SECTION 5.0

ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING, IMPACTS, AND MITIGATION

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PROJECT ALTERNATIVES

5.3    SAN FRANCISCO SHEEDY CONVERTER STATION

5.3.1    Introduction

The San Francisco Sheedy Converter Station Alternative site is bounded by 24th Street and 25th Street to the north and south, respectively, with Michigan Street to the west and the Western Pacific site and then San Francisco Bay to the east (refer to Figure A.1-1 and Figures A.8-16 through A.8-19 in Appendix A). The site is in an industrial area immediately south of the proposed San Francisco HWC Converter Station site. The site is currently operated by Sheedy Drayage and includes cranes, rigging, and trucking operations. Several existing structures on the site would require demolition prior to installation of a converter station at this alternative site.

5.3.2    Air Quality

5.3.2.1    Environmental Setting

The environmental setting for air quality associated with the San Francisco Sheedy Converter Station site is as described in Section 4.2.1 for the proposed HWC site.

5.3.2.2    Environmental Impacts

The thresholds of significance, identification of potentially significant impacts, mitigation measure requirements, and residual impact findings for the San Francisco Sheedy Converter Station Alternative site are as described in Section 4.2.3 for the proposed San Francisco HWC site. With implementation of the following mitigation measures, potential environmental impacts associated with this alternative would be reduced to a less-than-significant level:

• Mitigation Measure AIR‑1 (Fugitive Dust Controls) for Impact AIR-1 (Fugitive Dust Emissions)

• Mitigation Measure AIR‑2 (Exhaust Controls) for Impact AIR-2 (Equipment Exhaust Emissions)

Potentially significant impacts associated with installation of the offshore DC cable route (refer to Section 4.2.3.4) apply to the San Francisco Sheedy Converter Station Alternative site.

5.3.3    Geologic Resources and Soils

Background geological resources and soils data for the proposed Project is presented in Section 4.3. This background information is also generally applicable to the San Francisco Sheedy Converter Station Alternative site. Site-specific environmental setting and impact discussions for the alternative Sheedy site are presented below.

5.3.3.1    Environmental Setting

5.3.3.1.1    Site Geology. The converter station location and geology of the San Francisco area are shown on Figure 4.3-3. Soil types are shown on Figure 4.3-4. The site is underlain primarily by artificial fill over reclaimed tidal flats featuring Bay Mud and estuarine deposits. The artificial fill consist of gravels, sands, and clays. Serpentine bedrock may be present at depth.

Geologic Resources. The alternative San Francisco Sheedy Converter Station site does not have any identified unique geologic features or resources. Paleontological resources are as discussed in Section 4.15, Paleontological Resources, for the proposed HWC site.

Faults. No active or potentially active faults have been identified on the Sheedy site. Figure 4.3-2 illustrates the location of the site with respect to the major Quaternary faults in the site region. The closest known active faults are the San Andreas fault (9.5 miles to the west) and the Hayward fault (12 miles to the east). Table 4.3‑1 presents maximum earthquake magnitude estimates and indicates the closest distance from each fault to the proposed HWC site, which is also applicable to the Sheedy site. Each fault zone is described in detail in Section 4.3.1.2.

5.3.3.2    Environmental Impacts

The thresholds of significance, identification of potentially significant impacts, mitigation measure requirements, and residual impact findings for the alternative San Francisco Sheedy Converter Station site are as described in Section 4.3.3. With implementation of the following mitigation measures, potential environmental impacts associated with this alternative would be reduced to a less-than-significant level.

• Mitigation Measure GEO-1 (Design Project for Erosion Control) for Impact GEO-1 (Soil Erosion and Compaction)

• Mitigation Measure GEO-2 (Controls for Excavation of Serpentine) for Impact GEO-2 (Asbestos-containing Serpentine)

• Mitigation Measure GEO-3 (Design to Seismic Design Requirements) for Impact GEO-3 (Strong Ground Shaking)

• Mitigation Measure GEO-4 (Design Project for Liquefiable Deposits) for Impact GEO-4 (Liquefaction)

• Mitigation Measure GEO-5 (Design Project for Shrink-Swell/Subsidence) for Impact GEO-5 (Shrink-Swell/Subsidence)

5.3.4    Water Resources and Quality

5.3.4.1    Environmental Setting

The alternative San Francisco Sheedy Converter Station site is shown on Figure 4.4-3. The converter station site is located adjacent to the Bay (refer to Figure A.8-16). There is no surface water on the site. Stormwater from the site is currently directed to the San Francisco combined stormwater and sanitary sewer system. As described in Section 4.4.1.5 (Drainage and Flooding), the majority of San Francisco is served by a combined storm sewer system, where storm water, along with residential and commercial sewage, is directed to three wastewater treatment plants prior to being released to San Francisco Bay or the Pacific Ocean.

