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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1977-01-27 - Resolution No. 77-02. r JOB M. F,YHMMT IO.....;,,.._......._..._.._.,,,_ RESOLUTION NO. 77- 2 PRMNTED TO E10. of DAR. Y. L. C. W, D. ON RESOLUTION 01' Ti11; POARD OF illl-1 CTORS OF JAN 2 'I 1977 YORBA _LINDA COUNTY WATER DISTRICT - _ d o ro rv R PI-:ALIiNC7 I;E OIaTJ`c1:Gt~1 IdC:). 75-2 AND ADOPTING NFVi OBJ.EC^1IVES, C I f_'.i'I ~::CA AI4D PROCEDURES IMPLEMENTING THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT The Board of Directors of YORBA LINDA COUNTY WATER DISTRICT hereby resolves as follows:_~~ Resoluti on 'No. 75-2 , ent:.i. tied "Resolution of the Board of Di_i`e furs of YORBA_.1IM-A_ C91aU. _Y-- WAT,R_1?1 TB.'Adopting Orjectives, Criteria an(a Procedures Traplemlenting the California Environmental Quality ad.optt..d by this Bcard on the 3rd day of April 1975, hereby is repealed in its entirety. The objectives, criteria and procedures to be used by this District in implementing the California Environmental Quality Act shall be as follows: ARTICLE I - GENERAL, Section 1. Purposes. This Resolution implements the purposes and provisions of the California. Environmental- Quality Act of 1970 as amended by Chapter 1312 of the Statutes of 1976 (:Hereinafter referred' to as "CEQA") and the Guidelines for Implementation of the CEQA of 1970 which have been adopted by the California Resources Agency (hereinafter- referred to as "Guidel.in.es"). The enhancement and long-term protection of the environment and the encouragenien.t of public partici- paC_i-on in achieving these goals are objectives of this measure. It Section 2. Objectives. From time to time and under circumstances as outlined by L i s Resolution, a document-_ knot,-n as an environ- mental impact report (hereinafter referred to as an FIR) must be prepared as a preregLi kite to approval of a project. The functions of an EIR are to inform the Board of Directors of the environmental effects of proposed projects, of methods of re- ducing adverse impacts, and of alternatives to projects. The envixona,,ental effects set forth in the report are to he evalu-- ated by the Board of Directors before a project is approvecl. The Board retains existing, author.it,, to balance environmental objectives with econoiudc, . ociEil, a.r'd. other relevant ohjeuti.vns of the proposod. project, however, major consideration wi.1.1 be cr:i_ven to preventing environmental damage, Section 3. Judicial Intent. The courts of this state have found tI~e fol_.towing polio ies to he implicit in CEQA: (a) The EIR requirement is the heart of CEQA. (County of Inyo v. Yorty, 32 Cal. App. 3d 795.) (b) The EIR serves not only to protect the environment but also to demonstrate to the public that it is being protected. (County of Inyyo v. Yorty, 32 Cal. App. 3d 795.) (c) The EIR is to inform other governmental agencies anc'i the public generally of the environmental impact of a proposed project. (No Oil, Inc. v. City of Los Angeles, 13 C.3d 68.) (d) The EIR is to demonstrate to an apprehensive citizenry that the agency has in fact analyzed and considered the ecologi- cal implications of its action. (People ex rel. Department of Public Works v. Bosio, 47 Cal. App. 3d 495.) (e) The EIR process will enable the public to determine the environmental and economic values of their elected and appoin- ted officials thus allowing for appropriate action come elec- tion day should a majority of the voters disagree. (People v. County of Kern, 39 Cal. App. 3d 830.) (f) CEQA was intended to be interpreted in such manner as to afford the fullest possible protection to the environment with- in the reasonable scope of the statutory language. (Frie_n_(_l_~_; of Mammoth v. Board of Supervisors, 8 C.3d 247.) ARTICLE II - APPLICABILITY Section 4. Scope of Applicability. This Resolution applies to all projects which may have a significant effect on the en- vironment involving discretionary decision-making on the part of the District, and which do not fall within any class of categorical. exemptions set forth in Article 8 of the Guidelines and in Article VII hereof, are not emergency projects within the meaning of Article IV hereof, and which do not constitute feasibility or planning projects as described in Article V hereof. Section 5. Ministerial Protects. A. This Resolution does not apply to ministerial projects approved by the District. Generally speaking, a ministerial project is one requiring approval. by the District as a matter -2- E 0 of law or one involving minimal independent exercise of judg- ment by the District as to its wisdom or propriety. Examples of such projects include, but are not limited to, individual utility service connections and disconnections, agreements to install in-tract utility facilities to subdivisions which have been approved by other appropriate governmental agencies, and utility service connections and disconnections to potential customers within such subdivisions. In summary, a ministerial decision involves only the use of fixed standards or objective measurements without personal judgment. B. The decision as to whether or not a proposed project is ministerial in nature, and thus outside the scope of this enactment, shall be made by the District on a case-by-case basis. ARTICLE III - DEFINITIONS Whenever the following terms are used in this Resolution, they shall have the following meaning unless otherwise expressly defined: Section 6. Approval means a decision by the District which con-nits it to a definite course of action with regard to a particular project. As respects any project to be undertaken directly by the District, approval shall be deemed to occur on the date the Board adopts a resolution making the determination to pro- ceed with a project. As respects private projects defined in Section 23 A (2) and (3), approval shall be deemed to occur upon the earliest commitment to issue or the issuance by the District of a discretionary contract, grant, subsidy, loan, or other form of financial assistance, lease, permit, license, certificate, or other entitlement for use of the project. For purposes of this Resolution, all environmental assess- ments must be completed as of the time of project approval. Section 7. Board means the Board of Directors of YORBA LINDA CQUILTX_WATER _ District. Section 8. Categorical Exemption means an exemption from the re- quirement of preparing a negative declaration or an EIR even though the proposed project is discretionary in nature, as more particularly described in Article VII infra. -3- 0 0 Section 9. Cumulative Impacts refer to two or more individual effects which, when considered together, are considerable or which compound or increase other environmental impacts. The individual effects may be changes resulting from a single project or a number of sepa.r.atc~ projc_•ct s. Section 10. District means the. YORBA LINDA COUNTY --DPA"TER District. Section 11. Emergency means a sudden, unexpected occurrence demand- ing immediate action to prevent or mitigate loss or damage to life, health, property, or essential public services. Emergency includes such occurrences as fire, flood, earthquake, or other soil or geologic movements as well as such occurrences as riot, accident or sabotage. Section 12. Environment means the physical conditions which exist in the area which will be affected by a proposed project including land, air, water, minerals, flora, fauna, ambient noise, objects of historic or aesthetic significance. Section 12.5 Environmental Documents_ means draft and final EIR's, initial studies, negative declarations, notices of completion, and notices of determination. Section 13. EIR means a detailed statement setting forth the matters specified in Section 21100 of the Public Resources Code as more particularly described hereinafter in Section 30 and may mean either a draft or a final EIR, provided that information or data which is relevant to such a statement and is a matter of public record or is generally available to the public need not be repeated in its entirety in such statement, but may be specifically cited as the source for conclusions stated therein; and provided further that such information or data shall be briefly described, that its relationship to the Environmental Impact Report shall be indicated, and that the source thereof shall be reasonably available for inspection at a public place or public building. An Environmental Impact Report also includes any comments which are obtained pursuant to Sections 21104 or 21153. An Environmental Impact Report is an informational document which, when its preparation is required by this resolution, shall be considered by every public agency prior to its appro- val or disapproval of a project. The purpose of an Environmental Impact Report is to provide public agencies and the public in general with detailed information about the effect which a proposed project is likely to have on the environment; to list ways in which the significant effects of such a project might be minimized; and to indicate alternatives to such a project. -4- 0 0 Section 1.4. EIS T Environmental fact Statement means an EIR prepared pursuant to thcNational Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Section 15. Feasible means capable of being accomplished in a successful manner within a reasonable period of time, taking into account economic, environmental, social and technological factors. Section 16. Guidelines means the Guidelines for Implementation of the CEQA of 1970 adopted by the California Resources Agency as they now exist or hereafter may be amended. Section 16.5 Initial Stud means a preliminary analysis prepared by the lead agency to determine whether an EIR or a negative declaration must be prepared for a project. Section 17. Jurisdiction by Law. (a) Jurisdiction by law means the authority of any public agency (1) to grant a permit or other entitlement for use, (2) to provide funding for the project in question, or (3) to exercise authority over resources which may be affected by the project. (b) A city or county will have jurisdiction by law with respect to a project when the city or county is the site of the project, the area in which the major environmental effects will occur, and/or the area in which reside those citizens most directly concerned by any such environmental effects. Section 18. Lead Agency means principal responsibility ments and carrying out or have a significant effect than one public agency is lying activity. the public agency which has the for preparing environmental docu- approving a project which may on the environment whei.e more involved with the same under- Section 19. Negative Declaration means a written sta~_ement by the lead agency determining that the proposed project, although not otherwise exempt, will not have a significant effect on the environment and therefore does not require the preparation of an EIR presenting the reasons for this determination. Section 20. Notice_ of Completion means a brief notice filed with- the Secretary for Resources as soon as the District has completed a draft EIR and is prepared to send out copies for review. -5- t Section 21. Notice of Determination means a brief notice to be filed by the District after it approves or determines to carry out a project which is subject to the requirements of CEQA. Section 22. Notice of Exemption means a brief notice which may be filed by a public agency when it has approved or deter- mined to carry out a project, and it has determined that it is ministerial, categorically exempt or an emergency project. Such a notice may also be filed by an applicant where such a determination has been made by a public agency, which must approve the project. Section 23. Person includes any