Project Section Environmental Documents

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) has prepared the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR)/Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the San Francisco to San Jose Project Section (Project Section, or project) of the California High-Speed Rail (HSR) System. The Final 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 United States 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. The Authority is also the project’s lead agency under CEQA.

Following the Authority’s publication of the Draft EIR/EIS in July 2020, monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) became a candidate for listing under the federal Endangered Species Act (FESA) on December 15, 2020 (85 Federal Register 81813, December 17, 2020). This action by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service makes monarch butterfly subject to the definition of special-status species used by the Authority for analysis: “Plants or wildlife listed or proposed for listing as threatened or endangered under FESA (16 U.S.C. § 1531 et seq.)”. Monarch butterfly is assumed to be present in the resource study area for the project alternatives, based on historical records and existence of suitable habitat for the species. In addition, the Authority developed the Millbrae Station Reduced Site Plan Design Variant (RSP Design Variant) to address stakeholder concerns by analyzing a smaller, potentially feasible footprint for the station design at this location. The RSP Design Variant preserves HSR track and platform right-of-way needs but reconfigures station facilities, parking, and station access to reduce impacts on existing and planned development. As a result, pursuant to both CEQA and NEPA, the Authority published a Revised/Supplemental Draft EIR/EIS in July 2021 to address potential impacts on monarch butterfly and evaluate the environmental impacts of the RSP Design Variant. Responses to comments received during the review periods for both the Draft EIR/EIS and the Revised/Supplemental Draft EIR/EIS are provided in Volume 4 of this Final EIR/EIS.

FINAL EIR/EIS: SAN FRANCISCO TO SAN JOSE PROJECT SECTION

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.

The previously published Draft EIR/EIS and Revised/Supplemental Draft EIR/EIS are also available on this website. You may also request an electronic copy of the Final EIR/EIS, the previously published Revised/Supplemental Draft EIR/EIS and Draft EIR/EIS, and the associated technical reports by calling (800) 435-8670 or emailing northern.california@hsr.ca.gov.

In addition to posting the electronic version of the Final EIR/EIS on this website, printed and/or electronic copies of the Final EIR/EIS will be 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):

• San Francisco—100 Larkin Street, San Francisco, CA 94102 (San Francisco Library, Main Branch)
• Brisbane—250 Visitacion Avenue, Brisbane, CA 94005 (Brisbane Library)
• South San Francisco—840 W. Orange Avenue, South San Francisco, CA 94080 (South San Francisco Library)
• San Bruno—701 Angus Avenue West, San Bruno, CA 94066 (San Bruno Library)
• Millbrae—1 Library Avenue, Millbrae, CA 94030 (Millbrae Library)
• Burlingame—480 Primrose Road, Burlingame, CA 94010 (Burlingame Library)
• San Mateo—55 W. Third Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94402 (San Mateo Library, Main Branch)
• Belmont—1110 Alameda de las Pulgas, Belmont, CA 94002 (Belmont Library)
• San Carlos—610 Elm Street, San Carlos, CA 94070 (San Carlos Library)
• Redwood City—1044 Middlefield Road, Redwood City, CA 94063 (Redwood City Library, Downtown Branch)
• Atherton—150 Watkins Avenue, Atherton, CA 94027 (Town Government Building)
• Menlo Park—800 Alma Street, Menlo Park, CA 94025 (Menlo Park Library)
• Palo Alto—270 Forest Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94301 (Palo Alto Library, Downtown Branch)
• Mountain View—585 Franklin Street, Mountain View, CA 94041 (Mountain View Library)
• Sunnyvale—665 W. Olive Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94086 (Sunnyvale Library)
• Santa Clara—2635 Homestead Road, Santa Clara, CA 95051 (Central Park Branch, Santa Clara County Library)
• San Jose—150 E. San Fernando Street, San Jose, CA 95112 (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library)

Printed and/or electronic copies of the Final EIR/EIS, as well as the previously published Draft EIR/EIS and Revised/Supplemental Draft EIR/EIS are also available for review during business hours at the Authority’s Northern California Regional Office at 100 Paseo de San Antonio, Suite 300, San Jose, CA 95113 and the Authority’s Headquarters at 770 L Street, Suite 620 MS-1, Sacramento, CA 95814. Please contact the Authority at (800) 435-8760 to make arrangements to view the documents.

Document Organization

The San Francisco to San Jose Project Section Final EIR/EIS includes the following volumes:

• Volume 1—Report
• Volume 2—Technical Appendices
• Volume 3—Preliminary Engineering Plans
• Volume 4—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 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 Summary provides an overview of all of the substantive chapters of the Final EIR/EIS. 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 Resolution #HSRA 22-19 CEQA Certification of the San Francisco to San Jose Project Section Final Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS)PDF Document
• Final Resolution #HSRA 22-20 Approve the Preferred Alternative (Alternative A with Caltrain Stations modified for HSR at 4th and King Streets and in Millbrae, an East Brisbane Light Maintenance Facility, the Millbrae Station Design, and associated facilities) from 4th and King Streets in San Francisco to Scott Boulevard in Santa Clara and Related CEQA Decision MaterialsPDF Document
  • Map of the Portion of the Preferred Alternative under Consideration for ApprovalPDF Document
  • Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding ConsiderationsPDF Document
  • Mitigation Monitoring and Enforcement Plan (MMEP)PDF Document
• Final Resolution #HSRA 22-21 Direct Authority CEO to Issue the Record of Decision for the San Francisco to San Jose Project Section Selecting the Portion of the Preferred Alternative (Alternative A, with Caltrain stations modified for HSR at 4th and King Street and Millbrae, an East Brisbane light maintenance facility, the Millbrae Station Design, and associated facilities) from 4th and King Station in San Francisco to Scott Boulevard in Santa Clara pursuant to NEPA and other Federal LawsPDF Document
  • Final Record of DecisionPDF Document

Educational Materials

• Summary for the Final EIR/EISPDF Document
• Resumen del EIR / EIS FinalPDF Document
• 最終 EIR/EIS 摘要PDF Document
• Tóm Tắt cho EIR/EIS Cuối CùngPDF Document
• Buod para sa Isinapinal na EIR/EISPDF Document

Notices

• Notice of AvailabilityPDF Document
• Aviso de DisponibilidadPDF Document
• 可用性通知PDF Document
• Thông báo về sự sẵn cóPDF Document
• Abiso ng PagkakaroonPDF Document

