Environmental Impact

Environmental constraints associated with the preferred alternative that was identified by input from the public,both City Councils, and the project design team have been evaluated.Issues related to public safety, pedestrian and bicycle access, traffic flow, public transportation, right-of-way needs, noise, cultural and biological resources, conformity with agency General Plans, and access to adjacent properties have been included in the evaluation.

Several environmental studies required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and because of Federal funding the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), have been completed. The purpose of these studies is to evaluate and disclose potential impacts an alternative might have on the environment if implemented and develop mitigation measures for such impacts. Links to the environmental studies are provided below.

A draft Initial Study with Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration/Environmental Assessment and Section 4(f)/6(f) Evaluation,known as the draft Environmental Document, was circulated for public review and comment beginning August 2, 2013. An Open House Public Information meeting was held on August 22, 2013 in the Yuba City Council Chambers. The deadline for submitting comments to the City was August31, 2013.

On August 19, 2014 the Yuba City City Council adopted the Mitigation Negative Declaration for the project. On August 27, 2014Caltrans, acting as the lead agency on behalf of the Federal Highway Administration for NEPA compliance, issued a Finding of No Significant Impact. Links to the final environmental document and supporting studies are provided on the documents webpage.