Sacramento Greencycle

In the Works: CEQA & the EIR

CEQA:

The environmental review process for the four top ranked sites began in late 2005, in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). This ongoing process will include frequent opportunities for public input. Community outreach meetings have taken place in areas surrounding the four proposed siting alternatives. These meetings discussed the project as it relates to the local community’s overall concerns and needs.

Sacramento County’s Department of Environmental Review and Assessment (DERA) is the lead agency for preparation of the environmental documents – a process expected to last until mid 2007. Upon completion of the environmental review process, it is anticipated that the SWA Board will select a preferred site for the facility.

Notice of Preparation and Scoping Meetings:

A Notice of Preparation (NOP) was mailed in December 2005 to responsible agencies, trustee agencies, and involved federal agencies informing them about the project. The NOP serves as a mechanism to solicit feedback and comments on the scope and content of the environmental information contained within the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) as it relates to the agencies’ regulatory responsibilities, such as permitting requirements.

Project scoping meetings were held during winter 2005/2006. At these meetings, stakeholders had the opportunity to discuss key issues they feel should be addressed during the environmental review.

Development of the Environmental Impact Report:

DERA is now moving forward with the development of a draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The intent of this public document is to:

Evaluate and disclose the potential significant environmental effects associated with implementation of the Sacramento GreenCycle project;
List ways in which significant effects might be minimized or avoided; and
Identify and evaluate project alternatives.

The draft EIR provides decision makers, public agencies and the general public with information on the short-term and long-term environmental effects associated with the construction and operation of the proposed Sacramento GreenCycle project and project alternatives. The release of the Sacramento GreenCycle draft EIR is anticipated in late 2006.