Measure RR Program Traction Power System Improvements Project
Summary
SCH Number
2020060463
Public Agency
Bay Area Rapid Transit District
(BART)
Document Title
Measure RR Program Traction Power System Improvements Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
6/22/2020
Document Description
The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) is an electricity-powered commuter Transit line. Electrification is provided by "traction power" substations located along the transit line right-of- way. These substations arc comprised of power transformers and switching equipment to step down the high voltage power received from the electric utility service provider (Pacific Gas & Electric Company [PG&E]), which is then distributed to the traction power substations via "switching stations". BART proposes improvements to one of its existing at-grade switching stations, Watson Avenue Switching Station, referred herein as "A WA". AW A is located near Washington Avenue in the City of San Leandro, south of 137th Avenue, below an aerial BART track guide-way located approximately one (1) mile south of the San Leandro BART Station (1401 San Leandro Boulevard, San Leandro, CA 94577). The project will require facility upgrades, procurement and installation of replacement equipment for the existing switching station which currently supplies power for BART operations. Please see Attachment A for additional information,
Contact Information
Name
Steve Sims
Agency Name
San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Agency Name
Steve Sims
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Location
Cities
San Leandro
Counties
Alameda
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Statutory Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15275(a)
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed replacement of the traction power substation equipment qualifies for a statutory exemption from CEQA. as the project fits into the context of the exemption language and no other significant effects on the environment will result due to unusual circumstances. Statutory exemptions from CEQA are granted by the California Legislature, and apply regardless of the environmental impacts of the project for state policy reasons. A statutory exemption is provided under Section 21080(b)(10) of the California Public Resources Code (also included in the CEQA Guidelines Article 18 Section 15275(a)). This statutory exemption applies to mass transit projects that involve the institution or increase of passenger or commuter service on rail lines already in use. This project proposes removing aging train control equipment and upgrading to a new system, which will support increased capacity and higher service frequencies. Please see Attachment A for additional information.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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