HIA of the Proposed Expansion of the I-710 Freeway

HIA and Environmental Impact Assessment in Southern California Introduction

Although existing laws, regulations and guidance support the inclusion of a comprehensive health analysis in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), current EIA practice usually does not link proposed actions and alternatives to health outcomes. A complete analysis of health effects responsive to NEPA would consider all potentially significant direct, indirect and cumulative health impacts associated with the proposed action and alternatives. Similar to a HIA, the analysis would include descriptions of baseline heath status and determinants of health for the affected population, predictions of impacts on health and health determinants, and mitigation measures for potential adverse impacts (See HIP’s FAQ about HIA and EIA). The following two projects (Proposed Expansion of the I-710 Freeway and Scope of an HIA for the Ports of LA and Long Beach) demonstrate opportunities in Southern California where the consideration of potential health impacts can be enhanced by integrating HIA and EIA.

HIA Scope for the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach

Background More than 40% of all goods imported into the U.S. pass through the Ports of LA and Long Beach. As the U.S. economy becomes increasingly global, trade through these ports is expected to increase, and the Ports must increase their capacity in order to meet future demand. Current and future activities at the Ports can impact determinants of health such as housing, transportation, employment and income, noise, air quality, access to goods and services, access to parks, and social networks.

Current practice of the ports has been to conduct health risk assessments (HRA) that consider the effects of air contaminants on cancer rates, and acute and chronic non-cancer health risks related to specific port projects. HRAs do not consider the baseline health burden in neighboring environmental justice communities, the cumulative impacts of port activities on criteria air pollutant exposure or hotspots, neighborhood sound levels, traffic safety, walkability and livability or other direct or indirect impacts of port activities on environmental stressors or health resources.

Opportunity for Integrating HIA and EIA In the past year, the EPA Region 9 has provided comments on 7 Environmental Impact Statements (EISs), recommending that both ports conduct HIAs to help identify additional mitigation measures to offset cumulative and disproportionate human health impacts from port activities. In order to clarify where HIA could add value to future port projects and activities, the EPA contracted Human Impact Partners (HIP) to develop a HIA Scope for proposed activities at the Ports of LA and Long Beach. HIP conducted a stakeholder meeting, explaining HIA, how it could integrate with EIA, and getting feedback about potential health impacts to consider. The EPA is currently reviewing a draft scope. Next Steps •  Public Comment on the HIA Scope •  Strategize about how to move forward to conduct an HIA

Air Pollution Noise Water Pollution Traffic and Rail Displacement Economic Effects Neighborhood Livability Port Revenue and Funding

Potential Areas of Focus for HIA

Background The I-710 freeway links the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to the rest of Southern California and beyond. Due to population growth, increases in cargo container transport, increasing traffic volumes, and aging infrastructure, the I-710 faces serious congestion and safety issues. In 2005, the LA County Metropolitan Transportation Authority proposed to decrease congestion and improve safety by expanding and making improvements along an 18-mile span of the I-710 that passes through 15 cities and unincorporated areas.

The I-710 is located close to residences and other sensitive sites, including schools, day care and senior centers, and hospitals. The majority low-income and communities of color that live along the I-710 corridor are already burdened with levels of pollution that exceed other areas in the county and state, and exceed federal and state standards. As a result, there are concerns about the existing and future health impacts for communities living along the corridor.

Opportunity for Integrating HIA and EIA A coalition of local community groups, public agencies, and universities have been working to bring health to the forefront of the I-710 project for years. They are interested in using HIA to ensure health is considered comprehensively in the development and implementation of the project and in encouraging the lead agencies (CalTrans and MTA) to expand the health analysis in the EIA. These groups brought HIP in to conduct a HIA training and to provide technical assistance. Issues that could be addressed in a HIA include air quality, congestion and mobility (including pedestrian safety), noise, jobs and economic development, and access to goods and public services. After nearly a year of communicating the need for more robust analysis of the health impacts of the proposed I-710 project, a recommendation to conduct and fund a HIA was passed by the I-710 Project Committee, the highest decision making body for the project.

Next Steps •  A request for HIA proposals is being prepared •  Continued advocacy to ensure that the HIA is conducted, the findings considered, and mitigations for adverse impacts implemented.

Potential Areas of Focus for HIA Air Pollution Noise Light Congestion and Mobility Displacement Economic Effects Access to Community resources Segregation and Isolation

Sample Research Questions for the HIA Scope for the Ports Potential Impacts of the I-710 Project on Community Resources

Baseline Questions Impact Questions

What are the current volumes of traffic at ports and on roads in the impacted areas? How will the proposed project impact traffic volumes at ports and on

roads in the impacted areas? How will projected changes in traffic impact air quality and noise pollution in the impacted areas? [See Air Quality and Noise]

How many traffic collisions occur annually in the impacted areas? How many injuries and fatalities currently occur as a result of traffic collisions in the impacted areas? How will the proposed project impact traffic collisions involving

pedestrians, bicyclists, or drivers? How will projected changes in traffic collisions impact the number of injuries and fatalities in the impacted areas?

What are the current rates of physical activity for populations living in the impacted areas? What are the health impacts of these activity levels (e.g., cardiovascular disease, mental health, diabetes)?

How will projected changes in time spent in traffic, commute times, and mode of transportation impact rates of physical activity for these populations? What are the health impacts of projected changes in levels of physical activity (e.g., cardiovascular disease, mental health, diabetes)?

University of Southern California: Andrea Hricko

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health: Paul Simon

Environmental Protection Agency Region 9: Denise Dickenson Zoe Heller Tom Kelly Enrique Manzanilla Steven John Deldi Reyes

Acknowledgements Human Impact Partners: Rajiv Bhatia Jonathan Heller Jennifer Lucky Marnie Purciel Tina Yuen

East Yard Communities for Environmental Justice: Angelo Logan

University of California, Los Angeles:

Elina Nasser