ESCONDIDO: Citizens group raises questions about parking ordinance Aug 24, 2008
But they said those issues do not legally require a more aggressive analysis, commonly referred to as an environmental impact report. "It's not clear what an environmental impact report would do to clear up many of their concerns," city planning chief Jon Brindle said last week ... If the council decides an environmental impact report is not necessary, the chamber would have to file and win a lawsuit to make such a study happen, City Attorney Jeff Epp said last week. (North County Times)
Lakeview project gets another go 'round with planning commission Aug 24, 2008
Two other items related to the project, the planned development permit and the tentative tract map, are scheduled to come back to the commission on Oct. 15 after the City Council has adopted the environmental impact report and General Plan amendment and zone change. In public comment, speakers expressed concerns about the project's density and traffic impacts. (Santa Maria Times)
REGION: SDG&E says it did not mislead state Aug 20, 2008
That option surfaced in January with the agency's release of a draft environmental impact report. That unveiling angered tribal officials because it showed wires crossing lands of the Campo Band of Kumeyaay Indians and La Posta Band of Mission Indians. (North County Times)
S.F. housing projects emerge from deep freeze Aug 19, 2008
For developers with projects in the pipeline, that allowed three options: Undertake a full environmental impact report, a costly and time-consuming exercise usually done only for major projects; wait until the eastern neighborhoods EIR is complete; or offer to include PDR as part of the housing project. But because the definition of the PDR was unclear, projects choosing the third option were shelved, according to Ken Rich, who oversees the eastern neighborhood planning process for the city. (San Francisco Business Times, CA)
Mahoney Ranch project reaches council Aug 18, 2008
According to the project's environmental impact report, 727 would be single-family homes, on lots ranging from 5,000 to 7,000 square feet; 479 would be multifamily units, such as duplexes and triplexes; and 199 would be high-density residential, multifamily units, such as townhomes or apartments. Besides the residential units, the plan ultimately includes an elementary school, community park, community retail center and 106 acres of conservation open space designated to protect the California... (Santa Maria Times)
Tasting visitors can wear out their welcome Aug 17, 2008
I was hit between the eyes at the EIR (environmental impact report) meeting (for the community plan update) a few weeks ago because no one talked to me about their frustrations, Firestone said. Lane responded that she had come to Firestone several years ago but Firestone had not helped her then. (Santa Maria Times)
Board reviews campus plans Aug 16, 2008
Work to develop DJ Farms began around 1993 when the city prepared an environmental impact report for the original DJ Farms specific plan. The plan then called for the construction of 480 homes and 380,000 square feet of commercial space. (Santa Maria Times)
Letters: Larger Wal-Mart will be good competition for businesses Aug 16, 2008
I listened as Mr. Cole attempted to explain why he and the other members of the Crescent Heritage Coalition, whomever they may be, do not like the Environmental Impact Report. His answers to questions by the supervisors led me to believe Mr. Cole does not really have a concern except he does not want this expansion to take place. (Daily Triplicate)
MGNA lobbies council to take stance on Green Line Aug 15, 2008
He said the most prudent thing to do would be to wait until a number of studies in the Environmental Impact Report are complete. The ridership study, which is scheduled for completion next month, will provide data that the Executive Office of Transportation (EOT) is likely to base its terminus recommendation on. (Medford Transcript, MA)
Prison Overseer: $8 Billion For Med Facilities Aug 14, 2008
His team has started working on the environmental impact report at proposed sites in Stockton and San Diego. Other potential sites include Folsom, Solano County near Vacaville, Whittier, Chino and Ventura County. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Crime)
Gaviota coast housing project still inching forward Aug 14, 2008
Among the environmental advantages of that option, according to an environmental impact report, would be the creation of a 2,629-acre agricultural preserve on Dos Pueblos Ranch. No additional development would ever be allowed on those agricultural lands. (Santa Maria Times)
Trinitas: Letters against refuted Aug 14, 2008
