Project Section Environmental Documents

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/. 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.

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.

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

• Notice of Availability
• Aviso de Disponibilidad
• 可用性通知
• Thông báo về sự sẵn có
• Abiso ng Pagkakaroon
• Public Notice of Change to Public Review Period
• Aviso Público de Cambio del Periodo de Revisión Pública
• 公眾審議期變更通告
• Công Báo về Thay Thổi Thời Gian Lấy ý Kiến Công Chúng
• Pampublikong Abiso ng Pagbabago ng Panahon para sa Pampublikong Pagsusuri

The comment period is closed.

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 I Cover
• Volume I Title Page
• Signature Page
• Fact Sheet
• Preface
• Table of Contents Volume 1
• Summary
• Chapter 1 Project Purpose, Need, and Objectives
• Chapter 2 Alternatives
• Chapter 3 Affected Environment, Environmental Consequences, and Mitigation Measures
  • Section 3.1 Introduction
  • Section 3.2 Transportation
  • Section 3.3 Air Quality and Greenhouse Gases
  • Section 3.4 Noise and Vibration
  • Section 3.5 Electromagnetic Fields and Electromagnetic Interference
  • Section 3.6 Public Utilities and Energy
  • Section 3.7 Biological and Aquatic Resources
  • Section 3.8 Hydrology and Water Resources
  • Section 3.9 Geology, Soils, Seismicity, and Paleontological Resources
  • Section 3.10 Hazardous Materials and Wastes
  • Section 3.11 Safety and Security
  • Section 3.12 Socioeconomics and Communities
  • Section 3.13 Station Planning, Land Use, and Development
  • Section 3.14 Parks, Recreation, and Open Space
  • Section 3.15 Aesthetics and Visual Quality
  • Section 3.16 Cultural Resources
  • Section 3.17 Regional Growth
  • Section 3.18 Cumulative Impacts
  • Section 3.19 Design Variant to Optimize Speed
• Chapter 4 Section 4(f)/6(f) Evaluation
• Chapter 5 Environmental Justice
• Chapter 6 Project Costs and Operations
• Chapter 7 Other CEQA/NEPA Considerations
• Chapter 8 Preferred Alternative
• Chapter 9 Public and Agency Involvement
• Chapter 10 Distribution List
• Chapter 11 List of Preparers
• Chapter 12 References
• Chapter 13 Glossary of Terms
• Chapter 14 Index
• Chapter 15 Acronyms and Abbreviations

