WHAT ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT? ———————————————————
The route for the final segment of the 241 is safe for the environment, watershed, wildlife, campers, surfing and the beaches, according to a series of independent reports from federal and state agencies and respected experts.
Protecting wildlife. TCA has received three wildlife approvals. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration determined steelhead trout would not be adversely affected in 2007. In April 2008, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued the Biological Opinion, confirming the project complies with the Endangered Species Act and that it would not jeopardize any endangered species’ survival or recovery. It also describes the extensive mitigation efforts to minimize impact and protect threatened species. The final permit, the Streambed Alteration Agreement, was issued by the California Department of Fish and Game in May 2008. The agreement is designed to protect existing diversity of habitats through restoration in the project area and adjacent areas. TCA has already restored, created, and preserved more than 2,100 acres as part of construction of the existing Toll Road system. Click here to see a complete list of the permits required.
Campgrounds to remain open. The route for Foothill-South does not remove or damage any campsites within the San Onofre State Park.
“Given the strong measures adopted by the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) to minimize noise impacts we believe the campground will remain enjoyable, accessible and open. There is no reason to believe San Mateo Campground will be negatively impacted by the SR241 project.” — Mike Chrisman, California Resources Secretary
The Truth about Trestles. There has been a lot said about what might happen to the surf break at Trestles at San Onofre State Beach. The truth is, though, nothing will happen. Zero. Nada. Zilch. TCA specifically analyzed potential impacts to coastal surf spots. Studies concluded that there will be no effect in sediment movement and therefore no effect on surf breaks. Click here to read a report by coastal engineering expert Dave Skelly on the toll road's impact to surf spots.
What about the wetlands? Wetlands are a very important part of our coastal ecosystem, and are also one of the reasons our coast is so unique. This is why TCA engineers shifted the alignment of the road to avoid sensitive wetlands. The preferred alignment impacts less than one acre of wetlands.
Quality of life is one thing, but what about water quality? TCA developed a water quality plan that ensures all roadway runoff is treated and cleaned of pollutants before it reaches local creeks and ultimately the ocean. Sand filters will be built to capture runoff from the Toll Road as well as a two-mile portion of I-5 that is currently untreated. The road will bridge over San Mateo Creek, allowing water to flow naturally as it does today under the existing I-5 freeway and railroad bridges. 
Project will reduce CO2 emissions. Once the 241 opens to traffic, it will reduce CO2 emissions by 569,000 pounds per day. Improved traffic speeds create the emissions reduction, which is why the 241 is part of the Southern California Association of Governments Regional Transportation Plan.
What are undercrossings? The traffic under a freeway can rival activity above. These undercrossings allow deer, coyote and other animals to safely connect to their habitat areas and enable important migration routes to stay intact. The alignment was actually designed to maximize open space to the east so the wildlife has more room to roam.
There is more to it than just setting land aside. TCA is complying with both NEPA (National Environmental Protection Act) and CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) in planning the completion of the 241 Toll Road. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Federal Highway Administration, Caltrans and Camp Pendleton have had extensive oversight during the planning process. They have helped address air, water and environmental issues and ensure as little impact as possible.