An environmental impact report on the project is in the works and is expected to be brought before the Board of Supervisors soon. The project was the subject of complaints from various county agencies that proper permits were not secured for grading and well drilling. (The Union Democrat)
There are two versions of the La Paz proposal for the 15-acre property located on Civic Center Way between Papa Jack\'s State Park and the Malibu Library. The larger, 132,000 square foot, version includes donation of 2.3 acres of land, Parcel C, for Malibu to build a City Hall. Aug 14, 2008
"The Planning Commission in January recommended that the City Council reject the larger project and approve the smaller one. The proposal returned to the commission because the developer recently submitted a new wastewater disposal plan. The council is expected to hear the project on Sept. 22.The commission's refusal to rehear the application, against the advice of Assistant City Attorney Gregg Kovacevich, stems from certain comments in the staff report for the Aug. 5 meeting.The report stated... (Malibu Times, CA)
Left to right: Malibu City Council members John Sibert, Jefferson Wagner, Santa Monica College trustee Margaret Quinones-Perez, Mayor Pro Tem Andy Stern and Councilmember Sharon Barovsky pose with a $2.5 million check presented to the City of Malibu by SMC to help defray the cost of constructing a wastewater treatment plant and its connection to Legacy Park during Monday\'s city council meeting. The funds are from Measure S, a college bond measure approved by voters in 2004. Aug 14, 2008
Stop being so sensitive," Stern saidHearing outcome on Rambla Pacifico emergency road unknownThe Malibu City Council on Monday approved a contracting services agreement with Rincon Consulting, Inc. to develop a Focused Environmental Impact Report, a step in obtaining a standard Coastal Development Permit, to build an emergency access road at Rambla Pacifico Road. Additionally the council passed a motion to remove an item from the agenda that discussed a reimbursement agreement for Rambla... (Malibu Times, CA)
City staff gives details of project Aug 13, 2008
Although the half-hour presentation on the recent environmental impact report provided little additional information to attendees, most present said it was helpful to have the ear of the engineers, consultants and staff members who work on the project ... Also in attendance were representatives from Rincon Consultants, the company that submitted the draft environmental impact report for review ... Those who still have questions or comments on the proposed project and environmental report have... (Santa Maria Times)
Road extension hearing to be held Tuesday Aug 11, 2008
The meeting will cover a recently released environmental impact report on the Union Valley Parkway extension project and staff members from Caltrans, Santa Maria city and Santa Barbara County will be on hand to answer questions ... The project s draft environmental impact report prepared by San Luis Obispo-based Rincon Consultants cited several negative impacts, such as a permanent increase in noise levels for neighbors and harm to several animal and plant species. (Santa Maria Times)
Huasna Valley residents oppose oil drilling Aug 11, 2008
County planning staff members are using an environmental impact report (EIR) that was developed for a proposed exploration and production project on the Mankins property in the late 1980s for Excelaron s proposal, along with a mitigated negative declaration, which is an official decision that a new environmental impact study. isn t necessary. (Santa Maria Times)
Valley at the Crossroads Aug 10, 2008
County planning staff members are using an environmental impact report developed for a proposed exploration and production project on the Mankins property in the late 1980s for Excelaron s proposal, along with a mitigated negative declaration, which is an official decision that a new EIR isn t necessary. Things haven t changed that much in Huasna Valley since the original EIR was done, county planner John McKenzie said. (Lompoc Record, CA)
Environmental review begins for General Plan Aug 10, 2008
The California Environmental Quality Act requires that a city s general plan document, which sets zoning and land use policy, must have an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) conducted at the time of adoption. The consultants assembling the EIR will begin accepting input Monday about what environmental impacts should be focused on. (Lompoc Record, CA)
Hearing set on appeal of Wal-Mart expansion Aug 10, 2008
