Blue Line Extension

​​​Final Environmental Impact Study

The Final EIS presents the project's purpose and need, and evaluates the social, economic, environmental and transportation effects associated with the LYNX Blue Line Extension (LYNX BLE) light rail project. The Final EIS also includes responses to comments received on the Draft EIS, and planned mitigation measures to reduce anticipated impacts. ​

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VOLUME I:

ES.1 Project Study Area 
ES.2 Purpose and Need for Action 
ES.3 Alternatives Considered 
ES.4 Summary of Transportation Impacts 
ES.5 Summary of Environmental Consequences 
ES.6 Mitigation Summary 
ES.7 Financial Analysis and Investment Impacts 
ES.8 Evaluation of Alternatives 
ES.9 Public Involvement and Agency Coordination 
ES.10 Next Steps

CHAPTER 1.0 PURPOSE AND NEED (2.3 mb)
1.1 Changes to this Chapter since the Draft EIS 
1.2 Introduction 
1.3 Corridor Description 
1.4 Travel Demand and Transportation Deficiencies 
1.5 Goals and Objectives

CHAPTER 2.0 ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED (15.6 mb)
2.1 Changes to this Chapter since the Draft EIS 
2.2 Screening, Selection and Refinement Process 
2.3 Alternatives Considered in the Final EIS

CHAPTER 3.0 TRANSPORTATION (3.2 mb)
3.1 Changes to this Chapter since the Draft EIS 
3.2 Affected Environment 
3.3 Environmental Consequences 
3.4 Mitigation

CHAPTER 4.0 LAND USE, PUBLIC POLICY AND ZONING (5.8 mb)
4.1 Changes to this Chapter since the Draft EIS 
4.2 Affected Environment 
4.3 Environmental Consequences 
4.4 Mitigation

CHAPTER 5.0 SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS (146k)
5.1 Changes to this Chapter since the Draft EIS 
5.2 Affected Environment 
5.3 Environmental Consequences 
5.4 Mitigation

CHAPTER 6.0 NEIGHBORHOODS, COMMUNITY SERVICES AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE (1.3 mb)
​ 6.1 Changes to this Chapter since the Draft EIS 
6.2 Affected Environment 
6.3 Environmental Consequences 
6.4 Mitigation

CHAPTER 7.0 VISUAL AND AESTHETIC (29.9 mb)
7.1 Changes to this Chapter since the Draft EIS 
7.2 Affected Environment 
7.3 Environmental Consequences 
7.4 Mitigation 
7.5 Coordination

CHAPTER 8.0 CULTURAL RESOURCES (532k)
8.1 Changes to this Chapter since the Draft EIS 
8.2 Affected Environment 
8.3 Environmental Consequences 
8.4 Mitigation 
8.5 Consultation

9.1 Chang​es to this Chapter since the Draft EIS​ 
9.2 Affected Environment 
9.3 Environmental Consequences 
9.4 Mitigation

10.1 Changes to this Chapter since the Draft EIS 
10.2 Affected Environment 
10.3 Environmental Consequences 
10.4 Mitigation

11.1 Changes to this Chapter since the Draft EIS 
11.2 Affected Environment 
11.3 Environmental Consequences 
11.4 Mitigation

12.1 Changes to this Chapter since the Draft EIS 
12.2 Legal and Regulatory Context 
12.3 Affected Environment 
12.4 Environmental Consequences 
12.5 Mitigation

13.1 Changes to this Chapter since the Draft EIS 
13.2 Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Guidelines 
13.3 Affected Environment 
13.4 Environmental Consequences 
13.5 Mitigation

14.1 Changes to this Chapter since the Draft EIS 
14.2 Affected Environment 
14.3 Environmental Consequences – Direct Energy 
14.4 Environmental Consequence – Indirect Energy 
14.5 Mitigation

15.1 Changes to this Chapter since the Draft EIS 
15.2 Affected Environment 
15.3 Environmental Consequences 
15.4 Mitigation

16.1 Changes to this Chapter since the Draft EIS 
16.2 Affected Environment 
16.3 Environmental Consequences 
16.4 Mitigation

17.1 Changes to this Chapter since the Draft EIS 
17.2 Acquisitions and Displacements 
17.3 Mitigation

18.1 Changes to this Chapter since the Draft EIS 
18.2 Construction 
18.3 Construction Education and Outreach Plan 
18.4 Construction Regulations 
18.5 Construction Schedule 
18.6 Construction Methods 
18.7 Utilities 
18.8 Transportation, Traffic and Parking 
18.9 Land Use, Community Facilities and Businesses 
18.10 Displacements and Relocation of Existing Uses 
18.11 Visual and Aesthetic Qualities 
18.12 Neighborhoods, Community Services and Environmental Justice 
18.13 Air Quality 
18.14 Noise and Vibration 
18.15 Natural Resources 
18.16 Water Resources 
18.17 Cultural, Historical and Archaeological Resources 
18.18 Parklands 
18.19 Energy 
18.20 Hazardous and Contaminated Materials 
18.21 Safety and Security 
18.22 Mitigation

19.1 Changes to this Chapter since the Draft EIS 
19.2 Definition of Terms 
19.3 Affected Environment 
19.4 Potential Secondary Effects 
19.5 Potential Cumulative Effects 
19.6 Commitment of Resources 
19.7 Mitigation

20.1 Changes to this Chapter since the Draft EIS 
20.2 Capital Program 
20.3 Operating Program 
20.4 Financial Projections 
20.5 Forecast Risks

21.1 Changes to this Chapter since the Draft EIS 
21.2 Project Goals and Effectiveness 
21.3 Equity 
21.4 FTA New Starts Criteria and Project Status 
21.5 Summary and Significant Trade-Offs

22.1 Public Outreach Processes 
22.2 Public Involvement Program 
22.3 Project Notification Lists 
22.4 Environmental Justice Outreach 
22.5 Agency Coordination 
22.6 Continued Coordination, Required Permits and Agency Approvals

23.1 Written Comments Received 
23.2 Public Hearing Verbal Testimony Comments Received

VOLUME II – APPENDICIES: