Project Section Environmental Documents

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) has prepared the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS) for the Central Valley Wye portion of the Merced to Fresno Section of the California High-Speed Rail (HSR) Project. The Final Supplemental EIR/EIS has been prepared and is being made available pursuant to both the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable federal environmental laws for this project are being or have been carried out by the State of California pursuant to 23 U.S. Code 327 and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) dated July 23, 2019, and executed by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the State of California. Under that MOU, the Authority is the project’s lead agency under NEPA. Prior to the July 23, 2019, MOU, the FRA was the federal lead agency.

This Final Supplemental EIR/EIS was prepared as a supplement to the 2012 Final EIR/EIS for the Merced to Fresno Section of the California HSR Project (Merced to Fresno Final EIR/EIS), which was certified/approved by the Authority as CEQA lead agency and by the FRA as the NEPA lead agency.

Following completion of the Merced to Fresno Final EIR/EIS in May 2012, the Authority and FRA approved portions of the “Preferred Alternative” (i.e., the Hybrid Alternative) outside the wye for the north-south HSR alignment and the Downtown Merced and Downtown Fresno Mariposa Street station locations. Both agencies deferred a decision on the area known as the “wye connection,” which refers to the HSR connection between the east-west San Jose to Merced Section to the west and the north-south Merced to Fresno Section to the east, to allow for additional environmental analysis. This Final Supplemental EIR/EIS is the next step in the environmental review process for the Authority to select a wye connection. This document evaluates the impacts and benefits of implementing a wye connection in the geographically limited area of the wye connection between the cities of Merced and Madera. It is based on additional project planning and engineering that has occurred over the last several years.

As CEQA lead agency, the Authority prepared and released the Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS in May 2019. In July 2019, the Authority received NEPA Assignment from the FRA, as noted above. The Authority, as NEPA lead agency, released the Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS (the same document as under CEQA) to satisfy the NEPA public comment and review period in September 2019. Responses to public comments received during the CEQA and NEPA review periods are part of this Final Supplemental EIR/EIS and included in Volume IV.

After publication of the Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS, the Authority learned of a new listing of a bumblebee species, Crotch bumble bee (Bombus crotchii), as a candidate for the California Endangered Species Act that may be present in the relevant resource study area for the Central Valley Wye alternatives. As a result, pursuant to both CEQA and NEPA, the Revised Draft Supplemental EIR/Second Draft Supplemental EIS (Revised/Second Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS) was recirculated for a 45-day public comment period. Responses to comments received during the review period for the Revised/Second Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS are part of this Final Supplemental EIR/EIS and included in Volume IV.

This Final Supplemental EIR/EIS evaluates the No Project Alternative and four Central Valley Wye alternatives: the State Route (SR) 152 (North) to Road 11 Wye Alternative, SR 152 (North) to Road 13 Wye Alternative, SR 152 (North) to Road 19 Wye Alternative, and Avenue 21 to Road 13 Wye Alternative The Authority’s “Preferred Alternative” in this Final Supplemental EIR/EIS is the SR 152 (North) to Road 11 Wye Alternative.

FINAL SUPPLEMENTAL EIR/EIS: MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION: CENTRAL VALLEY WYE

Many of the documents identified below are available electronically in Adobe Acrobat PDF format, which requires Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not have a copy of this free software, you can download it from Adobe at https://get.adobe.com/reader/External Link. If you already have a copy of this software, simply click on the links and the documents will open automatically. Note: many of these files are very large and could take several minutes to download. Please call (916) 324-1541 to request electronic copies of documents listed below that are not available on this website.

In addition to posting sections of the Final Supplemental EIR/EIS on this website, printed and/or electronic copies have been made available at the following locations during hours the facilities are open (open days/hours may be reduced for compliance with coronavirus public health and safety directives): Chowchilla Branch Library (300 Kings Avenue, Chowchilla), Madera County Library (121 North G Street, Madera), Merced County Library (2100 O Street, Merced), Madera County Clerk (200 W 4th Street, Madera), and Merced County Clerk (2222 M Street, Merced).

Printed and electronic copies of the Final Supplemental EIR/EIS, along with electronic copies of the associated technical reports, are available for review during business hours at the Authority’s office at 770 L Street, Suite 620 MS-1, Sacramento, CA, and the Authority’s office at 1111 H Street, Fresno, CA. You may also request an electronic copy of the Final Supplemental EIR/EIS by calling (916) 324-1541.

Document Organization

The Central Valley Wye Final Supplemental EIR/EIS includes the following volumes:

• Volume I: Report
• Volume II: Technical Appendices
• Volume III: Alignment Plans
• Volume IV: Responses to Comments

The purpose of environmental documents is to disclose information to decision-makers and the public. While the science and analysis that supports this Final Supplemental EIR/EIS is complex, this document is intended for the general public. Use of technical terms and acronyms has been limited. Terms and acronyms are defined the first time they are used, and a list of acronyms and abbreviations is provided in Chapter 15 of this document.

The Executive Summary provides an overview of all of the substantive chapters. It includes a table listing the potential environmental impacts for each environmental resource topic and directs the reader where to get details in the rest of the document.

Approval Documents

• Final Approved Resolution #HSRA 20-06 CEQA Certification of Merced to Fresno Section: Central Valley Wye Final SEIR/EISPDF Document
• Final Approved Resolution #HSRA 20-07 Approve the Preferred Alternative and related CEQA decision materialsPDF Document
• Project FigurePDF Document
• Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding ConsiderationsPDF Document
• Mitigation Monitoring and Enforcement Plan (MMEP)PDF Document
• Final Approved Resolution #HSRA 20-08 Select the Preferred Alternative and direct the Authority CEO to sign the Supplemental RODPDF Document
• Supplemental Record of Decision (ROD)PDF Document
• Appendix A: General Conformity Determination MemorandumPDF Document
• Appendix B: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Biological OpinionPDF Document
• Appendix C: National Marine Fisheries Service Biological OpinionPDF Document
• Appendix D: Mitigation Monitoring and Enforcement PlanPDF Document
• Appendix E: State Historic Preservation Officer Concurrence LetterPDF Document
• Appendix F: Least Damaging Practicable Alternative Concurrence LetterPDF Document
• Appendix G: Letters to the Authority Board and Board Meeting MaterialsPDF Document

Education Materials

• Executive Summary for the Final Supplemental EIR/EISPDF Document
• Informe Final Suplementario de Impacto Ambiental/Declaración de Impacto Ambiental de la Bifurcación en el Valle Central, Resumen (Executive Summary En Español)PDF Document

Notices

• Notice of AvailabilityPDF Document
• Aviso de DisponibilidadPDF Document
• Notice of Determination (September 11, 2020)PDF Document

