Projects in Review 
Last Updated June 17, 2009
INTRODUCTION
The City of Los Angeles, Department of Public Works, Bureau of Engineering is responsible for the design and construction of all public facilities, streets, sewers, storm drains, and private development affecting public right of way for the City of Los Angeles, and is the lead city agency for such activities. The first step in the CEQA process is to determine whether a proposed project is subject to CEQA. There are a number of statutory and categorical exemptions. If the proposal is not subject to CEQA, the lead agency may file a notice of exemption. If the project is subject to CEQA, the lead agency may prepare an initial study to determine whether the project may have a significant adverse impact on the environment. An initial study is neither intended nor required to include the level of detail included in an environmental impact report (EIR). The initial study is used as the basis for deciding whether to prepare an EIR or a negative declaration.
An EIR is prepared when the lead agency finds substantial evidence that the project may have a significant effect on the environment. When the lead agency determines that there is no substantial evidence that the project may have a significant effect on the environment, a negative declaration is prepared. Where potential significant environmental effects are shown in the initial study, but the project is modified such that the environmental effects are rendered less than significant, a mitigated negative declaration is prepared.
Projects subject to CEQA must usually be considered by the Board of Public Works and/or the City Council, which can approve the project as proposed, approve the project with conditions, or disapprove the project.
The City Engineer’s Environmental Management Group is responsible for CEQA compliance for the projects identified below.
CEQA GENERAL OVERVIEW
The
California Environmental Resources Evaluation System (CERES) is an information
system developed by the California Resources Agency to facilitate access to a
variety of electronic data, and contains many helpful resources pertaining to
the CEQA process, including a CEQA
Process Flow Chart
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT GROUP CEQA PUBLICATIONS
The CEQA documents published here are intended to enhance public awareness of, and participation in, public works and other projects, but not to take the place of any legally mandated publication or review. Every attempt has been made to post accurate information in a timely manner; however, we cannot be held responsible for any damages arising from errors in this posting.
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During public review periods, all comments must be submitted in writing by one of the following means, and must be RECEIVED by the close of the review period:
Mail: Environmental Management Group
Bureau of Engineering, Department of Public Works
City of Los Angeles
1149 S. Broadway,
Fax: (213)847-0656
Electronically: An e-mail address will be provided with each project listing during the review period.
Public notification of agenda items for the Board of Public Works and other commissions, Council committees and City Council is posted on the Internet 72 hours prior to the public meeting. To obtain the latest information regarding scheduled agenda items, please proceed on the following links:
The Board of Public Works hearing room and City Council chambers are both located on the 3rd floor of City Hall, 200 North Spring Street. The public entrance is on Main Street.
PROJECTS
6th
STREET VIADUCT SEISMIC IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
The 6th Street Viaduct
(Bridge No. 53C-1880) and Sixth Street Overcrossing (Bridge No. 53 -0595) comprise
a single structure, which spans a portion of the Hollywood Freeway (US 101, the
The
review period for the Initial Study has ended.
An Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement is being
prepared.
North Central and Boyle Heights Community Planning Areas. Council Districts 14. If you have any questions, please contact Wallace Stokes at (213) 202-5580 or by fax at (213) 202-5518.
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Report |
Review Status |
Public Review Period |
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Initial Study (409 KB) |
Completed |
07/27/07-09/10/07 |
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Notice of Preparation (26 KB) |
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OPEN |
6/11/09 – 8/17/09 |
The City is proposing to seismically strengthen
and improve the Glendale–Hyperion Viaduct complex in the
The
environmental review period for the Initial Study has ended. An Environmental Impact Report/Environmental;
Assessment is being prepared.
Northeast Los Angeles and Hollywood Community Planning Areas. Council Districts 4 & 13. If you have any questions, please contact Wallace Stokes at (213) 202-5580 or by fax at (213) 202-5518.