The groundwater at the Sheedy site is potentially contaminated with TPH, glycol, waste oil, and metals due to historic uses of the site as a contractor's yard, a truck and equipment repair facility, a tire shop, a crane and equipment storage facility, a hot asphalt plant, a rail spur, and for vehicle fueling. Fourteen historic diesel and gasoline USTs were also once located at the Sheedy site. The groundwater at the western portion of the HWC site, which is immediately adjacent to and north of the Sheedy site, is contaminated with TPH, and possibly heavy metals. Refer to Section 5.3.14 for more information regarding groundwater conditions at the Sheedy site.

The San Francisco Sheedy Converter Station site is not located within the 100-year flood zone.

5.3.4.2    Environmental Impacts

The thresholds of significance, identification of potentially significant impacts, mitigation measure requirements, and residual impact findings for the alternative San Francisco Sheedy Converter Station site are as described in Section 4.4.3 for the proposed HWC site. With implementation of the following mitigation measures, potential environmental impacts associated with these three alternatives would be reduced to a less-than-significant level:

• Mitigation Measure WATER-1 (Erosion Control and Contaminant Source Control) for Impact WATER-1 (Erosion and Contaminated Runoff)

• Mitigation Measure WATER-2 (Spill Prevention and Control Plan for HDD) for Impact WATER-2 (Surface Water Quality Impacts from HDD)

• Mitigation Measure WATER-3 (Use of Pilot Hole and Reaming) for Impact WATER-3 (Groundwater Quality Impacts from HDD)

5.3.5    Terrestrial Biological Resources

5.3.5.1    Environmental Setting

This site is located adjacent to and south of the HWC site (refer to Map A.2-1, Sheet 1 of 10 in Appendix A of this EIR). The environmental setting for this site is consistent with the HWC site, as described in Section 4.5.

5.3.5.2    Environmental Impacts

This area is dominated by previously developed and industrialized landscapes described in Section 4.5 as Disturbed/Developed habitats. No potential impacts to natural communities, wetlands, or special-status species would be expected from this alternative.

5.3.6    Marine Biological Resources

5.3.6.1    Environmental Setting

Background information, including evaluation of marine biological resources with a review of special-status species with the potential to occur in the Project area, as well as the regulatory framework, are provided in Section 4.6.

5.3.6.2    Environmental Impacts

The San Francisco Sheedy Converter Station Alternative would require a minor difference in the placement of cable between mileposts (MP) 0 and 0.7 (refer to Map A.2.-1, Sheet 1 of 10). Potential impacts from this change in cable location would not be incrementally different from the proposed San Francisco HWC Converter Station location and would not result in significant impacts.

5.3.7    Cultural Resources

5.3.7.1    Environmental Setting

5.3.7.1.1    San Francisco Archaeological Resources. No archaeological resources were identified within the Sheedy Converter Station alternative site during any phase of the investigation.

The route of the offshore DC cable specific to this alternative site near the San Francisco landfall has not been subjected to a geophysical inventory. As such, it is unknown if submerged and/or buried archaeological resources occur within the footprint of this portion of this alternative.

5.3.7.1.2    Historic Architectural Resources. No historic architectural resources were identified within the San Francisco Sheedy Converter Station site during any phase of the investigation.

5.3.7.2    Environmental Impacts

No archaeological resources have been identified within the San Francisco Sheedy Converter Station site. As such, significant impacts to archaeological resources would not be anticipated with the construction of this terrestrial Project component.

No historic architectural resources have been identified within the San Francisco Sheedy Converter Station site. As such, significant impacts to historic architectural resources would not occur with implementation of this alternative Project component.

5.3.8    Land Use and Recreation

5.3.8.1    Environmental Setting

5.3.8.1.1    Existing Land Uses. The alternative Sheedy Converter Station site is located within the southeastern block of the intersection of 24^th Street and Illinois Street. Several existing structures are present on the site and would require demolition. The site is bounded on the west and south by industrial properties, on the north by Warm Water Cove Park and industrial properties, and on the east by Warm Water Cove Park and San Francisco Bay. The alternative Sheedy site is located directly south of the proposed HWC site and within the Central Waterfront area of San Francisco. Existing land uses within this area are described in Section 4.8.1 for the proposed HWC site.

5.3.8.1.2    Potentially Sensitive Land Uses. Table 5.3.8-1 lists potentially sensitive land uses near the Sheedy site. Warm Water Cove Park is located directly north and east of the site. The nearest residences are located approximately 1,050 feet from the west edge of the Sheedy site. A church is located about 1,500 feet northwest of the site. Additional potentially sensitive land uses within the area are consistent with those associated with the HWC site, as discussed in Section 4.8.1.

