Public Notice: Preparation of Draft Environmental Impact Report for the LOSSAN Rail Realignment Project
The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) has released the Notice of Preparation (NOP) for the Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) on the San Diego portion of the Rail Realignment Project. It is the beginning of the process, but now is the time to learn more about the project alternatives and share your input on the alternatives and important studies and analysis that will be completed for a Draft EIR. The Scoping Meeting on June 18th, is your opportunity to get involved and help shape the project alternatives that could significantly impact not only our region, but also the City of Solana Beach, the Fairgrounds, and San Dieguito Lagoon.
What is the LOSSAN Rail Realignment Project?
This project aims to address the pressing issue of eroding bluffs along the Del Mar coastline by relocating the existing railroad tracks to a more stable alignment to ensure the long-term reliability and efficiency of train access up and down the San Diego region.
What is being proposed?
SANDAG has proposed three alternatives which arose from a comprehensive study that looked at more than a dozen design and alignment alternatives. One of the proposed alternatives - Alternative A (shown below) involves the redevelopment of the previously improved southern end of the Solana Beach railroad trench and the creation of a tunnel in Solana Beach starting at Lomas Santa Fe, under Via de la Valle, the Fairgrounds and the San Dieguito Lagoon. The other two – Alternatives B and C – start in Del Mar immediately south of the San Dieguito rivermouth with two different alignments – one with deep tunneling 300 feet under Crest Canyon, and the other under Camino del Mar/Highway 101.
Why the CEQA NOP is Important to You
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) mandates the issuance of an NOP to inform the public about the preparation of a comprehensive environmental review document (Draft EIR). The public, stakeholders, and other interested persons and businesses are invited to provide input on ways in which there may be a significant direct or indirect impacts on the environment, during and after the 7+ year construction period, and most importantly, other alternatives that should be considered. Your participation at the NOP Public Meeting on June 18th ensures that your input is received early and the EIR addresses all relevant environmental impacts and community concerns. This is your chance to influence decisions that will affect the environment, public safety, and the quality of life in our City.
How to Participate and Submit Your Comments
SANDAG will be holding a Public Scoping Meeting to discuss the Draft EIR for the LOSSAN Rail Realignment Project. This meeting will take place on June 18, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at the San Diego Marriott Del Mar, located at 11966 El Camino Real, San Diego, CA 92130. Free parking will be provided.
This meeting is your chance to learn more about the project, ask questions, and provide feedback. Your participation is essential. If you cannot attend the meeting, you can still make your voice heard by submitting written comments in two ways:
- By Mail: Address your comments to SANDAG, 401 B Street, Suite 800, San Diego, CA 92101, ATTN: Tim Pesce.
- By Email: Send your comments with the subject line "SDLRR Project NOP" to lossancorridor@sandag.org. (please feel free to copy the City of Solana Beach email address: LOSSANalignment@cosb.org.)
Comments should be submitted as soon as possible but no later than July 19, 2024.