Volume I: Report

• Cover Volume IPDF Document
• Title Page Volume IPDF Document
• Signature Page Volume IPDF Document
• Fact SheetPDF Document
• PrefacePDF Document
• Table of Contents Volume IPDF Document
• SummaryPDF Document
• Introduction and Purpose, Need, and ObjectivesPDF Document
• AlternativesPDF Document
• 3.1 IntroductionPDF Document
• 3.2 TransportationPDF Document
• 3.3 Air Quality and Global Climate ChangePDF Document
• 3.4 Noise and VibrationPDF Document
• 3.5 Electromagnetic Fields and Electromagnetic InterferencePDF Document
• 3.6 Public Utilities and EnergyPDF Document
• 3.7 Biological Resources WetlandsPDF Document
• 3.8 Hydrology Water ResourcesPDF Document
• 3.9 Geology, Soils, Seismicity, and Paleontological ResourcesPDF Document
• 3.10 Hazardous Materials and WastesPDF Document
• 3.11 Safety and SecurityPDF Document
• 3.12 Socioeconomics and CommunitiesPDF Document
• 3.13 Land Use and DevelopmentPDF Document
• 3.14 Agricultural FarmlandPDF Document
• 3.15 Parks, Recreation, and Open SpacePDF Document
• 3.16 Aesthetics and Visual ResourcesPDF Document
• 3.17 Cultural ResourcesPDF Document
• 3.18 Regional GrowthPDF Document
• 3.19 Cumulative ImpactsPDF Document
• Section 4(f )and Section 6(f)PDF Document
• Environmental JusticePDF Document
• Project Costs and OperationsPDF Document
• Other NEPA/CEQA ConsiderationsPDF Document
• Preferred AlternativePDF Document
• Public Agency InvolvementPDF Document
• Supplemental EIR/EIS DistributionPDF Document
• List of PreparersPDF Document
• References/Sources Used in Document PreparationPDF Document
• Glossary of TermsPDF Document
• IndexPDF Document
• Acronyms and AbbreviationsPDF Document

Volume II: Technical Appendices

• Cover Volume IIPDF Document
• Title Page Volume IIPDF Document
• Table of Contents Volume IIPDF Document
• Appendix 2-A High-Speed Rail System InfrastructurePDF Document
• Appendix 2-B California High-Speed Rail Impact Avoidance and Minimization FeaturesPDF Document
• Appendix 2-C Applicable Design StandardsPDF Document
• Appendix 2-D Electrical Interconnections and Network Upgrades (EINU)
  • Appendix 2-D.1 EINU Detailed Project DescriptionPDF Document
  • Appendix 2-D.2 EINU Air Quality ModelingPDF Document
  • Appendix 2-D.3 EINU Noise ModelingPDF Document
  • Appendix 2-D.4A Biological Resources Survey SummaryPDF Document
  • Appendix 2-D.4B Amendment to Biological Resources Survey Summary Sites 6&7PDF Document
• Appendix 3.1-A Regional and Local Plans and Laws InventoryPDF Document
• Appendix 3.1-B Parcels Within the Central Valley Wye Alternatives Project FootprintsPDF Document
• Appendix 3.1-C Comparison of Mitigation Measures and Impacts: Central Valley Wye and Merced to Fresno Final EIR/EISPDF Document
• Appendix 3.1-D Central Valley Wye Technical Report Memorandum of UpdatesPDF Document
• Appendix 3.2-A High-Speed Rail Grade Separation and Road Closures for Central Valley Wye AlternativesPDF Document
• Appendix 3.3-A Air Quality and Global Climate Change Local and Regional Plans and Laws Consistency AnalysisPDF Document
• Appendix 3.3-B Memorandum Describing Consistency with the Merced to Fresno General Conformity DeterminationPDF Document
• Appendix 3.4-A Noise and Vibration Mitigation GuidelinesPDF Document
• Appendix 3.6-A Public Utilities and Energy Local and Regional Plans and Laws Consistency AnalysisPDF Document
• Appendix 3.6-B Water Use AssessmentPDF Document
• Appendix 3.6-C Bureau of Reclamation LandsPDF Document
• Appendix 3.7-A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service Species ListsPDF Document
• Appendix 3.7-B California Natural Diversity Database Search ResultsPDF Document
• Appendix 3.7-C.1 Biological Resources and Wetlands Special-Status PlantsPDF Document
• Appendix 3.7-C.2 Biological Resources and Wetlands Special-Status WildlifePDF Document
• Appendix 3.8-A Hydrology and Water Resources Local and Regional Plans and Laws Consistency AnalysisPDF Document
• Appendix 3.11-A Safety and Security Local and Regional Plans and Laws Consistency AnalysisPDF Document
• Appendix 3.11-B Safety and Security DataPDF Document
• Appendix 3.11-C Existing and Proposed Railroad CrossingsPDF Document
• Appendix 3.12-A Socioeconomics and Communities Local and Regional Plans and Laws Consistency AnalysisPDF Document
• Appendix 3.12-B Relocation Assistance DocumentsPDF Document
• Appendix 3.12-C Children’s Health and Safety Risk AssessmentPDF Document
• Appendix 3.12-D Economic Effects on School DistrictsPDF Document
• Appendix 3.12-E Attachment 1 Impacts on Confined Animal Agriculture FacilitiesPDF Document
• Appendix 3.12-E Attachment 2 Impacts on Wastewater Disposal LandsPDF Document
• Appendix 3.12-E High-Speed Rail Impacts on Confined Animal Agriculture FacilitiesPDF Document
• Appendix 3.12-F Summary of Issues Affecting SchoolsPDF Document
• Appendix 3.13-A Land Use and Development Local and Regional Plans and Laws Consistency AnalysisPDF Document
• Appendix 3.14-A Agricultural Farmland Local and Regional Plans and Laws Consistency AnalysisPDF Document
• Appendix 3.14-B Results and Findings of Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Pursuant to the Farmland Protection Policy ActPDF Document
  • Appendix 3.14-B Attachment 1 Natural Resources Conservation Service Land Evaluation Explanations and Calculations for Merced CountyPDF Document
  • Appendix 3.14-B Attachment 1 Natural Resources Conservation Service Land Evaluations and Calculations–Merced CountyPDF Document
  • Appendix 3.14-B Attachment 2 Natural Resources Conservation Service Land Evaluation Explanations and Calculations for Madera CountyPDF Document
  • Appendix 3.14-B Attachment 2 Natural Resources Conservation Service Land Evaluations and Calculations–Madera CountyPDF Document
• Appendix 3.14-C Remnant Parcel Analysis and Important Farmland MitigationPDF Document
  • Appendix 3.14-C Attachment 1 Remnant Parcel Maps–State Route 152 (North) to Road 13 Wye AlternativePDF Document
  • Appendix 3.14-C Attachment 2 Remnant Parcel Maps–State Route 152 (North) to Road 19 Wye AlternativePDF Document
  • Appendix 3.14-C Attachment 3 Remnant Parcel Maps–Avenue 21 to Road 13 Wye AlternativePDF Document
  • Appendix 3.14-C Attachment 4 Remnant Parcel Maps–State Route 152 (North) to Road 11 Wye AlternativePDF Document
• Appendix 3.14-D Williamson Act and Farmland Security Zone Compliance DataPDF Document
• Appendix 3.16-A Aesthetics and Visual Quality Local and Regional Plans and Laws Consistency AnalysisPDF Document
• Appendix 3.16-B Aesthetics and Visual Quality Key ViewpointsPDF Document
• Appendix 3.17-A Cultural Resources Local and Regional Plans and Laws Consistency AnalysisPDF Document
• Appendix 3.17-B Section 106 Programmatic Agreement and Merced to Fresno Section Memoranda of AgreementPDF Document
• Appendix 3.17-C Tribal Outreach and ConsultationPDF Document
• Appendix 3.19-A Cumulative Plans and Non-Transportation Projects List; Appendix 3.19-B Cumulative Transportation Projects ListPDF Document
• Appendix 5-A Environmental Justice Outreach PlanPDF Document
• Appendix 6-A Operations and Service PlanPDF Document
• Appendix 6-B High-Speed Rail Operating and Maintenance Cost for Use in EIR/EIS Project-Level AnalysisPDF Document

