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 in Pleasanton 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.

Construction and operation of the proposed North Livermore substation would result in a significant and unavoidable visual impact due to the imposition of an industrial facility with structures up to 45 feet high in a scenic area with existing panoramic views. In addition, installation of the overhead transmission line between North Livermore Avenue and the proposed Dublin substation would create a second significant visual impact as the line crossed the valley south of the intersection of Manning and Carneal Roads, avoidable only if two additional miles of the transmission line were installed underground or if the overhead route were moved one mile south (per the route defined in DEIR Figure C.12-15C). We will direct PG&E to install this additional segment underground, which will result in a continuous underground line from the existing Contra Costa-Newark line, to the place designated as B15.

Construction and operation of the proposed Dublin substation has the potential to create a significant and unmitigable impact related to increased runoff and severe channel erosion in the area. Mitigation measure H-10 proposes a hydrologic study of the area, after which information may be developed to reduce the erosion impacts to less than significant levels; however, without study results, it is not possible to know whether mitigation would be successful.

Selection of PG&E's proposed Dublin and North Livermore substations will result significant growth inducing impacts.

The benefits of the transmission line and substation project, provision of increased electric supply, increased reliability to the Tri Valley area and the importance of developing the project in a manner that is consistent with community values, outweigh the potential significant impacts.