Volume 1: Report

• Cover Volume 1PDF Document
• Title Page Volume 1PDF Document
• Signature PagePDF Document
• Fact SheetPDF Document
• PrefacePDF Document
• Table of Contents Volume 1PDF Document
• SummaryPDF Document
• Chapter 1 Project Purpose, Need, and ObjectivesPDF Document
• Chapter 2 AlternativesPDF Document
• Chapter 3 Affected Environment, Environmental Consequences, and Mitigation Measures
  • Section 3.1 IntroductionPDF Document
  • Section 3.2 TransportationPDF Document
  • Section 3.3 Air Quality and Greenhouse GasesPDF Document
  • Section 3.4 Noise and VibrationPDF Document
  • Section 3.5 Electromagnetic Fields and Electromagnetic InterferencePDF Document
  • Section 3.6 Public Utilities and EnergyPDF Document
  • Section 3.7 Biological and Aquatic ResourcesPDF Document
  • Section 3.8 Hydrology and Water ResourcesPDF Document
  • Section 3.9 Geology, Soils, Seismicity, and Paleontological ResourcesPDF Document
  • Section 3.10 Hazardous Materials and WastesPDF Document
  • Section 3.11 Safety and SecurityPDF Document
  • Section 3.12 Socioeconomics and CommunitiesPDF Document
  • Section 3.13 Station Planning, Land Use, and DevelopmentPDF Document
  • Section 3.14 Parks, Recreation, and Open SpacePDF Document
  • Section 3.15 Aesthetics and Visual QualityPDF Document
  • Section 3.16 Cultural ResourcesPDF Document
  • Section 3.17 Regional GrowthPDF Document
  • Section 3.18 Cumulative ImpactsPDF Document
  • Section 3.19 Design Variant to Optimize SpeedPDF Document
  • Section 3.20 Millbrae Station Reduced Site PlanPDF Document
• Chapter 4 Section 4(f)/6(f) EvaluationPDF Document
• Chapter 5 Environmental JusticePDF Document
• Chapter 6 Project Costs and OperationsPDF Document
• Chapter 7 Other CEQA/NEPA ConsiderationsPDF Document
• Chapter 8 Preferred AlternativePDF Document
• Chapter 9 Public and Agency InvolvementPDF Document
• Chapter 10 Distribution ListPDF Document
• Chapter 11 List of PreparersPDF Document
• Chapter 12 ReferencesPDF Document
• Chapter 13 Glossary of TermsPDF Document
• Chapter 14 IndexPDF Document
• Chapter 15 Acronyms and AbbreviationsPDF Document

Volume 2: Technical Appendices

• Cover Volume 2PDF Document
• Title Page Volume 2PDF Document
• Table of Contents Volume 2PDF Document
• Appendix 2-A Roadway Crossings, Modifications, and ClosuresPDF Document
• Appendix 2-B Railroad CrossingsPDF Document
• Appendix 2-C Operations and Service Plan SummaryPDF Document
• Appendix 2-D Applicable Design StandardsPDF Document
• Appendix 2-E Project Impact Avoidance and Minimization FeaturesPDF Document
• Appendix 2-F Summary of Requirements for Operations and Maintenance FacilitiesPDF Document
• Appendix 2-G Emergency and Safety PlansPDF Document
• Appendix 2-H Constructability Assessment Report
  • Appendix 2-H Constructability Assessment Report and Appendices A, B, and CPDF Document
  • Appendix 2-H Constructability Assessment Report Appendices D and D.1PDF Document
  • Appendix 2-H Constructability Assessment Report Appendix D.2PDF Document
  • Appendix 2-H Constructability Assessment Report Appendix D.3PDF Document
  • Appendix 2-H Constructability Assessment Report Appendix D.4 Part APDF Document
  • Appendix 2-H Constructability Assessment Report Appendix D.4 Part BPDF Document
  • Appendix 2-H Constructability Assessment Report Appendix D.5 Part APDF Document
  • Appendix 2-H Constructability Assessment Report Appendix D.5 Part BPDF Document
  • Appendix 2-H Constructability Assessment Report Appendix D.6 Part APDF Document
  • Appendix 2-H Constructability Assessment Report Appendix D.6 Part BPDF Document
  • Appendix 2-H Constructability Assessment Report Appendix D.6 Part CPDF Document
  • Appendix 2-H Constructability Assessment Report Appendix D.6 Part DPDF Document
  • Appendix 2-H Constructability Assessment Report Appendix D.6 Part EPDF Document
  • Appendix 2-H Constructability Assessment Report Appendix EPDF Document
• Appendix 2-I Regional and Local Plans and PoliciesPDF Document
• Appendix 2-J Policy Consistency AnalysisPDF Document
• Appendix 2-K Light Maintenance Facility Site Selection EvaluationPDF Document
• Appendix 3.1-A Parcels within the HSR Project FootprintPDF Document
• Appendix 3.1-B Analysis of Consistency with McAteer-Petris Act and San Francisco Bay PlanPDF Document
• Appendix 3.2-A Transportation Data on IntersectionsPDF Document
• Appendix 3.2-B Vehicle Miles Traveled ForecastingPDF Document
• Appendix 3.2-C Traffic Mitigation Measure ScreeningPDF Document
• Appendix 3.3-A Air Quality and Greenhouse Gases Technical Report PDF Document
  • Appendix 3.3-A, Appendix A CalEEMod Outputs for Station and Light Maintenance Facility OperationPDF Document
  • Appendix 3.3-A, Appendix B CALINE4 Outputs for CO Hot-Spot AnalysisPDF Document
  • Appendix 3.3-A, Appendix C Construction Emissions and HRA AssumptionsPDF Document
  • Appendix 3.3-A, Appendix D Ballast Hauling MemorandumPDF Document
  • Appendix 3.3-A, Appendix E Localized Impacts from ConstructionPDF Document
  • Appendix 3.3-A, Appendix F Potential Impact from Induced WindsPDF Document
  • Appendix 3.3-A, Appendix G Council on Environmental Quality Provisions Covering Incomplete or Unavailable InformationPDF Document
• Appendix 3.3-B Draft General Conformity DeterminationPDF Document
• Appendix 3.3-C Changes to Project Benefits Based on 2018 Business PlanPDF Document
• Appendix 3.4-A Noise and Vibration Technical Report PDF Document
  • Appendix 3.4 Appendix A Measurement Site PhotographsPDF Document
  • Appendix 3.4 Appendix B Noise Measurement DataPDF Document
  • Appendix 3.4 Appendix C Vibration Propagation Measurement DataPDF Document
• Appendix 3.4-B Noise and Vibration Mitigation GuidelinesPDF Document
• Appendix 3.4-C Noise and Vibration Measurement and Impact LocationsPDF Document
• Appendix 3.5-A Pre-Construction Electromagnetic Measurement SurveyPDF Document
• Appendix 3.6-A Public Utilities and Energy FacilitiesPDF Document
• Appendix 3.6-B Existing Plus Project Conditions Energy AnalysisPDF Document
• Appendix 3.6-C Water Use AssessmentPDF Document
• Appendix 3.6-D Energy Analysis MemorandumPDF Document
• Appendix 3.7-A Special-Status Species Potentially AffectedPDF Document
• Appendix 3.7-B Scientific NomenclaturePDF Document
• Appendix 3.8-A List of Aquatic Resources CrossedPDF Document
• Appendix 3.8-B Summary of Hydraulic ModelingPDF Document
• Appendix 3.8-C Basin Plan Water Quality Impact AssessmentPDF Document
• Appendix 3.11-A Safety and Security DataPDF Document
• Appendix 3.11-B Airport ObstructionsPDF Document
• Appendix 3.12-A Relocation Assistance DocumentsPDF Document
• Appendix 3.13-A General Plan Land Use MapsPDF Document
• Appendix 3.16-A Agency and Interested Party OutreachPDF Document
• Appendix 3.16-B Tribal Outreach and ConsultationPDF Document
• Appendix 3.16-C Archaeological and Built ResourcesPDF Document
• Appendix 3.16-D Programmatic AgreementPDF Document
• Appendix 3.16-E SHPO CorrespondencePDF Document
• Appendix 3.17-A RIMS II Modeling DetailsPDF Document
• Appendix 3.18-A Cumulative Nontransportation Plans and Projects ListPDF Document
• Appendix 3.18-B Cumulative Transportation Plans and Projects ListsPDF Document
• Appendix 4-A Concurrence LetterPDF Document
• Appendix 5-A Environmental Justice Engagement Summary Report PDF Document
  • Appendix 5-A Appendix A Environmental Justice Outreach PlanPDF Document
  • Appendix 5-A Appendix B List of Outreach Meetings Held for the ProjectPDF Document
  • Appendix 5-A Appendix C Biannual Environmental Justice Outreach ReportsPDF Document
• Appendix 6-A San Francisco to San Jose Project Section: PEPD Record Set Capital Cost Estimate ReportPDF Document
• Appendix 6-B High-Speed Rail Operating and Maintenance Cost for Use in EIR/EIS Project-Level AnalysisPDF Document
• Appendix 9-A Public and Agency Meeting ListPDF Document

