Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Pass Rail Corridor Service Program – Draft EIS/EIR

7 Evaluation of Alternatives

May 2021 | 7-1

7 Evaluation of Alternatives

In accordance with NEPA (42 USC Section 4321 et seq.), CEQ regulations implementing NEPA 

(40 CFR Parts 1501–1508), FRA’s Procedures for Considering Environmental Impacts (64 FR 

28545, May 26, 1999) and CEQA, a reasonable range of alternatives were evaluated in this Tier 

1/Program EIS/EIR. 

The alternatives include the No Build Alternative, which is used as a baseline for comparison 

purposes and describes the impacts if the Program is not implemented. In addition, the Build 

Alternative is described with three implementation options, which are described in 

Chapter 2, Program Alternatives, of this Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR. The alternatives selection process 

is summarized in Chapter 2, Program Alternatives, of this Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR. The 2016 AA 

Report included an evaluation of a reasonable range of alternatives for implementation of daily 

intercity passenger rail service in the Program Corridor. 

This chapter describes the preferred alternative and the environmentally superior alternative for the 

Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR for purposes of NEPA and CEQA, respectively. This chapter also 

summarizes the potential effects of implementation of the Build Alternative Options based 

on the analysis of the social, economic, and environmental resources documented in 

Chapter 3, Environmental Analysis, Consequences, and Mitigation. The potential effects, and 

differences in effects among Build Alternative Options, are described in each resource section and 

are summarized below. Station locations have not yet been selected, but general considerations 

regarding station effects are discussed.

The potential for effects and comparison of effects among the Build Alternative Options are 

summarized in Table 7-1 and based on an initial survey of resources within the Tier 1/Program

EIS/EIR Study Area for each Build Alternative Option. 
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Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Pass Rail Corridor Service Program – Draft EIS/EIR

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Table 7-1.Summary of Resource Effects by the No Build Alternative and Build Alternative Options

Environmental Topic No Build Alternative Build Alternative Option 1 Build Alternative Option 2 Build Alternative Option 3

Land Use and Planning Land Use Compatibility

Under the No Build Alternative, passenger rail service 

between Coachella and Los Angeles would not be 

established, and land would not be allocated for rail 

infrastructure or station facilities. Although this may 

prevent potential displacements of existing and planned 

land uses, it would increase the likelihood for displacing 

land uses adjacent to existing highways, such as I-10, 

SR 60, and SR 111, which would likely need to be 

widened to accommodate the projected demands for 

capacity as population in the region increases. In 

addition, the No Build Alternative would be inconsistent 

with federal, state, and regional plans and policies that 

promote expansion of existing transportation options, as 

well as multimodal connectivity throughout the region.

Agricultural Resources

No effects on agricultural resources are anticipated 

under the No Build Alternative. 

Land Use Compatibility

Construction: Negligible effects within Western Section 

as no construction activities required. Potentially 

moderate effects could occur within the Eastern Section 

due to temporary construction effects and permanent 

ROW acquisitions beyond the extent of the existing 

railroad ROW.

Operation: Negligible effects within Western Section as 

no additional stations or rail infrastructure are required or 

land use changes anticipated. Potentially moderate 

effects could occur within the Eastern Section due to the 

land use changes associated with the addition of new 

stations and track infrastructure. 

Agricultural Resources

Construction: Negligible effects in Western Section as no 

construction activities required. Substantial effects could 

occur within the Eastern Section associated with 

conversion of designated agricultural land to 

non-agricultural use.

• Prime farmland: 560.40 acres

• Unique farmland: 96.70 acres

• Farmland of statewide importance: 22.60 acres

• Farmland of local importance: 2,623.90 acres

• Grazing land: 1,923.20 acres

• Agricultural preserve: 760.82 acres

Operation: Negligible effects in Western Section and 

Eastern Section once construction activities are 

completed.

Land Use Compatibility

Construction: Negligible effects within Western Section 

as no construction activities required. Potentially 

moderate effects could occur within the Eastern Section 

due to temporary construction effects and permanent 

ROW acquisitions beyond the extent of the existing 

railroad ROW. 

Operation: Negligible effects within Western Section as 

no additional stations or rail infrastructure are required or 

land use changes anticipated. Potentially moderate 

effects could occur within the Eastern Section due to the 

land use changes associated with the addition of new 

stations and track infrastructure. 

Agricultural Resources

Construction: Negligible effects in Western Section as no 

construction activities required. Substantial effects could 

occur within the Eastern Section associated with 

conversion of designated agricultural land to 

non-agricultural use. 

• Prime farmland: 362.50 acres

• Unique farmland: 96.70 acres

• Farmland of statewide importance: 22.60 acres

• Farmland of local importance: 2,549.90 acres

• Grazing land: 1,923.20 acres

• Agricultural preserve: 760.82 acres

Operation: Negligible effects in Western Section and 

Eastern Section once construction activities are 

completed.

Land Use Compatibility

Construction: Negligible effects within Western Section 

as no construction activities required. Potentially 

moderate effects could occur within the Eastern Section 

due to temporary construction effects and permanent 

ROW acquisitions beyond the extent of the existing 

railroad ROW. 

Operation: Negligible effects within Western Section as 

no additional stations or rail infrastructure are required or 

land use changes anticipated. Potentially moderate 

effects could occur within the Eastern Section due to the 

land use changes associated with the addition of new 

stations and track infrastructure. 