Volume III: Alignment Plans

• • Cover Volume IIIPDF Document

Volume III documents are available with the Merced to Fresno: Central Valley Wye Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS.

Volume IV: Responses to Comments

• Cover Volume IVPDF Document
• Introduction to Volume IVPDF Document
• Standard ResponsesPDF Document
• Respuestas EstándarPDF Document
• Response to Comments from Federal Agencies CommentsPDF Document
• Response to Comments from State Agencies CommentsPDF Document
• Response to Comments from Elected Officials CommentsPDF Document
• Response to Comments from Local Agencies Comments Part 1 of 4PDF Document
• Response to Comments from Local Agencies Comments Part 2 of 4PDF Document
• Response to Comments from Local Agencies Comments Part 3 of 4PDF Document
• Response to Comments from Local Agencies Comments Part 4 of 4PDF Document
• Response to Comments from Business and Organization Comments Part 1 of 4PDF Document
• Response to Comments from Business and Organization Comments Part 2 of 4PDF Document
• Response to Comments from Business and Organization Comments Part 3 of 4PDF Document
• Response to Comments from Business and Organization Comments Part 4 of 4PDF Document
• Response to Comments from Individual CommentsPDF Document

Technical Reports

• Technical Reports are available with the Merced to Fresno: Central Valley Wye Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS.

Checkpoint A

• Checkpoint A is available with the Merced to Fresno Draft EIR/EIS.

Checkpoint B

• Checkpoint B is available with the Merced to Fresno Draft EIR/EIS.
• Supplemental Checkpoint B Summary Report and Addenda are available with the Merced to Fresno: Central Valley Wye Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS.

Checkpoint C

• Supplemental Checkpoint C Summary Report is available with the Merced to Fresno: Central Valley Wye Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS.

Brief Explanation of Each Volume and Chapter

Volume I: Report

Chapter 1.0, Introduction and Purpose, Need, and Objectives, explains the Authority’s purpose and need for the Merced to Fresno Section, including the Central Valley Wye, and it provides a history of the planning process.

Chapter 2.0, Alternatives, describes the proposed Central Valley Wye alternatives, as well as the No Project Alternative used for purposes of comparison. It contains illustrations and maps and provides a review of construction activities. These first two chapters help the reader understand what is being analyzed in the remainder of the document.

Chapter 3.0, Affected Environment, Environmental Consequences, and Mitigation Measures, provides information about the existing transportation, environmental, and social conditions in the area of the Central Valley Wye. This chapter provides the findings of the analysis of potential environmental impacts, along with methods to reduce these impacts (called mitigation measures).

Chapter 4.0, Final Section 4(f) and Section 6(f) Evaluations, provides the analysis to support determinations made under Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act of 1966 and Section 6(f) of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act.

Chapter 5.0, Environmental Justice, discusses whether the Central Valley Wye alternatives may cause disproportionate impacts on low-income and minority communities. It also identifies mitigation to reduce those impacts where appropriate.

Chapter 6.0, Project Costs and Operations, summarizes the estimated capital and operations and maintenance costs for each Central Valley Wye alternative evaluated in this Final Supplemental EIR/EIS, including funding and financial risk.

Chapter 7.0, Other NEPA/CEQA Considerations, summarizes the Central Valley Wye alternatives’ environmental effects under NEPA, the significant adverse environmental effects that cannot be avoided under CEQA, and the significant irreversible environmental changes that would occur as a result of the Central Valley Wye alternatives or irretrievable commitments of resources or foreclosure of future options.

Chapter 8.0, Preferred Alternative, describes the Preferred Alternative and the basis for identifying the Preferred Alternative.

Chapter 9.0, Public and Agency Involvement, contains summaries of coordination and outreach activities with agencies and the general public during preparation of this Final Supplemental EIR/EIS. In addition, this chapter contains a list of common comments and the responses to this subset of comments.

Chapter 10.0, Final Supplemental EIR/EIS Distribution, identifies the public agencies, tribes, and organizations that were informed of the availability of, and locations to obtain, this Final Supplemental EIR/EIS.

Chapter 11.0, List of Preparers, provides the names and responsibilities of the authors of this Final Supplemental EIR/EIS.

Chapter 12.0, References/Sources Used in Document Preparation, cites the references and contacts used in writing this Final Supplemental EIR/EIS.

Chapter 13.0, Glossary of Terms, provides a definition of certain terms used in this Final Supplemental EIR/EIS.

Chapter 14.0, Index, provides a tool to cross-reference major topics used in this Final Supplemental EIR/EIS.

Chapter 15.0, Acronyms and Abbreviations, defines the acronyms and abbreviations used in this Final Supplemental EIR/EIS.

Volume II: Technical Appendices

The technical appendices provide additional details on the Central Valley Wye alternatives and the Final Supplemental EIR/EIS process. Technical appendices included in Volume II are primarily related to the affected environment and environmental consequences analyses. These appendices are numbered to match their corresponding section in Chapter 3, as well as Chapter 2, of this Final Supplemental EIR/EIS (e.g., 3.7-A is the first appendix for Section 3.7, Biological Resources and Wetlands).