Volume 3: Preliminary Engineering Plans

• Cover Volume 3PDF Document
• Title Page Volume 3PDF Document
• Volume 3 General Information (Includes User Guide)PDF Document
• Alternative A Preliminary Engineering for Project Design
  • Book A-1 Composite Plan, Profile, and Typical SectionsPDF Document
  • Book A-2 Composite Plan, Profile, and Typical SectionsPDF Document
  • Book A-3 StationsPDF Document
  • Book A-4 Structures, Roadway, Light Maintenance Facility, and Alignment Data TablePDF Document
• Alternative B Preliminary Engineering for Project Design
  • Book B-1 Composite Plan, Profile, and Typical SectionsPDF Document
  • Book B-2 Composite Plan, Profile, and Typical SectionsPDF Document
  • Book B-3 Stations, Structures, and RoadwayPDF Document
  • Book B-4 Light Maintenance Facility and Alignment Data TablePDF Document
  • Book B-5 Viaduct to I-880 Composite Plans, Stations, Structures, Roadway, and Alignment Data TablePDF Document
  • Book B-6 Viaduct to Scott Boulevard Composite Plans, Stations, Structures, Roadway, and Alignment Data TablePDF Document
• Alternatives A and B Preliminary Engineering for Project Design
  • Book C Millbrae Station Reduced Site Plan Design VariantPDF Document

Volume 4: Responses to Comments on the Draft EIR/EIS and Revised/Supplemental Draft EIR/EIS

• Cover and Table of Contents Volume 4PDF Document
• Chapter 16 IntroductionPDF Document
• Chapter 17 Standard ResponsesPDF Document
• Chapter 18 Federal Agency CommentsPDF Document
• Chapter 19 State Agency CommentsPDF Document
• Chapter 20 Local Agency CommentsPDF Document
• Chapter 21 Elected Official CommentsPDF Document
• Chapter 22 Tribe CommentsPDF Document
• Chapter 23 Business and Organization CommentsPDF Document
• Chapter 24 Individual CommentsPDF Document
• Chapter 25 ReferencesPDF Document

Errata

• San Francisco to San Jose Project Section Final EIR/EIS Errata, including Attachment A (August 2022)PDF Document

Technical Reports

• Transportation Technical Report
• Air Quality and Greenhouse Gases Technical Report
• Noise and Vibration Technical Report
• Biological and Aquatic Resources Technical Report
• Aquatic Resources Delineation Report
• Watershed and Wetland Condition Evaluation Report (CRAM/WER)
• Preliminary Compensatory Mitigation Plan
• Hydrology and Water Resources Technical Report
• Geology, Soils, and Seismicity Technical Report
• Paleontological Resources Technical Report
• Hazardous Materials and Wastes Technical Report
• Community Impact Assessment
• Draft Relocation Impact Report
• Aesthetics and Visual Quality Technical Report
• Historic Architectural Survey Report
• Section 106 Finding of Effect Report

Electronic versions of the technical reports are available upon request by calling the Authority office at (800) 435-8670.

Brief Explanation of Each Volume and Chapter

Volume 1: Report

Chapter 1, Project Purpose, Need, and Objectives, explains the Authority’s Purpose and Need for the San Francisco to San Jose Project Section and provides a history of the planning process.

Chapter 2, Alternatives, describes the proposed project 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, Affected Environment, Environmental Consequences, and Mitigation Measures, is where the reader can find information about the existing transportation, environmental, and social conditions in the vicinity of the Project Section. This chapter provides the findings of the analysis of potential environmental impacts, along with methods to reduce these impacts (called mitigation measures).

Chapter 4, Section 4(f)/6(f) Evaluation, provides the analysis to support the Authority’s determinations 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, Environmental Justice, discusses whether the project alternatives may cause disproportionate impacts on low-income and minority communities. It also identifies mitigation to reduce those impacts where appropriate.

Chapter 6, Project Costs and Operations, summarizes the estimated capital and operations and maintenance costs for each project alternative evaluated in this Final EIR/EIS.

Chapter 7, Other CEQA/NEPA Considerations, summarizes the project alternatives, the significant and unavoidable environmental impacts under CEQA, adverse environmental effects that cannot be avoided under NEPA, and the significant irreversible environmental changes that would occur as a result of the project alternatives or irretrievable commitments of resources or foreclosure of future options.

Chapter 8, Preferred Alternative, describes the Preferred Alternative and the basis for identifying it.

Chapter 9, Public and Agency Involvement, contains summaries of coordination and outreach activities with agencies and the general public during preparation of this Final EIR/EIS.

Chapter 10, Distribution List, identifies the public agencies, tribes, and organizations that were informed of the availability of, and locations to review, this Final EIR/EIS.

Chapter 11, List of Preparers, provides the names and responsibilities of the authors of this Final EIR/EIS.

Chapter 12, References, lists references and contacts cited in writing this Final EIR/EIS.

Chapter 13, Glossary of Terms, provides definitions of certain terms used in this Final EIR/EIS.

Chapter 14, Index, provides a tool to cross-reference major topics addressed in this Final EIR/EIS.

Chapter 15, Acronyms and Abbreviations, defines the acronyms and abbreviations used in this Final EIR/EIS.

Volume 2: Technical Appendices
Appendices provide additional details on the project alternatives and the Final EIR/EIS process. The technical appendices are primarily related to the affected environment and environmental consequences analyses. These appendices are numbered to match their corresponding section in Chapters 2 and 3 of this Final EIR/EIS (e.g., Appendix 3.7-A is the first appendix for Section 3.7, Biological and Aquatic Resources).

Volume 3: Preliminary Engineering Plans
These are detailed design drawings, including trackway, stations, structures, roadway crossings, maintenance facilities, and systems.

Volume 4: Responses to Comments on the Draft EIR/EIS and Revised/Supplemental Draft EIR/EIS
This volume includes comments received on the Draft EIR/EIS and Revised/Supplemental Draft EIR/EIS during the review periods for each document, and the responses to those comments.