Agricultural Resources

Construction: Negligible effects in Western Section as 

no construction activities required. Substantial effects 

could occur within the Eastern Section associated with 

conversion of designated agricultural land to 

non-agricultural use. 

• Prime farmland: 362.50 acres

• Unique farmland: 96.70 acres

• Farmland of statewide importance: 22.60 acres

• Farmland of local importance: 2,549.90 acres

• Grazing land: 1,923.20 acres

• Agricultural preserve: 760.82 acres

Operation: Negligible effects in Western Section and 

Eastern Section once construction activities are 

completed.
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7 Evaluation of Alternatives

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Environmental Topic No Build Alternative Build Alternative Option 1 Build Alternative Option 2 Build Alternative Option 3

Transportation Under the No Build Alternative, longer travel times and 

increased VMT would be anticipated as regional growth 

within the Program Corridor continues and roadway 

congestion increases. Therefore, the No Build 

Alternative could result in air quality effects and potential 

additional noise effects on the surrounding land uses, 

which could affect sensitive receptors adjacent to 

existing transportation corridors.

Construction: Negligible effects in Western Section as no 

construction activities required. Moderate to substantial 

effects in Eastern Section associated with rail 

operations, railroad/roadway crossings, and traffic due to 

potential temporary closure of lanes, sidewalks, bicycle 

lanes and routes, driveways, streets, and freeway lanes.

Operation: Build Alternative Option 1 is anticipated to 

shift auto trips to intercity rail passenger trips, thereby 

reducing vehicle trips and VMT on the regional 

highways.

Annual Auto Trips and VMT Reduction by Horizon Year:

Opening Year (2024) auto trip reduction: 107,344 trips

Opening Year (2024) VMT reduction: 10,498,246 miles

Future Year (2044) auto trip reduction: 178,045 trips

Future Year (2044) VMT reduction: 17,412,809 miles

Ridership: Expected to increase by 66 percent from 

204,107 one-way trips in Opening Year (2024) to 

338,540 one-way trips in Future Year (2044).

Construction: Negligible effects in Western Section as no 

construction activities required. Moderate to substantial 

effects in Eastern Section associated with rail 

operations, railroad/roadway crossings, and traffic due to 

potential temporary closure of lanes, sidewalks, bicycle 

lanes and routes, driveways, streets, and freeway lanes.

Operation: Build Alternative Option 2 is anticipated to 

shift auto trips to intercity rail passenger trips, thereby 

reducing vehicle trips and VMT on the regional 

highways.

Annual Auto Trips and VMT Reduction by Horizon Year:

Opening Year (2024) auto trip reduction: 99,026 trips

Opening Year (2024) VMT reduction: 9,682,718 miles

Future Year (2044) auto trip reduction: 164,248 trips

Future Year (2044) VMT reduction: 16,060,152 miles

Ridership: Expected to increase by 66 percent from 

188,290 one-way trips in Opening Year (2024) to 

312,306 one-way trips in Future Year (2044).

Construction: Negligible effects in Western Section as 

no construction activities required. Moderate to

substantial effects in Eastern Section associated with rail 

operations, railroad/roadway crossings, and traffic due to 

potential temporary closure of lanes, sidewalks, bicycle 

lanes and routes, driveways, streets, and freeway lanes.

Operation: Build Alternative Option 3 is anticipated to 

shift auto trips to intercity rail passenger trips, thereby 

reducing vehicle trips and VMT on the regional 

highways.

Annual Auto Trips and VMT Reduction by Horizon Year:

Opening Year (2024) auto trip reduction: 99,026 trips

Opening Year (2024) VMT reduction: 9,682,718 miles

Future Year (2044) auto trip reduction: 164,248 trips

Future Year (2044) VMT reduction: 16,060,152 miles

Ridership: Expected to increase by 66 percent from 

188,290 one-way trips in Opening Year (2024) to 

312,306 one-way trips in Future Year (2044).

Visual Quality and 

Aesthetics

Because no physical changes would occur, no effects on 

views of visual resources, visual character or quality, or 

light and glare conditions are anticipated under the No 

Build Alternative.

Construction: Negligible effects in Western Section as no 

construction activities required. Negligible effects on 

visual quality and aesthetics within the Eastern Section 

as construction activities would not permanently obstruct 

views of the landscape, change the visual character, 

result in degradation of visual quality, or add significant 

new sources of light or glare.

Operation: Negligible effects in Western Section as 

trains would operate within existing ROW and the 

addition of two daily roundtrips would not result in 

notable changes to visual quality and aesthetics. 

Potentially moderate effects could occur in the Eastern 

Section if the improvements would remove structures,

remove landscaping, or introduce visual elements that 

are out of scale or otherwise visually incompatible with 

the existing visual character, and/or add increased light 

levels or spillover lighting into adjacent areas.

Construction: Negligible effects in Western Section as no 

construction activities required. Negligible effects on 

visual quality and aesthetics within the Eastern Section 

as construction activities would not permanently obstruct 

views of the landscape, change the visual character, 

result in degradation of visual quality, or add significant 

new sources of light or glare. 

Operation: Negligible effects in Western Section as 

trains would operate within existing ROW and the 

addition of two daily roundtrips would not result in 

notable changes to visual quality and aesthetics. 

