SECTION 4.0

ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING, IMPACTS, AND MITIGATION

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PROPOSED PROJECT

4.14  HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AND WASTE MANAGEMENT

This section describes the anticipated hazardous materials to be handled, used, and stored and the hazardous and non-hazardous wastes to be generated, stored, or disposed of in conjunction with the construction and operation of the proposed Trans Bay Cable Project (Project). This section also discusses the procedures and engineering controls to be used to minimize the potential environmental impacts from the onsite handling, storage, and use of these hazardous materials and the generation, handling, and disposal of the hazardous wastes with respect to the onshore converter stations. The sampling and analysis of sediment along the cable route, the routing of the cable to avoid contaminated areas of San Francisco Bay, and the generation and handling of potentially contaminated dredge spoils are addressed in Section 4.4, Water Resources and Quality.

4.14.1  Environmental Setting

Table 4.14-1 summarizes the confirmed and suspected soil contamination issues at both of the proposed converter station sites. Table 4.14-2 summarizes the confirmed and suspected groundwater contamination issues at both of the proposed converter station sites.

4.14.1.1  Site Conditions: San Francisco HWC Converter Station

The proposed San Francisco HWC Converter Station site is located on 23^rd Street south of the existing Mirant Potrero Power Plant. The HWC site is currently developed and occupied by several businesses. HWC owns the three buildings on the subject property. Each building has its own street address. The building at 435 23^rd Street is occupied by HMR Global Recycling. This building is currently used for recycling electronic equipment such as computers, monitors, servers, and printers. The San Francisco Municipal Railway (MUNI) formerly used the building at 525 23^rd Street to store engines and other parts for the MUNI bus fleet. Currently, this building is unoccupied. The proposed converter station would be located on approximately 5.5 acres at the site currently occupied by these two buildings. The proposed use of the HWC site would require the demolition of these existing buildings and facilities before construction of the proposed converter station. The building at 555 23^rd Street is occupied by DHL, which uses the facility for incoming and outgoing package delivery services. This building/site is not part of the proposed HWC Converter Station site. Access to this facility was not available when the Phase I site reconnaissance and the Phase I interviews were conducted.

The proposed and alternative AC and DC cable routes associated with the proposed HWC site are shown on Figure A.3-1. The proposed underground direct current (DC) cable route to the HWC site would be installed with horizontal directional drilling (HDD) methods or similar underground drilling methods from an area near the east property line of the HWC

TABLE 4.14-1
SUMMARY OF CONFIRMED AND SUSPECTED SOIL CONTAMINATION ISSUES
AT THE PROPOSED CONVERTER STATION SITES

Note: Subjective comments on the possibility of suspected contaminants are based on URS's experience on similar sites.
¹   In addition to ACM building materials these sites also have confirmed or suspected naturally occurring serpentine rock containing asbestos.
ACM        = asbestos-containing materials
HWC       = Harrigan Weidenmuller Company
LBP         = lead-based paint
TPH-g     = total petroleum hydrocarbons as gasoline
TPH-d     = total petroleum hydrocarbons as diesel
TPH-mo  = total petroleum hydrocarbons as motor oil
PCB        = polychlorinated biphenyl
VOC        = volatile organic compound
PAH        = polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon

TABLE 4.14-2
SUMMARY OF CONFIRMED AND POTENTIAL CONTAMINATED GROUNDWATER ISSUES
AT THE PROPOSED CONVERTER STATION SITES

Note: Subjective comments on the possibility of suspected contaminants are based on URS's experience on similar sites.
HWC        = Harrigan Weidenmuller Company
TPH-g      = total petroleum hydrocarbons as gasoline
TPH-d      = total petroleum hydrocarbons as diesel
TPH-mo   = total petroleum hydrocarbons as motor oil
PCB         = polychlorinated biphenyl
VOC         = volatile organic compound
PAH         = polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon

site to a nearby area in San Francisco Bay to minimize contact with potentially contaminated Bay sediments. Recovered drilling muds and soils would be characterized and disposed of offsite in compliance with applicable regulations.

The proposed underground alternating current (AC) cable route from the HWC site to the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) switchyard would start near the middle of the proposed HWC Converter Station site on the north side, cross 23^rd Street, run west on the north side of 23^rd Street for approximately 450 feet, turn north onto the Mirant Potrero site for approximately 300 feet, turn west into the PG&E substation for approximately 150 feet, and turn north for approximately 100 feet to the connection with the PG&E switchyard. Excavated soils that could not be returned to the cable trench would be characterized and disposed of offsite in compliance with applicable regulations. The detailed Project description is presented in Appendix A of this EIR.

The proposed use of the HWC site would require the demolition of the existing buildings and facilities located at 435 and 525 23^rd Street before construction of the proposed converter station. According to the Environmental Data Resources, Inc. (EDR), report prepared for the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) for the HWC site (EDR, 2005; URS, 2005a), no sensitive receptors (e.g., schools, hospitals, day-care facilities, or long-term health care facilities) are located within a 0.25-mile radius of the site. The closest park to the HWC site is Warm Water Cove Park, which is located directly south of the site.

According to the Phase I ESA, one of the buildings at the HWC site, the former Airborne Express Building (located at 435 23^rd Street, and currently occupied by HMR Recycling), is listed in the Cortese database. The Cortese database identifies public drinking water wells with detectable levels of contamination, hazardous substance sites selected for remedial action, sites with known toxic materials identified through the abandoned site assessment program, sites with underground storage tanks (USTs) that have had a reportable release, and all solid waste disposal facilities that have known migration of contaminants. The Cortese Database provided no details as to why the HWC site was listed. The Phase I ESA identified the following Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) for the HWC site:

• REC 1: Although no records of releases related to the presence of ASTs were found for the HWC site, the previous use of the property for storage of fuel oil and crude oil may have resulted in spills and leaks that may have impacted soil and groundwater.

• REC 2: Historically, up to 11 former USTs containing petroleum products and waste oils have been present on the HWC site. Seven of the USTs and associated piping were reportedly removed. Visible petroleum staining was observed in soils at the bottom of various UST pits and piping trenches after removal, and some soils with elevated petroleum concentrations were excavated and removed from the site. Additional investigation of the former UST areas was required by the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH). Evidence of one existing UST was observed at the HWC site (in the former MUNI warehouse) and possible evidence (i.e., pavement cuts) of the previous existence of additional USTs at the HWC site. The historical and current presence of onsite USTs on the HWC site and may have adversely impacted soil and groundwater.

• REC 3: Three monitoring wells were installed at the HWC site in 1999, and quarterly groundwater monitoring is being conducted. The maximum concentrations detected are as follows:

• TPH-d: up to 50,000 parts per billion (ppb)

• TPH-g: up to 3,700 ppb

• TPH as motor oil (TPH-mo): up to 47,000 ppb

• Total recoverable petroleum hydrocarbons (oil and grease): up to 230,000 ppb

The groundwater monitoring results for the HWC site have indicated that the elevated concentrations of TPH have not changed significantly since the monitoring began.

• REC 4: Fill underlying the HWC site likely includes 1906 earthquake rubble and has the potential to be impacted with lead and other contaminants.

• REC 5: Weathered serpentine rock, which may contain naturally occurring asbestos, may be present on the HWC site.

• REC 6: A manufactured gas plant was once located in the area of the former MUNI warehouse on the east side of the HWC site. This facility was constructed and began operation in 1902 and was shut down in 1915, when natural gas service began in San Francisco. This manufactured gas plant is likely to have impacted soil and groundwater at the HWC site with contaminants, including polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs), heavy hydrocarbons, or lampblack.

• REC 7: According to previous reports (Blymer Engineers, Inc. 1990), asbestos-containing materials were detected in two of the buildings on the HWC site. The asbestos-containing samples were collected from the floor tiles and pipe lagging (the building at 435 23^rd Street) and in a wall (the building at 525 23^rd Street). Given the historical presence of asbestos-containing materials in these two buildings and the age of the buildings, asbestos-containing materials are expected to exist on the site.

• REC 8: Given the age of the buildings on the HWC site, it is likely that lead-based paint was used on the buildings.

The Phase I ESA identified the following REC on surrounding properties:

• REC 9: The property immediately north of the HWC site, the Mirant (formerly PG&E) Potrero Power Plant located at 1201 Illinois Street) is potentially upgradient of the HWC and may be a source of hydrocarbon contamination to that site. The Mirant Potrero Power Plant property is listed as having entered the Voluntary Cleanup Program in 1991. Elevated concentrations of hydrocarbons in groundwater on this property (slightly lower than the concentrations identified on the HWC site) have been detected in the monitoring wells located on 23^rd Street, approximately 20 feet north of the HWC site (URS, 2005b).

The DC cable route for the HWC site would come from San Francisco Bay and pass beneath the proposed converter station site. An AC cable would be linked from the proposed HWC Converter Station to the existing switchyard adjacent to the Mirant Potrero site. The proposed AC cable route would exit the HWC site, pass east under 23^rd Street, turn north onto the Mirant Potrero site, and proceed to the PG&E substation. The Phase I ESA for the Mirant Potrero site identified the following RECs for the AC cable route:

• REC 10: Elevated concentrations of hydrocarbons in groundwater have been detected in monitoring wells located on 23^rd Street, approximately 20 feet north of the HWC site. The proposed AC cable route travels along this portion of 23^rd Street, thus the hydrocarbons in groundwater are REC for the cable route.

• REC 11: The soils that would be excavated along the AC cable route on the Mirant Potrero property would likely be impacted with hydrocarbons and metals, as noted above in the REC for surrounding properties.

4.14.1.2  Site Conditions: Pittsburg Standard Oil Converter Station

The proposed Pittsburg Standard Oil Converter Station site is located in a developed area with a mix of industrial and former industrial uses. (This name reflects the site's proximity to the former Standard Oil Avenue; no portion of this site was connected with previous oil processing or storage.) The only structures on the Pittsburg Standard Oil site are two abandoned concrete wastewater storage tanks from the former sanitary wastewater treatment plant located at the site and a small, dilapidated wood-frame building. The remainder of the Pittsburg Standard Oil site was previously occupied by an automobile storage yard but is currently vacant. According to the EDR report (EDR, 2005) that was prepared for the Phase I ESA for the Pittsburg Standard Oil site (URS, 2005c), no sensitive receptors (e.g., schools, hospitals, day-care facilities, or long-term health care facilities) are located within a 0.25-mile radius of the Pittsburg Standard Oil site.