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) announces the availability of a limited revision to its previously published Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR)/Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the San Francisco to San Jose Project Section of the California High-Speed Rail (HSR) Project. This document is entitled San Francisco to San Jose Project Section Revised Draft Environmental Impact Report/Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement (Revised/Supplemental Draft EIR/EIS). The Revised/Supplemental Draft 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 United States Code (U.S.C.) Section 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. The San Francisco to San Jose Project Section Revised/Supplemental Draft EIR/EIS will be available to the public on July 23, 2021. Pursuant to Section 15088.5, subdivisions (c) and (f)(2) of the CEQA Guidelines, the Revised/Supplemental Draft EIR/EIS is limited to the portions of the previously published Draft EIR/EIS that require revision. Other information that has not been revised, including the methods for evaluating impacts under NEPA and the methods for determining significance under CEQA, as well as appendices, can be found in the Draft EIR/EIS. The previously published Draft EIR/EIS, including Section 3.7, Biological and Aquatic Resources; Section 3.18, Cumulative Impacts; and Chapter 12, References, is available on this website. The Authority requests that reviewers limit the scope of their comments to the revised information in the Revised/Supplemental Draft EIR/EIS. This Revised/Supplemental Draft EIR/EIS has been prepared and is being made available pursuant to both CEQA and NEPA and presents a new biological resources analysis for monarch butterfly and an analysis of a design variant for the Millbrae Station, neither of which were included in the Draft EIR/EIS. Biological Resources—New Special-Status Species Following the Authority’s publication of the Draft EIR/EIS in July 2020, monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) became a candidate for listing under the federal Endangered Species Act (FESA) on December 15, 2020 (85 Federal Register 81813, December 17, 2020). This action by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service makes monarch butterfly subject to the definition of special-status species used by the Authority for analysis: “Plants or wildlife listed or proposed for listing as threatened or endangered under FESA (16 U.S.C. § 1531 et seq.)”. Monarch butterfly is assumed to be present in the resource study area for the project alternatives, based on historical records and existence of suitable habitat for the species. As this is a new potential impact not included in the Draft EIR/EIS, the Authority determined that the analysis of this impact should be included in a recirculated document. Accordingly, Section 3.7 in the Revised/Supplemental Draft EIR/EIS includes additional analysis and revised and new mitigation measures related to monarch butterfly. Millbrae Station Reduced Site Plan Design Variant The Authority developed the Millbrae Station Reduced Site Plan Design Variant (RSP Design Variant) to address stakeholder concerns by analyzing a smaller, potentially feasible footprint for the station design at this location. The RSP Design Variant preserves HSR track and platform right-of-way needs but reconfigures station facilities, parking, and station access to reduce impacts on existing and planned development. The RSP Design Variant differs from the design of the Millbrae Station evaluated in the Draft EIR/EIS (Millbrae Station Design) by: eliminating surface parking lots on the west side of the alignment that would have served as replacement parking for displaced Caltrain and Bay Area Rapid Transit parking spaces; relocating the new HSR station entrance hall; eliminating lane modifications to El Camino Real; and eliminating the California Drive extension north of Linden Avenue to El Camino Real from the project. The RSP Design Variant would apply equally to either project alternative—Alternative A or Alternative B. Because the RSP Design Variant is a potentially feasible alternative different from the Millbrae Station Design that would lessen some significant environmental impacts of the project, the Authority determined that the analysis of the RSP Design Variant should be included in a recirculated document. Accordingly, Section 3.20, Millbrae Station Reduced Site Plan Design Variant, in the Revised/Supplemental Draft EIR/EIS evaluates the environmental impacts of the RSP Design Variant. Revised Draft Environmental Impact Report/Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement Consistent with the guidance provided under CEQA and NEPA,[1] the Authority, as lead CEQA and NEPA agency for the San Francisco to San Jose Project Section, is issuing the Revised/Supplemental Draft EIR/EIS limited to the portions of the Draft EIR/EIS that require revision based on the new information described above. New information includes background information, a description of the RSP Design Variant, methodology, impact analysis, and mitigation measures. To the extent practicable, a vertical line in the margin indicates a substantive change in the text since publication of the Draft EIR/EIS; minor editorial changes and clarifications are not identified. The Revised/Supplemental Draft EIR/EIS consists of excerpted text where updates or additions related to monarch butterfly have been made within Section 3.7 and Section 3.18. In these sections, ellipses are used to identify where text from the Draft EIR/EIS remains unchanged and, therefore, is not included in the Revised/Supplemental Draft EIR/EIS. The Revised/Supplemental Draft EIR/EIS also includes a new Section 3.20 that evaluates the environmental impacts of the RSP Design Variant and presents new information not included in the Draft EIR/EIS. All tables in the Revised/Supplemental Draft EIR/EIS present only information related to the new or updated analysis. The sections and appendices comprising the Revised/Supplemental Draft EIR/EIS are:

• Section 3.7, Biological and Aquatic Resources
• Section 3.18, Cumulative Impacts
• Section 3.20, Millbrae Station Reduced Site Plan Design Variant
• Chapter 12, References
• Appendix 3.7-A, Special-Status Species Potentially Affected
• Appendix 3.7-B, Scientific Nomenclature

The Authority reviewed other sections of the Draft EIR/EIS and found, based on research and a review of the evidence, that no other substantive changes would be required for this Revised/Supplemental Draft EIR/EIS. All other appendices to Section 3.7, as well as all technical reports supporting Section 3.7 of the Draft EIR/EIS, thus remain unchanged.

Copies of the Revised/Supplemental Draft EIR/EIS

Many of the following documents 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 up to several minutes to download. In addition to posting the electronic version of the Revised/Supplemental Draft EIR/EIS on this website, printed and/or electronic copies of the Revised/Supplemental Draft EIR/EIS will be 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):

• San Francisco—100 Larkin Street, San Francisco, CA 94102 (San Francisco Library, Main Branch)
• Brisbane—250 Visitacion Avenue, Brisbane, CA 94005 (Brisbane Library)
• South San Francisco—840 West Orange Avenue, South San Francisco, CA 94080 (South San Francisco Library)
• San Bruno—701 Angus Avenue West, San Bruno, CA 94066 (San Bruno Library)
• Millbrae—1 Library Avenue, Millbrae, CA 94030 (Millbrae Library)
• Burlingame—480 Primrose Road, Burlingame, CA 94010 (Burlingame Library)
• San Mateo—55 West Third Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94402 (San Mateo Library, Main Branch)
• Belmont—1110 Alameda de las Pulgas, Belmont, CA 94002 (Belmont Library)
• San Carlos—610 Elm Street, San Carlos, CA 94070 (San Carlos Library)
• Redwood City—1044 Middlefield Road, Redwood City, CA 94063 (Redwood City Library, Downtown Branch)
• Atherton—150 Watkins Avenue, Atherton, CA 94027 (Town Government Building)
• Menlo Park—800 Alma Street, Menlo Park, CA 94025 (Menlo Park Library)
• Palo Alto—270 Forest Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94301 (Palo Alto Library, Downtown Branch)
• Mountain View—585 Franklin Street, Mountain View, CA 94041 (Mountain View Library)
• Sunnyvale—665 West Olive Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94086 (Sunnyvale Library)
• Santa Clara—2635 Homestead Road, Santa Clara, CA 95051 (Central Park Branch, Santa Clara County Library)
• San Jose—150 East San Fernando Street, San Jose, CA 95112 (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library)

Printed and/or electronic copies of the Revised/Supplemental Draft EIR/EIS are also available for review during business hours at the Authority’s Northern California Regional Office at 100 Paseo de San Antonio, Suite 300, San Jose, CA 95113 and the Authority’s Headquarters at 770 L Street, Suite 620 MS-1, Sacramento, CA 95814. Please contact the Authority at (800) 435-8670 to make arrangements to view the Revised/Supplemental Draft EIR/EIS. Electronic copies of the Tier 1 EIR/EISs are available by calling the Authority at (800) 435-8760 and can also be viewed, in printed and/or electronic format, during business hours at the Authority’s Northern California Regional Office at 100 Paseo de San Antonio, Suite 300, San Jose, CA 95113 and the Authority’s Headquarters at 770 L Street, Suite 620 MS-1, Sacramento, CA 95814. These documents are not currently part of the public review and comment process; however, they are available for review and reference. Technical reports can be requested by calling (800) 435-8670. Authority offices may have reduced open days/hours, as required by coronavirus public health and safety directives. Please consult www.hsr.ca.gov for up-to-date information. Please contact the Authority at (800) 435-8670 to make arrangements to view the Revised/Supplemental Draft EIR/EIS. The Authority does not discriminate on the basis of disability and, upon request, will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities. People with sensory disabilities may contact the Authority by phone or via the Authority website to request accessibility support. The purpose of environmental documents is to disclose information to decision-makers and the public. While the science and analysis that support this Revised/Supplemental Draft EIR/EIS are 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. The Revised/Supplemental Draft EIR/EIS cover memo is available in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Vietnamese, and Tagalog and explains the purpose of the revision and review period.