Potentially moderate effects could occur in the Eastern 

Section if the improvements would remove structures,

remove landscaping, or introduce visual elements that 

are out of scale or otherwise visually incompatible with 

the existing visual character, and/or add increased light 

levels or spillover lighting into adjacent areas. 

Construction: Negligible effects in Western Section as 

no construction activities required. Negligible effects on 

visual quality and aesthetics within the Eastern Section 

as construction activities would not permanently obstruct 

views of the landscape, change the visual character, 

result in degradation of visual quality, or add significant 

new sources of light or glare. 

Operation: Negligible effects in Western Section as 

trains would operate within existing ROW and the 

addition of two daily roundtrips would not result in 

notable changes to visual quality and aesthetics. 

Potentially moderate effects could occur in the Eastern 

Section if the improvements would remove structures,

remove landscaping, or introduce visual elements that 

are out of scale or otherwise visually incompatible with 

the existing visual character, and/or add increased light 

levels or spillover lighting into adjacent areas. 
Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Pass Rail Corridor Service Program – Draft EIS/EIR

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Environmental Topic No Build Alternative Build Alternative Option 1 Build Alternative Option 2 Build Alternative Option 3

Visual Resources:

Park/trail: 27

Designated scenic highway: 0

NRHP site: 7

NRHP district: 1

Visual Resources:

Park/trail: 25

Designated scenic highway: 0

NRHP site: 7

NRHP district: 1

Visual Resources:

Park/trail: 25

Designated scenic highway: 0

NRHP site: 7

NRHP district: 1

Air Quality and Greenhouse 

Gases

Projected future growth in the Program Corridor would 

result in a corresponding increase in traffic and VMT as 

more cars would be on the roadways. Therefore, traffic 

congestion is likely to worsen with the No Build 

Alternative, resulting in air quality effects. Similarly, with

the continued trend in increases of VMT within the 

Program Corridor, fossil fuel consumption and 

associated GHG emissions would likely increase under 

the No Build Alternative. Similarly, while no 

Program-related construction or increase in service 

would occur, freight and intercity rails trips from other 

planned and future projects would result in air quality 

effects within the Program Corridor under the No Build 

Alternative.

Construction: Negligible air quality and GHG effects in 

the Western Section as no construction activities are 

proposed. Substantial air quality effects in the Eastern 

Section could occur due to construction air quality 

emissions exceeding localized air quality standards. 

Operation: Localized air quality effects could be 

substantial; however, operation of the Program would 

generally result in long-term net benefits to air quality 

through reduction of criteria pollutants through a 

decrease in regional VMT. Substantial GHG benefits are 

anticipated as operation would reduce regional vehicle 

trips and VMT, resulting in a reduction of GHG 

emissions. 

Construction: Negligible air quality and GHG effects in 

the Western Section as no construction activities are 

proposed. Substantial air quality effects in the Eastern 

Section could occur due to construction air quality 

emissions exceeding localized air quality standards. 

Operation: Localized air quality effects could be 

substantial; however, operation of the Program would 

generally result in long-term net benefits to air quality 

through reduction of criteria pollutants through a 

decrease in regional VMT. Substantial GHG benefits are 

anticipated as operation would reduce regional vehicle 

trips and VMT, resulting in a reduction of GHG 

emissions. 

Construction: Negligible air quality and GHG effects in 

the Western Section as no construction activities are 

proposed. Substantial air quality effects in the Eastern 

Section could occur due to construction air quality 

emissions exceeding localized air quality standards. 

Operation: Localized air quality effects could be 

substantial; however, operation of the Program would 

generally result in long-term net benefits to air quality 

through reduction of criteria pollutants through a 

decrease in regional VMT. Substantial GHG benefits are 

anticipated as operation would reduce regional vehicle 

trips and VMT, resulting in a reduction of GHG 

emissions. 

Noise and Vibration No Program-related construction or increase in service 

would occur; however, freight and intercity train trips 

would increase in frequency due to regional growth and 

demand from other projects. Under the No Build 

Alternative, ambient noise and vibration levels from 

existing train operations and local traffic would continue. 

While no Program-related construction or increase in 

service would occur, rail noise is anticipated to increase 

within the Program Corridor.

Construction: Negligible noise and vibration effects in the 

Western Section as no construction activities are 

proposed. Substantial noise effects and moderate 

vibration effects in the Eastern Section due to 

construction noise and vibration levels exceeding FTA or 

local standards at sensitive receptors. 

Operation: Negligible noise and vibration effects 

associated with continued operation of trains and 

stations within Western Section. Moderate noise effects 

within the Eastern Section due to addition of new station 

locations and new rail infrastructure, which could have 

an effect on adjacent noise sensitive uses. Negligible 

vibration effects within the Eastern Section. 

Construction: Negligible noise and vibration effects in the 

Western Section as no construction activities are 

proposed. Substantial noise effects and moderate 

vibration effects in the Eastern Section due to 

construction noise and vibration levels exceeding FTA or 

local standards at sensitive receptors. 

Operation: Negligible noise and vibration effects 

associated with continued operation of trains and 

stations within Western Section. Moderate noise effects 

within the Eastern Section due to addition of new station 

locations and new rail infrastructure, which could have 

an effect on adjacent noise sensitive uses. Negligible 

vibration effects within the Eastern Section. 