person, firm, association, organization, partnership, business, trust, corporation, company, district, county, city and county city, town, the State, and any of the agencies' political sub- divisions. Section 24. Project. A. Project means the whole of an action, resulting in physical impact oil the environment, directly or ultimately, that is any of the following: (1) an activity directly undertaken by the District; (2) an activity undertaken by a person which is supported in whole or in part through contracts, grants, subsidies, loans, or other forms of assistance from the District; (3) an activity involving the issuance by the District to a person of a lease, permit, license, certificate, or other entitlement for use. B. Project does not include: (1) anything specifically exempted by state law; (2) proposals for legislation to be enacted by the State Legislature other than requests by state agencies for authorization or funding for projects independent from the Budget Act; (3) continuing administrative or maintenance activ- ities, such as purchases for supplies, personnel-related actions, general policy and procedure making, e.g. setting of rates (except as they are applied to specific instances covered above), feasibility or planning studies; and, -6- (4) the submittal of proposals to a vote of the people of the state or of a particular co:-:munity, i.e., the District. C. The term "project" refers to the underlying activity which is being approved and which may be subject to several discretionary approvals by governmental agencies. The term "project" does not mean each separate governmental approval. Section 25. Si_gn_i_fican_t 'Effect on the Environment means a substan- tial or potentially substantial, adverse change in any of the physical conditions within the area affected by the activity including land, air, water, minerals, flora, fauna, ambient noise and objects of historic or aesthetic significance. Section 26. District's Staff means the District's Manager, and/or His designees. ARTICLE IV - E14ERGENCY PROJECTS Section 27. The following emergency projects do not require the preparation of a negative declaration or an EIR and thus, are outside the scope of this Resolution: A. Projects undertaken, carried out, or approved by a public agency to maintain, repair, restore, demolish or replace property or facilities damaged or destroyed as a result of a disaster in a disaster stricken area in which a state of emergency has been proclaimed by the Governor pursuant to Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 8550) of Division 1, Title 2 of the Government Code. B. Emergency repairs to any of the District's facilities necessary to maintain service. C. Specifications undertaken necessary to prevent or mitigate an emergency shall be exempt from the application of. CEQA and no environmental documents are required. ARTICLE V - FEASIBILITY AND PLANNING STUDIES Section 28. Feasibility and planning studies of potential pro- jects undertaken by the City are specifically excepted from the requirements of CEQA and thus are outside the scope of this Resolution, although such studies may contain considera- tion of environmental factors incident to the potential project. -7- • • ARTICLE VI - TIMELY COMPLIANCE Section 29. Time periods for completing EIRs and Negative Declarations on private projects for which the District will grant a lease, license, permit, certificate, or othi .,r entitlement to use shall be as follows: (1) The time period for the completion of a final EIR or 1egative Declaration shall not exceed one year front the date of receipt of an application for a project to the date of completion ready for certification by the agency under any circumstances. (2) The date of receipt of the application shall be deemed to be the date on which a completed application requesting approval of the project is received by the District. (3) The time periods shall allow time for the following functions: (a) Initial Study. The Initial Study shall be completed within 30 days. (b) Negative Declaration. Where the Initial Study shows that a Negative Declaration should be prepared, the Negative Declaration shall be completed in not less than 7 nor more than 30 days. (c) Draft EIR. Where an EIR will be prepared as a result of an Initial Study under the following cir- cumstances, the following time periods shall apply: (i) Where the applicant provides detailed data and information in the form of a draft EIR describing the project, reviewing, evaluating, and revising the information into a draft EIR repre- senting the views of the Lead Agency shall be completed in 14 to 45 days from the completion of the Initial Study. (ii) Where the draft EIR is prepared with the majority of the work being done by the staff of the Lead Agency or by a consultant under contract with the Lead Agency, the draft EIR shall be pre- pared within 30 days to 270 days, depending on the complexities of the environmental impacts involved, from the completion of the Initial Study. -R- • 0 (d) Public Review. The public review period for draft EIRs shall be 60 days. Notice and public hearings may be held during this time. (c) Responses to comments. The time necessary to prepare responses to comments will vary according to the number and complexity of the comments. The response may take the form of rebuttal to specific comments, or it may take the form of a completely revised EIR or Negative Declaration. The following time periods shall be allowed under tl;e circumstances described: (i) One day if no comments are received. This one day will be necessary to verify that no comments have been received. (ii) one week if less than 10 comments are received and the comments do not raise complex issues. (iii) Three weeks if ten or more comments arc., received-and the continents do not raise difficult issues. (iv) One month if the comments raise complex issues. (f) Submission of the final EIR. The submission of the final EIR to the decision making body shall mark the end of the required time for preparing the EIR under Section 21151.5. (g) Submission of Negative Declaration. The sub- mission of a Negative Declaration to the decision maker with comments and proposed agency responses shall mark the end of the required time for preparing a Negative Declaration under Section 21151.5. (h) A reasonable extension of the time period may be provided in the event that: (i) Unforeseen circumstances justify additional time, and (ii) The project applicant consents to the extension. -9- 0 • ARTICLE VII - MASTER ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Section 30. (a) General. The District may prepare a master environ- mental assessment for all, or a portion of., the territory within its jurisdiction in order to provide data and other information which may be used or referenced in EIRs or Negative Declarations. (b) Contents. A master environmental assessment should contain an inventory of the physical and biological character- istics of the area for which it is prepared and may contain such additional data and information as the local agency deter- mines is useful or necessary to describe environmental charac- teristics of the area, including identification of existing levels of quality and supply of air and water, and generalized increin,:__ntal effects of different categories of development projects by types, scale, and location. (c) Preparation. A master environmental assessment shall be adopted ana certified as adequate by resolution of the Boaru. of Directors, following the provisions for public notice and opportunities for review and comment as set forth in these Guidelines for EIRs and Negative Declarations. The informa- tion contained in a master environmental assessment shall be reviewed periodically and revised as needed so that it is accurate and current. When advantageous to do so, master environmental assessments may be prepared through a joint exercise of powers agreement with neighboring local agencies or with the assistance of an appropriate Council of Government. (d) Uses. (1) A master environmental assessment can identify the environmental characteristics and constraints of an area. This information can be used to influence the design and locations of individual projects. (2) A master_ environmental assessment can provide a central source of current data and information for use in preparing individual EIRs and Negative Declarations. (3) A master environmental assessment can be refer- enced and summarized in EIRs and Negative Declarations. (4) A master environmental assessment shall assist in identi.f.ying long-range, areawide, and cumulative impacts of individual projects proposed in the area covered by the assessment. -10- 0 • (5) A master environmental assessment may assist in the formulation of a district general plan or any element of such a plan through the identification of environmental characteristics and constraints and facilitate the formulation of policies that are respective of these characteristics and constraints. (e) Clearinghouse Review. Master environmental assessments and revisions and amendments to assessments shall be forwarded to the State Clearinghouse for the review by and information of state agencies to assist the state agencies in the subse- quent review of environmental documents on individual projects. ARTICLE VIII - EVALUATING PROJECTS Section 31. Initial Review for CEnA Exemptions. A. Preliminary Review. At the outset a proposed activity shall be examined by the District's Staff for the purpose of determining whether it is (1) not a project as defined in Section 23, supra; (2) a ministerial project; (3) an emergency project as described in Article IV, supra; (4) a feasibility and planning study as described in Article V, supra; (5) a categorically exempt activity as described in Article VII, infra; or (6) an activity the environmental consequences of which have been adequately described in a prior EIR. B. Submission of Environmental Evaluation ((Short Form). If the District's Staff requires additional information in order to make the determination called for in paragraph A hereof, it shall direct the applicant to prepare an Environ- mental Evaluation (Short Form), a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit "A". C. Finding of No Exemption. If in the judgment of the District's Staff the proposed activity does not fall with- in one of the foregoing categories, it shall proceed with the project evaluation process as outlined in Section 29. Any person proposing to undertake a project as defined in Section 23 A. (2) or A. (3) (i.e., a private project) may present his objection to the Staff's determination to the Board at its next regular meeting. At that meeting, the Board shall either affirm said determination (in which case the project evaluation process shall be commenced) or find that the proposed activity does fall within one of the foregoing • 0 categories (in which case no further environmental assess- ment thereof shall be necessary). The decision of the Board shall be final. D. Finding of Exemption. If in the judgment of the District's Staff, a proposed activity does fall within one of the categories enumerated in Subparagraph A, it shall so find on a form entitled Notice of Exemption (a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit "B"). No further environmental assessment shall be necessary, and the proposed activity may be carried out in the manner routinely exercised by the District. E. Filing of Notice of ExeElp ion. The Notice of Exemption will be+fi.led with the County Clerk of the county or counties in which the project will be located. Section 32.