Notices

• Notice of AvailabilityPDF Document
• Aviso de DisponibilidadPDF Document
• 可用性通知PDF Document
• Thông Báo Về Tình Trạng Sẵn CóPDF Document
• Abiso ng PagkakaroonPDF Document

Revised/Supplemental Draft EIR/EIS

• Cover PagePDF Document
• Title PagePDF Document
• Signature PagePDF Document
• Cover memoPDF Document
• MemorandoPDF Document
• 封面備忘錄PDF Document
• Bản ghi nhớ trang bìaPDF Document
• Pabalat na MemoPDF Document
• Table of ContentsPDF Document
• Section 3.7, Biological and Aquatic ResourcesPDF Document
• Section 3.18, Cumulative ImpactsPDF Document
• Section 3.20, Millbrae Station Reduced Site Plan Design VariantPDF Document
• Chapter 12, ReferencesPDF Document
• Appendix 3.7-A, Special-Status Species Potentially AffectedPDF Document
• Appendix 3.7-B, Scientific NomenclaturePDF Document

Resources

• Revised Draft EIR/Supplemental Draft EIS FactsheetPDF Document
• Revised Draft EIR/Supplemental Draft EIS FAQsPDF Document

Submitting a Comment

The comment period is closed.

NEXT STEPS

The Authority anticipates publishing the Final EIR/EIS in spring 2022. The Final EIR/EIS will include the Authority’s responses to the comments received on the previously circulated Draft EIR/EIS, in addition to responses to comments received on the Revised/Supplemental Draft EIR/EIS. Section 3.7 includes new mitigation measures that will be incorporated into the Mitigation Monitoring and Enforcement Plan to be included as part of the CEQA/NEPA decision documents. After publishing the Final EIR/EIS, the Authority Board of Directors will consider whether to certify the Final EIR and approve the preferred alternative pursuant to CEQA. The Authority, as NEPA lead agency, will also consider whether to issue a Record of Decision approving the preferred alternative. [1] CEQA Guidelines, Section 15088.5; 40 Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) Section 1502.9(c)(1)(ii) (1978). The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) issued new regulations, effective September 14, 2020, updating the NEPA implementing procedures at 40 C.F.R. Parts 1500–1508. However, because this project initiated the NEPA process before September 14, 2020, it is not subject to the new regulations. The Authority is relying on the regulations as they existed prior to September 14, 2020. Therefore, all citations to CEQ regulations in this document refer to the 1978 regulations, pursuant to 40 C.F.R. Section 1506.13 (2020) and the preamble at 85 Federal Register 43340.

The public review period for the San Francisco to San Jose Project Section Draft Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS) closed on September 9, 2020. The California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) will consider all comments received on the Draft EIR/EIS and respond to substantive comments on the Draft EIR/EIS in the Final EIR/EIS, scheduled for release in 2021. The Draft EIR/EIS was originally made available for a minimum 45-day public review beginning on July 10, 2020 and ending on August 24, 2020, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). In response to agency and stakeholder requests and in consideration of limitations caused by the novel coronavirus pandemic, the Authority elected to extend the public review period to September 9, 2020. On July 23, 2019, Governor Newsom executed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Federal Railroad Administration (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 of California, 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 is therefore both the CEQA and NEPA lead agency. The Preferred Alternative in the Draft EIR/EIS is Alternative A, a predominantly two-track blended system with no additional passing tracks that includes service at one future station (Salesforce Transit Center, which would serve as an HSR station when the Transbay Joint Powers Authority completes its Downtown Extension Project), three existing Caltrain stations to be shared by HSR and Caltrain (4th and King Street [an interim station only], Millbrae, and San Jose Diridon), and the East Brisbane LMF. As part of ongoing design optimization, a design variant has been identified to optimize speeds for the San Jose Diridon Station and approaches in Alternative A. The Authority will consider whether to formally adopt Alternative A (with or without the San Jose Diridon Station design variant) as they prepare and certify the Final EIR/EIS.

Copies of the Draft EIR/EIS

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. Many of these files are very large and could take up to several minutes to download. In addition to posting the electronic version of the Draft EIR/EIS on this website, printed and/or electronic copies of the Draft EIR/EIS and electronic copies of associated technical reports have been made available for review 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):

• San Francisco—100 Larkin Street, San Francisco, CA 94102 (San Francisco Library, Main Branch)
• Brisbane—250 Visitacion Avenue, Brisbane, CA 94005 (Brisbane Library)
• South San Francisco—840 W. Orange Avenue, South San Francisco, CA 94080 (South San Francisco Library)
• San Bruno—701 Angus Avenue West, San Bruno, CA 94066 (San Bruno Library)
• Millbrae—1 Library Avenue, Millbrae, CA 94030 (Millbrae Library)
• Burlingame—480 Primrose Road, Burlingame, CA 94010 (Burlingame Library)
• San Mateo—55 W. Third Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94402 (San Mateo Library, Main Branch)
• Belmont—1110 Alameda de las Pulgas, Belmont, CA 94002 (Belmont Library)
• San Carlos—610 Elm Street, San Carlos, CA 94070 (San Carlos Library)
• Redwood City—1044 Middlefield Road, Redwood City, CA 94063 (Redwood City Library, Downtown Branch)
• Atherton—150 Watkins Avenue, Atherton, CA 94027 (Town Government Building)
• Menlo Park—800 Alma Street, Menlo Park, CA 94025 (Menlo Park Library)
• Palo Alto—270 Forest Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94301 (Palo Alto Library, Downtown Branch)
• Mountain View—585 Franklin Street, Mountain View, CA 94041 (Mountain View Library)
• Sunnyvale—665 W. Olive Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94086 (Sunnyvale Library)
• Santa Clara—2635 Homestead Road, Santa Clara, CA 95051 (Central Park Branch, Santa Clara County Library)
• San Jose—150 E. San Fernando Street, San Jose, CA 95112 (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library)

Printed and/or electronic copies of the Draft EIR/EIS and electronic copies of associated technical reports are also available for review during business hours at the Authority’s Northern California Regional Office at 100 Paseo de San Antonio, Suite 300, San Jose, CA 95113 and the Authority’s Headquarters at 770 L Street, Suite 620 MS-1, Sacramento, CA 95814. You may also request a copy of the Draft EIR/EIS, and the other documents listed in this webpage, by calling (800) 435-8670. Copies of the Tier 1 documents are available on request by calling the Authority office at (800) 435-8670. The Tier 1 documents may also be reviewed at the Authority’s offices during business hours at: 770 L Street, Suite 620 MS-1, Sacramento, CA 95814 and 100 Paseo de San Antonio, Suite 300, San Jose, CA 95113. Authority offices may have reduced open days/hours, as required by coronavirus public health and safety directives. Please consult www.hsr.ca.gov for up-to-date information. You may also request a copy of the Draft EIR/EIS, and the other documents listed in this webpage, by calling (800) 435-8670. The Authority does not discriminate on the basis of disability and, upon request, will provide reasonable accommodation to provide equal access to its programs, services, and activities.