Construction: Negligible noise and vibration effects in 

the Western Section as no construction activities are 

proposed. Substantial noise effects and moderate 

vibration effects in the Eastern Section due to 

construction noise and vibration levels exceeding FTA or 

local standards at sensitive receptors. 

Operation: Negligible noise and vibration effects 

associated with continued operation of trains and 

stations within Western Section. Moderate noise effects 

within the Eastern Section due to addition of new station 

locations and new rail infrastructure, which could have 

an effect on adjacent noise sensitive uses. Negligible 

vibration effects within the Eastern Section. 
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Environmental Topic No Build Alternative Build Alternative Option 1 Build Alternative Option 2 Build Alternative Option 3

Jurisdictional Waters and 

Wetland Resources

No effects on jurisdictional waters and wetland resources 

are anticipated under the No Build Alternative.

Construction: Negligible effects in Western Section as no 

construction activities required. Potentially moderate 

effects in the Eastern Section due to temporary 

construction activities in proximity to jurisdictional waters 

and wetlands.

Operation: Negligible effects in Western Section 

associated with continued operation of trains and 

stations within existing ROW. Potentially moderate 

effects in the Eastern Section associated with 

maintenance of culverts, bridges, embankments, and 

station areas.

Waterbodies: 38 waterbodies

Wetlands: 355 wetlands (731 acres)

Construction: Negligible effects in Western Section as no 

construction activities required. Potentially moderate 

effects in the Eastern Section due to temporary 

construction activities in proximity to jurisdictional waters 

and wetlands. 

Operation: Negligible effects in Western Section 

associated with continued operation of trains and 

stations within existing ROW. Potentially moderate 

effects in the Eastern Section associated with 

maintenance of culverts, bridges, embankments, and 

station areas. 

Waterbodies: 38 waterbodies

Wetlands: 353 wetlands (729.78 acres)

Construction: Negligible effects in Western Section as 

no construction activities required. Potentially moderate 

effects in the Eastern Section due to temporary 

construction activities in proximity to jurisdictional waters 

and wetlands. 

Operation: Negligible effects in Western Section

associated with continued operation of trains and 

stations within existing ROW. Potentially moderate 

effects in the Eastern Section associated with 

maintenance of culverts, bridges, embankments, and 

station areas. 

Waterbodies: 38 waterbodies

Wetlands: 353 wetlands (729.78 acres)

Biological Resources No effects on biological resources are anticipated under 

the No Build Alternative.

Construction: Negligible effects in Western Section as no 

construction activities required. Substantial construction 

effects within the Eastern Section due to the numerous 

biological resources within the Program’s potential 

construction footprint.

Operation: Negligible effects in Western Section 

associated with continued operation of trains and 

stations within existing ROW. Potentially moderate 

effects in the Eastern Section associated with 

maintenance activities (e.g., application of pesticides and 

herbicides, addition of light sources that could disrupt 

wildlife habitat/movement and increased human activity).

Sensitive Vegetation Communities: 5 sensitive 

communities with potential to occur

Special-Status Plant Species: 22 species with potential 

to occur

Special-Status Wildlife Species: 66 species with potential 

to occur

Wildlife Movement Corridors: 1 (San Bernardino-San 

Jacinto Connection)

Construction: Negligible effects in Western Section as no 

construction activities required. Substantial construction 

effects within the Eastern Section due to the numerous 

biological resources within the Program’s potential 

construction footprint. 

Operation: Negligible effects in Western Section 

associated with continued operation of trains and 

stations within existing ROW. Potentially moderate 

effects in the Eastern Section associated with 

maintenance activities (e.g., application of pesticides and 

herbicides, addition of light sources that could disrupt 

wildlife habitat/movement and increased human activity). 

Sensitive Natural Communities: 5 sensitive communities 

with potential to occur

Special-Status Plant Species: 22 species with potential 

to occur

Special-Status Wildlife Species: 66 species with potential 

to occur

Wildlife Movement Corridors: 1 (San Bernardino-San 

Jacinto Connection)

Construction: Negligible effects in Western Section as 

no construction activities required. Substantial 

construction effects within the Eastern Section due to 

the numerous biological resources within the Program’s 

potential construction footprint. 

Operation: Negligible effects in Western Section 

associated with continued operation of trains and 

stations within existing ROW. Potentially moderate 

effects in the Eastern Section associated with 

maintenance activities (e.g., application of pesticides 

and herbicides, addition of light sources that could 

disrupt wildlife habitat/movement and increased human 

activity). 

Sensitive Natural Communities: 5 sensitive communities 

with potential to occur

Special-Status Plant Species: 22 species with potential 

to occur

Special-Status Wildlife Species: 66 species with 

potential to occur

Wildlife Movement Corridors: 1 (San Bernardino-San 

Jacinto Connection)
Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Pass Rail Corridor Service Program – Draft EIS/EIR

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Environmental Topic No Build Alternative Build Alternative Option 1 Build Alternative Option 2 Build Alternative Option 3

Floodplains, Hydrology, 

and Water Quality

No effects on floodplains, hydrology, or water quality are 

anticipated under the No Build Alternative.

Construction: Negligible effects in Western Section as no 

construction activities required. Potentially moderate 

effects within the Eastern Section on floodplains, 

hydrology, and water quality would occur as a result of 

construction activities in proximity to these water 

resources.