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Report |
Review Status |
Public Review Period |
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Initial Study (6.1 MB) |
Completed |
01/26/07-02/26/07 |
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Notice of Preparation (2.4 MB) |
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HANSEN
DAM PHASE II RANGER STATION AND TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
BE387-08, Mitigated Negative Declaration (CEQA) and
Draft Environmental Assessment-FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT EFFECT (EA/FONSI),
Hansen Dam Phase II Ranger Station and Trail Improvements Project. Council
District 7, Community of Arleta-Pacoima: southeast of the intersection of
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Report |
Review Status |
Public Review Period |
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Public Notice of Proposed Actions Affecting Federal Lands (16.6 KB) |
Completed |
06/26/08-07/28/08 |
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Notice of Intent to Adopt a Mitigated
Negative Declaration (125 KB) |
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Environmental Assessment/Mitigated Negative Declaration & Initial Study (13,695 KB) |
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LOS ANGELES ZOO PARKING LOT PROJECT
BE 09-154. Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study. The proposed project consists of implementation of stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) and parking lot improvements in a portion of the parking lot at the Los Angeles Zoo in the community of Hollywood, CD 4. The stormwater BMPs are designed to improve water quality by reducing runoff from the parking lot and removing pollutants that might otherwise impact stormwater quality; the parking lot improvements would upgrade the existing deteriorated parking area and demonstrate sustainable Low Impact Design (LID) principles. The project includes the following BMPs: permeable pavement; bioretention cells; landscaping using native/drought tolerant plantings; efficient irrigation systems; and trash screen inserts in storm drains. The BMPs would be designed to mimic natural hydrologic processes and minimize the amount of pollutants in stormwater runoff from the parking area before it is discharged into the Los Angeles River. These BMPs would help the City reduce the discharge of pollutant types covered by Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) regulations. The BMPs would be constructed in conjunction with improvements to the parking area to demonstrate LID principles. An Initial Study has been prepared to assess potential environmental impacts of the project. Mitigation measures have been incorporated into the project to ensure that any impacts are reduced to a less than significant level.
The Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration are available for review below and at the Atwater Village Branch Library, 3379 Glendale Blvd. You can also contact Norman Mundy at (213) 485-5737 to obtain a copy. Comments must be received in writing by 5:00 p.m. on May 1, 2009. They can be sent via e-mail to Norman.Mundy@lacity.org, or via U.S. mail to: Norman Mundy, 1149 S. Broadway, Suite 600, Mail Stop 939, Los Angeles, CA 90015-2213.
Hollywood Community Plan area. Council District 4. If you have any questions, please contact Norman Mundy at (213) 485-5737 or via e-mail at Norman.Mundy@lacity.org.
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Report |
Review Status |
Public Review Period |
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CLOSED |
4/02/09 – 5/01/09 |
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Notice of Intent to Adopt Mitigated
Negative Declaration (96.6 Kb) |
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MOORPARK STREET WIDENING - WOODMAN AVENUE
TO MURIETTA AVENUE
BE 09-158. Negative Declaration. The proposed project would widen an approximately quarter-mile stretch of Moorpark Street from Mammoth Avenue to Colbath Avenue to create a roadway width of up to 66 feet. Up to 36 feet of widening would be required to accommodate an additional through lane in each direction and reconfigured left-turn lanes. Sidewalks would be added in areas where they don’t currently exist. Approximately 21 street trees would be removed and replaced according to city policy at a ratio of 2:1. The project would require permanent and temporary easements to accommodate the expanded right-of-way and necessary construction activities. During construction, at least one lane in each direction would be maintained. An initial study has been prepared to assess potential environmental impacts of the project. No significant environmental impacts were identified.
The initial study and negative declaration are available below and at the Sherman Oaks Branch Library, 14245 Moorpark Street. The review period closed on April 21, 2009. The project and its negative declaration were considered by the Board of Public Works on Monday, June 8, and recommended for approval. It is now awaiting consideration by the Public Works Committee of the City Council and then full City Council. The committee and council calendars can be found at Council Calendar.
Sherman Oaks - Studio City - Toluca Lake - Cahuenga Pass Community Plan area. Council District 2. If you have any questions, please contact Julie Van Wagner at (213) 485-5754 or via e-mail at Julie.VanWagner@lacity.org.
