4.1 INTRODUCTION

This section of the PEA presents an assessment of potential environmental impacts that would be associated with construction and operation of the proposed Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project, Segments 4 through 11, including T/L and substation facilities that are described in detail in Section 3.0 (Project Description). Existing environmental conditions are presented in a sufficient level of detail to meet CPUC CEQA Rules (Rule 2.4 CEQA Compliance) and to support and form the basis for environmental impact assessments. The assessments presented herein consider: baseline environmental conditions; applicable regulations, plans, and standards; and impact significance criteria, which consist of the criteria contained in CEQA, Appendix G. This section also presents Applicant Proposed Measures (APMs) that have been incorporated into the proposed Project’s design and construction plans to minimize the proposed Project’s potential impacts during the construction and operational phases. APMs are presented within each resource discipline segment assessment, as applicable. APMs are proposed by SCE as a part of Project design. Mitigation measures, however, are proposed as a way of avoiding, minimizing, or mitigating potential significant impacts that may result due to implementation of the project.

A summary of project-related potentially significant adverse environmental effects is presented in Section 8.0. A completed CEQA Initial Study Checklist is presented in Appendix A of this PEA.

The balance of this section is organized as follows:

•  4.2 Aesthetic Resources

•  4.3 Agricultural Resources

•  4.4 Air Quality

•  4.5 Biological Resources

•  4.6 Cultural Resources

•  4.7 Geology and Soils

•  4.8 Hazards and Hazardous Materials

•  4.9 Hydrology and Water Quality

•  4.10 Land Use and Planning

•  4.11 Mineral Resources

•  4.12 Noise

•  4.13 Population and Housing

•  4.14 Public Services and Utilities

•  4.15 Recreation

•  4.16 Transportation and Traffic

•  4.17 Paleontological Resources

Other impact related assessments presented in subsequent sections of this PEA are as follows:

•  5.0 Cumulative Impact Analysis

•  6.0 Indirect Effects

•  7.0 Growth-inducing Impacts

•  8.0 Unavoidable Significant Impacts

•  9.0 Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitments of Resources

•  10.0 Environmental Justice Analysis

In addition, technical backup reports and/or related consultations and communications are presented in appendices to the PEA.