Operation: Negligible effects in both the Western and 

Eastern Sections due to compliance with legislation 

governing impacts on water resources.

Construction: Negligible effects in Western Section as no 

construction activities required. Potentially moderate 

effects within the Eastern Section on floodplains, 

hydrology, and water quality would occur as a result of 

construction activities in proximity to these water 

resources.

Operation: Negligible effects in both the Western and 

Eastern Sections due to compliance with legislation 

governing impacts on water resources.

Construction: Negligible effects in Western Section as 

no construction activities required. Potentially moderate 

effects within the Eastern Section on floodplains, 

hydrology, and water quality would occur as a result of 

construction activities in proximity to these water 

resources.

Operation: Negligible effects in both the Western and 

Eastern Sections due to compliance with legislation 

governing impacts on water resources.

Geology, Soils, Seismicity, 

and Paleontological 

Resources

Because no physical changes associated with the 

Program would occur, no effects on geology, soils, 

seismicity, and paleontological and mineral resources 

are anticipated under the No Build Alternative. However, 

due to the seismic nature of Southern California, 

geologic hazards such as seismically induced fault 

rupture, ground shaking, landslides, and liquefaction 

may still occur under the No Build Alternative.

Seismic and Geologic Hazards

Construction. Negligible effects in Western Section as no 

construction activities required. Potentially moderate 

effects in the Eastern Section due to construction in 

areas within seismic zones and areas geologically 

ill-suited (e.g., prone to landslides, underlain by 

expansive soils, etc.,) to railroad infrastructure.

Operation. Negligible effects in Western Section as no 

additional infrastructure proposed. Potentially moderate 

effects in the Eastern Section due to the proposed route 

alternative traversing a seismically active region.

Paleontological Resources

Construction. Negligible effects in Western Section as no 

construction activities required. Substantial effects in the 

Eastern Section due to excavation within 

paleontologically sensitive areas.

Operation. Negligible effects as operation in the Western 

and Eastern Sections would not involve sub-surface 

excavations.

Mineral Resources

Construction. Negligible effects in Western Section as no 

construction activities required. Substantial effects in the 

Eastern Section as land designated for mineral resource 

extraction could be converted to transportation use.

Operation. Negligible effects in the Western and Eastern 

Sections as operation would not involve sub-surface 

excavations.

Seismic and Geologic Hazards

Construction. Negligible effects in Western Section as no 

construction activities required. Potentially moderate 

effects in the Eastern Section due to construction in 

areas within seismic zones and areas geologically 

ill-suited (e.g., prone to landslides, underlain by 

expansive soils, etc.,) to railroad infrastructure. 

Operation. Negligible effects in Western Section as no 

additional infrastructure proposed. Potentially moderate 

effects in the Eastern Section due to the proposed route 

alternative traversing a seismically active region. 

Paleontological Resources

Construction. Negligible effects in Western Section as no 

construction activities required. Substantial effects in the 

Eastern Section due to excavation within 

paleontologically sensitive areas. 

Operation. Negligible effects as operation in the Western 

and Eastern Sections would not involve sub-surface 

excavations.

Mineral Resources

Construction. Negligible effects in Western Section as no 

construction activities required. Substantial effects in the 

Eastern Section as land designated for mineral resource 

extraction could be converted to transportation use. 

Operation. Negligible effects in the Western and Eastern 

Sections as operation would not involve sub-surface 

excavations.

Seismic and Geologic Hazards

Construction. Negligible effects in Western Section as 

no construction activities required. Potentially moderate 

effects in the Eastern Section due to construction in 

areas within seismic zones and areas geologically 

ill-suited (e.g., prone to landslides, underlain by 

expansive soils, etc.,) to railroad infrastructure. 

Operation. Negligible effects in Western Section as no 

additional infrastructure proposed. Potentially moderate 

effects in the Eastern Section due to the proposed route 

alternative traversing a seismically active region.

Paleontological Resources

Construction. Negligible effects in Western Section as 

no construction activities required. Substantial effects in 

the Eastern Section due to excavation within 

paleontologically sensitive areas. 

Operation. Negligible effects as operation in the Western 

and Eastern Sections would not involve sub-surface 

excavations.

Mineral Resources

Construction. Negligible effects in Western Section as 

no construction activities required. Substantial effects in 

the Eastern Section as land designated for mineral 

resource extraction could be converted to transportation 

use. 
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Environmental Topic No Build Alternative Build Alternative Option 1 Build Alternative Option 2 Build Alternative Option 3

Operation. Negligible effects in the Western and Eastern 

Sections as operation would not involve sub-surface 

excavations.

Hazards and Hazardous 

Materials

Because no physical changes would occur, no effects on 

hazards or hazardous materials are anticipated under 

the No Build Alternative.

Construction: Negligible effects in Western Section as no 

construction activities required. Potentially moderate 

effects in the Eastern Section due to construction in 

areas located in proximity to hazardous materials sites, 

fire hazard severity zones, and airport influence areas.

Operation: Negligible effects in both the Western and 

Eastern Sections as any operational use/transport of 

hazardous materials would be in compliance with state 

and federal law.

