Brief explanation of each chapter
Chapter 1.0, Project Purpose, Need, and
Objectives
explains why the project is proposed and provides a history of the planning
process.
Chapter 2.0, Alternatives, describes the proposed Fresno to Bakersfield Section alternatives and design options, HST station options, and
heavy maintenance facility options, as well as the No Project Alternative used
for purposes of comparison. It contains illustrations and maps and provides a
review of construction activities. These first two chapters help the reader
understand what is being analyzed in the remainder of the document.
Chapter 3.0,
Affected Environment, Environmental Consequences, and Mitigation Measures is
where the reader can find information about the existing transportation, environmental,
and social conditions in the area of the proposed project. This chapter
provides the findings of the analysis of potential environmental impacts, along
with methods to reduce these impacts (called mitigation measures).
Chapter 4.0, Section 4(f)/Section 6(f) Evaluation summarizes parks, wildlife refuges, and historic properties in accordance with Section 4(f) of the Department of
Transportation Act of 1966 and Section 6(f) of the Land and Water Conservation
Funds Act. It describes avoidance alternatives and measures to minimize harm to
these resources.
Chapter 5.0, Project Costs and Operations, summarizes
the estimated capital and operations and maintenance costs for each Fresno to Bakersfield Section alternative evaluated in the Project EIR/EIS, including
funding and financial risk.
Chapter 6.0, CEQA/NEPA Decision Process and
Other Considerations, summarizes
the project’s significant adverse environmental effects, including those which cannot be avoided if the project is
implemented. It also summarizes the significant irreversible environmental changes that would
occur as a result of the project or irretrievable commitments of resources or
foreclosure of future options.
Chapter 7.0, Public and Agency Involvement,
contains summaries of coordination and outreach activities, with
agencies and the general public.
Chapter
8.0, EIR/EIS Distribution identifies individuals and organizations informed
of the availability of the Draft Project EIR/EIS.
Chapter 9.0, List of Preparers provides the names and
responsibilities of the authors of the Draft Project EIR/EIS.
Chapter 10.0,
References/Sources Used in Document Preparation, cites the references and
contacts used in writing this document.
Chapter 11.0, Glossary of Terms, provides
a definition of certain terms used in the Project EIR/EIS.
Chapter 12.0,
Index, provides a tool to cross-reference major topics used in the Project
EIR/EIS.
Chapter 13.0, Acronyms and Abbreviations, defines the
acronyms and abbreviations used in this document.