` Lead Agency A. Determination of Lead Agency; Factors to be Considered. Upon a determination that.a proposed activity is discretion- ary in nature and is not otherwise exempt, consideration shall be given by the District's Staff to whether another public agency is primarily responsible for carrying out or approving it. The Staff shall consider, among others, the following factors in making the determination as to which is the lead agency: (1) The lead agency shall be the public agency which proposes to carry out the project; (2) If the project is to be carried out by a non- governmental person, the lead agency shall be the public agency with the greatest responsibility for supervising or approving the project as a whole. The lead agency will generally be the agency with general governmental powers rather than an agency with a single or a limited purpose which is involved by reason of the need to provide a public service or public utility to the project; (3) Where more than one public agency equally meet the criteria set forth in subparagraph (2) above, the agency which is the first to act on the project in ques- tion shall be the lead agency. 0 0 B. Finding that District is Lead Agency. If the Staff determines that the project does not i,,volve another public agency which is the lead agency, it shall proceed with the project evaluation process as outlined in Section 30. C. Finding that Another Public Agency is Lead A encl. If the Staff determines that the project does involve another public agency which is the lead agency, Staff shall so find and designate the lead agency on the aforementioned State- ment of Non-Applicability. Unless otherwise required by the Board, no further environmental assessment shall be necessary. Whenever a determination is made that another public agency constitutes the lead agency, the District shall, upon the request thereof, provide data concerning all aspects of the District's activities relative to the subject project. Section 33. Initial Study Procedures. A. Undertakipg of. Initial Study; Submission of Environ- mental Evaluation (Short Form). Upon a determination that a project is discretionary and is not othengise exempt, and that the District is the lead agency, an Initial Study shall be undertaken for the purpose of ascertaining whether the proposed project may have a significant effect on the environment, that is, a substantial adverse effect on the environment. This Initial Study shall be reflected in the submission to the Staff of an'Environmental iuation (Short Form), a copy of which~is attached he. as Exhibit "A". (1) As to projects defined in Article I Section 24 A (1) of -this Resolution, the Environmental Evaluation shall be submitted by the Staff or by private experts pursuant to contract with the District. (2) As to projects defined in Article III, Section 24 A (2) and 24 A (3), the person or entity proposing to carry out the project shall submit the Environmental Evaluation and any additional data and information as may be required by the Staff to determine whether the proposed project may have a significant effect on the environment. Such data and information shall consider all factors eniLmerated in Subparagraph B, infra. All costs incurred by the District in reviewing the data and information submitted by said person or entity, or in conducting its own investigation based upon such data and information for the purpose of -13- determining whether the proposed project might have a significant effect on the environment, shall be borne by the person or entity proposing to carry out the project. B. Purposes. The purposes of an. Initial Study are to: (i) Identify environmental impacts; (ii) Enable an applicant or Lead Agency to modify a project, mitigating adverse impacts before an EIR is written; (iii) Focus an EIR, if one is required, on poten- tially significant environmental effects; (iv) Facilitate environmental assessment early i_n the design of the project; (v) Provide documentation of the factual basis of the finding in a Negative Declaration that a project will not have a significant effect on the environment; (vi) Eliminate unnecessary FIRS. C. Contents. An Initial Study shall contain in brief form: (i) A description of the project; (ii) An identification of the environmental setting; (iii) An identification of environmental effects by use of a checklist, matrix or other methods; (iv) A discussion of ways to mitigate the significant effects identified, if any; (v) An examination of whether the project is com- patible with existing zoning and plans; (vi) The name of the person or persons who prepared or participated in the Initial Study. D. Uses. (i) The Initial Study shall be used to provide a written determination of whether a Negative Declaration or an EIR shall be prepared for a project; -14- • A (ii) Where a project is revised in response to an Init.i-al. Study so that potential adverse effects are miti- gated to a. point where no significant environmental effects would occur, a Negative Declaration shall be prepared instead of an EIR. If the project would still result in one or more significant effects on the environment after mitigation measures are added to the project, an EIR shall be prepared. (iii) The EIR may emphasize the study of the impacts determined to be significant and can omit further_ examina- tion of those impacts found to be clearly insignificant in the Initial Study. Section 34. Evaluating Env_ir.onmental_Significance. In evaluating the environmental significance of a project, see, generally Exhibit "E" attached hereto. A. Evaluating Environmental Significance. In determining whether a project may have a significant effect on the environment, the Staff shall consider both primary and secondary consequences. Primary consequences are immedi- ately related to the project (the construction of a new treatment plant may facilitate population growth in a particular area), while secondary consequences are related more to primary consequences than to the project itself (an impact upon the resource base, including land, air, water and energy use of the area in question may result from the population growth). Some examples of consequences which may have a significant effect on the environment in most cases include a change which: (1) is in conflict with environmental plans and goals that have been adopted by the community where the project is to be located; (2) has a substantial and demonstrable negative aesthetic effect; (3) substantially affects a rare or endangered species of animal or plant, or habitat of such a species; (4) Causes substantial interference with the movement of any resident or migratory fish or wildlife species; (5) breaches any published national, state, or local standards relating to solid waste or litter_ control; -15- (6) results in a substantial detrimental effect on air or water quality, or on ambient noise levels for adjoining areas; (7) involves the possibility of contaminating a public water_ supply system or adversely affecting ground water; (8) could cause substantial flooding, erosion or sil- tation; or, (9) could e,-pose people or structures to „ jor geologic hazards. (10) disrupts or alters an archaelogical site over 200 years old, an historic site or a paleontological site except as part: of a scientific study of the site; (11) induces substantial growth or concentration of population; , (12) causes an increase in traffic which is substantial in relation to the existing traffic load and capacity in the street system; (13) displaces a large number of people; (14) encourages activities which result in the use of large amounts of fuel or energy; (15) uses fuel or energy in a wasteful manner; (16) increases substantially the ambient noise levels for adjoining areas; (17) causes substantial flooding, erosion or siltation; (18) extends a sewer trunkline with capacity to serve new developments; (1.9) substantially diminishes habitat for fish, wildlife or plants; (20) disrupts or divides the physical arrangement of an established conuuunity; (21) creates a public health hazard or a potential.. public health hazard; -16- (22) conflicts with established recreational-, educational, religious or scientific uses of the area; (23) violates any ambient air quality standard, contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality viola- tion, or expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations. B. Mandatory Findings of Significance. In every case where any of the following conditions are found to exist as a result of a project, the project will be found to have a significant effect on the environment: (1) Impacts which have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment or curtail the range of the environment. (2) Impacts which achieve short-term, to the disadvan- tage of long-term, environmental goals. A short-term impact on the environment is one which occurs in a relatively brief, definitive period of time while long-term impacts will endure well into the future. (3) Impacts for a project which are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable. A project may impact on two or more separate resources where the impact on each resource is relatively small. If the effect of the total of those impacts on the environment is significant, an F.IR must be prepared. This mandatory finding of significance does not apply to two or more separate projects where the impact of each is insignificant. (4) The environmental effects of a project will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly. C. Probable Finding that Project Will Not Have Significant Effect. If, after a reviewing of the Environmental Evalu- ation (Short Form) and all other relevant data, and the com- pletion of the Initial Study, the Staff believes that the project will not have a significant effect on the environment, it shall prepare notice of intention to file a Negative Declaration. This notice shall state that a Negative Dec- laration with respect to the subject project will be filed with the County Clerk on a specified date which shall be no sooner than ten (10) days following the date of the notice. Copies of the notice (together with copies of the Environ- -17- 0 0 mental Evaluation and the proposed Negative Declaration) shall be posted in three public places in the City and sh-)I.l be mailed to the applicant and to other public agencies hav- ing jurisdiction by law with respect to the project. The Staff may also supply copies thereof to such other persons and agencies as he deems appropriate. The notice shall in- struct any person who believes that a Negative Declaration should not be filed with respect to the subject project to so notify the Staff and to specify in writing his reasons for believing that the project may have a significant effect on the environment. All such continents must be received by the District's Staff on or before the date on which the Negative Declaration is to be filed. Section 35. Negative_ Declarations. If, after examining all comment:s received in response to the notice of intention to file a Negative Declaration, the Staff finds that the pro- ject will not have a'significant effect on the environ- ment, it shall complete and file a Negative Declaration in accordance with the following procedures: A. Contents. A Negative Declaration must include: (1) a brief description of the project as proposed including a commonly used name for the project; (2) a finding that the project will not have a signifi- cant effect on the environment; (3) a brief statement of the reasons which support said finding; (4) a statement indicating who prepared the Environ- mental Evaluation and where a copy thereof may be obtained; ar,.d (5) mitigation measures, if any, included in the project to avoid potentially significant effects. B. Notice. (1) Notice of the preparation on a Negative Declaration shall be provided to the public within a reasonable period of time prior to final adoption by the public agency of the Negative Declaration. Notice