Document Organization

The purpose of environmental documents is to disclose information to decision makers and the public. While the science and analysis that support this Draft EIR/EIS are 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 15 of this document. The Summary, available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Tagalog, provides an overview of the substantive chapters. It includes a table listing the potential environmental impacts for each environmental resource topic and directs the reader to where additional information can be found elsewhere in the document.

Education Materials

• Summary for the Draft EIR/EISPDF Document
• Resumen del Borrador del EIR/ EISPDF Document
• EIR/EIS草案摘要PDF Document
• Tóm Lược Dự Thảo EIR/EISPDF Document
• Buod ng Draft na EIR/EISPDF Document
• Volume 3 User GuidePDF Document

Notices

• Notice of AvailabilityPDF Document
• Aviso de DisponibilidadPDF Document
• 可用性通知PDF Document
• Thông báo về sự sẵn cóPDF Document
• Abiso ng PagkakaroonPDF Document
• Public Notice of Change to Public Review PeriodPDF Document
• Aviso Público de Cambio del Periodo de Revisión PúblicaPDF Document
• 公眾審議期變更通告PDF Document
• Công Báo về Thay Thổi Thời Gian Lấy ý Kiến Công ChúngPDF Document
• Pampublikong Abiso ng Pagbabago ng Panahon para sa Pampublikong PagsusuriPDF Document

Submitting a Comment

The comment period is closed.

Document Organization

The San Francisco to San Jose Project Section Draft EIR/EIS consists of the following:

• Volume 1—Report
• Volume 2—Technical Appendices
• Volume 3—Preliminary Engineering for Project Definition

Volume 1: Report

• Volume I CoverPDF Document
• Volume I Title PagePDF Document
• Signature PagePDF Document
• Fact SheetPDF Document
• PrefacePDF Document
• Table of Contents Volume 1PDF Document
• SummaryPDF Document
• Chapter 1 Project Purpose, Need, and ObjectivesPDF Document
• Chapter 2 AlternativesPDF Document
• Chapter 3 Affected Environment, Environmental Consequences, and Mitigation Measures
  • Section 3.1 IntroductionPDF Document
  • Section 3.2 TransportationPDF Document
  • Section 3.3 Air Quality and Greenhouse GasesPDF Document
  • Section 3.4 Noise and VibrationPDF Document
  • Section 3.5 Electromagnetic Fields and Electromagnetic InterferencePDF Document
  • Section 3.6 Public Utilities and EnergyPDF Document
  • Section 3.7 Biological and Aquatic ResourcesPDF Document
  • Section 3.8 Hydrology and Water ResourcesPDF Document
  • Section 3.9 Geology, Soils, Seismicity, and Paleontological ResourcesPDF Document
  • Section 3.10 Hazardous Materials and WastesPDF Document
  • Section 3.11 Safety and SecurityPDF Document
  • Section 3.12 Socioeconomics and CommunitiesPDF Document
  • Section 3.13 Station Planning, Land Use, and DevelopmentPDF Document
  • Section 3.14 Parks, Recreation, and Open SpacePDF Document
  • Section 3.15 Aesthetics and Visual QualityPDF Document
  • Section 3.16 Cultural ResourcesPDF Document
  • Section 3.17 Regional GrowthPDF Document
  • Section 3.18 Cumulative ImpactsPDF Document
  • Section 3.19 Design Variant to Optimize SpeedPDF Document
• Chapter 4 Section 4(f)/6(f) EvaluationPDF Document
• Chapter 5 Environmental JusticePDF Document
• Chapter 6 Project Costs and OperationsPDF Document
• Chapter 7 Other CEQA/NEPA ConsiderationsPDF Document
• Chapter 8 Preferred AlternativePDF Document
• Chapter 9 Public and Agency InvolvementPDF Document
• Chapter 10 Distribution ListPDF Document
• Chapter 11 List of PreparersPDF Document
• Chapter 12 ReferencesPDF Document
• Chapter 13 Glossary of TermsPDF Document
• Chapter 14 IndexPDF Document
• Chapter 15 Acronyms and AbbreviationsPDF Document

Volume 2: Technical Appendices

• Cover Volume 2PDF Document
• Title Page Volume 2PDF Document
• Table of Contents Volume 2PDF Document
• Appendix 2-A Roadway Crossings, Modifications, and ClosuresPDF Document
• Appendix 2-B Railroad CrossingsPDF Document
• Appendix 2-C Operations and Service Plan SummaryPDF Document
• Appendix 2-D Applicable Design StandardsPDF Document
• Appendix 2-E Project Impact Avoidance Minimization FeaturesPDF Document
• Appendix 2-F Summary of Requirements for Operations and Maintenance FacilitiesPDF Document
• Appendix 2-G Emergency and Safety PlansPDF Document
• Appendix 2-H Constructability Assessment Report
  • Appendix 2-H Constructability Assessment Report and Appendices A, B, and CPDF Document
  • Appendix 2-H Constructability Assessment Report Appendices D and D.1PDF Document
  • Appendix 2-H Constructability Assessment Report Appendix D.2PDF Document
  • Appendix 2-H Constructability Assessment Report Appendix D.3PDF Document
  • Appendix 2-H Constructability Assessment Report Appendix D.4 Part 1PDF Document
  • Appendix 2-H Constructability Assessment Report Appendix D.4 Part 2PDF Document
  • Appendix 2-H Constructability Assessment Report Appendix D.5 Part 1PDF Document
  • Appendix 2-H Constructability Assessment Report Appendix D.5 Part 2PDF Document
  • Appendix 2-H Constructability Assessment Report Appendix D.6 Part 1PDF Document
  • Appendix 2-H Constructability Assessment Report Appendix D.6 Part 2PDF Document
  • Appendix 2-H Constructability Assessment Report Appendix D.6 Part 3PDF Document
  • Appendix 2-H Constructability Assessment Report Appendix D.6 Part 4PDF Document
  • Appendix 2-H Constructability Assessment Report Appendix D.6 Part 5PDF Document
  • Appendix 2-H Constructability Assessment Report Appendix EPDF Document
• Appendix 2-I Regional and Local Plans and PoliciesPDF Document
• Appendix 2-J Policy Consistency AnalysisPDF Document
• Appendix 3.1-A Parcels within the HSR Project FootprintPDF Document
• Appendix 3.1-B San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission Bay Plan Consistency AnalysisPDF Document
• Appendix 3.2-A Transportation Data on IntersectionsPDF Document
• Appendix 3.2-B Vehicle Miles Traveled ForecastingPDF Document
• Appendix 3.3-A Air Quality and Greenhouse Gases Technical ReportPDF Document
  • Appendix 3.3-A, Appendix A CalEEMod Outputs for Station and Light Maintenance Facility OperationPDF Document
  • Appendix 3.3-A, Appendix B CALINE4 Outputs for CO Hot-Spot AnalysisPDF Document
  • Appendix 3.3-A, Appendix C Construction Emissions AssumptionsPDF Document
  • Appendix 3.3-A, Appendix D Ballast Hauling MemorandumPDF Document
  • Appendix 3.3-A, Appendix E Localized Impacts from ConstructionPDF Document
  • Appendix 3.3-A, Appendix F Potential Impact from Induced WindsPDF Document
  • Appendix 3.3-A, Appendix G Council on Environmental Quality Provisions Covering Incomplete or Unavailable InformationPDF Document
• Appendix 3.3-B General Conformity Requirements and ProcessPDF Document
• Appendix 3.3-C Changes to Project Benefits Based on 2018 Business PlanPDF Document
• Appendix 3.4-A Noise and Vibration Technical ReportPDF Document
  • Appendix 3.4-A Appendix A Measurement Site PhotographsPDF Document
  • Appendix 3.4-A Appendix B Noise Measurement DataPDF Document
  • Appendix 3.4-A Appendix C Vibration Propagation Measurement DataPDF Document
• Appendix 3.4-B Noise and Vibration Mitigation GuidelinesPDF Document
• Appendix 3.5-A Pre-construction Electromagnetic Measurement SurveyPDF Document
• Appendix 3.6-A Public Utilities and Energy FacilitiesPDF Document
• Appendix 3.6-B Existing Plus Project Conditions Energy AnalysisPDF Document
• Appendix 3.6-C Water Use AssessmentPDF Document
• Appendix 3.6-D Energy Analysis MemorandumPDF Document
• Appendix 3.7-A Special-Status Species Potentially AffectedPDF Document
• Appendix 3.7-B Scientific NomenclaturePDF Document
• Appendix 3.8-A List of Aquatic Resources CrossedPDF Document
• Appendix 3.8-B Summary Hydraulic ModelingPDF Document
• Appendix 3.8-C Basin Plan Water Quality Impact AssessmentPDF Document
• Appendix 3.11-A Safety and Security DataPDF Document
• Appendix 3.11-B Airport ObstructionsPDF Document
• Appendix 3.12-A Relocation Assistance DocumentsPDF Document
• Appendix 3.13-A General Plan Land Use MapsPDF Document
• Appendix 3.16-A Agency and Interested Party OutreachPDF Document
• Appendix 3.16-B Tribal Outreach and ConsultationPDF Document
• Appendix 3.16-C Archaeological and Built ResourcesPDF Document
• Appendix 3.16-D Programmatic AgreementPDF Document
• Appendix 3.17-A RIMS II Modeling DetailsPDF Document
• Appendix 3.18-A Cumulative Nontransportation Plans and Projects ListPDF Document
• Appendix 3.18-B Cumulative Transportation Plans and ProjectsPDF Document
• Appendix 5-A Environmental Justice Engagement Summary ReportPDF Document
  • Appendix 5-A Appendix A Environmental Justice Outreach PlanPDF Document
  • Appendix 5-A Appendix B List of Outreach Meetings Held for the ProjectPDF Document
  • Appendix 5-A Appendix C Biannual Environmental Justice Outreach ReportsPDF Document
• Appendix 6-A San Francisco to San Jose Project Section: PEPD Record Set Capital Cost Estimate ReportPDF Document
• Appendix 6-B High-Speed Rail Operating and Maintenance Cost for Use in EIR/EIS Project-Level AnalysisPDF Document
• Appendix 9-A Public and Agency Meeting ListPDF Document