Ron Cole, on behalf of the Crescent City Heritage Coalition, appealed the Planning Commission's June 4 decision to adopt an Environmental Impact Report for Wal-Mart's expansion to a Supercenter. The county planning department has recommended that the board deny the appeal and uphold the Planning Commission's decision. (Daily Triplicate)
Brookings joins airport partnership Aug 9, 2008
Also at the meeting Thursday, Airport Manager Jim Bernard announced that the public hearing for the Environmental Impact Report for the airport's new terminal will be Oct. 2. The EIR should be available for public comment in early September. (Daily Triplicate)
Grover Beach agrees to study expansion for train depot Aug 8, 2008
That will determine how the environmental impact report will focus. After the meeting, Ashton said Amtrak buses don t need to load and unload across the tracks, as they have since the station was completed in 1996, but can easily turn around in the depot s parking lot. (Santa Maria Times)
Desalination plant receives Coastal Commission OK Aug 7, 2008
The project's environmental impact report concluded that, compared to the overall abundance of marine life in the ocean, the loss from the plant's intake system will be insignificant. Nonetheless, Poseidon is required under the state's Coastal Act to compensate for the loss of ocean productivity by enhancing marine habitats, including wetlands that serve as nurseries for juvenile fish. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
A's mailbag: What's the plan for the future? Aug 5, 2008
As has been the case for some time, Thom, the two sticking points seems to be (1) satisfying the major property owners near the proposed site and (2) completing the all-important environmental impact report (EIR). Nothing gets done until the EIR is finished, and I don't know what the timeline is for that beast. (MLB.com -- Oakland Athletics)
'They are throwing us under the boat' Aug 5, 2008
Sacramento County Supervisor Don Nottoli, whose district includes Galt and Walnut Grove, echoed Wilson's comments that there is a great effort to complete the Bay-Delta plan and the environmental impact report by the end of 2010. "It's moving very, very quickly," Nottoli told the Rotary Club. (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
Committee studying Lindbergh expansion Aug 4, 2008
The airport authority approved a master plan and environmental impact report in May. It includes $650 million in possible projects, work the authority maintains is necessary to handle projected growth in air traffic. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Compromise for Mt. Springs in the wings? Jul 31, 2008
Concerns cited by those hoping for a reduced density alternative, as outlined in the Mountain Springs Community environmental impact report, include traffic increases on Highway 108 and Lime Kiln Road, the loss of agricultural land, impacts to wildlife habitat, and carbon emissions resulting from the construction and extra cars on the road following the project's completion. Kopf and developers counter by saying the project will bring in millions in tax dollars, create jobs and actually reduce... (The Union Democrat)
Timing of delivery of docs irks Frye Jul 31, 2008
Frye sent a memorandum Wednesday afternoon to Bill Anderson, director of city planning and community investment, to get answers for why delivery of the document (called the Draft Candidate Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations Regarding the Final Environmental Impact Report for University Towne Center Revitalization Project) was tardy. Frye said the city's Municipal Code requires that such environmental documents be delivered to decision makers, community planning groups... (San Diego Union-Tribune)
UTC: Mall expansion wins key approval. Jul 31, 2008
After a four-hour hearing, council members decided 7-1 that the plan should proceed, approving a master plan development permit, a general plan amendment, the environmental impact report and other requirements. Councilwoman Donna Frye voted against it. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
'New Edgewood Plaza' plans nearly complete Jul 30, 2008
Sand Hill Properties, the site's developer, has asked the City of Palo Alto for an Environmental Impact Report (EIR), which the company expects will take nine months to complete, according to John Tze of Sand Hill ... David Powers did the Environmental Impact Report for the Taube Koret Campus for Jewish Life, he noted. (Palo Alto Online, CA)
EIR on roadway extension released Jul 30, 2008
An environmental impact report on a long-debated roadway extension in Orcutt has been released for comment, approximately two weeks before a public forum is scheduled on the Union Valley Parkway project ... The project's draft environmental impact report (DEIR) prepared by San Luis Obispo-based Rincon Consultants points out that the extension would cause a permanent increase in noise levels for local neighbors and would harm several animal and plant species. (Lompoc Record, CA)