Number of Hazardous Materials Regulatory Database 

Listings: 2,282

Fire Hazard Severity Zones: 4,048.7 acres

Airports/Airport Influence Areas: 8

Schools within 0.25 mile: 26

Construction: Negligible effects in Western Section as no 

construction activities required. Potentially moderate 

effects in the Eastern Section due to construction in 

areas located in proximity to hazardous materials sites, 

fire hazard severity zones, and airport influence areas.

Operation: Negligible effects in both the Western and 

Eastern Sections as any operational use/transport of 

hazardous materials would be in compliance with state 

and federal law.

Number of Hazardous Materials Regulatory Database 

Listings: 2,203

Fire Hazard Severity Zones: 4,048.7 acres

Airports/Airport Influence Areas: 7

Schools within 0.25 mile: 23

Construction: Negligible effects in Western Section as 

no construction activities required. Potentially moderate 

effects in the Eastern Section due to construction in 

areas located in proximity to hazardous materials sites, 

fire hazard severity zones, and airport influence areas.

Operation: Negligible effects in both the Western and 

Eastern Sections as any operational use/transport of 

hazardous materials would be in compliance with state 

and federal law.

Number of Hazardous Materials Regulatory Database 

Listings: 2,203

Fire Hazard Severity Zones: 4,048.7 acres

Airports/Airport Influence Areas: 7

Schools within 0.25 mile: 23

Public Utilities and Energy Because no physical changes would occur, no effects on 

public utilities or solid waste facilities are anticipated 

under the No Build Alternative.

However, projected future growth in the Program 

Corridor would result in a corresponding increase in 

traffic and VMT as more cars would be on the roadways. 

Therefore, traffic congestion is likely to worsen with the 

No Build Alternative, resulting in air quality effects. 

Similarly, with the continued trend in increases of VMT 

within the Program Corridor, energy consumption would 

likely increase under the No Build Alternative.

Construction: Negligible effects in Western Section as no 

construction activities required. Potentially moderate 

effects in the Eastern Section due to conflicts with 

existing utility infrastructure during construction. 

Potentially moderate effects pertaining to water and 

energy use during construction in the Eastern Section as 

construction of the Program would require consumption 

of available resources; however, existing supplies would 

be sufficient.

Operation: Negligible effects in Western Section as 

existing tracks would be utilized and maintenance 

conducted within the existing ROW. Potentially moderate 

effects in the Eastern Section due to increased demand 

for water, energy, wastewater treatment, and solid waste 

disposal. 

Electric transmission lines: 180

Natural gas pipelines: 6

Oil/petroleum product pipelines: 7

Construction: Negligible effects in Western Section as no 

construction activities required. Potentially moderate 

effects in the Eastern Section due to conflicts with 

existing utility infrastructure during construction. 

Potentially moderate effects pertaining to water and 

energy use during construction in the Eastern Section as 

construction of the Program would require consumption 

of available resources; however, existing supplies would 

be sufficient.

Operation: Negligible effects in Western Section as 

existing tracks would be utilized and maintenance 

conducted within the existing ROW. Potentially moderate 

effects in the Eastern Section due to increased demand 

for water, energy, wastewater treatment, and solid waste 

disposal. 

Electric transmission lines: 174

Natural gas pipelines: 6

Oil/petroleum product pipelines: 7

Construction: Negligible effects in Western Section as 

no construction activities required. Potentially moderate 

effects in the Eastern Section due to conflicts with 

existing utility infrastructure during construction. 

Potentially moderate effects pertaining to water and 

energy use during construction in the Eastern Section as 

construction of the Program would require consumption 

of available resources; however, existing supplies would 

be sufficient.

Operation: Negligible effects in Western Section as 

existing tracks would be utilized and maintenance 

conducted within the existing ROW. Potentially 

moderate effects in the Eastern Section due to 

increased demand for water, energy, wastewater 

treatment, and solid waste disposal. 

Electric transmission lines: 174

Natural gas pipelines: 6

Oil/petroleum product pipelines: 7
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Environmental Topic No Build Alternative Build Alternative Option 1 Build Alternative Option 2 Build Alternative Option 3

Canals/aqueducts: 1

Landfills in proximity: 27

Canals/aqueducts: 1

Landfills in proximity: 27

Canals/aqueducts: 1

Landfills in proximity: 27

Cultural Resources Because no physical changes would occur, no effects on 

cultural resources are anticipated under the No Build 

Alternative. 

Construction: Negligible effects in Western Section as no 

construction activities required. Substantial effects in the 

Eastern Section as construction activities could result in 

damage and disturbance of cultural resources, including 

previously unknown buried cultural resources and/or 

human remains.

Operation: Negligible effects in both the Western and 

Eastern Sections as operational activities would be 

predominantly located in the railroad ROW with low 

probability of damaging cultural resources and/or human 

remains.

Number of Known Cultural Resources: 384 

(117 archaeological sites and 267 built environment 

resources). Of these 384 known cultural resources, 1 

resource is a listed NRHP property, 41 resources are 

potentially eligible for NRHP or CRHR listing, and 188 

resources have not been evaluated for NRHP or CRHR 

eligibility.

Construction: Negligible effects in Western Section as no 

construction activities required. Substantial effects in the 

Eastern Section as construction activities could result in 

damage and disturbance of cultural resources, including 

previously unknown buried cultural resources and/or 

human remains. 

