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TASK 8: PREPARE CEQA DOCUMENTATION Objective: To identify and prepare the environmental document in order to environmentally clear the Circulation Element update, consistent with CEQA requirements. Key Issues: Under CEQA, the proposed Circulation Element update will be eligible for processing with a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) if there are no significant, unavoidable impacts associated with the project. If there are significant impacts, the project will require an Environmental Impact Report (EIR). Approach: At this time, we believe the Circulation Element update will likely be eligible for processing as an MND, but there is a possibility for one or more significant impacts, and therefore an EIR could ultimately be required. We have proposed a framework to make this determination early in the process and coordinate with the City to proceed with the most appropriate, defensible documentation. For this proposal, we have provided a detailed schedule and scope of work for both an MND and an EIR for the City's planning purposes. The environmental approach is based on the following considerations: • Opportunity to provide programmatic overview of City and area-wide circulation and impacts. • Assure consistency between environmental documents. • Maximize use of available documentation. • Early public outreach to include environmental scoping. • Early Caltrans scoping opportunity. • Highlighting the beneficial environmental impacts of the Circulation Element and related activities. Although we do not anticipate significant, unavoidable impacts, it is possible that there could be significant traffic impacts, particularly with respect to potential conflicts with an .applicable plan, ordinance or policy establishing measures of effectiveness for the performance of the circulation system" could occur if right-of-ways are narrowed, etc., to accommodate objectives to reduce vehicle trips and optimize mass transit. The MND or EIR will address all the technical topics included in the Appendix G Checklist, including: geology and soils, water quality, hazards and hazardous materials. 11 25A-21