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