Planning commission certifies final EIR for regional groundwater project, accepts staff findings

Planning Department staff presented the final Environmental Impact Report for the proposed regional groundwater storage and recovery project sponsored by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission and recommended that the Planning Commission certify the EIR. Tim Johnston of the department’s Environmental Planning section said the draft EIR identified potentially significant and unavoidable impacts (including aesthetics, land use and noise) and listed mitigation measures; he noted that one mitigation (HY6) was designed to protect adjacent wells and irrigators.

Public commenters raised concerns about impacts to irrigation pumpers and property owners outside city limits (attorney Robert Maddow), and Bayview‑area residents asked questions about wider water‑system implications. Staff said the SFPUC would need to adopt a Statement of Overriding Considerations under CEQA if the PUC approves the project in light of unavoidable impacts. After questions and discussion, the commission unanimously moved to certify the EIR and forwarded the related general‑plan referral and CEQA findings.

The vote: The commission adopted the staff certification by unanimous roll call. Commissioners asked staff to note public commenters’ concerns in the project record and to ensure monitoring and mitigation commitments are tracked during subsequent project approvals.

Next steps: SFPUC will decide on project approvals; if it moves forward the PUC will evaluate adopting a Statement of Overriding Considerations and the mitigation measures will be implemented and monitored.