shall be given to all organiza- tions and individuals who have previously requested such notice and shall also be given by at least one of the follow- ing procedures: -1.8- 6 0 (a) Publication, no fewer times than required by Section 6061 of th, Government Cody:, by tho public agency in a newspalcr of general circulation in the area affected by the proposed project. (b) Posting of notice by the public agency on and off site in the area where the project is to be located. (c) Direct mailing to owners of property contiguous to the project. (2) The alternatives for providing notice specified in Subsection (1) shall not preclude a public agency from pro- viding additional notice by other means if such agency so desires, nor shall additional notice by other means if such agency so desires, nor shall the requirements of this section preclude a public agency from providing the public notice required herein at the same time and in the same manner as public notice otherwise required by law for such project. C. Filing. Upon completion of a Ncgative Declaration, it shall be filed with the County Clerk. D. Posting Notice of Negative Declaration. Simultaneously with the filing of a Negative Declaration with the County Clerk, the Staff shall cause to be posted at three public places in the District copies of the Negative Declaration. E. Appeal. Any interested person may appeal the decision of the Staff to file a Negative Declaration by filing notice of such appeal with the Board within five days after the filing of the Negative Declaration. The Board shall hear and consider the matter and its decision with respect thereto shall be final. F. Approval or Disapproval of Project. At any time after the fifth day following the filing of a Negative Declaration or, in the event the same shall have been appealed, then any time after a Board decision sustaining the filing of a Nega- tive Declaration, the project may be approved or disapproved in accordance with the usual District procedures. G. Notice of Determination. Following approval or dis- approval of the project, the District shall cause to be prepared a Notice of Determination, on a form attached hereto as Exhibit "C" , %,,hich s1iall contain the following: _19- (1) the decision of the District to approve the project; (2) the determination of the District as to whether the project will have a significant effect on the environment; and (3) a statement that no EIR has been prepared. Said Notice, together with a copy of the Negative Declaration which shall be attached thereto, then shall be filed with the County Clerk of the county or counties in which the pro- ject is located. If the project requires discretionary approvals from a state agency, the Notice of Determination also shall be filed with the Secretary of Resources. H. Posting Notice of Determination. Simultaneously with the filing of the Notice of Determination the District shall cause to be posted at three public places in the District a Notice of Determination. I. Costs. As to projects covered by Article III, Section 23 A (2) and (3), the person or entity proposing to carry out the project requiring approval by the District shall bear all costs incurred by the District in preparing and filing the Negative Declaration. Section 36. _Environmental Imoact Reports. Following the Initial Study described in Section 30, an EIR shall be prepared for any discretionary project, not otherwise exempt, unless a Negative Declaration has been filed with respect thereto. (a) An EIR should be prepared whenever it can be fairly agreed on the basis of substantial evidence that the project may have a significant effect on the environ- ment; (b) An EIR should be prepared when there is previous public controversy concerning the environmental effect of a project. Controversy not related to an environmental issue does not require the preparation of an EIR. The required contents of an EIR and the procedures to be followed in connection with the preparation thereof are as follows: -2o- • 0 A. _Desc_ription of Project. The description of the project shall contain the following information but should not supply extensive detail beyond that needed for evaluation and review of the environmental impact. (1) The precise location and boundaries of -the proposed project shall be shown on a detailed map, preferably topo- graphic. The location of the project shall also appear on a regional map. (2) A statement of the objectives sought by the pro- posed project. (3) A general description of the project's technical, economic, and environmental characteristics, considering the principal engineering proposals and supporting public service facilities. B. Desct;ion of Environmental Setting. An EIR must in- clude a description of the environment in the vicinity of the project, as it exists before commencement of the project, from both a local and regional perspective. Knowledge of the regional setting is critical to the assessment of environmental impacts. Special emphasis should be placed on environmental resources that are rare or unique to that region. Specific reference to related projects, both public and private both existent and planned, in the region should also be included, for purposes of. examining the possible cumulative impact of such projects., C. Environmental Impact. All phases of a project must be considered when evaluating its impact on the environment: planning, acquisition, development and operation. The follow- ing subjects shall be discussed, preferably in separate sections or paragraphs. If they are not discussed separately, the EIR shall include a table showing where each of the subjects is discussed. (a) Each element must be covered, and when these elements are not separated into distinct sections, the docu- ment shall state where in the document each element is dis- cussed. (b) Each report shall contain a brief summary of the proposed action and its consequences in language sufficiently simple that the issues can be understood by the average member of the lay public. The EIR shall also contain a table of contents or an index. -21- (c) The information contained in an EIR shall include sumiu.tr.ized t=echnical data, maps, plot plans, diacgrams and similar relevant information sufficient to permit full assess- ment. of significant environmental- impacts by reviewing agencies and members of the public. Placement of highly technical and specialized analysis and data in the body of an EIR should be avoided through inclusion of supporting informa- tion and analyses as appendices to the main body of the EIR. Appendices to the EIR may be prepared in volumes separate from the basic EIR document, but shall be available for public examination and shall be submitted to all clearing- houses which assist in public review. (d) The EIR should be prepared using a systema~-.ic, inter- disciplinary approach. The interdisciplinary analysis shall be conducted by competent individuals, but no single dis- cipline shall be designated or required to undertake this evaluation. Preparation of EIRs is dependent upon information from many sources, including the engineering project report and many scientific documents relating to environmental features. The EIR shall reference all documents used in its preparation including where possible, a citation to the page and section number of any technical reports which were us,:-d as the basis for any statements in the EIR. (e) The EIR should discuss environmental effects in proportion to their severity and probability of occurrence. Effects dismissed in an Initial Study as clearly insignifi- cant and unlikelv to occur need not be discussed further in the EIR unless the Lead Agency subsequently received in.f.or- mation inconsistent with the finding in the Initial Study. A copy of the Initial Study shall be attached to the EIR to provide the basis for limiting the impacts discussed. (f) An EIR shall contain a statement briefly indicating the reasons for determining that various effects of a project that could possibly be considered significant were not found to be significant and consequently were not discussed in detail in the EIR. (g) Drafting an EIR necessarily involves some degree of forecasting. While foreseeing the unforeseeable is not possible, an agency must use its best efforts to find out and disclose all that it reasonably can. (h) If, after thorough investigation, a. Lead Agency finds that a particular impact is too speculative for evalua- tion, the agency should note its conclusion and terminate discussion of the impact. -22- (1) The Environmental Im act of the Proposed Action: - Via-- Describe the direct and indirect impacts of the project on the environment, giving due consideration to both the short- term and long-term effects. It should include specifics of the area, the resources involved, physical changes, alterations to ecological sys- tems and changes induced in population distribution, popu- lation concentration, the human use of the land (including commercial and residential development) and other aspects of the resources base such as water, scenic quality and public services. (2) Any Adverse Environmental Effects Which Cannot Be_Avoi.dcd if the Proposal is Implemented: Describe any adverse impacts, including those which can be reduced to an insignificant level but not eliminated. Where there are impacts that cannot be alleviated without imposing an alternative design, their implications and the reasons why the project is being proposed, notwithstanding their effect, should be described. Do not neglect impacts on any aethestically valuable surroundings, or on human health. (3) Mitigation Measures Proposed to Minimize the Impact: Describe avoidable adverse impacts, including inefficient and unnecessary consumption of energy, and the measures proposed to minimize these impacts. This discussion shall include an identification of the acceptable levels to which such impacts will be reduced, and the basis upon which such levels were identified. Where alternative measures are available to mitigate an impact, each should be discussed and the basis for selecting one alternative should be identified. The following are examples of energy conservation measures: (a) Insulation and other protection from heat loss or heat gain to conserve fuel used to heat or cool buildings and mobile homes. (b) Use of resource conserving forms of energy such as solar energy for water and space heating, wind for operating pumps, and falling water for generating electricity. (c) Energy efficient building design includ- ing such features as orientation of structures to summer and winter sunlight to absorb winter solar heat and reflect or avoid summer solar heat. . -23- (d) Measures to reduce energy consumption in transportation such as: (i) Providing access to alternative means of transportation for people such as bus lines, mass transit, bicycle lanes, and pedestrian facilities. (ii) Use of small cars rather than large cars where possible. (iii) Use of alternative means of shipping which allow for energy savings. (e) Efficient lighting practices including use of indirect natural light, use of efficient lighting fixtures, establishment of reasonable lighting criteria to prevent over illumination, and min---mum use of architectural or display lighting. (f) Energy conserving construction practices. (g) Use of energy conservation devices such as flywheels. (h) Rate structures which discourage un- necessary energy consumption. (i) Use of animal power where such use is feasible. (j) Waste heat-recovery. (k) Recycling and use of recycled materials. (4) Alternatives to the Proposed Action: Describe reasonable alternatives to the project, or to the location of the project, which could feasibly attain the basic objectives of the project, and why they were rejected in favor of the ultimate choice. The specific alternative of "no project" must also always be evaluated, along with the impact. Describe alternatives capable of substantially reducing or eliminating any envirorunentally adverse impacts, even if these alternatives substantially impede the attain- ment of the project objectives, and are more costly. -24- (5) The Relationship Between Local Short-Term U e;s of Man's Environment: and the Maintenance and Enhancement of Lonc -Trm Produ_ct.iv.it Desc.ri.be th(~ cumulci .J ve and long-term effects of the proposed project which adversely affect the state of the environment. Special attention should be given to impacts which narrow the range of beneficial uses of the environment or pose long-term risks to health or safety. In addition, the reasons why the proposed project is believed by the sponsor to be justified now, rather than reserving an option for further alternatives, should be explained. (6) Any Irreversible Environmental Changes Which Would be _Involved in the Proposed Action Should it be Implemented: Uses of non-rene.