5.3.8.1.3    Zoning Designations. The San Francisco Sheedy Converter Station site is zoned M-2 Heavy Industrial. Permitted uses and development standards (including height restrictions and exemptions) are consistent with those associated with the HWC site, as discussed in Section 4.8.1.

TABLE 5.3.8-1
POTENTIALLY SENSITIVE LAND USES NEAR
ALTERNATIVE SAN FRANCISCO SHEEDY CONVERTER STATION

5.3.8.1.4    Land Use Trends. Land use trends for the alternative San Francisco Sheedy Converter Station site are consistent with those associated with the HWC site, as discussed in Section 4.8.1.

5.3.8.2    Environmental Impacts

The alternative San Francisco Sheedy Converter Station site is bounded on the west and south by industrial properties, on the north by Warm Water Cove Park and industrial properties, and on the east by Warm Water Cove Park and San Francisco Bay. The alternative Sheedy Converter Station would represent further development of an area committed to industrial use rather than the introduction of industry to a non-industrial area.

The Sheedy site is located within the same planning subarea (Central Waterfront) and zoning district (M-2) as the proposed HWC site. Land use plans and policies pertaining to the Sheedy site are consistent with those for the HWC site. As such, public access to the shoreline and open space is emphasized. The Bay Trail is located 500 feet west of the Sheedy site along Illinois Street. Public access to the shoreline is provided by Warm Water Cove Park.

As discussed for the HWC site, the Central Waterfront Area Plan stipulates maintaining and improving existing recreational improvements at Warm Water Cove Park and expanding to the north side of the cove as opportunities arise. The policy requires public access to be provided along the north side of the cove and a fishing quay to be constructed at the Bay. The Sheedy Converter Station would not be affected by this policy, as the site is south and west of Warm Water Cove Park. The site is currently zoned Heavy Industrial and the Sheedy Converter Station is consistent with permitted uses within this district. Proposed future development plans outlined in the Draft Central Waterfront Neighborhood Plan would specifically prohibit residential development of the Sheedy site based on its proximity to the existing Mirant Potrero Power Plant.

Overall, operations-related impacts on existing land uses would not be significant. However, based on the Sheedy site's adjacent location to Warm Water Cove Park and close proximity to the Bay, Project implementation may conflict with San Francisco and BCDC policies for future uses, which stress the importance of public access to the Bay. This potential impact is discussed in more detail for the proposed HWC site in Section 4.8.3. With implementation of the following mitigation measure, potential environmental impacts/conflicts with BCDC policies would be reduced to a less-than-significant level:

• Mitigation Measure LU-1 (Public Access) for Impact LU-1 (Potential Conflict with Public Access Improvements)

The Sheedy Converter Station would be consistent with the existing uses of the site and surrounding area. The nearest residential development near the Sheedy site is approximately 1,050 feet to the northwest of the site. The Sheedy Converter Station would not require displacement of housing and would not have significant land use impacts on the community.

Established uses surrounding the Sheedy site are primarily industrial, excluding San Francisco Bay and Warm Water Cove Park. Potentially sensitive land uses in the area include Warm Water Cove Park to the north and east, and a church situated approximately 1,500 feet northwest of the site. The site is located approximately 1,000 feet south of the Mirant Potrero Power Plant and PG&E substation. Pier 70 to the north and Pier 80 to the south are actively used for dry dock and container terminals. As discussed in Section 4.8.3 for the proposed HWC site, the San Francisco Planning Department has proposed to rezone the site from M-2 to PDR. The PDR zoning would prohibit residential and most office developments. Utilities are described as a core use within the PDR district (SFPD, 2005). However, "heavier" industrial activities may not be consistent with PDR district uses as proposed in the Central Waterfront Neighborhood Plan (SFPD, 2002; Rubin, 2005). Operation of the alternative San Francisco Sheedy Converter Station would be consistent with uses within the existing M-2 district, but may not be consistent with the PDR district as currently proposed. The Neighborhood Plan is still in the community outreach process, and further refinements are possible as the Plan is finalized (Rubin, 2005).

5.3.9    Marine Transportation and Commercial Fishing

The alternative San Francisco Sheedy Converter Station would not impact marine transportation or commercial fishing.

5.3.10  Traffic and Transportation

5.3.10.1  Environmental Setting

The environmental setting for traffic and transportation for the alternative San Francisco Sheedy Converter Station site is consistent with the discussion presented for the proposed San Francisco HWC Converter Station site in Section 4.10.1.

