for the implementation of control measures at levels below the ambient concentrations specified for these pollutants.

8. The NO2ambient air quality standard was amended on February 22, 2007 to lower the 1-hr standard to 0.18 ppm and establish a new annual standard of 0.030 ppm. These changes became effective after regulatory changes were submitted and approved by the Office of Administrative Law in 2007.

9. To attain this standard, the 3-year average of the 98thpercentile of the daily maximum 1-hour average at each monitor within an area must not exceed 0.100 ppm (effective January 22, 2010).
* This concentration was approved by the CARB on April 28, 2005, and became effective May, 17, 2006.

9. National lead standard, rolling 3-month average: final rule signed October 15, 2008.

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The CCAA requires that each area exceeding the state ambient air quality standards for O3, CO, SO2, and NO2 must develop a plan aimed at achieving those standards (California Health and Safety Code 40911). The California Health and Safety Code, Section 40914, requires air districts to design a plan that achieves an annual reduction in district-wide emissions of five percent or more, averaged every consecutive three-year period. To satisfy this requirement, the Air Quality Management Districts (AQMDs) and Air Pollution Control Districts (APCDs) have to develop and implement air pollution reduction measures, which are described in their Air Quality Attainment Plan (AQAP)/AQMP outlining strategies for achieving the state ambient air quality standard for any criteria pollutants for which the region is classified as non-attainment. The AQAP/AQMP outlines both stationary- and mobile-emission source-control measures and emphasizes Transportation Control Measures and Indirect Source Control Measures to reduce mobile-source emissions. These measures are also incorporated into the SIP to satisfy federal requirements.

The CCAA of 1988 required non-attainment areas in the state to prepare AQAPs. The attainment plans are required to achieve a minimum five percent annual reduction in the emissions of non-attainment pollutants unless all feasible measures have been implemented. The SCAB is currently classified as a non-attainment area for O3, NO2, PM2.5, and PM10 (Table 3.2.3-3).

TABLE 3.2.3-3. STATE AND FEDERAL ATTAINMENT/NON-ATTAINMENT DESIGNATIONS FOR THE BASIN
Criteria Pollutant State Status Federal Status
CO Attainment Attainment/Maintenance
NO2 Non-attainment Attainment/Maintenance
SO2 Attainment Attainment
PM10 Non-attainment Non-attainment
PM2.5 Non-attainment Non-attainment
Ozone (1-hour) Extreme Non-attainment Extreme Non-attainment* Ozone (8-hour) Extreme Non-attainment Severe-17 Non-attainment Lead Attainment Attainment
*This was the status under a prior standard. The federal 1-hour ozone standard was vacated in 2006. Source: www.arb.ca.gov

Executive Order S-3-05
Establishes statewide GHG emission reduction targets at 2000 levels by 2010, 1990 levels by 2020, and 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050.

California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32) This law requires CARB to adopt a statewide GHG emissions limit equivalent to the statewide GHG emissions levels in 1990 to be achieved by 2020. To achieve this, CARB has a mandate to adopt rules and regulations to achieve the maximum technologically feasible and cost-effective GHG emission reductions.

CARB announced early-action GHG reduction measures in June 2007 and established a statewide emissions cap for 2020 in December 2007. In December 2008, CARB adopted City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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SB 375
Enacted in 2008, SB 375 requires metropolitan planning organizations to include sustainable communities strategies, as defined, in their regional transportation plans for the purpose of reducing GHG emissions, aligning planning for transportation and housing, and creating specified incentives for the implementation of the strategies.

Regional
The SCAQMD is the regional agency responsible for the regulation and enforcement of federal, state, and local air pollution control regulations in the SCAB. The SCAQMD operates monitoring stations in the basin, develops rules and regulations for stationary sources and equipment, prepares emissions inventory and air quality management planning documents, and conducts source testing and inspections. The AQMP includes control measures and strategies to be implemented to attain state and federal ambient air quality standards. Following approval of the AQMP by CARB and EPA, SCAQMD then implements these control measures as regulations to control or reduce criteria pollutant emissions from stationary sources or equipment.

Methodology for Resource Inventory and Other Data Collection Since the Proposed Project consists of the installation of three 69 kV sub-transmission line routes, one 230 kV transmission line route, one 230 kV substation (Wildlife Substation), and one 230/69 kV substation (Wilderness Substation), the air quality analysis assessed the significance of air quality impacts for each of these Proposed Project components separately, as they involve different construction activities, schedules, and equipment. The Proposed Project is located within the SCAQMD. Therefore, SCAQMD-provided emission factors for off- and on-road mobile sources were used. Emission factors are specific to various types of construction equipment and to various vehicle model years. SCAQMD emission factors were also used to estimate exhaust emissions from construction and employee vehicle and equipment used during all proposed construction phases.

For the purposes of this analysis, the emissions from the third 69 kV sub-transmission line route from Wilderness to Jurupa Avenue are included with the emissions for the Wilderness to Mountain View 69 kV subtransmission line in the construction emissions tables. Detailed worker vehicle and construction equipment exhaust emissions, fugitive dust emissions due to vehicle travel over paved and unpaved surfaces, and earthmoving activities are provided in Appendix B, Air Quality Technical Report.

Impact Assessment
Introduction
Short-term construction impacts and long-term operational impacts would result from implementation of the Proposed Project. In this section, the potential incremental impacts City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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Significance Threshold Criteria
The local air quality district of the Proposed Project area is the SCAQMD. The SCAQMD has established significance thresholds to assist the Lead Agencies in determining whether a project may have a significant air quality impact. If the Proposed Project emissions are expected to equal or exceed the significance thresholds established by the SCAQMD, it is considered to have a significant air quality impact. Projects considered to have a significant air quality impact must implement feasible mitigation measures to reduce project emissions to a level considered less than significant, or to the greatest extent possible. SCAQMD has established regional thresholds of significance for construction and operational activities as shown in Table 3.2.3-4. These thresholds are also the De Minimis emission thresholds that trigger a General Conformity Determination for non-attainment and maintenance pollutants, which are specifically identified in the General Conformity Rule.

TABLE 3.2.3-4. SCAQMD REGIONAL AIR QUALITY SIGNIFICANT THRESHOLDS FOR AIR

POLLUTANT EMISSIONS
Criteria Pollutant
SCAQMD
Construction Operation
lbs/day lbs/day
CO 550 550
NOx 100 55
PM10 150 150
PM2.5 55 55
SOx 150 150
Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) 75 55
Note: SCAQMD does not provide regional construction or operational thresholds for Pb.

Source: SCAQMD 2010

The Proposed Project is within the SCAB and is currently designated as a severe non-attainment area with respect to the 8-hour NAAQS for O3; a seriousan extreme non-attainment area with respect to the NAAQS for 1-hour O3 and PM10; and a non-attainment area with respect to the NAAQS for PM2.5. The SCAB is in attainment with the NAAQS for the other criteria pollutants (NO2, CO, lead and sulfur dioxide).

As part of th
localized effects of air quality. on sensitive receptors near relatively small project sites. Staff at SCAQMD has developed localized significance threshold (LST) methodology that can be used by public agencies to determine whether or not a project may generate significant adverse localized air quality impacts (both short-term and long-term). LSTs represent the maximum emissions from a project that will not cause or contribute to an exceedance of the most stringent federal or state ambient air quality standard, and are developed based on the ambient concentrations of that pollutant for each source receptor area (SRA). The use of LSTs by local government is voluntary, to be implemented at the discretion of the local agencies (AQMD 2010:
http://www.aqmd.gov/ceqa/handbook/lst/lst.html). The Lead Agency will voluntarily implement the LST methodology for the Proposed Project.

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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 SCAQMD has provided LST lookup tables to allow users to readily determine if the daily emissions for proposed construction or operational activities could result in significant localized air quality impacts for projects with dimensions of five acres or smaller. For projects larger than five acres, SCAQMD recommends that the LST analysis should be performed using ISCST3.

Although the entire Proposed Project footprint is larger than five acres, the Proposed Project is linear in nature and the maximum daily area disturbed is typically less than five acres. In order to more accurately represent the emissions from a linear project that would have a direct impact on the nearby sensitive receptors, the construction activities that would take place within one acre of the nearest receptor were estimated. Therefore, the look-up tables for a one-acre site were used. (see Table 3.2.3-5). It should be noted that since emissions would be concentrated over a smaller area, the use of the localized significance threshold for a one-acre site represents a worst-case scenario for the LST analysis. The Proposed Project site is located in SRA 23 and the nearest sensitive receptors are residences located adjacent to portions of the 69 kV subtransmission and 230 kV transmission lines. Therefore, as recommended for use byin the SCAQMD, a LST handbook, the closest available model receptor distance of (25 meters ([82 feet)]) was used for the transmission lines. The substation portion of the Proposed Project is located within areas where there are no sensitive receptors within at least 100 meters. Therefore, a receptor distance of 100 meters was used for those portions.

TABLE 3.2.3-5. SCAQMD LOCALIZED SIGNIFICANCE THRESHOLDS FOR AIR POLLUTANT

EMISSIONS
Criteria Pollutant
Receptor Distance
25 meters
(82 feet)
100 meters
(328 feet)
Construction
lbs/day
Operation
lbs/day
Construction
lbs/day
CO 602 602 1,746
NOx 118 118 212
PM10 4 1 30
PM2.5 1 1 8
Note: SCAQMD does not provide localized construction or operational thresholds for SOX or VOCs.

Source: SCAQMD 2010
Emissions resulting from single pole
thresholds; therefore, more detailed modeling was performed utilizing the district-approved SCREEN3 model shown below in Table 3.2.3-6.

TABLE 3.2.3-6. AMBIENT AIR QUALITY FOR CRITERIA POLLUTANTS (LOCALIZED

THRESHOLDS)
Pollutant / Standard Localized Threshold
NO2
1-Hour Average (state) 0.18 ppm
Annual Average (state) 0.030 ppm
PM10
24-Hour Average (Construction) 10.4 µg/m3
24-Hour Average (Operations) 2.5 µg/m3
PM2.5
24-Hour Average (Construction) 10.4 µg/m3
24-Hour Average (Operations) 2.5 µg/m3
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1-Hour Average 20.0 ppm
8-Hour Average 9.0 ppm
The Environmental Checklist Form provided in Appendix G of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines contains a series of questions for determining whether a Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan; or Violate any air quality standards or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation; or
Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors); or
Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations; or Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people In relation to climate change, a significant impact would occur if the project would:

Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment; or
Conflict with any applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gas.
there is substantial evidence that an effect may be significant. Furthermore, CEQA Guidelines physical conditions that exist in the area affected by the proposed p Environmental Protection Elements
Following best management and design practices throughout conception, construction, and implementation of the Proposed Project ensures that public safety is paramount and potential environmental impacts are minimized through avoidance. Table 3.2.3-7 outlines the proposed SCE and RPU Environmental Protection Elements (EPEs) related to air quality and greenhouse gas emissions. As discussed above in Section 3.1.2, the EPEs have been included as part of the Proposed Project; therefore, the impact analysis section that follows includes the implementation of the EPEs listed below. Any impact resulting from the implementation of the Proposed Project (including the EPEs) is identified below. Where mitigation measures would reduce these impacts, the measures and their effectiveness have been included in the impact discussion.

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Number Environmental Protection Element
AQ-01 The construction activities shall comply with the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) requirements, as applicable to the project.

AQ-02
Worker Environmental Awareness Program (WEAP) Design and Implementation A general Air Quality WEAP would be prepared. All construction crews and contractors would be required to participate in this WEAP training prior to starting work on the project. The air quality WEAP may be combined with the general WEAP for sensitive species as described under EPE Bio-04.mitigation measure BIO-05.

Mitigation Measures
Specific mitigation measures (see Table 3.2.3-8) are recommended when it is determined that the Proposed Project, even with integrated EPEs, would result in significant impacts to the environment. These mitigation measures would be applied for impacts related to air quality and greenhouse gases.

TABLE 3.2.3-8. MITIGATION MEASURES - AIR QUALITY
Measure
Number Description
AQ-1 Use ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel (e.g., <15 ppm).

AQ-2 Use of clean burning on- and off-road diesel engines. Heavy duty diesel powered construction equipment

AQ-3 Construction workers shall carpool to construction sites.

AQ-4 Restrict construction vehicle idling time to less than 5 minutes.

AQ-5 Properly maintain mechanical equipment
AQ-6
Use particle traps and other appropriate controls to reduce diesel particulate matter (DPM)..). Other control equipment includes devices such as specialized catalytic converters (oxidation catalysts) control approximately 20 percent of DPM, 40 percent of carbon monoxide, and 50 percent of hydrocarbon emissions.

AQ-7 Limit vehicle speeds to 15 mph on unpaved surfaces.

AQ-8 On the last day of active operations prior to weekend or holiday, apply water or chemical stabilizer to maintain a stabilized surface.

AQ-9 Water excavated soil piles hourly or cover with temporary coverings.

AQ-10 Moisten excavated soil prior to loading on haul trucks.

AQ-11 Cover all loads of dirt leaving the site or leave at least two feet of freeboard capacity in haul truck to reduce fugitive dust emissions while en route to disposal site.

AQ-12 Application of water to ground surfaces prior and during earthmoving activity.

AQ-13 Implement fugitive dust control measures as provided in SCAQMD Rule 403 AQ-14
Coordinate final construction schedules to prevent 230 kV transmission line conductor installation utilizing helicopter phase from overlapping with the 69 kV subtransmission line and substation grading and foundation installation phases
AQ-15 Provide temporary traffic controls, such as a flag person, during all phases of construction to maintain smooth traffic flow.

AQ-16 Provide dedicated turn lanes for movement of construction trucks and equipment on- and off-site.

AQ-17 Reroute construction trucks away from congested streets or sensitive receptor areas.

AQ-18 Appoint a construction relations officer to act as a community liaison concerning on-site construction activity, including resolution of issues related to PM10 generation.

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Number Description
AQ-19
During Project construction, all internal combustion engines/construction equipment operating on the Proposed Project site shall meet EPA-Certified Tier 3 emissions standards or higher, according to the following:

January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2014: All off-road diesel-powered construction equipment greater than 50 horsepower (hp) shall meet Tier 3 off-road emissions standards. In addition, all construction equipment shall be outfitted with BACT devices certified by CARB. Any emissions control device used by the contractor shall achieve emissions reductions that are no less than what could be achieved by a Level 3 diesel emissions control strategy for a similarly sized engine as defined by CARB regulations.

Post January 1, 2015: All off-road diesel-powered construction equipment greater than 50 hp shall meet the Tier 4 emission standards, where available. In addition, all construction equipment shall be outfitted with BACT devices certified by CARB. Any emissions control device used by the contractor shall achieve emissions reductions that are no less than what could be achieved by a Level 3 diesel emissions control strategy for a similarly sized engine as defined by CARB regulations (i.e., if Project construction goes beyond the anticipated schedule).
permit shall be provided at the time of mobilization for each applicable unit of equipment.

Environmental Impacts
Air Quality
Based on the CEQA Guidelines, the analysis considers whether the Proposed Project would result in significant impacts to air quality as it relates to the following significance criteria:
a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan? Less Than Significant Impact. The AQMP for the SCAB sets forth a comprehensive program that will lead the SCAB into compliance with all federal and state air quality standards. The AQMP control measures and related emission reduction estimates are based upon emissions projections for a future development scenario derived from land use, population, and employment characteristics defined in consultation with local governments. Accordingly, conformance with the AQMP for development projects is determined by demonstrating compliance with local land use plans and/or population projections (SCAQMD 1993, Pg 12-3).

The Proposed Project consists of the construction and operation of transmission and subtransmission lines, which are needed to serve the existing and planned electricity needs of the Impacts are considered less than significant.
b) Violate any air quality standards or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation?
Less Than Significant Impact with Mitigation. The Proposed Project is within the jurisdiction of the SCAQMD, which has developed thresholds of significance for both regional and localized air quality impacts, which the Proposed Project mustwillcomply with. Table 3.2.3-9 presents the worst case emissions resulting from Proposed Project construction and assumes that the peak emitting construction activities from each construction location occur on the same day. The but not limited to, construction of all Proposed Project features, trenching for telecommunication lines, construction vehicle and helicopter emissions, haul trips, and employee trips. Conservative assumptions were made for unavailable data, including distance traveled by off-road equipment City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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commute distance). Haul trucks were estimated to travel a roundtrip distance of 30 miles. This is a conservative estimate based on doubling of the roundtrip distance provided by SCE for Proposed Project access roads. Construction worker vehicles were estimated to travel a roundtrip distance of 40 miles. Although California Emissions Estimator Model air quality models provide for a default roundtrip home/work commute distance of 22 miles, for the Proposed Project a distance of haul trip length plus 10 miles (=40 miles) was used. This conservative approach ensures that emissions from these sources are not underestimated.

TABLE 3.2.3-9. PROPOSED PROJECT CONSTRUCTION EMISSIONS/AIR DISTRICT REGIONAL THRESHOLD COMPARISON (WORST CASE, I.E., STANDARD MITIGATIONS APPLIED BUT ALL

ACTIVITIES CONCURRENT)
Peak Daily Construction Emissions (lbs/day)1
NOx VOC CO PM10 PM2.5 SO2
RERC-Harvey Lynn/Freeman 69kV subtransmission line 26.68 3.58 20.35 42.586

3.17 15.431

9.75 0.05
Wilderness-Jurupa-Mountain View 69kV subtransmission line24.30 3.34 19.09 26.05 11.88 0.05 I-15 230kV transmission line (Proposed Project), including telecommunication 61.81 8.01 45.05 66.11 28.56 0.11
Wilderness and Wildlife Substations 36.49 4.24 15.50 36.10 10.44 0.05 Total 149.29 19.16 99.98 170.83
191.43

66.307

0.63 0.27
SCAQMD Daily Regional Significance Thresholds 100 75 550 150 55 150 Exceed Threshold (Yes/No)? Yes No No Yes Yes No
1 Note: Proposed 230 kV route refinements since publication of the DEIR (see pages 2-6 to 2-7 of this volume) resulted in a slightly shorter 230 kV transmission line, fewer severe angles in the transmission line centerline, fewer total overhead structures, fewer lattice towers, and shorter total access road length and thus a reduction in construction air emissions. In addition, the Riverside County Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC) stipulated in their April 12, 2012 consistency determination that approximately 2,550 feet of the proposed 69 kV line be placed underground (see Section 3.2.7, criterion e) of this chapter).

Construction estimates presented in the DEIR included a contingency for up to 60 days of underground construction work for the 69 kV subtransmission line between RERC and Harvey Lynn/Freeman Substations. This contingency was based on design - -estimate of analyzed air quality
emissions to be presented in the DEIR. As a result, mitigative undergrounding stipulated by ALUC and other modifications did not require additional air quality analysis, because project changes and their associated air emissions changes were already captured within the original analysis boundaries. See Table 2.5-2 in Chapter 2 of the DEIR and the Air Quality Technical Report for supporting information.

Under this worst case scenario, peak daily construction emissions exceed the SCAQMD regional thresholds of significance for emissions of NOX, PM10, and PM2.5.

However, it should be noted that this construction scenario with complete overlap is not feasible given the project construction schedules required for each segment. As shown below in Table

3.2.3-10, major construction activities will be staggered in order to reduce air quality impacts to below significant levels. As shown in the table below, construction would commence in August 2012 on the RERC-Harvey Lynn/Freeman 69 kV lines, and work on this route would be completed by September 2013. Construction on the Wilderness-Jurupa/Mountain View 69 kV lines would commence in August 2013, and be completed by October 2014. In June 2014, construction would commence on the I-15 230 kV line and on the Wilderness/Wildlife Substations and would be completed in July 2015 and May 2015, respectively. Thus, overlap of construction activities would be limited to the following:

RERC-Harvey Lynn/Freeman 69 kV and Wilderness-Jurupa/Mountain View 69 kV in City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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I-15 230 kV, Wilderness/Wildlife Substations, and Wilderness-Jurupa/Mountain View 69 kV from June 2014 through October 2014, and
I-15 230 kV and Wilderness/Wildlife Substations from November 2014 through May 2015.

Furthermore, in order to reduce construction air quality impacts during the I-15 230 kV, Wilderness/Wildlife Substations, and Wilderness-Jurupa/Mountain View 69 kV periods of construction overlap between June 2014 and October 2014, conductor installation/OPGW on the I-15 230 kV line will not overlap with grading for the Wilderness/Wildlife Substations.

Note projected dates provided above are based on assumptions of timely acquisition of all required approvals and permits. Actual construction initiation dates may be different, although any timing differences would not affect the significance conclusions provided herein. However, major construction activity durations and their relationships to each other would remain the same.

TABLE 3.2.3-10. PROPOSED PROJECT CONSTRUCTION EMISSIONS/AIR DISTRICT REGIONAL THRESHOLD COMPARISON (WITH ALL MITIGATIONINCLUDING AQ-14, RESTRICTED

ACTIVITY OVERLAP)
Peak Daily Construction Emissions (lbs/day)1
NOx VOC CO PM10 PM2.5 SO2
August 2012 - July 2013
RERC-Harvey Lynn/Freeman 69 kV Route 26.68 3.58 20.35 42.586

3.17 15.431

9.75 0.05
Wilderness-Jurupa-Mountain View 69 kV Route 0 0 0 0 0 0 I-15 230 kV Route (Proposed Project) 0 0 0 0 0 0
Wilderness and Wildlife Substations 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 26.68 3.58 20.35 42.586

3.17 15.431

9.75 0.05
SCAQMD Regional Significance Thresholds 100 75 550 150 55 150 Exceed Threshold (Yes/No)? No No No No No No
August 2013 - September 2013
RERC-Harvey Lynn/Freeman 69 kV Route 26.68 3.58 20.35 42.586

3.17 15.431

9.75 0.05
Wilderness-Jurupa-Mountain View 69 kV Route 24.30 3.34 19.09 26.05 11.88 0.05 I-15 230 kV Route (Proposed Project) 0 0 0 0 0 0
Wilderness and Wildlife Substations 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 50.98 6.91 39.44 68.628

9.22 27.303

1.63 0.10
SCAQMD Regional Significance Thresholds 100 75 550 150 55 150 Exceed Threshold (Yes/No)? No No No No No No
October 2013 - May 2014
RERC-Harvey Lynn/Freeman 69 kV Route 0 0 0 0 0 0
Wilderness-Jurupa-Mountain View 69 kV Route 24.30 3.34 19.09 26.05 11.88 0.05 I-15 230 kV Route (Proposed Project) 0 0 0 0 0 0
Wilderness and Wildlife Substations 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 24.30 3.34 19.09 26.05 11.88 0.05
SCAQMD Regional Significance Thresholds 100 75 550 150 55 150 City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 Peak Daily Construction Emissions (lbs/day)1
NOx VOC CO PM10 PM2.5 SO2
Exceed Threshold (Yes/No)? No No No No No No
June 2014 - October 2014
RERC-Harvey Lynn/Freeman 69 kV Route 0 0 0 0 0 0
Wilderness-Jurupa-Mountain View 69 kV Route 11.01 3.46 8.41 9.8414 .03 4.78 0.11 05
I-15 230 kV Route (Proposed Project) 25.50 3.37 15.36 18.92 7.306. 23 0.1103
Wilderness and Wildlife Substations 36.49 4.24 15.50 36.10 10.44 0.05 Total 73.01 11.07 39.27 64.876

9.06 22.522

1.45 0.2714
SCAQMD Regional Significance Thresholds 100 75 550 150 55 150 Exceed Threshold (Yes/No)? No No No No No No
November 2014 - May 2015
RERC-Harvey Lynn/Freeman 69 kV Route 0 0 0 0 0 0
Wilderness-Jurupa-Mountain View 69 kV Route 0 0 0 0 0 0 I-15 230 kV Route (Proposed Project) 61.81 8.01 45.05 66.11 28.56 0.11 Wilderness and Wildlife Substations 36.49 4.24 15.50 36.10 10.44 0.05 Total 98.31 12.25 60.54 102.21 39.00 0.16
SCAQMD Regional Significance Thresholds 100 75 550 150 55 150 Exceed Threshold (Yes/No)? No No No No No No
1 Note: see footnote in Table 3.2.3-9 above.

As presented above in Table 3.2.3-10, the four locations of Proposed Project construction would not overlap completely. The Proposed Project, including integrated EPEs, would be designed to comply with SCAQMD requirements for significance thresholds. However, because of the general nature of applicable environmental protection, specific enforceable mitigation is required to ensure that impacts are reduced to a level of less than significance. Implementation of Air Quality mitigation measures AQ-1 through 1319 would reduce impacts. Mitigation measure AQ- 1 would require clean burning diesel fuel to reduce SO2 emissions. Mitigation measure AQ-2 would maximize use of clean burning engine through requiring post-1996 equipment for all diesel equipment types for which its available. Mitigation measures AQ-4 and 5 would reduce fuel use by restricting idling times to 5 minutes and keeping vehicles maintained. Control devices required by mitigation measure AQ-6 would reduce release of combustion-related particulates and pollutants. Mitigation measures AQ-7 through 13 would control fugitive dust through speed restriction watering, load level limits and covering of transported soil. However, application of these mitigation measures would still not reduce impacts to a level of less than significance for all phases of construction. The additional Implementation of a modified overlapping schedule, as required under mitigation measure AQ-14, would result in the Proposed Project not exceeding the SCAQMD regional significance thresholds. Mitigation measures AQ- 15 and AQ-16 would minimize vehicle idling time by implementing traffic controls and providing dedicated turn lanes for movement of construction trucks and equipment, respectively, during construction. Mitigation measure AQ-17 would limit emission exposure from construction equipment in sensitive receptor areas. Mitigation measure AQ-18 would provide a construction relations officer to act as a community liaison to resolve issues related to air quality.

Mitigation measure AQ-19 would require that all combustion engines and construction equipment meet EPA-certified Tier 2 emissions standards or higher. Thus, short-term construction air pollutant emissions are less than significant.

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Upon completion of the proposed Project, the only operational emissions would be generated from transmission line, subtransmission line, and substation maintenance activities. No Proposed created. It is conservatively estimated that maintenance operations would consist of a maintenance truck driving the length of the Proposed Project alignments once every two weeks.

As shown below in Table 3.2.3-11, operational air pollutant emissions generated during testing and from maintenance vehicles would be negligible and considered to have a less than significant air quality impact.

TABLE 3.2.3-11. PROPOSED PROJECT UNMITIGATED OPERATIONAL MAINTENANCE

EMISSIONS/AIR DISTRICT REGIONAL THRESHOLD COMPARISON
Peak Daily Operational Maintenance Emissions (lbs/day)
NOx VOC CO PM10 PM2.5 SO2
I-15 230 kV Route (Proposed Project) 0.82 0.10 0.74 10.83 6.06 0 SCAQMD Daily Regional Significance Thresholds 55 55 550 150 55 150 Exceed Threshold (Yes/No)? No No No No No No

Therefore, the Proposed Project does not violate any air quality standards and long-term emissions from Proposed Project operational maintenance are considered less than significant on a regional and localized level and no mitigation for operational emissions are required.

c) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)? Significant Impact. The portion of the SCAB within which the Proposed Project is located is designated as a non-attainment area for NO2, ozone, PM10, and PM10PM2.5 under state standards, and as a non-attainment area for ozone, PM10, and PM2.5 under federal standards.

not limited to, general plans, specific plans, and local coastal plans, may be used in cumulative general plans and, therefore, is the most appropriate document to use to evaluate cumulative impacts of the Proposed Project. This is because the AQMP evaluated air quality emissions for the entire South Coast Air Basin using a future development scenario based on population projections and set forth a comprehensive program that would lead the region, including the Proposed Project site, into compliance with all federal and state air quality standards. The Proposed Project is in compliance with the AQMP and both short-term and long-term emissions are below all applicable SCAQMD established regional and localized thresholds of significance.

However, for cumulative assessment purposes, the potential existence of nearby concurrent cumulative projects would add to these regional emission totals. The cumulative project list in Chapter 4 shows projects within one mile of the Proposed Project. While not all of these projects would occur at the same time as the Proposed Project, it can be assumed that one or more other projects will be in construction or will start operations and cause emissions that exceed regional thresholds for NOXall non-attainment criteria pollutants and thus would be considered City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations? Less Than Significant Impact. Most of the construction of the Proposed Project is within residential/commercial areas in Riverside. The closest residences have been estimated to be less than 25 meters away, and the closest schools have been estimated to be located approximately 100 feet away from a section of the proposed 69 kV line, based on measurements using aerial photographs. Both construction and operational emissions from the Proposed Project have been shown to be less than the applicable SCAQMD thresholds.

Table 3.2.3-12 below presents the localized emissions during single pole construction activities that may potentially occur within 25 meters of receptors. It should be noted that since emissions detailed modeling was performed utilizing the district-approved SCREEN3 model.

TABLE 3.2.3-12. PROPOSED PROJECT CONSTRUCTION EMISSIONS/AIR DISTRICT LOCALIZED THRESHOLD COMPARISON 25 METER RECEPTOR DISTANCE
Single Pole Construction
CO NO2 PM10 PM2.5
Averaging Time
1-Hour 8-Hour 1-Hour 24-Hours
Peak Day Localized Emissions 0.073 0.051 3.17E-03 7.68 7.40 Background Concentration 7 2.9 0.09 N/A N/A
Total Concentration 7.073 2.951 0.09 7.68 7.40
LST Threshold 20 9 0.18 10.4 10.4
Significant Impact? No No No No No
Note: PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations are expressed in µg/m3. All others are expressed in ppm.

Table 3.2.3-13 below compares the Wilderness/Wildlife Substation construction emissions with the applicable SCAQMD mass rate localized significance threshold. Since the Proposed Project emissions do not exceed these highly conservative thresholds, more refined modeling is not required.

TABLE 3.2.3-13. PROPOSED PROJECT CONSTRUCTION EMISSIONS/AIR DISTRICT LOCALIZED THRESHOLD COMPARISON 100 METER RECEPTOR DISTANCE
Peak Daily Construction Emissions (lbs/day)
NOx CO PM10 PM2.5
Wilderness/Wildlife Substation 32.94 12.12 28.63 6.83
SCAQMD Daily Localized Significance Thresholds (100 meters) 212 1,746 30 8 Exceed Threshold (Yes/No)? No No No No

Table 3.2.3- ons to the
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TABLE 3.2.3-14. PROPOSED PROJECT OPERATIONAL EMISSIONS/AIR DISTRICT LOCALIZED THRESHOLD COMPARISON 25 METER RECEPTOR DISTANCE
Peak Daily Operational Emissions (lbs/day)
NOx CO PM10 PM2.5
Operational Activity 0.01 0.02 0.19 0.12
SCAQMD Daily Localized Significance Thresholds (25 meters) 118 602 1 1 Exceed Threshold (Yes/No)? No No No No

The comparison of the peak daily construction emissions as well as the emissions associated with the Proposed Project emissions are less than the applicable SCAQMD localized thresholds of significance. Therefore, short-term project construction and long-term operational maintenance emissions will not expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations.

e) Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people? Less Than Significant Impact. The Proposed Project does not propose land uses typically associated with emitting objectionable odors (i.e., wastewater treatment plants, chemical plants, composting operations, refineries, landfills, dairies). No odor sources would be created during Proposed Project operation. Additionally, the Proposed Project would be required to comply with SCAQMD Rule 402, which prevents occurrences of public nuisance air quality discharges.

Potential odor sources associated with the Proposed Project include construction equipment exhaust during construction activities. It is estimated that each transmission line and subtransmission line structure location will take one day to install before moving to the next location. These emissions would be temporary, short-term, and intermittent in nature and would cease upon completion of the respective phase of construction. Odors associated with diesel exhaust would be minimized by requiring that idling of such equipment and vehicles be limited to no more than five minutes (CARB 2009). The use of temporary restroom facilities on-site (i.e., Port-A-Potties) is not likely to create an odor issue, as emissions would be temporary, short- term, and intermittent in nature and would cease upon completion of construction. Additionally, the Proposed Project would be required to comply with SCAQMD Rule 402, which prevents occurrences of public nuisance air quality discharges. Recognizing the short-term duration and quantity of emissions from the Proposed Project, the Proposed Project will not expose substantial numbers of people to objectionable odors. Therefore, impacts from short-term construction odors are considered less than significant.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Based on the CEQA Guidelines, the analysis considers whether the Proposed Project and alternatives would result in significant impacts to climate change as it relates to the following significance criteria:

a) Would the project generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment?
Less Than Significant Impact. The Proposed Project is within the jurisdiction of the SCAQMD, which has developed interim guidance for determining significance of greenhouse City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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Additionally, although portions of the Proposed Project will be constructed on former agriculture-dairy areas and may result in releases of GHGs captured in the soil, these emissions (if any) would be negligible given the relatively small areas that will be disturbed during project construction. The global warming potential of CH4 is 21 times that of CO2. When quantifying GHG emissions, the different global warming potentials of GHG pollutants are usually taken into account by normalizing their rates to a CO2-equivalent emission rate (CO2e). As shown in Table

3.2.3-15 below, maximum annual emissions of CO2e are 1,999.20975.44 metric tons from construction equipment and employee commuting, and 7.11 metric tons for maintenance operations, which combined are below the applicable interim GHG significance threshold tier of 10,000 metric tons of CO2e per year adopted by the SCAQMD (2011).

TABLE 3.2.3-15. SUMMARY OF GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS DUE TO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT, EMPLOYEE COMMUTING, AND MAINTENANCE OPERATIONS1 Peak Year GHG Emissions (metric tons/year)
Emission Source CO2 CH4 CO2e 12
Construction Equipment/Employee Commuting 1,996.68972.85 0.12 1,999.20975.44 Maintenance Operations 7.1 0.003 7.11
SCAQMD Interim GHG Significance Threshold (Industrial Projects) 10,000 Exceeds Threshold (Yes/No)? No
11 Note: see footnote in Table 3.2.3-9 above.

2 Carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e) includes a GWP of 1 for CO2 and 21 for CH4, which were obtained from Table 3-1 Greenhouse Gas and Global Warming Potentials: Compendium of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Methodologies for the Oil and Gas Industry dated February 2004 (API 2004).

It should be noted that the indirect emissions associated with Proposed Project construction and employee commuting are short-term in duration, and the emissions resulting from long-term of 10,000 MT. Nonetheless, and although not required to reach a less than significant conclusion under this threshold, the City has required employee carpooling to further reduce these already insignificant GHG impacts (see Mitigation Measure AQ-3.)). In operation, the Proposed Project would not attract new commuter or patron traffic. As a power line facility, the Proposed Project would not generate power or create a new source of power consumption. Although the Proposed Project will result in GHG emissions from indirect sources, such as those occurring through electricity generation and distribution losses, these emissions are considered to be de minimis, and quantification would be speculative due to the various renewable and non-renewable energy sources that will be distributed via the Proposed Project throughout its lifetime.

The comparison of the maximum annual GHG emissions for the total Proposed Project (all City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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Less Than Significant Impact. As previously discussed and shown in Table 3.2.3-15 above, the Proposed Project would not exceed the SCAQMD interim GHG significance threshold. The Proposed Project consists of the construction and operation of transmission and subtransmission lines, which are needed to serve the existing electricity needs of the City. Therefore, the ral Plan 2025 and
(Riverside General Plan 2025, Pg AQ-34). Specific policies applicable to the Proposed Project include:

Continue and expand use of renewable energy resources such as wind, solar, water, landfill gas, and geothermal sources.

Continue and expand the creation of locally-based solar photovoltaic power stations in Riverside.

The Proposed Project is consistent with the applicable General Plan energy efficiency measures, as it will increase transmission capacity and enable the integration of future renewable energy sources into the existing grid. Once constructed, the Proposed Project would not consume energy (except for vehicles used for line patrols and other maintenance activities), but rather would provide energy, increasing the ability of the RPU service area to utilize renewable energy sources. In addition, the Proposed Project would eliminate the need for addition peak or base load internal generation.
ate greenhouse gas
policy objectives through the interconnection and integration of renewable generation to the transmission grid while meeting traditional reliability and congestion management objectives.

The Proposed Project will add a new source of transmission capacity and is consistent with the objectives of the Plan.

SB 375 seeks to reduce GHG emissions through the integration of planning processes for transportation, land-use, and housing. The Proposed Project will add a new source of transmission capacity and will not conflict with SB 375.

As discussed previously, the Proposed Project will not result in significant short-term or long- term GHG emissions, and thus will not conflict with the goals of AB 32. Thus, the Proposed ate change are considered less than significant.

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The portion of the SCAB within which the Proposed Project is located is designated as a non- attainment area for ozone and PM10 under state standards, and as a non-attainment area for ozone, PM10, and PM2.5 under federal standards. Therefore, significant unavoidable impacts would occur related to the construction phase of the Proposed Project and thus, a statement of overriding considerations will be required if the Proposed Project is approved.

The Proposed Project is in compliance with the AQMP and both short-term and long-term emissions are below all applicable SCAQMD established regional and localized thresholds of significance. However, for cumulative assessment purposes, the potential existence of nearby concurrent cumulative projects would add to these regional construction emission totals. While not all cumulative projects would occur at the same time as the Proposed Project, it can be assumed that one or more other projects will be in construction or will start operations and cause Therefore, the combined effect of construction emissions from the Proposed Project and other pro
unavoidable at various times during construction, even with application of Mitigation Measures described in Table 3.2.3-8. Therefore, a statement of overriding considerations will be required if the Proposed Project is approved.

References
California Air Resources Board (CARB). 2010. Ambient Air Quality Standards Table obtained from http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/aaqs/aaqs2.pdf.
_____. 2003. Air Designations Maps. Available at www.arb.ca.gov/desig/adm/adm.htm.

Addressing Climate Change through California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Review.

South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). 2011. Air Quality Significance Thresholds obtained from http://www.aqmd.gov/ceqa/handbook/signthres.pdf. _____. 2008a. Draft Guidance Document Interim CEQA Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Significance Threshold.

Western Regional Climate Center (WRCC). Climate of California. Available at http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/summary/Climsmsca.html.

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3.2.4 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
This section describes the biological resources within and adjacent to the Proposed Project area and evaluates the potential impacts to biological resources as a result of implementation of the RTRP. This section is based in part on surveys performed by POWER Engineers, Inc. (POWER) subcontractors between 2006 and 2010.

