16. Environmental Findings and Statement of Overriding Considerations

As required by CEQA, we cannot approve PG&E's proposed project or an alternative unless we find that the project has been modified to mitigate or avoid each significant effect on the environment; or that specific considerations make the mitigation measures or alternatives identified in the FEIR infeasible; and specific overriding economic, legal, social, technological, or other benefits of the proposed project outweigh the significant effects on the environment.

16.1 Mitigation Measures Recommended in EIR

The mitigation measures recommended in the EIR for the alternatives adopted are presented in Appendix C. The adoption and implementation of these mitigation measures was assumed in the determination of impact levels in the EIR. Therefore, implementation of these mitigation measures is a condition of the approval of this project.

In addition to the mitigation measures, additional impact-reduction measures proposed by PG&E in its Proponent's Environmental Assessment were assumed to be implemented as a basis for the impact conclusions in the EIR. These measures, called Applicant Proposed Measures and presenting Appendix D, would reduce impacts in a range of environmental disciplines, and their implementation is monitored by the Commission as part of its Mitigation Monitoring, Compliance and Reporting Program.

The FEIR includes a Mitigation Monitoring, Compliance, and Reporting Program, which presents the process for monitoring the implementation of the recommended mitigation measures and Applicant Proposed Measures.

16.2 Significant Effects of the Adopted Project

The only significant impact resulting from the adopted environmentally superior alternatives that cannot be avoided or eliminated is the hazard of seismic failure of Del Valle Dam. The alternatives studied would not increase the potential for dam failure but rather that this hazard could affect the project alternative if the dam should fail. This is a risk that exists for construction of any facility in the Pleasanton area.

The alternatives selected eliminate significant growth inducing impacts of PG&E's proposed project and the selection of no project for North Livermore eliminates significant visual impacts.

By use of these alternatives and implementation of the mitigation measures recommended in the FEIR, the significant impacts of the environmentally superior alternative are considered to be mitigated to the extent feasible. The benefits of the transmission line and substation project, provision of increased electric supply, and increased reliability to the Tri Valley area, outweigh the potential significant impacts.