Onshore AC/DC cable routes are proposed between the proposed Standard Oil Converter Station site and New York Slough as well as an AC cable on the Mirant Pittsburg property. In addition, offshore submarine cables are proposed as follows: 1) AC cable between PG&E Pittsburg Substation and landfall at New York Slough; and 2) DC cable route from New York Slough to vicinity of Potrero Point in San Francisco. Refer to Section 4.14.1.3 for information regarding the offshore cable routes. Refer to Figures A.1-1, A.1-3, and
Map A.2-1 in Appendix A for the locations of these cable routes. The proposed AC/DC cable route between the Standard Oil Converter Station site and New York Slough would involve a combination of belowground and aboveground AC, and below ground AC and DC installation between the site and New York Slough. The proposed cable route leaves the converter station in a north-northeasterly direction, cuts diagonally across the former Dow ponds in a northeasterly direction to the south side of the BNSF railroad track. This portion of the route would be installed using HDD (or comparable technology). The route then follows the south side of the railroad ROW within an existing roadway in an easterly direction to the Delta Diablo Sanitary Sewage plant outfall roadway (Arcy Lane). At this location, the route then follows the outfall roadway north to New York Slough (refer to Map A.2-1, Sheet 10 of 10). The portion of the route between the BNSF railroad tracks and New York Slough would involve aboveground AC installation and belowground DC installation. Potential contaminants along the route include solvents, lead, and petroleum hydrocarbons.

The proposed Standard Oil Converter Station also includes an approximately 0.25-mile-long new access road that would be constructed between the site and the Pittsburg-Antioch Highway. No potential sources of contamination have been identified along this route.

The Phase I ESA identified the following RECs for the Pittsburg Standard Oil site:

• REC 1: Evidence of dumping and disposal of unmarked drums and buckets containing oily substances constitutes an REC for the Pittsburg Standard Oil site.

• REC 2: Oil staining of site soils, most likely caused by the storage of automobiles at the site, is an REC for the Pittsburg Standard Oil site.

• REC 3: Surrounding sites are heavily vegetated with seasonal weeds. The Pittsburg Standard Oil site has vegetation on the surrounding berms, but little vegetation occurs on the graded portion of the site. This absence of vegetation may be an indication of past or current use of herbicides. The previous wastewater treatment plant may also have used pesticides on the site. The potential use of herbicides and pesticides is an REC for the site.

• REC 4: Two groundwater monitoring or extraction wells, one near the northern boundary of the site and the other near the southwestern boundary of the site, were observed on the Pittsburg Standard Oil site at the time of the site reconnaissance. The wells are approximately 4 inches in diameter and appear to have been constructed of steel. The wells were left open, are poorly maintained, and are therefore a threat to groundwater. No information on the wells was found during the file review or interviews.

• REC 5: Given the age of the buildings on the Pittsburg Standard Oil site, asbestos-containing materials were likely used in building construction.

• REC 6: Given the age of the buildings on the Pittsburg Standard Oil site, lead-based paint was likely used in building and maintenance.

The Phase I ESA identified the following surrounding properties as RECs to the Pittsburg Standard Oil site:

• REC 7: The Dow Chemical Company, located at 901 Loveridge Road, manufactures chlorine, sodium hydroxide, hydrogen, latex, agricultural chemicals (including pesticides), fumigants, fungicides, and chlorinated solvents. Groundwater samples are collected semiannually, and benzene, chlorobenzene, 1,2-DCE, TCE, PCE, vinyl chloride, 1,2-DCP, carbon tetrachloride, dissolved mercury, and methylmercury have been detected in groundwater samples from site monitoring wells. Groundwater extraction occurs in the southern portion of the site to achieve hydraulic containment and separation of groundwater. The southern portion of the Dow facility is adjacent to a portion of the proposed onshore cable, along the ROW for the BNSF Railroad. This portion of the Dow facility consists of a Class II landfill, four former Class I solar evaporation ponds to the north of the ROW, and two former solar evaporation ponds to the south of the ROW. According to the EDR report, the facility is listed in the Toxic Pits Database, the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) Spills, Leaks, Investigations, and Cleanup (SLIC) Database, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Information System (CERCLIS) No Further Action Planned (NFAP) Database, and the California Historical UST Database. The facility is also an RCRA Large Quantity Generator of hazardous waste. The Dow Chemical Company has the potential to be an REC along the cable routes for the Pittsburg Standard Oil site because of the site's environmental history and location adjacent to the cable routes.

The Phase I ESA identified the following RECs related to both of the proposed AC/DC cable routes associated with the Pittsburg Standard Oil site.

• REC 8: The southern portion of the Dow Chemical Company facility is adjacent to a portion of the cable routes, where the proposed cable routes parallel the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railroad ROW. This portion of the Dow site consists of a Class II landfill, four former Class I solar evaporation ponds (to the north of the BNSF Railroad ROW), and two former solar evaporation ponds (to the south of the ROW). Given the history of these facilities and their location adjacent to the cable routes, the Dow site is an REC to the AC and DC cable routes.

• REC 9: A portion of the proposed AC and DC cable routes parallel the south side of the BNSF Railroad ROW. Potential contaminants along this portion of the cable routes include diesel fuel, arsenic, and lead.

• REC 10: The AC cable route enters the Mirant Pittsburg Power Plant property on the northern shore of the site, travels due south, and then turns east into the west side of the PG&E substation. Potential contaminants in this area include PCBs and oil (URS, 2005e).

4.14.1.3  Site Conditions: Offshore Cable Route

The offshore DC cable route was designed to avoid RWQCB-listed toxic hot spot areas in San Francisco Bay. The concentrations of metals detected in the sediment sampling conducted along the cable route are within typical background levels for the San Francisco Bay Area. Sediment testing along New York Slough shows slightly elevated levels of nickel. Preliminary discussions between the Project proponent and the Dredged Materials Management Office (DMMO) indicated that dredged materials from the New York Slough area could likely be returned to the cable excavation after the cable laying was complete subject to verification sampling.

These issues and the sediment sampling and testing that was conducted along the offshore cable route as well as regional sampling data are described in detail in Section 4.4, Water Resources and Quality.

4.14.2  Regulatory Setting

Table 4.14-3 summarizes the federal, state and regional, and local laws and regulations that apply to the use, storage, transportation, and disposal of hazardous materials at both of the proposed converter station sites. A detailed discussion of the federal, state and regional, and local laws and regulations for hazardous materials is provided in Appendix I.

4.14.3  Environmental Impacts

This section discusses the potential environmental impacts associated with the construction and operation of the proposed San Francisco HWC and Pittsburg Standard Oil converter stations (including ancillary facilities), and the installation of the offshore cables. The San Francisco HWC site has higher levels of known and suspected soil and groundwater contamination than the Pittsburg Standard Oil site. However, the cited potential impacts to human health and the environment from contaminated soil and groundwater are similar for both sites. Consequently, the mitigation measures proposed to reduce the potential impacts to less than significant levels are similar for both sites.

TABLE 4.14-3
SUMMARY OF REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO HAZARDOUS
MATERIALS/WASTE HANDLING

CCR           = California Code of Regulations
CERCLA    = Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980
CFR           = Code of Federal Regulations
EPA           = Environmental Protection Agency
SARA        = Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986
USC           = United States Code

4.14.3.1  Thresholds of Significance

The following thresholds of significance are based on CEQA Guidelines (Appendix G). For the purposes of this EIR, the implementation of the proposed Project would have a significant adverse impact with respect to hazardous materials if it would result in any of the following:

• Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials

• Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment

• Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within 0.25 mile of an existing or proposed school

• Be located on a site that is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and as a result, create a significant hazard to the public or the environment

4.14.3.2  San Francisco HWC Converter Station

This section discusses the potential environmental impacts of, and associated mitigation measures for, the proposed San Francisco HWC converter station.

4.14.3.2.1  Construction-related Impacts.

Demolition. The construction of the converter station would require that two existing structures on the site be removed (see Section 4.14.1.1) and that any contamination from asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and lead-based paint (LBP) be remediated. The extent of the remediation would be based on the results of the ACM and LBP surveys and the subsequent regulatory agency-approved remediation plans. If the potentially hazardous building materials resulting from demolition were not removed and the appropriate remediation was not performed, a significant impact could result.

Impact HAZ-1: Removal of Potentially Hazardous Building Materials Resulting from Demolition. Structures on the converter station site contain or potentially contain ACMs and LBP. Improper removal or remediation of these materials could result in a potentially significant environmental impact.

Mitigation Measure HAZ-1: Complete an ACM Abatement Plan and an LBP Abatement Plan. Complete ACM and LBP investigation and characterization on the converter station site to fill data gaps and to support development of worker safety procedures, in accordance with regulatory requirements to protect construction workers and the public. The ACM and LBP Abatement Plans shall be completed in compliance with application regulations based on the historical and newly acquired ACM and LBP data. If ACM and LBP are confirmed to be present in concentrations above regulatory limits, the Project proponent shall use ACM- and LBP-certified removal contractors and trained asbestos and lead-based paint removal workers, conduct dust monitoring, and properly dispose of generated wastes offsite. The Project proponent shall also prepare a site Health and Safety Plan for this work.

Regulated ACMs (RACMs) are materials with >1.0 percent friable asbestos or material that will become friable during demolition. These materials must be removed before demolition and disposed of off-site as hazardous waste. Non-friable ACMs can be disposed of as non-hazardous waste in a landfill with the appropriate permits.

LBP with total lead content of 1,000 mg/kg and/or leachability of 5.0 mg/L by analysis of the Waste Extraction Test extract analysis would be classified as California hazardous waste, if disposed of separately. Deteriorated paints that meet the hazardous waste criteria must be removed and disposed of separately. If the paint remains firmly affixed to the building material, the building material can be disposed of as non-hazardous building debris. If the demolition disturbs paint containing detectable lead, the work would need to be conducted in accordance with Cal-OSHA's lead in construction regulation (8CCR1532.1).

San Francisco's Exterior Lead Based Paint ordinance (Building Code Section 3407 and Chapter 36 of the Municipal Code) applies to renovation of exterior lead based paint that contains >0.5 percent of lead and to materials painted with lead-based paint. The San Francisco Building Code has a number of requirements including: notification of the San Francisco Building Department 3 days before the work starts, paint removal must take place within a containment or tools equipped with HEPA filters must be used, posting of a multilingual notice when the containment is installed, and notification of the tenants and neighbors of the building 3 days before the work starts.