Calif. AG cracks down on Nestle bottling plant Jul 30, 2008
Afterward, Siskiyou County will prepare a new environmental impact report for the project. Brown said the company must put its revisions into a new contract with the town of McCloud. (Fresno Bee -- Business)
‘Town hall' meeting set over oil drilling plan Jul 30, 2008
The environmental impact report (EIR) that was developed for the proposed exploration and production project on the property in the late 1980s will be used for the newest proposal, McKenzie said. The Arroyo Grande Oil Field, east of Pismo Beach in Price Canyon, is the county's only large-scale oil field. (Santa Maria Times)
Opposition to quarry in California foothills aims to preserve land Jul 28, 2008
The long-awaited environmental impact report may be released next month. Those who work on the reserve want the project stopped. (Boston Globe)
Galt residents offer opinions on growth Jul 28, 2008
Printed copies of the document and a related environmental impact report are available for review at the following locations: Galt City Clerk's Office, 380 Civic Drive; Galt Planning Department, 495 Industrial Drive; and the Marion O. Lawrence Public Library, 1000 Caroline Ave., Galt. CDs or printed copies may be purchased from the city clerk's office. (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
The Patron Saint of Plastic Bags Jul 28, 2008
Joseph had filed suit against Los Angeles county on the grounds that it did not prepare an Environmental Impact Report on the banning of the bags as required by California Law. A month earlier, Manhattan Beach, Calif. (Time.com)
High Timber causes concern for some Jul 27, 2008
Ferguson is the environmental consultant hired to prepare the environmental impact report ... The July 12 meeting was to gather public input before the Environmental Impact Report phase begins. (Big Bear Grizzly, CA)
Supervisors nudge Villa del Lago along Jul 26, 2008
Certification of a negative declaration relieves developers of the need to do a complete Environmental Impact Report, which is a much more comprehensive and thorough review of a project s impact on the environment. According to the California Environmental Quality Act handbook, a negative declaration is used when there is no substantial evidence that the project will result in adverse impacts on the land. (San Andreas Calaveras Enterprise, CA)
Long Gulch project's old debts racking up Jul 26, 2008
Paszkowski also said the plan would likely require an environmental impact report, mitigation for the conversion of oak woodlands and additional mitigations for impacts to the great gray owl. In April, project spokesman Levin said: "We have to refinance the property. Assuming we get that financing in place in the next several months, we will proceed with the project north of Ferretti Road as soon as possible.". (The Union Democrat)
$3 million: Nothing to show for it Jul 26, 2008
The city of Lodi received 32,780 for work on the environmental impact report. The firm Private Public Ventures Inc., based in Pasadena, received about 760,000 to help Delta pick the site off Victor Road in Lodi as well as establish the development agreement with private companies to add housing and retail. (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
Grover Beach fires Land Use Element consultant Jul 25, 2008
The tasks also included preparing an administrative review copy of a draft environmental impact report on the update, which also will be delayed until Aug. 25, with a public review copy delayed until Oct. 6. Lieberman asked what the ramifications would be of canceling the contract, and City Attorney Martin Koczanowicz said the city could terminate the agreement on a five-day notice. (Santa Maria Times)
California high-speed rail builders should learn French Jul 25, 2008
The environmental impact report for this project blandly states that train noise will be "low" or "moderate" in the valley communities. But a 225-mph train going through the heart of the most heavily populated areas in the valley is sure to upset and annoy thousands of persons per trip. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Opinion)
Regional Roundup Jul 25, 2008
Printed copies of the document as well as a related environmental impact report are available for review at the following locations: Galt City Clerk's Office, 380 Civic Drive, Galt; Galt Planning Department, 495 Industrial Drive, Galt; and Marion O. Lawrence Public Library, 1000 Caroline Ave., Galt ... Written comments on the environmental impact report will be accepted only during the review period. (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