Volume III: Alignment Plans

These are detailed design drawings, including trackway and roadway crossing design.

Volume IV: Responses to Comments on the Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS and Revised Draft Supplemental EIR/Second Draft Supplemental EIS

This section includes comments received on the Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS during the separate review periods for CEQA and NEPA, comments received on the Revised Draft Supplemental EIR/Second Draft Supplemental EIS and the responses to these comments.

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) announces the availability of a joint revised draft supplemental environmental impact report/environmental impact statement to address a bumble bee species that was recently listed as a state candidate species and may contain habitat within the Central Valley Wye study area.

This document was prepared pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and is entitled “Merced to Fresno Section: Central Valley Wye Revised Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report/Second Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement, Biological Resources Analysis” (referred to below as “Revised/Second Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS”). The Revised/Second Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS was prepared as a limited revision to the previously published Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report and Environmental Impact Statement (Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS), a supplement to the 2012 Final EIR/EIS for the Merced to Fresno Section of the California High-Speed Rail Project (Merced to Fresno Final EIR/EIS), which was certified/approved by the Authority as the CEQA lead agency and by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) as the NEPA lead agency.

Following the Authority’s publication of the Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS for CEQA purposes in May 2019 and subsequent publication of the Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS for NEPA purposes in September 2019, the Authority learned of the new listing by the State of California Department of Fish and Wildlife of a bumble bee species that may be present in the relevant resource study area for the Central Valley Wye alternatives. The Authority, as lead CEQA and NEPA agency for the Central Valley Wye, is issuing this Revised/Second Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS limited to the portions of the Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS that would require revision based on the new information about the candidate species. New information includes background information, methodology, impact analysis, and mitigation measures.

The section and appendix comprising the Revised/Second Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS are:

1. Section 3.7, Biological Resources and Wetlands
2. Section 3.19.6.6, Cumulative Impacts, Biological Resources and Wetlands
3. Appendix 3.7-C-2, Biological Resources and Wetlands Special-Status Wildlife

The Authority reviewed other sections of the Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS and found, based on research and a review of the evidence, that no other substantive changes would be required, including Section 3.19, Cumulative Impacts.

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION: CENTRAL VALLEY WYE REVISED DRAFT SUPPLEMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT/ SECOND DRAFT SUPPLEMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT, BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES ANALYSIS

The following documents are available electronically in Adobe Acrobat PDF format, which require Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not have a copy of this free software, you can download it from Adobe at http://get.adobe.com/readerExternal Link. If you already have a copy of this software, simply click on the links and it will open up automatically. Note: some of these files are very large and could take up to several minutes to download.

In addition to posting the Revised/Second Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS on this website, printed and electronic copies are provided at the following public libraries and county clerk offices: Chowchilla Branch Library (300 Kings Avenue, Chowchilla), Madera County Library (121 North G Street, Madera), Merced County Library (2100 O St, Merced), Madera County Clerk (200 W 4th St, Madera), and Merced County Clerk (2222 M St, Merced).

Printed and electronic copies of the Central Valley Wye Revised/Second Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS are available for review during business hours at the Authority’s office at 770 L Street, Suite 620 MS-1, Sacramento, CA, and the Authority’s office at 1111 H Street, Fresno, CA. You may also request an electronic copy of the Revised/Second Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS by calling (916) 324-1541.

The 2012 Merced to Fresno Final EIR/EIS and 2018 Central Valley Wye Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS can be accessed by requesting an electronic copy by calling (916) 324-1541.

Submitting a Comment

The comment period is closed.

Notices

• Notice of AvailabilityPDF Document
• Notificatión de Disponibilidad (Notice of Availability En Español)PDF Document
• Notice of Completion (Accessible 508 Compliant)PDF Document
• Notice of Completion (Signed and Stamped)PDF Document

Revised/Second Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS

• Cover PagePDF Document
• Signature PagePDF Document
• Cover Sheet MemoPDF Document
• Memorando (Cover Sheet Memo En Español)PDF Document
• Section 3.7, Biological Resources and WetlandsPDF Document
  • This section provides the findings and analysis of potential environmental impacts, along with methods to reduce these impacts (called mitigation measures).
• Section 3.19.6.6, Cumulative Impacts, Biological Resources and WetlandsPDF Document
  • This section provides the findings and analysis of cumulative effects to Biological Resources and Wetlands.
• Appendix 3.7-C-2, Biological Resources and Wetlands Special-Status WildlifePDF Document
  • This section provides the affected environment and environmental consequences analyses.

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) announces the availability of a draft supplemental environmental impact statement pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) entitled “Merced to Fresno Section: Central Valley Wye Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement” (referred to below as “Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS”). This document was prepared as a supplement to the 2012 Final EIR/EIS for the Merced to Fresno Section of the California High-Speed Rail Project (Merced to Fresno Final EIR/EIS), which was certified/approved by the Authority as California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) lead agency and by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) as the NEPA lead agency. The present Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS contains all the content required by CEQA and NEPA, however, the CEQA portion of this document was presented to the public in May and June of 2019.

On July 23, 2019, Governor Newsom executed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with FRA under the Surface Transportation Project Delivery Program (known as NEPA Assignment), pursuant to the legal authority under 23 U.S.C. section 327. Under NEPA Assignment, the State, acting through the California State Transportation Agency and the Authority, has assumed FRA’s responsibilities under NEPA and other federal environmental laws, as assigned by FRA under the MOU. These responsibilities that California will now carry out, pursuant to 23 U.S.C. section 327 and the MOU, include environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable Federal environmental laws for this project. The Authority as NEPA lead agency is therefore issuing the Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS pursuant to NEPA only at this time for public and agency comments. Content in the Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS that is specific or pertaining to CEQA is for information only at this time.

Following its certification of the Merced to Fresno Final EIR/EIS in May 2012, the Authority approved portions of the “Preferred Alternative” (Hybrid Alternative) outside the wye for the north/south alignment of the high‐speed rail and the Downtown Merced and Downtown Fresno Mariposa Street station locations. The FRA made a similar decision. Both agencies elected to defer a decision on the area known as the “wye connection” – that is, the east-west HSR connection between the San Jose to Merced Section to the west and the north-south Merced to Fresno Section to the east, to allow for additional environmental analysis. This Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS is the next step in the NEPA environmental review process for the Authority to select a wye connection. This document evaluates the impacts and benefits of implementing a wye connection in the geographically limited area of the wye connection between the cities of Merced and Madera and is based on additional project planning and engineering that has occurred over the last several years.

