HomeMy WebLinkAbout8 CEQA Initial Study Agenda Item # 8
Public Utility District
PF
ACTION
To: Board of Directors
From: Sanna Schlosser
Date: December 03, 2014
Subject: Consideration of the Approval of the CEQA Initial Study for the
Electric System Master Plan Update
1. WHY THIS MATTER IS BEFORE THE BOARD
Board authorization is required to approve a CEQA Initial Study and direct that it be
circulated.
2. HISTORY
The Electric System Master Plan is a comprehensive planning report providing
information on existing District electric system facilities and the current level of service
provided to District customers. The Master Plan is also a blueprint for the orderly
expansion of the District's electric system to accommodate growth and development of
areas served by the District.
On December 18, 2013, the Board approved the selection of Electrical Consultants
Inc. (ECI) to prepare the Electric System Master Plan report for the District. ECI
discussed the results of the completed Master Plan report at a workshop presented to
the Board on November 19, 2014. The District's environment consultant, Inland
Ecosystems, has performed a CEQA review of the Master Plan during October 2014
and has prepared a Initial Study document in accordance with CEQA requirements.
3. NEW INFORMATION
The CEQA Initial Study has been completed and is ready for review, public comment,
and circulation to the State Clearinghouse and other interested agencies. A copy of
this study is attached. The District must also schedule a public hearing to receive
comments. Filing the documents with the State Clearinghouse will trigger a thirty-day
review period. The anticipated schedule is as follows:
• December 3, 2014 (tonight) - Board approval of the CEQA Initial Study and set
public hearing date
• December 17, 2014 - Public hearing on CEQA Initial Study
• January 21, 2015 -Adoption of the Final CEQA Document
Board approval of the study, and setting the public hearing date tonight triggers the
following actions:
• Staff will file the Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration and Environmental
Initial Study with Offices of the Nevada and Placer County Clerks, State
Clearinghouse, and all other responsible and interested agencies
• Staff will publish a Notice of Public Review Period and Public Hearing on the
Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration
4. FISCAL IMPACT
There is no direct cost associated with approval of the CEQA Initial Study. The costs
associated with the CEQA Initial Study are included in the FY14 budget.
5. RECOMMENDATION
A) Approve the CEQA Initial Study and direct that it be circulated
B) Schedule a public hearing for the Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration at the
regular Board meeting on December 17, 2014
Stephen Hollabaugh Michael D. Holley
Assistant General Manager General Manager