Environmental Impact Report Preparation

Programs that conduct studies which evaluate the potential environmental effects of development projects including annexations, incorporation, subdivision, zoning, rezoning and other actions; and prepare reports documenting their findings. An EIR discusses the proposed project, its environmental setting, its probable impacts (e.g., on traffic, schools, fire protection, endangered species, archeological artifacts and community beauty), realistic means of reducing or eliminating those impacts, its cumulative effects, and alternatives to the project. The report may be prepared by the local planning department (or other agency with the principal responsibility for issuing permits to a project) or it may contract for the work to be completed under its direction.