The Preferred Alternative in this Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS, is the State Route (SR) 152 (North) to Road 11 Wye Alternative. This Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS also evaluates the No Project Alternative and four Central Valley Wye alternatives: the SR 152 (North) to Road 13 Wye Alternative, SR 152 (North) to Road 19 Wye Alternative, and Avenue 21 to Road 13 Wye Alternative.

DRAFT SUPPLEMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT/ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

Many of the following documents are available electronically in Adobe Acrobat PDF format, which require Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not have a copy of this free software, you can download it from Adobe at https://get.adobe.com/reader/External Link. If you already have a copy of this software, simply click on the links and it will open up automatically. Note: many of these files are very large and could take up to several minutes to download. Documents listed below that are not available electronically are available by requesting an electronic copy on CD by calling (916) 324-1541.

In addition to posting sections of the Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS on this website, printed and electronic copies are provided at the following public libraries and county clerk offices: Chowchilla Branch Library (300 Kings Avenue, Chowchilla), Madera County Library (121 North G Street, Madera), Merced County Library (2100 O St, Merced), Madera County Clerk (200 W 4th St, Madera), and Merced County Clerk (2222 M St, Merced).

Printed and electronic copies of the Central Valley Wye Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS, along with electronic copies of the associated technical reports, are available for review during business hours at the Authority’s office at 770 L Street, Suite 620 MS-1, Sacramento, CA, and the Authority’s office at 1111 H Street, Fresno, CA. You may also request an electronic copy on CD of the Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS by calling (916) 324-1541.

The 2012 Merced to Fresno Final EIR/EIS can be accessed by requesting an electronic copy on CD by calling (916) 324-1541.

Document Organization

The Central Valley Wye Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS includes the following:

• Volume I – Report
• Volume II – Technical Appendices
• Volume III – Alignment Plans

The purpose of environmental documents is to disclose information to decision makers and the public. While the science and analysis that supports this Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS is complex, this document is intended for the general public. Every attempt has been made to limit technical terms and the use of acronyms. The terms and acronyms are defined the first time they are used and a list of acronyms and abbreviations is provided in Chapter 15PDF Document of this document.

The Executive Summary provides an overview of all of the substantive chapters and includes a table listing the potential environmental impacts for each environmental resource topic and directs the reader where to get details elsewhere in the document.

Educational Materials

• Executive Summary for the Draft Supplemental EIR/EISPDF Document
• Resumen Ejecutivo del Borrador Informe del Impacto Ambiental / Declaración del Impacto Ambiental Suplementario de la Sección de Fresno a Bakersfield (EIR/EIS Suplementario) (Executive Summary En Español)PDF Document

Notices

• NEPA Notice of AvailabilityPDF Document
• Publicación y Notificación Exclusiva de la NEPA (NEPA Notice of Availability En Español)PDF Document
• CEQA Notice of AvailabilityPDF Document
• Aviso de Disponibilidad del Borrador Informe de Impacto Ambiental / Declaración de Impacto Ambiental Suplementario de la Sección de Merced to Fresno (CEQA Notice of Availability En Español)PDF Document
• Notice of Completion (May 2, 2019)PDF Document

Submitting a Comment

On September 13, 2019, the California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) released, for National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) public review and comment, a Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS) for the Merced to Fresno Section of the California High-Speed Rail Project. This Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS is focused on the Central Valley Wye. The Central Valley Wye is located near the City of Chowchilla and will serve as the junction for the high-speed rail system connecting San Jose to Fresno, San Jose to Merced, and Merced to Fresno.

The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable Federal environmental laws for this project are being or have been carried out by the State of California pursuant to 23 U.S.C. section 327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated July 23, 2019, and executed by the Federal Railroad Administration and the State of California. The present Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS contains all the content required by NEPA and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), however, the CEQA portion of this document was presented to the public in May and June of 2019. The Authority as NEPA lead agency is therefore issuing the Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS pursuant to NEPA only at this time for public and agency comments. Content in the Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS that is specific or pertaining to CEQA is for information only at this time.

The official NEPA comment period begins Friday, September 13 and ends Monday, October 28, 2019. There are several ways to submit a NEPA comment regarding the Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS for the Merced to Fresno Project Section including:

• Via email at central.valley@hsr.ca.gov
• Mail your comment to:Attn: Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS for the Merced to Fresno Project Section
  California High-Speed Rail Authority
  770 L Street, Suite 620 MS-1
  Sacramento, CA 95814
• Leave a verbal comment on the direct line for the Merced to Fresno Project Section at (800) 881-5799.
• Submit public comment at the hearing on October 1, 2019 between 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. The hearing location is at the Little Theater at the Chowchilla-Madera Fairgrounds at 1000 S 3rd Street, Chowchilla CA 93610.

Cómo Presentar un Comentario

El 3 de Septiembre del 2013, la Autoridad del Tren de Alta Velocidad de California (la Autoridad) publicó, para la revisión y apreciación pública, un borrador suplementario del Informe de impacto ambiental de conformidad con la Ley Nacional de Política Ambiental (NEPA) o la Declaración del impacto ambiental (borrador suplementario del Informe de impacto ambiental [Environmental Impact Report, EIR] o la Declaración del impacto ambiental [Environmental Impact Statement, EIS]) sobre la sección de Merced a Fresno del proyecto del Tren de Alta Velocidad de California. Este borrador suplementario del EIR/EIS está enfocado en el Valle Central de Wye. El Valle Central de Wye se localiza cerca de la ciudad de Chowchilla y funcionará como unión del sistema de tren de alta velocidad que conecta a San Jose y Fresno, a San Jose y Merced, y a Merced y Fresno.

La revisión ambiental, consulta y otras acciones requeridas por las leyes ambientales federales aplicables para este proyecto están siendo o han sido llevadas a cabo por el Estado de California de conformidad con la sección 327 del 23 U.S.C. y un Memorando de Entendimiento fechado el 23 de Julio de 2019, y ejecutado por la Administración Federal de Ferrocarriles y el Estado de California. El presente Borrador suplementario del EIR/EIS contiene todo lo requerido por la NEPA y la Ley de Calidad Ambiental de California (CEQA), sin embargo, la porción de CEQA de este documento fue presentada al público en mayo y Junio de 2019. Sin embargo, la parte de la Ley de Calidad Ambiental de California (CEQA) en este documento fue presentada en mayo y Junio de 2019. Así, la autoridad institucional líder como es la NEPA estará emitiendo un Borrador del EIR/EIS siguiendo únicamente a la NEPA en la actualidad, en el caso de los comentarios públicos y de instituciones. El contenido del Borrador del EIR/EIS que sea específico o que tenga relación a la CEQA únicamente será utilizado como guía en esta oportunidad.

