CHAPTER 10 – HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS - sacog

CalARP, established by the EPA with additional requirements specific to the State of California,
applies to a wide variety of facilities that contain regulated substances. CalARP aims to prevent
an accidental release of hazardous materials into the environment through proper storing,
containing, and handling. The USDOT enforces the HMTA by regulating transportation of
hazardous materials by truck and rail, and governs every aspect of the movement of hazardous
materials from packaging, to labeling and shipping. Cal EMA administers the Emergency
Response Plan to respond to hazardous materials incidents that may occur. Additionally,
roadway improvements in the proposed MTP/SCS will improve road safety, thereby reducing
the potential for accidents related to hazardous materials.
Therefore, the hazardous materials impacts related to land use changes from implementation of
the proposed MTP/SCS at the regional level are considered less than significant (LS) for Impact
HAZ-2a. No mitigation is required.
The proposed MTP/SCS transportation projects involve the expansion or extension of the
transportation system, which may increase the capacity to transport hazardous materials. For
example, gas or oil spilling from vehicle accidents or a tanker overturning on a highway could
release hazardous materials. Transportation improvements that expand the transportation system
and extend it to new areas expose more adjoining land uses to risks associated with risk of upset
on the roadway, highway, or railroad. These impacts are addressed through CalARP which
manages risks associated with accidental release. To prevent or minimize the accidental release
of hazardous materials into the environment, precautions, such as proper securing of the
materials and proper container design, are required by CalARP. California Vehicle Code Section
31303 outlines general routing and parking restrictions (Table 10.3) for hazardous material and
hazardous waste shipments; the CHP also publishes a list of restricted or prohibited highways.
Roadway improvements in the proposed MTP/SCS will improve road safety, thereby reducing
the potential for accidents related to hazardous materials.
Therefore, the hazardous materials impacts related to transportation improvements from
implementation of the proposed MTP/SCS at the regional level are considered less than
significant (LS) for Impact HAZ-2a. No mitigation is required.
B. Localized impacts
The localized impacts associated with implementation of the proposed MTP/SCS are the same
in each of the Community Types as described in the regional impacts discussion above. Land
use and transportation projects in Center and Corridor Communities, Established Communities,
Developing Communities, Rural Residential Communities, and Lands Not Identified for
Development are regulated by the various state and federal regulations discussed in the regional
analysis.
Therefore, the hazardous materials impacts related to land use and transportation improvements
from implementation of the proposed MTP/SCS at the localized level are considered less than
significant (LS) for Impact HAZ-2a. No mitigation is required.
MTP/SCS 2035
Sacramento Area Council of Governments
Draft Environmental Impact Report Chapter 10 – Hazards and Hazardous Materials – Page 10-46