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Report |
Review Status |
Public Review Period |
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Completed |
4/02/09 – 4/21/09 |
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NORTH
SPRING STREET BRIDGE WIDENING AND REHABILITATION PROJECT
BE 014-06: Notice of Preparation and Initial Study,
The scoping meeting was held on October 3, 2006 at the Young-Nak Presbyterian Church located at 1721 North Broadway. The Notice of Preparation and Initial study are available for review at the Lincoln Heights Branch Library, 2530 Workman Street, Los Angeles, CA 90031; Chinatown Branch Library, 639 N. Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012; Office of Councilman Ed Reyes, District 1 (Lincoln Heights Field Office), 163 S. Avenue 24, Room 202, Los Angeles, CA 90031; or by opening the link provided below.
The environmental
review period for the Initial Study has ended.
An Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Assessment is being
prepared.
Central City North Planning Area. Council District 1. If you have any questions, please contact Wally Stokes at (213) 202-5580 or via e-mail at Wally.Stokes@lacity.org.
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Report |
Review Status |
Public Review Period |
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Notice of Preparation and Initial Study (2,215 KB) |
Completed |
09/14/06-10/20/06 |
OLYMPIC
Actions to provide congestion relief along Olympic Blvd and Pico Blvd between Centinela Ave and Fairfax Ave primarily in the Wilshire and West Los Angeles planning areas of the City of Los Angeles. The proposed project would include two major elements:
1. Restriping the
existing roadways without widening and changing restrictions against curb-side
parking during peak traffic periods to provide continuous curb lanes on both
sides of Olympic Blvd and
2. Modifying
existing traffic signal timing to favor westbound travel on Olympic Blvd. and
eastbound travel on Pico Blvd. In
addition, left-turn signals would be added or removed to help accomplish the
directional signal operation on Olympic and Pico boulevards, while still
allowing all current left-turns at signalized intersections. New left-turn signals will be added at
selected north-south arterials to facilitate cross-over movements between
Olympic Blvd and
This project may
affect portions of the City of
Based on an Initial Study, the city intends to focus the EIR on the following potential environmental effects: transportation/traffic, noise, air quality and cumulative impacts. The Initial Study can be viewed at the following locations:
·
Palms-Rancho
Park Library, 2920 Overland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90064
·
Robertson Library, 1719 S. Robertson Blvd, Los
Angeles, CA 90035
· Westwood Library, 1246 Glendon Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024
· Online at: http://eng.lacity.org/techdocs/emg/Environmental_Review_Documents.htm
Three public
scoping meetings will be held in
April 1, 2009 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at Westside Jewish Community Center, 5870 W Olympic Blvd;
April 2, 2009 7:00
p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at
April 7, 2009 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at Stoner Recreation Center, 1835 Stoner Ave.
We want to know your views as to
the scope and content of the EIR. Due to
the time limits mandated by state law, your comments must be provided at the
earliest possible date, but not later than 30 days after receipt of this
notice. You can provide your comments at
a scoping meeting; or by calling 310-531-8910; or via email to OWPE@lacity.org;
or by writing to: Mr. Ken Husting, P.E.,
Senior Transportation Engineer; LADOT;
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Report |
Review Status |
Public Review Period |
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Initial Study (208 KB) |
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Notice of Preparation (305 KB) |
Pending |
3/20/2009 – 4/19/2009 |
PECK PARK CANYON ENHANCEMENT
NG-09-016-BE: Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study.
The proposed project site is within Peck Park in the community of San Pedro,
CD15. The City of Los Angeles (City) is
proposing channel improvements for Peck Park Canyon and Dunn Canyon, stormwater
best management practices (BMPs) in upland areas of both canyons; improvements
to the park’s trail systems, including trail surfaces, trailheads,
interpretative signage; and habitat restoration. Proposed BMPs include bio-retention basins,
bio-swales, infiltration strips, pervious pavement, catch basin inserts, and catch
basin covers. The main purpose of the
proposed project is to improve the quality of the stormwater entering and
leaving the canyon. The main goals of the project are to increase the
beneficial and recreational uses of the receiving waters (Los Angeles Harbor
Southwest Slip), reduce risks to human safety and health, reduce beach
closures, and preserve aquatic and marine habitat. The project would assist the City in
achieving these goals by reducing erosion and sedimentation, reducing
downstream flow velocity in the channel, capturing trash and debris, and
reducing bacteria. Additional goals
include streambed enhancement, minimizing the potential of flooding within the
canyon, repair and improvement to the park’s trail system, and improving the
trail system connections. Mitigation
measures have been included to ensure that any potential impacts are reduced to
a less than significant level.