Implementation Responsibility:  Project proponent

Requirements and Timing:         Perform surveys and additional testing as needed; conduct required ACM and LBP removal prior to construction; perform dust monitoring for ACM and LBP components during demolition activities.

Monitoring Requirements:          City of Pittsburg to monitor and ensure compliance

Resulting Level of Significance. Mitigation Measure HAZ-1 would reduce Impact HAZ-1 to a less-than-significant level.

Soil Removal. As discussed in Appendix A, approximately 15,000 cubic yards of soil would need to be excavated and disposed of offsite during the construction of the San Francisco HWC converter station. Non-hazardous soil removed during construction activities, including grading and excavation, at the converter station site would be stockpiled on the site for onsite or offsite reuse or offsite disposal. Were hazardous soils identified in a Phase II investigation and encountered during excavation, they would be loaded directly onto trucks, covered, and hauled for offsite disposal at an appropriate landfill (Class I). Hazardous soil shipments should conducted by licensed hazardous waste transporters using hazardous waste shipping manifests. Excavated soils would be sampled and tested, as necessary, to determine their suitability for reuse. Excavated soil and rock that were not suitable as backfill would be removed from the site and disposed of at an approved landfill. If contaminated soils were not properly sampled, handled, analyzed, or characterized, transported, or disposed of, the soils could present a potentially significant impact.

Impact HAZ-2: Soil Removal. Soils removed during construction of the converter station and cable routes could be contaminated. Improper sampling, handling, analyzing, or characterizing of the soils could result in a potentially significant environmental impact. Soils at the HWC site are likely to be contaminated with metals and either TPH or PAHs, depending on location. In the middle of the site, a naturally occurring subsurface serpentinite ridge may require excavation. Serpentinite contains naturally occurring asbestos and these soils, if disposed of offsite, would likely require disposal as California hazardous waste.

Mitigation Measure HAZ-2: Soil Removal Protocols. Previously uncharacterized soils that are stained or odiferous shall be segregated on plastic, sampled, and characterized for onsite use or offsite disposal. The Soil and Groundwater Management plans (SMP, GMP) shall detail storage, transportation, and disposal options for soil and groundwater excavated/extracted during the converter station construction. They would also specify dust monitoring needs for soil excavation and management.

Previously characterized hazardous soils shall be loaded onto trucks for offsite disposal. Hazardous soil disposal requires that hazardous waste manifests accompany the waste. Hazardous waste transporters shall be required to haul hazardous soils to a Class I hazardous waste landfill. The personnel handling the hazardous soils are required to have met the OSHA hazardous work operations training requirements. A Health and Safety Plan shall be prepared for this work.

Previously characterized non-hazardous soils shall be stockpiled for onsite or offsite reuse or offsite disposal, as needed.

Implementation Responsibility:  Project proponent/construction contractor

Requirements and Timing:         Implement soil removal and handling procedures as per SMP protocol during construction phase; perform dust monitoring during hazardous soils excavation, as applicable

Monitoring Requirements:          City of Pittsburg to monitor and ensure compliance

Resulting Level of Significance. Mitigation Measure HAZ-2 would reduce Impact HAZ-2 to a less-than-significant level.

Construction-phase Hazardous Materials Use, Storage, and Disposal. Construction activities would involve truck traffic and heavy equipment operations. During the construction phase, various hazardous materials would be used, including: gasoline, diesel fuel, motor oil, hydraulic fluid, glycol, lubricants, solvents, cleaners, sealers, paints, and paint thinner. The hazardous materials usage that is anticipated to occur at this converter station site during the construction phase is summarized in Table 4.14-4.

Impact HAZ-3: Construction-phase Hazardous Materials Use. Hazardous materials would be used during construction activities. Misuse, inadequate storage, or improper disposal of these materials could result in a potentially significant environmental impact.

Mitigation Measure HAZ-3: Reduction of Hazards During Construction Phase. The hazards presented by the use of hazardous materials during the construction phase are well understood, and the appropriate management controls to mitigate potential impacts shall be implemented. These controls include: 1) developing required management plans, e.g., a Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan (see HAZ-5 for more SPCC Plan details); 2) secondary containment; 3) separate storage of incompatible materials; and 4) proper training of personnel.

Additionally, construction personnel shall be trained in safety and defensive emergency response procedures. Construction personnel shall also receive hazardous-waste-related training that focuses on recognition of potentially contaminated soil and/or groundwater that may be encountered during subsurface excavations for foundations or pipeline/cable trenches. If such contaminated soil or groundwater is suspected, contingency procedures shall be followed to protect worker safety and public health. All vehicles and construction equipment shall be inspected to ensure that no fluids are leaking (e.g., oil, hydraulic fluid, lubricants, or brake fluid) and that all fuels and fluids are stored in proper, clearly labeled containers.

Hazardous materials that must be disposed of will be disposed of as hazardous waste in accordance with the appropriate regulations for storage, transportation, and disposal of hazardous waste.

Implementation Responsibility:  Project proponent/construction contractor

Requirements and Timing:         Construction contractor to implement hazard reduction measures as detailed above during construction phase

Monitoring Requirements:          City of Pittsburg to monitor and ensure compliance

TABLE 4.14-4
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS USE
ANTICIPATED DURING PROJECT CONSTRUCTION

¹  Hazard categories are defined by 40 CFR 370.2. Health hazards include acute (immediate) and chronic (delayed). Physical categories include fire, sudden release of pressure, and reactive.
CFR = Code of Federal Regulations
PVC = polyvinyl chloride

Resulting Level of Significance. Mitigation Measure HAZ-3 would reduce Impact HAZ-3 to a less-than-significant level.

Construction-phase Waste Streams. The following waste streams would be expected to be generated during construction: soils containing hazardous waste and soils that do not contain hazardous waste; ACMs; non-hazardous scrap wood, steel, glass, plastic, and paper; empty hazardous material containers; hazardous solvent waste; hazardous spent lead acid and alkaline batteries; sanitary waste from portable chemical toilets; and non-hazardous storm water runoff. Groundwater collected during construction dewatering is discussed further in Impact and Mitigation Measure HAZ-7 of this section.

Non-hazardous waste would consist of wood refuse, metal and glass containers, and protective plastic equipment coverings. This waste would be generated at an estimated rate of approximately 40 cubic yards per week during construction. Concrete, asphalt, steel, aluminum, and copper from building, foundation, and parking area demolition would be recycled, as practical. The California Integrated Waste Management Board website lists California construction and demolition waste recycling facilities by county. Two facilities that could be used for recycling at the San Francisco HWC Converter Station site are SF Recycling and Disposal, Inc., which is located at 501 Tunnel Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94134, and Specialty Crushing, Inc., Lot Seawall 352, Pier 94, Cargo and Amador Roads, San Francisco, CA, 94124. Two facilities that could be used for recycling at the Pittsburg Standard Oil Converter Station site are the West Contra Costa Sanitary Landfill at 1 Parr Blvd. Richmond, CA, 94801, and Chip It Recycling at 175 Sandy Lane, Oakley, CA, 94561. Recycling centers vary as to the wastes they accept, so the demolition contractor will make the final arrangements for recycling at specific facilities.

Hazardous wastes would consist of hazardous material containers and minor spill cleanup. Drums, waste oil, and oil filters would be properly managed and recycled. The major source of hazardous waste would likely be contaminated soil.

The total amount of solid waste generated by the construction activities at the San Francisco HWC Converter Station site is expected to be similar to that for normal commercial construction and is not expected to result in significant impacts to public health or to cause adverse effects on local landfill capacity. Information on landfills serving the San Francisco area is presented in Table 4.14-5.

The potential impact associated with the storage and disposal of non-hazardous construction wastes is considered to be potentially significant if the wastes are not managed and disposed of properly.

Impact HAZ-4: Construction-phase Waste Streams. Improper storage and disposal of solid waste and hazardous construction wastes could result in a potentially significant environmental impact.

Mitigation Measure HAZ-4: Management of Construction-phase Waste Streams. The onsite management and offsite disposal procedures of solid wastes (including potentially contaminated soil) shall be in a Solid Waste Management Plan for the Project. Waste shall be stockpiled temporarily before disposal offsite. The local fire department and emergency

TABLE 4.14-5
LANDFILLS SERVING THE SAN FRANCISCO AND PITTSBURG AREAS

Landfill	Phone Number	Location	Class	Materials Accepted	Permitted Capacity	Annual Usage	Remaining Capacity (cu yd)	Estimated Closure Date	Approximate Distance from Sites
Clean Harbors Buttonwillow Landfill	(661) 762-7372	2500 Lokern Rd, Buttonwillow, CA 93206	I	Solid & Liquid	13.25 million cubic yards	352,000 tons	11,000,000	2030	260 mi (SF) 260 mi (Pitt)
Chemical Waste Management Kettleman Hills Landfill	(559) 386-9711	35251 Old Skyline Rd, Kettleman City, CA 93239	I	Solid & Liquid	15 million cubic yards	800,000 cubic yards	8,000,000	2038	220 mi (SF) 220 mi (Pitt
Allied Waste Management Keller Canyon Landfill	(925) 458-9800	901 Bailey Rd, Pittsburg, CA 94565	II and III	NA	3500 tons/day	821,000 cubic yards	35,000,000	2038	40 mi (SF) 5 mi (Pitt)
Chemical Waste Management Altamont Landfill	(800) 449-6349	10840 Altamont Pass Rd, Livermore, CA 94550	II and III	Solid & Sludge	40 million tons	2 million tons	14 million tons	2020	50 mi (SF) 50 mi (Pitt)
Chemical Waste Management Redwood Landfill Inc.	(415) 892-2851	8950 Redwood Hwy, Novato, CA 94945	II and III	NA	NA	NA	NA	2038	20 mi (SF) 30 mi (Pitt)
West Contra Costa Sanitary Landfill	(510) 233-4330	1 Parr Blvd, Richmond, CA 94801	II	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA	260 mi (SF) 260 mi (Pitt)

Sources: Personal communications between land fill representatives and URS staff. Turek, 2006; Lewis, 2005; Atkinson, 2006; Keller Canyon Landfill, 2006.
NA = Not Applicable

management team shall be provided a list of the waste material expected to be generated and stored onsite. Hazardous wastes generated during construction shall be collected in hazardous waste accumulation containers near the point of generation and moved daily to the construction contractor's 90-day hazardous waste storage area at the converter station site. The accumulated waste shall be delivered to an authorized waste management facility.

