Responding to an Environmental Impact Report (EIR)

By Vesta Copestakes

From the Jan. 16, 2004 West County/Forestville Gazette

Public participation is an essential part of the CA Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) process. The law mandates a public review period after an EIR is published, during which community members and organizations are invited to comment. During the public review period, members of the public are encouraged to examine the EIR, particularly in regard to significant effects the project will have. You can also suggest project alternatives.

The county is mandated by CEQA to invite wide public involvement, so they can evaluate public reactions to environmental issues related to the proposed project.

The most effective way to respond to an EIR is by commenting on environmental impacts such as increased traffic and safety issues, reduced air quality, degraded wildlife habitat, negative impacts on local business, etc. It is very important for concerned community members to go to the hearing and submit written comments as well. The written comments can address positive and negative impacts of the proposed project that you feel need to be brought to the attention of the county.

If you believe that the project may have a significant effect, in your written comments you should:

(1) Identify the specific impact you are concerned about

(2) Explain why you believe the impact would occur

(3) Explain why you believe it would be significant

(4) If possible, use data, facts, or expert opinion to back it up

If you are interested, you can also review

Posted by Roger Karraker on January 13, 2004 at 04:38 AM in Environment, Public hearings | Permalink