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CEQA/NEPA Environmental Review
Baseline has managed preparation of numerous Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declarations (IS/MNDs) and Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs) for a variety of major projects. We typically focus on mixed-use infill development, infrastructure capital improvement projects (e.g., tunnels, pipelines, and sewer system improvements), mining projects (hard rock mines and alluvial deposit operations), and hazardous materials remediation projects.
As a subconsultant to other planning firms, our staff prepare the following technical analyses:
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Hazardous Materials
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Air Quality
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Greenhouse Gas Emissions
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Noise and Vibration
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Hydrology and Water Quality
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Geology, Soils, and Seismicity
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Mineral Resources
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Energy
Examples of Recent CEQA Projects
Belvedere Levee Seismic Upgrade Project EIR
The City of Belvedere proposed to install sheet piling along specific segments of San Rafael Avenue and Beach Road in an area of existing levees that are prone to liquefaction and lateral deformation in an earthquake. Baseline completed the geology, hazardous materials, wildfire, air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and noise and vibration sections of the Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The project proposed improvements adjacent to homes and a historic structure that could be susceptible to vibration induced damage. The homes are also sensitive receptors for noise and air quality emissions (related to heavy equipment operation). Baseline identified and mitigated potential impacts related to noise and vibration, emergency evacuation routes, and settlement/deformation of unstable soil that could occur during and following construction of the project. The EIR was certified in December 2023.
Potrero Yard Modernization Project EIR
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) proposed to rebuild and expand the existing Potrero Yard transit facility in San Francisco. The existing bus storage yard and maintenance building would be demolished and replaced with a new transit facility that would include three to seven floors of residential development above the facility. Baseline prepared the air quality and noise and vibration sections of the EIR. The air quality analysis determined that emissions of toxic air contaminants from the project could pose a significant health risk to nearby sensitive receptors. Baseline developed a mitigation measure that provided SFMTA was a flexible range of options to reduce the health risks below the thresholds of significance, including the use of Tier 4 engines during construction, venting the exhaust from emergency generators above the roofline, and reducing the maintenance and testing of emergency generators to 20 hours per year.
Saratoga Housing and Safety Elements EIR
Baseline Environmental Consulting assisted in the preparation of an EIR for an update to the Housing and Safety Elements of the City of Saratoga’s General Plan. This process was completed concurrently with the General Plan 2040 Update, which included updates to the Land Use, Circulation, and Open Space and Conservation Elements. Baseline evaluated potential impacts associated with air quality, greenhouse gases, noise and vibration, hydrology and water quality, geology, and hazardous materials. Baseline identified mitigation measures with performance standards to help streamline environmental review of future housing development projects. The EIR was certified in July 2024.
5801 Christie Avenue Mixed Use Project Infill Environmental Checklist
Baseline Environmental Consulting (Baseline) assisted in the preparation of an Initial Study/15183 Exemption for the proposed 5801 Christie Avenue Project in Emeryville, California. The proposed project would include the construction of a multi-story research and development building, a multi-story parking garage, and multi-story residential buildings, along with landscape areas, concrete sidewalks, and roadways. Baseline evaluated potential impacts associated with air quality, greenhouse gases, energy, noise and vibration, hydrology and water quality, geology, and hazardous materials. Baseline also assisted the City in refining the existing Conditions of Approval to help streamline environmental review of future development projects.
Brisbane Guadalupe Quarry Redevelopment Project EIR
Orchard Partners, LLC proposed to close and reclaim the existing Guadalipe Quarry to construct and operate a three-story unrefrigerated warehouse facility. Baseline completed the air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, noise and vibration, energy, geology, hydrology, mineral resources, and hazardous materials sections of the Environmental Impact Report (EIR). Baseline identified potentially significant impacts related to the destruction of unique paleontological resources, disturbance of soil and groundwater contamination, criteria air pollutant emissions, and greenhouse gas emissions. All impacts were mitigated to a less-than-significant level.
Los Altos School District 10th Site School Project EIR
The Los Altos School District (LASD) proposed a new school campus, to be located in a portion of the San Antonio Center shopping center at the intersection of California Street and Showers Drive in Mountain View. Baseline completed the air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, noise and vibration, geology, hydrology, and hazardous materials sections of the Environmental Impact Report (EIR). Baseline identified potentially significant impacts related to the destruction of unique paleontological resources, degradation of water quality, and localized flooding. All impacts were mitigated to a less-than-significant level. The EIR was certified in June 2024.
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