The exact volume of hazardous wastes to be generated at the San Francisco HWC Converter Station site cannot be estimated at this time, but the estimated amount of excavated soil that would need to be disposed of offsite is estimated at approximately 15,000 cubic yards for this converter station site. Even if this entire amount of excavated soil would need to be disposed of as hazardous waste, it would not exceed a significant portion of the available hazardous waste landfill capacity in California. The capacity details of various landfills for both non-hazardous and hazardous waste are detailed in Table 4.14-5. The capacity and estimates for daily volumes of waste received were verified, as detailed in the personal communications provided in the references for this section.

Management of these wastes shall be the responsibility of the construction contractor(s). Typical management practices required for contractor waste include characterization and recycling when possible, proper storage of waste and debris, including covering daily to prevent wind dispersion, and weekly pickup of waste with disposal of non-hazardous wastes at local Class III landfills.

Implementation Responsibility:   Project proponent/construction contractor

Requirements and Timing:           Implement waste management procedures during construction phase

Monitoring Requirements:           City of Pittsburg to monitor and ensure compliance

Resulting Level of Significance. Mitigation Measure HAZ-4 would reduce Impact HAZ-4 to a less-than-significant level.

Construction-phase Accidental Spills. The most likely incident involving hazardous materials during construction would be a small spill or release of fuels, glycol, solvents, paints, or lubricants. A more serious incident could involve a service or refueling vehicle, given the larger volume of fuels normally carried on those types of vehicles. The hazardous materials to be used during the construction phase of the proposed Project are listed in Table 4.14-4. Due to the relatively small quantities of hazardous materials that would be used during construction and the regulatory requirements associated with storage and use of these materials, a spill or an accidental release is the only potentially significant impact.

Impact HAZ-5: Construction-phase Accidental Spills. An accidental spill or a release of hazardous materials could occur during construction. This impact is considered potentially significant.

Mitigation Measure HAZ-5: Construction-phase Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure. The following shall be implemented both to prevent spills from occurring and to minimize impacts in the event that they do occur:

• All spills shall be cleaned up quickly and all workers shall be adequately trained to recognize the hazards associated with such spills.

• A Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan for the converter station shall be prepared in accordance with federal and state regulations. This plan must be prepared if petroleum products are stored onsite in ASTs with a capacity that equals or exceeds 55 gallons for a single tank or equals or exceeds 1,320 gallons aggregate for more than one tank. The SPCC Plan must be prepared before the delivery of petroleum products to the site. The SPCC Plan shall include information on spill response procedures and fuel storage.

• Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) for each chemical used during construction shall be kept onsite. Construction employees shall be informed of the location and content of the MSDSs, as required by OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard, Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 1910.1200.

• In case of an accident, the City and County of San Francisco Fire Department shall be notified as the first responder. All other federal, state, and local notification requirements shall be followed for any release that exceeds the reportable quantity or threatens to have a significant impact.

• The Project shall comply with all transportation requirements for hazardous materials on state highways. These requirements apply to both hazardous materials coming onto the site and hazardous wastes leaving the site.

• All vehicles and construction equipment shall be inspected to ensure that there are no leaking fluids (e.g., oil, hydraulic, lubricants, or brake fluid) and that all fuels and fluids are stored in proper, labeled containers. Any observation of spills, leaking fluids, or improperly stored fluids shall trigger the issuance of a "stop work" notice until the problem is resolved, including the removal of any soil contaminated by vehicle fluids.

Implementation Responsibility:   Project proponent/construction contractor

Requirements and Timing:           Establishment and compliance with SPCC and other requirements detailed above performed during construction phase

Monitoring Requirements:           City of Pittsburg to monitor and ensure compliance

Resulting Level of Significance. Mitigation Measure HAZ-5 would reduce Impact HAZ-5 to a less-than-significant level.

Construction-phase Dust and Volatilization of Contaminants. The potential for environmental and human health effects to occur in conjunction with the generation of hazardous wastes, especially the excavation of contaminated soil and the associated construction dust and volatilization of contaminants, could present a potentially significant impact to worker safety and public health.

Impact HAZ-6: Construction-phase Dust and Volatilization of Contaminants. Excavation of contaminated soil and generation of hazardous waste soils could result in construction dust and volatilization of contaminants that pose environmental and human health risks, particularly to construction workers. This impact is considered potentially significant.

Mitigation Measure HAZ-6: Reduction of Construction Dust and Volatilization of Contaminants. Dust control measures (i.e., keeping the soil wet during excavation) shall be implemented during excavation and construction activities, and dust monitoring shall be performed. Suspected contaminated soil that is stockpiled on the site shall be covered daily with plastic to prevent volatilization of contaminants and to control dust. Contaminated soil may also be loaded directly onto trucks for transport to an appropriate offsite disposal facility. The loaded soils shall be properly covered and manifested as necessary. Dust monitoring shall be performed during excavation and loading of hazardous soils. The accumulated waste will then be delivered to an authorized waste management facility. Dust monitoring shall confirm that the dust control measures are effectively protecting site workers and the public.

Implementation Responsibility:  Project proponent/construction contractor

Requirements and Timing:         Implement dust control measures during construction phase and conduct dust monitoring

Monitoring Requirements:          City of Pittsburg to monitor and ensure compliance

Resulting Level of Significance. Mitigation Measure HAZ-6 would reduce Impact HAZ-6 to a less-than-significant level.

Contaminated Groundwater. Groundwater at the San Francisco HWC Converter Station site is known to be contaminated. Upgradient Mirant Potrero site TPH contamination, the history of ASTs and USTs on the HWC site, and the monitoring of HWC site groundwater show or suggest the long-term presence of THP in the groundwater. The presence of a manufactured gas plant (MGP) on the HWC site may indicate that the HWC site is also contaminated with PAHs, and other MGP residues. The site may have metals-contaminated fill which could impact groundwater. Groundwater may be encountered during excavation or other subgrade activities. Potentially significant impacts could occur if this groundwater was not properly handled or contained.

Impact HAZ-7: Contaminated Groundwater. The San Francisco HWC Converter Station site is known to have contaminated groundwater. Groundwater may be encountered during construction and groundwater dewatering. The lead regulatory agency associated with the proposed Project may require control or remediation of the site groundwater for redevelopment of the property. Failure to control the contaminated groundwater flow could result in a potentially significant impact.

Mitigation Measure HAZ-7: Contaminated Groundwater Control. If groundwater was encountered during construction at the converter station site, the water shall be collected onsite in a tank or tanks, sampled, and analyzed. Based on the analytical data, the water shall be characterized for disposal by one of the following methods:

• The fire protection system would consist of automatic detection and firefighting equipment.

• Bulk fuel would be stored in ASTs, and all other chemicals would be stored in their original shipping containers.

• Fuel and transformer areas and transfer areas would be equipped with secondary containment sufficient in size to contain the volume of the largest container or tank, including an allowance for rainwater.

• Small-quantity chemicals used for maintenance tasks would be kept in appropriate flammable material or corrosive material storage lockers. Incompatible materials (e.g., acids and bases), if any, would be stored separately.

The smaller volume hazardous materials that would be used during the operations phase are typical of those used at other industrial facilities. They would include oils, solvents, and other products (Table 4.14-6). The characteristics of these hazardous materials are described in Table 4.14-7. Use of hazardous materials during the operations phase of the Project could result in a significant impact if not handled properly.

TABLE 4.14-6
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS USED DURING PROJECT
OPERATIONS PHASE

TABLE 4.14-7
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS USED
DURING PROJECT OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE

CAS = Chemical Abstract Service
CalARP = California Accidental Release Prevention
NA = Not applicable

Impact HAZ-8: Operations-phase Hazardous Materials Usage. Hazardous materials shall be used during operations and maintenance activities. Misuse, inadequate storage, or improper disposal of these materials could result in a potentially significant environmental impact.

Mitigation Measure HAZ-8: Control of Operations-phase Hazardous Materials. A Hazardous Materials Business Plan (HMBP) shall be developed and implemented prior to turnover of site management from the construction contractor to the operating company. All hazardous materials shall be handled and stored in accordance with applicable codes and regulations. Storage quantities of all hazardous materials shall be minimized, and non-hazardous materials shall be substituted for hazardous materials at the converter station to the extent practicable. Small-quantity chemicals used for maintenance tasks shall be kept in appropriate inflammable material or corrosive material storage lockers. Bulk chemicals shall be stored in ASTs, and all other chemicals shall be stored in their original shipping containers. Incompatible materials shall be stored in separate storage containment areas. Chemical storage areas and transfer areas shall be equipped with secondary containment sufficient in size to contain the volume of the largest container or tank, including an allowance for rainwater. Areas susceptible to potential leaks and/or spills shall be paved and bermed or otherwise secondarily contained. Specifically, the transformers and the diesel ASTs would have secondary containment. Periodic inspections shall be conducted to ensure that all containers are secure and properly marked. Piping and tanks will be protected from potential traffic hazards by concrete or other barriers. Hazardous materials will be delivered to the converter station periodically. Transportation of these materials shall comply with all applicable regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation, the EPA, DTSC, the California Highway Patrol, and the State Fire Marshal. An HMBP shall be prepared prior to delivery of specified hazardous materials to the converter station in conformance with
Title 19 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR) and California Health and Safety Code Section 25504. The HMBP requires facilities to develop the following information:

• Facility map showing locations of hazardous materials and emergency response equipment

• Hazardous materials inventory, including MSDSs for all hazardous materials stored and used onsite

• Emergency contact information

• Emergency response plans and procedures

• Emergency notification procedures

• Emergency response training for all employees

Implementation Responsibility:  Project proponent

Requirements and Timing:         Implement hazardous materials control measures throughout operations phase of Project

Monitoring Requirements:          City of Pittsburg to monitor and ensure compliance

Resulting Level of Significance. Mitigation Measure HAZ-8 would reduce Impact HAZ-8 to a less-than-significant level.

Operations-phase Waste Streams. The proposed Project would generate a variety of wastes during operation. These wastes include replaceable parts, rags, and other waste materials and chemicals produced during maintenance activities; equipment fluids; and skimmed oil from an oil/water separator used for rainwater collected in the secondary containment structures. Inert solid waste generated at the converter station during operation would be predominantly maintenance wastes such as scrap metal, wood, and plastic from surplus and deactivated equipment and parts.

Impact HAZ-9: Operations-phase Waste Streams. Improper storage and disposal of operational wastes could result in a potentially significant environmental impact.

