REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on a Resolution Adopting the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the Homestead Substation Rebuild Project
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Deliver and Enhance High Quality Efficient Services and Infrastructure
BACKGROUND
The City of Santa Clara’s Electric Utility, Silicon Valley Power (SVP), currently operates the Homestead Substation (Homestead Substation) located near the intersection of Homestead Road and Kiely Boulevard. The Homestead Substation Rebuild Project (Project) would replace the existing 45-year-old substation in its entirety and would increase the substation capacity from 37.5 MVA to 56 MVA.
DISCUSSION
A Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) (including a supporting Initial Study) and a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) were prepared for the Project by environmental consultant Aspen Environmental Group in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
The MND examines environmental impacts associated with the Project and identified potentially significant impacts to air quality, biological resources, cultural resources, hazards and hazardous materials, hydrology/water quality, land use/planning, recreation, transportation, tribal cultural resources, and utilities/service systems. The MMRP incorporates mitigation measures to reduce the potentially significant impacts to less-than-significant. A detailed discussion of the potential impacts and mitigation measures to be applied to the Project are specified in the MND and will be implemented through project conditions of approval and the MMRP. The MND and MMRP, including responses to comments received, are posted on SVP’s website at: <http://siliconvalleypower.com/projects>.
Based on these documents, it has been determined that the Project will not have any significant effects on the environment with incorporation of the mitigation identified in the MND.
Additional Project Features
An existing 60 kV transmission line provides power to the Homestead Substation and as part of the Project this line would be relocated within the substation property. The existing packed rock surface of the property would be paved in asphalt after grading and unneeded equipment, poles, and conductor lines would be removed. SVP staff will also onboard an architectural firm for landscape and substation wall design for aesthetic enhancements which go beyond the MND/MMRP requirements. Construction is estimated to take approximately 40 months.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The MND and Notice of Intent to Adopt a MND were posted on SVP’s website at <https://siliconvalleypower.com/projects> on November 18, 2022, and circulated for a 35-day public comment period that closed on December 21, 2022, in accordance with CEQA requirements. SVP received one (1) agency comment from the Santa Clara Valley Water District and comments from one member of the public. Responses to comments received on the MND during the review period were prepared and are provided in Section 8 of the Final MND.
Staff recommend adopting the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation, Monitoring and Reporting Program for the Project.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the City for adopting the MND and MMRP other than administrative staff time and processing fees. Sufficient Funds for this Project are budgeted in the Electric Utility Capital Fund in the Homestead Substation and Rebuild Project (CIP 2431).
The completion of the Homestead Substation Rebuild Project will support SVP’s system expansion which ultimately increases SVP sales of electricity.
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the Electric Utilities Department, Finance Department, and City Attorney’s Office.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Adopt a Resolution adopting the Mitigated Negative Declaration and the Mitigation, Monitoring and Reporting Program for the Homestead Substation Rebuild Project.
Staff
Reviewed by: Nico Procos, Acting Director of Silicon Valley Power
Approved by: Jovan D. Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Final Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND)
2. Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP)
3. Response to Comments
4. Resolution Adopting the MND and the MMRP