5.3.10.2  Environmental Impacts

The thresholds of significance, identification of potentially significant impacts, mitigation measure requirements, and residual impact findings for the alternative San Francisco Sheedy Converter Station site are as described in Section 4.10.3.

5.3.10.2.1  Construction-related Impacts. Construction traffic impacts discussed previously for the proposed HWC Converter Station site (and laydown areas) in Section 4.10.3.2.1 are also applicable to the alternative Sheedy Converter Station.

Since this alternative site is within two blocks of the proposed HWC Project site in San Francisco and the local streets used for Project-related truck deliveries and work trips would remain the same, the construction-related transit, bicycle, pedestrian, rail, and parking impacts would be the same as described for the HWC site.

With implementation of the following mitigation measures, potential environmental impacts associated with this alternative would be reduced to a less-than-significant level:

• Mitigation Measure TRAFFIC-1 (Coordination to Reduce Cumulative Traffic Impacts) for Impact TRAFFIC-1 (Cumulative Traffic Impacts)

• Mitigation Measure TRAFFIC-2 (Coordination of Oversized Loads) for Impact TRAFFIC-2 (Oversized Loads)

• Mitigation Measure TRAFFIC-3 (Signage for Temporary Street Closures) for Impact TRAFFIC-3 (Temporary Street Closures)

• Mitigation Measure TRAFFIC-4 (Reducing Impact on the Movement of MUNI Light Rail Vehicles into and out of the Metro East Maintenance Facility) for Impact TRAFFIC-4 (Impacts on Metro East Light Rail Facility)

5.3.11  Noise and Vibration

5.3.11.1  Environmental Setting

The alternative San Francisco Sheedy Converter Station site is adjacent to the proposed HWC site to the north. The site is bounded by 24^th, 25^th, and Michigan Streets in an industrial area. Descriptions of the land use surrounding the site are the same as identified for the HWC site in Section 4.11.1. Ambient noise measurement location ST1 was taken at the north property line of the Sheedy alternative site, as described for the HWC site in Section 4.11.1.2. The results of the ambient noise measurements are summarized in Table 4.11-2. The measurement locations are shown on Figure 4.11-1.

Sensitive receptors in the Project area are the same as those identified for the proposed Project site. They consist of multi-family residences approximately 1,050 feet northwest at 2638 3^rd Street in between 22^nd and 23^rd Streets and multi-family residences approximately 1,730 feet west at 1423 Indiana Street. No residences have a direct line-of-sight to the Sheedy site due to intervening three- and four-story commercial buildings in between the residences and the site. In addition, both residences are within 500 feet of Interstate 280 to the east.

5.3.11.2  Environmental Impacts

5.3.11.2.1  Construction-related Impacts. Scheduled construction hours at the alternative Sheedy Converter Station are consistent with those given for the proposed HWC Project site in Section 4.11. The anticipated noise sources would be the same as those outlined for the proposed Project site.

Acoustical calculations were performed to estimate noise from construction activities at the closest residences with the same methodology as described for the proposed HWC site. The closest offsite residential uses to the alternative San Francisco Sheedy Converter Station consist of multi-family residences approximately 1,050 feet northwest and 1,730 feet to the west. Average construction sound levels at the closest residences to the San Francisco Sheedy Converter Station construction site would be 62 and 57 dBA, respectively, as summarized in Table 5.3.11-1. Because of the intermittent nature of construction work and the intervening buildings, it is unlikely that noise from construction would be audible at the residences, much less increase the existing noise levels by 5 dBA; therefore, there would be no significant impact. During this time period, construction activity would be required to comply with the City of San Francisco noise ordinance criteria (80 dBA at 100 feet) and would result in a less-than-significant impact.

TABLE 5.3.11-1
CALCULATED SOUND LEVELS FROM CONSTRUCTION OF THE
SAN FRANCISCO SHEEDY CONVERTER STATION (dBA)

Pile Driving. Calculations were performed to estimate sound levels from pile driving at the receptors. Direct line-of-sight sound levels at the residences were calculated to be 77 dBA L_max (73 dBA L_eq) at the residences 1,050 feet northwest and 73 dBA L_max (68 dBA L_eq) at the residences 1,730 feet west. Due to the intervening buildings, received sound levels at the receptors would be substantially less than predicted, although it is likely that noise from the pile driving would still be audible at the receptors. Section 4.11.3.1.1 details pile driving restrictions to be followed in San Francisco. Calculated noise levels from pile driving are below the 90 dBA threshold for significance (FTA, 1995) and would result in a less-than-significant impact.