Mitigation Measure HAZ-9: Manage Waste Generation, Storage, and Disposal During Operations Phase. Before facility start-up, an application shall be made to DTSC for a hazardous waste generator number. The facility shall not treat, store, or dispose of hazardous waste in a manner that will cause the facility to be characterized as a treatment, storage and disposal facility (TSDF). A detailed waste management plan shall be prepared prior to start-up to ensure proper storage, labeling, packaging, record keeping, manifesting, minimization, and disposal of all hazardous materials and wastes. The waste management plan will include:

• A description of each hazardous waste stream

• Handling, transport, treatment, and disposal procedures for each waste

• Preparedness, prevention, contingency, and emergency procedures

• Personnel training

Scrap materials such as paper, packing materials, glass, metal, and plastic shall be segregated and managed for recycling. Non-recyclable inert wastes shall be stored in covered trash bins in accordance with local ordinances and picked up by an authorized local trash hauler on a regular basis for transport and disposal in suitable landfill. Skimmed oil collected from equipment drains and other liquids from equipment shall be transported by an authorized carrier to a certified recycling facility.

Implementation Responsibility:  Project proponent

Requirements and Timing:         Implement waste management procedures throughout operations phase of Project

Monitoring Requirements:          City of Pittsburg to monitor and ensure compliance

Resulting Level of Significance. Mitigation Measure HAZ-9 would reduce Impact HAZ-9 to a less-than-significant level.

Operations-phase Accidental Spills. The potential for environmental and human health effects associated with the hazardous materials used during the operations phase of the Project is minimal. The most likely incident involving hazardous materials during operation would be a small spill or release of transformer oil or diesel fuel during the refilling of the transformers or the diesel tank for the backup generator.

Impact HAZ-10: Operations-phase Accidental Spills. Non-compliance with regulatory requirements associated with storage, use, and containment of hazardous materials and/or petroleum hydrocarbons could result in accidental spills. The impact from accidental spills of these materials is considered potentially significant.

Mitigation Measure HAZ-10: Operations-phase Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure. The following shall be implemented during operations:

• All workers shall be adequately trained to recognize the hazards associated with accidental spills. Training shall include ensuring that personnel who maintain the facility are adequately trained to recognize the hazards associated with such spills. Personnel who maintain the facility will be trained in the use of fire suppression equipment, evacuation, notification, and other defensive emergency response procedures. Maintenance personnel will also be trained in hazardous materials and hazardous waste awareness, handling, and management, as required for their level of responsibility.

• The proper use of safety procedures and development and implementation of a project-specific SPCC Plan will help prevent such incidents. The SPCC Plan will include information on spill response procedures and fuel storage.

• An MSDS will be kept onsite for each onsite chemical.

• The programs to be implemented to protect worker health and safety shall also benefit public safety. Facility design shall include redundant controls and monitoring systems to minimize the potential for conditions in which accidental spills could occur. Potential public health impacts associated with facilities operation will be mitigated by development and implementation of Emergency Response Plans, an SPCC Plan, secondary containment structures for oils and other hazardous materials, safety programs, and employee training.

Implementation Responsibility:  Project proponent

Requirements and Timing:         Implement SPCC measures throughout operations phase of Project

Monitoring Requirements:          City of Pittsburg to monitor to ensure compliance

Resulting Level of Significance. Mitigation Measure HAZ-10 would reduce Impact HAZ‑10 to a less-than-significant level.

Operations-phase Fire and Explosion Risk. As shown in Tables 4.14-6 and 4.14-7, several materials (e.g., transformer oil and diesel fuel) that would be used and/or stored onsite at the converter station during the operation of the proposed Project are flammable. These materials are considered to pose a greater risk than the other flammable substances because they would be handled in large quantities. The AC and DC cables are not considered to pose a significant fire risk.

Impact HAZ-11: Operations-phase Fire and Explosion Risk. Non-compliance with regulatory requirements associated with storage, use, and containment of flammable materials could result in a fire or explosion. The impact of a fire or explosion is considered potentially significant. If the onsite fire protection equipment could not address the fire, outside agencies would need to be called. This impact is considered potentially significant.

Mitigation Measure HAZ-11: Reduction of Fire and Explosion Risk and Emergency Support During Operations Phase. The flashpoints of transformer oil and diesel fuel are 295°F and 100°F, respectively, and the auto ignition points are 484°F and 494°F, respectively (Sax, 1992; MSDS for transformer oil; MSDS for diesel fuel). The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) assigns lubricating oils a fire hazard rating of 1, meaning that the materials "must be preheated before ignition can occur. Materials of these types require considerable preheating, under all ambient temperature conditions, before ignition and combustion can occur" (Siemens, 2006).

The converter station shall have onsite fire protection systems (including emergency backup systems). During the detailed design phase of the proposed Project, potential fire protection designs and systems shall be reviewed with local agencies to finalize design details.

In general, the fire protection system shall consist of automatic detection and firefighting equipment. The fire detection control panel will be located in the control room and will be connected to the control and protection system for remote annunciation. The fire alarm will be initiated automatically by smoke, heat, or flame detectors, or manually by push-button. A combination of detectors will be used, including infrared and ultraviolet detectors, ionization and optical smoke detectors, and rate-of-rise temperature-sensitive detectors, depending on the equipment and/or space being monitored.

Audible alarms and flashing lights will be activated in the event of a fire. The equipment or area where the alarm is triggered will be indicated on the control panel. The firefighting equipment would initiate automatically, using water sprays and curtains or an appropriate gas-extinguishing agent.

Fire detection and automatic firefighting equipment will be connected to a power supply within the fire-detection control panel, which will be connected to the mains via a power supply/battery charger unit with an internal 24-volt battery. A pump house shall be included within the facility with 2 diesel fire-water pumps, each 225 kW. The fire-water pump and backup emergency lighting will be electrically powered by a diesel-powered generator capable of operating at full standby without refueling for 96 hours, as required in a seismically active area.

As an additional mitigation measure, no extra transformer oil will be stored onsite other than what is in the transformers. In case of a fire that exceeded the capacity of the onsite fire control system, the local fire department would respond to control and extinguish the fire. The closest fire stations to the proposed and alternative Converter Station sites are identified in Section 4.12, Public Services and Utilities.

The Project shall use local emergency services in case of emergency. The City and County of San Francisco Fire Department shall be informed of the layout of the converter station and the potential hazards associated with Project operations through the submission of an HMBP. On request, any of the emergency service agencies shall be given MSDSs for the chemicals used at the converter station. These sheets shall be updated as MSDSs are developed or revised, or as more information on these chemicals is made available. Table 4.14-8 identifies government agency and other organizational involvement by type of incident. Table 4.14-9 identifies organizational roles for incidents that involve hazardous materials.

Implementation Responsibility:  Project proponent

Requirements and Timing:         Implement fire and explosion risk reduction plan during design phase and throughout operations phase

Monitoring Requirements:          City of Pittsburg to monitor and ensure compliance

Resulting Level of Significance. Mitigation Measure HAZ-11 would reduce Impact HAZ‑11 to a less-than-significant level.

Flooding. The converter station site is not in a floodplain, so no hazardous materials issues related to flooding are considered significant. Therefore, these issues are not addressed further in this section.

Seismic Activity. The converter station site is located in a region known to be associated with fault zones and earthquakes. For detailed information regarding fault zones, see Section 4.3, Geologic Resources and Soils.

Impact HAZ-12: Impacts from Seismic Activity. Failure to abide by the building code for Seismic Zone 4 could lead to damage to the facility and resulting spills of hazardous materials. This impact could be potentially significant.

Mitigation HAZ-12: Manage Seismic Activity. To minimize seismic damage to the facility and the resulting hazardous materials spills, the designers and construction contractor shall follow the Uniform Building Code for Seismic Zone 4. This action would reduce Impact HAZ-12 to a less-than-significant level.

Implementation Responsibility:  Project proponent/construction contractor

TABLE 4.14-8
INVOLVEMENT OF GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS BY TYPE OF INCIDENT

¹   If spill is on highway.
²   If spill is into waterways or sewer.

TABLE 4.14-9
ORGANIZATIONAL ROLES FOR INCIDENTS THAT
INVOLVE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

Requirements and Timing:         Comply with building code requirements for Seismic Zone 4 during design, construction, and operation phases

Monitoring Requirements:          City of Pittsburg to monitor and ensure compliance

Resulting Level of Significance. Mitigation Measure HAZ-12 would reduce Impact HAZ‑12 to a less-than-significant level.

4.14.3.3  Pittsburg Standard Oil Converter Station

This section discusses the potential environmental impacts of, and associated mitigation measures for, the proposed Pittsburg Standard Oil Converter Station.

4.14.3.3.1  Construction-related Impacts.

Demolition. The construction of the converter station would require that the existing structures on the site be removed and that any contamination from ACMs and LBP be remediated. The extent of the remediation would be based on the results of the Phase I ESA and the ACM and LBP surveys and the subsequent regulatory agency-approved remediation plans. If the potentially hazardous building materials were not removed and the appropriate remediation was not performed, a significant impact could result.

Impact HAZ-1: Removal of Potentially Hazardous Building Materials Resulting from Demolition. Existing structures on the converter station site contain or potentially contain ACMs and LBP. Improper removal or remediation of these materials could result in a potentially significant environmental impact.

Mitigation Measure HAZ-1: Complete an ACM Abatement Plan and an LBP Abatement Plan. Phase II ACM and LBP surveys on the converter station site shall be conducted to fill data gaps and to support development of worker safety procedures, in accordance with regulatory requirements to protect construction workers and the public. The ACM and LBP Abatement Plans shall be completed in compliance with applicable regulations based on the historical and newly acquired ACM and LBP data. If ACM and LBP were confirmed to be present in concentrations above regulatory limits, the Project proponent shall use certified asbestos and lead-based paint removal workers, conduct dust monitoring, and dispose of generated wastes offsite. A site Health and Safety Plan shall also be prepared for this work.

RACMs are materials with >1.0 percent friable asbestos or material that would become friable during demolition. These materials must be removed before demolition and disposed of offsite as hazardous waste. Non-friable asbestos containing materials can be disposed of as non-hazardous waste in a landfill with the appropriate permits.