The Proposed Project is within western Riverside County, for which a Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP)/Natural Community Conservation Plan (NCCP) has been prepared and applicable permits issued. The MSHCP allows the MSHCP local permittees to receive take authorization under a Section 10 Incidental Take Permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and an NCCP permit from the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). The MSHCP covers 146 species in Western Riverside County. The City of Riverside is a permittee of the MSHCP and is subject to its requirements as well as a member agency of the Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority (RCA), the joint powers authority that oversees MSHCP implementation. Likewise, areas that the Proposed Project also traverses include the County of Riverside, City of Norco and City of Jurupa Valley (incorporated July 2011). The County and Norco are permittees under the MSHCP and members of the RCA. The City of Jurupa Valley will be a permittee once the application is finalized and the MSHCP Implementing Agreement is amended and signed; this action is in process as of July 2011 (RCA ential to affect sensitive plant or wildlife species,
the following analysis includes discussion specific to the MSHCP and compliance with this plan

RPU has met with the RCA to discuss the Proposed Project and confirm its consistency with the MSHCP. In March 2010, RPU presented the Proposed Project and biological resources being evaluated to the RCA during a monthly meeting with representatives of USFWS and the CDFG in attendance. At this meeting and during a subsequent meeting with CDFG in October 2010, the completed biological resource surveys (2006 to 2010) were discussed and determined to be acceptable and representative of the evaluated study area (e.g., rare and endemic plant, focused small mammal, and western burrowing owl). The USFWS required focused surveys for the northern tie-in area of the 230 kV component to determine presence or absence of Delhi-Sands flower loving fly, a Covered Species under the MSHCP. As presented in the Biological Assessment, supplemental survey reports, and this section, the Proposed Project is not expected to affect this species. Additionally, the Proposed Project is not expected to directly affect any other federal listed or candidate species, or Critical Habitat. The Proposed Project has the potential to affect State protected western burrowing owl and several sensitive plant species. The Biological Assessment determined that the Proposed Project is not expected to result in a jeopardy determination of a listed species, the listing of a candidate or other species by State or federal action as a result of the Proposed Project, or impact to Critical Habitat. Identified impacts to Covered Species under the MSHCP will be mitigated through compliance with MSHCP requirements.

Methodology for Resource Inventory and Other Data Collection native and non-native plant communities, wildlife, and habitats, and protected and sensitive species. Biological resources data on wildlife and plant species as well as their habitats (including both terrestrial and aquatic habitats) were inventoried through searches of existing City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 datasets and through focused field efforts. Sensitive species with potential to occur within the Proposed Project area were identified through a search of the California Natural Diversity Data Base (CNDDB 2007 - 20101), and the MSHCP. Resource data were then mapped utilizing a geographic information system (GIS) and results of reconnaissance, focused wildlife, and focused rare and endemic plant surveys. Surveys identified biological resources within the study corridors including natural vegetation, water resources, and special-status species and communities. The data record search was conducted on a five-mile radius of the Proposed Project alignments. This distance is determined satisfactory based on the level of urbanization in the Proposed Project area. A Biological Technical Report (BTR) was prepared in June 2010 and was used in support of this analysis and is included within Volume II, Appendix B, of this DEIR.

Some information presented in the BTR has been updated and revised as presented to provide a more complete assessment of potential impacts. Water resources are discussed in depth in Section 3.2.8, Hydrology and Water Resources.

Field surveys were conducted and analysis provided by POWER in 2006, 2007, and 2008, (TRC/Essex ([2006, 2007),, Bloom Biological, Inc. ([2008),], and Harmsworth Associates ([2008).]). Additionally, in 2006, a focused small mammal survey and trapping study was conducted for various Project alternative routes (Davenport 2006). POWER incorporated the results of field surveys in the analysis provided in the BTR. The BTR included analysis of evaluated study corridors that included previously considered and rejected potential routes. The BTR contains the biological assessment for the Proposed Project and is contained in Appendix B. The study corridors adjacent to the proposed transmission line centerline were identified as a Proposed Project route.
centerl
a term used to break the Project alignment into manageable pieces for purposes of analysis and, thus, is not used to indicate a biological linkage.

Based on meetings with the RCA, USFWS, and CDFG during 2010, it was determined that the baseline 2006 to 2008 surveys are sufficient for evaluating the existing field conditions of the evaluated Proposed Project and alternatives. at the time the data was presented. Accordingly, the CEQA baseline for all biological impacts is 2008 unless otherwise specified. Focused surveys for Delhi-Sands flower loving fly habitat were conducted in 2006, 2007, and 2007, with supplemental surveys conducted in 2010, and 2011 (the 2006 and 2007 baseline surveys apply to the proposed alignment except for the northern tie-in location for which the 2010/2011 surveys will be the baseline). During 2006 through 2007, Phase I and II surveys (CDFG, 1993 Guidelines and MSHCP) were conducted for western burrowing owl to create the baseline habitat map for this species. Accordingly, the baseline conditions year for determining impacts to burrowing owl is 2007. Additional presence/absence surveys (Phase II, Phase III) for western burrowing owl will be conducted closer to project construction start when the Proposed Project ishas been submitted to RCA for review, because survey results are only valid for one calendar year.

A field review of the Santa Ana River crossing was conducted in March 2011 to assess tree species and heights.

those that exist at the time the NOP is released (here, November 2009), CEQA permits a lead City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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San Joaquin
Raptor v. County of Merced [2007] 149 Cal.App.4th 645). Here, a number of biological surveys were conducted in 2006 and 2008. The RCA, with review by USFWS and CDFG, has determined that those data remain accurate for the purposes of assessing Proposed Project impacts (RCA meeting June 2010). Since they are the regulatory agencies with regard to sensi
determination (see CEQA Guidelines §§ 15086 [requiring lead agencies to consult with responsible and trustee agencies when preparing an EIR],15386 [specifying that CDFG is a trustee agency concerning fish, wildlife, native plants, and other biological issues], 15384 [confirming that substantial evidence includes facts, reasonable assumptions based on fact, and rminations of the baseline conditions for
determining biological impacts are fully supported by substantial evidence.

Field survey activities included documenting observed plant and animal species or their sign, mapping vegetation communities, and photo-documenting existing biological conditions for identified Proposedpossible Project links. Study corridors were surveyed along a 150-meter (500-foot) wide area (250 feet on each side of Proposed Project link centerline) for MSHCP sensitive species and a 30-meter (100-foot) wide study corridor (50 feet on each side of proposed centerline) for vegetation communities. During the 2006 surveys, portions of the study corridors were surveyed using binoculars: specifically, areas that consisted of dense or inaccessible riparian areas along the Santa Ana River, extend through human encampments, or extend onto property not authorized for entry. These areas were resurveyed on foot in 2008 during focused surveys for species that have potential to occur within the Proposed Project area, as required by the MSHCP. During the March 2010 meeting, RCA, USFWS, and CDFG agreed with thewere presented information from RPU evaluation that Proposed Project area conditions had not substantially changed from those occurring during the 2006 through 2008 surveys, and that these surveys were satisfactory for analysis requirements of the Proposed Project. No resurvey was required or requested to be conducted due to age of data. The Proposed Project area comprises primarily urban land use with discreet areas of open space supporting native and non-native habitat. The conditions present during the surveys conducted for the Proposed Project and alternatives evaluated in the biological resource assessment and this impact analysis are consistent with those present at the time the Proposed Project was reviewed with RCA in 2010 and exist as of June, 2011. There hashave been nominor, less than significant changes to types or acreage of habitat present within the survey area that would result in an increase in type or number of potentially occurring species.

In November, 2011, field conditions within the Riverside Water Quality Control Plant were confirmed to be consistent with those evaluated in 2006 with respect to potential to support sensitive spec
(Overstreet personal communication 2011) and determined it was actively disturbed and unlikely to support sensitive or protected small mammals. The site is still generally disturbed but with some native plants and vegetation coverage that may not have been present in 2006. Because of the location with the active water treatment facility patchwork habitat fragmentation within the riverbed, it is unlikely that a sensitive small mammal species would have established in this section of the alignment since 2006.

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Vegetation Communities and Cover Types
The vegetation mapping was conducted in the field using aerial photographs and topographic maps. Focused surveys were conducted during summer and autumn 2006 and spring 2008 to delineate vegetative communities and identify sensitive plant habitats and species. Based on these field surveys, revisions to the GIS vegetation community layer were made. These revisions included additional vegetation community types that were delineated and mapped to adequately describe and depict the communities observed in the study corridors. Habitat definitions follow those defined in the MSHCP, but also include other references as noted. For the 230 kV portion of the Proposed Project, vegetation communities and land cover types were mapped to a 2,000- foot wide vegetation study corridor. For the 69 kV portion of the Proposed Project, communities and land cover types were mapped to a 1,000-foot wide vegetation study corridor. These corridors address a satisfactory zone of influence and potential edge effect, and acknowledge the 69 kV portion is routed through predominantly urban areas along existing paved roads.

Special-Status Species
SensitiveSpecial-status species, as defined for this report, include those plant and animal species listed as threatened, endangered, candidate, or proposed under the Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA), or under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA), or those species covered by the MSHCP. Special-statusSensitive species may also include species designated as a California Special Plant, plants listed as Rare, Threatened, or Endangered by the California Native Plant Society (CNPS), and animals listed as California Species of Special Concern, or California Special Animal.

The CNDDB records for the Corona, Fontana, Guasti, Riverside East, Riverside West, and San Bernardino United States Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5 minute quadrangles (State Plane) were reviewed for information on sensitive animal and plant species occurrences that have been documented in the vicinity of the study area. Special-status species with known or historic ranges that overlap the study corridors were determined to have a low, moderate, or high potential to occur, or known presence. Additionally, the USFWS, CDFG, and available survey records (conducted by others but not published or publicly available) were reviewed for certain special- status species that may not be currently reflected by the data available on the CNDDB. Special- status species with known or historic ranges that overlap the study corridors were determined to have a low, moderate, or high potential to occur, or known presence. A review of the CNDDB in 2010 confirmed that evaluated species for the Proposed Project are accurate for those having a potential to occur based on recorded sightings, historic and current range, and affected habitat. A subsequent review of the 2011 CNDDB did not result in a change of number or diversity of species but included several additional recorded observations. This analysis includes relevant species occurrences recorded in the CNDDB but for reference purposes will only cite CNDDB 2010 as the most recent data reviewed. More recent postings do not change the impact determinations of this report because they do not include previously undetected sensitive species or populations that are not evaluated in this report.2011 as the most recent data reviewed.

Site-specific protocol surveys for listed wildlife species and focused surveys for special-status plant species were conducted during appropriate periods. Seasonal rainfall during 2007 was below average and 2008 was average. These conditions are acceptable for analysis and determination of potential to affect. Rare and endemic sensitive plant surveys were conducted City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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Critical Habitat
On December 14, 2010, the USFWS listed Critical Habitat for the Santa Ana sucker (50 CFR Part 17, Docket No. FWS-R8-ES-2009-0072; 92210-117-000-B4), which includes land within the MSHCP boundaries. The Proposed Project will parallel a portion and include an aerial crossing of mapped Santa Ana sucker Critical Habitat as identified in USFWS Critical Habitat Subunit 1B of the Santa Ana River. However,The Proposed Project would also include an access road along the northern boundary of the Critical Habitat but within landscape habitat associated with the Goose Creek Golf Club.
within the Critical Habitat as mapped. Therefore, the Proposed Project would not directly or indirectly significantly affect the water quality or aquatic conditions which are specific characteristics of this Critical Habitat and thus will not affect Santa Ana sucker Critical Habitat.

vireo Critical Habitat (02 February 1994; 59 CFR 4845 4867). This same area is also designated as Critical Habitat for Santa Ana sucker. The Proposed Project would parallel this Critical Habitat along the southern bank of the Santa Ana River and include an aerial crossing of it.

However,The Proposed Project would also include an access road along the northern boundary of the Critical Habitat but within landscape habitat associated with the Goose Creek Golf Club.

The Proposed Project would not directly or indirectly affect the riparian vegetation and native mid- and lower-canopy coverage that is a specific characteristic of this Critical Habitat and thus

Implementation of a SWPPP for the Proposed Project (MM GEO-02, MM HAZ-03, and EPE HYDRO-03) would ensure that runoff, erosion, and sedimentation would not indirectly affect and Water Resources, for details of SWPPP implementation as part of the Proposed Project.

Environmental Setting
General
The natural topography of the general area of the Proposed Project is valley lowland intersected by rolling hills bound to the north and east by mountain ranges. Elevations range from 680 to 1,900 feet above mean sea level (MSL). The Proposed Project area is characterized by urban and suburban development intermixed with agriculture and undeveloped lands. Most of the Proposed Project area is urban. The only remaining large areas of native habitats occur along the Santa Ana River and in the Jurupa Mountains. Proposed Project corridors engageoverlap the Santa Ana River corridor in several locations

Continuous and periodically rapid population growth in the Proposed Project area has resulted in increased development with accompanying changes in land use. The Proposed Project area during most of the 20th Century was primarily rural with agricultural land use. Since the latter part of last century to the present, the area has been urbanized with extensive residential, commercial, and light industrial land conversion. The Proposed Project area supports minimal undisturbed native habitat.

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The 2006 and 2008 botanical surveys identified and mapped vegetation communities or cover types within the Proposed Project area study corridors. These surveys addressed existing Proposed Project field conditions and no significant changes occurred to potential occurring sensitive plant species or the survey limits during 2009 to warrant additional surveys. Plant community nomenclature of habitat observed within the Survey area follows that of Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California (Holland, 1986) and A Manual of California Vegetation (Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf, 1995). This information was cross- referenced with other sources, including USGS 7.5 minute quadrangle maps, GIS data, California Gap-Analysis Program, and review of reports of prior surveys conducted in the general area. Vegetation communities and cover types observed in the study corridors are described in general for the study corridor.

In addition to urban covered areas, 11 vegetation communities were identified in the study area.

Seven are considered sensitive or are potential habitat for sensitive plant species: Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub, Disturbed Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub, Mixed Open Woodland/Disturbed, Riparian Forest, Riparian Scrub, Riversidian Sage Scrub, and Southern Cottonwood - Willow Riparian Forest. These communities are contiguous in sections of some corridors; in others, the communities are highly fragmented, disturbed, or degraded. The identified vegetation communities and cover types are discussed below and identified on Figure 3.2.4-1. Additional areas of interest for biological resources are also described.

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Agriculture-Dairy
Agriculture-Dairy land is generally defined as land used primarily for production of dairy products. These areas tend to be bare of all vegetation and constantly disturbed from the activity of cattle. Agriculture-dairy areas are found along the northwestern portions of the study area.

Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub
Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub vegetation communities occur on alluvial outwash fans. Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub communities are generally associated with infrequently scoured areas on floodplains and outwash fans. It is considered to be a rare plant community that is highly fragmented due to urbanization and the extensive alteration of natural stream hydrology in Southern California (Smith, 1980). These plant communities are composed of a variety of evergreen woody and drought-deciduous shrubs, with a significant component of larger evergreen shrubs typically found in chaparral (Smith, 1980), and are adapted to survival in the presence of intense periodic flooding.

Scalebroom (Lepidospartum squamatum) is considered to be an indicator species of alluvial scrubs, and is usually described as a dominant or subdominant shrub in alluvial community descriptions, including the Scalebroom Series of Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf (1995) and the Lepidospartum-Eriodictyon-Yucca association described by Kirkpatrick and Hutchinson (1977).

Alluvial scrub occurs on alluvial deposits along the Santa Ana River in the eastern portion of the study area. This community is dominated by scalebroom, white sage (Salvia apiana), California buckwheat (Eriogonum sp.), California croton (Croton californicus), tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus), yerba santa (Eriodictyon spp.), and mule fat (Baccharis salicifolia).

Developed (Urbanized)
Developed land includes roadways, parking lots, vacant lots, residences, commercial buildings, and other private and public infrastructure. No native habitat exists within these developed areas, although there may ornamental landscaping in some of these areas within the study area, and ornamental landscaping may also include native plant species.

Disturbed and Bare Ground
Disturbed areas, also described as Bare Ground/Disturbed, are usually composed of ruderal vegetation typical of areas where the native vegetation has been substantially altered by residential development, grazing, public infrastructure, or other land-clearing activities, such as grading. Disturbed habitat is present in portions of the study area, mostly adjacent to developed areas, and varies from areas dominated by non-native grasses and weeds to bare/mowed ground.

Typical non-native plant species observed within this community included castor bean (Ricinus communis), cheeseweed (Malva parvifolia), fiddleneck (Amsinckia menziesii), filaree (Erodium sp.), mustard (Brassica sp.), sowthistle (Sonchus oleraceus), wild radish (Raphanus sativus), and non-native, annual grasses, including foxtail barley (Hordeum murinum), ripgut grass (Bromus diandrus), and wild oats (Avena spp.). Shrub and tree species include eucalyptus (Eucalyptus sp.) and Peruvian pepper tree (Schinus molle). Scattered native species were occasionally observed within disturbed areas that are generally subjected to less frequent disturbance than areas dominated by ruderal species. The majority of disturbed areas on undeveloped properties within the study area are seasonally mowed or disked.

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Disturbed alluvial fan sage scrub habitat occurs along the entire length of the Santa Ana River within the study area, and represents areas that have been disturbed by flooding events and changes in the river channel. These habitats are currently dominated by weedy species such as giant reed, horehound (Marrubium vulgare), mustards (Brassica nigra, Hirschfeldia incana, Sisymbrium spp.), tree tobacco (Nicotiana glauca), and wild radish. Disturbed alluvial fan sage scrub communities within the study area are intergraded with riparian scrub and southern cottonwood/willow riparian forest.

Field Cropland (Agriculture)
Field cropland is generally defined as land used primarily for production of food and fiber.

Croplands within the study area appear to be irrigated and primarily used to grow alfalfa.

Croplands occur mainly in the western portions of the study area.

Landscaping
Landscaping consists of introduced trees, shrubs, flowers, and turf grass, and occurs primarily in residential or developed areas in greenbelts, parks, and horticultural plantings throughout the study area. Ornamental landscaping vegetation is associated with developed residential, golf courses, and public areas and generally consists of non-native species, including pine (Pinus spp.), Brazilian pepper tree (Schinus terebinthifolius), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.), myoporum (Myoporum laetum), melaleuca (Melaleuca spp.), flowering pear (Pyrus spp.), Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia), and weeping willow (Salix babylonica).), and non-native grasses and turf.

Native species are sometimes included and maintained as ornamentals.

Non-native Grasslands
Non-native annual grassland is an upland habitat that consists of a dense-to-sparse cover of introduced Mediterranean annual grasses. Non-native grasslands in California are characterized by the dominance of naturalized non-native annual grasses from Mediterranean regions outside of California. The most common plant species observed within non-native grasslands in the Proposed Project area included ripgut grass, barley (Hordeum sp.), and wild oats (Avena spp.).

Associated forbs include filaree (Erodium spp.), mustard, sowthistle (Sonchus spp.), and wild radish. Most of these species grow to less than one meter in height. This type of grassland can include native perennial grasses and a diverse assemblage of native forbs. Annual grassland within the survey area is dominated almost completely by non-native grasses and forbs. This community matches the description of California annual grassland series (Sawyer and Keeler- Wolf, 1995) and non-native grassland (Holland, 1986). Non-native annual grasslands are found throughout the survey area.

Riparian Scrub
Patches of riparian scrub occur along the central portion of the Santa Ana River. This community is dominated by shrubs such as mule fat, arrowweed (Pluchea sericea), Mexican elderberry, -leaved willow (Salix exigua), arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepis), and tamarisk (Tamarix
(Baccharis emoryi), and California rose (Rosa californica). The Santa Ana River riparian corridor riparian scrub is most likely a stage of succession in the development of riparian forest or southern cottonwood/willow riparian forest. Riparian scrub within the study area varies from open with an herbaceous understory or bare ground to dense with sparse understory. Understory species observed include mugwort (Artemisia douglasiana), willow herb (Epilobium ciliatum), broad-leaved peppergrass (Lepidium latifolium), California loosestrife (Lythrum californicum), City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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Riversidian Sage Scrub
The dominant sage scrub community type in the study area is Riversidian sage scrub. This is a very xeric expression of coastal sage scrub, and is typically open and dominated by California sagebrush (Artemisia californica), California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum), and brome grasses (Bromus spp.), with each of these three main groups attaining approximately 20% cover.

Other species observed in this community included brittle-bush (Encelia farinosa), black sage (Salvia mellifera), white sage (Salvia apiana), California encelia (Encelia californica), Mexican elderberry, boxthorn (Lycium sp.), and prickly pear (Opuntia littoralis). This community occurs on lower slopes throughout the area, including the Jurupa Mountains, Pedley Hills, Mount Rubidoux, and the extreme northeast corner of the study area.

Southern Cottonwood - Willow Riparian Forest
Southern cottonwood - willow riparian forest is open, broadleaved, winter deciduous riparian of willow trees. The canopy
Salix gooddingii), and California sycamore
(Platanus racemosa). The understory is usually dominated by shrubby species such as sandbar willow, arroyo willow, tamarisk, and mule fat, along perennially wet stream reaches of the Transverse and Peninsular ranges (Holland, 1986). The vegetation in this community matches the description, and included giant reed. Southern cottonwood - willow riparian forest occurs along the entire length of the Santa Ana River riparian corridor within the study area.

Other Areas of Interest for Biological Resources
Species-specific Critical Habitat and regional wildlife movement corridors also occur within the Proposed Project area. Critical Habitat is determined by the USFWS pursuant to the Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) requirements and is defined as 1) specific areas occupied by a species at the time of listing under the ESA on which are found physical or biological features essential to the conservation of the species, and which may require special management considerations or protection; or 2) areas not occupied by the species at the time of listing that are essential for the conservation of the species. Regional Wildlife Movement Corridors provide geographic passageways by which wildlife can move between areas of core habitat, as identified by the MSHCP.

Critical Habitat
In the Proposed Project area, Santa Ana sucker Critical Habitat extends along the Santa Ana River from Mill Creek Canyon and City Creek in the San Bernardino Mountains to Prado Dam, southwest of the Proposed Project area. The Proposed Project ground disturbance footprint is not within this Critical Habitat boundary. Therefore, the Proposed Project would not directly or indirectly significantly affect the water quality or aquatic conditions that are specific characteristics of this Critical Habitat.

River extending from approximately two miles north of the proposed Wilderness/Wildlife City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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The Proposed Project is determined to not affect Critical Habitat because of the distance from the habitat, and the only crossing is an aerial span with no ground disturbance.

The proposed access road to proposed LST site on the north side of the Santa Ana River would be constructed through a fallow field (former dairy land) along the west side of Goose Creek Golf Club and continue along the southern boundary of the golf course to the tower. The southern element of the road would be constructed adjacent to but not within the designated Critical Habitat. Additionally, there is an earthen berm that exists and would therefore parallel the proposed road to provide an additional barrier between the access road and the primary use areas of the designated Critical Habitat.

The RTRP area does not impact any other designated Critical Habitat.

Regional Wildlife Movement Corridors
transmission line cross or are adjacent to this wildlife corridor. Wildlife movement corridors are vegetated linear pathways that connect areas of open lands used by wildlife to move or migrate between foraging and breeding areas. Corridors may be bordered by urbanized lands, disturbed ruderal habitat, agricultural lands, native habitat, or a combination. Wildlife movement corridors are considered to be specific biological resources meant to facilitate wildlife movement between forage or refuge areas, prevent genetic isolation of a population, and promote species recruitment to maintain a healthy population and gene pool. The Riverside MSHCP defines the Santa Ana River as a critical wildlife movement corridor and defines it as Core Area A for management description. It provides a primary movement corridor for terrestrial species from eastern areas to downstream habitat associated with Prado Dam Reservoir and northern and eastern Orange County open space. Urbanization in the upland areas constrains wildlife movement along the riverbed and relative associated open space throughout most of the City of Riverside within the Proposed Project footprint.

Special-status wildlife species associated with the Santa Ana River corridor include nesting least -billed cuckoo.

There are numerous resident wildlife and migratory bird species also associated with this corridor. The defined low-flow river limits, however, are not part of the study area because The Proposed Project will entirely span the river channel butand not impact it, as explained in detail below, and thus is not expected to directly affect this resource as a wildlife movement corridor.

230 kV Transmission Line
Vegetation and land cover types as well as their areas within the study corridor are summarized in Table 3.2.4-1. The area consists primarily of urban or disturbed cover types. The limited native vegetation communities that occur within the study area provide suitable habitat for a number of special-status plant and wildlife species. For this DEIR, a sensitive species was considered a potential inhabitant of the study area if its known geographical distribution encompasses part of the RTRP site, or if its distribution was located near the site and general City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 habitat requirements of the species were present (e.g., foraging habitat, nesting or roosting, specific soil type, permanent water source). The Proposed Project design includes an aerial span of the Santa Ana River channel. Towers, construction footprints, and pull and tension sites would be placed on the north and south upper banks outside of the Critical Habitat limits. Work would be completed using helicopters for the initial stringing, followed by pulling and tensioning equipment located in the upland areas to complete the conductor installation. Based on the construction description, the Proposed Project would not affect the bed or banks and supported vegetation or aquatic resources of the Santa Ana River channel. The following discussion recognizes sensitive species that may occur within this resource, but these species are expected

Based on vegetation present and low flow channel limits as of early 2011, it is not expected that tree species within the Santa Ana Channel crossing would establish and mature to a point that would cause a line clearance conflict during operation of the Proposed Project. Therefore, since the potential for this condition is low, no impact is expected during operation of the Proposed Project.

TABLE 3.2.4-1. VEGETATION AND LAND COVER CATEGORIES WITHIN 2,000-FOOT STUDY CORRIDORS FOR 230 KV PORTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT (I-15 ROUTE) Vegetation or Land Cover Type Acres Percentage
Agriculture-Dairy 136.68 5.6%
Bare ground/disturbed 184.2170.9 7.50%
Developed (Urbanized) 788.4714.2 32.229.4%
Disturbed 53.550.0 2.21%
Disturbed Alluvial 1523.6 1.0.6%
Agriculture-Field Cropland 272276.8 11.24%
Landscaping 124.6119.3 5.14.9%
Non-native Grassland 545.5546.3 22.35%
Riparian Scrub 36.540.6 1.57%
Riversidian Sage Scrub 58.773.8 2.43.0%
Southern Cottonwood/Willow Riparian 225.6271.7 911.2%
Wetland 2.9 0.1%
Totals 24442426.8 100.0%

Sensitive Plant Species
Sensitive plant species identified for the Proposed Project area are summarizedincluded in the list of special-status plants found in Table 3.2.4-2. Refer to the Biological Resources technical report for more detail.

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Birds
Coastal California gnatcatcher: Coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica) is a federal threatened (1993) and State species of concern, and is covered by the MSHCP. The coastal California gnatcatcher, a small gray songbird, is a resident of sage scrub- dominated plant communities from southern Ventura County southward through Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties in California into Baja California, Mexico. Breeding season is from February through August, with the peak nesting activity occurring from mid-March through mid-May. This species is associated with coastal sage scrub and Riversidian sage scrub habitats. It is determined that this species has a moderate potential to occur in patches of sage scrub along the Santa Ana River and in the eastern limits of the study corridors. It is not known to be present within the surveyed Proposed Project corridors. No direct or indirect impacts are expected.

Vireo bellii pusillus) is a federal and State endangered United States from 291 to 2,968 known territories. The population restoration has slowed over the last ten years due to growing human population and associated urbanization (USFWS 2006). -125 mm in length and the crown, nape, hindneck, and upper back are dull grayish brown (Brown 2005). In California, nest sites are occasionally found in the

ding grounds mid-March to early
April, with males arriving in advance of females by several days. This species is an obligate riparian species during the breeding season (USFWS 1998). Habitat associated with this species is dense willow-dominated riparian along water or along dry parts of intermittent streams with lush understory vegetation, southern willow scrub, cottonwood forest, mule fat scrub, sycamore alluvial woodland, coast oak riparian forest, arroyo willow riparian forest, wild blackberry, or mesquite in desert localities.

San Bernardino Mountains down to Prado Basin (USFWS 1998). The CNDDB reported sightings along the Santa Ana River and 0.5 mile east and west of Van Buren Boulevard overcrossing. Based on Proposed Project 2007 and 2008 focused survey data, this species is determined to be present within the study corridors along the Santa Ana River (TRC [Bloom], 2007/ POWER [Bloom] 2008). Focused surveys conducted in spring and summer 2008 located Most of these were sighted immediately west or north of the Pedley Substation. Other vireo specimens were sighted in the river corridor north of the proposed I-15 230 kV route and both west and east of the proposed 230 kV substation. It is determined that this species is present within the Proposed Project area, occupying forage and breeding habitat within the established vegetation in the Santa Ana River channel. Because the Proposed Project will not affect Santa Ana River channel vegetation, it is not expected to directly affect this species, but has the potential to result in temporary indirect impacts to this species. The Proposed Project alignment is situated at a higher elevation and set back from the river bluff to provide a buffer from the edge of the Critical Habitat. The distance varies along the Proposed Project length.

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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 Southern California rufous-crowned sparrow: The Southern California rufous-crowned sparrow (Aimophila ruficeps canescens) is a State species of concern and is covered by the MSHCP. The rufous-crowned sparrow is largely a resident species and occurs in central California, north central Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, southeastern Colorado, northwestern and central Oklahoma, south discontinuously to southern Baja, California and Mexico. This species is often found in areas of coastal sage scrub, sparse mixed chaparral, and relatively steep rocky hillsides with patches of shrubs and grass. It is determined that this species has a low potential for occurring within the study corridors.

Southwestern willow flycatcher: The southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus) is a federal and State endangered species and is covered by the MSHCP. This migratory bird is often associated with dense riparian habitats, usually shrubby, along rivers, streams, or other wetlands. Large numbers of willow flycatcher pass through southern California during spring and fall migration. It is difficult to differentiate between the endangered subspecies that breeds in southern California and the non-endangered subspecies (E. t. brewsteri) that breeds to the north in the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Mountain ranges. There is a period of overlapping occurrence in southern California riparian habitats for these two very similar-looking subspecies during spring and fall migrations.

The southwestern willow flycatcher is of particular importance because the habitat of this species is restricted to river corridors in the arid west; therefore, regional conservation planning efforts (e.g., MSHCP) attempt to protect habitats associated with this species. Suitable habitat for southwestern willow flycatcher is located along the Santa Ana River. The CNDDB reported sightings along the Santa Ana River and 0.5 mile east and west of Van Buren Boulevard overcrossing. Based on Proposed Project 2007 focused survey data, this species is determined to be present within the study corridors along the Santa Ana River (TRC [Bloom], 2007). Focused surveys conducted in May and June of 2008 located three willow flycatchers, presumed migrant, two of which may have been the same individual. All sightings were outside of the Proposed Project corridor. Two occurred in the Santa Ana River west of the Pedley Substation. The other sighting was in the Santa Ana River northeast of the Pedley Substation (Bloom 2008). The study did not determine that any of these observed individuals established nests within the Proposed Project area of the Santa Ana River.

Because of the limited observations and the migrant characteristic of the observation, it is determined that the Proposed Project is not expected to directly affect this species. Construction activity may result in short-term indirect impact to this species should it occur as a migrant or if it should establish nesting territory.

Tricolored blackbird: The tricolored blackbird (Agelaius tricolor) is a State species of concern.

This species nests in colonies and requires open water, preferably in emergent wetland, with tall, dense cattails or tules, but also in thickets of willow, blackberry, wild rose, tall herbs, and forages in grassland and cropland habitats (MSHCP). This species has a moderate potential to occur in the Proposed Project area within the established vegetation in the Santa Ana River channel. The Proposed Project is not expected to directly affect this species, but has the potential to result in temporary indirect impacts to this species during the construction phase.

Western yellow-billed cuckoo: The western yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus occidentalis) is a federal candidate for listing, and a State endangered species and is covered by City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 the MSHCP. This species is often found in areas of riparian vegetation; however, this species prefers open woodlands with clearings and a dense shrub layer. Dense understory foliage appears to be an important factor in nest site selection, while cottonwood trees are an important foraging habitat in areas where this species has been studied.

In California, breeding is restricted to isolated sites in Sacramento, Amargosa, Kern, Santa Ana, and Colorado River valleys (Laymon and Halterman 1987). Suitable habitat was identified within the study area within the Santa Ana River channel. The study corridors support limited fragmented, disturbed habitat that is considered to be marginally suitable for this species. It is determined that this species has a low potential to occur within the Proposed Project area within the established vegetation in the Santa Ana River channel. The Proposed Project is not expected to directly affect this species, but has the potential to result in temporary indirect impacts to this species during the construction phase.

Western burrowing owl: The western burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia hypugaea) is a State species of concern and, as with most other bird species, is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) of 1918 (16 U.S.C. 703-711) and is covered by the MSHCP. The burrowing owl is a comparatively small owl (approximately 8-10 inches), distinguished by its long legs and burrow (ground) nesting behavior. The western burrowing owl is semi-diurnal in that it is active in early morning and evening hours and will commonly perch during daylight hours at the entrance to its burrow or on a shorter post or perch. This species feeds primarily on insects and crustaceans, but will prey upon small birds and small mammals (Thomsen 1971). Burrowing owls nest in single pairs and small colonies. It utilizes burrows (underground holes) created by other burrowing mammals (e.g., ground squirrels) and will use open-ended pipes, culverts, and rock debris piles with suitable cavities. It does not excavate its own burrow.

Potential and occupied burrowing owl habitat exists within the Proposed Project corridor.

Habitat utilized by this species includes, but is not limited to, native and non-native grasslands, fallow fields, washes, arroyos, areas of low-density cover, vacant lots, and road embankments.

Burrowing owls were observed at multiple locations within the study corridor (TRC 2006).

There is a potential for this species to nest and winter within the study corridor. It is determined that this species is present within the study corridors. Based on Proposed Project design, potential nest burrows identified during preconstruction surveys will be avoided. The Proposed Project is expected to result in potential temporary impact to this species during construction, but is not expected to result in direct impact. Minimal occupied foraging or breeding habitat will be permanently adversely affected by Proposed Project implementation.

Yellow-breasted chat: The yellow-breasted chat (Icteria virens longicauda) is a State species of concern and is covered by the MSHCP. The yellow-breasted chat utilizes riparian habitat with low, dense thickets of willows, blackberry, and wild grape near watercourses. It typically nests within ten feet of the ground. Suitable habitat occurs along links associated with the Santa Ana River within the study corridors. It is determined that this species has a moderate potential to occur within the Proposed Project area within the established vegetation in the Santa Ana River channel. The Proposed Project is not expected to directly affect this species. During construction, the Proposed Project has the potential to result in temporary indirect impacts to this species.

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American badger: The American badger (Taxidea taxus) is a State species of concern. Habitat utilized by this species includes grasslands, savanna, and mountain meadows. The American badger requires open, uncultivated ground, and preys on burrowing species. It is determined that this species is absent in the study area. Any potential suitable habitat is fragmented and most adjacent areas are urbanized; no burrows or other sign was observed. The Proposed Project is not expected to directly or indirectly affect this species.

Los Angeles pocket mouse: The Los Angeles pocket mouse (LAPM) (Perognathus longimembris brevinasus) is a State species of concern, and covered by the MSHCP. The LAPM is one of the two P. longimembris that occur on the coastal plain of southern California (i.e., south of the Transverse Range and west of the Peninsular Ranges). This species is associated with various sage scrub plant communities and has been observed in open grasslands, alluvial sage scrub, alluvial fan scrub, and within coastal sage scrub. The CNDDB records one occurrence of LAPM upstream of the Proposed Project area within and adjacent to the Santa Ana River channel area. As part of initial RTRP siting studies, earlier evaluated links included areas to the east of the Proposed Project area. Focused small mammal surveys captured 60 individuals east of Riverside Avenue on both the north and south sides of the Santa Ana River.

Approximately 408 acres of occupied habitat occurred within and immediately adjacent to the surveyed area. A large population of LAPM is located on the north side of the Santa Ana River between Riverside Avenue and the Rialto Channel. A smaller population is located south of the Santa Ana River between Riverside Avenue and the base of the La Loma Hills; however, it is thought that the populations are not isolated from each other and should be considered the same population (Davenport [TRC] 2006). The final evaluated set of links, now proposed for the Project, does not include suitable habitat for this species. Therefore, this species is absent from the Proposed Project area.

Northwestern San Diego pocket mouse: The northwestern San Diego pocket mouse (Chaetodipus fallax fallax) is a State species of concern and is covered by the MSHCP. Suitable habitat consists of sandy, herbaceous areas, rocks, or coarse gravel. Individual species were trapped during the 2006 focused surveys (Davenport [TRC] 2006) in the areas of earlier evaluated potential routes. However, the final evaluated set of links now proposed for the Project dodoes not include suitable habitat for this species. In 2011, the Riverside Water Quality Control Plant was surveyed and it was determined that the alignment along the south side of the Santa Ana River levee (i.e., north side of the facility) did not have suitable habitat for this species. This area supports suitable soils but is disturbed and not contiguous with other areas of suitable soil or habitat for this species. Therefore, this species is absent from the Proposed Project area evaluated. The Proposed Project is not expected to directly or indirectly affect this species.

San Bernardino kangaroo rat: The San Bernardino kangaroo rat (SBKR) (Dipodomys merriami parvus) is federal endangered species, a State species of special concern, and covered by the MSHCP. The SBKR is one of the two subspecies of D. merriami that occur on the coastal plain of southern California. This species is associated with alluvial sage scrub and adjacent plant communities where the soils are sandy. As of 2008, the CNDDB recorded four observations of SBKR within 13 miles of the study corridor. During focused surveys in 2006, no SBKR were trapped or otherwise detected (Davenport [TRC] 2006). Because of the focused survey results, change in evaluatedultimate selection of links to the west of known occurrence records, and lack of suitable habitat, it is determined that this species is not present within the City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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San Diego black-tailed jackrabbit: The San Diego black-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus bennettii) is a State species of concern and is covered by the MSHCP. Suitable habitat for this species consists of grasslands, rangelands, coastal sage scrub, and disturbed areas. San Diego black-tailed jackrabbit was observed inonly at the east end of the eastern limits of the study corridors during focused small mammal surveys (Davenport [TRC] 2006). It is determined that this species is present within the study corridors, but is unlikely to find suitable habitat within the Proposed Project area, selected from the western portion of study corridors. The Proposed Project is not expected to directly or indirectly affect this species.