El periodo oficial de comentarios comienza el viernes 13 de Septiembre y termina el lunes 28 de Octubre de 2019. Existen varias maneras de presentar un comentario al NEPA sobre el borrador suplementario del EIR/EIS para la sección de Merced a Fresno del proyecto, incluso:

• Por correo electrónico a CentralValley.Wy@hsr.ca.gov
• Envíe su comentario por correo postal a:Attn: Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS for the Merced to Fresno Project Section
  California High-Speed Rail Authority
  770 L Street, Suite 620 MS-1
  Sacramento, CA 95814
• Deje un mensaje de voz en la línea directa de la sección de Merced a Fresno del proyecto al (800) 881-5799.
• Presente su comentario en público en la audiencia del 1 de Octubre, de 3:00 p. m. a 8:00 p. m. La ubicación de la audiencia será en el Little Theater de la feria de Chowchilla-Madera, 1000 S 3rd Street, Chowchilla CA 93610.

Volume I – Report

• Volume I CoverPDF Document
• Volume I Title PagePDF Document
• Signature Page – NEPA AssignmentPDF Document
• Signature PagePDF Document
• NEPA Distribution ExplanationPDF Document
• Explicación de la distribución conforme a la Ley Nacional de Política Ambiental (NEPA) (NEPA Distribution Explanation En Español)PDF Document
• EIR Clarifications and ErrataPDF Document
• Aclaraciones del EIR y Errata (EIR Clarifications and Errata en Español)PDF Document
• Fact SheetPDF Document
• PrefacePDF Document
• Table of Contents Volume IPDF Document
• SummaryPDF Document
• Introduction and Purpose, Need, and ObjectivesPDF Document
• AlternativesPDF Document
• 3.1 IntroductionPDF Document
• 3.2 TransportationPDF Document
• 3.3 Air Quality and Global Climate ChangePDF Document
• 3.4 Noise and VibrationPDF Document
• 3.5 Electromagnetic Fields and Electromagnetic InterferencePDF Document
• 3.6 Public Utilities and EnergyPDF Document
• 3.7 Biological Resources and WetlandsPDF Document
• 3.8 Hydrology and Water ResourcesPDF Document
• 3.9 Geology, Soils, Seismicity, and Paleontological ResourcesPDF Document
• 3.10 Hazardous Materials and WastesPDF Document
• 3.11 Safety and SecurityPDF Document
• 3.12 Socioeconomics and CommunitiesPDF Document
• 3.13 Land Use and DevelopmentPDF Document
• 3.14 Agricultural FarmlandPDF Document
• 3.15 Parks, Recreation, and Open SpacePDF Document
• 3.16 Aesthetics and Visual ResourcesPDF Document
• 3.17 Cultural ResourcesPDF Document
• 3.18 Regional GrowthPDF Document
• 3.19 Cumulative ImpactsPDF Document
• Section 4(f) and Section 6(f) EvaluationsPDF Document
• Environmental JusticePDF Document
• Project Costs and OperationsPDF Document
• Other NEPA/CEQA ConsiderationsPDF Document
• Preferred AlternativePDF Document
• Public and Agency InvolvementPDF Document
• Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS DistributionPDF Document
• List of PreparersPDF Document
• References/Sources Used in Document PreparationPDF Document
• Glossary of TermsPDF Document
• IndexPDF Document
• Acronyms and AbbreviationsPDF Document

Volume II: Technical Appendices

• Cover Volume IIPDF Document
• Title Page Volume IIPDF Document
• Table of Contents Volume IIPDF Document
• 2-A High-Speed Rail System InfrastructurePDF Document
• 2-B California High-Speed Rail: Impact Avoidance and Minimization FeaturesPDF Document
• 2-C Applicable Design StandardsPDF Document
• 2-D.1, Detailed Project DescriptionPDF Document
• 2-D.2, Air Quality ModelingPDF Document
• 2-D.3, Noise ModelingPDF Document
• 2-D.4, Biological Resources Survey SummaryPDF Document
• 3.1-A Regional and Local Plans and Laws InventoryPDF Document
• 3.1-B Parcels within the Central Valley Wye Alternatives Project FootprintsPDF Document
• 3.1-C Comparison of Central Valley Wye Mitigation Measures and Merced to Fresno Final EIR/EIS Mitigation MeasuresPDF Document
• 3.1-D Central Valley Wye Technical Report Memorandum of UpdatesPDF Document
• 3.2-A High-Speed Rail Grade Separation and Road Closures for Central Valley Wye AlternativesPDF Document
• 3.3-A Air Quality and Global Climate Change Local and Regional Plans and Laws Consistency AnalysisPDF Document
• 3.3-B Memorandum Describing Consistency with the Merced to Fresno General Conformity DeterminationPDF Document
• 3.4-A Noise and Vibration Mitigation GuidelinesPDF Document
• 3.6-A Public Utilities and Energy Local and Regional Plans and Laws Consistency AnalysisPDF Document
• 3.6-B Water Use AssessmentPDF Document
• 3.6-C U.S. Bureau of Reclamation LandsPDF Document
• 3.7-A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Species ListPDF Document
• 3.7-B California Natural Diversity Database Search ResultsPDF Document
• 3.7-C Special-Status Species with Potential to Occur in the Resource Study AreaPDF Document
• 3.8-A Hydrology and Water Resources Local and Regional Plans and Laws Consistency AnalysisPDF Document
• 3.11-A Safety and Security Local and Regional Plans and Laws Consistency AnalysisPDF Document
• 3.11-B Safety and Security DataPDF Document
• 3.11-C Existing and Proposed Railroad CrossingsPDF Document
• 3.12-A Socioeconomics and Communities Local and Regional Plans and Laws Consistency AnalysisPDF Document
• 3.12-B Relocation Assistance DocumentsPDF Document
• 3.12-C Children’s Health and Safety Risk AssessmentPDF Document
• 3.12-D Economic Effects on School DistrictsPDF Document
• 3.12-E High-Speed Rail Impacts on Confined Animal Agriculture FacilitiesPDF Document
• 3.12-E-1 High-Speed Rail Impacts on Confined Animal Agricultural FacilitiesPDF Document
• 3.12-E-2 Impacts on Wastewater Disposal LandsPDF Document
• 3.12-F Summary of Issues Affecting SchoolsPDF Document
• 3.13-A Land Use and Development Local and Regional Plans and Laws Consistency AnalysisPDF Document
• 3.14-A Agricultural Farmland Local and Regional Plans and Laws Consistency AnalysisPDF Document
• 3.14-B Results and Findings of Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Pursuant to the Farmland Protection Policy ActPDF Document
  • Appendix 3.14-B, Attachment-1 Form Merced CountyPDF Document
  • Appendix 3.14-B, Attachment-1 Explanations Merced CountyPDF Document
  • Appendix 3.14-B, Attachment-2 Form Madera CountyPDF Document
  • Appendix 3.14-B, Attachment-2 Explanations Madera CountyPDF Document
• 3.14-C Remnant Parcel Analysis and Important Farmland MitigationPDF Document
  • Appendix 3.14-C, Remnant Parcel Analysis SR 152 North to Road 13 AlternativePDF Document
  • Appendix 3.14-C, Remnant Parcel Analysis SR 152 North to Road 19 AlternativePDF Document
  • Appendix 3.14-C, Remnant Parcel Analysis Avenue 21 to Road 13 AlternativePDF Document
  • Appendix 3.14-C, Remnant Parcel Analysis SR 152 North to Road 11 AlternativePDF Document
• 3.14-D Williamson Act and Farmland Security Zone Compliance DataPDF Document
• 3.16-A Aesthetics and Visual Quality Local and Regional Plans and Laws Consistency AnalysisPDF Document
• 3.16-B Aesthetics and Visual Quality Key ViewpointsPDF Document
• 3.17-A Cultural Resources Local and Regional Plans and Laws Consistency AnalysisPDF Document
• 3.17-B Section 106 Programmatic Agreement and Merced to Fresno Section Memoranda of AgreementPDF Document
• 3.17-C Tribal Outreach and ConsultationPDF Document
• 3.19-A and B Cumulative Plans, Non-Transportation Projects and Transportation Projects ListPDF Document
• 5-A Environmental Justice Outreach PlanPDF Document
• 6-A Operations and Service PlanPDF Document
• 6-B High-Speed Rail Operating and Maintenance Cost for Use in EIR/EIS Project-Level AnalysisPDF Document