Calculations were performed to estimate vibration from pile driving activities at the closest residences, as detailed in Section 4.11.1.2. Vibration from pile driving was assumed to have point source propagation characteristics. Vibration levels for impact pile drivers are typically 0.644 inches/second peak particle velocity (PPV) at 25 feet (FTA, 1995). Under normal propagation conditions, vibration levels at residences 1,050 feet from the pile driving would be 0.002 in/sec, which is well below the FTA threshold of 0.20 in/sec; resulting in a less-than-significant impact.

5.3.11.2.2  Operations-related Impacts. Calculations were performed using linear octave band sound power levels as inputs from each noise source with the same equipment as the proposed HWC Converter Station. Siemens conducted the noise analysis, the results of which are summarized here and provided in Appendix H.

As summarized in Table 5.3.11-2, hourly average sound levels from the alternative San Francisco Sheedy Converter Station site in the rectangular configuration would range from 70 to 72 dBA L_eq at the property lines. Because sound levels are below the San Francisco 75 dBA L_eq requirement, the impact would be less than significant.

TABLE 5.3.11-2
CALCULATED SOUND LEVELS FROM OPERATION OF THE
SAN FRANCISCO SHEEDY CONVERTER STATION ALTERNATIVE (dBA)

5.3.12  Public Services and Utilities

5.3.12.1  Environmental Setting

The public services and utilities discussions for the alternative San Francisco Sheedy Converter Station site and associated cable routes are consistent with the proposed HWC site, discussed in Section 4.12.1.

5.3.12.2  Environmental Impacts

Potential impacts to public services and utilities from construction of the alternative San Francisco Sheedy Converter Station would be consistent with HWC site impacts, discussed in Section 4.12.3. Mitigation measures include development of Construction and Operations Fire Prevention and Protection Programs. Additionally, a survey shall be conducted prior to any excavation work at the converter station site to prevent conflict or disruption of existing underground utilities. With implementation of the following mitigation measures, potential environmental impacts associated with this alternative would be reduced to a less-than-significant level:

• Mitigation Measure PS-1 (Construction Fire Prevention) for Impact PS-1 (Construction-related Fire Hazards)

• Mitigation Measure PS-2 (Utility Survey) for Impact PS-2 (Existing Onshore Underground Utilities)

• Mitigation Measure PS-3 (Operations Fire Prevention) for Impact PS-3 (Operations Fire Hazards)

5.3.13  Visual Resources/Aesthetics

5.3.13.1  Environmental Setting

The alternative San Francisco Sheedy Converter Station site occupies approximately 5.4 acres to the south of Warm Water Cove Park and is one block east of Illinois Street. The site is currently occupied by the Sheedy Drayage Company which supplies large-scale cranes and transport vehicles. The site can be classified as visually very cluttered (see Context Photos 1 and 2 on Figure 5.3-1). It is bordered on the north and east by water, on the west by an industrial/warehouse complex and on the south by open land that used to be part of the Western Pacific Railroad marine terminal. To the southeast is the Pier 90 complex of the Port of San Francisco and a concrete plant and truck facility.

5.3.13.1.1  Visual Quality. As with the proposed HWC Project site, the predominant characteristic of this site is one of heavy industrial activity. The Sheedy operation, because of the trucks and cranes, contributes to the visual clutter of the area. Other than Warm Water Cove and the San Francisco Bay to the north and east, there are no natural features that are considered to have scenic value. Further, both of these water features are industrialized given that they are utilized for heavy shipping and/or are lined with current or former marine terminal facilities and warehouses.

The visual quality is classified as Low.

5.3.13.1.2  Viewer Sensitivity. Public views toward the San Francisco Sheedy Converter Station site occur from Illinois Street, 24^th Street and Michigan Street (Photo 1, Figure 5.3-1), from Potrero Hill (Photo 2, Figure 4.13-1) and Warm Water Cove Park (Photo 2, Figure 5.3-1). The sensitivity from those utilizing Illinois Avenue was discussed in Section 4.13.1.2.1 for the proposed HWC site. The viewer sensitivity is classified as Low. The view from Potrero Hill was also discussed in Section 4.13.1.2.1 and the sensitivity is classified as Moderate for the reasons described there. Finally, users of Warm Water Cove Park, since the Project is immediately adjacent, would currently probably have a low sensitivity, given the visually chaotic characteristics of the park. However, given that it is a park with the potential to be improved, this classification is elevated to Moderate.

Therefore, the visual susceptibility index is Moderate, meaning any proposed facility would have a moderate probability of disrupting the existing visual resources of the area as seen from roads and public places.