Passenger train back on the ballot in November Jul 24, 2008
The Environmental Impact Report projected that about 6,000 riders will use the train on weekdays, an increase of about 1,000 riders, which Fudge attributed to increasing gas prices. This will provide an alternative, it will mean 6,000 less cars on (Highway) 101, she said. (Sebastopol Sonoma West Publishing, CA)
Ikea project causes Wellington traffic fears Jul 24, 2008
Currently, Federal Realty is working to complete the Environmental Impact Report and expects to start demolition this fall. The plan at this point is that if things proceed well we re hoping to get the Environmental Impact Report done this year, said Thomas McShane, a principal with marketing and communications firm, Dewey Square. (Medford Transcript, MA)
News & Notes Jul 23, 2008
Patterson sued the county over its April 22 decision to proceed with West Park, contending that an environmental impact report was required. The county believes the board's action created a project description in April, which is the starting point for an environmental review, said County Counsel John Doering. (Modesto Bee, CA)
Comments sought on Area 9A industrial plan Jul 22, 2008
An environmental impact report is being created as part of the development of a huge swath of industrial land between Black Road and A Street, north of Betteravia Road and south of the Santa Maria Valley Railroad called Area 9A, and officials are mapping out what needs to be studied in the process. A public scoping meeting for the draft EIR of the Area 9A Specific Plan is scheduled Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 110 E. Cook Street. (Santa Maria Times)
Escalon housing project, large regional park on hold Jul 20, 2008
The City Council approved the tentative subdivision map and the environmental impact report two years ago, but Frontiers Community Builders of Stockton had yet to do any major work on the site. FCB did not return The Bee's request for information, but city records show the project would have been south of Escalon on property that would have been annexed into the city. (Modesto Bee, CA)
Richmond OK's Chevron's $1B refinery upgrade Jul 19, 2008
The council voted 5-4 to back the city Planning Commission's June approval of the project environmental impact report, and 6-1 to approve the commission's OK of a conditional use permit for the project. The votes capped a lengthy, two-session meeting that began Tuesday night and ended early Thursday. (San Francisco Business Times, CA)
Herald residents worried about gravel mining proposal Jul 19, 2008
Angelo Tsakopoulos is waiting for a traffic study to be completed to go with the draft environmental impact report that has already been prepared. Tsakopoulos' application for a conditional use permit calls for 191 trucks a day to travel along Herald roads to and from the plant for 25 to 30 years. (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
State: Langwood Commons subject to review Jul 18, 2008
Since those improvements would require state permits from the DCR, Ian Bowles, EOEA secretary, sent a July 3 letter to The Gutierrez Company stating he rejected the claim that the project requires no state agency action and directed the developer to prepare and file a supplemental final environmental impact report. The MEPA office originally asked for such a report in the certificate it issued for the project in January 2006. (Stoneham Sun, MA)
Keeping Up the PACE Jul 17, 2008
The review process will include public scoping meetings, issuing a draft Environmental Impact Report and public hearings. They will either approve the Project as filed, approve the project with modifications or deny the project. (The Exeter Sun, CA)
Residents fail to show for Legacy Park workshops Jul 17, 2008
"The project has a two-fold purpose of transforming the 20-acre property located along Pacific Coast Highway between Webb Way and Cross Creek Road into a multihabitat, passive recreation park. It will be a part of the city's storm water management program, which includes the nearby treatment center on Civic Center Way.The park will capture excess storm water runoff when the treatment facility is filled to capacity. The storm water will then move to the facility as room becomes available. The... (Malibu Times, CA)
Powerlink delay denounced Jul 17, 2008
The draft EIR (environmental impact report) was recirculated because SDG&E failed to provide us critical information related to the project in a timely manner, Terrie Prosper of the utilities commission said in an e-mail. Sunrise supporters say that the commission is requesting redundant studies and that delays will cost $350,000 a day in state-mandated fees to keep the South Bay Power Plant operational. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