Operation: Negligible effects in both the Western and 

Eastern Sections as operational activities would be 

predominantly located in the railroad ROW with low 

probability of damaging cultural resources and/or human 

remains.

Number of Known Cultural Resources: 361 

(112 archaeological sites and 249 built environment 

resources). Of these 361 known cultural resources, 1 

resource is a listed NRHP property, 36 resources are 

potentially eligible for NRHP or CRHR listing, and 171 

resources have not been evaluated for NRHP or CRHR 

eligibility.

Construction: Negligible effects in Western Section as 

no construction activities required. Substantial effects in 

the Eastern Section as construction activities could 

result in damage and disturbance of cultural resources, 

including previously unknown buried cultural resources 

and/or human remains. 

Operation: Negligible effects in both the Western and 

Eastern Sections as operational activities would be 

predominantly located in the railroad ROW with low 

probability of damaging cultural resources and/or human 

remains.

Number of Known Cultural Resources: 361 

(112 archaeological sites and 249 built environment 

resources). Of these 361 known cultural resources, 1 

resource is a listed NRHP property, 36 resources are 

potentially eligible for NRHP or CRHR listing, and 171 

resources have not been evaluated for NRHP or CRHR 

eligibility.
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Environmental Topic No Build Alternative Build Alternative Option 1 Build Alternative Option 2 Build Alternative Option 3

Parklands and Community 

Services

Because no physical changes would occur, no effects on 

parklands or community services are anticipated under 

the No Build Alternative. 

Construction: Negligible effects in Western Section as no 

construction activities required. Moderate effects in 

Eastern Section could result on existing parklands and 

community facilities if the resources are near where an 

infrastructure improvement or station is being 

constructed and/or if parklands would be acquired and 

demolished to construct the proposed improvements.

Operation: Negligible effects in Western Section as

operation would occur within an existing railroad ROW.

Potentially moderate effects in the Eastern Section as 

new station areas could encourage transit-oriented 

development and associated increases in population 

and, in turn, increases in the use of existing parks and 

community facilities; however, operation of the new 

railroad infrastructure and stations would not be 

anticipated to require new or physically altered parklands 

and community facilities.

Park/trail: 27

Place of worship: 90

Educational facility: 27

Healthcare facility: 8

Fire protection facility: 9

Law enforcement facility: 6

Construction: Negligible effects in Western Section as no 

construction activities required. Moderate effects in 

Eastern Section could result on existing parklands and 

community facilities if the resources are near where an 

infrastructure improvement or station is being 

constructed and/or if parklands would be acquired and 

demolished to construct the proposed improvements.

Operation: Negligible effects in Western Section as

operation would occur within an existing railroad ROW.

Potentially moderate effects in the Eastern Section as 

new station areas could encourage transit-oriented 

development and associated increases in population 

and, in turn, increases in the use of existing parks and 

community facilities; however, operation of the new 

railroad infrastructure and stations would not be 

anticipated to require new or physically altered parklands 

and community facilities.

Park/trail: 25

Place of worship: 85

Educational facility: 23

Healthcare facility: 6

Fire protection facility: 9

Law enforcement facility: 6

Construction: Negligible effects in Western Section as 

no construction activities required. Moderate effects in 

Eastern Section could result on existing parklands and 

community facilities if the resources are near where an 

infrastructure improvement or station is being 

constructed and/or if parklands would be acquired and 

demolished to construct the proposed improvements.

Operation: Negligible effects in Western Section as

operation would occur within an existing railroad ROW.

Potentially moderate effects in the Eastern Section as 

new station areas could encourage transit-oriented 

development and associated increases in population 

and, in turn, increases in the use of existing parks and 

community facilities; however, operation of the new 

railroad infrastructure and stations would not be 

anticipated to require new or physically altered 

parklands and community facilities.

Park/trail: 25

Place of worship: 85

Educational facility: 23

Healthcare facility: 6

Fire protection facility: 9

Law enforcement facility: 6
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Environmental Topic No Build Alternative Build Alternative Option 1 Build Alternative Option 2 Build Alternative Option 3

Safety and Security Because no physical changes would occur, no effects on 

safety and security are anticipated under the No Build 

Alternative. 

Construction: Negligible effects in Western Section as no 

construction activities required. Potentially moderate in 

the Eastern Section effects associated with construction 

as temporary closure of lanes, sidewalks, bicycle lanes 

and routes, driveways, streets, and freeway lanes could 

result in safety hazards during construction.

Operation: Negligible effects in the Western Section as 

the addition of two daily round trips would not change the 

existing safety and security protocols for passengers, 

transit employees, and the public in or near the existing 

passenger rail system or station facilities. Potentially 

moderate effects in the Eastern Section due to 

implementation of new infrastructure requiring new rail 

safety equipment and protocols.

Construction: Negligible effects in Western Section as no 

construction activities required. Potentially moderate 

effects in the Eastern Section associated with 

construction as temporary closure of lanes, sidewalks, 

bicycle lanes and routes, driveways, streets, and 

freeway lanes could result in safety hazards during 

construction. 

Operation: Negligible effects in the Western Section as 

the addition of two daily round trips would not change the 

existing safety and security protocols for passengers, 

transit employees, and the public in or near the existing 

passenger rail system or station facilities. Potentially 

moderate effects in the Eastern Section due to 

implementation of new infrastructure requiring new rail 

safety equipment and protocols.