Volume 3: Preliminary Engineering for Project Definition

Volume 3 consists of the Preliminary Engineering for Project Definition (PEPD) plans, which include drawings of track, structures, grade separations, utilities, stations, etc. The PEPD is organized into eight volumes, which are provided below.

• Cover Volume 3PDF Document
• Title Page Volume 3PDF Document
• Volume 3 General InformationPDF Document
• Alternative A Preliminary Engineering for Project Design
  • Alternative A Preliminary Engineering for Project Design – Book A1 Composite Plan, Profile, and Typical SectionsPDF Document
  • Alternative A Preliminary Engineering for Project Design – Book A2 Composite Plan, Profile, and Typical SectionsPDF Document
  • Alternative A Preliminary Engineering for Project Design – Book A3 StationsPDF Document
  • Alternative A Preliminary Engineering for Project Design – Book A4 Structures, Roadway, Light Maintenance Facility, and Alignment Data TablePDF Document
• Alternative B Preliminary Engineering for Project Design
  • Alternative B Preliminary Engineering for Project Design – Book B1 Composite Plan, Profile, and Typical SectionsPDF Document
  • Alternative B Preliminary Engineering for Project Design – Book B2 Composite Plan, Profile, and Typical SectionsPDF Document
  • Alternative B Preliminary Engineering for Project Design – Book B3 Stations, Structures, and RoadwayPDF Document
  • Alternative B Preliminary Engineering for Project Design – Book B4 Light Maintenance Facility and Alignment Data TablePDF Document
  • Alternative B Preliminary Engineering for Project Design – Book B5 Viaduct to I-880 Composite Plans, Stations, Structures, Roadway, and Alignment Data TablePDF Document
  • Alternative B Preliminary Engineering for Project Design – Book B6 Viaduct to Scott Blvd Composite Plans, Stations, Structures, Roadway, and Alignment Data TablePDF Document

Technical Reports

The San Francisco to San Jose Project Section Technical Reports provide additional technical details and serve as sources for the Draft EIR/EIS analysis. Electronic versions of the associated technical reports have been made available at the following locations and are available for review during hours the facilities are open (open days/hours may be reduced for compliance with coronavirus public health and safety directives):

• San Francisco—100 Larkin Street, San Francisco, CA 94102 (San Francisco Library, Main Branch)
• Brisbane—250 Visitacion Avenue, Brisbane, CA 94005 (Brisbane Library)
• South San Francisco—840 W. Orange Avenue, South San Francisco, CA 94080 (South San Francisco Library)
• San Bruno—701 Angus Avenue West, San Bruno, CA 94066 (San Bruno Library)
• Millbrae—1 Library Avenue, Millbrae, CA 94030 (Millbrae Library)
• Burlingame—480 Primrose Road, Burlingame, CA 94010 (Burlingame Library)
• San Mateo—55 W. Third Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94402 (San Mateo Library, Main Branch)
• Belmont—1110 Alameda de las Pulgas, Belmont, CA 94002 (Belmont Library)
• San Carlos—610 Elm Street, San Carlos, CA 94070 (San Carlos Library)
• Redwood City—1044 Middlefield Road, Redwood City, CA 94063 (Redwood City Library, Downtown Branch)
• Atherton— 150 Watkins Avenue, Atherton, CA 94027 (Town Government Building)
• Menlo Park—800 Alma Street, Menlo Park, CA 94025 (Menlo Park Library)
• Palo Alto—270 Forest Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94301 (Palo Alto Library, Downtown Branch)
• Mountain View—585 Franklin Street, Mountain View, CA 94041 (Mountain View Library)
• Sunnyvale—665 W. Olive Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94086 (Sunnyvale Library)
• Santa Clara—2635 Homestead Road, Santa Clara, CA 95051 (Central Park Branch, Santa Clara County Library)
• San Jose—150 E. San Fernando Street, San Jose, CA 95112 (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library)

Electronic copies of the associated technical reports are also available for review during business hours at the Authority’s Northern California Regional Office at 100 Paseo de San Antonio, Suite 300, San Jose, CA 95113 and the Authority’s Headquarters at 770 L Street, Suite 620 MS-1, Sacramento, CA 95814. Authority offices may have reduced open days/hours, as required by coronavirus public health and safety directives. Please consult www.hsr.ca.gov for up-to-date information. You may also request a copy of the Draft EIR/EIS, and the other documents listed in this webpage, by calling (800) 435-8670. Electronic copies of the technical reports are also available upon request by calling the Authority office at (800) 435-8670.