• Cover Volume 2
• Title Page Volume 2
• Table of Contents Volume 2
• Appendix 2-A Roadway Crossings, Modifications, and Closures
• Appendix 2-B Railroad Crossings
• Appendix 2-C Operations and Service Plan Summary
• Appendix 2-D Applicable Design Standards
• Appendix 2-E Project Impact Avoidance Minimization Features
• Appendix 2-F Summary of Requirements for Operations and Maintenance Facilities
• Appendix 2-G Emergency and Safety Plans
• Appendix 2-H Constructability Assessment Report
  • Appendix 2-H Constructability Assessment Report and Appendices A, B, and C
  • Appendix 2-H Constructability Assessment Report Appendices D and D.1
  • Appendix 2-H Constructability Assessment Report Appendix D.2
  • Appendix 2-H Constructability Assessment Report Appendix D.3
  • Appendix 2-H Constructability Assessment Report Appendix D.4 Part 1
  • Appendix 2-H Constructability Assessment Report Appendix D.4 Part 2
  • Appendix 2-H Constructability Assessment Report Appendix D.5 Part 1
  • Appendix 2-H Constructability Assessment Report Appendix D.5 Part 2
  • Appendix 2-H Constructability Assessment Report Appendix D.6 Part 1
  • Appendix 2-H Constructability Assessment Report Appendix D.6 Part 2
  • Appendix 2-H Constructability Assessment Report Appendix D.6 Part 3
  • Appendix 2-H Constructability Assessment Report Appendix D.6 Part 4
  • Appendix 2-H Constructability Assessment Report Appendix D.6 Part 5
  • Appendix 2-H Constructability Assessment Report Appendix E
• Appendix 2-I Regional and Local Plans and Policies
• Appendix 2-J Policy Consistency Analysis
• Appendix 3.1-A Parcels within the HSR Project Footprint
• Appendix 3.1-B San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission Bay Plan Consistency Analysis
• Appendix 3.2-A Transportation Data on Intersections
• Appendix 3.2-B Vehicle Miles Traveled Forecasting
• Appendix 3.3-A Air Quality and Greenhouse Gases Technical Report
  • Appendix 3.3-A, Appendix A CalEEMod Outputs for Station and Light Maintenance Facility Operation
  • Appendix 3.3-A, Appendix B CALINE4 Outputs for CO Hot-Spot Analysis
  • Appendix 3.3-A, Appendix C Construction Emissions Assumptions
  • Appendix 3.3-A, Appendix D Ballast Hauling Memorandum
  • Appendix 3.3-A, Appendix E Localized Impacts from Construction
  • Appendix 3.3-A, Appendix F Potential Impact from Induced Winds
  • Appendix 3.3-A, Appendix G Council on Environmental Quality Provisions Covering Incomplete or Unavailable Information
• Appendix 3.3-B General Conformity Requirements and Process
• Appendix 3.3-C Changes to Project Benefits Based on 2018 Business Plan
• Appendix 3.4-A Noise and Vibration Technical Report
  • Appendix 3.4-A Appendix A Measurement Site Photographs
  • Appendix 3.4-A Appendix B Noise Measurement Data
  • Appendix 3.4-A Appendix C Vibration Propagation Measurement Data
• Appendix 3.4-B Noise and Vibration Mitigation Guidelines
• Appendix 3.5-A Pre-construction Electromagnetic Measurement Survey
• Appendix 3.6-A Public Utilities and Energy Facilities
• Appendix 3.6-B Existing Plus Project Conditions Energy Analysis
• Appendix 3.6-C Water Use Assessment
• Appendix 3.6-D Energy Analysis Memorandum
• Appendix 3.7-A Special-Status Species Potentially Affected
• Appendix 3.7-B Scientific Nomenclature
• Appendix 3.8-A List of Aquatic Resources Crossed
• Appendix 3.8-B Summary Hydraulic Modeling
• Appendix 3.8-C Basin Plan Water Quality Impact Assessment
• Appendix 3.11-A Safety and Security Data
• Appendix 3.11-B Airport Obstructions
• Appendix 3.12-A Relocation Assistance Documents
• Appendix 3.13-A General Plan Land Use Maps
• Appendix 3.16-A Agency and Interested Party Outreach
• Appendix 3.16-B Tribal Outreach and Consultation
• Appendix 3.16-C Archaeological and Built Resources
• Appendix 3.16-D Programmatic Agreement
• Appendix 3.17-A RIMS II Modeling Details
• Appendix 3.18-A Cumulative Nontransportation Plans and Projects List
• Appendix 3.18-B Cumulative Transportation Plans and Projects
• Appendix 5-A Environmental Justice Engagement Summary Report
  • Appendix 5-A Appendix A Environmental Justice Outreach Plan
  • Appendix 5-A Appendix B List of Outreach Meetings Held for the Project
  • Appendix 5-A Appendix C Biannual Environmental Justice Outreach Reports
• Appendix 6-A San Francisco to San Jose Project Section: PEPD Record Set Capital Cost Estimate Report
• Appendix 6-B High-Speed Rail Operating and Maintenance Cost for Use in EIR/EIS Project-Level Analysis
• Appendix 9-A Public and Agency Meeting List

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

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 A
  • Checkpoint B
  • Checkpoint C
    • Checkpoint C Appendix A Part 1
    • Checkpoint C Appendix A Part 2
    • Checkpoint C Appendix A Part 3
    • Checkpoint C Appendix A Part 4
    • Checkpoint C Appendix A Part 5
    • Checkpoint C Appendix A Part 6
    • Checkpoint C Appendix B
    • Checkpoint C Appendix C
    • Checkpoint C Appendix D
    • Checkpoint C Appendix D Attachment 1
    • Checkpoint C Appendix E

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.jose@hsr.ca.gov with the subject line “Draft EIR/EIS Comment” or call (800) 435-8670.

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.