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US Department of Energy agency that markets federal hydroelectric power and currently operates more than 17,000 miles of transmission lines. The applicants have proposed to build and upgrade approximately 600 miles of high voltage electric transmission lines and substations running from Lassen County, through the Central Valley and Tri- Valley area, and then over to San Jose. The lines would be a combination of 230 kV and 500 kV lines, with the former running through the immediate area. The project in general improves the overall capacity of the transmission line facilities throughout the state and is proposed to serve and facilitate the development of new energy sources, particularly renewable, that are proposed to occur in the northern California area. Mr. Dolan reviewed the proposed line routes and their alternatives. The applicant is currently considering two separate transmission line routes although only one would enter the immediate area. Alternative routes under consideration include that of an existing PG &E transmission route corridor which contains several towers currently underutilized or not being used at all. Staff has proposed a draft letter that provides comments on what it feels should be included in the scope of the environmental study and focused on two primary issues: 1) at least one of the proposed alignments is immediately adjacent to Ruby Hill and staff is asking for a study of the potential visual, health, noise, and property value impacts as well as the possibility of interference with existing conservation easements for the California Tiger Salamander and Williamson Act contracts; and 2) suggested various alternatives for study, including the possibility of co- locating the route with existing facilities and routes further from urbanized areas. He noted that those alternate routes were considered at an earlier stage in the project but were eliminated from consideration due to higher costs. Staff also asked the applicant to explore the possibility of undergrounding in particular areas. Mr. Dolan concluded by stating that the City has until July to submit its letter, after which he expects the environmental evaluation process to take up to 2 years. Mayor Hosterman asked if it would make sense to include a request for information in terms of joining the Authority if it should prove to be beneficial for Pleasanton. Councilmember Sullivan explained that in order to do so, Pleasanton would need to become a municipal utility as opposed to part of a PG &E investor -owned utility territory. He said that while it is a discussion he would enjoy engaging in, it is a very lengthy and complicated process. Councilmember McGovern recalled that the City undergrounded a 230 kV line running through the Vineyard corridor as a result of concerns surrounding the cables' proximity to schools and children. She asked if situating the route so close to a neighborhood development wouldn't present the same concerns. Mr. Dolan explained that the EIR and EIS will study those impacts. He noted that there is not, as yet, any scientific evidence indicating that high voltage lines have any health impacts but agreed that most agencies have been acting with some measure of caution and following recommended setbacks. Councilmember McGovern referred to the letter drafted by the Alameda County Community Development Agency, noted that it states a suggested 350 -foot easement as recommended by the State Department of Public Health and said she is very concerned for the safety of the families and children residing in the Ruby Hill area. Mr. Fialho said that staff's letter asks the applicant to identify the health impacts associated with that infrastructure on adjacent neighborhoods. Councilmember McGovern said she would also hope that the impact on the local bird population, specifically Golden Eagles and raptors, is properly studied. She questioned and confirmed that the City Council Minutes Page 7 of 11 June 2, 2009