Environmental review of the Richmond Ferry Terminal Project is required under provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA). Additionally, other state, local and Federal agencies have jurisdiction over the project area and/or resources that could potentially be impacted by the project.

California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) | Status: Complete

On May 6, 2014, WETA submitted a Notice of Intent to Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration to the State Clearinghouse (SCH#: 2014052011) providing a brief description of the proposed project, establishing a 30-day period for public comments extending through June 4, 2014, and listing project contacts for additional information. The Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration identifies potentially significant impacts associated with the project including aesthetics, air quality, biological resources, greenhouse gas emissions, cultural resources, geology and soils, hazards and hazardous materials, hydrology and water quality, noise, transportation/traffic, and mandatory findings of significance. Mitigation measures identified in the document and included in the project will reduce all potential impacts to a less-than-significant level.

On September 10, 2014, WETA filed a Notice of Determination advising the State Clearinghouse and Contra Costa County Clerk that the WETA Board had approved the project and adopted a Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the project on September 4, 2014. A full copy of the Initial Study/Mitigation Negative Declaration and record of project approval is available to the General Public at: WETA Administrative Offices, Pier 9, Suite 111, The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94111.

Download the ISMND: Initial Study / Mitigated Negative Declaration (354pp PDF, 11 MB)

National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) | Status: Complete

On October 19, 2015 the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the federal lead agency for the project, issued a determination that the Richmond Ferry Terminal project qualifies for a categorical exclusion under 23 CFR Part 771.118(d). The determination was made in consultation with the National Marine Fisheries Service and the State Office of Historic Preservation and finds that the project: does not induce significant environmental impacts to planned growth or land use for the area; does not require the relocation of significant numbers of people; does not have a significant impact on natural, cultural, recreational, historical or other resources; does not involve significant air, noise, or water quality impacts; does not have significant impacts on travel patterns; does not result in a use or constructive use of historic or other resources within the meaning of Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act, 49 USC Part 303; and does not otherwise, either individually or cumulatively, have any significant environmental impact.

Download NEPA Determination of Categorical Exclusion (1p PDF, 57 KB)

Permits Required
Additionally, other state, local and Federal agencies have jurisdiction over the project area and/or resources that could potentially be impacted by the project. The following permits and approvals will be required:

• City of Richmond - Approval of long-term lease for construction and operation of new facilities within City jurisdiction. (Pending)
• City of Richmond - Design Review approval and approval of Conditional Use Permit and Building Permit. (Pending)
• National Marine Fisheries Service - Section 7 Endangered Species Act and Essential Fish Habitat consultations. (Complete, June 2015)
• State Historic Preservation Office - National Historic Preservation Act Section 106 consultation related to potential impacts to historic resources. (Complete, May 2015)
• San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission - Permit including Design Review approval. (Pending)
• San Francisco Regional Water Quality Control Board - Clean Water Act Section 402 and Section 401 water quality certification for placement of fill into waters of the United States and for approval of dredging. (Pending)
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Clean Water Act Section 404 and Rivers and Harbors Act Section 10 permit for placement of fill into waters of the United States and for approval of dredging. (Pending)