Southern grasshopper mouse: The southern grasshopper mouse (Onychomys torridus ramona) is a State species of concern. The southern grasshopper mouse utilizes desert areas, especially scrub with friable soil, with low to moderate shrub cover. Based on the focused small mammal survey results and lack of sufficient suitable habitat, it is determined that this species has a low potential to be present in the study corridors. The Proposed Project is not expected to directly or indirectly affect this species.

Stephens kangaroo rat: The Stephens kangaroo rat (Dipodomys stephensi) is a federal endangered species and is covered by the MSHCP and the SKRHCP. habitat conservation plan (SKRHCP). Habitat for this species consists of annual and perennial grasslands, coastal scrub, and sagebrush with sparse canopy cover. Based on the focused small mammal survey results and lack of sufficient suitable habitat, it is determined that this species has a low potential to be present in the study corridors. The Proposed Project is not expected to directly or indirectly affect this species.

Western mastiff bat: The western mastiff bat (Eumops perotis californicus) is a State species of concern. Habitat utilized by this species includes open, semi-arid to arid, coastal scrub, grasslands, chaparral, conifer, and deciduous woodlands. This species usually roosts in crevices in cliff faces, high buildings, trees, and tunnels. Suitable roost sites and forage habitat isare present within links alongin the vicinity of the Santa Ana River, and it is determined that this species has a moderate potential to occur within the study corridors. The Proposed Project is not expected to directly affect this species. While the Proposed Project area supports existing aerial man-made elements, the new transmission line will provide a new aerial obstacle. This has the because the Proposed Project will also conserve open-space vegetated habitat within the right-of- way that will maintain areas of potential prey sources during the operation and maintenance phase. ThisDirect and indirect impacts would have a determination ofbe less than significant.

Western yellow bat: The western yellow bat (Lasiurus xanthinus) is a State species of concern.

The western yellow bat tends to roost in trees, particularly palms. Typical habitat for this species consists of valley foothill riparian, desert riparian, desert wash, and palm oasis. Suitable tree roost sites and forage habitat isare present within links along the Santa Ana River. It is determined that this species has a moderate potential to occur within the study corridors. The Proposed Project is not expected to directly affect this species. While the Proposed Project area supports existing aerial man-made elements, the new transmission line will provide a new aerial at.

This is negligible, because the Proposed Project will also conserve open-space vegetated habitat City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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Reptiles
Northern red-diamond rattlesnake: The northern red-diamond rattlesnake (Crotalus exsulruber ruber) is a Federal Special of Concern species (FSC) and a State species of concern and is covered by the MSHCP. This species is known to occur throughout western Riverside County. In the northern part of its range, the red diamond rattlesnake occupies environments from the coast to the desert slopes of the mountains, but avoids the lower desert flats and elevations above 5,000 feet. During warm weather, this species is most active at dusk and night.

It is determined that this species has a moderate potential to occur within the study corridors.

Through habitat conservation and avoidance and minimization efforts described below, potential direct and indirect impacts are expected to be less than significant.

-throated whiptail: -throated whiptail (Aspidoscelis
hyperythra beldingi) is a State species of concern, and is covered by the MSHCP. Habitat for this species includes coastal scrub, chaparral, valley-foothill hardwood, washes, and other sandy areas with loose soil and rocks. This species feeds on termites and other insects. It is determined that this species has a moderate potential to occur within the study corridors. Habitat conservation and avoidance and minimization efforts described below would reduce potential direct and indirect impacts to less than significant.

San Diego banded gecko: The San Diego banded gecko (Coleonyx variegatus abbotti) is a State species of concern and is covered by the MSHCP. Habitat for this species includes rocky areas, canyon walls, and sand dunes. Because of the level of urban disturbance and lack of sufficient suitable habitat, it is determined that this species is absent from the Proposed Project area. The Proposed Project is not expected to directly or indirectly affect this species.

Insects
Carolella busckana) is a State species of concern.

This species was last observed in 1906. Habitat type for this species is not clearly defined.

Because of the level of urban disturbance, age of the last recorded sighting, and lack of sufficient native habitat, it is determined that this species absent from the Proposed Project area. No impacts are expected.

Cuckoo wasp: The cuckoo wasp (Ceratochrysis longimala) is a State species of concern. This species was last observed in the Proposed Project area in 1915. The cuckoo wasp species prefers chaparral and scrub habitat. Because of the level of urban disturbance, age of the last recorded sighting, and lack of sufficient suitable habitat, it is determined that this species is absent in the study corridors. No impacts are expected.

Delhi sands flower-loving fly: The Delhi sands flower-loving fly (DSF) (Rhaphiomidas terminatus abdominalis) is a federal endangered species (58 Federal Register 49881) (USFWS 1997), and is covered by the MSHCP. The DSF is approximately 2.5 centimeters in length and orange-brown in color, and has dark brown spots on the upper surface of the abdomen (USFWS 1997). This species is restricted by the distribution and availability of open, undisturbed habitats of native vegetation within the fine, sandy Delhi series soil. The life span of this animal is City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 unknown, but the larval stage may be two years or longer, depending on the availability of food, temperature, rainfall, and various other environmental factors (USFWS 1997). The early stages of the DSF are specialized for a fossorial (burrowing) existence in substrates with a high blow sand fraction. The body shape and structures enable the larvae to burrow through the fine sand, and the heads of the pupae possess a large spine that may be useful in tunneling through the soil for emergence (USFWS 1997). Adults are active in the late summer; however, the animal spends the rest of its life cycle underground.

DSF distribution in the Proposed Project vicinity straddles I-10 in the surrounding cities of Colton, Rialto, and Riverside, and western San Bernardino County. The distribution of the DSF within Riverside County is limited to the northern portion of the County within Mira Loma, Jurupa Valley, and the Agua Mansa area. Dominant plants within the DSF habitat consist of California buckwheat, telegraph weed (Heterotheca grandiflora), and croton.

During initial siting evaluation, certain potential routes were determined to support suitable or mapped habitat for this species. Focused surveys in 2006 did locate several individuals of this species within potential alignment links that were eliminated from further analysis due to identified constraints. Accordingly, because the alignments involving these occurrences are no longer being considered for the Proposed Project, these observed occurrences are not further evaluated within this DEIR. Survey protocols, set forth by the USFWS Interim General Survey Guidelines for the DSF, were utilized to maximize the validity of a presence/absence determination (Osborne 2006). During focused surveys in 2006, two female and three male Delhi sands flower-loving flies were observed within an initially evaluated, but subsequently rejected, eastern corridor.

The MSHCP includes mapped suitable soils that are required to be surveyed during July in two consecutive years to determine presence. The Proposed Project includes suitable mapped soils within the northern end near Interstate 15. This area currently supports ruderal, non-native vegetation, has been disked, appears to have been used for pasture or agriculture, and does not support any native characteristic plants. Focused surveys of suitable soils within the Proposed Project alignment parcel that were conducted in 2010 did not observe this species (Osbourne, 2010). The second year of the focused survey will be conducted in 2011 to comply with MSHCP requirements. Because of the disturbed site conditions and urban disturbances and the results of This would equate to a less than significant impact under CEQA. If, during the 2011 survey, DSF is detected, RPU would include the focused survey results with the submittal application for the MSHCP consistency determination and mitigate according to RCA and USFWS requirements. This process is included in the MSHCP and permitted as a proposed adequately conserved species per the MSHCP Incidental Take Permit (ITP). Therefore, an unlikely presence determination would be mitigated to less than a significant impact should it occur. The current

Greenest tiger beetle: The greenest tiger beetle (Cicindela tranquebarica viridissima) is State species of concern. Habitat utilized by this species includes woodlands adjacent to the Santa Ana River basin. It is determined that this species has a high potential to occur within the study corridors. However, potential habitat will be avoided and no construction of the Proposed Project will impact the habitat; therefore, it is not expected to directly or indirectly affect this species based on design and construction specifications.

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Arroyo Chub: The arroyo chub (Gila orcutti) is a State species of concern and is covered by the MSHCP. The arroyo chub is known to occur in the Santa Ana River, from the City of Jurupa Valley downstream to the Prado Basin (MSHCP 2001). This species breeds more or less continuously from February through August, although most spawning takes place in June and July. The Proposed Project would span the Santa Ana River and thus, is not anticipated to directly or indirectly affect this species.

Santa Ana Sucker: The Santa Ana sucker (Catostomus santaanae) is a federal threatened species (65 Federal Register 19686-19698) and a State species of concern and is covered by the MSHCP. Historically, this species ranged throughout Southern California, including the San Gabriel, Los Angeles, and Santa Ana River drainages (MSHCP 2001). This species lives in shallow streams and survives in the lower portions of the Santa Ana River from the Imperial Highway (State Route 90) to Rubidoux near the City of Riverside (MSHCP 2001). The Santa Ana sucker breeds in tributary streams; however, it has not been observed to breed in the Santa Ana River. The river channel typically supports a higher velocity flow and the water quality is occurs up or downstream as conditions and suitable habitat permit, and is typically facilitated by flooding events. The Proposed Project would span the Santa Ana River and thus, is determined to not directly affect this species. The Proposed Project description includes the placement of towers on either side of the river channel and outside of the Critical Habitat boundary. Work limits for tower construction, tower footprints, and pull and tension sites would be in upland locations. Stringing of the conductor pull lines would be completed by helicopter and no entry to the river channel vegetated areas or open water by equipment is expected. There is no dredge or fill action expected from construction of this aerial crossing of the Proposed Project. Thus, no direct or indirect impact to the Santa Ana sucker or the river will occur as a result of the Proposed Project.

69 kV Subtransmission Lines
Vegetation Communities and Cover Types
Plant communities were characterized by utilizing series descriptions from MSHCP and CNDDB. This information was cross-referenced with other sources, including USGS 7.5-minute quadrangle maps, GIS data, and a review of prior survey reports conducted in the general area.

The vegetation communities present along each link are presented in the Technical Appendices of this report. Table 3.2.4-3 summarizes cover types within 1000-foot study corridors along the proposed 69 kV routes.

TABLE 3.2.4-3. VEGETATION AND LAND COVER CATEGORIES WITHIN 1000-FOOT STUDY CORRIDORS FOR 69 KV PORTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT
Vegetation or Land Cover Type Acres Percentage
Agriculture-Dairy 2.43 0.2%
Bare ground/disturbed 124.3123.5 9.53%
Developed 1022.71029.5 78.177.9%
Disturbed 23.448.3 1.83.7%
Landscaping 109.698.9 8.47.5%
Non-native Grassland 4.53.3 0.32%
Riparian Scrub 4.20 0.3%
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Riversidian Sage Scrub 4.94 0.43%
Southern Cottonwood/Willow Riparian 13.87.4 1.10.6%
Totals 1309.81321.5 100.0%
Special-Status Species
Special-status species include those listed as threatened, endangered, candidate, or proposed under the federal ESA and under the CESA, and those included in the MSHCP. Sensitive plant species include those that occur on the CNPS Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California.

A special-status species was considered a potential inhabitant of the study area if its known geographical distribution encompasses part of the RTRP site, or if its distribution was located near the site and general habitat requirements of this species was present (e.g., foraging habitat, nesting or roosting, specific soil type, or a permanent water source). See previous sections and the Biological Resources technical report for descriptions.

The following special-status species have the potential to occur along the 69 kV subtransmission study corridors.

Sensitive Plant Species
Within the vegetation communities crossed by the 69 kV subtransmission study corridors, seven sensitive plant species have the potential to occur. Although no sensitive plant species were observed during field surveys, the following plants have the potential to occur within the 69 kV limits of the Proposed Project area because suitable habitat is present.

San Diego ambrosia
slender-horned spineflower
-thorn
rayless ragwort
San Miguel savory
Sensitive Wildlife Species
The following sensitive wildlife species have the potential to occur within the 69 kV portions of the Proposed Project area.

Special-Status Bird Species
western burrowing owl
southwestern willow flycatcher,
tricolored blackbird
western yellow-billed cuckoo
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Stephens kangaroo rat
western mastiff bat
western yellow bat
Special-Status Reptiles
coast horned lizard
northern red-diamond rattlesnake
orange-throated whiptail
Wildlife/Wilderness 230 kV Substations
The proposed substations are located in areas dominated by commercial and industrial uses. The vegetation cover of the site comprises manicured lawn, ruderal/disturbed field, and non-native grassland. Three species have the potential to be located within this disturbed area, and are listed below.

Special-Status Plants
San Diego ambrosia
Special-Status Bird Species
western burrowing owl
Special-Status Mammal Species
western yellow bat
69 kV and 230 kV Substation Upgrades
Existing substation sites that would be upgraded under the Proposed Project are convertedfully developedand do not support native habitat, and are generally surrounded by urban areas. These sites do not support native forage habitat or suitable resource for occupancy by sensitive species with a potential to occur in the Proposed Project vicinity.

Regulatory Setting
The following federal, State, and local environmental regulations are applicable to the protection and conservation of the biological resources within the Proposed Project area.

Federal
Endangered Species Act (16 United States Code [U.S.C.] 1531, 1994) Under the ESA, no as defined by the ESA, m
uption of
habitat of a listed species can, under certain circumstances, result in the take of such species. The ESA includes a provision for permitting incidental take of listed species on private lands when a City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), identifying the anticipated impacts of specific projects and implementing appropriate conservation measures, is prepared and approved with the issuance of a Section 10 permit.

Section 10 provides a means whereby a non-federal action with a potential to result in the take of a listed species could be allowed under an incidental take permit. Both the MSHCP and the SKRHCP provide take coverage to covered species within the Proposed Project area. Section 7 is applicable to federal agencies and requires consultation with USFWS. The Proposed Project, as identified in the Land Use analysis, will cross recreational lands that were purchased through a Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant, administered by the National Park Service. The Proposed Project will be consistent with the MSHCP and therefore will be covered by the Section 10 permit and the Biological Opinion.

In respect to Section 7 consultation under the ESA, the MSHCP Implementing Agreement Section 14.9 and as discussed in the MSHCP identifies that the permittees will be covered by Section 10 (ITP) and that, as applicable, USFWS will review for Section 7. The MSHCP identifies that USFWS will evaluate the direct, indirect, and cumulative effects of the Covered Activities in its internal ESA biological opinion issued in connection with the MSHCP and issuance of the Section 10(a) Permit. As a result, and to the maximum extent allowable, in any consultation under Section 7 of the ESA subsequent to the MSHCP ITP Effective Date involving the Permittee(s) or entity with Third Party Take Authorization with regard to Covered Species Adequately Conserved and Covered Activities, the USFWS shall ensure that the ESA biological opinion issued in connection the Proposed Project that is subject of the consultation is consistent with the internal ESA biological opinion. Such a project must be consistent with the terms and conditions of the MSHCP and the Implementing Agreement. The USFWS shall not impose measures in excess of those that have been or will be required by the Permittee(s) or entity with Third Party Take Authorization pursuant to the MSHCP and this Agreement. The USFWS shall process subsequent ESA consultations for Covered Activities in accordance with the process and time periods set forth in 50 Code of Federal Regulations, section 402.14.

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703-711) The MBTA is an international treaty for the conservation and management of bird species which may migrate through more than one country. The treaty makes it unlawful at any time, by any means or in any manner, to pursue, hunt, take, capture or kill migratory birds except for those species specifically excluded by the MBTA.

The MSHCP Section 10 Incidental Take Permit identifies that permittees will comply with the MBTA and no take of nest, eggs, or chicks will occur (ITP, page 83). Furthermore, as identified in the MSHCP, Implementing Agreement Section 14.13 and as identified in the MSHCP regulatory structure, the MSHCP, Section 10(a) Permit shall constitute a Special Purpose Permit under 50 Code of Federal Regulations section 21.27, for the Take of Covered Species Adequately Conserved listed under ESA and which are also listed under the MBTA, in the amount and/or number specified in the MSHCP, subject to the terms and conditions specified in covered species and the lawful take of a MSHCP-covered species or its habitat protected by the MBTA will not result in a violation of the MBTA. A proposed project, however, would nevertheless not be allowed to knowingly take an active nest or intentionally result in the nest failure during construction without a separate authorization from USFWS and, as applicable, City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940 The act states that it is unlawful to take, pursue, or disturb American bald and golden eagles. This act also protects individual eagles and their nests and eggs from willful damage or injury. Violation of this act results in civil penalties.

The bald eagle was removed from the ESA in 2007, but is still protected and considered to be a sensitive species through this Eagle Protection Act. In February 2011, the USFWS published draft guidelines of the Eagle Protection Act. While the guidelines are currently in draft form, it is expected that this document will be finalized within the next 12 months. The Proposed Project will comply with the intent of the draft guidelines and no effect to resident or wintering eagle is expected as result of Proposed Project implementation.

Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act The Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (16 U.S.C. 661- 666) applies to any federal project where the waters of any stream or other body of water are impounded, diverted, deepened, or otherwise modified. Federal agencies and projects funded by federal money or affecting federal lands or jurisdiction are required to consult with USFWS and the appropriate State wildlife agency. These agencies prepare reports and recommendations that document project effects on plants and wildlife and identify measures that may be adopted to prevent loss or damage to biological resources.

Clean Water Act of 1972 (33 U.S.C. 1251, 1994) The Clean Water Act (CWA) is the principal federal statute protecting navigable Waters of the U.S. and adjoining shorelines from pollution. The Clean Water Act is administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). USACE is responsible for regulating the discharge of fill material into waters of the U.S. Waters of the U.S. include lakes, rivers, streams and their tributaries, as well as wetlands. Since its enactment, the CWA prohibits the discharge of pollutants into waters of the U.S. without a permit. Section 404 of the CWA provides that whenever any person dredges or places any fill material from or into waters of the U.S. including, without limitation, wetlands, streams, and bays (e.g., while undertaking road construction, bridge construction, or streambed alteration), a permit is required from USACE.

State
California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code 21000 et seq.) CEQA requires State and local agencies to identify and disclose environmental impacts that may cause a physical change in the environment. CEQA further requires agencies to avoid or minimize significant impacts, when feasible. When avoiding and minimizing significant impacts is not feasible, agencies are required to provide a written document of overriding considerations when they decide to approve a project.

California Endangered Species Act (CA Fish and Game Code 2050-2126) The CDFG administers the California Endangered Species Act (CESA), which protects wildlife and plants listed as threatened and endangered by the California Fish and Game Commission. Parallel to the federal ESA, the CESA provides additional protection to threatened and endangered species in California. As with the ESA, CESA prohibits the take of listed and candidate species without a permit. Many species are listed as threatened or endangered under both the State and federal Endangered Species Acts.

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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 CESA requires State agencies to conserve threatened and endangered species (Section 2055), and thus restricts all persons from taking listed species except under certain circumstances. The requirements for an application for an incidental take permit under CESA are described in Section 2081 of the California Fish and Game Code and in final adopted regulations for implementing Sections 2080 and 2081.

The California Native Plant Protection Act of 1977 The California Native Plant Protection endangered plants, and sale of rare and endangered plants. CESA defers to the California Native Plant Protection Act, which ensures that State-listed plant species are protected when State agencies are involved in projects subject to CEQA. In this case, plants listed as rare under the California Native Plant Protection Act are not protected under CESA but rather must be analyzed under CEQA.

Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement (CA Fish and Game Code, Section 1600) Under this agreement, entities which propose to divert, obstruct, or change the natural flow or the bed, channel, or bank of any river, stream, or lake in which there is at any time an existing fish or wildlife resource, must first notify the CDFG prior to the activity (California Fish and Game by
the resource which would be affected and submitting a proposal for measures necessary to protect the identified plants and wildlife. The agreement outlines specific requirements related to construction techniques and compensatory measures to mitigate adverse impacts. Long-term monitoring may be required as part of the mitigation process.

Regional and Local
Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan The MSHCP (2003) is a comprehensive, multi-jurisdictional program focusing on conservation of species and their associated habitats in Western Riverside County. The MSHCP is designed to provide protection and conservation efforts for threatened and endangered species through a multi- species habitat-based long-term approach that covers approximately 1.26 million acres in western Riverside County. The ultimate goal is to protect multiple species by preserving a variety of habitat and providing linkages between different habitat areas. In 2004, USFWS issued a Section 10 Incidental Take permit for the Covered Species.

The MSHCP serves as an HCP pursuant to Section 10(a)(1)(B) of the federal ESA, as well as a Natural Communities Conservation Plan (NCCP) under the NCCP Act of 2001. The MSHCP habitats, and species within the area, with the ultimate goal of reducing the need to list additional species in the future. Though the USFWS and the CDFG have authority to regulate the take of threatened and endangered species, consistent with the terms and conditions of approval of the jurisdictions such as the City of Riverside in exchange for the assembly and management of Project is located in northwestern Riverside County in private, quasi-public lands, and public lands and within the MSHCP boundaries. The Proposed Project will mitigate potential impacts to City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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The Habitat Evaluation and Acquisition Negotiations Strategy (HANS) process is used by the City, a permittee under the MSHCP, to ensure Plan compliance by identifying and delineating conservation areas on specific properties. The City is the lead agency for purposes of ensuring MSHCP compliance for the Proposed Project in coordination with RCA. Should the Proposed Project affect an identified criteria cell, it will be reviewed, as applicable or required, by the same process. The Proposed Project would cross or require limited construction work within portions of Criteria Cells 610, 617, 643, and 700. The Proposed Project is determined to comply with habitat conservation goals and requirements for the affected Criteria Cells. Because of the ns, it is not expected
that the Proposed Project will require HANS review for an MSHCP consistency determination.

Additionally, it is expected, based on preliminary meetings with RCA, that the Proposed Project will comply with Criteria Cell conservation requirements and have a minimal effect that may not require a Joint Project Review as part of the HANS process. RPU will submit the final approved alignment to the City of Riverside for a consistency determination. The City of Riverside would require Consistency Determinations from the County of Riverside, City of Norco, and, if the review, the City of Jurupa Valley.

aroo Rat Habitat Conservation Plan
(SKRHCP) was adopted in 1996. The City is a permittee under the SKRHCP and although the Proposed Project is not expected to have any impact to SKR, the City will comply with its requirements. No SKR conservation habitat would be affected per the SKRHCP. Based on the MSHCP and the USFWS ITP for the MSHCP, this species is adequately conserved and no additional surveys are required for the Proposed Project.

Impact Assessment
This section addresses the potential impacts on biological resources that could result from the implementation of the proposed action. The study area for impact evaluation includes the 230 kV transmission lines, 69 kV subtransmission lines, and the Wildlife and Wilderness Substations.

The Proposed Project has the potential to result in three types of impacts to biological resources:
direct, indirect, and cumulative. Direct impacts are considered to include mortality resulting from construction or operation of the Proposed Project, permanent loss of habitat, and permanent alteration of breeding, foraging or movement habitat and structure. Indirect impacts are considered to be secondary related effects that decrease habitat value through temporary or permanent disturbance, including short-term noise, dust, or water impacts during construction.

Direct and indirect impacts may be either long-term (permanent impacts) or short-term (temporary impacts during construction only). Cumulative impacts are discussed in Chapter 4 of this DEIR.

Significance Threshold Criteria
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The following significance thresholds are based on the CEQA environmental checklist presented in Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines, and are used to describe the potential impacts of the Proposed Project and alternatives upon the sensitive biological resources that may occur in the Proposed Project area. A project would have a significant impact on biological resources if it would result in one or more of the following:
a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special-status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S.

Fish and Wildlife Service.
b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. c) Have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means. d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites.
e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance.
f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan.

Mitigation Measures
The Mitigation Measures in Table 3.2.4-5 will be implemented to reduce or avoid impact to sensitive or protected species. They are suitable for linear projects that have the ability to minimize or change the construction footprint in discrete locations, have sequential construction actions that can be staggered or staged to avoid resources, and do not have a fixed Project footprint (the analyzed footprint is a worst-case scenario, based on design, and not necessarily the required construction footprint, which may be less). Therefore, these measures would reduce the footprint and avoid and minimize impacts, which will mitigate identified impacts to a less than significant level. It is noted that per participation in the MSHCP, and paying the required in lieu fees, the Proposed Project impacts to sensitive species (covered by the MSHCP ITP) or habitat are mitigated to a less than significant level as identified in Mitigation Measure BIO-1.

The additional measures apply procedural direction to further reduce these already insignificantmitigated impacts through describing permit requirements for preconstruction surveys, adding field measures to more clearly identify avoidance and minimization goals to be implemented during the Proposed Project, or adding specific restrictions for sensitive resource protection and avoidance. While such actions as preconstruction surveys do not technically mitigate an impact, they do reduce the potential to affect sensitive species by determining presence at the start of ground disturbance for species that are mobile or seasonal and may establish within the Proposed Project ROW after the completion of baseline surveys used for this City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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Table 3.2.4-4 presents the design Proposed Project footprint and associated potential temporary and permanent habitat impact by habitat type. This information is based on the assumption of a typical construction footprint for pole, tower, and pull site requirements, and best available data for expected new access roads. The Proposed Project would be expected to submit the identified habitat impacts for consistency determination and mitigation compensation fee requirements with the MSHCP.

TABLE 3.2.4-4. PROPOSED PROJECT FOOTPRINT HABITAT IMPACTS Vegetation or Land Cover Type Acres in
ROW
Temporary
Impact from
Construction
Permanent
Impact from
Construction
Substation
Impacts
New Access
Road Impacts
AgricultureAg-Dairy 11.9 94 11.5 6.30 0.53 08 0.00 2.8 86 Bare ground/disturbed 19.7 99 21.2 10.09 1.5 0.12 0.00 2.9 3.11 Developed 15.18 14.92 7.1 12.99 0.04 05 0.00 0.52 1.31 Disturbed 1.18 1.26 0.00 0.03 0.07
Disturbed Alluvial 2.9 0.00 5.5 0.15 0.23 00 0.03 00 0.1 00 Field Cropland 15.32 6.73 0.10 0.00 2.01
Landscaping 11 6.13 5.7 3.86 0.35 05 8.8 82 0 1.15
Non-native Grassland 42.8 41.09 33.5 24.68 0.78 25 0.16 15 1.95 3.68 Riparian Scrub 0 0 0 0 0
Riversidian Sage Scrub 1.7 70 2.8 48 0.00 0.06 0.24
Southern Cottonwood/Willow Riparian 11.85.02 0.2 00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Totals 116.98117.
32 87.568.54 3.43 0.65 9.05 06 8.27 14.43

TABLE 3.2.4-5. MITIGATION MEASURES BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES Mitigation
Measures Description
BIO-01
Habitat Conservation and MSHCP Compliance. The Project Proponent (RPU) shall pay the MSHCP fees for temporary and permanent impacts to natural land and habitat in compliance with the MSHCP.

AcreageFees will be based on design footprint and confirmed by as-built data as available and applicable to confirm mitigation compliance. and as negotiated with RCA for the public facility. The Proposed Project (responsibility of RPU and SCE) shall also comply with all other applicable MSHCP and SKRHCP requirements. The Proposed Project shall also implement the urban/wildlands interface requirements of the MSHCP for all areas adjacent to conservation areas. Additionally, both RPU and SCE shall comply with all other requirements of the MSHCP.

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BIO-02
Transmission lines: Structures and Avian Protection - All transmission structures (TSPs and LSTs) would be designed to be avian-
Line Interaction Committee, 2006). This will include, but is not limited to, the following: conductors will be spaced to an acceptable distance of raptors such as red-tailed hawk and golden eagle to avoid potential electrocution risk; bus bars or other points of electrocution shall be covered with non-conductive caps; aerial spansof the Santa Ana River will be marked with best available UV reflectors (bird diverters) every 100 feet alternatingand staggeredalong the outer conductors; nest deterrents will be implemented
The Proposed Project shall implement APLIC guidelines (current guidelines as of 2011). Designs for APLIC compliance will be reviewed and approved by SCE, RPU and the Project Biologist (69kV section will not include SCE approval).

BIO-03
Preconstruction Surveys for Sensitive Species and MSHCP ComplianceIf listed Western burrowing owl (BUOW): 1) Conduct focused surveys to determine active or sensitive species is detectedpotential nest sitesduring the breeding season prior to initiation of field construction disturbance. Use observed active burrow location data to schedule construction activity in the area of the active burrows to occur between September 1 and February 1. Adjust pole location or potential access roads to avoid active burrows. 2) Conduct pre-construction surveys described below, final structure locations, access and spur roads,for BUOW between 14and associated temporary ground disturbance areas would30 days prior to field construction disturbance. Owls located during the pre-construction survey shallbe relocated to avoid directreported to the RCA. 3) Avoidance and minimization measures, including installation of fencing and/or screening appropriate to clearly mark work restriction limits and, as practical, screening line of sight to active, occupied burrows, shall be installed and also reported to the RCA. Avoidance and minimization of indirect impacts to these species or their habitat or as allowed by the MSHCP and State and federal permits. BUOW will be in accordance with the CDFG Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation, dated March 7, 2012. A biological monitor shall also be placed where avoidance and minimization measure have been installed to monitor owl activity and to ensure barriers are suitable in accordance with MM BIO-06.

Conduct preconstruction surveys for western burrowing owl no more than two weeks prior to vegetation clearing or soil disturbance, nesting birds prior to construction from February 15 through September 15.

Implement avoidance measures for active nests and burrowing owls as required by MSHCP and its B.O implementation Guidelines. Comply with MSHCP and CDFG requirements if an occupied or active burrow needs to be closed or removed (implement proper closure and replacement burrow requirements).

Narrow endemic plants: For the MSHCP narrow endemic plant species determined to have the potential to occur but not detected during design surveys, conduct preconstruction sensitive plant surveys within suitable habitat within the ROW and Work Limits during the Spring bloom season within one year prior to construction.

If sensitive plant species are encountered and cannot be avoided then seed will be salvaged. Salvaged seed will be stored and used for restoration of temporarily disturbed suitable soils and site conditions.

Conduct raptor nest surveys beginning in the middle of January within six months prior to construction to determine presence of active raptor nest within 500 feet of the work limits, laydown yard, or other active project location where work may disturb an active nest.Bats: Conduct sensitive bat species (western mastiff bat and western yellow bat) roost emergence surveys at appropriate times of the year (year-round survey is satisfactory) in areas of suitable roost habitat that has the potential to be affected by construction. Active roost would be avoided until the roost is determined to be no longer active (as determined by the Project biologist).

Western mastiff bat roost sites are associated with rock faces and possibly taller buildings; no suitable roost habitat is identified within the Project work limits. Western yellow bat roost sites are associated with palm tree and the lower hanging palm tree skirt; palm trees are within or adjacent to the Project work limits. Palm trimming or removal would occur after preconstruction survey and to extent possible between August 1 and December 30 to avoid potential breeding or lower winter time activity window). If active roost is unavoidable, RPU and SCE would consult with RCA and CDFG and implement their recommendations.

All surveys would be conducted by qualified biologists approved by USFWS, CDFG, and RCA.

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If any listed or sensitive species are detected during pre-construction surveys, final structure locations, access and spur roads, and associated temporary ground disturbance areas would be adjusted or completely relocated to avoid direct impacts to these species or their habitat or as allowed by the MSHCP and State and federal permits. Establish work restriction areas for active nests. Coordinate with CDFG for potential to deter nesting (i.e., temporarily cover stick nest).

BIO-04
Nocturnal Lighting Minimization and Prevention Nocturnal lighting during construction and normal operation would be minimized at the substation sites by using directional lighting (shielded and positioned downward) to minimize indirect impact by stray light on the surrounding habitat. All external building or permanent structure lighting (except FAA warning lights) shall be shielded and light canopy contained to the facility substation footprint. Minimize stray and extraneous lighting. Lighting plans will be reviewed and approved by the Project Biologist and RPU prior to construction, and any further recommendations from the Project Biologist regarding lighting shall be implemented.

BIO-05
Worker Environmental Awareness Program (WEAP) Design and Implementation A WEAP shall be prepared. Field construction project personnel including construction management, construction crews and contractors shall be required to participate in WEAP training prior to starting work on the project. WEAP will be presented as a PowerPoint presentation or through a manual or handbook. Include discussion of sensitive species, habitat, water quality protection, hazardous material spill prevention and cleanup, and minimizing impact to wildlife and adjacent vegetation. The Project Biologist will determine any exemption from the training requirement (i.e., vendors, subcontractor truck drivers, delivery drivers).

BIO-06
Environmental Compliance Monitoring During Construction Environmental Compliance Monitors would be present during construction activity with the potential to affect biological sensitive resources, and periodically during other construction activity. Monitoring will be required for vegetation clearing and when construction occurs in the vicinity of sensitive biological resources. Monitoring will be conducted periodically as determined by the Project Biologist during remaining project construction to confirm work limits are maintained and protected resources are avoided.

BIO-07
Minimize Amount of Vegetation Removal and Permanent Loss of Habitat Vegetation clearing or removal would be restricted to surveyed and approved limits of the ROW, Substation footprint, Access Roads, and Staging Areas. Vegetation removal would be limited in sensitive habitats (the intent is to disturb less than the approved project work limits). The contractor would use overland access that crushes vegetation to maintain root structure and enable resprouting and faster restoration, use existing roads or jeep trails, and minimizes disturbance of new areas and removal of mature tree, cactus or woody shrub vegetation. Prior to clearing, conduct topsoil salvage evaluation to determine if soil is suitable for salvage, in which case it would be used for restoration on-site, by being generally free of non-native weed species, trash, or other contaminants that would limit usefulness during restoration and revegetation. Topsoil found not suitable for salvage will not need to be segregated from subsoils.

BIO-08
Migratory Bird Treaty Act Compliance: Avoidance of Active Nests All observed active nests detected during pre-construction surveys would be avoided in compliance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (this excludes European starling, house sparrow, or rock pigeon), unless approval is obtained from the USFWS.

All surveys would be conducted by qualified biologists approved, as applicable, by USFWS, CDFG, and RCA.

Raptors: Conduct raptor nest surveys beginning in the middle of January within six months prior to construction to determine presence of active raptor nests within 500 feet of the work limits, laydown yard, or other active Project locations where work may disturb an active nest. Establish work restriction areas for active nests. Coordinate with CDFG for potential to deter nesting (e.g., temporarily cover stick nest).

From February 15 through August 15, conduct pre-construction nest surveys no more than two to three days prior to vegetation clearing or ground disturbance in order to identify active nests and avoid direct or indirect impact in accordance with MBTA. Timing would be dependent on nesting conditions and proposed construction activity.

If active nests are unavoidable, RPU and SCE would consult with the appropriate agencies (USFWS and CDFG) and implement their recommendations. Unless otherwise approved by the regulatory agencies, work will be restricted within 500 feet (line of sight) for raptors or sensitive species and 100 feet for other City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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Measures Description
passerines. Work will be restricted around any observed active nest of a bird covered by the MBTA until the Project Biologist determines the nest has naturally failed, been lost to predation, or chicks are fledged and satisfactorily independent of nest or roost tree. Work restriction limit will be reviewed by the Project Biologist with the ability to stop work to avoid impact to active nest. Nest is identified as active during incubation through fledging when chicks are independent of nest or nest tree in respect to raptors. Nests observed in areas of active construction would be avoided and monitored per the Project Biologist and in consultation with CDFG or USFWS. 1
BIO-09
Invasive Species Management - The project biologist would prepare measures to avoid or minimize the introduction of invasive plant, invertebrate, and vertebrate species into the project area during construction activities. Construction equipment being brought to the Project limits will be free of accumulated mud and debris. Equipment will be washed prior to project delivery to remove dirt from tracks, body, and attachments.

Equipment with accumulated mud or debris will not be allowed to work within the project right-of-way until it is sufficiently clean (cleaning can be completed in a wash station at the laydown yard or offsite at another location not associated with the Project). Areas disturbed by construction will be maintained to control non- native invasive weed species and areas not designed to be bare for fire safety or have other soil stabilization (e.g., gravel, asphalt) will be revegetated and established to be less than 10-percent coverage by non-native weed species (goal will be to establish native cover equal or exceeding adjacent habitat) or have coverage of density and diversity equal to or exceeding 70 percent of adjacent native habitat. (It is expected that adjacent habitat may include non-native grassland. In these areas, the goal will be to establish cover consistent with adjacent areas, with an equal to or less than cover and density as found adjacent).

BIO-10
Avoid Impacts to Federal and State Jurisdictional Wetlands Construction crews would not fill or dredge streambeds and banks of streams or delineated wetlands (jurisdictional, vernal pool, or otherwise regulated) along the route. In the event that the Project is changed and requires such actions, If it is determined during final design of the Project that impacts to wetlands or riparian habitat may occur, a habitat assessment and, if necessary, a formal wetland delineation, will be conducted. If it is determined that impacts to wetlands and/or jurisdictional waters cannot be avoided, authorization from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG), and/or Regional Water Quality Control Board will be obtained after appropriate environmental review. A Lake or Streambed Alteration Agreement if applicable would be secured from CDFG.. All permit conditions will be followed to ensure that impacts remain less than significant.

BIO-11
Refueling Streambed Protection - Avoid the fueling of equipment adjacent to drainages, tributaries, or wetlands and associated plant communities to preclude water quality impacts. Associated plant communities should be designated on construction maps and will be situated a minimum distance of 10 meters from drainages, wetlands and storm drain inlets. Contractor equipment shall be checked for leaks prior to operation near riparian areas in coordination with the project biologist.

BIO-12
Wildlife Protection Excavations deeper than 0.3 m (1.0 ft) will be covered overnight to minimize the potential for vertebrates becoming trapped. Prior to backfilling, excavations will be inspected and observed; trapped wildlife species will be safely removed and released in an adjacent non-construction area.

BIO-13
MSHCP Public / Quasi-Public (PQP) Land Conservation RPU would replace permanent footprint impacts to identified MSHCP PQP Conserved Lands at a ratio of 1:1. Replacement land would be of suitable habitat value to provide a wildlife resource for foraging or breeding. Land would not be required to support or have the potential to support a sensitive plant or animal species. As approved by RCA and responsible Regulatory Agencies, lands purchased for replacement of Land and Water Conservation Fund land conversion may also be used as the PQP replacement lands.

Note:
1 The typical breeding season is March 15 through August 30 but raptors can begin nesting in late January and some species may begin nesting in February depending on seasonal weather conditions. Therefore a biological monitor will survey for nesting activity for any vegetation clearing and land disturbance that occurs between January 15 and September 15.

