Lincoln urges Placer County to use rubberized asphalt for road improvements

The Regular Planning Commission Meeting held in Lincoln, Placer County, on April 19, 2025, focused on critical discussions regarding environmental mitigation strategies and air quality management related to local infrastructure projects.

The meeting began with a presentation on the use of rubberized asphalt as a potential mitigation measure for noise pollution associated with road widening and resurfacing projects. It was noted that while this method could effectively reduce noise levels below the established thresholds, the city of Lincoln faced jurisdictional limitations. The two segments of the project in question fell outside the city’s jurisdiction, placing them under Placer County's authority. Consequently, Lincoln officials expressed their inability to mandate the county to implement this mitigation strategy, leading to a conclusion that the noise impact would be "significant and unavoidable."

Commission members then shifted their focus to air quality concerns, particularly regarding the impact of increased traffic on local air quality and greenhouse gas emissions. A discussion ensued about the challenges of mitigating air quality issues, especially for larger projects that often exceed established emission thresholds. The environmental analysis typically calculates expected air emissions, and if a project surpasses these thresholds, feasible mitigation measures must be considered.

The conversation highlighted that while some mitigation strategies, such as promoting electric lawnmowers or developing trails, may not significantly reduce emissions, other approaches have been more effective. One notable strategy discussed was the replacement of higher-polluting vehicles, such as older school buses, with cleaner alternatives. This method has been successfully employed by Placer County and was referenced as a potential model for future projects in Lincoln.

The meeting concluded with a call for further questions, indicating ongoing engagement with community members regarding these pressing environmental issues. The discussions underscored the complexities of managing air quality and noise pollution in the context of local infrastructure development, emphasizing the need for collaboration between city and county authorities to achieve effective mitigation outcomes.