LBP with total lead content of 1,000 mg/kg and/or leachability of 5.0 mg/L by analysis of the Waste Extraction Test extract analysis would be classified as California hazardous waste, if disposed of separately. Deteriorated paints that meet the hazardous waste criteria must be removed and disposed of separately. If the paint remains firmly affixed to the building material, the building material can be disposed of as non-hazardous building debris. If the demolition disturbs paint containing detectable lead, the work would need to be conducted in accordance with Cal-OSHA's lead in construction regulation (8CCR1532.1).

Implementation Responsibility:  Project proponent

Requirements and Timing:         Perform survey and additional testing as needed and conduct required ACM and LBP removal prior to construction; perform dust monitoring for ACM and LBP components during demolition activities

Monitoring Requirements:          City of Pittsburg to monitor and ensure compliance

Resulting Level of Significance. Mitigation Measure HAZ-1 would reduce Impact HAZ-1 to a less-than-significant level.

Soil Removal. Approximately 15,000 cubic yards of soil would need to be excavated and disposed of offsite during the construction of the Pittsburg Standard Oil Converter Station. Non-hazardous soil removed during construction activities, including grading and excavation, at the converter station site would be stockpiled on the site for onsite or offsite reuse or offsite disposal. Hazardous soils identified in Phase II investigations or during excavation would be loaded directly onto trucks and covered for offsite disposal at an appropriate (Class I) landfill. Excavated soils would be sampled and tested, as necessary, to determine their suitability for reuse. Excess excavated soil and rock that is not suitable as backfill would be removed from the site and disposed of at an approved landfill. If contaminated soils were not properly sampled, handled, analyzed, or characterized, transported, or disposed of, the soils could present a potentially significant impact.

Impact HAZ-2: Soil Removal. Soils removed during construction of the converter station and cable routes could be contaminated. Improper sampling, handling, analyzing, or characterizing of the soils could result in a potentially significant environmental impact.

Mitigation Measure HAZ-2: Soil Removal Protocols. Previously uncharacterized soils that are stained or odiferous shall be segregated on plastic, sampled, and characterized for onsite use or offsite disposal. The Soil and Groundwater Management Plans shall detail storage, transportation, and disposal options for soil and groundwater excavated/extracted during the converter station construction. The plans shall also specify dust monitoring needs for soil excavation and management.

Previously characterized hazardous soils shall be loaded onto trucks for offsite disposal. Hazardous soil disposal requires that hazardous waste manifests accompany the waste. Hazardous waste transporters shall be required to haul hazardous soils to a hazardous waste landfill that can properly accept them. The personnel handling the hazardous soils are required to have met the OSHA hazardous work operations training requirements. A Health and Safety Plan shall be prepared for this work.

Previously characterized non-hazardous soils shall be stockpiled for onsite or offsite reuse or offsite disposal, as needed.

Implementation Responsibility:  Project proponent/construction contractor

Requirements and Timing:         Implement soil removal and handling procedures as per SMP during construction phase; perform dust monitoring during hazardous soils excavation, as applicable

Monitoring Requirements:          City of Pittsburg to monitor and ensure compliance

Resulting Level of Significance. Mitigation Measure HAZ-2 would reduce Impact HAZ-2 to a less-than-significant level.

Construction-phase Hazardous Materials Use, Storage, and Disposal. Construction activities would involve truck traffic and heavy equipment operations. During the construction phase, various hazardous materials would be used including: gasoline, diesel fuel, motor oil, hydraulic fluid, glycol, lubricants, solvents, cleaners, sealers, paints, and paint thinner. The hazardous materials usage that is anticipated to occur at the converter station site during the construction phase is summarized in Table 4.14-4, above.

Impact HAZ-3: Construction-phase Hazardous Materials Use. Hazardous materials would be used during construction activities. Misuse, inadequate storage, or improper disposal of these materials could result in a significant environmental impact.

Mitigation Measure HAZ-3: Reduction of Hazards During Construction Phase. The hazards presented by the use of hazardous materials during the construction phase are well understood, and the appropriate management controls to mitigate potential impacts shall be implemented. These controls include: 1) developing required management plans;
2) secondary containment; 3) separate storage of incompatible materials; and 4) proper training of personnel.

Additionally, construction personnel shall be trained in safety and defensive emergency response procedures. Construction personnel shall also receive hazardous waste-related training that focuses on the recognition of potentially contaminated soil and/or groundwater that may be encountered during subsurface excavations for foundations or pipeline/cable trenches. If such contaminated soil or groundwater is suspected, contingency procedures shall be followed to protect worker safety and public health. All vehicles and construction equipment shall be inspected to ensure that no fluids are leaking (e.g., oil, hydraulic fluid, lubricants, or brake fluid) and that all fuels and fluids are stored in proper, clearly labeled containers.

Hazardous materials that must be disposed of will be disposed of as hazardous waste in accordance with the appropriate regulations for storage, transportation, and disposal of hazardous waste.

Implementation Responsibility:  Project proponent/construction contractor

Requirements and Timing:         Implement hazard reduction measures described above during construction phase

Monitoring Requirements:          City of Pittsburg to monitor and ensure compliance

Resulting Level of Significance. Mitigation Measure HAZ-3 would reduce Impact HAZ-3 to a less-than-significant level.

Construction-phase Waste Streams. The following waste streams would be expected to be generated during construction: soil containing hazardous wastes, and soils that do not contain hazardous wastes; ACMs; non-hazardous scrap wood, steel, glass, plastic, and paper; empty hazardous material containers; hazardous solvent waste; hazardous spent lead acid and alkaline batteries; sanitary waste from portable chemical toilets; and non-hazardous storm water runoff. Groundwater collected during construction dewatering is discussed further in Impact and Mitigation Measure HAZ-7 of this section.

Non-hazardous waste would consist of wood refuse, metal and glass containers, and protective plastic equipment coverings. This waste would be generated at an estimated rate of approximately 40 cubic yards per week during construction. Concrete, asphalt, steel, aluminum, and copper from building, foundation, and parking area demolition would be recycled, as practical unless contaminated. The California Integrated Waste Management Board website lists California construction and demolition waste recycling facilities by county. Two facilities that could be used for recycling at the Pittsburg Standard Oil Converter Station are the West Contra Costa Sanitary Landfill at 1 Parr Blvd. Richmond, CA, 94801, and Chip It Recycling at 175 Sandy Lane, Oakley, CA, 94561. Recycling centers vary on the wastes they accept, so the demolition contractor would make the final arrangements for recycling at specific facilities.

Hazardous wastes would consist of hazardous material containers and minor spill cleanup. Drums, waste oil, and oil filters would be properly managed and recycled. The major source of hazardous waste would likely be contaminated soil.

The total amount of solid waste generated by the construction activities at the Pittsburg Standard Oil Converter Station site would be expected to be similar to that for normal commercial construction and would not be expected to result in significant impacts to public health or to cause adverse effects on local landfill capacity. Information on landfills serving the Pittsburg area is presented in Table 4.14-5, above.

The potential impact associated with the storage and disposal of non-hazardous construction wastes is considered to be potentially significant if the wastes are not managed and disposed of properly.

Impact HAZ-4: Construction-phase Waste Streams. Improper storage and disposal of solid waste and hazardous construction wastes could result in a potentially significant environmental impact.

Mitigation Measure HAZ-4: Management of Construction-phase Waste Streams. The onsite management and offsite disposal procedures of solid wastes (including potentially contaminated soil) shall be detailed in a Solid Waste Management Plan for the Project. Waste shall be stockpiled temporarily before disposal offsite. The local fire departments and emergency management teams shall be provided a list of the waste material expected to be generated and stored onsite.

Hazardous wastes generated during construction shall be collected in hazardous waste accumulation containers near the point of generation and moved daily to the construction contractor's 90-day hazardous waste storage area at the converter station site. The accumulated waste shall be delivered to an authorized waste management facility.

The exact volume of hazardous wastes to be generated at the converter station site cannot be estimated at this time, but the estimated amount of excavated soil that would need to be disposed of offsite is estimated at approximately 15,000 cubic yards for this converter station site. Even if this entire amount of excavated soil would need to be disposed of as hazardous waste, it would not exceed a significant portion of the available hazardous waste landfill capacity in California. The capacity details of various landfills for both non-hazardous and hazardous waste are detailed in Table 4.14-5, above. The capacity and estimates for daily volumes of waste received were verified, as detailed in the personal communications provided in the references for this section.

Management of these wastes shall be the responsibility of the construction contractor(s). Typical management practices required for contractor waste include recycling when possible, proper storage of waste and debris, including covering daily to prevent wind dispersion, and weekly pickup of waste with disposal of non-hazardous wastes at local Class III landfills.

Implementation Responsibility:   Project proponent/construction contractor

Requirements and Timing:           Implement waste management procedures during construction phase

Monitoring Requirements:           City of Pittsburg to monitor and ensure compliance

Resulting Level of Significance. Mitigation Measure HAZ-4 would reduce Impact HAZ-4 to a less-than-significant level.

Construction-phase Accidental Spills. The most likely incident involving hazardous materials during construction would be a small spill or release of fuels, glycol, solvents paints, or lubricants. A more serious incident could involve a service or refueling vehicle, given the larger volume of fuels normally carried on those types of vehicles. The hazardous materials to be used during the construction phase of the proposed Project are listed in Table 4.14-4, above. Due to the relatively small quantities of hazardous materials that would be used during construction and the regulatory requirements associated with the storage and use of these materials, a spill or an accidental release is the only potentially significant impact.

Impact HAZ-5: Construction-phase Accidental Spills. An accidental spill or a release of hazardous materials could occur during construction. This impact is considered potentially significant.

Mitigation Measure HAZ-5: Construction-phase Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure. The following shall be implemented both to prevent spills from occurring and to minimize impacts in the event that they do occur:

• All spills shall be cleaned up quickly and all workers shall be adequately trained to recognize the hazards associated with such spills.

• >A Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan for the converter station shall be prepared in accordance with federal and state regulations. This plan must be prepared if petroleum products are stored onsite in ASTs with a capacity that equals or exceeds 55 gallons for a single tank or equals or exceeds 1,320 gallons for more than one tank. The SPCC Plan must be prepared before the delivery of petroleum products to the site. The SPCC Plan shall include information on spill response procedures and fuel storage.

• >A Hazardous Materials Business Plan shall be prepared to detail locations and volumes of hazardous materials kept on site. Copies of the HMBP shall be provided to the local Fire Department as provided by the regulations.

• Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) for each chemical used during construction shall be kept onsite. Construction employees shall be informed of the location and content of the MSDSs, as required by OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard, Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 1910.1200.