• Transportation Technical Report
  • Transportation Technical Report Appendix A
  • Transportation Technical Report Appendix B
  • Transportation Technical Report Appendix C
  • Transportation Technical Report Appendix D
  • Transportation Technical Report Appendix E
• Air Quality and Greenhouse Gases Technical Report
  • Air Quality and Greenhouse Gases Technical Report Appendix A
  • Air Quality and Greenhouse Gases Technical Report Appendix B
  • Air Quality and Greenhouse Gases Technical Report Appendix C
  • Air Quality and Greenhouse Gases Technical Report Appendix D
  • Air Quality and Greenhouse Gases Technical Report Appendix E
  • Air Quality and Greenhouse Gases Technical Report Appendix F
  • Air Quality and Greenhouse Gases Technical Report Appendix G
• Noise and Vibration Technical Report
  • Noise and Vibration Technical Report Appendix A
  • Noise and Vibration Technical Report Appendix B
  • Noise and Vibration Technical Report Appendix C
• Biological and Aquatic Resources Technical Report
  • Biological and Aquatic Resources Technical Report Appendix A
  • Biological and Aquatic Resources Technical Report Appendix B
  • Biological and Aquatic Resources Technical Report Appendix C
  • Biological and Aquatic Resources Technical Report Appendix D
  • Biological and Aquatic Resources Technical Report Appendix E
• Aquatic Resources Delineation Report
  • Aquatic Resources Delineation Report Appendix A
  • Aquatic Resources Delineation Report Appendix B
  • Aquatic Resources Delineation Report Appendix C
  • Aquatic Resources Delineation Report Appendix D
  • Aquatic Resources Delineation Report Appendix E
  • Aquatic Resources Delineation Report Appendix F
  • Aquatic Resources Delineation Report Appendix G
  • Aquatic Resources Delineation Report Appendix H
  • Aquatic Resources Delineation Report Appendix I
• Watershed and Wetland Condition Evaluation Report (CRAM/WER)
  • Watershed and Wetland Condition Evaluation Report Appendix A
  • Watershed and Wetland Condition Evaluation Report Appendix B
  • Watershed and Wetland Condition Evaluation Report Appendix C
  • Watershed and Wetland Condition Evaluation Report Appendix D
  • Watershed and Wetland Condition Evaluation Report Appendix E
• Preliminary Compensatory Mitigation Plan
  • Preliminary Compensatory Mitigation Plan Appendix A
  • Preliminary Compensatory Mitigation Plan Appendix B
  • Preliminary Compensatory Mitigation Plan Appendix C
• Hydrology and Water Resources Technical Report
  • Hydrology and Water Resources Technical Report Appendix A
  • Hydrology and Water Resources Technical Report Appendix B
  • Hydrology and Water Resources Technical Report Appendix C
  • Hydrology and Water Resources Technical Report Appendix D
• Geology, Soils, and Seismicity Technical Report
• Paleontological Resources Technical Report
  • Paleontological Resources Technical Report Appendix A
  • Paleontological Resources Technical Report Appendix B (partially redacted)
  • Paleontological Resources Technical Report Appendix C
• Hazardous Materials and Wastes Technical Report
  • Hazardous Materials and Wastes Technical Report Appendix A
  • Hazardous Materials and Wastes Technical Report Appendix B – E¹
  • Hazardous Materials and Wastes Technical Report Appendix F
• Community Impact Assessment
  • Community Impact Assessment Appendix A
  • Community Impact Assessment Appendix B
  • Community Impact Assessment Appendix C
  • Community Impact Assessment Appendix D
  • Community Impact Assessment Appendix E
• Draft Relocation Impact Report
  • Draft Relocation Impact Report Appendix A
• Aesthetics and Visual Quality Technical Report
  • Aesthetics and Visual Quality Technical Report Appendix A
  • Aesthetics and Visual Quality Technical Report Appendix B
• Historic Architectural Survey Report
  • Historic Architectural Survey Report Appendix A
  • Historic Architectural Survey Report Appendix B
  • Historic Architectural Survey Report Appendix C
  • Historic Architectural Survey Report Appendices D–F¹
• Environmental Justice Engagement Summary Report
  • Environmental Justice Engagement Summary Report Appendix A
  • Environmental Justice Engagement Summary Report Appendix B
  • Environmental Justice Engagement Summary Report Appendix C
• Checkpoint
  • Checkpoint APDF Document
  • Checkpoint BPDF Document
  • Checkpoint CPDF Document
    • Checkpoint C Appendix A Part 1PDF Document
    • Checkpoint C Appendix A Part 2PDF Document
    • Checkpoint C Appendix A Part 3PDF Document
    • Checkpoint C Appendix A Part 4PDF Document
    • Checkpoint C Appendix A Part 5PDF Document
    • Checkpoint C Appendix A Part 6PDF Document
    • Checkpoint C Appendix BPDF Document
    • Checkpoint C Appendix CPDF Document
    • Checkpoint C Appendix DPDF Document
    • Checkpoint C Appendix D Attachment 1PDF Document
    • Checkpoint C Appendix EPDF Document

1 This content is not available at libraries and Authority offices as cited. If you have any questions about material availability relating to the Draft EIR/EIS please email san.francisco_san.jos@hsr.ca.gov with the subject line “Draft EIR/EIS Comment” or call (800) 435-8670.

Brief Explanation of Each Chapter

Volume 1 – Report

Chapter 1, Project Purpose, Need, and Objectives, explains the Authority’s Purpose and Need for the San Francisco to San Jose Project Section and provides a history of the planning process. Chapter 2, Alternatives, describes the proposed project 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, Affected Environment, Environmental Consequences, and Mitigation Measures, is where the reader can find information about the existing transportation, environmental, and social conditions in the vicinity of the Project Section. This chapter provides the findings of the analysis of potential environmental impacts, along with methods to reduce these impacts (called mitigation measures). Chapter 4, Section 4(f)/6(f) Evaluation, provides the analysis to support the Authority’s determinations 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, Environmental Justice, discusses whether the project alternatives may cause disproportionate impacts on low-income and minority communities. It also identifies mitigation to reduce those impacts where appropriate. Chapter 6, Project Costs and Operations, summarizes the estimated capital and operations and maintenance costs for each project alternative evaluated in this Draft EIR/EIS. Chapter 7, Other CEQA/NEPA Considerations, summarizes the project alternatives, the significant and unavoidable environmental impacts under CEQA, adverse environmental effects that cannot be avoided under NEPA, and the significant irreversible environmental changes that would occur as a result of the project alternatives or irretrievable commitments of resources or foreclosure of future options. Chapter 8, Preferred Alternative, describes the Preferred Alternative and the basis for identifying it. Chapter 9, Public and Agency Involvement, contains summaries of coordination and outreach activities with agencies and the general public during preparation of this Draft EIR/EIS. Chapter 10, Distribution List, identifies the public agencies, tribes, and organizations that were informed of the availability of, and locations to review, this Draft EIR/EIS. Chapter 11, List of Preparers, provides the names and responsibilities of the authors of this Draft EIR/EIS. Chapter 12, References, lists references and contacts cited in writing this Draft EIR/EIS. Chapter 13, Glossary of Terms, provides definitions of certain terms used in this Draft EIR/EIS. Chapter 14, Index, provides a tool to cross-reference major topics addressed in this Draft EIR/EIS. Chapter 15, Acronyms and Abbreviations, defines the acronyms and abbreviations used in this Draft EIR/EIS.

Volume 2 – Technical Appendices

Appendices provide additional details on the project alternatives and the Draft EIR/EIS process. The technical appendices are primarily related to the affected environment and environmental consequences analyses. These appendices are numbered to match their corresponding section in Chapters 2 and 3 of this Draft EIR/EIS (e.g., Appendix 3.7-A is the first appendix for Section 3.7, Biological and Aquatic Resources).

Volume 3 – Preliminary Engineering Plans

These are detailed design drawings, including trackway, stations, structures, roadway crossings, maintenance facilities, and systems.