Proposed Project
The 150-acre Breuner Marsh Restoration and Public Access Project will restore wetlands and grasslands and provide for public access to the San Francisco Bay Shoreline in North Richmond. Approximately 60 acres of tidal and seasonal wetlands, and 90 acres of coastal prairie would be restored or enhanced within the project area. A critical 1.5-mile gap in the San Francisco Bay Trail would be constructed between the Richmond Parkway and the Point Pinole Peninsula. A new staging area, restrooms, picnic facilities, benches and interpretive exhibits would also be constructed. Details are posted at: www.ebparks.org/news/030912a. This is an $8 million project, with construction starting in 2013 and completing in 2015. Public Workshop March 22 to see the designs.
Draft EIR Availability
A Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) has been prepared to assess the potential environmental consequences of the proposed Breuner Marsh Restoration and Public Access Project at Point Pinole Regional Shoreline Park in Richmond, California. The Draft EIR identifies mitigation measures and alternatives that would avoid or reduce significant impacts. It is intended to inform decision makers, other agencies, and the public, of the Proposed Project. This Draft EIR has been prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) is the lead agency for the Project. A copy of this Draft EIR has been sent to the State Clearinghouse and to those who requested a copy by responding to the Notice of Preparation. It is also available for downloading from the EBRPD website at www.ebparks.org/planning#breuner. Copies are also available at the Main Branch of Richmond Public Library at 325 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond; at the San Pablo Library at 2300 El Portal Dr. # D, San Pablo; and the Parchester Village Community Center, 900 Williams St., Richmond.
Draft EIR Comments
This Draft EIR was published on March 12, 2012, which marks the start of the 45-day comment period as required under CEQA. Written comments should be received no later than 5 p.m. on April 27, 2012 and should be sent to: Brad Olson East Bay Regional Park District 2950 Peralta Oaks Court PO Box 5381 Oakland, CA 94605 Comments may also be sent via email to bolson@ebparks.org. Verbal comments may be made at the Public Hearing (see below). Comments should focus on the environmental impacts and the adequacy of the EIR. Public Hearing A Public Hearing on the Draft EIR where additional comments will be received will be held on Thursday, March 22, 2012 at 7:00 pm at: Parchester Village Community Center 900 Williams Street Richmond, CA 94806 Final EIR and Responses to Comments All comments received within the comment period and pertaining to the environmental impacts and adequacy of the Draft EIR will be responded to in writing. Comments on the project merits or unsubstantiated comments do not require a response. Responses, together with comment letters, emails, and a hearing transcript summary, will be included in the Final EIR, along with any necessary revisions to the contents of the Draft EIR. Final EIR Approval and Project Approval The Final EIR will be made publicly available in the same manner as the Draft EIR. The Final EIR will be presented to the EBRPD Board of Directors to certify the Final EIR, adopt findings, and approve the project. The EBRPD meeting for EIR certification and project approval will be a public hearing where additional comments may be received.