• In case of an accident, the CCCFPD shall be notified as the first responder. All other federal, state, and local notification requirements shall be followed for any release that exceeds the reportable quantity or threatens to have a significant impact.

• The Project shall comply with all transportation requirements for hazardous materials on state highways. These requirements apply to both hazardous materials coming onto the sites and hazardous wastes leaving the sites.

• All vehicles and construction equipment shall be inspected to ensure that there are no leaking fluids (e.g., oil, hydraulic, lubricants, or brake fluid) and that all fuels and fluids are stored in proper, labeled containers. Any observation of spills, leaking fluids, or improperly stored fluids shall trigger the issuance of "stop work" notice until the problem is resolved, including the removal of any soil contaminated by vehicle fluids.

Implementation Responsibility:   Project proponent/construction contractor

Requirements and Timing:           Establishment and compliance with SPCC and other requirements detailed above performed during construction phase

Monitoring Requirements:           City of Pittsburg to monitor and ensure compliance

Resulting Level of Significance. Mitigation Measure HAZ-5 would reduce Impact HAZ-5 to a less-than-significant level.

Construction-phase Dust and Volatilization of Contaminants. The potential for environmental and human health effects to occur in conjunction with the generation of hazardous wastes and the associated construction dust and volatilization of contaminants, could present a potentially significant impact to worker safety and public health.

Impact HAZ-6: Construction-phase Dust and Volatilization of Contaminants. Excavation of contaminated soil and the generation of hazardous waste soils could result in construction dust and volatilization of contaminants that pose environmental and human health risks, particularly to construction workers. This impact is considered potentially significant.

Mitigation Measure HAZ-6: Reduction of Construction Dust and Volatilization of Contaminants. Dust control measures (i.e., keeping the soil wet during excavation) shall be implemented during excavation and construction activities, and dust monitoring shall be performed. Suspected contaminated soil that is stockpiled on the sites shall be covered daily with plastic to prevent volatilization of contaminants and to control dust. Contaminated soil may also be loaded directly onto trucks for transport to an appropriate offsite disposal facility. The loaded soils shall be properly covered and manifested as necessary. Dust monitoring shall be performed during excavation and loading of hazardous soils. The accumulated waste shall then be delivered to an authorized waste management facility. Dust monitoring shall confirm that the dust control measures are effectively protecting site workers and the public.

Implementation Responsibility:  Project proponent/construction contractor

Requirements and Timing:         Implement dust control measures during construction phase and conduct dust monitoring

Monitoring Requirements:          City of Pittsburg to monitor and ensure compliance

Resulting Level of Significance. Mitigation Measure HAZ-6 would reduce Impact HAZ-6 to a less-than-significant level.

Contaminated Groundwater. Groundwater at the converter station site could be contaminated. Potentially significant impacts could occur if this groundwater is not properly handled or contained.

Impact HAZ-7: Contaminated Groundwater. The converter station site may have contaminated groundwater. This groundwater may be encountered during excavation, construction dewatering, or other subgrade activities. Control or remediation of the site groundwater may be a requirement for redevelopment of the property by the lead regulatory agency for the proposed Project. Failure to properly treat and/or dispose of water collected during dewatering activities or to control the contaminated groundwater flow could result in a potentially significant impact to the site or to downgradient sites and/or water bodies.

Mitigation Measure HAZ-7: Contaminated Groundwater Control. If groundwater is encountered during construction at the converter station site, the water shall be collected onsite in a tank or tanks, sampled, and analyzed. Based on the analytical data, the water shall be characterized for disposal by one of the following methods:

• Used onsite for dust control.

• Treated onsite and discharged under the authority of a general National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. (Treatment options would include, but are not limited to, filtration or filtration and treatment by granular-activated carbon [GAC]. Treatment residuals would be sampled, analyzed, characterized, and disposed of offsite in compliance with applicable regulations.)

• Disposed of offsite at a commercial water treatment facility in compliance with applicable regulations.

If groundwater was encountered at the Pittsburg Standard Oil Converter Station site and it was found to be contaminated, it is possible that the Regional Water Quality Control Board would require groundwater control as part of the development plan for the Project on the site. Contamination at the Pittsburg Standard Oil site, if any, would likely be caused by offsite sources which would probably not require onsite remedial action. Potential groundwater-remedial strategies would depend on a number of factors including: site contaminants, evaluation of impacts to human health and the environment, and evaluation of the technical merits of available remedial strategies. Based on these factors the final selection would be negotiated between the RWQCB and TBC. Potential remedial options provided herein are for informational purposes only. Potential groundwater control methodologies include installing a slurry wall around a portion or the entire contaminated site combined with groundwater pump and treatment and discharge of treated groundwater to a storm drain/sewer system under the authority of an NPDES permit. Other alternative technologies include in-situ biological treatment and in-situ oxidation or reduction, depending on the site-specific contaminants and hydrogeological conditions.

Implementation Responsibility:  Project proponent/construction contractor

Requirements and Timing:         Implement groundwater control measures during construction (and continue into operational phase, if necessary), and perform groundwater collection, storage, treatment, and discharge monitoring, as necessary

Monitoring Requirements:          City of Pittsburg to monitor and ensure compliance

Resulting Level of Significance. Mitigation Measure HAZ-7 would reduce Impact HAZ-7 to a less-than-significant level.

4.14.3.3.2  Operations-related Impacts.

Operations-phase Hazardous Materials Usage. The proposed converter station is designed to minimize the use of hazardous materials. Storage facilities and handling equipment for hazardous materials have been designed so that in the unlikely event of an accidental release of a hazardous material, the potential impact would be kept below designated thresholds of significance.

After the construction of the proposed Project, transformer oil for the electric equipment and diesel fuel for the emergency backup generator and fire pumps would be the only large volume hazardous materials present at the converter station (other than incidental painting and janitorial supplies). The initial fill of transformer oil would be 119,600 gallons for four transformers, one of which would serve as an emergency backup. The transformer oil at the converter station would not be stored on the site before the transformers were filled; the initial fill quantities would be brought to the site when the transformers were ready to be filled.

The initial fill of diesel fuel for the backup generator at the converter station would be 10,000 gallons, based on a 900-kilowatt (kW) emergency diesel generator and two fire water pumps that are capable of operating for 96 hours at full standby without refueling. The aboveground diesel tank for the converter station would be kept full during operation of the converter station.

The potential public health impacts associated with the operation of the converter station would be mitigated by the use of containment structures and the development and implementation of Emergency Response Plans, an SPCC Plan, safety programs, and employee training. Design features of the proposed Project that would reduce potential impacts to below the level of significance include the following:

• The fire protection system would consist of automatic detection and firefighting equipment.

• Bulk fuel would be stored in ASTs, and all other chemicals would be stored in their original shipping containers.

• Fuel and transformer areas and transfer areas would be equipped with secondary containment sufficient in size to contain the volume of the largest container or tank, including an allowance for rainwater.

• Small-quantity chemicals used for maintenance tasks would be kept in appropriate flammable material or corrosive material storage lockers. Incompatible materials (e.g., acids and bases), if any, would be stored separately.

The small quantity hazardous materials that would be used during the operations and maintenance phase are typical of those used at other industrial facilities. They would include oils, solvents, and other products (see Table 4.14-6, above). The characteristics of these hazardous materials are described in Table 4.14-7, above. Use of hazardous materials during the operations and maintenance phase of the Project could result in a potentially significant impact if not handled properly.

Impact HAZ-8: Operations-phase Hazardous Materials Usage. Hazardous materials shall be used during operations and maintenance activities. Misuse, inadequate storage, or improper disposal of these materials could result in a potentially significant environmental impact.

Mitigation Measure HAZ-8: Control of Operations-phase Hazardous Materials. A Hazardous Materials Business Plan (HMBP) shall be developed and implemented prior to turnover of site management from the construction contractor to the operating company. All hazardous materials shall be handled and stored in accordance with applicable codes and regulations. Storage quantities of all hazardous materials shall be minimized, and non-hazardous materials shall be substituted for hazardous materials at the converter station to the extent practicable. Small-quantity chemicals used for maintenance tasks shall be kept in appropriate inflammable material or corrosive material storage lockers. Bulk chemicals shall be stored in ASTs, and all other chemicals shall be stored in their original shipping containers. Incompatible materials shall be stored in separate storage containment areas. Chemical storage areas and transfer areas shall be equipped with secondary containment sufficient in size to contain the volume of the largest container or tank, including an allowance for rainwater. Areas susceptible to potential leaks and/or spills shall be paved and bermed or otherwise secondarily contained. Specifically, the transformers and the diesel ASTs would have secondary containment. Periodic inspections shall be conducted to ensure that all containers are secure and properly marked. Piping and tanks will be protected from potential traffic hazards by concrete or other barriers. Hazardous materials will be delivered to the converter station periodically. Transportation of these materials shall comply with all applicable regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation, the EPA, DTSC, the California Highway Patrol, and the State Fire Marshal. An HMBP shall be prepared prior to delivery of specified hazardous materials to the converter station in conformance with Title 19 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR) and California Health and Safety Code Section 25504. The HMBP requires facilities to develop the following information:

• Facility map showing locations of hazardous materials and emergency response equipment

• Hazardous materials inventory, including MSDSs for all hazardous materials stored and used onsite

• Emergency contact information

• Emergency response plans and procedures

• Emergency notification procedures

• Emergency response training for all employees

Implementation Responsibility:  Project proponent

Requirements and Timing:         Implement hazardous materials control measures throughout operations phase of Project

Monitoring Requirements:          City of Pittsburg to monitor and ensure compliance

Resulting Level of Significance. Mitigation Measure HAZ-8 would reduce Impact HAZ-8 to a less-than-significant level.

Operations-phase Waste Streams. The proposed Project would generate a variety of wastes during operation. These wastes include replaceable parts, rags, and other waste materials and chemicals produced during maintenance activities; equipment fluids; and skimmed oil from an oil/water separator used for rainwater collected in the secondary containment structures. Inert solid waste generated at the converter station during operation would be predominantly maintenance wastes such as scrap metal, wood, and plastic from surplus and deactivated equipment and parts.

Impact HAZ-9: Operations-phase Waste Streams. Improper storage and disposal of operational wastes could result in a significant environmental impact. This impact is considered potentially significant.

