Measure RR Program Traction Power System Improvements Project
Summary
SCH Number
2020090322
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
9/16/2020
Document Description
The Sen Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transil District (BART) is an electricity powered commuter transit line. Electrification is provided by .. traction power" substations located along the transit line right-of- way. BART proposes improvements to one of its existing traction power substations, El Cerrito del Norte Traction Power Substation, referred herein as "RCN". RCN is an at-grade, outdoor substation located at the southeast quadrant of the Hill Street and Oh lone Greenway intersection, under the aerial BART guideway structure, in the City of El Cerrito, CA 94530, RCN is located approximately 150 feet south of the El Cerrito del Norte BART Station (6400 Cutting Boulevard, El Cerrito, CA 94530). The substation is situated adjacent to the wes_t of the Ohlone Greenway at Hill Street, a 4.5-mile pedestrian and bicycle path in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area. The proposed project will require facility upgrades, procurement, and installation of replacement equipment for the existing traction power substation which currently supplies power for BART rail operations. Please see Attachment A for additional information.
See NOE for Full Details.
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
El Cerrito
Counties
Contra Costa
Cross Streets
Southeast quadrant of Hill Street and Ohlonc Greenway intersection
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 CRQA 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 found in the CEQA Guidelines Article 18 Section I 5275(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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