How do you prepare an environmental impact report?

How do you prepare an environmental impact report?

Layout

1. An Introduction including a statement of the Purpose and Need of the Proposed Action.
2. A description of the Affected Environment.
3. A Range of Alternatives to the proposed action. Alternatives are considered the “heart” of the EIS.
4. An analysis of the environmental impacts of each of the possible alternatives.

What are CEQA requirements?

The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is a California law that requires public agencies and local governments to evaluate and disclose the environmental impacts of development projects or other major land use decisions, and to limit or avoid those impacts to the extent feasible.

Do I need an EIR?

When is one required? When an Initial Study indicates that a project has the potential to “significantly” damage the environment, CEQA requires that an EIR be prepared. An EIR is an informational document to be used by the public and by decision makers when making choices about projects.

Where are the CEQA guidelines?

The CEQA Guidelines apply to public agencies throughout the state, including local governments, special districts, and State agencies. Public Resources Code section 21083 requires the Office of Planning and Research and the Natural Resources Agency to periodically update the CEQA Guidelines.

What makes a good EIS?

The EIS should provide sufficient technical analysis to allow a detailed understanding of impacts and mitigation measures by those with an interest, responsibility or expertise in specific matters, and a summary of them in non- technical language for those who wish to understand the project at a more general level.

What is an environmental impact report CEQA?

As stated in the State CEQA Guidelines, an EIR is an “informational document” intended to inform public agency decision makers and the public of the significant environmental effects of a project, identify possible ways to minimize the significant effects, and describe reasonable alternatives to the project.

Does CEQA require mitigation?

CEQA gives the community a voice in land use decisions. It requires decision-makers to adopt alternatives or mitigation measures to reduce significant adverse environmental impacts.

What triggers EIR?

Preparation of an EIR is required when a Lead Agency determines that a proposed project would have one or more significant impacts on the environment based on a preliminary review of the project (State CEQA Guidelines § 15060) or completion of an Initial Study (State CEQA Guidelines § 15063).

What is EIA and EIS?

EIA may be divided into two broad components: the procedures which must be followed and the methods which may be used. The environmental impact statement (EIS) is the most common name given to the printed report which documents the results of the EIA process for consideration by decisionmakers.