Environmental Impacts
The types of potential direct and indirect impacts on biological resources due to the Proposed Project activities are described below. Specific discussion of MSHCP requirements for riparian habitat, narrow endemic plant species, other sensitive wildlife, and wildland interface is also presented.

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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 Specifically recommended Mitigation Measures to reduce potentially significant impacts to sensitive biological resources are proposed. In addition, the City of Riverside is a permittee under the MSHCP and thus, its projects are required to be consistent with that Plan; thus, all Proposed Project-related activities must be consistent with the MSHCP. Sensitive plant and wildlife species with the potential to occur and to be affected are presented below for all Proposed Project components. These sensitive biological resources include Riversidian sage scrub, Delhi sands, riparian areas, cottonwood/willow woodland habitats, wetlands, and water resources. The species considered include wildlife and plant species covered by the MSHCP, Core A Area, or identified as having the potential to occur by USFWS or CDFG, including Los Angeles pocket mouse, Delhi sands flower-loving fly, burrowing owl, San Bernardino kangaroo udes

For each potential impact associated with the Proposed Project, a determination is made regarding level of significance. Conclusions of significance are defined as follows: significant impact, potentially significant impact, less than significant, or no impact. If additional specific mitigation would not diminish significant or potentially significant impacts to a less-than- significant level, the impacts a

CEQA Significance Threshold Discussion
a) Have substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special-status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S.

Fish and Wildlife Service.

Construction
Less than Significant Impact with Mitigation.

230 kV Transmission Line
Plants and Vegetation Communities
Based on survey data and known ranges and population locations, Proposed Project construction is not expected to adversely affect a federal or State protected plant species or significant portions of habitat that could support sensitive species. Specifi and sandwort require wet or moist habitats such as marshes, streambanks, and boggy meadows.

As designed, the Proposed Project would avoid such areas and these species would not be osia, Santa Ana River woollystar, slender-horned
spineflower, and smooth tarplant are known to occur in open areas, coastal or alluvial fan sage scrub, chaparral, valley and foothill grassland, disturbed areas, gravelly riverbeds, and/or riparian woodlands. While the Proposed Project would cross habitats such as grassland, disturbed areas, and sage scrub, in accordance with MM BIO-03, preconstruction protocol-level surveys would be conducted during the appropriate blooming periods and any listed or sensitive plants would be flagged for avoidance by the Project Biologist. Implementation of MMs BIO-05 and BIO-06 would require workers to be educated on appearance and locations of sensitive or listed species to aid in identification, and avoidance would be enforced by the Environmental Compliance Monitor. Additionally, the Proposed Project will comply with the MSHCP through MM BIO-01, which conserves habitat for sensitive plant species and adequately conserves habitat per the MSHCP ITP and Implementation Agreement.

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Installation of new towers couldhave the potential to result in the permanent loss of limited areas of native and non-native vegetation communities, including riparian areas associated with tributaries to the Santa Ana River, non-native grasslands, and Riversidian sage scrub. Riparian impacts wcould be less thanapproximately 0.5 acre; however, careful micro-siting during final project designs and adjusting field construction limits to avoid this habitat would result in no effectimpacts. (The Water Resources analysis identified this potential effect based on design footprints that are expected to be avoided during field construction.) Riversidian sage scrub impact is expected to be less than 0.5 acre. Temporary impact to non-native grassland would account for the primary habitat type impact. While most potential disturbance would be temporary and revegetation is expected, permanent impacts may be one acre for the pole footprints and fire vegetation clearance requirements around each pole. With revegetation and construction occurring in primarily urbanized areas, the effects to vegetation communities and habitat would be less than significant. With regard to potential temporary or permanent impacts to Riversidian sage scrub or riparian habitats, the payment of the MSHCP mitigation fee, as required by MM BIO-01, will provide mitigation by allowing the conservation of those resources in other areas.

The Proposed Project has the potential to alter existing habitat through introduction of non-native plant species through introduction of non-native or invasive plant species. Introduction of non- native or invasive plants species could occur primarily during construction, and could continue to occur during the operation and maintenance phase of the Proposed Project. Vehicles moved from other areas supporting non-native or invasive species could introduce identified non-native or invasive plants by transporting seeds that may be clinging to vehicle structures or that have been incorporated into soil adhering to the vehicle. In addition, the potential for establishment of invasive plants can be increased when construction vehicles alter the structure of existing soils through compaction or excavation, which alters the ability of native plants to compete with introduced plant species. With the integration of MM BIO-09, the potential for the introduction or spread of non-native plant species would also support the less than significant impact determination.

General Wildlife
Direct loss of common, widely occurring, and non-sensitive small mammals, reptiles, and other wildlife species could occur along routes of the Proposed Project. This action would result primarily from the use of construction vehicles and the grading of laydown areas for the tower construction and line pulling. Fossorial species may be harmed through crushing of burrows or loss of refuge from predators, and direct mortality from construction activities is possible.

Construction activities and increased human presence can also alter or disrupt breeding and foraging habitat. Construction activities would occur predominantly during the day; however, there may be some instances of night work, at some road crossings. Night work would only be anticipated in areas to reduce conflicts with already-high levels of human activity. Clearing and grading would generate the greatest construction impacts on wildlife. Removal of vegetation during the construction phase of this Proposed Project would temporarily diminish the amount of habitat available for wildlife in the area. Individuals displaced from the areas cleared of native vegetation could be jeopardized if adjacent habitats are already at carrying capacity or if they are exposed to an increased risk of predation.

Direct mortality of common, widely occurring, and non-sensitive wildlife is anticipated to occur City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 during habitat clearing, earth removal, grading, digging, and equipment movement. Deaths related to construction would be incurred primarily by burrow-dwelling animals; eggs, and nestlings of bird species with small, well-hidden nests, and species with slower or constrained mobility (e.g., snakes, lizards, and amphibians). More mobile species like birds and larger mammals are likely to relocate and utilize an adjacent habitat area if it is present during the land clearing and grading phase associated with TSP and LST construction. Implementation of MMs BIO-01, BIO-03 and BIO-08 would require protocol-level surveys for sensitive species, including nests and burrows, and minimize impacts to wildlife. Implementation of MM BIO-07 would limit vegetation clearance to the minimum amount required for construction and thus minimize loss of habitat and displacement or wildlife from construction areas. The Environmental Monitor would be onsite during vegetation removal and ground disturbance to ensure avoidance of known locations of sensitive habitat and species in accordance with MM BIO-06. With implementation of MM BIO-01, impacts to general wildlife and plants would be less than significant and are mitigated by habitat conservation through the MSHCP. The sensitive species that may be affected are adequately conserved and therefore mitigated through the MSHCP. Additionally, the direct and indirect potential impact to common and widely occurring, wildlife and plant species would not result in a change of status of affected species because the Proposed Project footprint is less than a significant (less than 5 percent) percentage of the existing habitat for these species locally and regionally. Additionally, MM BIO-02 09 and BIO 11 and 12 would provide additional avoidance and minimization to further reduce the potential to affect determination.

Based on Proposed Project design and construction specifications, including the spanning of the Santa Ana River, the Proposed Project is not expected to directly affect a federal or State endangered, threatened, or candidate wildlife species. The Proposed Project has the potential to affect, with direct and indirect impacts, federal and State species of concern; however, the Proposed Project would not have a substantial adverse effect on these species. Many of the special-status species identified do not occur within areas potentially affected by the Proposed Project although potential habitat does occur. Riparian habitats provide the majority of foraging habitat for wildlife in the Proposed Project area. Riparian habitat occurs along the Santa Ana River and functions as habitat for a variety of native wildlife species, and the habitat also serves as foraging habitat for many birds of prey that may have home ranges extending beyond the Proposed Project limits.

Installation of new towers would result in the permanent loss of limited areas of native and non- native vegetation communities, including riparian areas associated with tributaries to the Santa Ana River, non-native grasslands, and Riversidian sage scrub, all of which provide habitat for various wildlife species. New conductors may disrupt or hamper natural foraging behavior of avian and bat species. Temporary and permanent loss of habitat that raptors use for foraging would be considered a less than significant because the Proposed Project pole footprints are approximately 10 percent of the identified affected habitat acreage, which is less than 5 percent of the Proposed Project footprint and less than 5 percent of the affected habitat occurring locally and regionally.

Birds
Nesting birds, their active nests, eggs, and chicks are protected under the MBTA and the California Fish and Game Code. Destruction of an active nest would be a violation of the MBTA. Clearing of dense native vegetation or those areas supporting nesting birds during the City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 nesting season is considered a significant impact. Disturbances from construction could result in nest, roost, or territory abandonment and subsequent reproductive failure if these disturbances described by MM BIO-01, would mitigate impact to a less than significant level. In addition to MM BIO-01, incorporation of MMs, including BIO-02 through BIO-08 and BIO-11, and including MSHCP-compliant focused breeding season and pre-construction surveys and season restrictions on construction, would reduce potential impacts to a less than significant level.

The coasta
federal and State protected sensitive species. The yellow-billed cuckoo is listed as State endangered and a candidate for listing by the federal government. These avian species are associated with riparian habitats (e.g., Riparian and Cottonwood/Willow Woodland) along the Santa Ana River. Direct and indirect impacts could occur to these species during Proposed Project activities. The Proposed Project is not expected to directly affect any of these species by mortality. It is possible that the Proposed Project may have short-term indirect effects on these bird species during the construction of the new transmission line. Indirect impacts could also occur from clearing and grading for new structure locations. The removal of vegetation from these areas could result in the loss of forage and cover for the species. These are covered species and adequately conserved by the MSHCP; compliance with the MSHCP, as described by MM BIO-01, would mitigate indirect impact to a less than significant level. In addition to MM BIO- 01, incorporation of MMs, including BIO-02 through BIO-08 and BIO-11, and including MSHCP-compliant focused breeding season and pre-construction surveys and season restrictions on construction, would reduce potential impacts to a less than significant level.

Burrowing owls have been observed on the Proposed Project site. Direct impacts to this species could occur from the removal of active burrows and direct mortality of owls during Proposed Project activities. Indirect impacts could occur from increased noise, lighting, and dust during construction. Although this species is not currently listed by federal agencies, it is a State species of special concern and impacts to this species would be considered significant to the CDFG (Assembly Bill 3180). MM BIO-03 would require pre-construction surveys for sensitive species and MSHCP compliance. Additionally, implementation of MM BIO-02 would locate burrowing owls and potential nest sites before construction begins. In accordance with MSHCP and CDFG burrowing owl clearance protocols, burrowing owls would be relocated to new habitat by a trained biologist and their burrows removed to prevent owls from nesting or returning until after construction is complete. As described, the Proposed Project would comply with and participate in the MSHCP through BIO-01 and integrate MM BIO-02 and 03 and coordinate with CDFG to reduce impacts to a less than significant level.

Avian Collision Risk
Factors that influence collision risk can be divided into three categories: those related to avian species, those related to the environment, and those related to the configuration and location of transmission lines. Species-related factors include habitat use, body size, flight behavior, age, important factors determining the chances of collision with a transmission line. Environmental factors influencing collision risk include the effects of weather and time of day for transmission line visibility, surrounding land use practices that may attract birds, movement corridors, and human activities that may flush birds into transmission lines. Line-related factors include the configuration and location of the transmission line and transmission line placement with respect City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 to other structures or topographic features. The spatial configuration of the transmission lines for RTRP would be relatively open, allowing movement above, beneath, and between the transmission lines.

Bird collisions also tend to occur with transmission lines when some migrant species travel at reduced altitudes and encounter tall structures (e.g., transmission lines and towers) in their path.

It is difficult to predict the magnitude of collision-caused bird mortality without extensive information on bird species and movements in the Proposed Project vicinity. These data are not available for the proposed transmission line study area; however, it is generally expected that collision mortality would be greatest where the movements of susceptible species are the greatest (e.g. near open bodies of water, wetlands, ridge lines), such as the Santa Ana River. A portion of this area currently supports existing power lines that have no record of significant avian mortality. It is possible that birds would strike the new transmission lines; however, it is not expected to result in a substantialsignificant adverse increase from current conditions due to preexisting power lines within the same area. Through the incorporation of MM BIO-02 and conformance to Avian Power Line Interaction Committee (APLIC 2006 or current at time of construction contracting) standards, Proposed Project activities are not likely to create significant increases in avian collision risk. This will include, but is not limited to, the following: conductors will be spaced to an acceptable distance for raptors such as red-tailed hawk and golden eagle; buspars or other points of electrocution shall be covered with non-conductive caps; aerial spans of the Santa Ana River will be marked with UV reflectors (bird diverters) every 100 feet alternating and staggered along the outer conductors; nest deterrents will be implemented per SCE requirements and approved by RPU. SCE will determine and implement APLIC guidelines.

Designs for APLIC compliance will be reviewed and approved by the SCE, RPU and the Project Biologist.

Mammals
The northwestern San Diego pocket mouse, San Diego black-tailed jackrabbit, and the southern grasshopper mouse are listed as species of special concern by the State of California. They are also identified as covered species in the MSHCP and are considered adequately conserved. The northwestern San Diego pocket mouse and the San Diego black-tailed jackrabbit are present along the 230 kV transmission line study corridors, however not within the Proposed Project corridor. The Southern grasshopper mouse has the potential to occur in the Study area. It is possible that the Proposed Project may have short-term indirect effects on thesmall mammal species during construction of the new transmission line. Indirect impacts could also occur from clearing and grading for new tower locations. The removal of vegetation from these areas could result in the loss of forage and cover for these species. Direct impacts to these species, if present, could occur from the Proposed Project as a result of crushing from mechanized equipment, and temporary disruption of foraging. Breeding behavior could also be disturbed due to construction noise and the timing of construction activities. Disturbance to the area would be associated with the temporary removal of vegetation for the construction of structure footings or pulling sites.

Construction activity may result in the incidental take of individuals (i.e., adults and juveniles), depending on the construction season. These are covered species and adequately conserved by the MSHCP; compliance with the MSHCP, as described in MM BIO-01, would mitigate indirect impacts to a less than significant level. In addition to MM BIO-01, incorporation of MMs, including BIO-02 through BIO-08 and BIO-11 and 12, would reduce potential impacts to a less than significant level through habitat conservation and avoidance and minimization efforts.

City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT OCTOBER 2012
RIVERSIDE TRANSMISSION RELIABILITY PROJECT 3-125
ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 Direct impacts to the western mastiff bat and western yellow bat could occur from the removal of active roosts and direct mortality of bats during Proposed Project activities. Bats are known to abandon young when disturbed. Maternity colonies form prior to March 1 and young are usually volant (flying) after July 31; however, as designed, no tree roost habitat would be affected by the proposed 230 kV transmission line. Indirect impacts could occur from increased noise, lighting, and dust during construction. These are covered species and adequately conserved by the MSHCP; compliance with the MSHCP, as described in MM BIO-01, would mitigate direct and indirect impact to a less than significant level. In addition to MM BIO-01, incorporation of MMs, including BIO-0203 through BIO-08 and BIO-11, would reduce potential impacts to a less than significant level through habitat conservation and avoidance and minimization efforts.

Reptiles
The coast horned lizard, red-diamond rattlesnake, and orange-throated whiptail are listed as species of special concern. The San Diego banded gecko is listed as a special animal by the State. Potential impacts to these species include habitat loss, disturbance, and mortality during construction through crushing. The coast horned lizard is most common in sandy washes with scattered low shrubs, the red-diamond rattlesnake occurs in rocky areas and dense vegetation, and the orange-throated whiptail prefers washes and sandy areas with patches of perennial plants where it may forage for food. These are covered species and adequately conserved by the MSHCP; compliance with the MSHCP, as described in MM BIO-01, would mitigate direct and indirect impact to a less than significant level. In addition to MM BIO-01, incorporation of MMs, including BIO-02 through BIO-08 and BIO-11 and 12, would reduce potential impacts to a less than significant level through habitat conservation and avoidance and minimization efforts.

69 kV Subtransmission Lines
There is a low potential for the Stephens kangaroo rat to occur along the 69 kV subtransmission line corridors. Habitat for this species includes annual and perennial grasslands, coastal scrub, and sagebrush with sparse canopy cover; however, the 69 kV study area supports predominantly disturbed and urbanized areas with no suitable undisturbed habitat for this species. Additionally, the City is a permittee under both the MSHCP and the SKRHCP and will comply with all relevant requirements of these plans to mitigate any potential impacts to SKR.

Direct impacts to this species, if present, could occur as a result of crushing from mechanized equipment, and temporary disruption of foraging. Breeding behavior could also be disturbed due to construction noise, and the timing of construction activities. Disturbance to the area would be associated with the temporary removal of vegetation for the construction of structure footings or pull sites. Incidental take of individuals (i.e., adults and juveniles) may result during construction, depending on the construction season. These species are primarily nocturnal; impacts from vehicle use at dawn, dusk, and during the evening would be of concern because they are subject to road kill by passing vehicles. A smaller bout of surface activity may occur before sunrise in the spring and summer.

Indirect effects to this species, if present, may be caused by human activities with increased noise or by attracting predators such as the common raven, bobcat, and coyote to trash and litter.

Increased noise can interfere with breeding and mask the approach of predators. The Proposed Project may have short-term indirect effects to this species during the construction of the new subtransmission lines. Indirect impacts could also occur from clearing and grading for new City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT OCTOBER 2012
RIVERSIDE TRANSMISSION RELIABILITY PROJECT 3-126
ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 structure locations. The removal of vegetation from these areas could result in the loss of forage and cover for this species. With implementation of MM BIO-01, impacts to general wildlife and plants would be less than significant and are mitigated by habitat conservation through the MSHCP. The sensitive species that may be affected are adequately conserved and therefore mitigated through the MSHCP. The direct and indirect potential impact to common and widely occurring wildlife and plant species would not result in a change of status of affected species because the Proposed Project footprint is a less than significant (less than 5 percent) percentage of the existing habitat for these species locally and regionally. Additionally, the City is a permittee under both the MSHCP and the SKRHCP and will comply with all relevant requirements of these plans to mitigate any potential impacts to SKR. Proposed Project activities would therefore not adversely affect populations of this species, and potential impacts would be less than significant. In addition to MM BIO-01, incorporation of MMs, including BIO-02 through BIO-08 and BIO-11 and 12, would reduce potential impacts to a less than significant level through habitat conservation and avoidance and minimization efforts.

Overhead power line and electrical substations pose potential direct impact to wildlife. Birds and bats have the potential to collide with conductors or be exposed to electrocution risk; other wildlife also have the risk of electrocution through contact with electrical infrastructure.

Electrocution may take place when an animal, most commonly a bird, touches two phase conductors or one conductor and an earthed device simultaneously, especially when the feather area is wet. Interconductor distances are generally considered a problem at 69 kV or low kV lines are built with hardware
at 115 kV standards. New lines associated with the Proposed Project would be built to the same standards. In addition, the Proposed Project area is currently urbanized with many existing overhead lines. Overhead lines pose a collision risk to birds and bats. Because of the urban environment, prevalence of existing aerial obstacles, and areas not within a major flyway, the risk of collision is not expected to increase, and impacts to wildlife related to introduction of new transmission lines would be less than significant.

230 kV Substations
Construction activities under the Proposed Project would result in the removal of vegetation site. The site would be graded using cut and fill techniques to create a flat construction surface sloped to permit drainage from the site. The final earth surface would be capped by crushed rock prior to electrical equipment installation and support facilities. Of the total area, approximately nine acres would be converted as the substation site and would be considered a permanent impact. Currently, this area of City-owned land is used as a test site for the nearby Toro lawn equipment manufacturing facility. Some peripheral, temporary disturbance may occur from associated construction, activities including equipment staging and storage areas.

There are one sensitive plant (San Diego ambrosia) and two sensitive animal (burrowing owl and western yellow bat) species with potential to occur within the proposed footprint of the Wildlife/Wilderness Substations. The site provides no roost or foraging habitat for western yellow bats.

In accordance with MSHCP and CDFG burrowing owl clearance protocols, burrowing owls would be relocated to new habitat by a trained biologist and their burrows removed to prevent City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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RIVERSIDE TRANSMISSION RELIABILITY PROJECT 3-127
ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 owls from returning. With implementation of MM BIO-01, impacts to sensitive species and general wildlife and plants would be less than significant and are mitigated by habitat conservation through the MSHCP. The sensitive species that may be affected are adequately conserved and therefore mitigated through the MSHCP. The direct and indirect potential impact to common and widely occurring wildlife and plant species would not result in a change of status of affected species because the Proposed Project footprint is a less than significant (less than 5 percent) percentage of the existing habitat for these species locally and regionally. In addition to MM BIO-01, incorporation of MMs, including BIO-02 through BIO-08 and BIO-11, would reduce potential impacts to a less than significant level through habitat conservation and avoidance and minimization efforts.

69 kV Substation Upgrades
Minor upgrades and modifications to existing substations that would occur under the Proposed Project would all occur within the boundaries of existing substations. These activities would all be similar in scale to normal maintenance. No impacts are expected. No mitigation is required.

Operation and Maintenance
Less than Significant Impact with Mitigation.

230 kV Transmission Line and Substations
Potential impacts related to avian collisions with the transmission line would remain the same during operation and maintenance of the line. As with the construction phase of the Proposed Project, incorporation of MM BIO-01 and conformance to Avian Power Line Interaction Committee (APLIC) standards (MM BIO-02), Proposed Project activities are not likely to create significant increases in avian collision risk, and impacts would be less than significant.

Normal operations and maintenance at the proposed substation site would result in some increased light and machinery or rare generator noise. With the fencing of the site that is normally unattended, human presence in the area would be below current levels. With the exception of some security lighting at the substation entrances, lights would be manually operated and only used for emergency repairs and other unusual activities within the site. With the incorporation of MMs into Proposed Project operation, impacts to wildlife or other biological resources would be less than significant.

Non-native species, including Mexican fan palm, and Eucalyptus (several species), are known to occur upland and upstream of the project site. However, based on vegetation present and low flow channel limits as of early 2011, it is not expected that non-native tree species within the Santa Ana Channel crossing would establish and mature to a point that would cause a line clearance conflict during operation of the Proposed Project. Therefore, since the potential for this condition is low, no impact is expected during operation of the Proposed Project.

69 kV Subtransmission Lines
No impacts to biological resources from operations and maintenance activities for the 69 kV portion of the Proposed Project would occur because of the urban environment and compliance with existing regulatory requirements as identified in this document.

City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT OCTOBER 2012
RIVERSIDE TRANSMISSION RELIABILITY PROJECT 3-128
ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 69 kV Substation Upgrades
Upgrades to existing substations under the Proposed Project would create no changes to current activities at these sites that would have significant impacts to biological resources. No impacts are expected. No mitigation is required.

b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Construction
Less than Significant Impact with Mitigation.

230 kV Transmission Line
The Proposed Project couldhas the potential to result in both temporary and permanent impacts to non-native grasslands, Delhi sands, disturbed habitat, alluvial fan scrub, Riversidian sage scrub, and wetlands. Ground-disturbing activity would include: structure installation, tower pad preparation and construction, anchor and guard installation, grading of existing and new access and spur roads, transportation, and pulling and tensioning site clearing.

With the exception of disturbed and landscaped areas, the permanent loss and temporary disturbance of native vegetation communities (Riversidian sage scrub, coastal and freshwater marsh, riparian scrub, alluvial fan sage scrub, and southern cottonwood/willow riparian) resulting from the construction of the Proposed Project would have the potential to result in direct permanent and temporary impact to native vegetation communities and habitat that has the potential to support sensitive species as presented. The Proposed Project footprints, however, would not impact a significant area of any oneaffect negligible amounts of habitat as compared to similar habitat occurring locally and regionally (less than 5 percent).see Table 3.2.4-4). No wetlands fall within preliminary project footprints. Nevertheless, removal of vegetation is an impact and could result in the loss of species diversity within the ROW, and loss of forage and cover for sensitive and common species. With implementation of MM BIO-01, impact to general wildlife and plants would be less than significant and is mitigated by habitat conservation through the MSHCP. The sensitive species that may be affected are adequately conserved and therefore mitigated through the MSHCP. The direct and indirect potential impact to common and widely occurring wildlife and plant species would not result in a change of status of affected species because the Proposed Project footprint is a less than significant (less than 5 percent) percentage of the existing habitat for these species locally and regionally In addition to MM BIO-01, incorporation of MMs, including BIO-02 through BIO-08 and BIO-11, would reduce potential impacts to a less than significant level through habitat conservation and avoidance and minimization efforts.

69 kV Subtransmission Lines
The proposed 69 kV routes are located in mainly urbanized areas, and the Proposed Project follows city streets. A limited area of disturbed riparian habitat occurs adjacent to the Hole Creek drainage; however, as designed, this habitat would be spanned by the Proposed Project and no impacts would occur. No sensitive natural communities have been identified along the Proposed Project, thus no impacts would occur.

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230 kV Substations
No riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community occurs on the proposed site, and no impact would therefore occur.

69 kV Substation Upgrades
Minor upgrades and modifications to substations that would occur under the Proposed Project would all occur within the boundaries of existing substations. These activities would all be similar in scale to normal maintenance of system components. No impacts are expected. No mitigation is required.

Operation and Maintenance
Less than Significant Impact.

230 kV Transmission Line
Vegetation trimming during maintenance over the life of the Proposed Project would result in limited impacts to native communities and potential introduction of non-native, invasive species.

With continued implementation of MMs BIO-06 and BIO-08, impacts would be less than significant.

Non-native species, including Mexican fan palm and Eucalyptus (several species), are known to occur upland and upstream of the Proposed Project site. However, based on vegetation present and low flow channel limits as of early 2011, it is not expected that non-native tree species within the Santa Ana Channel crossing would establish and mature to a point that would cause a line clearance conflict during operation of the Proposed Project. Therefore, since the potential for this condition is low, no impact is expected during operation of the Proposed Project.

230 kV Substations and 69 kV Substation Upgrades
Upgrades to existing substations under the Proposed Project would create no changes to current activities at these sites that would have a significant effect on biological resources. No impacts are expected. No mitigation is required.

69 kV Subtransmission Lines
No impacts to biological resources from operations and maintenance activities for the 69 kV portion of the Proposed Project would occur because of the urban environment and the requirement to comply with regulatory requirements as identified in this analysis.

c) Have a substantial adverse effect on federal protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means.

Construction
Less than Significant Impact.

City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 230 kV Transmission Line
Based on initialpreliminary engineering design data and the general footprint used for this analysis, direct, permanent impacts to Waters of the U.S. (e.g., tributaries to the Santa Ana River) could result from the installation of tower and pole structure foundations. Each tubular steel pole for the proposed 230 kV transmission line requires a permanent disturbance area of approximately 380 square feet. Several poles or towers are presentedindicated as being in proximity to Waterswetlands or Wetlandsother jurisdictional waters. However, no Proposed Project elements overlie these areas directly. Without the inclusion of the U.S. ThisBest Management Practices and integrated Environmental Protection Elements (particularly EPE HYDRO-01), Project construction has the potential to affect up to 0.5 acre based only on the design footprint. If implemented, this may cause a temporary impacts of Waters of the U.S., as discussed in Section 3.2.8, Hydrology and Water Resources.

Direct, temporary or permanent impacts to wetlands are not anticipated because of the lack of wetlands within proposed construction areas and expected construction actions to avoid impacts; however, for the purpose of providing a worst-case analysis based on the preliminary Proposed Project design, some impacts could result from vegetation clearing for construction ofwithin the proposed transmission line ROW. Conversion of a wetland is considered a permanent impact to wetland functions and values.

Based only on preliminary design data, direct, short- to long-term impacts to wetland vegetation and hydrology could result from temporary work areas (e.g., pulling and tensioning and guard structure sites) associated with construction of the proposed transmission line where it would cross severalsmall tributaries ofand drainages associated with the Santa Ana River. Work areas would be cleared to some extent for the safe operation of construction equipment, which could, without improper siting, adversely affect wetland vegetation. Operation of heavy equipment has the potential to cause soil compaction and rutting, which could in turn alter wetland hydrology.

Even under these conditions, impacts to wetlands would be less than significant because they wouldthe actual acreage of adjacent wetlands with potential to be less than 5 percent of the locally occurring habitataffected is very small and any impacts would be mitigated through replacement and land conservation through MSHCP compliance and its Determination of Biologically Equivalent or Superior Preservation (DBESP) report. Many wetlands that appear close on maps are actually below steep bluff and are elevationally separated from Proposed Project footprints. Additionally, MM BIO-10 identifies that no impact to Waterswetlands or Wetlands of the U.S.other jurisdictional waters will occur unless separately permitted. The mitigation to reduce the impact to less than significant requires field adjustments of work limits to avoid impact to water resources. This will include refueling restrictions (MM BIO-11) in addition to installation of standard Best Management Practices forincluding erosion control, and setback from mature riparian habitat (minimum of 10 feet from tree canopy for ground disturbance, parking and laydown), and refueling restrictions (BIO-10).). This avoidance and minimization would reduce the potential to affect to less than significant and avoid impact. Non- wetland jurisdictional waters would not be affected by the Proposed Project.

In respect to the MSHCP and DBESP requirements as identified in Plan Section 6.1.2, the Proposed Project will not affect vernal pool habitat as none is observed to be present within or adjacent to the Proposed Project ROW and access roads. The Proposed Project will not affect City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 fairy shrimp habitat, as none is observed to be present within or adjacent to the Proposed Project ROW or access roads. The Proposed Project has the potential to affect Riparian / Riverine areas.

Avoidance and minimization efforts to avoid permanent impacts are feasible and will be implemented. As discussed previously, temporary impacts to some vegetation may be necessary for construction access. Sensitive habitat supporting protected or sensitive species, however, would be avoided, and no temporary or permanent impact is expected to occur for this specific DBESP resource analysis.

In sum, should field conditions require impacts to water resources and a resulting discretionary action (regulatory agency permit), then separate permitting would be required and suitable mitigation to conserve or replace affected habitat would be implemented, and the Proposed Project will prepare a DBESP report for review and approval consistent with MSHCP requirements.

As described, the proposed 230 kV portion of the Project would not directly or indirectly affect wetlands.

69 kV Subtransmission Lines
Wetlands along the 69 kV routes are associated with the Hole Lake drainage, and occur at the southern end of Hole Lake. As designed, the Proposed Project would span this wetland, and no impacts would occur. The underground portion of the 69 kV subtransmission line would not impact any waters or wetlands because the undergrounding would occur within disturbed areas and existing road ROWs.

230 kV Substations
The proposed substations site is located on an upland area with no wetlands; thus, no impacts would occur.

Operation and Maintenance
No Impact.

230 kV Transmission Line
Operation and maintenance of the Proposed Project would not involve removal, filling, or hydrologic interruption of wetlands.

As discussed above, potential line clearance concerns within the Santa Ana River would be addressed by hand-trimming to remove non-native tree species that may establish beneath lines.

This would not change the hydrology or significantly adversely affect wetland habitat within the river channel.

City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 230 kV Substations and 69 kV Substation Upgrades
The new substations and the planned upgrades to existing substations under the Proposed Project would create no changes to current activities at these sites that would be significant for biological resources., including wetlands. No impacts are expected. No mitigation is required.

69 kV Subtransmission Lines
No impacts to biological resources from operations and maintenance activities for the 69 kV portion of the Proposed Project would occur.

d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites.

Construction
Less than Significant Impact with Mitigation.

230 kV Transmission Line
The Santa Ana River is a wildlife corridor. It is identified as Core Area A in the MSHCP (Jurupa and City of Riverside/Norco Planning Areas). The Proposed Project would affect the corridor during construction, and would result in limited effects to the corridor during operation and maintenance of the facility. Implementation of the Proposed Project would temporarily interfere with or impede movement of native resident or migratory wildlife species. Under the Proposed Project, the Santa Ana River would be crossed with a single 2,500 foot span with LSTs constructed outside riverine habitats. Fish movements within the Santa Ana River and its tributaries would not be affected. Movements of mammals or other terrestrial animals would be similarly unaffected. The crossing location is downstream and parallel to an existing transmission line (SCE) and would not appreciably change the flight obstacle pattern at this horizontal installation of conductors, reducing the vertical profile of the lines. Because of conductor spacing requirements of a 230 kV line, no electrocution risk would be presented. No substantial impediment to daily or seasonal avian movement would be presented by the Proposed Project. Additionally, MM BIO-02 requires the placement or UV reflective markers (bird diverters) on the Santa Ana River crossing conductors. This would increase line visibility and reduce collision risk. The Proposed Project would therefore not result in significant adverse interference with wildlife movement, or with the established wildlife corridor. It maintains the Core Area A linkage and does not impede or alter this wildlife corridor.

69 kV Subtransmission Lines
The proposed 69 kV routes would be located primarily within urbanized areas, along city streets which do not function as wildlife corridors. While short segments of the Proposed Project would be located adjacent to the Santa Ana River, they would be sited on high ground above the river, adjacent to industrial areas, city streets, and parking lots. As designed, the Proposed Project would not substantially interfere with the movement of any native resident or migratory species, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites, and no impacts would occur.

City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT OCTOBER 2012
RIVERSIDE TRANSMISSION RELIABILITY PROJECT 3-133
ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 230 kV Substations
The proposed substation site is located in an industrialized area and does not function as part of a wildlife corridor. While the proposed site would be located adjacent to the Santa Ana River, it would be sited on high ground above the river. As designed, the Proposed Project would not substantially interfere with the movement of any native resident or migratory species, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites, and no impacts would occur.

Operation and Maintenance
No Impact.

230 kV Transmission Line
Operation and maintenance of the Propose Project would require occasional access to the transmission structures, but would not involve work that would interfere with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species, or with established wildlife corridors or nursery sites.

230 kV Substations and 69 kV Substation Upgrades
Upgrades to existing substations under the Proposed Project would create no changes to current activities at these sites that would be significant for biological resources. No impacts are expected. No mitigation is required.

69 kV Subtransmission Lines
No impacts to biological resources from operations and maintenance activities for the 69 kV portion of the Proposed Project would occur.

e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance.

Construction
Less than Significant Impact.

230 kV Transmission Line
The Proposed Project would cross lands along the Santa Ana River designated as Open Space- Conservation Habitat (OS-CH) by the Riverside County General Plan, which precludes the construction of public facilities on lands designated as OS-CH. The Proposed Project would conflict with this policy; however, with consent of the Riverside County Regional Park and Open Space District, conflicts of the Proposed Project with this policy would be avoided through purchase of District-approved mitigation lands in an area to be determined by the District.

Therefore, potential impacts resulting from any potential conflict with this policy would be less City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 than significant.. Riverside County General Plan Amendment 1073 to Land Use Element Policy

6.2 (LU 6.2) regarding public utility uses was approved at the Planning Commission on May 13, 2009. Text associated with LU 6.2 now reads as follows:

The Proposed Project will fully comply with the MSHCP and the SKRHCP. Therefore, the Project will comply with local policies and ordinances.

Notwithstanding the Public Facilities designation, public facilities shall also be allowed in any other land use designation except for the Open Space-Conservation and Open Space-Habitat land use designations. For purposes of this policy, a public facility shall include all facilities operated by the federal government, the State of California, the County of Riverside, any special district governed by the County of Riverside or any city, all facilities operated by any combination of these agencies and all facilities operated by a private person for the benefit of any of these agencies. o Open Space-Conservation Habitat (OS-CH) Designation. The Open Space- Conservation Habitat land use designation applies to public and private lands conserved and managed in accordance with adopted MSHCPs. Ancillary structures or uses may be permitted for the purpose of preserving or enjoying open space. Actual building or structure size, siting, and design will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
o Multipurpose Open Space Element Policy OS 20.2. Prevent unnecessary extension of public facilities, services, and utilities, for urban areas, into Open Space- Conservation designated areas.

As stated above, this Proposed Project component also traverses areas (9.7 acres) designated as OS-CH. The proposed 230 kV transmission line would not be consistent with the OS-CH designation. Avoidance of these OS-CH lands is not possible since they abut existing residential subdivisions to the south.

RPU and SCE will comply will all regulations and policies outlined in the MSHCP and as promulgated by the Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority (RCA). These include, but are not limited to:
a. The payment of Local Development Mitigation Fees and other relevant fees as set forth in the MSHCP;
b. Compliance with the policies for the Protection of Species Associated with Riparian/Riverine Areas and Vernal Pools set forth in Section 6.1.2 of the MSHCP; c. Compliance with the policies for the Protection of Narrow Endemic Plant Species set forth in Section 6.1.3 of the MSHCP;
d. Compliance with survey requirements as set forth in Section 6.3.2 of the MSHCP; e. Compliance with the Urban/Wildlands Interface Guidelines as set forth in Section 6.1.4 of the MSHCP; and
f. Compliance with the BMPs and the siting and design criteria as set forth in Section 7.0 and Appendix C of the MSHCP.

Through compliance with the RCA, along with a Joint Project Review with the RCA to ensure there will be no conflict with the provisions of the MSHCP, impacts to local, regional, or State habitat conservation plans will be less than significant.

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69 kV Subtransmission Lines
The Proposed 69 kV routes would be located along city streets and urbanized areas, and would not violate or conflict with local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources. No impact would occur.

The Proposed Project will fully comply with the MSHCP and the SKRHCP. Therefore, the Project will comply with local policies and ordinances.

230 kV Substations
The 230 kV substations are or would be located in an industrialized area, and would not violate or conflict with local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources. No impact would occur.

The Proposed Project will fully comply with the MSHCP and the SKRHCP. Therefore, the Project will comply with local policies and ordinances.

Operation and Maintenance
No Impact.

The Proposed Project will fully comply with the MSHCP and the SKRHCP. Therefore, the Project will comply with local policies and ordinances.

230 kV Transmission Line
Operation and maintenance would not conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources.

230 kV Substations and 69 kV Substation Upgrades
Upgrades to existing substations under the Proposed Project would create no changes to current activities at these sites that would be significant for biological resources. No impacts are expected. No mitigation is required.

69 kV Subtransmission Lines
No impacts to biological resources from operations and maintenance activities for the 69 kV portion of the Proposed Project would occur.

City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan.

As discussed above, there are two HCPs that could be impacted by the Proposed Projectthe MSHCP and the SKRHCP. The Proposed Project will require an MSHCP Consistency determination requiring an assessment of specific resource areas, MSHCP requirements and applicable mitigation. These are discussed below.