Construction: Negligible effects in Western Section as 

no construction activities required. Potentially moderate 

effects in the Eastern Section associated with 

construction as temporary closure of lanes, sidewalks, 

bicycle lanes and routes, driveways, streets, and 

freeway lanes could result in safety hazards during 

construction. 

Operation: Negligible effects in the Western Section as 

the addition of two daily round trips would not change 

the existing safety and security protocols for 

passengers, transit employees, and the public in or near 

the existing passenger rail system or station facilities.

Potentially moderate effects in the Eastern Section due 

to implementation of new infrastructure requiring new rail 

safety equipment and protocols.

Notes:

CRHR=California Register of Historical Resources; FTA=Federal Transit Administration; GHG=greenhouse gas; I=Interstate; NRHP=National Register of Historic Places; ROW=right-of-way; SR=State Route; VMT=vehicle miles traveled
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7.1 Preferred Alternative

During the Tier 1/Program scoping process, FRA, Caltrans, and RCTC conducted an interactive 

process to develop the Program Purpose and Need, as well as high-level goals and objectives 

(Chapter 2, Program Alternatives). The Program goals and objectives were then used to develop an 

evaluation framework, which served as the basis for the analysis of Program Corridor concepts and 

preliminary alternatives, as well as the identification of the preferred alternative. The key 

differentiating factors for this recommendation are summarized in Table 7-1. Chapter 3, Sections 

3.2 through 3.17, describes the potential environmental consequences of the No Build Alternative 

and the Build Alternative Options. 

As summarized in Table 7-1, the No Build Alternative does not meet the Purpose and Need. 

Specifically, the No Build Alternative would not divert highway trips within the Program Corridor, 

reduce congestion, increase access to employment and activity centers, or provide reliable travel 

times and a level of safety comparable to that offered by passenger rail travel. The No Build 

Alternative would not connect the urban, suburban, and rural areas between Los Angeles and 

Coachella with a high-capacity travel option, facilitate continued development of a multimodal 

transportation network, or provide mobility choices for existing and future needs.

In summary, considering the projected ridership, agency and public input, and potential 

environmental impacts associated with improving passenger rail within the Program Corridor, a 

passenger rail system from LAUS to Coachella (Build Alternative Option 1) is considered to be more 

cost efficient and better performing than a passenger rail system from LAUS to Indio (Build 

Alternative Option 2) or with limited third track infrastructure (Build Alternative Option 3), with similar 

potential impacts on the environment. FRA and Caltrans recommend Build Alternative Option 1 as 

the preferred alternative in the Draft Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR for purposes of NEPA.

7.2 Environmentally Superior Alternative

CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.6(e)(2) requires the selection of an environmentally superior 

alternative. Based on the evaluation presented in Table 7-1, the No Build Alternative would be the 

environmentally superior alternative because it would not result in any new construction-related 

effects or require new land acquisition that may be required for rail infrastructure. However, as 

further described below, the No Build Alternative does not offer potential long-term air quality, 

transportation, or economic benefits outlined in the Program’s Purpose and Need. 

CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.6(e)(2) also states that where the No Project (No Build) Alternative 

is considered the environmentally superior alternative, the EIR shall identify another environmentally 
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7 Evaluation of Alternatives

May 2021 | 7-14

superior alternative. Accordingly, this Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR also considered the Build Alternative,

which consists of three Build Alternative Options. While the Build Alternative Options would 

potentially affect environmental resources in the Program Corridor, various components of the Build 

Alternative Options would (individually and collectively) enhance safety and enable greater reliability 

for both passenger and freight rail traffic. Additionally, the Build Alternative Options would meet the 

following goals:

1. Provides travelers between the Los Angeles Basin and the Coachella Valley with a public 

transportation service that offers more convenient and competitive trip times, better station 

access, and more frequency than currently available public transportation services

2. Provides travelers between the Los Angeles Basin and the Coachella Valley with an 

alternative to driving that offers reliable travel schedules

3. Provides travelers between the Los Angeles Basin and the Coachella Valley with an 

affordable transportation service

4. Serves a range of trip purposes traveling between the Los Angeles Basin and the Coachella 

Valley, particularly including business, social, medical, leisure, and recreational trips

5. Improves regional travel opportunities between the Los Angeles Basin and the Coachella 

Valley for transit-dependent people

6. Serves the expected population growth in the Los Angeles Basin and the Coachella Valley

7. Does not preclude, by choice of alignment or technology, a possible future corridor 

expansion between the Coachella Valley and Phoenix

In addition, the Build Alternative Options are anticipated to contribute to improvements in regional air 

quality, as increased rail ridership would lead to fewer automotive VMT in the Program Corridor. 

While Build Alternative Options 2 and 3 could have less environmental impacts (due to a shorter rail 

route and fewer station facilities), Build Alternative Options 2 and 3 are anticipated to result in fewer 

reductions of VMT and GHG emissions than Build Alternative Option 1. In addition, at this Tier 

1/Program EIS/EIR service-level evaluation, site-specific environmental impacts are not known and 

could be the same for all Build Alternative Options, depending on the location of the rail 

infrastructure improvements and station facilities. For purposes of this Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR, Build 

Alternative Option 1 has been identified as the environmentally superior alternative and 

recommended preferred alternative.