-.able resources during the initial and continued phases of the project may be irreversible since a large commitment of such resources makes removal or non-use thereafter unlikely. Primary impacts and, particularly, secondary impacts generally commit future generations to similar uses. Also irreversible damage can result from environmental accidents associated with the project. Irretrievable commitments of resources should be evaluated to assure that such consumption is justified. (7) The Growth-Inducing Impact of_the Proposed Action: Discuss the ways ~in which the proposed project could foster economic or population growth, either directly or indirectly, in the surrounding environment. Included in this are pro- jects which would remove obstacles to population growth (a major expansion of a waste water treatment plant might, for example, allow for more construction in service areas). Increases in the population may further tax existing community service facilities so consideration must be given to this impact. Also discuss the characteristic of some projects which may encourage and facilitate other activities that could significantly affect the environment, either_ individually or cumulatively. It must not be assumed that growth in any area is necessarily beneficial, detrimental, or of Little significance to the environment. (8) Water Qualit As ects: Describe in the environ- mental setting section, and other sections where applicable, water quality aspects of the proposed project which have been previously certified by the appropriate state or inter- state organization as being in substantial compliance with applicable water quality standards. -25- (9) Effects Found Not to be Sictnificant. An EIR shall contain a statement briefly indicating the reasons that various possibly significant effects of a project would deter- mine riot to be significant and were therefore not discussed in detail in the EIR. Such a statement may be contained in an attached copy of an Initial Study. D. Standards for Adequ~cyof an EIR: An EIR should be prepared with a sufficient degree of analysis to provide deci- sion makers with information which enables them to make a decision which intelligently takes account of environmental consequences. An evaluation of the environmental effects of a proposed project need not be exhaustive, but the suffi- ciency of an EIR is to be reviewed in the light of what is reasonably feasible. Disagreement among experts does not make an EIR inadequate. The Courts have looked not for perfection but for adequacy, completeness and a good faith effort at full disclosure. E. Preparation of Draft EIR; by Whom: (1) As to the projects defined in Article III, Section 24 A (1) of this Resolution, the draft EIR shall be under- taken by the Staff or by private experts pursuant to con- tract with the District. (2) As to projects defined in Article III, Section 24 A (2) and (3) the person or entity proposing to carry out the project shall submit a draft EIR, containing the informa- tion required by subparagraph A above, for review and con- sideration by the Staff. The Staff shall independently analyze the draft EIR submitted pursuant to this sub- section to verify its accuracy and objectivity prior to certifying its completion. The Staff may, if it deems it appropriate, arrange to have this analysis performed by a private expert in the field; in that event, the fee charged by such expert shall be borne by the person or agency proposing to carry out the project. Said person or agency shall supply such additional data as the Staff may deem necessary for the completion of the draft EIR. (3) Before determining the draft EIR to be complete, and as early as possible in the preparation of the draft, the Staff, or other person preparing the draft, shall con- sult with all the other public agencies involved in carry- ing out or approving the project. This early consultation is designed to insure that the draft EIR will reflect the concerns of all responsible agencies which will issue -26- approvals for the project. Similarly, the Staff, or other person preparing the draft EIR, should consult directly with any person or organization believed to be concerned with the environmental effects of the project. (4) The identity of the person(s), firm or agency preparing the EIR, by contract or other authorization, must be included therein as well as the identity of all federal, state or local agencies, other organizations and private individuals consulted in preparing the EIR. (5) The applicant shall specify, to the best of his knowledge, in the draft EIR, or in a separate document, the other public agencies which will have approval authority over the project. (6) With respect to water quality aspects of the pro- posed project which have been previously certified by the appropriate state or interstate organization as being in substantial compliance with applicable water quality standards, the draft EIR should include a reference to such certification. (7) The degree of specificity required in an EIR will correspond to the degree of specificity involved in the underlying activity which is described in the EIR. (8) At least fifteen copies of the EIR shall be sub- mitted to the Staff. F. Completion of Draft EI.R. When the Staff is satisfied that the draft EIR is complete, it may either pre::,:~nt the same to the Board for determination as completeness or it may make this determination itself. After the draft EIR has been determined to be complete, the Staff shall file a Notice of Completion with the Secretary of the Resources Agency on a form attached hereto as Exhibit "A". Said Notice shall contain the following: (1) a brief description of the proposed project; (2) the location of the proposed project; (3) information indicating where copies of the draft EIR are available for review; (4) the period during which comments will be re- ceived; -27- 0 0 (5) filing shall be deemed complete when the Notice of Completion has been deposited in the United States mail addressed to the Secretary of Resources, or when delivered in person to the Office of the Secretary; and (6) where the EIR will be reviewed through the state review process handled by the State Clearinghouse, the cover form required by the State Clearinghouse will serve as the Notice of Completion and no Notice of Completion need be sent to the.Resour.ces Agency. G. Posting of Notice of Completion. Simultaneously with the filing of a Notice of Completion, the District shall cause copies of said Notice to be posted at three public places in the District. N. _Review of Draft EIR by Other Public Age cies and Persons with Special Expertise. (1) General. (a) After filing and posting a Notice of Comple- tion, the Staff shall submit copies of the draft EIR for review and comment to public agencies having jurisdiction by law over the proposed project. The identity of those public agencies having jurisdiction by law over the project shall be determined on a case-by-case basis. The District should compile listings of other agencies, particularly local agencies, which have jurisdiction by law and/or special expertise with respect to various projects and project locations. Such listings should be a guide in determining which agencies should be con- sidered with regard to a particular project. EIR's to be reviewed by state agencies shall be submitted to the State Clearinghouse, 1400 Tenth Street, Sacramento, California 95314. (b) The Staff may send copies of the draft EIR to public agencies or persons with special expertise whose comments relative to the draft EIR would be desirable. (c) Each public agency and/or person to whom a draft EIR is sent under (a) or (b) above shall be advised in writing that they may submit written comments to the District within thirty days or such longer period of time as may be specified by the Staff; provided, however, that review periods for state agencies shall. be at least as long as the period provided in the state review system operated by the State Clearinghouse. (d) To make copies of EIR's available to the public., Lead Agencies should furnish copies of draft EIR's to appropriate public library systems. (e) Public hearings may be conducted on the environmental documents, either in separate pro- ceedings or in conjunction with other proceedings in the public agency. (2) Failure to Comment. In the event a public agency or person whose comments on a draft EIR are solicited pur- suant to Subsection 1, above, fails to comment within the time period established, it shall be assumed, absent a written request for a specific extension of time for re- view and comment, together with the reasons therefor, that such agency or person has no comment to make. Any extension of time granted by the Staff shall be reasonable under the circumstances, but ordinarily shall not cover a period greater than the period initially established for review and comment. (3) Continued Planning Activities. Continued planning activities concerning the proposed project, short of formal approval thereof, may continue during the period set aside for review and comment on the draft EIR. I. Availability of the Draft EIR for Review. Following the filing of the N(,tice of Completion as required by Sub- paragraph E above, copies of the draft EIR shall be made available at the District's office for review or acquisition by members of the general public. Any person requesting a copy of -the draft EIR from the District shall be charged the actual cost of reproducing it. J. Final EIR. (1) Preparation. Following the receipt of comments on the draft EIR by other public agencies and persons with special expertise as required by Subparagraph G above, com- ments that have been received shall be evaluated and then a final EIR shall be prepared. -29- (2) -Contents. The final EIR shall consist of: (a) The draft EIR or a revision of the draft. (b) Comments and recommendations received on the draft EIR either verbatim or in sumuary. (c) A list of persons, organizations and public agencies commenting on the draft EIR. (d) The responses of the Lead Agency to signif- icant environmental points raised in the review and consultation process. The response of the Staff to continents received may take the form of a revision of the draft EIR or may be an attachmcizt to the draft EIR. The response shall describe the dis- position of significant environmental issur,s raised (e.g., revisions to the proposed project to mitigate anticipated impacts or objections). In particular, the major issues raised when the Staff's position is at variance with recommendations and objections raised in the comments must be addressed in detail giving reasons why specific comments and suggestions were not accepted, and