MSHCP Section 6.1.2 Riparian / Riverine Habitat
The MSHCP requires an analysis of potential impacts to riparian/riverine habitat. The Proposed Project includes aerial spans of riparian habitat for several areas of the proposed route and a aerial crossing of the Santa Ana River. The aerial spans will be elevated above current tree height. It is not expected that construction will result in temporary or permanent impacts to these riparian habitats. During Operation and Maintenance, there is a potential for non-native tree species to sprout and mature within the ROW and create a conductor clearance hazard if limbs are within 10 feet of the conductor. The Proposed Project currently does not have a line conflict that would require tree trimming or removal for this crossing. In the CEQA Significance Threshold Discussion, a potential 0.5-acre impact is identified based on preliminary design drawings, but subsequent design work show that field construction would likely avoid these impacts by modifying work limits.

The evaluated route crosses the Santa Ana River within Criteria Cell 643. The route includes a lattice structure tower that would have a footprint on the upper banks north and south of the river. Based on design, these locations would not result in loss of native riparian habitat. The construction work limits, pull and tension sites, and facility footprint are in disturbed upland or grassland habitat.

An analysis for potential line clearance conflicts with potential vegetation within the proposed ROW was conducted in 2011 for the Santa Ana River bed crossing. A survey of trees within a 500-foot wide corridor was conducted to determine existing and mature tree height that may encroach closer than 10 feet from the conductor sag level across the river. High flows during 2010 and 2011 eroded approximately 200 feet of the south bank within the proposed crossing ROW. For the remaining riverbed area, there were no trees that presented an existing sag clearance conflict. The design, however, was adjusted and towers were designed using the tallest structure available to provide an additional 15 feet for the river crossing sag clearance. It is now not expected that a line clearance issue exists or is likely to occur during the operation phase of the Proposed Project.

Avoidance and minimization efforts to avoid permanent impacts are feasible and will be implemented. Temporary impacts to some vegetation may be necessary for construction access.

Sensitive habitat supporting protected or sensitive species, however, would be avoided, and no temporary or permanent impact is expected to occur for this specific DBESP resource analysis.

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MSHCP Section 6.1.3 Narrow Endemic Plants
Focused surveys were conducted during 2006, 2007, and 2008 to evaluate the potential of the Proposed Project area to support sensitive species, and identified narrow endemic plants (MSHCP, Riverside/Norco Planning Area). As identified in this document, several areas of the route have the potential to support sensitive plant species, but no target species were observed during the survey. Proposed Project design and requirements include preconstruction spring surveys (MM Bio-03) to confirm that no observed sensitive plant species will be affected by the Proposed Project.

MSHCP Section 6.3.2 Additional Species
The Proposed Project area supports several additional species covered by the MSHCP. These species may not be State or federal listed. No focused survey was required or conducted for any of these additional listed species. These species may be directly, indirectly or temporarily affected by the Proposed Project, similar to impacts identified for other sensitive species. The Mitigation Measures address nest protection that would reduce the potential to affect MSHCP additional sensitive avian species. Other Mitigation Measures address impacts related to non- native invasive weed species, air quality, and water quality as applicable to biological resources.

The ground disturbance portions of the project would occur in primarily urbanized areas with some ruderal and agricultural areas. These types of habitat and the general project location are less likely to support the additional MSHCP species.

MSHCP Section 6.1.4 Urban/Wildlands Interface
The Proposed Project includes areas of the route parallel to the Santa Ana River, and design includes one aerial span crossing of the river channel for the 230 kV transmission line. In the vicinity of the Proposed Project, the Santa Ana River is Public/Quasi-Public Land as defined by the MSHCP. In the Proposed Project area, the river is bound by commercial land use and golf courses along the northern river bank, and residential land use and open space park land on the southern river bank. For this region, this area is considered a wildland interface. Proposed Project construction has the potential to result in short-term, temporary impacts. It is not expected that the Proposed Project would result in significant long-term permanent impacts to the value of the Santa Ana River channel and open space along the adjacent banks in respect to wildland interface. SCE operates an existing transmission line, including tubular steel poles and a cobbled access road, within the Santa Ana River bed, approximately 500 feet upstream of the Proposed Project ROW. The Proposed Project does not significantly obstruct migration or movement paths, result in discordant land use that would conflict with wildlife use, or significantly degrade the existing lower habitat value of the area. The Santa Ana River crossing would include conductors placed at the same elevation across to reduce the profile area. The location isbe just downstream of an existing electric transmission line crossing (SCE) and would therefore not result in an appreciable new collision obstacle for avian species flying along the river channel. Mitigation Measure BIO-02 is included to reduce potential impact by the placement of aerial markers (bird diverters) on the conductors for this crossing.

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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 The Proposed Project will also be fully compliant with the MSHCP Urban/Wildlands interface requirements per Mitigation Measure BIO-04. Any permanent impacts to conserved MSHCP- defined PQP lands from the Proposed Project would be mitigated per MM BIO-13 with a 1:1 replacement of equivalent or superior biological resources. Final permanent impact acreage would be minimized at the design level and confirmed by as-built survey or as agreed to by RPU, SCE, and RCA.

Construction
Less than Significant Impact.

230 kV Transmission Line
The Proposed Project has the potential to adversely affect several sensitive species protected by the MSHCP, and would affect criteria cells 610, 617 and 700. The 230 kV Proposed Project component will also affect Existing Core Area A, identified as the Santa Ana River wildlife corridor. The City will complete the MSHCP consistency determination process, including compliance with MSHCP sections 7.2.4 and 7.3.9 as applicable, and consult with the RCA and Wildlife Agencies as part of the Joint Project Review Process. To the extent applicable, the Proposed Project will also comply with the SKRHCP. Construction of the 230 kV line would therefore not conflict with an existing Habitat Conservation Plan.

69 kV Subtransmission Lines
The Proposed 69 kV routes would not affect any criteria cells or Existing Core Areas. Ground disturbance-related impacts discussed above would apply to the new 69 kV subtransmission lines; however, the magnitude of the ground impacts associated with installing the subtransmission lines would have minimal impacts to biological resources due to existing access roads and the fact that the Proposed Project corridor is within currently disturbed or urbanized areas.

The 69 kV subtransmission lines have the potential to affect the seven sensitive plant and eight sensitive animal species previously discussed. In general, the types of impacts associated with the construction of the 69 kV subtransmission lines would be similar to those for the 230 kV line.

However, the Proposed Project area for the 69 kV portion of the Proposed Project would be in a more urbanized setting and many segments of the new lines would be essentially re-builds on existing structures. Except for a few areas near the proposed new substation site, the proposed route follows city streets. Any night construction would be limited and occur in areas already experiencing high levels of human disturbance. The extent and magnitude of effects on biological resources and the resulting impact levels would be far lower than for the 230 kV portion of the Proposed Project.

The City will complete the MSHCP consistency determination process, including compliance with MSHCP sections 7.2.4 and 7.3.9 as applicable, and consult with the RCA and Wildlife Agencies as part of the Joint Project Review Process. To the extent applicable, the Proposed Project will also comply with the SKRHCP. Construction of the 69 kV lines would therefore not conflict with an existing Habitat Conservation Plan.

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The proposed substations site would not affect any criteria cells or Existing Core Areas. The City will complete the MSHCP consistency determination process, including compliance with MSHCP sections 7.2.4 and 7.3.9 as applicable, and consult with the RCA and Wildlife Agencies as part of the Joint Project Review Process. To the extent applicable, the Proposed Project will also comply with the SKRHCP. Construction of the 230 kV substations would therefore not conflict with an existing Habitat Conservation Plan.

Operation and Maintenance
Less than Significant Impact.

230 kV Transmission Line
Once constructed, operation and maintenance of the Proposed Project would be required to comply with all requirements of the MSHCP.

230 kV Substations and 69 kV Substation Upgrades
Upgrades to existing substations under the Proposed Project would create no changes to current activities at these sites that would be a significant impact to biological resources. No impacts are expected. No mitigation is required.

Summary of Impact Determinations
Through the implementation of identified Mitigation Measures and conformance with the MSHCP, impact levels for biological resources would be maintained at the less than significant level.

Significant Unavoidable Impacts
The Proposed Project will not cause any significant unavoidable impacts to biological resources within the Proposed Project area.

References
Davenport, A. 2006. Riverside Transmission Reliability Project San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Dipodonmys merriami parvus & Los Angeles Pocket Mouse Perognathus longimembris City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 brevinasus Survey. Prepared for TRC Essex, Inc., Carlsbad, CA, unpublished report pages 18pp.

Greaves, J.M. 1987. Nest- 54.

Holland, RF. 1986. Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California. State of California, The Resources Agency.

Jass, G.F.E. 2000. Avian mortality from power lines: a morphologic approach of a species- specific mortality. Biological Conservation 95: 353-359.

Kirkpatrick, J. B., and Hutchinson, C. F. 1977. The community composition of California coastal sage scrub. Vegetation 35:21-33.

Laymon, S.A., and M. D. Halterman. 1987. Can the western subspecies of Yellow-billed Cuckoo be saved from extinction? Western Birds 18:1925.

Osborne, K.H. 2006. First year focused survey for Delhi sands Flower-loving fly on the Riverside Public Utilities, Riverside Transmission Reliability Project, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, California. Prepared for TRC Essex, Inc., Carlsbad, CA. 12 pp. _____. 2010. Focused Survey for Delhi Sands Giant Flower-Loving Fly on a Portion of the Riverside Transmission Reliability Project, Riverside County, California. Prepared for POWER Engineers, Inc. November.

POWER Engineers, Inc. 2010. Riverside Transmission Reliability Project Biological Technical Report. Prepared for City of Riverside Public Utilities by POWER Engineers, Inc.

Anaheim, CA. June.

Survey Reports Included:

Burrowing Owl Focused Survey (2007)
Yellow-Billed Cuckoo (2007)
Habitat Assessments and Focused Plant Surveys (2008)
First Year Focused Survey for Delhi Sands Flower-Loving Fly (2006)

Riverside Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO). 2009. Negative Declaration, Jurupa Valley Incorporation. Prepared for LAFCO by BonTerra Consulting. Costa Mesa, CA.

November.

Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf. 1995. A Manual of California Vegetation. California Native Plant Society. California Native Plant Society. Sacramento.

Smith, RL. 1980. Alluvial scrub vegetation of the San Gabriel River flood plain, California.

Madrono, 27:126-138.

Thomsen, Lise. 1971. Behavior and ecology of burrowing owls on the Oakland Municipal Airport. The Condor, 73:177-192.

TRC Essex. 2006. Draft Riverside Transmission Reliability Report Burrowing Owl and Riparian Bird Species Habitat. Carlsbad, California, unpublished report 14pp.

U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1993. Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants; determination of endangered status for the Delhi Sands flower-loving fly. Federal Register 58 (183):49881-49887.

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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 _____. 1997. Delhi sands Flower-loving Fly (Rhaphiomidas terminatus abdominalis) Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Portland, OR. 51 pp.

OR. 135pp.

Vireo bellii pusillus) 5-Year Review Summary and Evaluation.

Carlsbad, CA. 27pp.

Western Riverside Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan, Implementation Agreement, and Incidental Take Permit. 2003. Adopted by County 6/17/ 2003 (USFWS ITP June 2004).

Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority (RCA). 2011. Personal communication with Stephanie Standerfer. July 25.

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3.2.5 CULTURAL RESOURCES
This section summarizes the results of a literature review, cultural resource surveys and inventories, and meetings with Native American representatives regarding cultural resources that could potentially be impacted by RTRP. The data for this analysis is presented in the confidential cultural resources technical report and in the paleontological technical report in Appendix B.

Cultural resources are districts, sites, buildings, structures, or objects considered to be important to a culture, subculture, or community for scientific, traditional, religious or other reasons. For this analysis, cultural resources have been divided into four major categories:

Archaeological resourceslocations where human activity has measurably altered the earth or left deposits of physical remains (e.g., stone tools, cans, bottles, milling stations, petroglyphs, pictographs, house foundations, cemeteries).

Architectural resourcesstanding buildings (e.g., houses, schools, churches) and intact structures (e.g., canals, bridges).

Resources of special concern to Native Americanslocations of former villages, sacred sites, areas of relatively undisturbed natural habitat, and traditional cultural properties, or Paleontological Resourcesremains and/or traces of prehistoric plant and animal life exclusive of humans. Fossil remains such as bones, teeth, shells, leaves, and wood are found in the geologic deposits (rock formations) within which they were originally buried. They include not only the actual fossil remains, but also the collecting localities and the geological formations containing those localities.

Under CEQA, architectural resources and archaeological sites are considered historical resources. These resources are defined as resources listed in or eligible to be listed in the California Register of Historic Resources (CRHR), any object or site that has yielded or may be likely to yield information important in prehistory, or any resource that is included in a local register (CEQA Guidelines §15064.5[1-4]. The fact that a historical resource may not be listed or eligible to be listed in the CRHR, does not preclude it from being recorded as a historical resource should an agency choose to do so.

Unique archaeological resources are exclusive to CEQA. CEQA defines a unique archaeological resource as an archaeological artifact, object, or site about which it can be clearly demonstrated that the resource provides information that answers important scientific research questions, has a special and unique quality such as the oldest of its type, or is directly associated with an important, prehistoric or historic event or person. Unique archaeological resources do not simply add to the current body of knowledge, they provide new and insightful information. A non- unique archaeological resource is not afforded any special significance and is simply defined using the definition in the above listed bulleted section. However, if an archaeological resource is not eligible to the CRHR, it does not prevent it from being a unique archaeological resource depending on whether elements of the resource fit the CEQA definition.

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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 Although CEQA does not have a strict definition for paleontological resources, it does account destruction to this resource does constitute a significant impact, (CEQA Guidelines Appendix G). In addition, California Public Resources Code Section 5097.2 defines paleontological resources as vertebrate paleontological sites, including fossilized footprints and Section 5097.5 prohibits the destruction of paleontological resources on public lands. In addition, California AB 3180 provides guidance on mitigating and monitoring paleontological resources. As drafted, AB 3180 calls for a reporting or monitoring program
The California Public Resources Code §21081.6 (AB 3180) requires that a lead or responsible agency adopt a Mitigation Monitoring Program (MMP) when approving or carrying out a project where an environmental document, either an EIR or a mitigated negative declaration (MND), has identified measures to reduce potential adverse environmental impacts to levels that are less than significant. RPU is the Lead Agency for the Proposed Project and, therefore, will be responsible for implementation of the MMP.

The MMP will include Standard Conditions and Mitigation Measures, all of which have been identified as measures to reduce potential adverse environmental impacts. RPU will adopt the MMP in its capacity as the CEQA Lead Agency in accordance with the provisions of CEQA (Cal. Pub. Res. Code §§21000, et seq.) and implementation guidelines (14 Cal. Code Regs. §§15000, et seq.).

Examples of mitigation measures for paleontological resources typically found in an MMP may include the following:

Implement site-specific paleontological recovery. Identify and implement procedures to recover and preserve unknown and accidentally discovered significant fossils within the paleontologically sensitive areas. Recovery shall include: salvage of significant fossils; washing of representative samples of sediments that are likely to contain the remains of small fossil invertebrates and vertebrates; preparation of recovered specimens to a point of identification and permanent preservation; identification, curation, and accession of specimens into a museum repository with permanent retrievable storage; preparation of a report of findings with an appended itemized inventory of specimens. This mitigation shall be implemented pursuant to a Paleontologic Monitoring and Recovery Plan prepared prior to construction by a qualified Principal Paleontologist, following the guidelines of the Society for Vertebrate Paleontology (1995) and submitted to the County for review and approval prior to ground disturbance.

Monitor grading and excavation for unknown and accidentally discovered paleontological resources. A qualified paleontological monitor under the supervision of a Registered Professional Geologist shall monitor grading, trenching, and other earth disturbance that may affect the Quaternary Alluvium. If fossils are encountered, then paleontological recovery shall be carried out. All work shall be consistent with the Paleontologic Monitoring and Recovery Plan.

Human remains are not strictly defined within CEQA; however, they are included in the determination of significant impacts section CEQA Guidelines §15064.5(d-f). Within this City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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The types of cultural resources most likely to be found within the RTRP area include historic trash scatters, Native American milling sites, houses and other architectural resources, and possibly resources of special concern to Native Americans along the Santa Ana River.

Regional Setting
Prehistory
The Santa Ana watershed has been occupied by Indian people for at least 12,000 years (Altschul et al. 1984). Archaeologists have divided the prehistoric timeline of Native American occupation in the Proposed Project area into six sub-periods based on changes exhibited in the archaeological record: the Paleoindian Period (12,000-9,500 years ago); Early Archaic Period (9,5007,000 years ago); Middle Archaic Period (7,0004,000 years ago); Late Archaic Period (4,0001,500 years ago); Saratoga Springs Period (1,500750 years ago); and Protohistoric Period (410180 years ago).

Paleoindian Period (12,000-9,500 years ago)
The Paleoindian period experienced profound environmental changes, as the cool, moist conditions of the terminal Wisconsin glacial age gave way to the warmer, drier climate of the Holocene (Spaulding 1990). Paleoclimatic and paleoecological data suggest that, until about 7,500 years ago, the desert interior received moist monsoonal flow from the southeast, which resulted in the deserts having considerably higher levels of effective moisture than in the present (Davis and Sellers 1987; Spaulding 2001; Spaulding and Graumlich 1986; Van Devender et al. 1987).

The Paleoindian inhabitants were nomadic large-game hunters whose tool assemblage included percussion-flaked scrapers and knives; large, well-made fluted, leaf-shaped, or stemmed projectile points; crescents; heavy core/cobble tools; hammerstones; bifacial cores; and choppers and scraper planes. Both Warren (1968, 1980) and Wallace (1955, 1978) suggest that the absence of milling tools commonly used for seed preparation during later periods indicates that an emphasis on hunting continued throughout this phase.

No archaeological sites dating to the Paleoindian period have been identified within the Riverside area. Early human population densities were low during the Paleoindian period, and people were dispersed over the landscape primarily in small mobile groups. Within the larger region, Paleoindian sites may be found on stable landforms and in protected caves situated above floodplains in coastal, lake marsh, and valley/riparian environments, and along ridge systems and in mountain passes that served as travel routes (Moratto 1998).

Early Archaic Period (9,5007,000 years ago)
The climatic patterns of the Late Paleoindian period continued into the Early Archaic period. The populations exploiting the interior valleys would likely have been sparse in the Riverside area and tethered to the few reliable, drought-resistant water sources that may have been destination points on a scheduled, seasonal round (Goldberg et al. 2001). In western Riverside County, City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 cultural deposits at archaeological site CA-RIV-6069 indicate a more intensive occupation during this period. Excavations at the site yielded flaked tools, ground stone tools, marine and terrestrial faunal remains, tools of bone and shell, and ornaments. Additionally, intact hearths and ground stone artifact caches suggest intensive use of the CA-RIV-6069 site during the Early Archaic.

Middle Archaic Period (7,0004,000 years ago)
The Middle Archaic saw a reversal of the climatic patterns that characterized the Paleoindian and Early Archaic periods. By about 6,000 years ago, local environmental conditions improved while conditions in the deserts deteriorated (Antevs 1952; Hall 1985; Haynes 1967; Mehringer and Warren 1976; Spaulding 1991, 1995). Spaulding (2001) proposes that a westerly air flow pattern returned to southern California and, as a result, the inland areas may have become moister. The number of sites dating to the Middle Archaic increased, and the apparent increase in human use and occupation was probably related to the more hospitable local environment and the deterioration of the desert interior (Goldberg et al. 2001).

In the inland regions of southern California, this period of cultural development is marked by tools used for grinding seed for flour. Artifacts dating to this period include large leaf-shaped projectile points and knives; manos and milling stones used for hard-seed grinding; and many other artifacts, such as beads, pendants, charmstones, discoidals, spherical stones, and cogged stones (Kowta 1969; True 1958; Warren et al. 1961).

Late Archaic Period (4,0001,500 years ago)
The beginning of the Late Archaic coincides with the Little Pluvial, a period of increased moisture in the region. This climate allowed for more intensive occupation of the area surrounding the Proposed Project area.

Late Archaic site types include residential bases with large, diverse artifact assemblages, abundant faunal remains, and cultural features, as well as temporary bases, temporary camps, and task-specific activity areas. Diagnostic projectile points of this period also include more refined notched, concave base, and small stemmed forms (Warren 1984). The technological advancement of the mortar and pestle may indicate the use of acorns, an important storable resource. The presence of Haliotis and Olivella shell beads and ornaments and split-twig animal figurines indicates that the interior California occupants were in contact with populations from the California coast as well as the southern Great Basin (i.e., eastern California, northern Arizona, Utah, and Nevada).

Saratoga Springs Period (1,500750 years ago)
A period of even more persistent drought began about 1,600 years ago, and conditions became significantly warmer and drier although the inland areas of southern California may have been less affected than the desert interior (Jones et al. 1999; Kennett and Kennett 2000). The dry period continued until approximately 750 years ago (Spaulding 2001).

The Saratoga Springs period is marked by strong regional cultural developments, especially in the southern California desert regions, which were heavily influenced by the Hakataya (Patayan) culture of the lower Colorado River area (Warren 1984). At the Diamond Valley Lake site, City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 studies indicate the area was used on at least a semi-permanent basis during this period. Caches and ground stone tools suggest that people returned to the same locations. Ground stone assemblages indicate that plant processing intensified, and acorns apparently became an important staple (Klink 2001a).The faunal assemblages also show a diversifying diet, which now included medium-sized mammals.

Diagnostic artifacts include small triangular projectile points, mortars and pestles, steatite ornaments and containers, perforated stones, circular shell fishhooks, numerous and varied bone tools, and bone and shell ornaments. Elaborate mortuary customs, as well as extensive trade networks, are also characteristic of this period.

Protohistoric Period (750180 years ago)
At the end of the Saratoga Springs period, temperatures cooled and greater precipitation ushered in the Little Ice Age, when ecosystem productivity greatly increased along with the availability and predictability of water (Spaulding 2001).

During the Protohistoric period, small but apparently fully sedentary villages formed. Many sites exhibit fire-altered rock and midden, rock ring foundations for brush dwellings, storage facilities, and ceremonial areas with rock art and rock enclosures (Horne 2001). The faunal data for this period indicate a decrease in faunal diversity, and signify a reduction in diet breadth (McKim 2001). The most striking change during this period was the local manufacture of ceramic vessels and ceramic smoking pipes. Additionally, abundant amounts of obsidian were being imported into the region from the Obsidian Butte source, located in the southeastern Salton Sea Basin and exposed by the desiccation of Lake Cahuilla.

Ethnography
Understanding which 18th and 19th century Native American groups lived in parts of southern California is complicated because some hunter-gatherer groups in the region, especially those living in the deserts, had fluid linguistic and sociopolitical boundaries or no boundaries at all. In addition, many 18th century Native American groups no longer exist. After the Spanish began colonizing coastal California in 1769, Native Americans were subject to dramatic social and cultural changes, including the establishment of the Spanish mission system and the introduction of new diseases that decimated native populations. Population declined even further during smallpox epidemics in 1863 and 1870. Modern groups that are known to have inhabited the region surrounding Riverside during the 18th and early 19th Gabrieliño
The Gabrieliño (or Tongva) were one of the largest, wealthiest, and most powerful aboriginal groups in southern California. Their tribal territory was centered in the Los Angeles Basin, but their influence extended as far north as the San Joaquin Valley. The territory included the watersheds of the Los Angeles, San Gabriel, and Santa Ana rivers; several smaller tributary streams in the Santa Monica and Santa Ana mountains; all of the Los Angeles Basin; and adjacent coastal areas.

Primary villages were occupied year-round and smaller secondary gathering camps were City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 occupied seasonally by small family groups. Throughout Gabrieliño territory, there may have been 50 to 100 villages occupied at any one time, with the villages containing 50 to 200 people each.

Different groups of Gabrieliño adopted different lifestyles depending on local environmental conditions, although all were based on gathering plant foods, hunting, and fishing. Villages were politically autonomous, each with its own leader. It was not until 1769 that the Spanish attempted to colonize Gabrieliño territory. As a result of disease and forced re-settlement, the population had declined dramatically by 1900.

Serrano
This hunting-gathering group lived primarily east of the Mojave River and north of San Bernardino (Bean and Smith 1978b). The Serrano were organized into local groups claiming relatively small territories. There was no larger political organization and there was no formal territory defined for the entire tribe.

Settlement was determined primarily by proximity to permanent water sources. Villages and camp sites were found most often in the foothills and less frequently on the desert floor, depending on the availability of water.

Spanish influence on the Serrano was negligible until around 1819, but by 1834 most Serrano had been forced to relocate to missions and had lost much of their traditional culture. Today, most Serrano live on the Morongo and San Manuel Reservations.

Luiseño
The Luiseño people traditionally occupied both the coast and in the interior region of southern California. Their boundaries extended along the coast from Agua Hedionda Creek to Aliso Creek. Their interior boundaries reached from the Santa Ana River and Santiago Peak to the eastern side of Elsinore Fault Valley, and south to Palomar Mountain and San Jose Valley (Bean and Shipek 1978, White 1963). Luiseño lands included three major river systems: San Luis Rey, Santa Margarita, an
with the Gabrieliños and the Serranos.

The Luiseño people lived in sedentary autonomous village groups. Each village had its own specific hunting, collecting, and fishing territories. These areas were found in valley bottoms, along streams, or along coastal strands near the mountain ranges. It was common to find villages in sheltered coves or canyons, on slopes in a warm thermal zone near adequate water supplies, and in defensive locations. Each village area was characterized with place names that were associated with important natural resources or sacred beings. Any of these places could be owned by an individual, chief, family, or a group. Some areas of activity, like trails, hunting areas, rabbit and deer drive areas, quarry sites, ceremonial areas, and gaming areas, were held in common by the community (Bean and Shipek 1978).

Cahuilla
The fourth Native American group associated with the Santa Ana River is the Cahuilla. Their territory encompasses diverse topography ranging from 273 feet below sea level at the Salton City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 extended from the summit of the San Bernardino Mountains in the north to the Chocolate Mountains and Borrego Springs in the south. Its eastern border included a portion of the Colorado Desert west of Orocopia Mountain, and its western border included the San Jacinto Plain near Riverside and the eastern slopes of Palomar Mountain.

Cahuilla villages usually were located in canyons or along alluvial fans near adequate sources of water and food plants. The immediate village territory was owned in common by a lineage group or band. The other lands were divided into tracts owned by clans, families, or individuals. Trails used for hunting, trading, and social interaction connected the villages. Each village was associated with numerous sacred sites that included rock art panels (Bean and Shipek 1978).

History
Euro-American occupation of the region began with the establishment of the California missions missionaries, continuing with the Spanish and American colonization and settlement, agricultural advances, and post-World War I and World War II.

Establishment of the California Missions
The colonization of Alta California was tied to the existing Spanish settlements along both sides of the Gulf of California. The Spanish missionization and settlement of California began in 1768 when King Carlos III saw other European empires as threats to (Lightfoot 2005). The King ordered Visitador-General José de Gávez to organize soldiers and missionaries from Mexico to colonize the distant territory. On May 13, 1769 Commander Don Gaspar de Portolá, Sergeant José Francisco de Ortega, and Fray Junípero Serra, who was a Franciscan missionary, departed with soldiers and supplies for San Diego from Velicatá, Baja de Alcalá (Toupal et al. 2007).

The missions were established primarily along the coast of California and located in three distinct ranges: the Coastal Range, Transverse Range, and Peninsular Range. The Spanish selected mission sites in valleys and on alluvial fans and coastal plains away from marshy flats.

Most of the missions were established close to the sea; however, some missions like Mission San Gabriel and San Jose were located strategically in the interior as a way of establishing and maintaining inland routes. Preferred locations were near reliable water sources and had adequate arable lands (Toupal et al. 2007).

The Spanish established three missions in the Peninsular Range: San Diego, San Luis Rey, and San Juan Capistrano. Each mission was located three to six miles from the ocean either in valley bottoms or on terraced slopes along streams.

The Spanish saw the Indian people as new religious converts (Dutschke 1988). According to xture of
economic, military, political, and religious motives. Indians were regarded by the Spanish government as subjects of the Crown and human beings capable of receiving the sacraments of subjects of the King and children of God. It should be clear, then, that the missions of California City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 were not solely religious institutions. They were, on the contrary, instruments designed to bring and forced local Indian populations to work and live at the missions. The Indian people had to give up many of their traditional ways and territories for the new European practices and beliefs.

They worked the mission gardens, and served as laborers at the missions and ranches. The four Native American groups along the Santa Ana River endured these changes, although their experiences differed based on their proximity to the missions (Toupal et al. 2007).

Mexican Independence
Early settlement was associated mostly with the establishment of the missions along the Pacific Coast, but began to increase as the missions went through the process of secularization, which was not complete when Mexico won its independence from Spain in 1821. The new government wanted to limit the power of the Catholic Church, so it pursued dual policies of secularization and emancipation of native groups. Between 1822 and 1829, the new government also abolished social status based on racial or national background, and granted citizenship to the native people orts eventually
succeeded in breaking the power of the Catholic Church, but land was not returned to the native people because much of what could be used for livestock and agriculture had been granted to California and Anglo rancheros (Rader 1988).

Another change that came with the Mexican government was the removal of restrictions on trade with other countries. This change also affected trade along the Old Spanish Trail, which connected Los Angeles with Santa Fe, New Mexico. Not only did trade along this route increase, but potential settlers found a new option. As a result, immigration to California from New Mexico began in the early 1840s. The first settlers to come from New Mexico arrived in 1842.

Initially, they settled at Rancho San Bernardino, also known as Politana, essentially forming an asistencia for the San Gabriel Mission. Within a couple of years, however, due to disagreements with the Rancho San Bernardino rancheros, the settlers relocated a few miles downstream and established Agua Mansa, near the RTRP area, northwest of CA Highway 60. They were successful in their farming endeavors and the community grew (Harley 1999).

The United States took control of California as part of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848; however, it was the discovery of gold at about the same time that created massive population and economic growth. Initially, Native Americans mined the ore, but as news of the discovery spread, more Euro-Americans arrived and the Indians were soon forced out of mining (Dutschke 1988).

broken up, and the new landowners were less tolerant of Indian people. The small ranchos were farmed and grazed more intensively, further reducing the land and resources that provided so much of the Native American food supply. The California natives also found employment less of an option (Dutschke 1988).

Between 1850 and 1875, the population in the Santa Ana River watershed grew, though at not quite the same pace as other parts of the state. The coming of the railroad resulted in the establishment of the community of Colton just upstream, and on the opposite side of the Santa City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 Ana River, from Jurupa Valley/Riverside. The Agua Mansan families who still resided in the area relocated to Colton presumably to take advantage of job opportunities associated with the railroad. The greatest impact from the railroad, however, was a new wave of immigration. The Southern Pacific Railroad (SPR) in particular encouraged immigration to southern California in the late 1800s with a well-organized settlement plan that was in place by 1875 and showing a transportation assistance and brought another vast wave of immigrants to the area during the latter part of the 19th century (Parker 1937).

Agriculture
The agricultural economic base established by the early Spanish continued to flourish in the Riverside County area (Horne and McDougall 2007). The City of Riverside itself was founded in 1870 by abolitionist judge John W. North. Navel oranges were introduced to the region in the 1870s and were found to grow extremely well. By 1895, the citrus-based community had evolved into the richest per-capita city in the United States.

Riverside citizens founded the most successful agricultural cooperative in the world, the California Fruit Growers Exchange, known by its trademark, Sunkist (Horne and McDougall 2007). Immigrants from China, Japan, Italy, Mexico, and later the Dust Bowl of America, flooded into southern California to meet the labor demand. As a result, Riverside developed a Chinatown and other ethnic settlements, including the predominantly Hispanic Casa Blanca and communities of Japanese and Korean immigrants.

Post World War I and World War II Architecture
Riverside experienced a boom in the Post World War I period, undeveloped areas were subdivided, and residential tracts were planned and developed (Horne and McDougall 2007).

The buildings from that time are represented by Arts and Crafts period styles: California Bungalow, two-story Craftsman, Prairie, and English cottage/Tudor Revival. By the end of World War I, a surge of patriotism for America and its allies produced houses in styles that referenced the American Colonial period and French, Spanish, Italian Renaissance, and English architecture. Beaux Arts Classicism reached its peak in the post World War I period in civic architecture, and Gothic Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival influenced designs for churches.

The design trend for commercial buildings in Riverside continued to be based on Spanish and Classical motifs; many buildings were remodeled to reflect the Spanish Colonial Revival and Mission styles.

In the Post World War II period, Riverside experienced additional growth. Affordable suburban housing tracts were developed with nearby commercial centers to serve the needs of the new residents (Horne and McDougall 2007).

Methodology for Resource Inventory and Other Data Collection Archival records searches for both archaeological resources and historic architectural resources were conducted for the Proposed Project and alternative for the transmission lines, as well as for the proposed new substation locations.

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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 Archaeological Records Search
Between April 2006 and February 2011, six separate cultural resources records searches of the Proposed Project area were conducted (TRC 2007a-h2007). Collectively, the records searches provided locations and other data on previously recorded archaeological and historical resources and on previous cultural resource studies. Records were reviewed at the Eastern Information Center (EIC), housed at the University of California at Riverside, and at the San Bernardino Archaeological Information Center (SBAIC) at the San Bernardino County Museum. California Historical Resources Information System (CHRIS) records at both facilities were reviewed to determine the location of cultural resources in the study area. Also consulted for relevant properties were the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), Archaeological Determinations of Eligibility (ADOE) provided by the EIC, the CRHR, California Historic Landmarks (CHL), California Points of Historical Interest, and the Directory of Properties in the Historic Property Data File (HDP). Historic USGS topographic quadrangles were also reviewed for the study area.

Archaeological Survey
A pedestrian field survey was conducted of the proposed 230 kV transmission line route and undeveloped portions of the proposed 69 kV subtransmission line route. During the survey, archaeologists walked parallel transects, with 10-15 m (35-50 ft) intervals, in order to locate cultural resources within or adjacent to the proposed ROW. The ground surface was visually examined for evidence of archaeological materials and potential subsurface or standing historical resources. Due to surface disturbance resulting from historic and modern use as well as dense debris from recent flooding of the Santa Ana River and other drainages and dense plant growth in many areas, ground visibility was deemed fair to poor. All visible ground surfaces, including fence lines, drainage channels, and other exposures, were examined for prehistoric and historic archaeological remains. No subsurface investigations were conducted during the survey.

A pedestrian survey of the Wildlife substation was completed by POWER Engineers, Inc. in 2011; a survey of the Wilderness substation was performed by SWCA Environmental Consultants, Inc. in 2007 as part of a separate project.

Historic Architectural Research
A review of the Historic Preservation Element of the City of Riverside General Plan 2025 was racter.

The City Planning Department and Architectural Preservation Planning Services (APPS) have conducted a citywide reconnaissance survey and reviewed a variety of existing documentation c Resource Inventory Database
includes 108 City Landmarks, over 1,000 Structures of Merit, nine historic districts, three neighborhood conservation areas, and 20 NRHP properties. The database was reviewed to identify historic resources within the Proposed Project area. Riverside County does not have a comparable database of historic resources.

The City of Norco does not have a city register of historic districts and buildings. There are some buildings within the city, i.e., the Norconian Resort, that are on the National Register, but none of these buildings are located near the Proposed Project area. The City is listed by the State as a Certified Local Government (CLG); it has a Historic Preservation Commission; and is currently developing a plan to create a city registry of historic properties dated 1900 to 1950.

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Architectural Inventory
In 2007 and 2008, URS Corporation conducted a reconnaissance architectural inventory within or in the vicinity of the ROW of the Proposed Project. The route was compared to maps of historic districts and neighborhoods prepared by the City of Riverside Planning Division. This analysis was designed to identify areas of increased potential for containing structures 50 years old or older, as the corridors do not pass through exclusively historic neighborhoods. Riverside County does not have an architectural database. The City of Norco does not have a city register of historic districts and buildings at this time.

For the 69 kV subtransmission line portion of the Proposed Project, given the number of buildings and structures present within the developed neighborhoods, detailed documentation was not conducted. Rather, the study was designed to note the variety of structures present within neighborhoods, the overall integrity of neighborhoods, and the potential for impacts to potential historic districts. Photographs were taken of representative buildings older than 50 years.

Native American Coordination
In May 2006, the California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) was contacted regarding Native American groups that might have historic ties to, and interest in, the Proposed Project area. In December 2006, the City of Riverside sent scoping letters to various tribes identified by the NAHC, and in January 2007, the City sent the Notice of Preparation (NOP) and Initial Study for RTRP to the tribes.

Research in Anthropology (BARA), which arranged meetings and site visits with three of the groups identified by the NAHC: the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians, Pechanga Band of Mission Indians, and Morongo Band of Mission Indians (Toupal et al. 2007). The goal of the meetings and site visits was to identify portions of the Proposed Project area that are of special importance to Native American groups. Site visits were brief and tribal representatives emphasized that their observations about cultural sensitivity of particular locations were preliminary (Toupal et al. 2007). A copy of the draft American Indian Social Impact Assessment was provided to these three groups.

Subsequently, the Ramona Band of Cahuilla Indians and the Gabrieleño/Tongva Tribal Council of San Gabriel were also contacted by the City, but there were no additional site visits or formal meetings.

In November 2009, the City prepared a second NOP for RTRP, and sent it to tribes on the NAHC list.

NAHC again provided a list of tribes to be contacted in a letter dated December 9, 2009.

In December 2010, a certified letter was sent to the Soboba, Pechanga, Morongo, Ramona, and Gabrielinño/Tongva regarding recent updates to the Proposed Project and alternatives. The Rincon Band of Mission Indians did not appear on previous letters provided by the NAHC (June, 2006 or December, 2009). Therefore, a letter containing pertinent project information was sent to City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 the Rincon Band of Mission Indians on January 18, 2012. As of February 20112, only the Soboba Tribe hasand Rincon Band of Mission Indians have responded to this letterthese letters (see Appendix H of this DEIR).

Additional letters to Tribes on the NAHC list updating them on RTRP were sent by RPU on April 16, 2012.

Paleontological Records Search
A review was conducted of relevant published geologic reports, paleontological reports, and unpublished museum paleontological locality data from the Division of Geological Sciences at the San Bernardino County Museum and Department of Paleontology at the San Diego Natural History Museum. This approach was followed in recognition of the direct relationship between paleontological resources and the geologic formations within which they are entombed. Knowing the geology of a particular area and the fossil productivity of particular formations that occur in that area, it is possible to predict where fossils will, or will not be encountered.

