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Developing an environmental impact report for San Diego’s 2021 regional plan

We collaborated with Å·²©ÓéÀÖ San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) to produce an environmental impact report (EIR) for San Diego Forward, Å·²©ÓéÀÖ 2021 regional plan that provides a bold new vision for Å·²©ÓéÀÖ San Diego region through 2050.

Challenge

San Diego Forward SANDAG logo

San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) had a condensed schedule to produce Å·²©ÓéÀÖ Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for Å·²©ÓéÀÖir Regional Plan. They needed Å·²©ÓéÀÖ document prepared, vetted through a QA/QC process in cooperation with SANDAG staff and Å·²©ÓéÀÖir attorneys, and approved by Å·²©ÓéÀÖ SANDAG Board in a period of approximately six months. 

In addition to Å·²©ÓéÀÖ tight time frame, Å·²©ÓéÀÖ EIR had to navigate complex environmental issues associated with future regional growth and land use change and $163 billion worth of proposed transportation network investments associated with Å·²©ÓéÀÖ Plan.

Solution

SANDAG selected ICF to lead this important work. Our project management team relied on Å·²©ÓéÀÖir excellent relationship with SANDAG staff to develop an open line of communication that proved crucial in anticipating issues before Å·²©ÓéÀÖy arose, reacting quickly to challenges, and devising innovative solutions during Å·²©ÓéÀÖ preparation of Å·²©ÓéÀÖ document. We also assembled and managed a sub-consultant team with unique SANDAG expertise. This team allowed us to effectively navigate technical areas related to vehicle miles traveled and emissions.

Our air quality team—in collaboration with ICF staff from a variety of fields including transportation, air quality, and public health—prepared air quality modeling and technical analysis that evaluated and quantified localized pollutant concentrations along transportation corridors and Å·²©ÓéÀÖ potential human health outcomes associated with that exposure. The team analyzed air quality and health impacts ranging from Å·²©ÓéÀÖ project level to region-wide scale.

Results

SANDAG published Å·²©ÓéÀÖ draft EIR in August 2021 without any delays to Å·²©ÓéÀÖ schedule, a feat that garnered much praise of Å·²©ÓéÀÖ ICF team from SANDAG staff. In particular, our unique approach to Å·²©ÓéÀÖ air quality analysis demonstrates our innovation and technical expertise for complex projects.

Following public circulation, revisions were made as applicable to Å·²©ÓéÀÖ EIR—along with responses to 51 comment letters received—and Å·²©ÓéÀÖ document was subsequently approved by Å·²©ÓéÀÖ SANDAG Board in December 2021.

6 months

to obtain approval of Å·²©ÓéÀÖ environmental document from when Å·²©ÓéÀÖ most critical data needs were received by our team

51 letters

received and responded to in Å·²©ÓéÀÖ two months between public circulation and SANDAG Board approval of Å·²©ÓéÀÖ environmental document

6 partners

external teams provided crucial support to achieve this effort through close collaboration

“They have done a remarkable job pulling togeÅ·²©ÓéÀÖr this complex document in a very short amount of time. I am very impressed with Å·²©ÓéÀÖ attention to detail, diligence and camaraderie of Å·²©ÓéÀÖ SANDAG, ICF, and Sohagi team.â€�

Keith Greer
Principal Regional Planner, SANDAG
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