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in East Livermore and would continue on the same alignment until a point approximately three miles south of Sunol. Two possible routes have been proposed for this segment (identified as "West 5" and "West 6" on the route map). Both of these routes would run through Pleasanton's Planning Area Boundary, roughly along the Highway 84 corridor. The "West 5" route is located south of Highway 84 adjacent to existing PG &E transmission lines /towers. The "West 6" route is located immediately adjacent to the southern edge of the Ruby Hill neighborhood. The aerial map shows a 1,000 -foot wide study area for each transmission line route. If the project were to be constructed, a 200 foot wide easement is typically used. TANG representatives have indicated that the proposed routes are "first drafts" based on viewing aerial photos and map information and that they would refine the routes based on input received during the scoping process. The transmission line support structures have not been designed, but TANC representatives have indicted that lattice steel towers or single -shaft steel poles could be used. The tower /pole heights would be approximately 120- to 150 -feet tall in flat terrain and 199 -feet tall in hilly /mountainous terrain. DISCUSSION TANC and Western have filed a Notice of Preparation (NOP) announcing that an EIR /EIS will be prepared including a public scoping meeting notice /request for comments (Attachment 3). Scoping meetings provide the public with an opportunity to comment on the environmental impacts and alternatives that are to be analyzed in the EIR /EIS. Members of the public, affected federal, state, and local agencies, and other interested parties may participate in the scoping process. As part of the scoping process, TANG originally held 12 public meetings between March 26 and April 15, 2009. None of the meetings were held in Alameda County. Pleasanton Planning Division staff attended the April 1, 2009, scoping meeting held in Santa Clara. Due to public requests, a Tri- Valley public meeting with TANC was held in Livermore on May 27, 2009. Pleasanton Planning Division staff attended this meeting as did staff members from Alameda County and the City of Livermore, and approximately 200 members of the public representing a wide range of interests. A copy of TANC's PowerPoint presentation is provided as Attachment 5. The public comment period for the NOP has been extended to July 30, 2009. Staff has prepared a comment letter in response to the NOP (Attachment 4). In general, the comment letter expresses concerns regarding the following: The project could impact the Ruby Hill neighborhood. The project may directly impact a conservation easement and habitat area for the California Tiger Salamander that is located directly to the south of the Ruby Hill area. Page 3 of 4