Environmental Setting
Under CEQA, lead agencies are required to consider potential impacts on historical resources, unique archaeological and paleontological resources, and buried human remains. Information on known historical resources and unique archaeological resources within the Proposed Project area is discussed in this section. The terms are defined in the Regulatory Setting sections.

No buried human remains have been previously recorded in the Proposed Project area and none were found during the pedestrian surveys. All NRHP and CRHR eligibility determinations expressed within this analysis were provided via the EIC. For the purposes of this analysis, sites that have been determined eligible to the NRHP are also considered eligible to the CRHR.

Throughout the planning process for RTRP, numerous route alternatives were identified and eliminated for a variety of reasons, including public concerns, sensitive habitats, visual impacts, constructability, input from Native Americans, existing land use, and others. The routes considered in the DEIR were not defined until June 2010. A combination of data from previously recorded cultural resources and data collected during intensive pedestrian surveys in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 are sufficient to characterize the existing environment and to assess impacts to cultural resources. Sixty-three percent of the proposed 230 kV transmission line route and 100 percent of undisturbed (undeveloped) areas of the proposed 69 kV subtransmission line route was surveyed. Due to factors such as asphalt parking lots, existing built environments such as shopping centers, massive flood debris along the Santa Ana River, and lack of right of entry, 37 percent of the 230 kV line was not surveyed.

Moreover, approximately 50 percent of the Proposed Project area has been previously inventoried for cultural resources by projects ranging from small linear surveys to large intensive pedestrian inventories. Few cultural resources have been previously recorded within 100 feet of the centerlines of the routes. The records searches conducted by TRC in 2006 and the 2008 updated search by POWER indicate that 345 cultural resources have been previously recorded within one mile of the various routes under consideration in this DEIR as well as routes that have been eliminated. The record searches also indicate that a total of 314 cultural resource studies have been conducted within a one-mile radius of the various 230 kV and 69 kV routes and City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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SixEight previously recorded sites have been identified within the proposed ROWs of the 69 kV line and the 230 kV line. Of these, two qualify as historical resources using the below-listed CEQA definitions; the ROW of a transmission line that crosses the 230 kV line in three places and the Pedley Power Station and associated features. For this analysis, unevaluated sites, of which there are two (a historic canal system on the 230 kV line and a historic residence on the 69 kV line), are assumed to be eligible until otherwise determined. These sites are discussed in some detail below.

Paleontological resources are likely to be found in geologic units consisting of Older Quaternary Alluvium. Older Quaternary Alluvium generally consist of the remains of Pleistocene Epoch fossil land mammals such as bison, mammoth, mastodon, horse, camel, and others. All of these animals were killed and eaten by prehistoric Native Americans. These geologic units are considered to have a high sensitivity for paleontological resources because of fossil land mammal remains recovered in areas north of the Proposed Project Area. These units are largely located along the 69kV line with minor occurrences along the 230kV line. Although no recorded fossil localities have been reported within the Proposed Project Area, there is potential for them based on the distribution of Older Quaternary Alluvium throughout the Proposed Project Area and especially along the 69 kV portion.

230 kV Transmission Line
Intensive and systematic pedestrian surveys for cultural resources were conducted between 2007 and 2011 on public and portions of private land for which landowner consent was acquired within the ROW along this corridor. Sixty-three percent of this line has been surveyed using the previously mentioned method. Due to factors such as asphalt parking lots, existing built environments such as shopping centers, massive flood debris along the Santa Ana River, and lack of right of entry, 37 percent of the 230 kV line was not surveyed. As stated previously, a combination of data from previously recorded cultural resources and data collected during intensive pedestrian surveys in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 are sufficient to characterize the existing environment and to assess impacts to cultural resources. Mitigation measures are proposed below to ensure that any unanticipated discovery of cultural resources is addressed in such a way to mitigate impacts to the resources to the greatest possible extent.

SixEight recorded cultural resources were identified within 50 feet of the centerline of the proposed 230 kV transmission line. Of these, two are eligible for listing to the NRHP, twofour are unevaluated, and two are not eligible for listing to the NRHP or CRHR. Based on recent analysis, one of the unevaluated sites has been re-evaluated to be a feature of the ineligible site and has been included on the updated site form for that site, thus reducing the total number of identified cultural resources to fiveseven. The NRHP-eligible O Line transmission line crosses the proposed route in three locations. This linear cultural resource extends far outside the Proposed Project area and there are intact poles and other features elsewhere. All that remains of the O Line in Riverside County is the original ROW, as all poles, remnants of poles, and other components have been removed. During the 2011 survey, this resource was not re-recorded because the portions of the proposed 230 kV transmission line that would cross the O Line are on parcels of land for which the landowner did not grant right of entry. OneThree of the ineligible resources is aare prehistoric milling stations. The proposed transmission line would cross directly City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 over this sitethese sites. Current line design includes spanning this sitethese sites; no poles would be placed therewithin them. During the 2011 survey, this siteone of the sites was re-recorded and an updated site form was completed; the other two sites were not relocated during the survey.

One of the eligible sites, the Pedley Power Station and associated features, is still intact and an updated site form was completed in 2011. The other unevaluated site consists of the remains of a 1915 canal system; however, during the 2011 survey, it was noted that the portion of the site that the proposed 230 kV line would cross has been destroyed and replaced with the paved Santa Ana River Trail. This was noted on an updated site form in 2011.

Another ineligible site is a canal, dam, and pump house associated with the historic Hole Ranch and Hole Lake. When it was visited in 2011, an updated site form was completed. This site was determined by SHPO to be not eligible to be listed to the NRHP or CRHR as of October 2007.

69 kV Subtransmission Lines
In 2008, undeveloped portions of the proposed ROW for this line were surveyed for archaeological resources and all of the proposed ROW was surveyed for architectural resources.

No archaeological sites were located and only one architectural resource was located within the ROW of the Proposed Project, as discussed below. No Structures of Merit or City Landmarks are located within the ROW of the Proposed Project.

RERC to Harvey Lynn/Freeman Substations
The portion of Segment A along Doolittle Avenue between Jurupa Ave. and Morris Ave. will be underground. There is one previously recorded cultural resource, the yard of which is located within the ROW of the 69 kV subtransmission line in this segment of the Proposed Project. The site was recorded in 2003 as a 1960s-era residence and was considered unevaluated for listing in the NRHP or CRHR at the time of recordation. Generally, cultural resources less than 50 years old are considered ineligible to the National Register unless they are of exceptional importance.

Wilderness Substation to Mountain View Substation
In 2009, this segment of the 69 kV line was surveyed and no new or previously recorded cultural resources were documented in the ROW.

Wilderness Substation to Jurupa Ave
In 2009, this segment of the 69 kV line was surveyed and no new or previously recorded cultural resources were documented in the ROW.

Wildlife/Wilderness 230 kV Substations
In 2007, a pedestrian cultural resource survey of the initial design location of the proposed Wilderness substation location (SWCA 2008) was conducted and no sites were located. In 2011, the Wildlife addition to the proposed substation location was surveyed and no new archaeological sites were located.

69 kV Substation Upgrades
Upgrades to all four substation sites (Mountain View, Freeman, Harvey Lynn, and RERC) will include activities limited to already disturbed acreage, which currently house substations. There City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 are no previously recorded cultural resources located on the RERC Substation. The Freeman and Mountain View substation locations have never been surveyed for cultural resources. The Harvey Lynn substation is in an area that had an inventory of architectural resources, but not of archaeological resources. No cultural resources have been identified at any of these locations.

Regulatory Setting
The following laws and regulations define the federal, State, and local management policies for cultural resources within the Proposed Project area.

Federal
The Proposed Project is not currently defined as a federal undertaking. However, compliance with federal regulations will be required by the National Park Service for lands administered under the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).

National Environmental Policy Act
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321-4346) establishes national policy for the protection and enhancement of the environment. The essential purpose of NEPA is to ensure that environmental factors are weighted equally when compared to other factors in the decision-making process undertaken by federal agencies prior to approval any major federal action. The act establishes the national environmental policy, including a multidisciplinary approach to considering environmental effects in federal government agency decision-making. The act is implemented by the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations at 40 CFR 1500-1508.

National Historic Preservation Act
The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), as amended (16 USC 470f), is the principal federal law in the United States protecting cultural resources. Section 106 of the NHPA directs all federal agencies to take into account the effects of their undertakings (i.e., actions, financial support, and authorizations) on properties included in or eligible for the NRHP.

Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) regulations at 36 CFR part 800 implement Section 106 of the NHPA. These regulations establish the NRHP as a planning tool to help federal agencies evaluate cultural resources in consultation with the relevant State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and the ACHP. The criteria for determining whether cultural resources are eligible for listing in the NRHP is provided in 36 CFR 60.4.

State
California Environmental Quality Act
For this analysis, the principal law relevant to the protection of cultural resources at the state level is CEQA, with particular reference to California Public Resources Code 21083.2 to 21084.1, which addresses historic resources, archaeological resources, and Native American graves.

According to Section 15064.5 of CEQA Guidelines, a project with an effect that may cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource is a project that may have a City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 significant effect on the environment. Lead agencies are required to identify any historic resources that may be affected by any undertaking involving state or county lands, funds, or permitting. In addition, the significance of such resources that may be affected by the undertaking must be evaluated using the criteria for listing on the CRHR (Pub. Res. Code §5024.1, Title 14 CCR, Section 4852). Generally, a resource shall be considered by the lead agency to be historically significant if the resource has integrity and meets the criteria for listing on the CRHR. Resources already listed or determined eligible for the NRHP or the CHL are also by definition eligible for the CRHR. Historic resources included in historic resource inventories prepared according to California State Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) guidelines (and thus included in the State Inventory of Historical Resources) or designated under county or city historic landmark ordinances may be eligible if the designation occurred during the previous five years.

For a resource to be eligible for the CRHR, it must satisfy each of the following three standards:

A property must be significant at the local, state or national level, under one or more of the following criteria:

1. It is associated with events or patterns of events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of the history and cultural heritage of California and the United States.

2. 3. It embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, region, or method of construction, or represents the work of an important creative individual, or possesses high artistic values.

4. It has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important to the prehistory or history of the State or the Nation.

A resource must retain enough of its historic character or appearance to be recognizable as a historic property, and to convey the reasons for its significance; and It must be fifty years old or older (except for rare cases of structures of exceptional significance).
regulations specify that integrity is a quality that applies to historic resources in seven ways:
location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association.

To be eligible to the CRHR or NRHP, a resource must possess several, and usually most, of these aspects.

Location.Location is the place where the historic property was constructed or the place where the historic event occurred. Integrity of location means that the resource has not been moved from its original location.

Design.Design is the combination of elements that create the form, plan, space, structure, and style of a property. Design results from conscious decisions made during the original conception plan, shape, and design elements remain intact.

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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 Setting. Setting is the physical environment of a historic property. Setting refers to the character of the place in which the property played its historical role. Setting may include topography, vegetation, simple man-made features, and relationships between buildings, other features, and open space. Integrity of setting means that the surrounding landscape has changed very little since the period of importance for the resource.

Materials. Materials are the physical elements that were combined or deposited during a particular period and in a particular pattern or configuration to form a historic property. Integrity

Workmanship. Workmanship is the physical evidence of the crafts of a particular culture or people during a period in history or prehistory. Examples can include tooling, carving, painting, turning, and joinery. Integrity of workmanship means that evidence of the craft and skills of the artisans who created the resource are still present.

Feeling.
of time. Feeling results from the presence of physical features that, taken together, convey the property
to evoke an earlier time and place.

Association. Association is the direct link between an important historic event or person and a historic property. Integrity of association means the resource retains a link to an earlier time and place and conveys the link between the event or activity and the place where it occurred.

Under CEQA, the lead agency must also determine whether a proposed project will have a significant effect on unique archaeological resources. PRC 21082.2(g) states that a:
about which it can be clearly demonstrated that, without merely adding to the current body of knowledge, there is a high probability that it meets any of the following criteria:

1. Contains information needed to answer important scientific research questions and that there is demonstrable public interest in that information.

2. Has a special and particular quality such as being the oldest of its type or the best available example of its type.

3. Is directly associated with a scientifically recognized important prehistoric or

A non-unique archaeological resource does not meet these criteria and does not need to be given further consideration other than simple recording unless it happens to qualify as a historical resource.

California Senate Bill 18 of 2005 (SB 18)
This bill requires formal government-to-government consultation with Native American tribes as part of a project that enacts or amends a general plan or specific plan. RTRP does not fit this description because it does not require any general plan or specific plan amendments, so SB 18 does not apply.

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Riverside Municipal Code Title 20 - Cultural Resources
The purpose of this title is to promote public health, safety, and general welfare by providing for the identification, protection, enhancement, perpetuation and use of improvements, buildings, structures, signs, objects, features, sites, places, areas, districts, neighborhoods, streets, works of art, natural features and significant permanent landscaping having special historical, archaeological, cultural, architectural, community, aesthetic or artistic value in the City for the following reasons.

Riverside Municipal Code Title 20 sets forth guidelines for safeguarding the heritage of the City as well as definitions of landmarks, structures of merit, historic districts, neighborhoods conservation areas, cultural resource overlay zones, as well as mitigation measures and specific maintenance guidelines for each property type. Under this Code, the City has also established a Cultural Heritage Board which assists in managing and overseeing cultural resources within the City limits.

Historic Preservation Element of the City of Riverside General Plan 2025 The purpose of this preservation element is to provide guidance in developing and implementing activities that ensure that the identification, designation, and protection of cultural resources are ric Preservation Program has established many goals, including a program of community education. The City Planning Department and APPS have conducted a citywide reconnaissance survey and reviewed a variety of existing documentation relating to Historic Preservation Program.

City of Norco Municipal Code, Title 20, Cultural Resources The purpose of this title is to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare by providing for the identification, protection, enhancement, perpetuation and use of improvements, buildings, structures, signs, objects, features, sites, places, areas, districts, neighborhoods, streets, works of art, natural features and significant permanent landscaping having special historical, archaeological, cultural, architectural, community, aesthetic or artistic value in the City of Norco.

City of Norco Municipal Code Title 20 sets forth guidelines for protecting the heritage of the City, for designation of landmarks and points of historical interest, for issuing certificates of appropriateness, and for preservation incentives.

City of Norco Municipal Code, Title 2, Chapter 26, Historic Preservation Commission This title establishes the Historic Preservation Commission for the City of Norco.

City of Norco General Plan Land Use Element
In the Land Use Element of the General Plan for the City of Norco, one of the goals (2.7, dentifying and preserving the unique
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The Multipurpose Open Space Element of the Riverside County General Plan 2008 This chapter sets forth policies for managing and reporting cultural resources, historic resources, and paleontological resources found on county property. Open Space (OS) Polices 19.2-19.4 address cultural resources, policies OS 19.5-19.7 address historic resources, and policies OS

19.8-19.10 address paleontological resources.

Impact Assessment
Significance Threshold Criteria
A project is considered to have a significant effect on the environment if it causes a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource. Substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource means physical demolition, destruction, relocation, or alteration of the resource or its immediate surroundings such that the significance of the resource would be materially impaired or diminished. Furthermore, it is recommended by CEQA that all cultural resources be preserved in-situ whenever possible through avoidance of the resource.

Whenever a historical resource or unique archaeological resource (Public Resources Code §21083.2) cannot be avoided by project activities, effects shall be addressed and mitigated as outlined in PRC §15126.4 and §15331 of CEQA.

Would the project:

a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource as defined in §15064.5?
b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to §15064.5?
c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature?
d) Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries?

Environmental Protection Elements
Following best management and design practices throughout conception, construction, and implementation of the Proposed Project ensures that public safety is paramount and potential environmental impacts are minimized through avoidance. Table 3.2.5-1 outlines the proposed SCE and RPU Environmental Protection Elements (EPEs) related to cultural resources. As discussed above in Section 3.1.2, the EPEs have been included as part of the Proposed Project; therefore, the impact analysis section that follows includes the implementation of the EPEs listed below. Any impact resulting from the implementation of the Proposed Project (including the EPEs) is identified below. Where mitigation measures would reduce these impacts, the measures and their effectiveness have been included in the impact discussion. For sites of concern to Native Americans, implementation of EPEs listed in Table 3.2.5-1 may reduce residual impacts to less than significant. However, residual impacts could be determined to be low following on- site monitoring by Native Americans, other participation by tribal representatives, and tribal review of archaeological records.

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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 TABLE 3.2.5-1. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ELEMENTS CULTURAL RESOURCES Environmental
Protection
Element
Description
CUL-01
Avoid or minimize impacts to significant cultural resources. Ground disturbance or other impacts to each identified cultural resource would be avoided or minimized, unless the resource has been determined to be ineligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and/or the California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR). Avoidance measures could include project redesign, flagging of site boundaries during construction, use of buffer zones, and construction monitoring.

CUL-02
Establish and maintain a protective buffer zone around each recorded cultural resource within or immediately adjacent to the ROW or access and spur roads. A protective buffer zone would be within which construction activities and personnel would not be permitted, unless the archaeological site has been determined to be ineligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and/or the California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR).

CUL-03 Evaluate the significance of all cultural resources that cannot be avoided. Evaluation studies would be conducted and documented as per applicable laws, regulations, and guidelines of the CRHR and NRHP.

CUL-04
Minimize impacts to significant cultural resources that have not been previously evaluated and that cannot be avoided. All ground-disturbing activities would be minimized within the bounds of unique archaeological sites, historical resources, or historic properties. Historical resources and unique archaeological resources where impacts cannot be reduced or minimized will be treated through the implementation of CUL-05. Minimization measures will include pre-construction identification of the most sensitive parts of sites and construction monitoring.

CUL-05
Construction Monitoring and Unanticipated Cultural Resources Discovery Plan. Prior to construction, a Construction Monitoring and Unanticipated Cultural Resources Discovery Plan would be prepared. Resource identification and assessments for eligibility of the resource for listing in the CRHR will be consistent with the California Office of Historic Preservation standards. The plan would detail procedures for avoidance and mitigative data recovery.

Mitigation Measures
Specific mitigation measures (see Table 3.2.5-2) would be applied to reduce potentially significant impacts related to cultural and paleontological resources.

TABLE 3.2.5-2. MITIGATION MEASURES CULTURAL AND PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES Mitigation
Measure Description
MM CUL-01
A cultural resource inventory will be conducted of any changes to the Proposed Project area or of any properties for which right of entry was not granted prior to any disturbance. All surveys shall be conducted and documented as per applicable laws, regulations, and guidelines. The surveys will be completed to identify any previously unidentified cultural resources. Any discovered resources would be avoided through Project features (EPEs) or mitigated through MM CUL-02.

MM CUL-02
To avoid and/or minimize impacts to significant cultural resources, a qualified archaeologist will monitor ground disturbing activities near previously identified cultural resources. If a newly identified cultural resource or an unknown component of a previously identified resource is discovered during construction, the monitor will follow the Unanticipated Discovery Plan identified in EPE CUL-05. The monitor will have the authority to stop or redirect work, as required to fulfill mitigation measure CUL-02. In addition, any human remains discovered during Project activities will be protected in accordance with current state law as detailed in California Health and Safety Code 7050.5 and California Public Resources Code Sections 5097.91 and 5097.98, as amended.

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Measure Description
MM CUL-03
A qualified paleontological monitor shall attend any pre-construction meetings at locations that have high potential for containing intact paleontological resources to consult with grading and excavation contractors concerning excavation schedules, paleontological field techniques, and safety issues. A paleontological monitor is defined as an individual who has experience in the collection and salvage of fossil materials. The paleontological monitor shall work under the direction of a qualified paleontologist. A qualified paleontologist is definedas an individual with an M.S. or PhD in paleontology or geology, or closely related field, who is experienced with paleontological procedures and techniques, who is knowledgeable in the geology and paleontology of Southern California, and who has worked as a paleontological mitigation project supervisor in the region for at least one year.

MM CUL-04
A qualified paleontological monitor shall spot-check the original cutting of previously undisturbed deposits of high paleontological resource sensitivity (e.g., Older Quaternary Alluvium). The paleontological monitor shall work under the direction of a qualified paleontologist.

MM CUL-05
When significant fossils are discovered, the paleontologist (or paleontological monitor) shall recover them. In most cases, this fossil salvage can be completed in a short period of time. Because of the potential for the recovering of small fossil remains, such as isolated mammal teeth, it may be necessary to recover bulk sedimentary matrix samples for off-site wet screening. However, some fossil specimens (such as complete large mammal skeletons) may require an extended salvage period. In these instances, the paleontologist (or paleontological monitor) should be allowed to temporarily direct, divert, or halt earthwork activities to allow recovery of fossil remains in a timely manner.

MM CUL-06Fossil remains collected during monitoring and salvage shall be cleaned, repaired, sorted, and cataloged as part of the mitigation program.

MM CUL-07
Prepared fossils, along with copies of all pertinent field notes, photos, maps, and measured stratigraphic sections, shall be deposited (as a donation) in a scientific institution with permanent paleontological collections, such as the Western Center for Archaeology and Paleontology, the San Bernardino County Museum, or the San Diego Natural History Museum. Donation of the fossils shall be accompanied by financial support for initial specimen cataloguing and storage.

MM CUL-08
A final summary report shall be completed that outlines the results of the paleontological mitigation program. This report shall be prepared under the supervision of a qualified paleontologist. The report will include a description and maps of the Project area; descriptions of paleontologically sensitive or fossiliferous sediments in the Project vicinity; discussions of the methods used,during monitoring and during fossil recovery; descriptions and illustrations of thestratigraphic section(s) exposed, fossils collected, andincluding taxonomic data; photographs of the locations of recovered fossils; an assessment of thesignificance of recovered fossilsthe recovered fossils; complete contextual data from the fossil locality, including sedimentology and taphonomy; and a record of accession of the fossils to the selected repository, including specimen numbers.

Environmental Impacts
A project results in impacts to a cultural resource eligible for the NRHP/CRHR when it alters the it for
eligibility. As mentioned earlier, for the purposes of this analysis, all unevaluated sites are considered eligible until otherwise determined or recommended. Potential impacts could include:

Physical destruction, damage, or alteration of all or part of the property; Introduction of visual, audible, or atmospheric elements that are out of character with the property or alter its setting;
Neglect of a property resulting in its deterioration or destruction Potential impacts of a transmission line on cultural resources would generally be related to either City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 physical damage (e.g., ground disturbance at an archaeological site caused by an access road or transmission structure) or changes in the visual setting (e.g., a transmission line disrupting the view of a NRHP/CRHR-eligible historic ranch). Physical disturbance could potentially impact all three classes of cultural resources. A change in visual setting would rarely be an issue for archaeological resources, but could be significant for some architectural resources and some sites of concern to Native Americans.

Cultural resources within the Proposed Project area are subject to both direct and indirect impacts. Direct impacts would result from ground disturbing activities associated with the construction of the transmission and subtransmission lines such as clearing vegetation, grading of new access roads, improving existing access roads, installing tower foundations, assembling and erecting structures, stringing and tensioning conductors, and restoration and re-vegetation measures.

Direct impacts to paleontological resources occur when earthwork activities, such as mass grading operations, utility line trenching activities, or utility pole boring excavations cut into the geological deposits within which fossils are buried. Since fossils are the remains of prehistoric animal and plant life they are considered to be nonrenewable. Such impacts can be damaging or destructive and require mitigation under CEQA Guidelines.

Direct visual impacts result when highly visible modern structures such as transmission lines affect the visual setting of cultural resources that are NRHP/CRHR eligible because they retain their visual prehistoric or historic context.

Cultural resources can also be subject to indirect impacts. For example, indirect access-related impacts may occur to cultural resources when public accessibility is increased to a previously remote area because of new or improved roads. Uncontrolled recreational use, overland vehicle travel, and vandalism of cultural resources degrade the integrity of these resources and can affect their eligibility to the NRHP or CRHR. Access-related impacts would not occur because the Proposed Project and alternative are located in an urbanized setting.

In those limited areas where impacts are potentially significant, immitigable, and unavoidable, some impacts could be reduced
However, as discussed in detail in Chapter 6 (Alternatives), undergrounding even limited sections of the Project as a means of potential mitigation is infeasible. While undergrounding may
environmental impacts caused by undergrounding would be greater and, as such, it is not considered a feasible mitigation measure for the Proposed Project. Specifically, undergrounding requires substantially more excavation than overhead structures. This level of ground disturbance would require several times more heavy equipment than overhead construction. Complete ground disturbance along the line (or sections) would make it difficult or impossible to avoid sensitive areas, such as wetlands and stream crossingsparticularly in the area where the Project crosses the Santa Ana River. In addition, vegetation restoration options are much more limited for undergrounding as opposed to the currently proposed Project. This is because vegetation growing over an underground line would need to support heat dissipation and prevent root intrusion into the lines. Further, during future repairs of an underground line, entire sections between vaults, approximately 2,000 feet apart, may require re-excavation. Undergrounded portions within the Santa Ana River corridor would be prone to washouts during a flood event, City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 requiring re-installation. These considerations equate to increased environmental impacts to air quality, agricultural resources, biological resources, cultural resources, and geologic and water resources, as impacts would be inflicted again and again during any future repairs or wash-out incidents. Further, outages would be prolonged on the underground line, due to poor accessibility and time required in identifying the failure location, excavating the underground line, and correcting any outage. Also, economic considerations associated with undergrounding show that undergrounding is infeasible as a mitigation measure, even for more limited sections of the Project, as discussed in Chapter 6. In all, then, undergrounding even a limited portion of the Project as a means of potential mitigation is both infeasible and environmentally more damaging

Based on the CEQA Guidelines, the analysis considers whether the Proposed Project would result in significant impacts to historical resources, unique archaeological resources, unique paleontological resources, or human remains.

a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource as defined in §15064.5?
Less than significant with mitigation.

230 kV Transmission Line
The O Line transmission line, also known as the Southern Sierras Power Line, in Riverside County is eligible to the CRHR and qualifies as a historical resource. However, only the ROW remains; there are no physical attributestransmission structures, conductors, or featuresother facilities remaining within Riverside County., although these do survive in San Bernardino County. Because the 230 kV transmission line would not affect any physical features other thanand merely span the ROW, there would be no physical or visual impact to the primary elements of this line that contribute to its significance. However, because it is eligible to the CRHR, the CEQA preferred mitigation measure is to avoid the resource by line design. If Project redesign does not completely eliminate impacts to the site, then MM CUL-02 would be implemented to reduce impacts to a less than significant level in the unlikely event of an unanticipated discovery related to this resource.

If any potential future adjustments or changes to the Proposed Project area are proposed that have not been surveyed for cultural resources, they would have to be surveyed as required (MM CUL-01). This mitigation measure would require a cultural resource inventory of any design change of the Proposed Project area be conducted prior to any disturbance. All surveys would be conducted and documented as per applicable laws, regulations, and guidelines. Depending on the results of the surveys, other mitigation measures would be implemented to reduce residual impacts to less than significant, with avoidance of the resource being given first priority.

The ineligible site is the dam and pump house remains associated with the historic Hole Ranch and Hole Lake and the additional canal feature added in 2011. Because this site is not eligible for listing to the NRHP or CRHR, it will not be impacted by the Proposed Project and therefore no mitigation measures will need to be implemented.

The Pedley Power Station was recently evaluated and recommended eligible for listing to the CRHR based on its association with a person of local significance, William E. Pedley, and its City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 connection to early settlement in the area. The site was originally recorded in 1987 and included the power station, spillway, and associated features. The integrity of various components of the site is limited. All of the equipment has been removed from the interior of the power station, leaving only the building; the spillway has been damaged by natural erosion and a horse trail; many of the features have filled with soil; and the slope along a wall of the power station has begun to slump into the building. In addition, Greenwood notes that this facility resembles those constructed at the turn of the century in the upper Santa Ana Canyon, making this particular example one of many rather than significant on its own (Greenwood 1991). Even though the integrity of varioussomecomponents is questionablehas been questioned, the site as a whole is still eligible because of its local significance in relation to Pedley and early agriculture and settlement of the area.

Current line design would avoid the power station, but there is a proposed underground telecommunication line that could potentially impact the concrete spillway upslope from the power station.However, the portion of the spillway where the line could cross has limited integrity due to the effects of natural erosion as well as the continued use of the location as a horse trail.

The integrity of the visual setting of the power station has already been compromised by several existing transmission poles and structures and transmission lines that currently span the site.

While the transmission line would be visible from the power station, there would be no visual impact, because there are several existing lines intruding upon the visual setting.

Therefore, because the spillway has limited integrity and there are visual impacts from multiple existing transmission lines, impacts to the Pedley Power Station site from the Proposed Project would not be considered significant. However, Because of the aforementioned associations with W. Pedley and early settlement, its eligibilitythe Pedley Power Station is eligibleto be listed in the CRHRwould remain the same, regardless. There is a potential for physical impacts at the locationof impactsthe spillway. As necessary, EPE CUL-04 would be incorporated to reduce potential impacts to the site. Impacts that could not be avoided would be mitigated to a less than significant level through implementation of MM CUL-02.

Although The Cantu-Galleano Winery, an NRHPhas beenlisted property, is located near the Proposed Project area, it is 0.37 mile outside of the northern end of the Proposed Project end point. An existing transmission line parallel to as a historic district in the NRHP since 2003. The district is along Wineville Road, on which the property is located, is directly across the road from the in Mira Avenue and includes eight buildings:

The original low-scale wood frame winery and as a result, the visual integrity of the resource may already be compromised. Thebuilding (ca. 1900) The large concrete block mainwinery property is surrounded by warehousesbuilding (1947-1949)
A boardand distribution centers, as noted in a visit to the property in 2011. Because of existing modern disturbancesbatten barn (ca. 1900)
A small wood frame guesthouse (ca. 1930)
A wood frame bunkhouse/office (ca. 1920)
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 A concrete block vinegar shed/tank (ca. 1942)
A wood frame tasting room/workshop (ca. 1942, remodeled in 1976and 1980) A wood frame garage (ca. 1942).

All of these buildings except the distance of the resourcetasting room/workshop retain a high level of integrity.

The Cantu/Galleano residence and two smaller homes were excludedfrom the district due to extensive alterations. Also, there are numerous modern storage sheds and garages for the The building complex is bordered on the west and south by a 160-acre parcel of agricultural land, but this land is not part of the NRHP district. Rather, the area included within the boundary of the district totals only 1.8 acres in the northeast corner of the 160-acre parcel, an area that includes the eight buildings described above.

The landscaping surrounding the buildings includes a variety of mature trees, lawns, and other plantings. Two-lane Wineville Road originally divided two portions of the winery building complex, but the road was vacated and realigned to avoid these historic buildings. Today, Wineville Avenue is a five-lane road on the east side of the district; old Wineville Road serves only to provide access to the winery.

Other than the 160 acres of agricultural land, the surrounding landscape has been substantially altered in recent years. Interstate 15 is 2,200 feet due west of the district. A Wal-Mart Distribution Center is 160 feet north of the district, and a truck parking lot is within 40 feet north of the district boundary. Other large warehouse buildings are 785 feet to the northeast, 170 feet to the east, 1,070 feet to the southeast, and 2,500 feet to the south.

Along the southern edge of the agricultural parcel, 2,150 feet south of the district, is the existing SCE Mira Loma Vista #1 transmission line, including a lattice structure. The northern terminus of the proposed Project, there RTRP 230 kV line would betap into the existing Mira Loma Vista #1 line at this location and would not require a new lattice structure.

Because of the existing nearby industrial development, the presence of an existing lattice structure for the Mira Loma Vista #1 transmission line, and the fact that the RTRP 230 kV transmission line would use this existing lattice structure rather than a new one, RTRP would haveno impacts to this propertyvisual impact on the historic character of the NRHP-listed Cantu-Galleano Winery.
69 kV Subtransmission Lines
One cultural resource has been documented to be partially within the ROW of the eastern side of the 69 kV component on the corner of Acorn Ave and Jurupa Ave. The property was recorded in 2003 as a 1960s-era residence. The western edge of the yard is along the centerline and the house is within 45 feet of the centerline. NRHP criteria for evaluation of cultural resources state that properties that have achieved significance within the past 50 years shall not ordinarily be considered eligible, unless they have exceptional importance (e.g., associated with a major event in recent history). CRHR criteria for evaluation of historical resources provide a slightly different City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 guidance on historical resources achieving significance within the past 50 years. CRHR states passed to obtain a scholarly perspective on the events or individuals associated with the ia Code 4852.d(2)]. A resource less than 50 years old may be considered for listing in the CRHR if it can be demonstrated that sufficient time has passed to understand its historical importance. Although the house is probably less than 50 years old, it was recorded because it was considered one of the last houses of this age and type along Jurupa Avenue (SWCA 2003). Given its age, it is questionable whether sufficient time has passed for this resource to be considered eligible under CRHR criteria. Even if this site were to be found eligible, it is along the existing transmission line, and the Proposed Project would not have an impact. The 69 kV line would go underground along a portion of Segment A, beginning at the eastern side of the intersection of Jurupa Ave. and Van Buren Blvd. The line would be tunneled below Van Buren and continue underground along Doolittle Ave. to the intersection with Morris Ave. No cultural resources were documented along this portion of the route. No mitigation measures would need to be implemented.

RERC Substation
The RERC Substation upgrade will include activities limited to already disturbed acreage which currently houses a substation. The same previously recorded historic 1960s residence which is located along the proposed 69 kV subtransmission line is also approximately 700 feet southwest of the RERC substation. It is currently unevaluated; however, NRHP criteria for evaluation of cultural resources state that properties that have achieved significance within the past 50 years shall not ordinarily be considered eligible, unless they have exceptional importance (e.g., associated with a major event in recent history). CRHR criteria for evaluation of historical resources provides a slightly different guidance on historical resources achieving significance resource, sufficient time must have passed to obtain a scholarly perspective on the events or individuals associated with the resourc
years old may be considered for listing in the CRHR if it can be demonstrated that sufficient time has passed to understand its historical importance. Although the house is probably less than 50 years old, it was recorded because it was considered one of the last houses of this age and type along Jurupa Avenue (SWCA 2003). Given its age, it is questionable whether sufficient time has passed for this resource to be considered eligible under CRHR criteria. Even if this site were to be found eligible, it is not located within the already disturbed acreage of the substation, and the upgrades to the RERC substation should not have an impact. No mitigation measures would need to be implemented.

b) Cause substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to §15064.5?
Less than significant with mitigation.

230 kV Transmission Line
As mentioned earlier, onethree of the ineligible resources is aare prehistoric milling station.

Itstations. One of the sites is currently located directly beneath the centerline of the proposed transmission line; however, current line design spans the drainage in which the siteit is located.

TheThis site is partconsists of a boulder, which has been heavily painted with graffiti; however, City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 the milling station is still intact, despite the modern disturbance and recent flooding. Because the site is ineligible, there will be no impacts to this site. No mitigation measures for cultural resources would need to be implemented in this location. The other two milling sites were not relocated.

One cultural resource, a historic canal, within the ROW was unevaluated for NRHP or CRHR eligibility on the original site form. However, during the 2011 survey, the site was visited and it was discovered that during construction of the Santa Ana River Trail, the portion of the site that the proposed 230 kV transmission line would cross was destroyed and replaced with the Trail.

Because this portion of this site has been destroyed, there would be no impacts to this site. No mitigation measures for cultural resources would need to be implemented in this location.

Wildlife/Wilderness Substations
Results from the pedestrian surveys indicated that there were no cultural resources located within the proposed substation property. Therefore, there would be no impacts to cultural resources at the Wildlife and Wilderness substations. No mitigation measures for cultural resources would need to be implemented in this location.

Mountain View, Harvey Lynn, and Freeman Substations
The Freeman and Mountain View substation locations have never been surveyed for cultural resources. The Harvey Lynn substation is in an area that had an inventory of architectural resources, but not of archaeological resources. No cultural resources have been identified at any of these locations. As with the RERC Substation, Freeman, Mountain View, and Harvey Lynn Substations are upgrade locations, not locations for new substations. Therefore, all activities associated with the upgrade would take place on already disturbed ground. Because the area of impact at each location is already disturbed, any cultural resources that ever existed there would have been destroyed in the past. Therefore, there would likely be no impacts to cultural resources.

If there are any potential future adjustments or changes to the Proposed Project area that have not been surveyed for cultural resources, they would have to be surveyed as required (MM CUL-01).

This mitigation measure would require a cultural resource inventory of any design change of the Proposed Project area be conducted prior to any disturbance. All surveys would be conducted and documented as per applicable laws, regulations, and guidelines. Depending on the results of the surveys, other mitigation measures would be implemented to reduce impacts to less than significant. If Project redesign does not completely eliminate impacts to a significant cultural resource, then MM CUL-02 would be implemented to utilize a qualified archaeologist to monitor ground disturbing activities, stop or redirect work, and implement the Unanticipated Discovery Plan. Impacts would be reduced to a less than significant level.

c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature?
Less than significant with mitigation.

230 kV Transmission Line
Sensitivity for paleontological resources and unique geologic features along this line is for the City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 most part low; however, there are portions along the east to west trending section of the line that are considered high sensitivity formations or Older Quaternary Alluvium. This type of geologic formation has a higher likelihood of containing fossils of large mammal species that were among the food sources of prehistoric Native Americans. Construction in these areas would include, but not be limited to, drilling large-diameter boreholes and grading. To reduce impacts, MM CUL-03 through CUL-08 would be implemented. MM CUL-03 directs a qualified paleontological monitor to coordinate with grading and excavation contractors prior to ground disturbance in areas of high likelihood of fossil material and defines required experience and training of qualified persons. MM CUL-04 directs monitoring of high sensitivity strata. MM CUL-05 and 06 protect discovered paleontological resources through a program on recovery, salvage, material preparation, and cataloging. MM CUL-07 preserves material and all records through deposition in a permanent collection at a scientific institution. MM CUL-08 reports on results of the entire paleontological mitigation program. Taken together, MM CUL-03 through 08 would reduce impacts to a less than significant level.

Wildlife/Wilderness Substations
Wildlife Substation is a zero sensitivity formation so there would be no impacts to paleontological or geologic features in this area.

69 kV Subtransmission Lines and Substation Upgrades
Over 50 percent of these lines is considered to have high sensitivity for Older Quaternary Alluvium. As these areas would include drilling of small diameter boreholes for the wooden or steel poles, impacts to the identified high sensitivity geologic units would be high. However, implementation of MM CUL-03 through CUL-08, and specifically MM CUL-04, would reduce impacts to less than significant.

d) Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries? Less than significant with mitigation.