5.3.13.2  Environmental Impacts

The visual resource impacts associated with development of the alternative San Francisco Sheedy Converter Station site are similar to those described in Section 4.13.3 for the proposed HWC site. The impact assessment presented in Section 4.13.3 for the proposed HWC site from Potrero Hill and Warm Water Cove Park is applicable to the alternative San Francisco Sheedy Converter Station site as well. If built at this location, the converter station would replace a visually cluttered operation composed of numerous cranes and steel support beams used to move equipment. While the site would be more compact than the proposed HWC Project site and set back in the industrial area (approximately 400 feet east of Illinois Street), it is immediately adjacent to Warm Water Cove Park. It would be visible from Potrero Hill (Photo A, Figure 4.13-10) and from 24^th Street and Michigan Street (Photo A, Figure 5.13-2).

5.3.13.2.1  KOP SF-5: 24^th Street at Michigan. Key observation point (KOP) SF-5 (24^th Street at Michigan Street) is shown on Map 4.13-1. Construction of the alternative San Francisco Sheedy Converter Station would replace the existing visual clutter of the cranes and numerous small structures with a series of large, flat-planed structures which would dominate the 24^th Street entry to Warm Water Cove Park and provide a relatively contrasting change in the character of the streetscape (Photo B, Figure 5.13-2). There is also the potential for the replacement of the Sheedy warehouses (Photo A, Figure 5.13-2, center) with a more open view toward the Bay. Of additional concern, though not visible in this simulation, is the effect of the security fencing between the switchyard and the immediately adjacent Warm Water Cove Park. At present there is a series of 6-foot-high steel plates which provide an effective and unique palette for urban graffiti. The Project does not designate what type of replacement fencing is proposed, though a standard chain link separation fence is the Project standard. The Impact Severity for the area adjacent to Warm Water Cove Park is classified as Moderate. It would typically be High but in this case it is replacing an industrial operation of an incompatible nature with the adjacent park.

Since the Impact Susceptibility is also Moderate, the visual impact is also classified as Moderate: adverse but less than significant. However, since no detailed landscaping and architectural designs have been proposed there is still the possibility for significant visual impacts based upon the converter station's potential to visually dominate the character of Warm Water Cove Park.

With implementation of the following mitigation measures, potential environmental impacts associated with this alternative would be reduced to a less-than-significant level:

• Mitigation Measure VIS-1a (Plan Submittal Requirements for Building Materials and Colors) and Mitigation Measure VIS-1b (Plan Submittal Requirements for Landscaping) for Impact VIS-1 (Converter Station Domination of View)

• Mitigation Measure VIS-2 (Plan Submittal Requirements for Lighting) for Impact VIS-2 (Converter Station will Create Substantial Light and Glare) – While this impact has been classified as less than significant, without design controls it may still be adverse. This adversity can be lessened through the application of Mitigation Measure VIS-2

Impact VIS-4: Converter Station Domination of Entrance to Warm Water Cove Park. The pedestrian approach to Warm Water Cove Park would be dominated by the San Francisco Sheedy Converter Station. This impact is considered to be potentially significant.

Mitigation Measure VIS-4a: Landscaping. To improve the entry to Warm Water Cove Park, the Project proponent shall provide extensive landscape planting including trees and shrubs in northwest corner of the facility at the intersection of Michigan and 24^th Streets. In cooperation with the City and County of San Francisco a street tree plan shall be developed for 24^th Street which shall balance a visually positive atmosphere with a vandal-resistant design.

Implementation Responsibility:  Project proponent

Requirements and Timing:         All plans shall be prepared by professionals qualified in the designated field of expertise; plans and revised design shall be submitted prior to final planning approval to ensure that the identified mitigation measure is satisfied

Monitoring Requirements:          City of Pittsburg, in consultation with the City and County of San Francisco, to monitor and ensure compliance

Mitigation Measure VIS-4b: Common Fence Design. Both 24^th Street and the common property line with Warm Water Cove Park will require a fence that provides security for the converter station as well as amenity and visual screen for the park. The Project proponent shall work with the Port of San Francisco and the Park and Recreation Commission to generate a creative design addressing these issues. Thought shall be given to a creative solution other than razor wire to prevent trespassing over the wall.

Implementation Responsibility:  Project proponent

Requirements and Timing:         All plans shall be prepared by professionals qualified in the designated field of expertise; plans and revised design shall be submitted prior to final planning approval to ensure that the identified mitigation measure is satisfied

Monitoring Requirements:          City of Pittsburg, in consultation with the City and County of San Francisco, to monitor and ensure compliance

Mitigation Measure VIS-4c: Street Lighting along 24^th Street. The Project proponent shall work with agencies with the appropriate jurisdiction to provide adequate street lighting as part of the site security plan and as an amenity along the entry to Warm Water Cove Park.

