Download the Final Environmental Impact Report for the Southern Expansion.

Download the Draft Environmental Impact Report.

The Environmental Impact Report for the Proposed Wal-Mart Supercenter Expansion

EIR Highlights

The EIR concludes that the proposed project would cause unavoidable significant impacts with respect to aesthetics, air quality, noise, traffic, urban decay and cumulative impacts. These include:

TRAFFIC
The project will exacerbate vehicle queuing, and intersections would drop to “Level of Service F” (a failing traffic grade causing severe back-ups) even after proposed road widening and improvements.

ECONOMIC IMPACT
Unlike the economic study conducted by expert economist, Dr. Philip King, the EIR economic impact study does not take into account financial data from Chico businesses, nor is there quantitative analysis of the impact on Chico's downtown. Those concerned about protecting our downtown and community character must encourage local officials to look to Dr. King's economic analysis for an accurate assessment of the impacts of the Supercenter rather than the studies provided in the EIR. Click here to download Dr. King’s Economic Impact Study.

AIR QUALITY
Cumulative emissions from the proposed project would contribute to non-attainment of air quality standards in the Chico area. This is a significant impact that will increase the risk of asthma and other health effects among Chico residents.

A careful review by C.A.R.E. found that the study has many holes and suffers from a lack of actual data in the economic analysis. Community participation and comment will be critical to ensure city officials have accurate and complete information on which to base their decisions.

The Process and Timeline (updated May, 2008)

The Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the proposed Wal-Mart Supercenter expansion on Forest Avenue was released on December 2, 2006 and had an extended comment period, which ended on March 31, 2007. A Hearing on the Final EIR was scheduled for April 3, 2008, but was canceled the Friday before the scheduled hearing in order to complete a new traffic study for the project.

Note, Wal-mart withdrew their application to build a new store in the North of Chico in March, 2008.

The Planning Commission and the City Council will make the final decision whether to approve or reject the proposed Supercenter based on the finding of the EIR as well as public testimony. We expect the hearing in late summer or early fall 2008.

For more information, please email us - mail to: info@chicocares.org

How You Can Help

· Click on "Join Us"to sign-up to receive updates as the process continues toward hearings by the City Council and Planning Commission. As hearings are scheduled, you will be notified.

· Contact Decision-makers by sending an email or a letter.

· Check this website.for any new information as it becomes available.