No buried human remains have been previously recorded or discovered during recent surveys for this Proposed Project and, as such, no impacts to this type of resource are anticipated; however, should human skeletal remains be discovered at any time during implementation of the Proposed Project, construction in the vicinity will halt and the Coroner will be contacted immediately (per California Public ResourcesHealth and Safety Code 7050.5). If the Coroner determines that the remains do not require an assessment of cause of death and are probably Native American, then the NAHC will be contacted to identify the most likely descendents. Also, California Public Resources Code 5097.98 would be implemented according to the requirements of the regulation and pursuant to Mitigation Measure CUL-02.

Significant Unavoidable Impacts
There are no potentially significant unavoidable impacts.

References
Altschul, Jeffery, Martin R. Rose, and Michael K. Lerch. 1984. Man and Settlement in the Upper Santa Ana River Drainage: A Cultural Resource Overview. Report Prepared for Los Angeles District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Tucson: Statistical Research Inc.

City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 Antevs, E. 1952. Climatic History and the Antiquity of Man in California. University of California Archaeological Survey Reports 16:2331. Berkeley, CA.

Archaeological Consulting Services (ACS). 1995. Santa Ana River Phase-3b Bikeway Project, Archaeological Site Record, Site 33-7540/CA-RIV-5806H. On file, Eastern Information Center, Riverside, CA.

Bean, L.J, and Florence Shipek. 1978. Luiseño. In Handbook of North American Indians:

California. Robert F. Heizer, editor, Vol. 8, pp. 550-563. Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C.

Bean, L.J. and C. R. Smith. 1978b. Serrano. In Handbook of North American Indians:

California. Volume 8. Robert F. Heizer, volume editor, Vol. 8, pp. 570-574. Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C.

City of Riverside. 2004. Electronic document, http://www.riversideca.gov/empire/history.htm. _____. 2004. Historic Resource Property Information Database. Available at http://olmsted.riversideca.gov/historic_resources.
_____. 2007. City of Riverside Historic Districts and Buildings. Available at http://olmsted.riversideca.gov/historic/.

Collet, Russell. 2000. California DPR-523 Form, 33-9651. On file, Eastern Information Center.

Riverside, CA.

Davis, O. K., and W. D. Sellers. 1998. Contrasting Climatic Histories for Western North America during the Early Holocene. Current Research in the Pleistocene 4:8789.

Dutschke, Dwight. 1988. American Indians in California. In Five Views: An Ethnic Historic Site Survey for California. An Online Book. California Department of Parks and Recreation, Office of Historic Preservation. Available at
http://www.cr.nps.gov/hisory/online_books/5views/5views.htm.

Forbes, Jack D. 1969. Native Americans of California and Nevada: A Handbook. Healdsburg, CA: Naturegraph Publishers.

Goldberg, S. K., C. J. Klink, J. A. Onken, W. G. Spaulding, M. C. Robinson, M. C. Horne, and R. L. McKim. 2001. Metropolitan Water District of Southern California Eastside Reservoir Project Final Report of Archaeological Investigations, Vol. IV: Synthesis of Findings. Report prepared by Applied EarthWorks, Inc., Hemet, CA. Report submitted to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA.

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Harley, R. Bruce. 1999. Agua Mansa: An Outpost of San Gabriel, 1842-1850. Californian Mission Studies Association Newsletter, May.

Haynes, C. V., Jr. 1967. Quaternary Geology of the Tule Springs Area, Clark County, Nevada. In Pleistocene Studies in Southern Nevada, edited by H. M. Wormington and D. Ellis, pp. 15 104. Nevada State Museum Anthropological Papers, Reno, NV.

Heizer, Robert F. 1978. The Handbook of North American Indians. California Vol. 8.

Washington D.C.: Smithsonian Institution.

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S. K. Goldberg, general editor. Report prepared by Applied EarthWorks, Inc., Hemet, CA. Report submitted to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA.

Horne, Melinda C. and Dennis P. McDougall. 2007. Cultural Resources Study for the City of Riverside General Plan 2025 Update Program EIR. Prepared by Applied EarthWorks, Inc. for Cotton Bridges and Associates.

Jones, T. L., G. M. Brown, L. M. Raab, J. L. McVickar, W. G. Spaulding, D. J. Kennett, A.

York, and P. L. Walker. 1999. Environmental Imperatives Reconsidered: Demographic Crises in Western North America during the Medieval Climatic Anomaly. Current Anthropology, 40(2):137170.

Kennett, D. J., and J. P. Kennett. 2000. Competitive and Cooperation Responses to Climatic Instability in Coastal Southern California. American Antiquity 65:379395.

Klink, C. J. 2001a. Ground Stone Tool Production and Technological Strategies. In Metropolitan Water District of Southern California Eastside Reservoir Project Archaeological Investigations, Vol. IV: Chapter 10. S. K. Goldberg, general editor. Report prepared by Applied EarthWorks, Inc., Hemet, CA. Report submitted to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA.

Kowta, M. 1969. The Sayles Complex: A Late Milling Stone Assemblage from the Cajon Pass and the Ecological Implications of Its Scraper Planes. University of California Publications in Anthropology 6. Berkeley and Los Angeles, CA.

Lightfoot, Kent. 2005. Indians, Missionaries, and Merchants: The Legacy of Colonial Encounters on the California Frontiers. Berkeley: University of California Press.

McKenna, Jeannette. 2009. California DPR-523 Form, 33-09651. On file, Eastern Information Center. Riverside, CA.

McKim, R. L. 2001. Faunal Assemblages: Vertebrate Faunal Remains. In Metropolitan Water District of Southern California Eastside Reservoir Project Archaeological Investigations, Vol. IV: Chapter 12. S. K. Goldberg, general editor. Report prepared by Applied EarthWorks, Inc., Hemet, CA. Report submitted to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA.

Mehringer, P. J., Jr., and C N. Warren. 1976. Marsh, Dune, and Archaeological Chronology, Ash Meadows, Amargosa Desert, Nevada. In Holocene Environmental Change in the Great Basin, edited by R. Elston, pp. 120150. Nevada Archaeological Survey Research City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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Mehringer, P. J., Jr., P.S. Martin, and C. V. Haynes, Jr. 1967. Murray SpringsA Mid-Postglacial Pollen Record from Southern Arizona. American Journal of Science 265:786797.

Moratto, Michael J. 1998. Prospects for Pleistocene Archaeology in California. Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the Society of California Archaeology, San Diego, CA.

Parker, Edna M. 1937. The Southern Pacific Railroad and Settlement I Southern California. The Pacific Historical Review 6(2):103-119.

Patterson, Tom. 1996. . The Museum
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Settlement of Southern California, 1800-1925. Ph.D., University of Southern California.

Spaulding, W. G. 1990. Vegetational and Climatic Development of The Mojave Desert: The Last Glacial Maximum to the Present. In Packrat Middens: The Last 40,000 Years of Biotic Change, edited by J. L. Betancourt, T. R. Van Devender, and P. S. Martin, pp. 166199.

University of Arizona Press, Tucson, AZ.
_____. 1991. A Middle Holocene Vegetation Record from The Mojave Desert and its Paleoclimatic Significance. Quaternary Research 35:427437. _____. 1995. Environmental Change, Ecosystem Responses, and the Late Quaternary Development of the Mojave Desert. In Late Quaternary Environments and Deep History:

A Tribute to Paul S. Martin, edited by D. Steadman and J. Mead. The Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, South Dakota, Inc. Scientific Papers, Volume 3. Hot Springs, SD. _____. 2001. Paleoenvironmental Context of the Study Area. In Metropolitan Water District of Southern California Eastside Reservoir Project Archaeological Investigations, Vol. IV:

Chapter 5, S. K. Goldberg, general editor. Report prepared by Applied EarthWorks, Inc., Hemet, CA. Report submitted to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA.

Spaulding, W. G., and L. J. Graumlich. 1986. The Last Pluvial Climatic Episodes in the Deserts of Southwestern North America. Nature 320:441444.

SWCA Environmental Consultants. 2003. California DPR-523 Form, 33-13253. On file, Eastern Information Center. Riverside, CA.
_____. 2007. Re: Biological, Cultural, and Paleontological Constraints for the Wilderness Sites in Riverside, Riverside County, California. Letter Report from M. Tuma, SWCA, to M.

Tatterson, POWER Engineers, Inc. June 8, 2007.
_____. 2008. Cultural Resources Survey and Testing of Site CA-RIV-8761 for CRHP Eligibility for the Riverside Transmission Reliability Project, City of Riverside, Riverside County, California.

Toupal, R.S., K. Van Vlack, and R.W. Stoffle. 2007 . American Indian Social Impact Assessment, Riverside Transmission Reliability Project, Riverside, California. Bureau of Applied Research in Anthropology, University of Arizona. Submitted to POWER Engineers, Inc.

TRC Solutions, Inc. 2007a. Riverside Transmission Reliability Project Record Search Report, City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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_____. 2007c. Riverside Transmission Reliability Project Record Search Report, Riverside County, California. Vol. 3 of 4, dated April 26, 2007.
_____. 2007d. Riverside Transmission Reliability Project Record Search Report, Riverside County, California. Vol. 4 of 4, dated April 26, 2007.
_____. 2007e. Riverside Transmission Reliability Project Record Search Report, Riverside County, California. Vol. 1 of 2, dated June 27, 2007.
_____. 2007f. Riverside Transmission Reliability Project Record Search Report, Riverside County, California. Vol. 2 of 2, dated June 27, 2007.
_____. 2007g. Riverside Transmission Reliability Project Record Search Report, Riverside County, California. Vol. 1 of 1, dated June 29, 2007.
_____. 2007h. Riverside Transmission Reliability Project. County of Riverside Archaeology Procedures & Regulations, dated July 30, 2007.

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True, D. L., C. W. Meighan, and H. Crew. 1974. Archaeological Investigation at Molpa, San Diego County, California. University of California Publications in Anthropology 11.

Berkeley, CA.

True, D. L., R. Pankey, and C. N. Warren. 1991. Tom-Kav: A Late Village Site in Northern San Diego County, California and Its Place in the San Luis Rey Complex. University of California Publications Anthropological Records, Volume 30. University of California Press.

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_____. 2009b. Cultural Resources Assessment for the Riverside Transmission Reliability Project, Riverside County, California. DRAFT.

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Southwestern Journal of Anthropology 11:214230.
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Warren, C. N. 1968. Cultural Tradition and Ecological Adaptation on the Southern California Coast. Eastern New Mexico University Contributions in Archaeology 1(3):115. _____. 1980. The Archaeology and Archaeological Resources of the AmargosaMojave Basin Planning Units. In A Cultural Resources Overview for the AmargosaMojave Basin Planning Units, by C. N. Warren, M. Knack, and E. von Till Warren. U.S. Bureau of Land Management, Cultural Resources Publications, AnthropologyHistory, Riverside, CA.
_____. 1984. The Desert Region. In California Archaeology, by Michael J. Moratto, pp. 339 430. Academic Press, New York and London.

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Warren, C. N., D. L. True, and A. A. Eudey. 1961. Early Gathering Complexes of Western San Diego County: Results of Interpretation of an Archaeological Survey. Archaeological Survey Annual Report 19601961, pp. 1106. Institute of Archaeology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA.

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White, Raymond C. 1963. Luiseno Social Organization. University of California Publications in American Archaeology and Ethnology 48(2): 91-194. Berkeley: University of California Press.

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3.2.6 GEOLOGY AND SOILS
Engineers, Inc. and Kleinfelder, March 2010).) and clarifications and further explanation by POWER Engineers, Inc. made in response to public comments on the DEIR.

Methodology for Resource Inventory and Other Data Collection Existing geologic conditions in the area were evaluated from a review of available published and unpublished literature, current aerial photographs from the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, the City of Riverside General Plan, online photos, and limited site reconnaissance. Descriptions of geologic units were derived from published sources from the California Geological Survey, United States Geological Survey (USGS), professional organizations, and academic resources.

Environmental Setting
The project area isRegional Geology
Over the last ten million years, climate in the Riverside region has fluctuated between cold and warm, wet and dry. The time period from the present back approximately 11,000 years is the Holocene Epoch that marks the transition from the last ice age to our current drier conditions.

The Pleistocene Epoch extends from approximately 11,000 years before present (b.p.) to 1.6 million years b.p. (Bryant and Hart 2007). The Holocene Epoch is preceded by the Pleistocene Epoch. During the Pleistocene Epoch, prehistoric animal species that are known to have lived in the region include the American lion, saber-toothed cat, prehistoric bison, and mammoth.

Portions of the 230 kV study corridors are underlain by Pleistocene age alluvial soils (Dibblee 2004). Because of the relative age of this alluvium, there are potentially fossil-bearing localities within the study areas. Paleontological resources are addressed in Section 3.2.5, which precedes this section.

The 230 kV and 69 kV study corridors, Wildlife Substation, Wilderness Substation, and 69 kV substation upgrades are situated within the north central Peninsular Ranges Geomorphic Province of California. This geomorphic province is characterized by a series of mountain ranges separated by northwest trending valleys, sub-parallel to branching faults from the San Andreas fault (CGS, 2002). The San Andreas fault is considered to be the boundary of the crustal Pacific tectonic plate and the North American plate (CGS, 2002). Sub-parallel faults to the San Andreas fault whichthat make up the San Andreas fault zone include the Newport-Inglewood fault, Elsinore fault zone, San Jacinto fault, and eastern California shear zone (CGS, 2002). The Peninsular Ranges Province extends approximately 900 miles from the Transverse Ranges southward to the tip of Baja California, Mexico (Norris and Webb, 1990). The project area is considered to be geologically active and is exposed to some risk from geologic hazards, such as ground shaking and ground failure due to earthquakes. 1990).

The northern part of the Peninsular Ranges Province is divided into three major fault-bounded blocks named the Santa Ana Mountains, Perris Block, and the San Jacinto Mountains (Norris and Webb 1990). The Santa Ana Mountains block is the westernmost of the three, extending from the Pacific coastline eastward to the Elsinore Fault zone. Bedrock of this block includes Tertiary sedimentary rock in the western part to basement assemblages of Mesozoic metasedimentary and Cretaceous volcanic and batholithic rocks.

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The central portion of the Peninsular Ranges, east of the Santa Ana Mountain block and west of the San Jacinto fault zone, is the Perris Block. This roughly rectangular area has relatively low topographic relief underlain by metasedimentary rocks intruded by plutons of the Cretaceous age Peninsular Ranges Batholith. Generally the bedrock within the study corridors consists of quartz diorite plutonic rock.

The San Jacinto Mountains block lies east of the Perris block and is bounded on the west by the San Jacinto fault and on the east by the San Andreas fault. Most of the San Jacinto Mountains block is underlain by a thick section of Pre-Cretaceous metasedimentary rocks that were intruded by Cretaceous age granite rocks of the Peninsular Ranges Batholith.

Alluvium, colluvium, and slope-wash deposits of late Pleistocene and Holocene times are found within existing drainage features, including valleys and streams. The alluvial deposits grade indiscernibly with colluvium and slope-wash deposits that generally flank the lower slopes adjacent to the valleys. These deposits are lithologically variable and generally reflect the local source material from which they were derived. Generally, the alluvial deposits within the study corridors consist of Pleistocene fluvial and/or fan deposits and Holocene fluvial deposits in the active Santa Ana River flood plain.

The dominant natural drainage course that crosses the study corridor area is the Santa Ana River channel. The Santa Ana River basin covers approximately 2,450 square miles, with the headwaters beginning in the San Bernardino and San Gabriel Mountains and outlets into the Pacific Ocean in Newport Beach (SCGS 1978). The Santa Ana River channel enters the study area in Colton at an approximate elevation of 930 feet above MSL and exits the area near Norco at approximate elevation 630 feet above MSL.

Project Area Geology
The 230 kV transmission line study corridors cross three main different geologic units. From youngest to oldest they are: Holocene age artificial fill, recent alluvial deposits, windblown deposits, and slope wash (map units: Qaf, Qya, Qye, Qyw, Qw, and Qyf5 age); Pleistocene age older alluvial deposits (map units: Qoa, Qof, Qof1, Qof3, Qow, Qvoa and Qvof); and Cretaceous age quartz diorite and/or gabbroic type bedrock (map units: Kcg, Kdqd, Kgb, Kqd, Krg, Pzq and Pzsgp).

There are two 69 kV subtransmission line study corridors. The Wilderness Mountain View 69 kV subtransmission line study corridor crosses two different geologic units. From youngest to oldest they are: Pleistocene age older alluvial deposits (map unit: Qof3); and Cretaceous age igneous quartz diorite bedrock (map unit: Kqd). The RERC-Harvey Lynn/Freeman 69 kV subtransmission line corridor crosses three predominant geologic units. From youngest to oldest they are: Holocene age artificial fill, young alluvial fan, and slope wash deposits (Qaf, Qya, Qyf, Qyw, and Qw); Pleistocene age older alluvial deposits (Qof3, Qts); and Cretaceous age gabbro, quartz diorite, granite, and tonalite bedrock (Kgb, Kqd, Krg, and Kt).

The sites for the Wildlife Substation and Wilderness Substation are both underlain by Cretaceous age quartz diorite bedrock.

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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 Three of the four substations to be upgraded (Harvey Lynn, Mountain View, and RERC) are underlain by older alluvium. The fourth substation to be upgraded (Freeman) is underlain by young alluvium.

The geology within and adjacent to the 230 kV and 69 kV transmission line corridors are shown on Figures 3.2.6-1 and 3.2.6-2, respectively.

Geohazards
Geologic processes that result in geologic hazards include: surface rupture, ground shaking (seismicity), ground failure, landslides, mudflows, subsidence of the land, liquefaction, tsunamis, seiches, and flooding due to failure of dams and levees. Because the study area is generally considered to be geologically active, most of the study corridors and substations would be exposed to some risk from geologic hazards.

Figures showing the geohazards within and adjacent to the 230 kV and 69 kV transmission line corridors are located at the end of the Earth Resources Technical Report in Appendix B.

Seismic Hazards
Surface ruptures are the displacement and cracking of the ground surface along a fault trace.

Surface ruptures are visible instances of horizontal or vertical ground displacement, or a combination of the two, typically confined to a narrow zone along a fault. The effects of ground shaking, the actual ground motion during an earthquake, can vary widely across an area and depend on such factors as the earthquake intensity and fault mechanism, duration of shaking, soil conditions, type of structure and other factors.

Within California, active faults are considered to be those having displacement within the Holocene Epoch, or approximately the last 11,000 years (CGS 2007). Areas within the vicinity of active faults are subject to regulation under the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act of 1973. Locations of the active faults are available from the CGS. Observation of the most current CGS maps indicate that no portions of the study area are included within or cross an Alquist- Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone designated by the State. Most of the project area is located along relatively level ground and away from steep slopes, except for portions along the boundaries of the Santa Ana River floodplain. Generally, the steep slopes along the Santa Ana River expose granite bedrock, which is not prone to landslides or debris flows. Wildlife Substation and Wilderness Substation are underlain by granitic bedrock and are not prone to liquefaction or settlement, or subject to ground deformation due to a large seismic event on one or more of the active faults in the regions This means that surface rupture due to faults mapped in the current Alquist-Priolo zones are not anticipated, although the area may be affected by other seismic hazards such as ground shaking.

The San Andreas Fault trends along a roughly northwest/southeast alignment and is located approximately 16.2 miles northeast of the northeastern-most 230 kV study area. The San Andreas Fault zone delineates the boundary between two global tectonic plates known as the North American Plate and Pacific Plate. The San Andreas Fault is the largest fault structure contained within a system of numerous subsidiary faults. The three closest active subsidiary faults are the Elsinore Fault (approximately 6.3 miles from the westernmost 230 kV study corridor, approximately 7.3 miles from the western-most 69 kV corridor and approximately 11.2 City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 miles west of the Wildlife and Wilderness substation sites); the Cucamonga Fault (approximately

10.1 miles from the northern-most 230 kV corridor); and the San Jacinto Fault (approximately

11.0 miles from the northeastern-most 230 kV corridor at the Wilderness substation, approximately 10.5 miles from the northeastern-most 69 kV corridor).

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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 Secondary Seismic Hazards/Seismic-Related Ground Failure The potential for seismic-induced ground failure impacts is present where alluvial deposits and shallow groundwater conditions are present. Liquefaction is a phenomenon in which loose, saturated, granular soil deposits lose shear strength and mobilize as a result of increased pore water pressure induced by strong ground shaking during an earthquake. Structures founded on or above potentially liquefiable soil may experience settling (both total and differential) and loss of foundation support. The factors known to influence liquefaction potential include soil type, grain size, relative density, confining pressure, shallow depth to ground water, and the intensity and duration of ground shaking. Soils most susceptible to liquefaction are saturated, loose, sandy soils and some silty soils.

The potential exists for seismic-related ground failure for the proposed 230 kV and 69 kV transmission lines and the four substations to be upgraded. The Wildlife and Wilderness substations are underlain by bedrock and would not be susceptible to this hazard.

Landslide Hazards
Landslides and mudflows are the downslope movement of soil and/or rock under the influence of gravity. Landslide and mudflow processes are influenced by factors such as thickness of soil or fill over bedrock, steepness and height of slope, physical properties of the fill, soil or bedrock materials, and moisture content. Mudflows can also occur when loose surficial deposits become saturated during periods of heavy rainfall and during flash flooding in ephemeral drainages near steep hillsides. Mudflow hazards typically increase significantly after loss of vegetation cover by fires or grading. These factors may increase the effective force of gravity upon a slope, decrease the ability of a slope to resist gravitational influences, or result in a combination of the two, which can lead to mudflows and landslides.

Potential slope instability impacts are present within the proposed 230 kV and 69 kV transmission lines and the four substations to be upgraded. The Wildlife and Wilderness substations are underlain by bedrock and would not be susceptible to this hazard.

Project Area Soils
Soil development is reflective of source material, climate, and duration of weathering. In general, the soils in the Project area are derived from relatively local sources, for example bedrock or alluvial deposits. The bedrock parent material has a great influence on the resulting soil. Most of the Project area and vicinity is underlain by coarse grained igneous intrusive rock, like granite, that weathers to sandy soils with few organics.

Physical characteristics of soils along with interaction of environmental factors such as wind, ibility to erosion and expansion.

Soil characteristics resulting from provenance factors are available from the U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) database. NRCS compiles extensive records on soil group characterization data. The physical and chemical profiles available in the NRCS database are very useful in estimating the sensitivity of a soil to disturbance caused by construction or agricultural activities.

Relevant soil data was obtained from the NRCS Soil Data Mart and compiled in GIS. Figures City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 showing the distribution of soil types along the 230 kV and 69 kV alignments are included as Figures 3.2.6-3 and 3.2.6-4, respectively. The data originates from the NRCS State Soil Geographic (STATSGO) database.

Soil Related Hazards
The soil resource assessment is intended to provide technical information to identify and assess risks due to soil erosion and expansive soils. The requirements for evaluation of soil hazard risks per the CEQA Guidelines include assessment of: (1) potential for substantial soil erosion or loss of topsoil; and (2) expansive soils.

Three attributes were used to characterize soil properties in connection with the hazard analysis.

Susceptibility to erosion by wind and water was assessed by using the KW factor and Wind Erodibility Group (WEG) attributes, respectively, and expansion potential was assessed by using American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) soil groups. A discussion of each of these soil attributes follows.

Kw Water Erosion Factor
Kw indicates the susceptibility of a whole soil to sheet or rill erosion. Factor K is one of several factors used in the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) and the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) to predict the average rate of soil loss by sheet or rill erosion in tons per acre per year. The estimates are based primarily on percentage of silt, sand, and organic matter, and on soil structure and permeability. The entire range of Kw values is from 0.02 to 0.69. In general, the higher the value, the more susceptible the soil is to sheet and rill erosion by water. The Kw values within the Project area range from 0.15 to 0.64. For purposes of this study, the Kw data were subjectively assigned these relative descriptors:

Kw Range Descriptor

0.10 0.20 Least Susceptible

0.24 0.32 Moderately Susceptible

0.37 0.64 Most Susceptible

WEG Wind Erodibility Group
The WEGs comprise soils having similar properties affecting their susceptibility to wind erosion in cultivated areas. The WEGs range from 1 to 8. Soils assigned to Group 1 are most susceptible to wind erosion, and those assigned to Group 8 are least susceptible to wind erosion. There is a close correlation between wind erosion and surface layer texture, the size and durability of surface clods, rock fragments, organic matter, and calcareous cements. Soil moisture and frozen soil layers also influence wind erosion. For purposes of this study, the WEG data were subjectively assigned these relative descriptors:

WEG Descriptor
1 2 Most Susceptible
3 6 Moderately Susceptible
7 8 Least Susceptible

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The tendency for a soil to expand when saturated is a function of clay content and the type of clay present. While a method to estimate expansion potential has been developed by ASTM International (ASTM D-4829), this soil attribute is not available in the NRSC data tables. As a proxy for this soil characteristic, the AASHTO soil group assignments were used for this purpose. The AASHTO soil classification spans from A-1 to A-8 based on soil gradation results.

A summary of the soil groups is as follows:

Soil Groups Significant Constituents
A-1 to A-3 Gravelly sandy soils with little or no clay A-4 to A-5 Silty soils and fine sandy and clayey silty soils A-6 to A-7 Clay soils

Due to the high clay content, AASHTO soil groups A-6 and A-7 designate soils that may exhibit an expansi
may
dependent on the type of clay present. Expansion characteristics are dependent on clay molecular structure. In brief, 1:1 clays, such as kaolinite and nacrite, are not prone to expansion, while 2:1 clays, such as smectite and montmorillonite, are very prone to expansion. Thus the characterization target is to identify soils with high 2:1 clay content. In the absence of data pertaining to clay types, AASHTO soil groups A-6 and A-7 are used as proxies for this soil hazard.

Since there is no readily available information sources for the distribution of expansive clays in the Proposed Project area, for purposes of this study the AASHTO soil groups were subjectively assigned these relative descriptors as related to expansion potential:

Soil Groups Descriptor
A-1 to A-3 Least Susceptible
A-4 to A-5 Moderately Susceptible
A-6 to A-7 Most Susceptible

Impact Levels
Geology
Discussions of Impact Methods and Impact Results for geologic resources are discussed in Sections 4.0 and 5.0, respectively, in the Earth Resources Technical Report in Appendix B.

Soils
The methodology and results for assessing Project impacts on, or due to, soil conditions is described below. Initial impacts assessment is a combination of soil sensitivity and construction project location/activity level. Long-term final impact estimates are based on application of EPEs developed specifically to address soil hazards for the Proposed Project.

The sensitivity and construction activity levels are defined below. A summary of the estimated short- and long-term impacts is included later in this section.

Sensitivity
Impacts are identified by comparing the sensitivity of a soil to planned activities in the substation City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 and utility line construction/relocation process. Soil sensitivity ratings have been assigned to the soils at the new substation locations and along the 230 kV and 69 kV lines. The ratings are determined by the occurrence of most susceptible/highest clay content on the following scale:

High Sensitivity
o Kw Factor rated as Most Susceptible
o WEG Factor rated as Most Susceptible
o AASHTO Soil Groups rated as Most Susceptible
Moderate Sensitivity
o Kw Factor rated as Moderately Susceptible
o WEG Factor rated as Moderately Susceptible
o AASHTO Soil Groups rated as Moderately Susceptible
Low Sensitivity
o Kw Factor rated as Least Susceptible
o WEG Factor rated as Least Susceptible
o AASHTO Soil Groups rated as Least Susceptible
Activity Levels
Direct impacts to soils would result from construction activities. The Proposed Project components considered in this analysis are described in detail in Chapter 2, Project Description.

In brief, they include:

New 230 kV transmission line
New 69 kV subtransmission lines
Fiber optic line relocation
Two new substations: Wilderness and Wildlife
A qualitative assessment of the degree of ground disturbance resulting from construction activity associated with each Project component is summarized in Table 3.2.6-1. The construction activity levels for the 230 kV transmission line and the substations were designated as high due to the acreage of surface disturbance. For purposes of the geology and soil resources assessment, the 69 kV subtransmission line would essentially involve placement of four- to six-foot diameter steel tube towers along an existing ROW, so construction activity is rated as low. The area of temporary and total ground disturbance related to the fiber optic line is 0.005 acre (217 square feet). The fiber optic replacement component was rated as low due to the small degree of soil disturbance and construction in urban hardscaped areas. There were no moderate levels of construction activity identified in this evaluation.

TABLE 3.2.6-1. SOIL IMPACTS SUMMARY
Project Component Construction
Activity Rating Soil Sensitivity Sensitive Soil
Attribute
Project Impact
Estimate
230 kV Transmission Line High High Kw, WEG, AASHTO LTS1 69 kV SubtransmissionLine Low High AASHTO LTS
Fiber Optic Low Low NA2 LTS
Wilderness / Wildlife Substations High Low NA LTS
Notes: 1. LTS = less than significant 2. NA = not applicable City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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The primary concerns for soil resources during and after construction are: (1) avoidance or minimization of potential impacts related to wind and water; and (2) construction on potentially expansive soils.

The following describes the conditions associated with impact levels.

High Impact
High wind or water erosion potential
Location on soils most susceptible to expansion
Moderate Impact
Moderate wind or water erosion potential
Location on soils moderately susceptible to expansion
Low Impact
Low wind or water erosion potential
Location on soils least susceptible to expansion
In order to decrease potential soil-related impacts, two EPEs have been incorporated into the Proposed Project. The first EPE (GEO-1) is performance of a geotechnical investigation, and the second EPE (GEO-2) is development of a construction stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) to minimize soil erosion. The geology and soils EPEs are described in detail in the Impacts Assessment section in below.

The initial impacts are designated based on comparing construction activity ratings with soil sensitivity. Where soil sensitivity to disturbance is low, no MMs are necessary. Table 3.2.6-1 summarizes the findings of the soil impacts assessment. This table is the basis for the soil resources Environmental Impacts discussion below.

Regulatory Setting
The 2009 International Building Code (IBC) defines minimum standards for buildings, construction, and grading activities. At the state level, California provides a minimum standard for building design through the 2010 California Building Code (CBC). The 2010 CBC is based on the 2009 IBC with necessary California amendments. The CBC regulates site demolition, excavation, grading activities, including drainage and erosion control, and construction methods to protect people and property from geologic hazards. The Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act of 1972 prohibits the construction of buildings used for human occupancy on active surface faults, which are faults which have ruptured the ground surface in the past 11,000 years.

The Seismic Hazards Mapping Act (California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Article 10) provides for a State-wide seismic hazards mapping program that the California Geological Survey (CGS) administers to assist cities and counties in fulfilling their requirements for protecting the public health and safety from the effects of strong ground shaking, liquefaction, Special Publication 117, Guidelines for Evaluating and Mitigating Seismic Hazards in City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 California, provides guidance for evaluation and mitigation of earthquake-related hazards for projects within designate hazard zones.

Impact Assessment
Significance Threshold Criteria
The significance criteria for this analysis were developed from criteria presented in Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines.

Would the project:
a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury or death involving:

1. Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault?

2. Strong seismic ground shaking?

3. Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction?

4. Landslides?
b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on- or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse?
d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating substantial risks to life or property? e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative waste water disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of waste water?

Environmental Protection Elements (EPEs)
Following best management and design practices throughout conception, construction, and implementation of the Proposed Project ensures that public safety is paramount and potential environmental impacts are minimized through avoidance. Table 3.2.6-2 outlines the proposed SCE and RPU Environmental Protection Elements (EPEs) related to geology and soils. As discussed above in Section 3.1.2, the EPEs have been included as part of the Proposed Project; therefore, the impact analysis section that follows includes the implementation of the EPEs listed below. Any impact resulting from the implementation of the Proposed Project (including the EPEs) is identified below. Where mitigation measures would reduce these impacts, the measures and their effectiveness have been included in the impact discussion.

TABLE 3.2.6-2. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ELEMENTS GEOLOGY AND SOILS EPE Description
GEO-01
Conduct a geotechnical study and incorporate recommendations into final project design. Prior to final design of the substations, substation upgrades, distribution line relocation, access roads, fiber optic line and Transmission/Subtransmission Line placement, a geotechnical study would be performed to identify site- specific soils and geologic conditions in enough detail to support final engineering. Recommendations from the geotechnical study would be incorporated into the final project design.

GEO-02
Implement soil erosion protection measures. Transmission line, substation construction and upgrades, access roads, distribution line relocation and fiber optic line construction would be performed in accordance with the soil erosion and water quality protection measures specified in the Construction SWPPP.

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Environmental Impacts
Based on the CEQA Guidelines, the analysis considers whether the Proposed Project and alternatives would result in significant impacts to geology and soils.

a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury or death involving:

1. Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist- Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault?

2. Strong seismic ground shaking?

3. Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction?

4. Landslides?

Less Than Significant Impact. Because the Proposed Project area is within an area considered to be geologically active, the Proposed Project will be exposed to some risk from geologic hazards, such as ground shaking and ground failure due to earthquakes. Being an electric power transmission project, the Proposed Project would not consist of habitable buildings or other structures that would be occupied by large numbers of people and thereby increase exposure of people to these hazards. No known active faults cross the Proposed Project area.

The proposed 230 kV transmission line and 69 kV subtransmission line facilities, as well as the existing and planned substations, are anticipated to be affected by strong ground shaking, as these areas are located in the seismically active region of Southern California. Seismic-related horizontal and vertical ground accelerations (peak acceleration range from 0.43g to 0.75g) have the potential to directly cause structure failures, resulting in equipment loss and power outages.

In addition, the potential for seismic-related ground failure exists for both the proposed 230 kV and 69 kV lines, and at the four substations to be upgraded as these areas are underlain by alluvial deposits and shallow groundwater where liquefaction could occur. During seismic events, potential slope instability impacts, including landslides, mudflows, debris flows and rock falls, could occur along the 230 kV and 69 kV lines and the RERC, Harvey Lynn and Freeman substations. As part of geotechnical investigations during the Proposed Project design phase, location-specific seismic analysis would be conducted. Final designs would be reviewed by the a result, the risk of structure collapse resulting in human injury or death during as seismic event is negligible. Impacts would be less than significant, as the design of the Proposed Project would incorporate recommendations from the geotechnical study into the final design.

The final design of the Proposed Project would incorporate recommendations from the geotechnical study, as described in EPE GEO-1.

b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? Less than Significant Impact. The Proposed Project will not result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil. As noted in MM BIO-7, prior to vegetation clearing, a topsoil salvage evaluation would be conducted to determine if soil is suitable for salvage, in which case it would be used for restoration on-site, by being generally free of non-native weed species, trash, or other contaminants that would limit usefulness during restoration and revegetation. The estimated City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 ground to be disturbed during construction of the transmission line is 94.1 acres. Of this, approximately 69.5 acres of ground would be restored, resulting in approximately 24.6 acres of permanent ground disturbance associated with facility and access road construction. A number of Proposed Project features would reduce the potential for erosion and topsoil loss resulting from access road development. These would include: rehabilitation of existing unimproved roads prior to construction, grading, installation of drainage structures and retaining walls, subsoil compaction and aggregate base application in flood-prone areas (100-year flood zone), and avoidance of access road construction with inwithin the 10-year flood zone. Restoration of temporary disturbance areas would begin immediately following construction activities. The Wilderness and Wildlife substations would permanently disturb approximately 6.4 and 3.0 acres, respectively. All substation upgrades would occur within the footprint of existing substation sites. Relocation of the existing distribution lines would result in a temporary disturbance of 3.6 acres, all of which would be restored following construction.

Although sections of the 230 kV line would be located along the boundaries of the Santa Ana River floodplain where there are steep slopes, these slopes expose granite bedrock, which is not prone to erosion events or debris flows.

As noted in EPE GEO-2, construction activities would be performed in accordance with soil construction SWPPP. The SWPPP is MM HAZ-03 (see Section 3.2.7) and will include best management practices designed to control erosion during construction. The SWPPP is also described in Section 3.2.8 (Hydrology and Water QualityConstruction Stormwater Program subsection) as part of the General Construction Permit requirements to comply with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System.

c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on-or- off site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse?
Less than Significant Impact. -
transmission routes are located along relatively level ground with Pleistocene-age alluvium and away from steep slopes, except for portions along the boundaries of the Santa Ana River floodplain. Generally, the steep slopes along the Santa Ana River expose granite bedrock, which is not prone to landslides, lateral spreading, subsidence or collapse. The Proposed Project would not increase soil instability in any area.

A potential for liquefaction exists for the 230 kV and 69 kV lines and at the four substations to be upgraded, as these areas are underlain by alluvial deposits and shallow groundwater.

Although the Proposed Project would not increase the potential for liquefaction events, the potential exists for the Proposed Project to be affected by liquefaction events. As part of geotechnical investigations during the Proposed Project design phase, location-specific analysis (including seismic-related processes such as liquefaction) would be conducted. Based on findings, some minor structure location adjustments may be required. As appropriate, structure foundation designs would be augmented or modified. Impacts would be less than significant, as the final design of the Proposed Project would incorporate recommendations from the geotechnical study into the final design, as described in EPE GEO-1.

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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating substantial risks to life or property? Less Than Significant Impact. Because soils in the Proposed Project area are predominantly sandy with no expansive soils, no substantial risks to life of property are anticipated to occur.

Although portions of the excavation footprint are underlain by clays most susceptible to expansion, the risk to construction on expandable clays would be reduced through implementation of EPE GEO-1. Prior to final design, site-specific geotechnical investigations would be conducted to confirm soil characteristics. With the implementation of EPE GEO-1, impacts would be less than significant, as the final design of the Proposed Project would incorporate recommendations from the geotechnical study.

e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative waste water disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of waste water? No Impact. The Proposed Project does not require septic tanks or alternative waste water disposal systems.

Significant Unavoidable Impacts
The 230 kV transmission line and 69 kV subtransmission lines, as well as the existing and planned substations, are anticipated to be affected by strong ground shaking, as these areas are located in the seismically active region of Southern California. These impacts to Proposed Project facilities are not avoidable. As described under criterion (a) above, final design would modification and strengthening. The Proposed Project would not result in a significant increased risk to the environment resulting from unavoidable seismic activity. There would be no potentially significant unavoidable impacts.