Implementation Responsibility:  Project proponent

Requirements and Timing:         All plans shall be prepared by professionals qualified in the designated field of expertise; plans and revised design shall be submitted prior to final planning approval to ensure that the identified mitigation measure is satisfied

Monitoring Requirements:          City of Pittsburg, in consultation with the City and County of San Francisco, to monitor and ensure compliance

Resulting Level of Significance. Application of Mitigation Measures VIS-4a, VIS-4b, and VIS-4c would reduce Impact VIS-4 to a less-than-significant level.

5.3.14  Hazardous Materials and Waste Management

5.3.14.1  Environmental Setting

The San Francisco Sheedy Converter Station alternative site encompasses the Sheedy Drayage property, and is located directly west of San Francisco Bay, east of Illinois Street, north of the Western Pacific site, and south of 24^th Street (refer to Figure A.8-16 in Appendix A).

A Phase I ESA was conducted for the Sheedy site associated with this EIR (URS, 2006a). Site inspections and/or interviews were not conducted as part of the Phase I ESA due to a lack of site access. The file review conducted as part of the Phase I ESA indicated that the City and County of San Francisco Department of Public Health's (SFDPH's) Hazardous Materials Unified Program Agency (HMUPA) is the oversight agency for the site. No files were reported for the Sheedy site by the following environmental agencies: the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Superfund Program, DTSC, or the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB).

The Phase I ESA identified the following recognizable environmental conditions (RECs) at the Sheedy site:

• REC 1, entire Sheedy site: The Sheedy site was formerly a portion of San Francisco Bay that was filled in the 1950s. The nature of the fill is unknown; therefore, the presence of this fill represents an REC to the Sheedy site.

• REC 2, throughout Sheedy site: Historical reports indicate that portions of the Sheedy site were used as a contractor's yard, a truck and equipment repair facility, a tire shop, a crane and equipment storage facility, a hot-asphalt plant, and a rail spur. Also, vehicle fueling appears to have occurred at the Sheedy site in the 1950s. These activities potentially impacted site soils and groundwater with glycol, waste oil, and metals.

• REC 3, various locations throughout Sheedy site: The Sheedy site was listed in the regulatory agency databases for the historical presence of 14 diesel and gasoline underground storage tanks (USTs). The status of these USTs was not identified in the agency records; however, the site was not listed in the Leaking Underground Storage Tanks (LUST) Databases. However, the long history of UST use at the site and the use of petroleum products with the associated potential for leakage represent an REC to the Sheedy site.

• REC 4, unknown part of Sheedy site: No information on the site-specific geology of the Sheedy site was available and therefore it is not known whether the serpentinite ridge with naturally occurring asbestos that is present on the Mirant Potrero and HWC sites (to the north of the Sheedy site) continues onto the Sheedy site. If the ridge continues its general southeast and downward trend from the Mirant Potrero and HWC sites, the ridge may not be present at the Sheedy site at depths that could be impacted during excavations at this potential converter station site. However, if the ridge is present at the Sheedy site, excavated rock from the Sheedy site would need to be tested for asbestos content and characterized for proper use or offsite disposal.

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

• REC 6, throughout the Sheedy site: Given the age of the buildings on the Sheedy site, lead-based paint was likely used in building construction or maintenance.

The Phase I ESA identified the following RECs for the Sheedy site from surrounding properties:

• REC 7, northern part of Sheedy site: groundwater at the HWC site, which is immediately adjacent to the Sheedy site to the north, is contaminated with total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), and possibly PAHs and heavy metals and constitute an REC to the Sheedy site.

• REC 8, northern part of Sheedy site: groundwater at the Mirant Potrero location, which is north of both the HWC site and the Sheedy site, is contaminated with TPH, PAHs, minor volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and heavy metals and constitute an REC to the Sheedy site.

The proposed DC cable route would come from San Francisco Bay onto the Sheedy site. The proposed AC cable route would be linked from the Sheedy site to the existing PG&E switchyard on the Mirant Potrero location. Currently, two options are being considered for linking the AC cable to the switchyard on the Mirant Potrero location: 1) the AC cable travels beneath 24^th Street, turns north, passes beneath Illinois Street, enters the Mirant Potrero property, and proceeds to the PG&E switchyard; or 2) the AC cable travels northwest beneath the HWC site via directional bore, crosses beneath 23^rd Street, enters the Mirant Potrero property, and proceeds to the PG&E switchyard.

The following REC is identified for proposed AC cable Option 1:

• REC 9: Soil and groundwater at the HWC site (immediately adjacent to the Sheedy site to the north) has been reported to be contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons, and possibly PAHs and metals. Given that the proposed AC cable would travel beneath 24^th Street, which is adjacent to the HWC site, the HWC site is an REC to this AC cable route.

