CEQA Scoping

1. CEQA Scoping Naomi Feger Planning TMDL Section LeaderRegion 2 1

2. Today’s Presentation Purpose of CEQA Scoping Benefits of Scoping When to scope? Public Notice of scoping session Conducting the scoping meeting Meeting management 2

3. Purpose of Scoping Scoping is required for projects of “statewide, regional or area-wide significance.” (CEQA §21083) Invite public input early in the process – head off future problems Solicit comments on the scope of our environmental analysis 3

4. Benefits of Scoping Opportunity to inform the stakeholders about Project Helps to identify range of actions, alternatives, mitigation measures, and significant effects to be analyzed Incorporate modifications early to resolve potential problems 4

5. When to Scope? “As early as possible” (Guidelines §15083) When you can present and discuss Project objectives Draft Project description Reasonably foreseeable compliance measures i.e., potential implementation requirements – specific actions or measures Reasonable alternatives For TMDLs, generally at Project Report stage 5

6. Noticing the Scoping Meeting Notify as broadly as feasible At least 30 days notice suggested Publish notice for one day in an “appropriate newspaper” Notice by mail and email Post on website 6

7. And the Notice Goes To… All interested parties Organizations or individuals who filed written requests for notice AND Everyone else Any responsible agency Any public agency with legal jurisdiction related to the project 7

8. Conducting the Scoping Meeting 8

9. Conducting the Scoping Meeting Take advantage of the meeting to combine it with a public workshop Make clear distinction between public workshop and CEQA scoping Options for meeting record Audio recording Meeting notes or summary Court reporter and transcript 9

10. Conducting the Scoping Meeting Manage expectations by clarifying the purpose of the meeting: Explain the project and the steps in the process Explain our obligation under CEQA Hear stakeholders’ comments, concerns, and ideas – not debate issues or make decisions Review agenda and meeting ground rules 10

11. Prompting Discussion The more concrete information you provide, the better the discussion will be Take time to explain CEQA requirements and process, including terminology e.g., Significant and potentially significant impacts mitigation cumulative impacts Ask for input “Do you foresee any significant or potentially significant adverse environmental impacts?” 11

12. Meeting Management Be clear about how staff will use/honor comments Explain that we’re not required to respond in writing, but staff will consider comments as we develop the environmental analysis Identify time frame for submission of comments, provide staff contact info Note comments on flip chart; ALSO take notes on a laptop, or bring a note-taker 12

13. Depending on Your Stakeholders… Depending on the stage of your project, level of controversy, time/resource constraints and public interest… You may choose to Develop a stakeholder involvement plan Consider using a facilitator (neutral moderator/ WB staff) Format your official notice formally or informally Present a blank or a draft checklist Present draft alternatives 13

14. Potential Meeting Handouts Basin Planning/TMDL flowchart or other simple, helpful handout Preliminary project report or description of proposed activity Blank or draft checklist List of alternatives identified to date (optional) List of references relied on for research to date; websites, staff contacts 14

15. Take Home Message Emphasize and re-emphasize that Board decisions have not been made, and public input will be considered Prominently mark all materials “DRAFT” Note CEQA’s requirement to evaluate an actual project, not just an idea… No requirement to respond to all comments 15

16. Scoping Summary Scoping provides valuable input Local conditions Stakeholder concerns - early in process First formal step in CEQA – opportunity to get project on good footing Manage expectations – communicate meeting objectives clearly 16

17. Questions? 17