Environmental Science and Policy 179Environmental Impact Assessment

Winter Quarter 2012

Lecture: Tuesday and Thursday 3:10-4:30pm in Art Building 217Discussion: Friday 9:00-9:50am in 116 Veihmeyer

Friday 1:10-2:00pm in 1038 WicksonFriday 2:10-3:00pm in 1038 Wickson

Class Website: http://www.facebook.com/pages/UC-Davis-ESP-179-Winter-2012/304185409602566?sk=wall

Instructor: Trevor MacenskiAdjunct Faculty in Environmental Science and Policy

Email: twmacenski@ucdavis,eduPhone: 916-508-4170

Campus Office: TBDOffice Hours: TBD

Teaching Assistant; Kevin FangEmail: kfang@ucdavis.edu

Campus office: 2143 WicksonOffice Hours: TBD

Course Overview and ObjectivesThis course introduces students to the principles, methods of analysis and decision-making used in environmental impact assessment. The course emphasizes a thorough understanding of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), as well as the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and related statutes, and focuses on the processes and requirements of these laws. The course also introduces students to a series of substantive impact assessment topics and the analytical tools, methods and models used in current impact assessment work. The course provides a critical analysis of impact assessment as it is practiced today and the manner in which the current State and federal laws work. Alternative methods and approaches for rational democratic decision-making and analysis/planning are explored including international examples and new concepts for addressing environmental and sustainability challenges.

The quarter is roughly divided into two parts: (1) The first half of the course looks at the broad theories and concepts behind impact

assessment, and compares various systems and resources assessment methodologies. The first half of the course also provides a thorough grounding in CEQA law, process and documentation requirements, and offers various case study examples (as well as a comparison to NEPA). The first half of the course also examines in detail key features of impact assessment that influence policy and decision-making such as alternatives evaluation, mitigation measures, and thresholds of significance.

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(2) The second half of the course will have a series of guest lectures focusing in on resource specific topics and the impact assessment methodologies used. Many of the important topical areas analyzed in typical CEQA impact assessments, highlighting the major environmental issues facing communities (i.e. Urban Decay, Water Supply Assessments, Health Risk Assessments, etc.), the types and levels of analysis and methods used in CEQA impact assessment, and typical evaluations, alternatives and mitigation scenarios. Topical areas include land use and development, water quality, transportation, water quantity, biodiversity and special status species, geo-physical and soil issues (and geo-hazards), noise, air quality and climate change. Cross-cutting topics including spatial tools, GIS and mapping techniques, environmental justice and socio-economic impacts, public involvement and conflict resolution methods are also discussed. It is important to recognize that to be well versed in any of the specific topical areas would require an entire course (or many courses) to gain the knowledge and depth in that discipline (Air Quality and Greenhouse Gases). This part of the course gives a very brief synopsis of key concepts, methods and impacts, but does not train anyone for an in depth understanding of that discipline.

Case studies are used throughout the course to illustrate key points, and guest lectures and panels provide information on specific topical areas and legal issues and requirements.

The course also includes a one-hour discussion section each week devoted primarily to learning and practicing various tools used in impact assessment such as mapping, GIS, impact evaluation, and mitigation measure development. Discussion section will involve specific exercises done mostly in class, as well as time to have dialogue about lecture topics and time to work with the TA and with student groups on class assignments.

The class does not emphasize one type of “project” or proposed activity over another (for example, land use planning/development or infrastructure development, or water-related projects). However, the course is taught from a Land Use and Environmental perspective, so issues of land use change and their relative impacts on the environment are examined. This requires a working knowledge of the basics of land use planning (provided in a brief series of lectures).

Class readings supplement the lectures (and guest lectures), and should be completed before class. Questions from the readings may appear on the mid-term or final. All lecture slides will be made available. Class assignments allow student hands on experience in analyzing a project, conducting impact assessment, reviewing environmental documents, while analyzing applicable statutes.

Assignments

The final course evaluation will be based on a mid-term and final exam; as well as class assignments, discussion assignments/exercises (mostly done in class) and class participation; (most important is your level of participation in the lectures and discussions-

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asking questions, answering questions, adding to the discussion, introducing new material to the class, etc.).

There will be three distinct “assignments” as part of the class: The first will be an analysis of an EIR that is currently out for “public comment”. This will include a five-page paper analyzing the EIR and specifically identifying the different impact assessment methodologies and mitigation strategies outlined in the EIR. The second will be a threshold evaluation matrix. This will require the review of at least two separate EIRs to compare and contrast the “thresholds” used in the impact analysis. The third assignment will be a group project preparing an Initial Study/ Mitigated Negative Declaration (ISMND). The ISMND will be for one of three projects. Upon completion of the document the group will present the ISMND in front of the class in a “mock” Planning Commission/City Council/ Board of Supervisor hearing type setting. Handouts will be provided for each assignment identifying the specific requirements for each of the three “assignments”.