Volume III: Alignment Plans

• Cover Volume IIIPDF Document
• Alignment Plans SR 152 North to Road 13 AlternativePDF Document
• Alignment Plans SR 152 North to Road 19 AlternativePDF Document
• Alignment Plans Avenue 21 to Road 13 AlternativePDF Document
• Alignment Plans SR 152 North to Road 11 AlternativePDF Document
• Civil and Grade Separation Plans SR 152 North to Road 13 AlternativePDF Document
• Civil and Grade Separation Plans SR 152 North to Road 19 AlternativePDF Document
• Civil and Grade Separation Plans Avenue 21 to Road 13 AlternativePDF Document
• Civil and Grade Separation Plans SR 152 North to Road 11 AlternativePDF Document
• Structure Viaduct and Tunnel Plans Part 1 of 2PDF Document
• Structure Viaduct and Tunnel Plans Part 2 of 2PDF Document
• Traction Power Facility, Interlocking, and Radio Site Plans Part 1 of 2PDF Document
• Traction Power Facility, Interlocking, and Radio Site Plans Part 2 of 2PDF Document

Technical Reports

• Transportation Technical ReportPDF Document
  • Transportation Technical Report Appendix APDF Document
  • Transportation Technical Report Appendix BPDF Document
  • Transportation Technical Report Appendix CPDF Document
  • Transportation Technical Report Appendix DPDF Document
  • Transportation Technical Report Appendix EPDF Document
• Air Quality and Global Climate Change Technical ReportPDF Document
  • Air Quality and Global Climate Change Technical Report Appendix APDF Document
  • Air Quality and Global Climate Change Technical Report Appendix BPDF Document
  • Air Quality and Global Climate Change Technical Report Appendix CPDF Document
  • Air Quality and Global Climate Change Technical Report Appendix DPDF Document
  • Air Quality and Global Climate Change Technical Report Appendix EPDF Document
• Noise and Vibration Technical ReportPDF Document
  • Noise and Vibration Technical Report Appendix APDF Document
  • Noise and Vibration Technical Report Appendix BPDF Document
  • Noise and Vibration Technical Report Appendix CPDF Document
  • Noise and Vibration Technical Report Appendix DPDF Document
  • Noise and Vibration Technical Report Appendix EPDF Document
  • Noise and Vibration Technical Report Appendix FPDF Document
  • Noise and Vibration Technical Report Appendix GPDF Document
• Hydrology and Water Resources Technical ReportPDF Document
  • Hydrology and Water Resources Technical Report Appendix APDF Document
  • Hydrology and Water Resources Technical Report Appendix BPDF Document
  • Hydrology and Water Resources Technical Report Appendix CPDF Document
• Biological Resources and Wetlands Technical Report (Redacted)PDF Document
  • Biological Resources and Wetlands Technical Report Appendix APDF Document
  • Biological Resources and Wetlands Technical Report Appendix BPDF Document
  • Biological Resources and Wetlands Technical Report Appendix CPDF Document
  • Biological Resources and Wetlands Technical Report Appendix DPDF Document
• Second Supplemental Wetlands Delineation ReportPDF Document
  • Second Supplemental Wetlands Delineation Report Appendices A and BPDF Document
  • Second Supplemental Wetlands Delineation Report Appendix C-1PDF Document
  • Second Supplemental Wetlands Delineation Report Appendix C-2PDF Document
  • Second Supplemental Wetlands Delineation Report Appendix C-3PDF Document
  • Second Supplemental Wetlands Delineation Report Appendix C-4PDF Document
  • Second Supplemental Wetlands Delineation Report Appendix C-5PDF Document
  • Second Supplemental Wetlands Delineation Report Appendix C-6PDF Document
  • Second Supplemental Wetlands Delineation Report Appendix C-7PDF Document
  • Second Supplemental Wetlands Delineation Report Appendix C-8PDF Document
  • Second Supplemental Wetlands Delineation Report Appendix C-9PDF Document
  • Second Supplemental Wetlands Delineation Report Appendix C-10PDF Document
  • Second Supplemental Wetlands Delineation Report Appendix C-11PDF Document
  • Second Supplemental Wetlands Delineation Report Appendices D-IPDF Document
• California Rapid Assessment Method ReportPDF Document
  • California Rapid Assessment Method Report Appendix APDF Document
  • California Rapid Assessment Method Report Appendix BPDF Document
  • California Rapid Assessment Method Report Appendix CPDF Document
  • California Rapid Assessment Method Report Appendix DPDF Document
• Geology, Soils, and Seismicity Technical ReportPDF Document
  • Geology, Soils, and Seismicity Technical Report Appendix APDF Document
• Paleontological Resources Technical ReportPDF Document
  • Paleontological Resources Technical Report Appendix APDF Document
• Hazardous Materials and Wastes Technical ReportPDF Document
  • Hazardous Materials and Wastes Technical Report Appendix APDF Document
  • Hazardous Materials and Wastes Technical Report Appendix BPDF Document
  • Hazardous Materials and Wastes Technical Report Appendix CPDF Document
  • Hazardous Materials and Wastes Technical Report Appendix DPDF Document
  • Hazardous Materials and Wastes Technical Report Appendix EPDF Document
• Community Impact Assessment Technical ReportPDF Document
  • Community Impact Assessment Appendix APDF Document
  • Community Impact Assessment Appendix BPDF Document
  • Community Impact Assessment Appendix CPDF Document
  • Community Impact Assessment Appendix DPDF Document
• Draft Relocation Impact ReportPDF Document
  • Draft Relocation Impact Report Appendix APDF Document
• Aesthetics and Visual Resources Technical ReportPDF Document
  • Aesthetics and Visual Resources Technical Report Appendix APDF Document
• Historic Architectural Survey ReportPDF Document
  • Historic Architectural Survey Report Appendix APDF Document
  • Historic Architectural Survey Report Appendix BPDF Document
  • Historic Architectural Survey Report Appendix CPDF Document
  • Historic Architectural Survey Report Appendix DPDF Document
  • Historic Architectural Survey Report Appendix EPDF Document
  • Historic Architectural Survey Report Appendix FPDF Document
  • Historic Architectural Survey Report Appendix GPDF Document
• Historic Architectural Survey Report AddendumPDF Document
• Supplemental Section 106 Findings of Effect ReportPDF Document
  • Supplemental Section 106 Findings of Effect Report Appendix APDF Document
  • Supplemental Section 106 Findings of Effect Report Appendix BPDF Document
  • Supplemental Section 106 Findings of Effect Report Appendix CPDF Document
  • Supplemental Section 106 Findings of Effect Report Appendix DPDF Document