factors of over- riding importance warranting an over-ride of the suggestions. (3) By Whom Prepared. ordinarily the final EIR should be prepared by the Staff. However, where appropriate, the Staff may arrange to have the final EIR prepared by a private expert in the field. In that event the fee charged by such expert shall be borne by the person or agency pro- posing to carry out the project. K. Public Hearings. With respect to any project concern- ing which the District must hold a public hearing prior to the approval or disapproval thereof, if an EIR has been submitted with respect thereto then a public hearing shall also be held on the EIR. The hearing on the EIR may be held concurrently with the hearing on the project. The requirements of notice and the procedural rules governing hearings on projects shall also govern hearings on EIR's. With respect to all other projects, no public hearing shall be required on the EIR's submitted in cor::ecti.on there- with. However, if the Board determines that a public hearing on such an. EIR would be desir«ble, in light of the -30-- purposes and provisions of this Resolution, it may require that the same be held. L. Certification of. Final ETR; Decision on_ProZet. Follow- ing the preparation of the final EIR, it shall be presented to the Board. (If additional comments with respect to the EIR are made at a public hearing on the EIR, those comments and the responses thereto should be included in the official minutes of the hearing; and a copy of those minutes should be attached to and made a part of the final EIR.) If the Board finds the EIR insufficient, either the EIR should be modified by the Board or the specific areas in which more information is required should be noted, and the EIR referred back to the Staff for the necessary modifications. If the Board finds the final EIR to be in order, it shall certify that the final.. EIR has been completed in compliance with CEQA, the Guidelines, and this Resolution and that it has reviewed and considered the information contained in the final EIR. The proposed project may then be approved or disapproved provided that: (a) The City shall not approve or carry out a project for which an environmental impact report has been completed which identifies one or more significant effects of the project unless the City makes one or more of the following findings: (1) Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project which mitigate or avoid the significant effects thereof as identified in the final EIR. (2) Such changes or alterations are within the responsibility and jurisdiction of another public agency and not the agency making the finding. Such changes have been adopted by such other agency or can and should be adopted by such other agency. (3) Specific economic, social, or other considera- tions make infeasible the mitigation measures or pro- ject alternatives identified in the final EIR. (b) The findings required by subsection (a) shall be supported by substantial evidence in the record. (c) The finding in subsection (a)(2) shall not be made if the agency making the finding has concurrent jurisdiction with another agency to deal with identified feasible mitiga- tion measures or alternatives. 6 0 M. Statement of Overridi.i~_Consideralions. (a) where the decision of the District allows the occurr- ence of significant effects identified in the final FIR, the District must state in writing reasons to support its action based on the final FIR or other information in the record. This statement need not be contained in the EIR. (b) The reasons to support an action described in subsection (a) may be set forth in a Statement of Overriding Considerations. If such a statement is made, it should be included in the record of the project approval and may be attached to the Notice of Determination. N. Notice of Determination. Following approval or dis- approval of the project, the District shall cause to be prepared a Notice of Determination on a form attached hereto as Exhibit "C" which shall contain the following: (1) The decision of the District to approve or dis- approve the project; (2) The determination of the District as to whether the project will or will not have a significant effect on the environment; and (3) A statement of whether an FIR has been prepared. Said Notice shall then be filed with the County Clerk of the county or counties in which the project is located. If the Boar decides to approve a project for which serious adverse environmental consequences have been identified in an EIR, the Board may, but is not required to, make a state- ment identifying the other interests and considerations which, in its determination, warrant approval of the project. Such a statement, if made, should be included in the record of the project approval and may be attached to the Notice of Determination. If the project requires discretionary approval from a state agency, the Notice shall be filed with the Secretary for Resources. N. Costs. As to projects covered by Section 24 A (2) and (3), the person or entity proposing to carry out the project requiring approval by the District shall bear all costs incurred by the District in preparing and filing the EIR, as well as all publication costs incident thereto. -32.- 0 9 Section 37. Incorporation by Reference (a) An EIR may incorporate by reference all or portions of another document: which is a matter of public record or is generally available to the public. Where all or part of another document is i.ncorporaLed by reference, the incorporated language shall. be considered to be set forth in full as part of the text of the EIR. (b) Where part of another document is incorporated by reference such other document shall be made available to the public for inspection at a public place or public build- ing. The EIR shall state where the incorporated documents will be available for inspection. At a minimixn, the incorp- orated document shall be made available to the public in an office of the Lead Agency in the county where the project would be carried out or in one or more public buildings such as county offices or public libraries if the Lead Agency does not have an office in the county. (c) Where an EIR uses incorporation by reference, the incorporated part of the referenced document shall be briefly :summarized where poss:i_ble or briefly described if the data or information cannot be summarized. The relationship between the incorporated part of the referenced document and the EIR shall be described. Section 38._ Projects of Statewide, Regional or Areawide vj.gnificance. (a) Projects meeting the criteria in this section shall be deemed to be of statewide, regional or areawide signifi- cance. EIRs or Negative Declarations prepared by any public agency or a project described in this section shall be sub- mitted to the State Clearinghouse for review regardless of whether any state agency has jurisdiction by law with regard to the project. (b) The Lead Agency shall determine that a proposed project is of statewide, re,.;ional, or areawide significance if the project meets any of the following criteria: (1) A proposed local general plan, element, or ndment: thereof for which an EIR was prepared. A state or regional land use plan affecting e than one county. -33- (3) A project which might interfere with the attainment or maintenance of regional air quality stan- dards including: (A) A proposed residential development of more than 500 dwelling units. (B) A proposed shopping center or business establishment employing more than 1,000 persons or encompassing more than. 500,000 square feet of floor space. (C) A proposed commercial office building employing more than 1,000 persons or encompassing more than. 250,000 square feet of floor space. (D) A proposed hotel/motel development of more than 500 rooms. (E) A proposed in(istrial manufacturing, pro- cessing plant, or indusLri.al park housing more than 1,000 persons, occupying more than 40 acres of land, or encompassing more than 650,000 square feet of floor area. (4) A project whose direct, anticipated environ- mental effects would extend beyond the geographic boundary of a city or county. (5) A project winch may result in the cancellation of a contract for the establishment of an agricultural preserve as defined in the California _Land Conservation Act of 1965 (Williamson Act) or in the rezoning from agriculture of any parcel of 100 or more acres. (6) A project located in or substantially impacting on an are< critical environmental sensitivity for which an. EIR was prepared including: (A) The Lake Tahoe Basin. (B) The Santa Monica Mountains Zone as defined by Section 67463 of the Government Code, Chapter 1327 of the Statutes of 1976, (C) The California Coastal Zone as defined and mapped in the California. Coastal Zone Act of. 1976. ARTICLE'' IX - CATEGORICA1, EXEMPTIONS Section 39. Exenations. The following classes of projects, in accordance with and pursuant to Article 8 of the Guidelines, have been determined not to have a significant effect on the environment, and therefore are declared to be categorically exempt from the requirement of preparing a negative declara- tion or an EIR. The categorical exemptions listed herein are not in-2nded to be, and are not to be construed to be a limitation on the categorical. exemptions set forth in Article 8 of the State Guidelines. Class 1: Existing Facilities. Class 1 consists of the operation, repair, maintenance- or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechan- ical equipment, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond that previously existing, including but not limited to: (1) water conveyance facilities; (2) water connection facilities, including meter boxes; (3) fire hydrants; (4) storage reservoirs; (5) pump stations; (6) buildings; and (7) treatment plants. Class 2: Replacement or Reconstruction. Class 2 con- sists of replacement or reconstruction of existinq struc- tures and facilities where the new structure or facility will be located on the same site and will have substantially the same purpose and capacity as the structure or facility replaced or reconstructed, including but not limited to: (1) water conveyance facilities; (2) water connection facilities, including meter boxes; (3) fire hydrants; 35- • (4) storage reservoirs; (5) pump stations; (6) buildings; and (7) treatment plants. • Class 3: New Construction of Small Structures. Class 3 consists of construction of new facilities or structures and installation of new equipment or facilities, including, but not limited to: (1) water main extensions to serve a newly con- structed single family residence, a multiple residence of not more than four dwelling units, and a commercial or office structure designed for an occupany load of not more than 20 persons; and, (2) connecting facilities, including meter boxes, to serve a newly constructed single family residence, a multiple residence of not more than four dwelling units, and a commercial or office structure designed for an occupant load of not more than 20 persons. Class 4: Minor Alterations to Land. Class 4 consists of minor public or private alterations in the condition of land, water and/or vegetation, which do not involve removal of mature scenic trees except for forestry and agricultural purposes. Examples include but are not limtied to: (1) Grading on land with-a slope of less than 10 percent, except where it is to be located in a waterway, in any wetland, in an officially designated (by Federal, State or local Governmental action) scenic area, or in officially mapped areas of severe geologic hazard; (2) New gardening or landscaping, but not including tree removal; (3) Filling of earth into previously excavated land with material compatible with the natural features of the site; -3G- 0 0 0 0 (4) Minor alteration,; in land, water and vegeta- tion on existing officially designated wildlife management areas of fish production facilities which result in improvement of habitat for fish and wild- life resources or greater fish production; (5) Minor temporary uses of land having negligible or no permanent effects on the environment; and (6) Minor trenching and backfilling where the surface is restored. Class 5: Information Collection. Class 5 consists of basic data collection, research, experimental management and resource evaluation activities which do not result in a serious or major disturbance to an environmental resource. These may be for strictly information gathering purposes, or as part of a study leading to an action which a public agency has not yet approved, adopted or funded. Cla_s_r: _6: Inspections. Class 6 consists of activities limited ei: ti.r_ely to inspection, to check for performance of an operation, or quality,. health or safety or a project, including related activities. Class 7: Accessory Structures. Class 7 consists of construction or placement of minor structures accessory or appurtenant to existing commercial, industrial, or institu- tional facilities. Class 8: SurRus Government Prope_rty Sales. Class 8 consists of sales of surplus government property except for parcels of land located in an area of statewide interest or potential area of critical concern as identified in the Governor's Environmental Goals and Policy Report of June 1, 1973. Class 9_ Functional Eau~ivalent of an EIR. Class 9 consists of regulatory programs of the District whose pur- pose includes environmental protection and whose process involves the functional equivalent of an EIR. To qualify for an exemption under this section, the public agency must have its process certified as a functional equivalent by the Secretary for Resources. The Secretary for Resources may withdraw the certification after notice and hearing pursuant to Government Code Title 2, Division 3, Chapter 4.5. 0 0 0 0 Class 10: Actions Taken b Requl.atorv, Agencies for the Protection of Natural Resource:. Class 10 consists of actions taken by regulatory agencies as authorized by state law or local ordinance to assure the maintenance, restoration, or enhancement of a natural resource where the regulatory process involves procedures for protection of -the environment. Examples include but are not limited to wildlife preservation activities of the State Depart- ment of Fish and Game. Construction activities are not included in this exemption. Class 11: Actions Taken by Regulatory Agencies for the Protection of the Environment. Class 11 consists of actions taken by regulatory agencies, as authorized by state or local ordinance, to assure the maintenance, restoration, enhancement, or protection of the environment where the regulatory process involves procedures for protection of the environment. Construction activities are not included in this exemption. Class 12: Acquisition of Lands for Wildlife Conservation Purposes. Class 12 consists of the acquisition of land for fish and wildlife conservation purposes; i.nclud-- ing preservation of fish and wildlife habitat, establishing ecological reserves under.Fish and Game Code Section 1560, and preserving access to public lands and waters where the purpose of the acquisition is to preserve the land in its natural condition . Class 13: Minor Additions to Schools. Class 13 con- sists of minor additions to existing schools within existing school grounds where the addition does not increase original student capacity by more than 25% or five classrooms, which- ever is less. The addition of portable classrooms is included in this exemption. Class 14: Functional Equivalent of an _EIR. Class 14 consists of regulatory programs of public agencies whose purpose includes environmental protection and whose process involves the functional equivalent of an EIR. To qualify for an exemption under this section, the public agency must have its process certified as a functional equivalent by the Secretary for Resources. The Secretary for Resources may withdraw the certification after notice and hearing pursuant to Government Code Title 2, Div. 3, Ch. 4.5. Class 15: Transfer of Ownership of Land in Order to Create Parks. Class 15 consists of the acquisition or sale of land in order to establish a park where the land is in a natural condition or contains historic sites or archaeolo- gical sites and either: (a) The management plan for the park has not been prepared, or (b) The management plan proposes to keep the area in a natural. condition or preserve the historic or archaeolo- gical site. CEQA will apply when a management plan is pro- posed that will change the area from its natural condition or significantly change the historic or archaeological site. Class 16: Open Space Contracts or Easements. Class 16 consists of the establishment of agricultural preserves, the making and renewing of open space contracts under the Williamson Act, or the acceptance of easements or fee interests in order to maintain the open space character of the area. The cancellation of such preserves, contracts, interests or easements is not included. Class 17: Designation of Wilderness Areas. Class 17 consists of the designation of wilderness areas under the California Wilderness Svstem. Class 18: for Exempt Facil ing annexations: (a) Annexations to a city or special district of areas containing existing public or private structures developed to the density allowed by the current zoning or pre-zoning of either the gaining or losing govern- mental agency whichever is more restrictive, provided, however, that the extension of utility services to the existing facilities would have a capacity to serve only the existing facilities. (b) Annexations of individual small parcels of the minimum size for facilities exempted by Section 15103, New Construction of Small Structures. Class 19: Changes in Orjgani.zation of Local Agencies. Class 19 consists of changes in the organization or reorgani- zation of local governmental agencies where the changes do not change the geographical area in which previously existing powers are exercised. Examples include but are not limited to: (a) Establishment of a subsidiary district. (b) Consolidation of two or more districts having identical powers. (c) Merger with a city or district lying entirely within the boundaries of the city. Annexations of Existing Facilities and Lots ities. Class 18 consists of only the follow- -39- 00 Section 40. Lxceptions. (a) . Loc_a.tion. Classes 3, 4, 5, b, and 8 are qualified by consideration of where the project is to be located a project that is ordinarily insignificant in its impact: on the environment may in a particularly sensitive environment be significant. Therefore, these classes are considered to apply in all instances, except where the project may impact on an environmental resource of hazardous or critical concern where designated, precisely mapped, and officially adopted pursuant to law by federal, state or local agencies. (b) Cumulative Impact. All exemptions for these classes are inapplicable when the cumulative impact of successive projects of the same type -in the same place, over time is significant for example, annual ~,dcli..tions to an existing building under Class 1. Section 41. New Exemptions. The Board may, from time to time, upon the reconuiendation of the Staff, identify additional types of projects which have been determined not to have a significant effect on the environment and which are exempt from the requirements of this resolution. ARTICLE X - SUBSEQUENT EIR' S Section 42. Where an EIR has been prepared, no additional EIR need be prepared unless: A. Substantial changes are proposed in the project which will require major revisions of the EIR, due to the involve- ment of new environmental impacts not considered in a pre- vious EIR on the project; or, B. Therefare substantial changes with respect to the cir- cumstances under which the project is to be undertaken, such as a change in the proposed location of the project, which will require major revisions in the EIR due to the involvement of new environmental impacts not covered in a previous EIR. ARTICLE XI USE OF A SINGLE EIR FOR MORE THAN ONE PROJECT Section 43. A. Two Projects Undertaken at the Same Time. A single EIR may be utilized to describe more than one project when the projects are essentially the same in terms of environ- mental impacts. Any environmental impacts peculiar to any one of the projects must be separately set forth and explained. 0 0 0 0 B. Later Projects. An fIR on an earlier project may be utilized to apply to a later project if the environmental impacts of the projects are essentially the same. If there are environmental impacts applicable to the later project which were not associated with the earlier project, the earlier EIR must be amended to separately set forth and explain said impacts. In this respect it is recognized that the considerations facing the Board will vary depending on the precise approval being requested. It will therefore frequently be appropriate to prepare a basic EIR for the proposed activity and to supplement the same with appropriate amendments at the various stages of approval. ARTICLE XII MULTIPLE AND PHXT.SED PROJECTS Section 44. Where individual projects are, or a phased project is, to be undertaken and where the total undertaking comprises a project with significant environmental effect, the Lead Agency must prepare a single EIR for the ultimate project. Where an individual project is a necessary precedent for action on a larger project, or commits the Lead Agency to a larger project, with significant environmental effect, an EIR must address itself to the scope of the larger project. Where one project is one of several similar projects of a public agency, but is not deemed a part of a larger_ under- taking or a larger project, the agency may prepare one EIR for all projects, or one for each project, but shall in either case comment upon the cumulative effect. ARTICLE XIII STAGED EIR Section 45. (a) Where a large capital project will require a number of discretionary approvals from governmental agencies and one of the approvals will occur more than 2 years before construction will begin, a staged EIR may be prepared covering the entire project. in a general form. The staged EIR should evaluate the proposal in light of current and contemplated plans and produce an informed estimate of the environmental consequences of the entire project. The aspect of the project before the public agency for approval shall be discussed with a greater degree of specificity. (b) When a staged EIR has been prepared, a supplement to the FIR shall be prepared when a later_ approval is require-cl -41- for the project, and the information available at the time of the later approval would permit consideration of additiona7_ envir_onment-.al impacts, mitigation measures, or reasonable alternatives to the project. (c) Where a statute such as the Warren-Alqu.ist Energy Resources Conservation and Development Act provides that a specific agency shall be the Lead Agency for a project and requires the Lead Agency to prepare an EIR, a Responsible Agency which must grant an approval for the project before the Lead Agency has completed the EIR may prepare and consider a staged EIR. APIICLE XIV - PARTIAL INVALIDITY Section 46. In the event any part or provision of this Resolution shall be determined to be invalid, the remaining portions of the Resolution which can be separated from the invalid un- enforceable provisions, shall nevertheless continue in full force and effect. -42- ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION (SHORT FOFU4) Name of Project Proposer: Address. Nature and Description of Project: Address