References
Bryant, W.A and E.W. Hart. 2007. Fault-Rupture Hazard Zones in California, Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act with Index to Earthquake Fault zones Maps, Special Publication 42, California Geological Survey, interim revision 2007.

California Geological Survey (CGS). 2002. California Geomorphic Provinces, Note 36, revised December 2002.

California Geological Survey (CGS). 2007. Fault Rupture Hazard Zones in California, Special Publications 42, Interim Revision 2007.

Dibblee, Jr., T.W., and J.A. Minch (ed). 2004a. Geologic Map of the Riverside West /South ½ of Fontana Quadrangles, San Bernardino and Riverside County, California, Dibblee Foundation Map DF-128.

Dibblee, Jr., T.W., and J.A. Minch (ed). 2004b. Geologic Map of the San Bernardino North/North ½ of San Bernardino South Quadrangles, San Bernardino and Riverside County, California, Dibblee Foundation Map DF-127.

Norris, R.M. and Webb, R.M. 1990. Geology of California, second edition, John Wiley & Sons, City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 Inc., ISBN 0-471-50980-9.

nical Report-Riverside
MarchJune
2010. Anaheim and Redlands, CA

South Coast Geological Society (SCGS). 1978. Geologic Guidebook to the Santa Ana River Basin Southern California, Field Trip October 7, 1978.

Uniform Building Code, 1994, UBC Section 1803.2.

US Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Soil data mart Web Site, 26 March 2012:
http://soildatamart.nrcs.usda.gov/SDM%20Web%20Application/default.aspx

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3.2.7 HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
This section describes potential hazards to public health and safety associated with construction and operation of the Proposed Project, including potential hazardous materials impacts and aviation safety impacts. This section examines how implementation of the Proposed Project would alter the present conditions of the local environment due to hazards and hazardous materials.

Environmental Setting
Hazardous Materials
Hazardous materials generally include substances that are toxic, flammable, corrosive, or chemically reactive, or produce vapors when combined with water. Chapter 6.95, Section 25501(o) of the California Health and Safet
that, because of quantity, concentration, or physical or chemical characteristics, poses a significant present or potential hazard to human health and safety or to the environment. In some instances, the former land uses of a site involved the use of hazardous materials which may have spilled and percolated into the soil, water, or groundwater, resulting in contamination. Soils possessing contaminant levels in excess of established thresholds for particular substances (e.g., petroleum products, lead) must be treated as hazardous waste during their excavation, transport, and disposal. Consequently, the handling, transport, and disposal of hazardous materials is heavily regulated by federal, state, and local governmental policies to protect humans and the environment from the potentially harmful effects of accidental spills or unauthorized releases.

The RTRP area is located in unincorporated areas of Riverside County and within portions of the Cities of Jurupa Valley, Riverside, and Norco. Portions of the Proposed Project are located within undeveloped open space and/or residential, commercial, agricultural, and industrial land use areas. Past land uses including, but not limited to, commercial and industrial uses could have resulted in hazardous material releases in the area.

Limited Phase I Environmental Site Assessment and Hazardous Materials Database Records Search
A Limited Phase I hazardous materials environmental site assessment was prepared to assist in search was conducted by TrackInfo Services, LLC. (TIS) on May 8, 2008 to identify potential environmental contamination issues that may be associated with known hazardous material storage sites, use locations, and/or illicit release sites in the RTRP vicinity. The results of that records search identifies known hazardous sites, which are discussed and analyzed below.

Additionally, EPEs and mitigation measures identified within this section would serve to mitigate any impacts associated with the discovery of hazardous materials/sites during construction. The analysis shows that the potential for impacts related to hazards and hazardous materials is very low due to the relatively non-invasive nature of the construction of a transmission line across a property.

More specifically, the records search performed as part of the Limited Phase I environmental site assessment included a search radius of approximately one-half mile along the Proposed Project routes, as well as the Van Buren Offset Alternative route. Due to the size of the RTRP area, the results of the findings were documented in separate Environmental FirstSearch Reports, which City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 consisted of the following components: 230 kV transmission line, 69 kV subtransmission lines, and the Van Buren Offset Alternative1 (see Appendix F for a summary of results). In some instances, the same site may have been identified by multiple search databases or may have been found within the search radius of more than one of the routes. Overall, sites identified in the TrackInfo Services preliminary record search include SWL sites, RCRA generators, UST, and LUST sites associated with local businesses (e.g., gas stations, auto repair shops, supermarkets, etc.). No National Priority List or Superfund sites were identified at the Proposed Project ROWs or substation locations. Detailed information on identified sites can be found in the TIS Reports.

A list of the regulatory agency databases searched by TIS is provided in Table 3.2.7-1.

TABLE 3.2.7-1. REGULATORY AGENCY DATABASES SEARCHED
Regulatory Database
Searched Type of Record Regulatory Agency
NPL National Priority List United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
NPL Delisted National Priority List Subset EPA
CERCLIS Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Information System EPA
NFRAP No Further Remedial Action Plan (archive of CERLIS sites) EPA
RCRA COR ACT Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Information System Sites EPA
RCRA TSD Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities EPA
RCRA GEN Resource Conservation and Recovery Information System Generators EPA
RCRA NLR Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Information System Sites that no longer require reporting EPA
Federal IC / EC Brownfields Management System EPA
ERNS Emergency Response Notification System EPA/National Response Center Tribal Lands Indian Lands of the United States U.S. Department of the Interior / Bureau of Indian Affairs
State Spills 90 spills, leaks, investigations, and cleanups California Environmental Protection
Agency (Cal EPA)
State/Tribal SWL Solid Waste Information System
California Integrated Waste Management
Board / State Water Resources Control
Board (SWRCB) / Riverside County
State/Tribal LUST Leaking Underground Storage Tank Listing SWRCB / Riverside County State/Tribal UST/AST Underground and Aboveground Storage Tank Listing SWRCB / Riverside County State/Tribal IC Deed Restricted Sites Listing Cal EPA / Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC)
State/Tribal VCP Voluntary Cleanup Program Sites Cal EPA / DTSC State/Tribal Brownfields See Mitigation and Brownfields Reuse Program Database DTSC
State Permits
Tracks establishments and the status of their permits in relation to compliance with federal, state and local
regulations.

Riverside County

1 Note: Data obtained and summarized in the Environmental FirstSearch Report for the Van Buren Offset Alternative also contains information for the Bain Street Alternative, which was initially considered and then subsequently eliminated from further consideration. (see Chapter 6, Project Alternatives).

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Searched Type of Record Regulatory Agency
State Other
Database of sites that are known to be contaminated
as well as sites with uncharacterized properties where
further studies may reveal problems
Cal EPA / DTSC
Floodplains 100-year and 500-year floodplain boundaries Federal Emergency Management Agency Oil & Gas Wells Completions, pluggings, and permits California Department of Conservation SOURCE: TrackInfo Services, LLC (Environmental FirstSearch Report), 2008.

Schools
The RTRP area overlaps with the following school districts: Alvord Unified School District, Riverside Unified School District, Jurupa Unified School District, and Corona-Norco Unified School District (Riverside County Office of Education, 2009). There are teneleven schools located within one-quarter mile of the Proposed Project area. These schools are identified in Table 3.2.7-2 below.

TABLE 3.2.7-2. SCHOOLS LOCATED WITHIN 0.25 MILES OF THE RTRP Jurisdiction School Address RTRP Component
Within 0.25 Miles
Riverside
CountyCity of
Jurupa Valley
VanderMolen Elementary School 6744 Carnelian, Mira Loma (Jurupa Valley) I-15 Route City of
Riverside
La Granada Elementary School 10346 Keller Avenue, Riverside 69 kV Route Arlanza Elementary School 5891 Rutland Street, Riverside 69 kV Route Crest Haven School 5966 Robinson Avenue, Riverside 69 kV Route Norte Vista High School 6585 Crest Avenue, Riverside 69 kV Route Learning Bee Montessori Academy 10235 Wells Avenue, Riverside 69 kV Route 10744 Hole Avenue, Riverside 69 kV Route
Wells Middle School 10000 Wells Avenue, Riverside 69 kV Route Hawthorne Elementary School 2700 Irving Street, Riverside 69 kV Route Myra Linn Elementary School 10435 Branigan Way, Riverside 69 kV Route Our Lady Queen of Angels
Elementary School 4824 Jones Avenue, Riverside 69 kV Route

Airports
There are two airport facilities within proximity to the RTRP: Flabob Airport and Riverside Municipal Airport. Flabob Airport, a privately owned public use airport, is located northwest of the Santa Ana River in the City of Jurupa Valley approximately 2.5 miles northeast of the Proposed Project (230 kV transmission line component). Riverside Municipal Airport, a City of Riverside-owned and operated public airport situated in the northwest portion of the City of Riverside, is located generally southeast/east and within two miles of the Proposed Project (230 kV transmission and 69 kV subtransmission line components).

-mile radius of airports in
Riverside County. Based upon Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) criteria, the Riverside County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (RCALUC) has established height restrictions for objects that could represent a potential airspace obstruction issue and safety concern due to their location within an Airport Influence Area and Airport Compatibility Zones. More specifically, City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 Policy 1.5.3 of the RCALUC notes that actions within Airport Compatibility Zones that may warrant review by the Riverside County ALUC include proposals for new development (including buildings, antennas, and other structures) having a height of more than 35 feet (Zones B1 and B2), 70 feet (Zone C), and 150 feet (Zones D and E). Within Compatibility Zone A, any proposed development, including vegetation, requires ALUC review.

While the Proposed Project is not located within the RCALUC designated Airport Influence Area or any of the Airport Compatibility Zones for Flabob Airport (ALUC, 2010), a review of the Riverside Municipal Airport Compatibility Map (Map RI-1) places the Proposed Project (230kV230 kV transmission and 69kV69 kV subtransmission line components) within the RCALUC designated Airport Influence Area and several Airport Compatibility Zones for Riverside Municipal Airport (see Table 3.2.7-3). Table 3.2.7-3 provides a summary of the Riverside Municipal Airport Compatibility Zones crossed by the Proposed Project. Table 3.2.7-3 also provides height ranges for the Proposed Project structures (transmission line steel lattice towers, tubular steel poles, and wood poles), and the structure height for proposed development that may be subject to ALUC review within designated Airport Compatibility Zones for Riverside Municipal Airport.

TABLE 3.2.7-3. RIVERSIDE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT COMPATIBILITY ZONES CROSSED BY THE

PROPOSED PROJECT

RTRP COMPONENT RIVERSIDE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT COMPATIBILITY ZONES Riverside Municipal Airport Compatibility Zone Name
ZONE A ZONE B1 ZONE B2 ZONE C ZONE D ZONE E
Location

Runway
Protection
Zone within
Building
Restriction
Line
Inner
Approach /
Departure
Zone
Adjacent to
Runway
Extended
Approach /
Departure
Zone
Primary
Traffic
Patterns and
Runway
Buffer Area
Other
Airport
Environs

Structure Height for Proposed Development Subject to ALUC Review within Designated Airport Compatibility Zones

any proposed
development >35 feet >35 feet >70 feet >150 feet >150 feet 230kV Transmission Line Steel Lattice Towers and Tubular Steel Poles (structure height range: 90-175 feet) Proposed Project (I-15
Route) x x x
69kV Subtransmission Line Wood Poles (structure height range: 65-90 feet) Wilderness Substation to
Mountain View Substation x x
Wilderness/Wildlife
Substation to Jurupa Avenue x x x x
RERC to Harvey Lynn
Substation and Freeman
Substation
x x x x x x

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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 Wildfire Protection and Emergency Medical Response Services The occurrence of fire is most likely in times of high temperature, low humidity, and strong surface winds. Areas associated with the greatest fire potential in the Proposed Project vicinity include industrial and open-space areas, and the most common sources of ignition are equipment- and arson-related. Fire protection and emergency response providers that would serve the RTRP and surrounding area include the Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department, the City of Riverside Fire Department, and the City of Norco Fire Department (see Section

3.2.13, Public Services and Utilities).

Regulatory Setting
Proposed Project consistency with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and policies relating to the Riverside County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (RCALUC) are described in detail in Section 3.2.9, Land Use and Planning. Activities associated with construction and operation of the Proposed Project would be consistent with all other applicable plans and policies related to hazards and hazardous materials, as they are described below.

Federal
Federal Aviation Administration, Federal Aviation Regulation Title 14, Part 77 The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issues and enforces regulations pertaining to air traffic control and the assignment and use of airspace. Standards for determining whether a proposed development may become an obstruction to navigable airspace are provided in FAA Title 14, Part 77. The FAA requires notification through the filing of the two-part FAA Form 7460 (7460-1 Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration, and 7460-2 Supplemental Notice) if certain criteria are met due to construction or operation of a proposed project. Criteria that would trigger the need for FAA filing on a proposed project are described in detail in Section

3.2.9 of this document (see Section 3.2.9, Land Use and Planning).

Occupational Safety and Health Administration
The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces regulations covering the handling of hazardous materials in the workplace. The regulations established in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 29 are designed to protect workers from hazards associated with encountering hazardous materials at the work site. The regulations require certain training, operating procedures, and protective equipment to be used at work sites that could encounter hazardous materials.

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
Under the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), individual states may implement their own hazardous waste programs in lieu of RCRA as long as the state program is at least as stringent as federal RCRA requirements and is approved by the EPA. The EPA ferred to as the Hazardous Waste Control Law
(HWCL), in 1992.

Toxic Substance Control Act
The Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) was enacted by Congress in 1976, and has enabled the EPA to track 75,000 chemicals produced or shipped into the United States from abroad. The City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 EPA then monitors these chemicals and can mandate reporting or testing for those that may be detrimental to human health or the environment. The EPA is responsible for placing bans on the manufacturing and importation of chemicals that pose an unreasonable risk or hazard to the environment or human health.

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) was developed to protect water, air, and land resources from the risk created by past chemical disposal practices. This act is also referred to as the Superfund Act, and the sites listed under it are referred to as Superfund sites. Under CERCLA, the EPA maintains a list, known as CERCLIS, of all contaminated sites in the nation that have undergone in part or are currently undergoing clean-up activities. CERCLIS contains information on current hazardous waste sites, potential hazardous waste sites, and remedial activities. This includes sites that are on the National Priorities List (NPL) or being considered for the NPL.

State
California Code of Regulations
The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 22, Section 66261.20-24, contains technical descriptions of characteristics that would classify wasted material, including soil, as hazardous waste. When excavated, soils with concentrations of contaminants higher than certain acceptable levels must be handled and disposed as hazardous waste.

California Hazardous Materials Release Response Plans and Inventory Law The California Hazardous Materials Release Response Plan and Inventory Law of 1985 (Business Plan Act) requires that businesses that store hazardous materials on-site prepare a business plan and submit it to local health and fire departments. The business plan must include details of the facility and business conducted at the site, an inventory of hazardous materials that are handled and stored on-site, an emergency response plan, and a safety and emergency response training program for new employees, with an annual refresher course.

California Occupational Safety and Health Administration In California, the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal/OSHA) regulates worker safety similar to the federal OSHA. OSHA has developed worker safety regulations for the safe abatement of lead-based paint and primers (Lead in Construction Standard, Title 8 CCR 1532.1).

California Public Utilities Code
California Public Utilities Code Section 21658 prohibits structural hazards associated with utility poles and lines near airports. Should a transmission line be located in the vicinity of an airport or exceed 200 feet in height, a Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration (Form 7460-1) is required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)FAA in accordance with Federal

Department of Toxic Substance Control
The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) is responsible for regulating the use, City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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Hazardous Materials Emergency Response
Pursuant to the Emergency Services Act, California has developed an Emergency Response Plan to coordinate emergency services provided by federal, state, and local governmental agencies and private persons. Response to hazardous materials incidents is one part of this plan. The plan is administered by the State Office of Emergency Services (OES). The OES coordinates the responses of other agencies, including the EPA, California Highway Patrol (CHP), California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG), the Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCBs), the local air districts (in this case, the South Coast Air Quality Management District [SCAQMD]), and local agencies.

response to releases of hazardous materials and wastes. These emergency response plans depend to a large extent on the business plans submitted by people who handle hazardous materials. An area plan must include pre-emergency planning and procedures for emergency response, notification, and coordination of affected government agencies and responsible parties, training, and follow up.

Hazardous Materials Transportation
The State of California has adopted U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) regulations for the intrastate movement of hazardous materials; state regulations are contained in 26 CCR. In addition, the State of California regulates the transportation of hazardous waste originating in the state and passing through the state (26 CCR). Both regulatory programs apply in California.

The two State agencies with primary responsibility for enforcing federal and State regulations and responding to hazardous materials transportation emergencies are the CHP and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). The CHP enforces hazardous materials and hazardous waste labeling and packing regulations to prevent leakage and spills of material in transit and to provide detailed information to cleanup crews in the event of an accident. Vehicle and equipment inspection, shipment preparation, container identification, and shipping documentation are the responsibility of the CHP, which conducts regular inspections of licensed transporters to ensure regulatory compliance. Caltrans has emergency chemical spill identification teams at as many as 72 locations throughout the state that can respond quickly in the event of a spill.

Common carriers are licensed by the CHP, pursuant to California Vehicle Code Section 32000.

This section requires the licensing of every motor (common) carrier who transports, for a fee, in excess of 500 pounds of hazardous materials at one time, and every carrier, if not for hire, who carries more than 1,000 pounds of hazardous material of the type requiring placards.

Every hazardous waste package type used by a hazardous materials shipper must undergo tests that imitate some of the possible rigors of travel. Every package is not put through every test.

However, most packages must be able to be kept under running water for a time without leaking, City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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Hazardous Waste Management and Handling
Under RCRA, individual states may implement their own hazardous waste programs in lieu of RCRA as long as the state program is at least as stringent as federal RCRA requirements. The EPA must approve state programs intended to implement federal regulations. In California, the California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA) and DTSC, a department within Cal/EPA, regulate the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous hazardous material regulatory responsibility, but can delegate enforcement responsibilities to local jurisdictions that enter into agreements with DTSC for the generation, transport, and disposal of hazardous materials under the authority of the HWCL.

The hazardous waste regulations establish criteria for identifying, packaging, and labeling hazardous wastes; prescribe the management of hazardous wastes; establish permit requirements for hazardous waste treatment, storage, disposal, and transportation; and identify hazardous wastes that cannot be disposed of in ordinary landfills. Hazardous waste manifests must be retained by the generator for a minimum of three years. Hazardous waste manifests provide a description of the waste, its intended destination, and regulatory information about the waste. A copy of each manifest must be filed with the state. The generator must match copies of hazardous waste manifests with receipts from treatment, storage, and disposal facilities.

Contaminated soils and other hazardous materials removed from a site during construction or remediation may need to be handled as hazardous wastes.

State Water Resources Control Board
The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) and the RWQCBs administer the requirements of the Clean Water Act that regulate pollutant discharges into waterways of the U.S. The Santa Ana RWQCB enforces site cleanup regulations for illicit discharges that have resulted in contamination of groundwater in the Proposed Project area.

Unified Hazardous Waste and Hazardous Materials Management Regulatory Program In January 1996, Cal/EPA adopted regulations which implemented a Unified Hazardous Waste and Hazardous Materials Management Regulatory Program (Unified Program). The program has six elements, including: (1) hazardous waste generators and hazardous waste onsite treatment; (2) underground storage tanks (USTs); (3) aboveground storage tanks (ASTs); (4) hazardous materials release response plans and inventories; (5) risk management and prevention programs; and (6) Unified Fire Code hazardous materials management plans and inventories. The plan is implemented at the local level and the agency responsible for implementation of the Unified Program is called the Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA). In Riverside County, the Hazardous Materials Management Division of the Department of Environmental Health is the designated CUPA.

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Riverside County Airport Land Use Commission
The Riverside County Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC) has developed policies and procedures that relate to land development within the vicinity of airports in Riverside County.

Riverside County ALUC policies and procedures are described within the Riverside County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (RCALUC).. The ALUC is responsible for reviewing planned projects that would be located within RCALUC -
and determining whether these projects are consistent with the RCALUCRiverside County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan
intent of RCALUCthe ALUC is to protect and promote the safety and welfare of residents in the airport vicinity and users of the airport while ensuring the continued operation of the airports.

Specifically, this plan seeks to protect the public from adverse effects of aircraft noise, to ensure that people and facilities are not concentrated in areas susceptible to aircraft accidents, and to ensure that no structures or activities encroach upon or adversely affect the use of navigable airspace (ALUC, 2010).

Specific airspace protection policies of the RCALUC that would be relevant to the Proposed Project are provided in Section 3.2.9 (Land Use and Planning).

Riverside County Hazardous Materials Management Division The Hazardous Materials Management Division (HMMD) is one of three divisions of Riverside erside County,
responsible for regulating hazardous materials business plans and chemical inventory, hazardous waste and tiered permitting, USTs, and risk management plans.

The goal of the HMMD is to protect human health and the environment by ensuring that hazardous materials, hazardous waste, and USTs are properly managed. To accomplish this goal, the HMMD has several programs that work with the regulated community and the public.

Riverside County General Plan
The Safety Element of the Riverside County General Plan includes some general policies relating to hazards and hazardous materials (Riverside County, 2003). Some selected policies that may be applicable to the Proposed Project include:

Policy S 4.13: Require that facilities storing substantial quantities of hazardous materials within inundation zones shall be adequately flood-proofed and hazardous materials containers shall be anchored and secured to prevent flotation and contamination.

Policy S 5.5: Conduct and implement long-range fire safety planning, including stringent building, fire, subdivision, and municipal code standards, improved infrastructure, and improved mutual aid agreements with the private and public sector.

Policy S 6.1: Enforce the policies and siting criteria and implement the programs identified in the County of Riverside Hazardous Waste Management plan, which includes the following:

a. Comply with federal and State laws pertaining to management of hazardous wastes and City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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b. Ensure active public participation in hazardous waste and hazardous materials management decisions in Riverside County.
c. Coordinate hazardous waste facility responsibilities on a regional basis through the Southern California Hazardous Waste Management Authority (SCHWMA). d. Encourage and promote the programs, practices, and recommendations contained in management priority to the reduction of hazardous waste at its source.

City of Riverside General Plan 2025
The Public Services Element of the City of Riverside General Plan 2025 includes the following policies related to hazardous materials, which may be applicable to the Proposed Project:

Managing Hazardous Materials
Policy PS-3.1: Ensure that hazardous materials used in business and industries are handled properly.

Policy PS-3.2: Provide the Fire Department with resources to ensure that hazardous materials used and generated by businesses are handled properly.

Policy PS-3.3: Work with responsible Federal, State, and County agencies to identify and regulate the disposal of toxic materials.

Policy PS-3.4: Reduce the risks associated with ground transportation hazards, where feasible.

The City of Riverside General Plan 2025 includes the following objectives and policies related to air traffic safety, which may be applicable to the Proposed Project:

Objective PS-4: Protect the community from hazards related to air and ground transportation.

Policy PS-4.2: When planning for development near airports, anticipate possible increases in airport activity and expansion of airport facilities and services and the effects these changes may have on public safety.

Policy PS-4.6: Ensure that development within airport influence areas is consistent with Airport Protection Overlay Zone development standards and the Riverside County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan.

The Public Safety Element supports safety through policies designed to provide and enhance fire response. These policies are as follows.

Fire Prevention and Response
Policy PS-6.1: Ensure that sufficient fire stations, personnel and equipment are provided to meet the needs of the community as it grows in size and population.

Policy PS-6.2
urbanized areas.

Policy PS-6-3: Integrate fire safety considerations in the planning process.

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Policy PS-6.4: Evaluate all new development to be located in or adjacent to wildland areas to assess its vulnerability to fire and its potential as a source of fire.

Policy PS-6.5: Mitigate existing fire hazards related to urban development or patterns of urban development as they are identified and as resources permit.

Policy PS-6.6: Continue to implement stringent brush-clearance requirements in areas subject to wildland fire hazards.

Policy PS-6.7: Continue to involve the City Fire Department in the development review process.

Policy PS-6.8
Standardization] ISO rating.

Policy PS-6.9: Provide outreach and education to the community regarding fire safety and prevention.

Policy PS-6.10: Identify noncontiguous streets and other barriers to rapid response and pursue measures to eliminate the barriers.

Multi-Hazard Functional Planning and Interagency Response Policy PS-9.8: Reduce the risk to the community from hazards related to geologic conditions, seismic activity, flooding and structural and wildland fires by requiring feasible mitigation of such impacts on discretionary development projects.

Impact Assessment
Significance Threshold Criteria
Appendix G of the CEQA guidelines establishes the significance criteria for assessing project impacts related to hazards and hazardous materials. According to the CEQA Checklist, a project would cause a significant impact and would require mitigation if it would:
a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials;
b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment;
c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school; d) Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment;
e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area; f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area; g) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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h) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires, including where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or where residences are intermixed with wildlands.

Environmental Protection Elements
Following best management and design practices throughout conception, construction, and implementation of the Proposed Project ensures that public safety is paramount and potential environmental impacts are minimized through avoidance. Table 3.2.7-4 outlines the proposed SCE and RPU Environmental Protection Elements (EPEs) related to hazards and hazardous materials. As discussed above in Section 3.1.2 the EPEs have been included as part of the Proposed Project; therefore, the impact analysis section that follows includes the implementation of the EPEs listed below. Any impact resulting from the implementation of the Proposed Project (including the EPEs) is identified below. Where mitigation measures would reduce these impacts, the measures and their effectiveness have been included in the impact discussion.

TABLE 3.2.7-4. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ELEMENTS - HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS

MATERIALS
Environmental
Protection Element Description
HAZ-01
Health and Safety Plan.A health and safety plan to address site-specific health and safety issues would be prepared and implemented. The plan would address emergency medical services and procedures, including specific emergency response and evacuation measures for project personnel.

Hazardous Materials and Hazardous Waste Handling.A project-specific Hazardous Materials Management and Hazardous Waste Management Program would be developed prior to initiation of the project. Material Safety Data Sheets would be made available to all project workers.

Transport of Hazardous Materials: Transport of hazardous materials would be in compliance with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Caltrans and California Highway Patrol (CHP) regulations (Title 22 CCR, Division 4.5 and 49 CFR 261-263). Transporters of hazardous materials and waste are responsible for complying with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, including the acquisition of required shipping papers, package marking, labeling, transport vehicle placarding, training, and registrations.

Refueling stations would be located in designated areas where absorbent pads and trays would be available. The fuel tanks would also contain a lined area to ensure that accidental spillage does not occur. Hazardous materials, such as paints, solvents, and penetrants, would be kept in an approved locker or storage cabinet.

Emergency Release Response Procedures:An Emergency Response Plan detailing responses to releases of hazardous materials would be developed prior to construction activities. All construction personnel, including environmental monitors, would be aware of state and federal emergency response reporting guidelines.

HAZ-02
Construction Site Soil Management.The Soil Management Plan would provide guidance for the proper handling, onsite management, and disposal of impacted soil that might be encountered during construction activities. The plan would include practices that are consistent with the California Title 8 Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal-OSHA) regulations, as well as remediation standards that are protective of the planned use. In the event that potentially contaminatedsoils are encountered within the footprint of construction, soils would be tested and stockpiled. The Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) would determine whether further assessment is warranted.

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Protection Element Description
HAZ -03
Environmental Management Program
Spill Prevention, Countermeasure, and Control Plan (SPCC Plan): In accordance with Title 40 of the CFR, Part 112, an SPCC for proposed and/or expanded substations would be prepared. The plan would include engineered and operational methods for preventing, containing, and controlling potential releases, and provisions for safe cleanup and reporting.

Hazardous Materials Business Plans (HMBPs): Prior to operation of new or expanded substations, an HMBP would be prepared or updated and submitted, in accordance with Chapter 6.95 of the CHSD, and Title 22 CCR.

Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP): A project-specific construction SWPPP would be prepared and implemented prior to the start of construction of the transmission lines and substations.

HAZ-04
Worker Environmental Awareness Program (WEAP) Design and Implementation* A WEAP would be prepared. All construction crews and contractors would be required to participate in WEAP training prior to starting work on the project. The WEAP would serve as a training program to provide workers with an overview of general environmental protection measures as dictated by current law and permits. It would clearly establish for construction workers the conditions they need to follow to keep the Proposed Project in compliance with applicable laws.

Mitigation Measures
Specific mitigation measures (see Table 3.2.7-5) would be applied for impacts related to hazards and hazardous materials.

TABLE 3.2.7-5. MITIGATION MEASURES - HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS Mitigation Measure Description
MM HAZ-01
Appoint trained personnel for sampling, data review, and regulatory coordination.

If potentially contaminated soil, water or groundwater is encountered during Project construction, construction activities shall stop in the area of the discovery and an OSHA-trained individual with a minimum of 40-hours of Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) worker training shall be responsible for collecting a sample of the suspected material(s). An SCE/RPU approved Health and Safety Officer shall review the laboratory data results from suspected contaminated material(s) and, if contamination is confirmed, that individual shall coordinate with the appropriate regulatory agency (Santa Ana RWQCB or local CUPA) to determine the level of worker protection and protocol for handling/disposal of specific hazardous materials. If it is determined that no contamination is present the Health and Safety Officer shall notify the construction contractor to resume construction in the area.

MM HAZ-02
Document compliance with measures for encountering unknown contamination.If evidence of soil or groundwater contamination is detectable by visual and/or olfactory observation during Project construction, a report documenting the exact contamination location, laboratory test results, actions taken, and recommended protection measures (if applicable) shall be submitted to SCE, RPU, and the laboratory results.

MM HAZ-03
Fire Prevention and Management Plan.A fire prevention and management plan shall be developed and applicable fire laws and regulations would be observed during the construction period. All construction personnel would be advised of their responsibilities under the applicable fire laws and regulations.

The Fire Prevention and Management Plan would ensure uniform guidelines for prevention, control, and extinguishment of fires that could potentially occur during transmission line construction. Itwould identify firefighting and reporting tools and equipment for construction-related use of diesel and gasoline operated engines, welders, heavy construction operating equipment, and tractor dozers. It would identify Proposed Project-specific fire prevention measures, such as permits required, smoking and fire rules, storage and parking areas, welding, and emergency measures.

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a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials.

Would construction activities require the use of hazardous materials that could pose a potential hazard to the public or the environment if improperly used or inadvertently released? Less than Significant Impact. Proposed Project construction activities would involve the limited transport, use, and disposal of hazardous materials. Hazardous materials required to fuel and lubricate Proposed Project construction vehicles and heavy motorized equipment would include gasoline, diesel fuel, transmission fluid, brake fluid, hydraulic fluid, solvents, motor oils, and lubricating grease. On a temporary basis, transmission line and substation construction would also involve the limited use of other potentially hazardous materials such as welding materials, propane, canned spray paint, paint thinner, battery acid (in the MEERS [or control rooms] of the substations), insect repellant, and air tool oil.

Construction of the Proposed Project would also generate waste that requires disposal. In the City of Riverside, this would include the removal of chemically treated wood poles associated with existing 69 kV subtransmission lines that would create clearance or reliability issues for the proposed 230 kV transmission line. No transformers with the potential to release PCB-containing oil into the environment would be removed from the upgraded RTRP substations during construction (see Chapter 2, Project Description).

Proposed Project impacts related to the use of hazardous materials would be associated with the unintentional release or spill of significant quantities of such materials, which could compromise the quality of water or groundwater, or could present hazardous health conditions for workers and the public. While hazardous materials used during construction would only be present onsite in relatively small quantities, the potential still exists for a small spill of these materials to occur.

Proposed Project construction practices would be conducted in accordance with applicable federal, State, and local requirements. All treated wood poles associated with the 69 kV subtransmission lines requiring removal under the Proposed Project would be disposed of as waste by an approved RPU vendor pursuant to RPU waste management and agency requirements. RPU and SCE would also implement EPE HAZ-01, which requires the development and implementation of a Health and Safety Plan, Hazardous Materials and Hazardous Waste Management Program, and an Emergency Release Response Plan, prior to construction. The Health and Safety Plan would address emergency medical services and procedures and specific emergency response and evacuation measures. The proper protocol for the transport of hazardous materials, as well as the fueling and maintenance of construction equipment, would also be addressed by implementation of EPE HAZ-01. In addition, RPU and SCE would implement EPE HAZ-03, which includes the preparation of a Spill Prevention, Countermeasure, and Control Plan (SPCC), Hazardous Materials Business Plan (HMBP), and a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).

Consequently, impacts associated with the temporary storage, transport, and use of hazardous materials during construction would be less than significant with EPEs HAZ-01 and EPE HAZ- 03 included in the Proposed Project design.

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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 Would Proposed Project operations require the use of hazardous materials that could pose a potential hazard to the public or the environment if improperly used or inadvertently released? Less than Significant Impact. Proposed Project operations would require the periodic transport, use, or disposal of hazardous liquids and solids that could pose a potential risk to the public or the environment if improperly used or inadvertently released. Scenarios that could present a risk in the Proposed Project area resulting from the presence of these substances include: (1) the contamination of surface and/or groundwater, (2) the release of hydrocarbons associated with oils into the air, and (3) the risk of fire resulting from the accidental ignition of combustible petroleum products or other flammable chemicals.

During Proposed Project operations, volatile toxic liquids such as gasoline (containing benzene) may be contained in above-ground fuel tanks at the upgraded and/or proposed RTRP substation sites. The unintended release of benzene could produce a fire hazard or environmental contamination hazard. Implementation of EPE HAZ-01 would minimize potential impacts related to the improper storage, use, handling, or accidental spillage of such material by required enforcement of a Hazardous Materials and Hazardous Waste Management Plan, and an Emergency Response Plan. Pursuant to Title 40 of the CFR, Part 112, and EPE HAZ-03, a SPCC Plan would also be developed and implemented to protect the surrounding environment from an accidental spill of benzene (a carcinogenic component of gasoline).

Operation of the proposed Wildlife and Wilderness substations would also require the routine use of electrical transformers. While transformer oil has historically contained substances of concern such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), petroleum hydrocarbons, and lead, the new RTRP substations would use mineral oil (a highly-refined hydrocarbon based substance that is not considered a hazardous material) for transformer insulation purposes.

Implementation of EPEs HAZ-01 and HAZ-03 would reduce the potential for hazardous materials spills to occur during maintenance of the RTRP substations. Implementation of these measures would also ensure adequate remediation of spilled materials, resulting in limited to no human and/or environmental exposure; associated impacts would be less than significant.

b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment.

Less than Significant Impact with Mitigation Incorporation. Proposed Project implementation would not create a significant hazard to the public or the environment due to an accidental release of hazardous materials. The Proposed Project would include the limited transport, use, or disposal of minor amounts of liquid and solid wastes. Potential risks in the RTRP area resulting from the presence of these substances are addressed under section a) above.

As part of EPE HAZ-01, RPU and SCE would provide materials safety data sheets (MSDS) listing hazardous materials that would be present on site, their method of transport, and their intended use. The MSDS would record potentially harmful materials for safety purposes and would be distributed to Proposed Project construction crews and on-site personnel to inform them of their presence.

The presence of existing hazardous materials in an urban environment such as the City of Riverside is typically higher. Therefore, there is still a chance that unidentified hazardous City of Riverside Chapter 3. Environmental Analysis
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ANA 032-126 (PER-02) RPU (October 2012) SB 124462/124464 materials could be accidentally encountered or unearthed during construction of the RTRP, potentially releasing them into the environment. Data obtained from the TIS FirstSearch Report (see Appendix F for a summary of results) indicates that hazardous materials were identified in proximity to the Proposed Project area. Contaminants related to these sites or the undocumented releases of hazardous materials from other nearby sites (e.g., petroleum hydrocarbons from LUSTs) could have migrated through the groundwater table to the Proposed Project area, and could be unearthed during Proposed Project excavation activities.

Workers would be instructed according to EPE HAZ-04 in the WEAP training program regarding potentially contaminated soils or water. During Project construction, workers would observe the site for common contamination indicators (e.g., an obvious sheen, strong odor, or abnormal stains to soil or groundwater). If contamination indicators are observed, the construction contractor would document the exact location(s) of suspected contamination, notify the environmental monitor, and issue a temporary stop work until potentially contaminated material(s) are properly characterized and addressed in accordance with EPE HAZ-02, the Project Soil Management Plan. Once contaminated soils have been removed, construction work would continue.

Improper characterization of hazardous materials encountered in the field or misinterpretation of laboratory data could result in the improper handling or disposal of contaminated materials, resulting in further environmental contamination and/or human exposure to hazardous substances. Therefore, integrated EPEs would be insufficient to avoid significant impacts.

Implementation of mitigation measures HAZ-01 and HAZ-02 is necessary to ensure proper interpretation, documentation, and reporting of laboratory data results by qualified individuals, reducing the impact from encountering previously unidentified hazardous substances to less than significant.

c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school.

Less than Significant Impact. One existing school has been, VanderMolen Elementary School, was identified within one quarter-mile of the Proposed Project in unincorporated Riverside County: VanderMolen Elementary School.the City of Jurupa Valley. In addition, nine existing schools have been identified within one quarter-mile of the RTRP components in the City of Riverside, including: La Granada Elementary School, Arlanza Elementary School, Crest Haven School, Norte Vista High School,
Wells Middle School, Hawthorne Elementary School, Myra Linn Elementary School, and Our Lady Queen of Angels Elementary School.

Construction of the Proposed Project would involve the limited transport and use of hazardous substances (e.g., motor fuel, solvents, lubricating fluids) within one quarter-mile of these schools. Hazardous materials used during construction would be typical of those used at construction sites and all applicable federal, State and local handling requirements would be followed. In addition, RPU and SCE would implement EPE HAZ-01, which includes development and implementation of a Health and Safety Plan and Emergency Release Response Plan, as well as detailed information related to the proper transport of materials, containment of materials, and fueling/maintenance of construction equipment. As such, construction activities that must occur along the Proposed Project routes would not result in the release of hazardous contaminants that may impact local schools in the area.

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In addition, construction and operation of the Proposed Project would not expose schools to hazardous emissions. Therefore, construction and operation of the Proposed Project would not expose schools to hazardous material spills or hazardous emissions; related impacts would be less than significant.

d) Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment.

Less than Significant Impact with Mitigation Incorporation. California Government Code Section 65962.5 requires the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) to update a List are compiled from lists provided by the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), and the Integrated Waste Management Board (IWMB).

Riverside City CouncilMay 10, 2022

Riverside City Council
May 10, 2022