Mitigation Measure HAZ-9: Manage Waste Generation, Storage, and Disposal During Operations Phase. Before facility start-up, an application shall be made to DTSC for a hazardous waste generator number. The facility shall not treat, store, or dispose of hazardous waste in a manner that will cause the facility to be characterized as a treatment, storage and disposal facility (TSDF). A detailed waste management plan shall be prepared prior to start-up to ensure proper storage, labeling, packaging, record keeping, manifesting, minimization, and disposal of all hazardous materials and wastes. The waste management plan will include:

• A description of each hazardous waste stream

• Handling, transport, treatment, and disposal procedures for each waste

• Preparedness, prevention, contingency, and emergency procedures

• Personnel training

Scrap materials such as paper, packing materials, glass, metal, and plastic shall be segregated and managed for recycling. Non-recyclable inert wastes shall be stored in covered trash bins in accordance with local ordinances and picked up by an authorized local trash hauler on a regular basis for transport and disposal in suitable landfill. Skimmed oil collected from equipment drains and other liquids from equipment shall be transported by an authorized carrier to a certified recycling facility.

Implementation Responsibility:  Project proponent

Requirements and Timing:         Implement waste management procedures throughout operations phase of Project

Monitoring Requirements:          City of Pittsburg to monitor and ensure compliance

Resulting Level of Significance. Mitigation Measure HAZ-9 would reduce Impact HAZ-9 to a less-than-significant level.

Operations-phase Accidental Spills. The potential for environmental and human health effects associated with the hazardous materials used during the operations phase of the Project is minimal. The most likely incident involving hazardous materials during operation and maintenance would be a small spill or release of transformer oil or diesel fuel during the refilling of the transformers or the diesel tank for the backup generator.

Impact HAZ-10: Operations-phase Accidental Spills. Non-compliance with regulatory requirements associated with storage, use, and containment of hazardous materials and/or petroleum hydrocarbons could result in accidental spills. The impact from accidental spills of these materials is considered potentially significant.

Mitigation Measure HAZ-10: Operations-phase Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure. The following shall be implemented during operations:

• All workers shall be adequately trained to recognize the hazards associated with accidental spills. Training shall include ensuring that personnel who maintain the facility are adequately trained to recognize the hazards associated with such spills. Personnel who maintain the facility will be trained in the use of fire suppression equipment, evacuation, notification, and other defensive emergency response procedures. Maintenance personnel will also be trained in hazardous materials and hazardous waste awareness, handling, and management as required for their level of responsibility.

• The proper use of safety procedures and development and implementation of a project-specific SPCC Plan will help prevent such incidents. The SPCC Plan will include information on spill response procedures and fuel storage.

• An MSDS will be kept onsite for each onsite chemical.

• The programs to be implemented to protect worker health and safety shall also benefit public safety. Facility design shall include redundant controls and monitoring systems to minimize the potential for conditions in which accidental spills could occur. Potential public health impacts associated with facilities operation will be mitigated by development and implementation of Emergency Response Plans, an SPCC Plan, secondary containment structures for oils and other hazardous materials, safety programs, and employee training.

Implementation Responsibility:  Project proponent

Requirements and Timing:         Implement SPCC measures throughout operations phase of Project

Monitoring Requirements:          City of Pittsburg to monitor to ensure compliance

Resulting Level of Significance. Mitigation Measure HAZ-10 would reduce Impact
HAZ-10 to a less-than-significant level.

Operations-phase Fire and Explosion Risk. As shown in Tables 4.14-6 and 4.14-7, above, several materials (i.e., transformer oil and diesel fuel) that would be used and/or stored onsite at the converter station during the operation of the proposed Project are flammable. These materials are considered to pose a greater risk than the other flammable substances because they would be handled in large quantities. An overheated AC or DC cable is not considered to be a significant fire risk by the project engineers.

Impact HAZ-11: Operations-phase Fire and Explosion Risk. Non-compliance with regulatory requirements associated with storage, use, and containment of flammable materials could result in a fire or explosion. If the onsite fire protection equipment could not address the fire, outside agencies would need to be called. This impact is considered potentially significant. The impact of a fire or explosion is considered potentially significant.

Mitigation Measure HAZ-11: Reduction of Fire and Explosion Risk and Emergency Support During Operations Phase. The flashpoints of transformer oil and diesel fuel are 295°F and 100°F, respectively, and the auto ignition points are 484°F and 494°F, respectively (Sax, 1992; MSDS for transformer oil; MSDS for diesel fuel). The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) assigns lubricating oils a fire hazard rating of 1, meaning that the materials "must be preheated before ignition can occur. Materials of these types require considerable preheating, under all ambient temperature conditions, before ignition and combustion can occur" (Siemens, 2006).

The converter station shall have onsite fire protection systems (including emergency backup systems). During the detailed design phase of the proposed Project, potential fire protection designs and systems shall be reviewed with local agencies to finalize design details.

In general, the fire protection system shall consist of automatic detection and firefighting equipment. The fire detection control panel shall be located in the control room and shall be connected to the control and protection system for remote annunciation. The fire alarm shall be initiated automatically by smoke, heat, or flame detectors; or manually by push-button. A combination of detectors shall be used, including infrared and ultraviolet detectors, ionization and optical smoke detectors, and rate-of-rise temperature-sensitive detectors, depending on the equipment and/or space being monitored.

Audible alarms and flashing lights shall be activated in the event of a fire. The equipment or area where the alarm is triggered shall be indicated on the control panel. The firefighting equipment would initiate automatically, using water sprays and curtains or an appropriate gas-extinguishing agent.

Fire detection and automatic firefighting equipment shall be connected to a power supply within the fire-detection control panel, which will be connected to the mains via a power supply/battery charger unit with an internal 24-volt battery. A pump house shall be included within the facility with 2 diesel fire-water pumps, each 225 kW. The fire-water pump and backup emergency lighting shall be electrically powered by a diesel-powered generator capable of operating at full standby without refueling for 96 hours, as required in a seismically active area.

As an additional mitigation measure, no extra transformer oil shall be stored onsite other than what is in the transformers. In case of a fire that exceeded the capacity of the onsite fire control system, the local fire department would respond to control and extinguish the fire. The closest fire stations to the proposed and alternative converter station sites are identified in Section 4.12, Public Services and Utilities.

The Project shall use local emergency services in case of emergency. The Contra Costa Fire Protection District shall be informed of the layout of the converter station and the potential hazards associated with Project operations through the submission of an HMBP. On request, any of the emergency service agencies shall be given MSDSs for the chemicals used at the converter station. These sheets shall be updated as MSDSs are developed or revised, or as more information on these chemicals is made available. Table 4.14-8 identifies government agency and other organizational involvement by type of incident. Table 4.14-9 identifies organizational roles for incidents that involve hazardous materials.

Implementation Responsibility:  Project proponent

Requirements and Timing:         Implement fire and explosion risk reduction plan during design phase and throughout operations phase

Monitoring Requirements:          City of Pittsburg to monitor and ensure compliance

Resulting Level of Significance. Mitigation Measure HAZ-11 would reduce Impact HAZ-11 to a less-than-significant level.

Flooding. The Pittsburg Standard Oil Converter Station site is not in a floodplain, so no hazardous materials issues related to flooding are considered significant. Therefore, these issues are not addressed further in this section.

Seismic Activity. The converter station site is located in a region known to be associated with fault zones and earthquakes. For detailed information regarding fault zones, see Section 4.3, Geologic Resources and Soils.

Impact HAZ-12: Impacts from Seismic Activity. Failure to abide by the building code for Seismic Zone 4 could lead to damage to the facilities and resulting spills of hazardous materials. This impact could be potentially significant.

Mitigation HAZ-12: Manage Seismic Activity. To minimize seismic damage to the facilities with resulting hazardous materials spills, the designers and construction contractor shall follow the Uniform Building Code for Seismic Zone 4. This action would reduce Impact HAZ-12 to a less-than-significant level.

Implementation Responsibility:  Project proponent/construction contractor

Requirements and Timing:         Comply with building code requirements for Seismic Zone 4 during design, construction, and operations phases

Monitoring Requirements:          City of Pittsburg to monitor and ensure compliance

Resulting Level of Significance. Mitigation Measure HAZ-12 would reduce Impact
HAZ-12 to a less-than-significant level.

4.14.3.4  Offshore Cable Route

4.14.3.4.1  Construction-related Impacts. Offshore cable route construction impacts, including dredging, are addressed in Section 4.4, Water Resources and Quality.

4.14.3.4.2  Operations-related Impacts. Offshore cable route operations-related impacts are addressed in Section 4.4, Water Resources and Quality.

4.14.4  References

Atkinson, M. 2006. Personal communication between Mark Atkinson, Clean Harbors, Buttonwillow Landfill, and Renee McFarlan, URS Corporation, February.

Blymyer Engineers, Inc. 1990. Environmental Site Assessment, John Shirley, 435, 525, and 555 23^rd Street, San Francisco, California. September 13.

EDR. 2005. Environmental Data Resources Report No. 01415342.2r, 525 23^rd Street Report. May.

Keller Canyon Landfill. 2006. Website accessed at: www.alliedwasteservicesofcontracosta
county.com.

Lewis, K. 2005. Personal communication between Ken Lewis, Chemical Waste Management, Altamont Landfill, and Renee McFarlan, URS Corporation, November.

Sax. 1992. Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. Eighth Edition. Edited by Richard J. Lewis, Sr. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold, July.

Siemens. 2006. Written communication from Siemens (Lindsay Martin), January.

Turek, P. 2006. Personal communication between Paul Turek, Chemical Waste Management, Kettleman Hills Landfill, and Renee McFarlan, URS Corporation. January.

URS. 2005a. Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, Proposed Converter Station Site at the Harrigan Weidenmuller Company Property at 435, 525, and 555 Twenty-Third Street, San Francisco, California.

      2005b. Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, Mirant Potrero Converter Station Site at 1201 Illinois Street, San Francisco, California.

      2005c. Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, Standard Oil Site at 1301 Standard Oil Avenue, Pittsburg, California.

      2005d. Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, Proposed West Tenth Street Converter Station Site at 610, 620, 630, 640, and 650 West Tenth Street, Pittsburg, California.

      2005e. Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, Mirant Pittsburg Power Plant Property at 696 West 10th Street and Pacific Gas and Electric Company Substation at 696-B West 10th Street, Pittsburg, California.

      2006a. Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, Sheedy Drayage Property at 1215 to 1275 Michigan Street, San Francisco, California.

      2006b. Phase II Soil and Groundwater Investigation Report for Property at 564-650 West 10^th Street, Pittsburg, California.