BURBANK : Impact of Disney Expansion Studied

A draft environmental report on a proposed $600-million expansion of Walt Disney Studios in Burbank has concluded that the mammoth project will not significantly worsen air quality or nearby traffic congestion.

The development--all of which would take place on the company’s existing 44-acre lot--would expand the studio facilities to 3.2 million square feet from 1.2 million square feet, Alan Epstein, vice president of Disney Development Co., said Friday.

The additional space, which would be built over the next two decades, includes up to six new sound stages, an employee center, a casting building, production facilities and a creative arts center.

After a public hearing on the environmental impact report, the project needs the approval of the Burbank City Council before construction can begin.