20A - AA FIRST ST BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT

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LSA ASSOCIATES, INC. INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION JULY 2010 FIRST STREET BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT CITY OF SANTA ANA [PFCs], and SF6) in the atmosphere threaten the public health and welfare of current and future generations. • Cause or Contribute Finding: The Administrator finds that the combined emissions of these well-mixed GHGs from new motor vehicles and new motor vehicle engines contribute to the GHG pollution that threatens public health and welfare. These findings do not themselves impose any requirements on industry or other entities. However, this action is a prerequisite to finalizing the EPA's proposed GHG emission standards for light-duty vehicles, which EPA proposed in a joint proposal including Caltrans' proposed Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards on September 15, 20091. The City does not have any specific GHG or climate change policies that apply to roadway projects. One of the main strategies to reduce GHG emissions is to make California's transportation system more efficient. The highest levels of carbon dioxide from mobile sources, such as automobiles, occur at stop-and-go speeds (0-25 mph) and speeds over 55 mph. Relieving congestion by enhancing operations and improving travel times in high congestion travel corridors will lead to an overall reduction in GHG emissions. The purpose of the proposed project is to alleviate existing and future traffic congestion along First Street during peak hours. Therefore, the proposed project would reduce the number of vehicle hours traveled (VHT) within the project area. Although the proposed project may result in a net increase in vehicle miles traveled (VMT), the carbon dioxide emissions would be reduced due to the reduction in VHT and the improved traffic flow. The proposed project Mitigation Measures AQ-1, AQ-2, and AQ-4 incorporating energy efficiency would additionally reduce the temporary impacts of GHG emissions. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that the project is not cumulatively contributing to GHG emissions and/or global warming based on improved traffic flow on the First Street in comparison to existing conditions. The following mitigation measures will be implemented to reduce green house gas emissions and other air pollutants generated by vehicle and equipment exhaust during the construction phase: Mitigation Measures AQ-1 The construction contractor shall select the construction equipment used on site based on low emission factors and high energy efficiency. The construction contractor shall ensure that construction grading plans include a statement that all construction equipment will be tuned and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. AQ-2 The construction contractor shall ensure that construction grading plans include a statement that work crews will shut off equipment when not in use. AQ-3 The construction contractor shall time the construction activities so as not to interfere with peak hour traffic and to minimize obstruction of through traffic lanes adjacent to the site; if necessary, a flagperson shall be retained to maintain safety adjacent to existing roadways. AQ-4 The construction contractor shall support and encourage ridesharing and transit incentives for the construction crew. 1 http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/endangerment.html 07/25/10 «PA\DMJ0701\MND\4.0 Environmental Analysis.doc» 4-6 20A-57