In my previous story, The Docks' DEIR: part I (which you can find by clicking the "storyline" tab), I summarized the possible harmful impacts that the Docks Plan could have on the environment. The last article was all about aesthetics, light and glare, air quality, and biological resources. In this article, I am going to discuss three more areas of environmental interest: cultural and historic resources, hazards and hazardous substances, and hydrology and water quality.

"Cultural and Historic Resources" is the fourth topic of chapter five. It basically deals with any artifacts, sites, objects, etc., that are either at least 50 years old or have sacred or religious meaning. The main issue is that construction and demolition of the site could result in the loss of undiscovered artifacts that have prehistoric or historic value. In order to mitigate this, construction workers will work with an archeologist, testing the site before construction begins and learning how to identify cultural artifacts. If any artifacts are unearthed, construction in the area will stop immediately in order for excavation to take place.

The next section, "Hazards and Hazardous Substances," details the possible effects of contaminated soil and groundwater on both construction workers and future homeowners. The site currently holds plots of contaminated soil left over from the Pioneer Reservoir and a PG&E natural gas tank. In order to lessen the severity of the impact, measures will be taken to follow a health and safety contingency plan, as well as state and federal laws, in the process of removing the contaminated areas.

The sixth section elaborates on the possible impacts on "Hydrology and Water Quality." In implementing the Docks Area Plan, new sources of polluted water and run-off could contaminate existing water quality standards. In order to circumvent this issue, construction will include two new storm drain pipelines - one for drainage and one for sewage collection - that will connect to the existing line. To curb run-off water from storms, bioswales and rain gardens will be included into construction plans. In-line detention systems will also be installed, to store run-off water for other uses, like irrigation.

There is still more of the DEIR to come. My next story will detail the final three analyses of possible environmental impacts, and what the city proposes to do to lessen the severity.

To read the DEIR, click here.