Checkpoints

Checkpoint A

• Checkpoint A is available by requesting an electronic copy on CD by calling (916) 324-1541.

Checkpoint B

• Checkpoint B is available by requesting an electronic copy on CD by calling (916) 324-1541.
• Supplemental Checkpoint B Summary ReportPDF Document
• Supplemental Checkpoint B Summary Report AddendumPDF Document
• Supplemental Checkpoint B Summary Report Second AddendumPDF Document
• Supplemental Checkpoint B Summary Report Third AddendumPDF Document

Checkpoint C

• Supplemental Checkpoint C Summary Report (Redacted)PDF Document
• Appendix A, Watershed Evaluation ReportPDF Document
• Appendix B, Evaluation of Wetland Condition: California Rapid Assessment Method (CRAM) ReportPDF Document
• Appendix B-1, Maps of Assessment AreasPDF Document
• Appendix B-2, Summary Table of CRAM DataPDF Document
• Appendix B-3, Assessment Area Data FormsPDF Document
• Appendix B-4, Photo LogPDF Document
• Appendix C, Sequenced Search for Less Environmentally Damaging AlternativePDF Document
• Appendix D, USACE Section 408 Preliminary Determination Hydraulics Analysis Summary ReportPDF Document
• Appendix E, Preliminary Compensatory Mitigation Plan (Redacted)
• Appendix E-1, Site Maps for Potential Mitigation Sites (Redacted)
• Appendix E-2, Effects Illustrations (Redacted)
• Appendix F: Clean Water Act 404(B)(1) Guidelines: Factual Determinations (Redacted)
• Appendix G, Impact Avoidance and Minimization Features and Mitigation MeasuresPDF Document
• Appendix H, Plant Communities and Land Cover Types within the Habitat Study AreaPDF Document

Brief Explanation of Each Chapter

Volume I – Report

• Chapter 1.0, Introduction and Purpose, Need, and Objectives, explains the Authority’s purpose and need for the Merced to Fresno Section, including the Central Valley Wye and provides a history of the planning process.
• Chapter 2.0, Alternatives, describes the proposed Central Valley Wye alternatives, as well as the No Project Alternative used for purposes of comparison. It contains illustrations and maps and provides a review of construction activities. These first two chapters help the reader understand what is being analyzed in the remainder of the document.
• Chapter 3.0, Affected Environment, Environmental Consequences, and Mitigation Measures, is where the reader can find information about the existing transportation, environmental, and social conditions in the area of the Central Valley Wye. This chapter provides the findings of the analysis of potential environmental impacts, along with methods to reduce these impacts (called mitigation measures).
• Chapter 4.0, Section 4(f)/Section 6(f) Evaluation, provides the analysis to support determinations made under Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act of 1966 and Section 6(f) of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act.
• Chapter 5.0, Environmental Justice, discusses whether the Central Valley Wye alternatives may cause disproportionate impacts on low-income and minority communities. It also identifies mitigation to reduce those impacts where appropriate.
• Chapter 6.0, Project Costs and Operations, summarizes the estimated capital and operations and maintenance costs for each Central Valley Wye alternative evaluated in this Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS, including funding and financial risk.
• Chapter 7.0, Other NEPA/CEQA Considerations, summarizes the Central Valley Wye alternatives’ environmental effects under NEPA, the significant adverse environmental effects that cannot be avoided under CEQA, and the significant irreversible environmental changes that would occur as a result of the Central Valley Wye alternatives or irretrievable commitments of resources or foreclosure of future options.
• Chapter 8.0, Preferred Alternative, describes the Preferred Alternative and the basis for identifying the Preferred Alternative.
• Chapter 9.0, Public and Agency Involvement, contains summaries of coordination and outreach activities with agencies and the general public during preparation of this Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS. In addition, this chapter contains a list of common comments and the responses to this subset of comments.
• Chapter 10.0, Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS Distribution, identifies the public agencies, tribes, and organizations that were informed of the availability of, and locations to obtain, this Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS.
• Chapter 11.0, List of Preparers, provides the names and responsibilities of the authors of this Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS.
• Chapter 12.0, References/Sources Used in Document Preparation, cites the references and contacts used in writing this Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS.
• Chapter 13.0, Glossary of Terms, provides a definition of certain terms used in this Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS.
• Chapter 14.0, Index, provides a tool to cross-reference major topics used in this Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS.
• Chapter 15.0, Acronyms and Abbreviations, defines the acronyms and abbreviations used in this Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS.

Volume II – Technical Appendices

• Appendices provide additional details on the Central Valley Wye alternatives and the Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS process. Technical appendices, included in Volume II, are primarily related to the affected environment and environmental consequences analyses. These appendices are numbered to match their corresponding section in Chapter 3, as well as Chapter 2, of this Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS (e.g., 3.7-A is the first appendix for Section 3.7, Biological Resources and Wetlands).

Volume III – Alignment Plans

• These are detailed design drawings, including trackway and roadway crossing design.