The document is available for review at the San Pedro Regional Branch Library, 931 S. Gaffey Street San Pedro, CA 90731. The review period closed February 13, 2009. The project and its mitigated negative declaration were considered by the Board of Public Works March 23, 2009 and the Energy and Environment Council Committee May 5, 2009. The project and its mitigated negative declaration are awaiting approval and adoption by City Council.
San Pedro
Community Plan. Council District 15. If you have any questions please contact
Maria Martin at (213) 485-5753 or Maria.Martin@lacity.org.
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Report |
Review Status |
Public Review Period |
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Initial
Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (2,446 KB) |
Completed |
1/15/09 - 02/13/09 |
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Initial
Study/MND Appendices (39,235 KB) |
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Notice of
Intent to Adopt a MND (203 KB) |
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IS/MND
Addendum (251 Kb) |
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PENMAR
WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
NG-09-256-BE: Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study for Penmar Water Quality Improvement Project. The proposed project site is Penmar Recreation Center, 1341 Lake Street and vicinity, Community of Venice, Los Angeles, CD 11. The City of Los Angeles is proposing to construct a stormwater diversion structure at the Rose Avenue storm drain; primary and secondary pump station systems; a pretreatment system to screen trash, sediment, oil and grease; an underground detention reservoir; and three force mains for flow conveyance. As sewer capacity allows, a portion of the flow, including dry weather flow, would be diverted to the sanitary sewer and ultimately to the Hyperion Treatment Plant. Another portion of the wet weather flow would be diverted to the underground reservoir where it would be held for approximately seventy-two (72) hours after a storm event passes and then discharged at a controlled rate to the sanitary sewer. The project also includes minor sanitary sewer upgrades southwest of Penmar Recreation Center. Phase II of the project would provide further treatment for beneficial use for landscape irrigation at Penmar Golf Course, Penmar Recreation Center and/or Marine Park. An initial study has been prepared to assess potential environmental impacts of the project. Mitigation measures have been included to ensure that any potential impacts are reduced to a less than significant level.
The initial study and mitigated negative declaration are available below and at the Venice - Abbot Kinney Memorial Branch Library, 501 S. Venice Blvd. You can also contact Maria Martin at (213) 485-5753 for a copy. The public review period starts May 21 and ends June 19, 2009. Comments must be received in writing by 5:00 p.m. June 19, 2009. They can be sent via e-mail to Maria.Martin@lacity.org, or by mail to Maria Martin, City of Los Angeles, Bureau of Engineering, 1149 South Broadway, Suite 600, Mail Stop 939, Los Angeles, CA 90015.
Venice Community Plan area. Council District 11. If you have any questions, please contact
Maria Martin at (213) 485-5753 or via e-mail at Maria.Martin@lacity.org
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Report |
Review Status |
Public Review Period |
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Notice of Intent to Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration (592 Kb) |
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OPEN |
5/21/09 – 6/19/09 |
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RIVERSIDE DRIVE BRIDGE WIDENING PROJECT
The City is proposing to widen and seismically strengthen the Riverside Drive Bridge over the Los Angeles River in the Hollywood area of the City of Los Angeles. The proposed project would widen the existing superstructure 12 feet on each side resulting in a structure measuring 80 feet in width. The new structure would accommodate four 12-foot-wide through lanes, two 8-foot shoulders, two 1-foot barriers, and two 7-foot sidewalks.
The Initial
Study is available at the Glendale Public Library, 222 E. Harvard St.,
Hollywood Community Planning Area. Council District 4. If you have any questions, please contact Wallace Stokes at (213) 202-5580 or via e-mail at Wally.Stokes@lacity.org.
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Report |
Review Status |
Public Review Period |
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Initial Study (208 KB) |
Completed |
6/8/07 – 7/8/07 |
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Notice of Preparation (973 KB) |
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BE 024-08 The proposed project includes the construction of a gravel-based parking area to accommodate up to 80 cars, featuring a low-impact and permeable surface that is both environmentally friendly and ecologically sensitive. The parking area utilizes a "tiered" or terraced design that nestles into the existing grade and allows the parking area to blend with the natural terrain and minimizes grading work. In addition to providing much needed parking to the park patrons, the parking area is also designed to help minimize water runoff and control erosion. The existing concrete steps and foundation walls from the mansion ruins will remain intact and undisturbed. The existing lawn/yoga area will be relocated to a new area above the proposed parking area. The new lawn/yoga area will feature the same size and amenities as the existing one, including a 4-foot high fence and landscaping along the perimeters. All larger trees will be preserved to provide shade in this new lawn/yoga area.