of Project: (If Legal Description, Please Attach Separately) Action by the District necessary for Project Implementation: Is the Project of such significance that it will have a non-trivial effect on the environment of the District? Project Proposer: Yes No District Yes No If the answer is yes, a full environment impact statement evaluation should be completed. What is the environmental impact of the proposed project or action? Are there any adverse environmental effects which cannot be avoided if the proposal is implemented? If yes, what are they? What mitigation measures are proposed to minimize the impact? What are the alternatives to the proposed action or project? is, other_ than not doing it at all?) (That EXHIBIT "A" 0 0 r 0 What is the relationship between local short-term uses of man's environment and the maintenance and enhancement of long-term productivity? (VLL11_ the proposed short-term use deter from the maintenance and enhancement of long-term environmental goals?) Are there any irreversible environmental changes which would be involved in the proposed action or project should it be implemented? How will the proposed project foster economic or population growth, either directly or indirectly, in the community? For District Use Only: RECOMMENDED ACTION: RECORDED AND FILED: Month Day Year By: -A2- 0 0 0 0 (District) (Address) STATEI,11-:NT OF NON-APPLICABILITY Name of Pr_oj! ct: _ Location: Entity or Person Undertaking Project: 1) Name 2) Address Staff. Determination The undersigned, having undertaken and completed a preliminary review of this project in accordance with District's Resolution entitled "Resolution of the Board of Directors of District Adopting Objectives, Criteria and Procedures Implementing the California Environmental Quality Act" has concluded that this project does not require further environmental assessment by this District because: [ ] 1. The proposed acting does not constitute a project within the meaning of Section 23. [ ] 2. The project is a Ministerial Project under Section 4. [ ] 3. The project is an Emergency Project under Section 26. [ ] 4. The project constitutes a feasibility or planning study under Section 27.. [ ] 5. The project is Categorically Exempt under Section 33. Applicable Exemption Class [ ] G. The environmental conseuuences of the project have been previously identified in an EIR which was certified as complete by the Board. [ ] 7. The project involves another public agency which consti- tutes the lead agency. Name of Lead Agency DATE: 0 0 This Project e7a ; (approved, di-,approvcd) by (issuing body or person.) on it - (date) was determined by the (issuing body or person) that the project (will, will not) have a significant effect on the environment. An Environmental Impact Report (~•7as, was not) prepared for this project pursuant to the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970. Signature Title Date EXHIBIT "C" NOT..Cl; OF LXEMi),j..fON DISTRICT address TO: County Clerk County of Project Title Project Location - Specific Project Location - City Project Location - County Description of Nature, Purpose, and Beneficiaries of Project Name of Public Agency Approving Project Name of Person or Agency Carrying Out Project Exempt Status: (Check One) Ministerial (Sec. 15073 Declared Emergency (Sec. 15071 (a) ) Emergency Project (Sec. 15071 (b) and (c) ) Categorical Exemption. State type and section number: Reasons why project is exempt: -1 Contact Person Area Code Telephone Extension If filed by applicant: 1. Attach certified document of exemption finding. 2. Has a notice of exemption been filed by the public agency approving the project? Yes No DATE RESPONSIBLE OFFICIAL EXHIBIT "D" ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST FOP14 (To be completed by Lead Agency) I. BACKGROUND 1. Name of Proponent _ 2. Address and Phone number of Proponent: 3. Date of Checklist Sul=itted 4. Agency Requiring Checklist 5. Nar.ie of Proposal, if applicable II. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS (Explanations of all "yes" and "maybe" answers are required on attached sheets.) YES MAYBE NO 1. Earth. Will the proposal result in: a. Unstable earth conditions or in changes in geological substructures? b. Disruptions, displacements, cont- paction or over-covering of the soil? C. Change in topography or ground surface relief features? d. The destruction, covering or modification of any unique geologic or physical features? e. Any increase in wind or water_ erosion of soils, either on or off the site? f. Changes in deposition or erosion of beach sands, or changes in siltation, deposition or erosion which may modify the channel of a river or stream or the bed of the ocean or any bay, inlet or lake? g. Exposure of people or property to geologic hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, mudslides, ground failure, or similar hazards? EXHIBIT "E" YES MAYBE NO 2. Air... Will the proposal. result in: a. Substantial air emissions or deterioration of ami)ient air quality? b. The creation of objectionable odors? C. Alteration of air movement, moisture or temperature, or any change in climate, either locally or regionally? 3. Water. Will_ the proposal result in: a. Changes in currents, or the course or direction of water movements, in either marine or fresh waters? b. Changes in absorption rates, drainage patterns, or the rate and amount of surface water runoff? C. Alterations to the course or flow of flood waters? d. Change in the amount of surface water in any water body? e. Discharge into surface waters, or in any alteration of surface water quality, including but not limited to temperature, dissolved oxygen or turbidity? f. Alteration of the direction or rate of flow of ground waters? g. Change in the quantity of ground waters, either through direct additions or withdrawals, or through interception of an aquifer by cuts or excavations? h. Substantial reduction in the amount of water otherwise available for public water supplies? i. Exposure of people or property to water related hazards such as flooding or tidal waves? YES MAYBE NO 4. Plant Life. Will the proposal result in: a. Change in the diversity of species, or number of any species of plants (including trees, shrubs, grass, crops, microflora and aquatic plants)? b. Reduction of the numbers of any unique, rare or endangered species of plants? C. Introduction of new species of plants into an area, or in a barrier to the normal replenishment of existing species? d. Reduction in acreage of any agricultural crop? 5. Animal Life. Will the proposal result in: a. Change in the diversity of species, or numbers of any species of animals (birds, land animals including reptiles, fish and shellfish, benthi_c organisms, insects or microfauna)? b. Reduction of the numbers of any unique, rare or endangered species of animals? C. Introduction of new species of animals into an area, or result. in a barrier to the migration or movement of animals? d. Deterioration to existing fish or wildlife habitat? G. Noise. Will the proposal result in: a. Increases in existing noise levels? b. Exposure of people to severe noise levels? YES MAYBE NO 7.. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. L_igh_t_a.nd Glare. Will the proposal produce new light or glare? Land Use. Will the proposal result in a `substantial alteration of the present or planned land use of an area? Natural Resources. Will the proposal result in: a. Increase in the rate of use of any natural resources? b. Substantial depletion of any nonrenewable natural resource? Risk of Upset. Does the proposal involve a risk of an explosion or the release of hazardous substances (including, but not limited to, oil, pesticides, chemicals or radiation). in the event of an accident or upset conditions? Population. Will the proposal alter the location, distribution, density, or growth rate of the human popula- tion of an area? Housing. Will the proposal affect existing housing, or create a demand for additional housing? Transportation/Circulation. Will the proposal result in: a. Generation of substantial addi- tional vehicular movement? b. Effects on existing parking facilities, or demand for new parking? C. Substantial impact upon existing transportation systems? d. Alterations to present patterns of circulation or movement of people and/or goods? E4 YES MAYBE NO 14 15. 16. e. Alterations to waterborne, rail or air traffic? f. :Increase in traffic hazards to motor vehicles, bicyclists or pedestrians? Public Services. Will the proposal have an effect upon, or result in a need for new or altered govern- mental services in any of the following areas: a. Fire protection? b. Police protection? C. Schools? d. Parks or other recreational facilities? e. Maintenaa:ce of public facili- ties, including roads? f. Other governmental services? Energy. Will the proposal result in: a. Use of substantial amounts of fuel or energy-? b. Substantial increase in demand upon existing sources of energy, or require the development of new sources of energy? Utilities. Will the proposal result in a need for new systems, or substantial alterations to the following utilities: a. Power or natural gas? b. Communications systems? C. Water? d. Sewer or septic tanks? e. Storm water drainage? f. Solid waste and disposal? . 9 1 . 0 0 0 40 YES MAYBE NO 17. Human _Health_. Will the proposal result in: a. Creation of any health hazard or potential health hazard (excluding mental health)? b. Exposure of people to potential health hazards? 18. Aesthetics. Will the proposal result in the obstruction of any scenic vista or view open to the public, or will the proposal result in the creation of an aesthetically offen- sive site open to public view? 19. Recreation. Will the proposal result in an impact upon the quality or quantity of existing recreational opportunities? 20. Archeo_loq_ical/Historical. Will the proposal result in an alteration of a significant archeological or historical site, structure, object or building? 21. Mandatory Findings of Significance. a. Does the project have the potential to degrade the quality of the environ- ment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal com- munity, reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of Cali- fornia history or prehistory? b. Does the project have the poten- tial to achieve short-term, to the disadvantage of long-term, environ-• mental goals? (A short-term impact on the environment is one which occurs in a relatively brief, definitive period of time while long-term impacts will endure well into the future.) f YES MAYBE NO C. Does the project have impacts which are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable? (A pr. of ec L- may impact on two or more separate resources where the impact on each resource is relatively small, but where the effect of the total of those impacts on the environ- ment is significant.) d. Does the project have environ- mental effects which will cause substantial adverse effect on human beings, either directly or indirectly? III. DISCUSSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION IV. DETERr%1INATION (To be completed by the Lead Agency) On the basis of this initial evaluation: I find the proposed project COULD 1,109' have a significant effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because the mitiga- tion measures described on an attached sheet have been added to the project. A NEGATIVE DECLARATION WILL BE PREPARED. I find the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONIMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required. Date _ (Signature) For Adopted this 27th day of January, 1977 by the following called vote: Ayes: Directors, Clodt, Wagner, Knauft, Lindow and Korn Noes: None Absent: None Abstain: None Fred G. Clodt, President ATTEST: ~j Jea~E. Mathews, Secretary