RES 2026039 - Laserfiche WebLink

City of Pleasanton—Hidden Canyon Residences and Preserve Project CEQA Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations 8 FirstCarbon Solutions Https://adecinnovations.sharepoint.com/sites/PublicationsSite/Shared Documents/Publications/Client (PN-JN)/2148/21480016/FOF/21480016 Pleasanton Hidden Canyon Residences and Preserve Project FOF.docx The City of Pleasanton concludes that implementation of the proposed project could result in potentially significant adverse environmental impacts. As reflected in the Final EIR, there is disagreement among various parties regarding particular conclusions in the EIR. CEQA and relevant case law interpreting the CEQA statute and Guidelines provide the standards for treating disagreement among experts in the context of an EIR, as follows: Where evidence and opinions conflict on an issue concerning the environment, and the lead agency knows of these controversies in advance, the EIR and/or related findings must acknowledge the controversies, summarize the conflicting opinions of the experts, and include sufficient information on the controversy. In making a decision on a project where there is disagreement among experts, the lead agency is not obligated to select the viewpoint that purports to be the most environmentally sensitive. Instead, decision- makers are vested with the discretion to weigh expert opinion and choose which they intend to rely on and are not required to resolve a dispute among experts. In their proceedings, decision-makers must consider comments received concerning the adequacy of the EIR and address any objections raised in these comments. However, decision-makers are not obligated to follow any directives, recommendations, or suggestions presented in comments on an EIR, and can certify an EIR without needing to resolve disagreements among experts. In making its decision to certify the EIR and approve the proposed project, the City of Pleasanton recognizes that a range of technical and scientific opinions exist with respect to certain environmental issues, particularly with respect to existing agricultural uses, and transportation impacts. The Lead Agency has acquired a comprehensive and well-rounded understanding of the range of this technical and scientific opinion by its review of the EIR; as well as by its review of the information provided by the experts who prepared the EIR; the Lead Agency's other consultants and its staff; along with testimony, letters, reports, and other relevant materials in the administrative record, as well as its own experience and expertise in these matters. The materials reviewed by the Lead Agency include conflicting expert opinions and conflicting statements of facts, as well as other comments on the environmental issues set forth in the EIR. This comprehensive review has enabled the Lead Agency to make its decisions after weighing and considering the various viewpoints on these important issues, and the Lead Agency has made determinations of significant effects based on substantial evidence, not public controversy or speculation. Accordingly, the Lead Agency hereby certifies that its Findings and determinations are based on all of the evidence contained in the EIR, as well as the evidence and other information in the record addressing the environmental impacts of the proposed project, and hereby elects to rely on the analysis and evidence set forth in the EIR. 1.5 - Potential Environmental Effects Which are Not Significant or Less than Significant The City of Pleasanton has heard, been presented with, reviewed, and considered all of the information and data in the administrative record, including the Draft and Final EIR, and all oral and written evidence presented to it during all meetings and hearings. The EIR reflects the independent judgment of the City of Pleasanton and is deemed adequate for purposes of making decisions on the merits of the proposed project. To provide more meaningful public disclosure, reduce the time and cost required to prepare an EIR, and focus on potentially significant effects on the environment of a proposed project, this EIR