4. Environmental Review of the Proposed Project

4.1. Proponent's Environmental Assessment

As required by GO 131-D, Sec. IX.B.1, SCE filed a PEA with its Application. SCE prepared this PEA with portions being prepared by EPG, Inc. of Phoenix, Arizona. The PEA presents SCE's evaluation of the environmental impacts that may result from the construction and operation of the Proposed Project. SCE's PEA contains a project description at Chapter 3 and various maps and diagrams, Figures 1.1 through 4.15. In the PEA, SCE concludes that the Proposed Project does not have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment except for air quality.

4.2. Significant Impacts

SCE's finding that air quality impacts will be significant is based on the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) significant thresholds for nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM10) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). SCE further concludes that (1) significant impacts to air quality would likely occur during project construction associated with the Proposed Project; (2) significant impacts are based on daily thresholds, and these impacts would be temporary; (3) all air quality impacts associated with construction of the Proposed Project would cease after site preparation; and (4) there would be no long-term impacts to air quality from the Proposed Project.

4.3. Applicant's Proposed Measures

Based on SCE's finding of significant impact on air quality, SCE proposes at Chapter 4.3.3 of its PEA specific procedures to the project construction plans to minimize emissions from the Proposed Project. These specific procedures are referred to as Applicant's Proposed Measures (APMs). The PEA's impact analysis assumes that the applicable APMs would be implemented to reduce air quality impacts. We adopt the APMs as part of our approval of the Proposed Project and require SCE to comply with the APMs and the other mitigation measures contained in the Mitigation Monitoring, Reporting, and Compliance Program. (EIR, Appendix E.) The Commission shall monitor compliance with the Plan periodically throughout the duration of construction activities. (EIR, Chapter 4.3.31.)

4.4. Draft Initial Study

After the Energy Division reviewed SCE's PEA, the Energy Division informed SCE by letter that the Application was complete for purposes of reviewing environmental impacts under CEQA and GO 131-D. The Energy Division then began preparing an Initial Study. The Initial Study determined the Proposed Project will have a significant adverse impact on the environment, specifically on air quality, even after taking into consideration SCE's APMs.

4.5. Preparation and Issuance of
Environmental Impact Report

Based on the Energy Division's determination of a significant adverse impact on the environment, the Commission published and distributed a Notice of Preparation (NOP) of an EIR for the Proposed Project on April 15, 2008. The NOP described the Proposed Project, solicited written and verbal comments on the EIR's scope, and gave notice of a public scoping meeting to be held on April 29, 2008 in Palm Desert, California. The Energy Division issued the Draft EIR on January 7, 2010.