• REC 10: The soils excavated along the proposed AC cable route on the Mirant Potrero property would likely be impacted with hydrocarbons and metals. Because Option 1 travels beneath the Mirant Potrero property, these soils are an REC to this AC cable route.

The following RECs are identified for AC cable Option 2:

• REC 11: The HWC site has been reported to be contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbonsand possibly PAHs and metals. Given that this AC cable route would travel beneath the HWC site via directional bore, this property is an REC to this AC cable route.

• REC 12: Elevated concentrations of hydrocarbons have been detected in groundwater in the monitoring wells located on 23^rd Street, just south of the Mirant Potrero property. Given that this AC cable route passes beneath 23^rd Street, the groundwater on 23^rd Street is an REC to this AC cable route.

• REC 13: The soils excavated along this AC cable route on the Mirant Potrero property would likely be impacted with hydrocarbons and metals. Given that this AC cable route travels beneath the Mirant Potrero property, it is an REC to this AC cable route.

5.3.14.2  Environmental Impacts

The thresholds of significance, identification of potentially significant impacts, mitigation measure requirements, and residual impact findings for the alternative San Francisco Sheedy Converter Station site are generally as described in Section 4.14.3 for the proposed HWC site. With implementation of the following mitigation measures, potentially significant environmental impacts associated with this alternative would be reduced to a less-than-significant level:

• Mitigation Measure HAZ-1 (Complete an ACM Abatement Plan and an LBP Abatement Plan) for Impact HAZ-1 (Removal of Potentially Hazardous Building Materials Resulting from Demolition)

• Mitigation Measure HAZ-2 (Soil Removal Protocols) for Impact HAZ-2 (Soil Removal)

• Mitigation Measure HAZ-3 (Reduction of Hazards During Construction Phase) for Impact HAZ-3 (Construction-phase Hazardous Materials Use)

• Mitigation Measure HAZ-4 (Management of Construction-phase Waste Streams) for Impact HAZ-4 (Construction-phase Waste Streams)

• Mitigation Measure HAZ-5 (Construction-phase Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure) for Impact HAZ-5 (Construction-phase Accidental Spills)

• Mitigation Measure HAZ-6 (Reduction of Construction Dust and Volatilization of Contaminants) for Impact HAZ-6 (Construction-phase Dust and Volatilization of Contaminants)

• Mitigation Measure HAZ 7 (Contaminated Groundwater Control) for Impact HAZ-7 (Contaminated Groundwater)

• Mitigation Measure HAZ-8 (Control of Operations-phase Hazardous Materials) for Impact HAZ-8 (Operations-phase Hazardous Materials Usage)

• Mitigation Measure HAZ-9 (Manage Waste Generation, Storage, and Disposal During Operations Phase) for Impact HAZ-9 (Operations-phase Waste Streams)

• Mitigation Measure HAZ-10 (Operations-phase Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure) for Impact HAZ-10 (Operations-phase Accidental Spills)

• Mitigation Measure HAZ-11 (Reduction of Fire and Explosion Risk and Emergency Support During Operations Phase) for Impact HAZ-11 (Operations-phase Fire and Explosion Risk)

• Mitigation Measure HAZ-12 (Manage Seismic Activity) for Impact HAZ-12 (Impacts from Seismic Activity)

5.3.15  Paleontological Resources

5.3.15.1  Environmental Setting

No fossil localities have been identified within the footprint of the San Francisco Sheedy Converter Station alternative site or AC/DC cable routes. The proposed alternative Sheedy Converter Station site is assigned a high sensitivity rating, since excavations have the potential to penetrate into undisturbed Qal sediments which could contain significant fossil resources (refer to Figure 4.15-1). The cable routes are assigned a low sensitivity rating, since typical excavations are not expected to penetrate into undisturbed Qal sediments where there would be a potential for significant paleontological resources.

5.3.15.2  Environmental Impacts

No fossil localities have been identified within the footprint of this project component. However, construction excavations have the potential to penetrate into undisturbed Quaternary alluvium (Qal) sediments which have the potential to contain significant fossil resources. This would be a potentially significant impact.

The thresholds of significance, identification of potentially significant impacts, mitigation measure requirements, and residual impact findings for the alternative San Francisco Sheedy Converter Station site are as described in Section 4.14.3 for the proposed HWC site. With implementation of the following mitigation measure, potential environmental impacts associated with this alternative would be reduced to a less-than-significant level.

• Mitigation Measure PALEO-1 (Potential Fossil Resources Protection) for Impact PALEO-1 (Disturbance of Fossil Resources)