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APPENDIX 5.10A:OBENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE The series of environmental analyses prepared for the LEC AFC were reviewed, and discussions with the environmental professionals who prepared these sections were conducted to determine which environmental or human health impacts could reach the level of high and adverse after proposed mitigation measures were implemented. Neither EO 12898,nor any of the environmental justice guidance documents,contain official guidance on the definition of"high and adverse." For purposes of this analysis, adverse impacts identified by the professional analysts working on this AFC as"significant" under CEQA were considered to be synonymous with high and adverse impacts as described in EO 12898. 2. A determination is made as to whether minority or low-income populations exist within the high and adverse impact zones. For information on the distribution of minority and low-income populations in the LEC project area,2000 Census data were used. Race/ethnicity and income data were reviewed at the finest level available from the Census (i.e., Census Block Groups for race/ethnicity and income). Tables 5.10A-1 and 5.10A-2 show the distribution of the population within the 6- mile radius by race/ethnicity and income,respectively.These tables are located at the end of this appendix. 3. The spatial distribution of high and adverse impacts is reviewed to determine if these impacts are likely to fall disproportionately on the minority or low-income population. Since there is no specific guidance in EO 12898,the test of disproportionately is made on the basis described in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA) Draft Revised Guidance for Investigating Title VI Administrative Complaints Challenging Permits (USEPA,June 2000). This guidance suggests using two to three standard deviations above the mean as a quantitative measure of disparate effect. While the first two elements of this approach were conducted,no detailed distribution analysis was required to make a final determination.This was because professional analysts in each environmental and human health discipline reviewed for this AFC determined that no high and adverse (i.e., CEQA significant) human health or environmental effects were expected to remain after implementation of proposed mitigation measures. Outreach to Minority and Low-Income Populations EO 12898 requires Federal agencies to ensure effective public participation and access to information. Consequently, a key component of compliance with EO 12898 is outreach to the potentially affected minority and/or low-income population to discover issues of importance that may not otherwise be apparent. As part of the AFC process,the California Energy Commission will provide information to residents in the area and provide opportunities for their involvement. The California Energy Commission typically: • Mails written notice to all property owners within 1,000 feet of the site and within 500 feet of the centerline of all linear corridors • Publishes notice in the local newspaper announcing public workshops and hearings 5.1 OA-2 E102005003SAC/333850/053150005(APP 5-10A.DOC)