A proposed MND, dated January 2006, was circulated for public review between February 24, 2006 and March 17, 2006. The City received numerous comments during this period. As a result, the City made revisions to the MND by providing additional information about the project’s impacts and mitigation measures. On September 20, 2006, the Board of Recreation and Park Commissioners (Board) certified the MND, dated July 2006, for the project. However, on September 28, 2006, an appeal to the City Council was submitted to the Office of the City Clerk relative to the Board’s action in certifying the MND per CEQA Section 21151(c). On December 12, 2007, the City Council granted the appeal of the MND as to construction noise only; and, directed the Bureau of Engineering to prepare and recirculate a revised MND and a revised Initial Study and Checklist for the project that analyzes and proposes mitigation for construction noise (Council File No. 06-2512).
The Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study was circulated for a 21-day public review period, beginning on January 25, 2008 and ending on February 29, 2008. Copies of the document are available for review at the following location:
Will and Ariel Durant Library
7140 W. Sunset Blvd.
Phone: (323) 876-2741
The project will be considered by the Board of Recreation and Parks following the public review period.
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Report |
Review Status |
Public Review Period |
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Completed |
1/25/08 – 2/29/08 |
BE 511-08: Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study for Santa Monica Canyon and Palisades Park Low Flow Diversion Upgrades and Coastal Interceptor Relief Sewer (CIRS) Project. The City of Los Angeles (City) is proposing to upgrade two existing low flow diversions (LFDs) and to construct a 4,500-foot-long relief sewer within the community of Pacific Palisades and the northern limits of the City of Santa Monica. The Pacific Palisades LFD would be upgraded at its current location and a new LFD system would be installed near the mouth of the Santa Monica Canyon Channel. The existing Santa Monica Canyon LFD would be left in place for redundancy and system reliability. Construction of the Santa Monica Canyon LFD would be a joint cooperative effort between the City and the Los Angeles County Flood Control District (LACFCD). The LACFCD would install an air-inflatable 6-foot high by 40-foot wide rubber dam in the Santa Monica Canyon Channel and an adjacent control building housing the rubber dam’s air compressor and control panel. The CIRS would extend from its upstream end at the existing Palisades Park LFD downstream southeasterly, across the City of Los Angeles border, into the City of Santa Monica, where a connection would be made to the existing 60-inch sewer. The CIRS would consist of approximately 4,500 total lineal feet of pipe of varying diameters (30, 36, 42, and 48-inch). Roughly 1,400 lineal feet of the alignment would be located within Will Rogers Parking Lot 2 East and Parking Lot 1 and the remaining portion would lie within Pacific Coast Highway right-of-way. Construction within Pacific Coast Highway would require nighttime construction and partial lane closures. Mitigation measures have been included to ensure that any impacts are reduced to a less than significant level.
Board of Public Works considered the MND and forwarded recommendation for adoption and project approval to City Council April 1, 2009. City Council adopted the MND and approved the project April 15, 2009. A Notice of Determination was filed April 21, 2009.
Pacific Palisades community. Council District 11. Contact Maria Martin at (213) 485-5753 or by email to Maria.Martin@lacity.org .
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Report |
Review Status |
Public Review Period |
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Notice of Intent to Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration (382 KB) |
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Closed |
8/14/08 – 9/12/08 |
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Notice
of Determination (2.0 MB) |
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BE 016-05: Environmental Impact Report,
The Bureau of Engineering is recommending the Via Marina/Pacific Avenue alignment described in the EIR. Construction would be by a combination of boring and cut-and-cover construction methods.
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Report |
Review Status |
Public Review Period |
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Completed |
05/06/05 – 06/10/05 |
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Notice of Preparation Addendum (10 KB) |
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Completed |
02/1/2006 – 03/17/2006 |
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Notice
of Availability (86 KB) |
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Final
EIR (6,846 KB) |
Council Certification Pending |
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