What projects fall under CEQA?
CEQA defines a “project” as an activity that (1) is a discretionary action by a governmental agency and (2) will either have a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect impact on the environment.
What is a CEQA challenge?
When there is a discretionary action to be taken by a governmental agency and that action may have a significantly adverse effect on the environment, the agency has to comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Does CEQA expire?
Outdated CEQA Review and Project Changes If an environmental review was completed 2-10 years prior to the permit, it may be outdated. This would depend on changes to the project and/or changes to the surrounding area of the project.
Who does CEQA apply?
All projects undertaken by a public agency are subject to CEQA. This includes projects undertaken by any state or local agency, any special district (e.g., a school district), and any public college or university. CEQA applies to discretionary projects undertaken by private parties.
What is a CEQA initial study?
The Initial Study is a preliminary assessment of the potential environmental impacts of the proposed project. The purpose of the Initial Study is to determine whether a Negative Declaration or Environmental Impact Report (EIR) must be prepared.
What is an initial study?
Definition and Purpose of an Initial Study An Initial Study (IS) is a preliminary analysis which is prepared to determine the relative environmental impacts associated with a proposed project.
What is a Sequa?
SEQUA. From Latin; used to describe a Gallic people in Eastern France about 100Bce Woman of extreme beauty as well as mystique chased by many guys but hard to tame. She is named after the Roman Goddess of the Seine River and carries musical qualities able to make people feel better.
What is a negative declaration CEQA?
A mitigated negative declaration (MND) is a negative declaration (ND) that incorporates revisions (mitigation measures) in the proposed project that will avoid or mitigate impacts to a point where clearly no significant impacts on the environment would occur. What is it?
What are CEQA findings?
1.1 PURPOSE OF CEQA FINDINGS; TERMINOLOGY (a) (1) Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project which avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect as identified in the Final EIR.
What is initial study mitigated negative declaration?
A Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) is a ND prepared for a project when the initial study has identified potentially significant effects on the environment, but (1) revisions in the project plans or proposals made by, or agreed to by, the applicant before the proposed MND and initial study are released for public …
What is a notice of completion CEQA?
Notices of Completion – A Notice of Completion (NOC) is a brief notice released by the lead agency as soon as it has completed a draft CEQA document for public review and comment.
What is a CEQA scoping meeting?
Under CEQA, scoping is designed to examine a proposed project early in the EIR environmental analysis/review process, and is intended to identify the range of issues pertinent to the proposed project and feasible alternatives or mitigation measures to avoid potentially significant environmental effects.
What is a CEQA responsible agency?
For the purposes of CEQA, the term “responsible agency” includes all public agencies other than the lead agency which have discretionary approval power over the project.
What is a categorical exemption from CEQA?
Categorical exemptions are made up of classes of projects that generally are considered not to have potential impacts on the environment. Categorical exemptions are identified by the State Resources Agency and are defined in the CEQA Guidelines (14 CCR Section 15300-15331).
What is a trustee agency?
A “trustee agency” is a public agency having jurisdiction by law over natural resources affected by a project which are held in trust for the people of the State of California.
Is MND review period?
When a proposed MND is submitted to the State Clearinghouse for review by state agencies, the public review period shall not be less than 30 days, unless a shorter period is approved by the State Clearinghouse pursuant to 14 CCR Section 15105(d).
What causes a lead agency to prepare an EIR?
An EIR is prepared when the lead agency finds substantial evidence that the project may have a significant effect on the environment. An environmental assessment (EA) is a substitute for the EIR under the Certified Regulatory Program.
How can you explain the initial study of a project?
An initial study is a preliminary analysis conducted by the lead agency to determine if a project may have a significant effect on the environment. The initial study also aids in determining what type of environmental document to prepare.
What are the two stages of an EIR?
An EIR is prepared in two key stages. First, a Draft EIR is prepared and distributed for public and agency review. Once comments on the Draft EIR are received, responses to those comments and any additional relevant project information are prepared and compiled in a Final EIR.
When was CEQA created?
1970
Who can sue under CEQA?
As explained by the California Natural Resources Agency, CEQA can be “enforced, as necessary, by the public through litigation and the threat thereof.” In other words, if an agency allows a project to move forward without proper environmental review, members of the public can sue.
When was NEPA passed?
Jan