2015-004 - Santa Ana-Garden Grove Fixed Guideway Project

Home Browse Search

Santa Ana — Garden Grove Fixed Guideway Project Findings and Facts in Support of Findings and Statement of Overriding Considerations exceed the growth projections or available housing supply in the Study Area. Therefore, the proposed project would result in less- than - significant impacts related to population growth. Growth - inducing projects are generally located in isolated, undeveloped, or underdeveloped areas, necessitating the extension of major infrastructure (e.g., sewer and water facilities, roadways, etc.) or are those that could encourage "premature" or unplanned growth (i.e., "leapfrog" development, or urban sprawl). Although development of the proposed project supports urban growth, it would not remove an obstacle to population growth since the Study Area is heavily urbanized. The proposed project would not spur new direct or indirect regional growth in terms of population or employment and, therefore, would not result in significant growth- inducing impacts. Irreversible Effects The construction and implementation of the proposed project would entail the irreversible and irretrievable commitment of energy and human resources; however, this commitment of energy, personnel, and building materials would be commensurate with that of other projects of similar magnitude. Labor would also be committed for the planning, design, construction, and operation phases of the proposed project. Construction would require the commitment of a variety of nonrenewable or slowly renewable natural resources. Energy (in the form of fossil fuels) and construction materials (such as lumber, sand and gravel, metals, and water) would be irretrievably committed for construction of the proposed project. However, there would be some offset of the loss of energy resources. Demolition debris would be recycled for other uses. For example, inert construction debris (e.g., concrete and asphalt) would potentially be crushed and used for road base or other uses requiring aggregate as reinforcement material. Ongoing operation and maintenance of the proposed project would entail a further commitment of energy resources in the form of petroleum products (diesel fuel and gasoline), natural gas, and electricity. This commitment of energy resources would be a long -term obligation because it is not possible to return the land to its original condition once it has been developed. However, the impacts of increased energy usage are not considered significant impacts. Therefore, the implementation of the proposed project would involve irreversible environmental changes to existing natural resources, but the impact would be less than significant. 8. FINDINGS REGARDING ALTERNATIVES The alternatives identified for evaluation in the EA/DEIR were based on public comments, as well as technical analyses, as detailed in the Alternative Analysis Report (under separate cover and available by request or on the City's website at http:/ /santaanatransitvision.com). The alternatives analysis process included a comprehensive review of potential technology and alignment options. Prior Analysis of Alternatives A wide range of public transit options were defined and investigated as candidate technologies. The initial alignment options were based on the need to establish an east -west transit corridor in 29 January 2015