SunCal unveils details of Oak Knoll project at former Naval Medical Center Oakland Jul 14, 2008
The commission will also be asked to certify the final Supplemental Environmental Impact Report for Oak Knoll, and to OK conditions of approval that specify "who does what and when" during the construction process, Patton said. This article is for Paid Print Subscribers ONLY.. (East Bay Business Times, CA)
Highway 246 safety at heart of meeting Jul 13, 2008
The environmental impact report has been drafted for the improvements, and what we want is public comment about what is in that document, said Jim Shivers, Caltrans spokesman. The public is invited to attend the meeting and receive information about the projects as well as view displays of what the projects will look like during and after completion. (Santa Maria Times)
Judging the bridge's 5 suicide barrier designs Jul 13, 2008
The public can comment on the designs and review the draft environmental impact report at. Public hearings will be held from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. July 22 at the Embassy Suites Hotel, 101 McInnis Parkway, San Rafael, and from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. July 23 at the San Francisco Ferry Building, Port Commission hearing room, second floor. (San Francisco Chronicle)
No change in PUC's position on Powerlink Jul 13, 2008
The revised environmental impact report took into account SDG&E's estimate that 1,250 megawatts of electricity can be generated from wind power in the La Rumorosa area east of Tecate, rather than the calculation of 250 megawatts in the draft report. The environmental analysis team also reviewed 13 proposed changes to the power line, which has drawn fire from environmentalists because of its proposed route through Anza-Borrego. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
POWAY: Wal-Mart submits plans to expand Poway store Jul 8, 2008
"We anticipate an environmental impact report being done with this," Audish said ... Once the environmental impact report is complete, the plan will go to the City Council, where the public can again have input about the proposal, she said. (North County Times)
LAKE ELSINORE: Ratepayers fired up about flier Jul 5, 2008
-- "The final environmental impact report has yet to determine whether the lake environment will be damaged by (the plant) and not enhanced as the brochure claims.". That environmental impact report will be completed later this year, project backers have said. (North County Times)
Trinitasbacked by tax group Jul 5, 2008
"An impartial DEIR (Draft Environmental Impact Report) will evaluate the past and future impacts and recommend mitigations for unauthorized construction. Then the county taxpayers can understand the full costs and consequences of the proposed project.". A DEIR is being prepared and is expected to be made public later this month. (The Union Democrat)
Concord extends comment period for weapons station draft EIR Jul 4, 2008
Citizens have more time to comment on the draft environmental impact report for the Concord Naval Weapons Station redevelopment ... The Draft Environmental Impact Report addresses seven alternative concepts for reuse of 5,028 acres of the former naval weapons station ... The Draft Environmental Impact Report is intended to help refine the seven concepts as part of the process of developing a preferred reuse plan to be approved by the City Council. (East Bay Business Times, CA)
Red Hawk signs 5,000 slot machine compact Jul 3, 2008
Prepare an environmental impact report for any new expanded gaming. Provide an annual independent audit and allow a state compact compliance review. (Sacramento Business Journal, CA)
Anger at Kenya biofuel approval Jul 3, 2008
But the environmental impact report on the project was flawed and did not incorporate concerns raised by environmentalists, Ms Munguti said. She added that the project was not economically viable because its income had been overestimated by three times, and it would not improve the lives of local residents. (BBC News -- Science)
Mahoney Ranch proposal favored Jul 3, 2008
Of the more than 1,000 residential units, 727 would be single-family homes on lots ranging from 5,000 to 7,000 square feet; 479 would be multiple-family units, such as duplexes and triplexes; and 199 would be high density residential, multifamily units, such as town house or apartments, according to the project's draft environmental impact report. Medium density residential is planned to abut Tanglewood backyards. (Santa Maria Times)