GradingThe approximate breakdown of the grading evaluation is as follows:

• EIR/EIS Analysis Paper 10%• Threshold Identification Matrix 5%• Mid-Term Exam 20%• ISMND Document/Presentation 30%• Final Exam 30%• Class Participation 5%

Total 100%

Extra Credit: Throughout the course, small extra credit assignments will be provided during the lectures.

Class Lecture ScheduleThe following table identifies the date, lecture topic, lecturer, assignment or project occurring (with the exception of discussions and the required reading to be done prior to the lecture. These dates and topics may change slightly during the quarter; students will be responsible for keeping up to date.

UC Davis Calendar Winter 2012

Quarter Begins Friday, January 6Instructional Start-Up Friday, January 6Instruction Begins Monday, January 9Martin Luther King Holiday Monday, January 16Presidents Day Holiday Monday, February 20Instruction Ends Monday, March 19Final Exams Tuesday-Saturday, March 20-24Quarter Ends Saturday, March 24

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Date Topic Lecturer Assignment Reading

Jan 10

Introduction concepts and class objectives

MacenskiLecture

EIA Wiki Material Into to CEQA Handout

Jan 12

Introduction to CEQA and EIA

Macenski Lecture

EIR Review Assignment Discussed

CEQA DskBk: Chp-1 & Chp-2 up to page 34EIA Methodology Handout

Jan 17

IS, ND, MNDs Macenski Lecture CEQA DskBk: Chp-2 pages 35-52

Jan 19

EIR’s Macenski Lecture

IS/MND Assignment Discussed

CEQA DskBk: Chp- 4 &5 pages 69-122

Jan 24

Hydrology Water Quality/ Water Supply

Macenski Lecture http://www.coastal.ca.gov/nps/watercyclefacts.pdf

http://www.blm.gov/nstc/WaterLaws/pdf/California2.pdf

http://www.mofo.com/news/updates/files/9040.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwgIoZqCjnY

http://www.lacba.org/Files/Main%20Folder/Sections/Environmental/Files/Water%20Supply%20Assessment%20under%20CEQA%20Since%20Vineyard.pdf

http://www.fema.gov/hazard/map/firm.shtm#1

http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/floodplain/nfipkeywords/flood_map.shtm

http://ceres.ca.gov/planning/nhd/dam_inundation.html

Watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKZfVGHJvu0

Take Online Tutorial: http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/fhm/ot_firmr.shtm

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Appendix G: Hydrology and Water Quality questions.

Jan 26

Geology and Soils Macenski Lecture

http://www.consrv.ca.gov/cgs/rghm/ap/Pages/index.aspx

http://www.consrv.ca.gov/cgs/rghm/ap/Pages/main.aspx

http://www.consrv.ca.gov/cgs/shzp/Pages/Index.aspx

http://geomaps.wr.usgs.gov/sfgeo/liquefaction/aboutliq.html

http://www.consrv.ca.gov/cgs/shzp/Documents/SHZ_FactSheet.pdf

http://www.consrv.ca.gov/cgs/geologic_hazards/landslides/Pages/Index.aspx

http://web.mst.edu/~rogersda/expansive_soils/Various%20Aspects%20of%20Expansive%20Soils.pdf

Watch :http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PySBmneZUDg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcbK0qGuOsY

Appendix G: Geology and Soils questions.

Jan 31

Land Use /Agriculture/ Recreation

Macenski Lecture

http://ceres.ca.gov/planning/plans/city_genplan.html

http://www.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/fmmp/Pages/Index.aspx

http://redirect.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/fmmp/product_page.asp

Review: LESA Model Guidance: http://www.consrv.ca.gov/dlrp/Pages/qh_lesa.aspx

http://www.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/lca/basic_contract_provisions/Pages/Index.aspx

http://www.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/lca/farmland_security_zones/Pages/index.aspx

http://www.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/fmmp/overview/Pages/prime_farmland_fmmp.aspx

http://frap.cdf.ca.gov/publications/timberland_conversion.pdf

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http://www.sbcouncil.org/Timberland-Protection-Zone-(TPZ)-Rules

Appendix G: Land Use, Ag, and Rec. questions.

Feb 2

Population and HousingPublic Services and Utilities

Macenski Lecture

EIR Threshold Matrix Assignment Discussed

http://www.dof.ca.gov/research/demographic/reports/estimates/e-5/2011-20/view.php

http://www.dof.ca.gov/research/demographic/reports/view.php

http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06000.html

http://www.sacog.org/demographics/

http://www.hcd.ca.gov/hpd/hrc/plan/he/

http://cityofdavis.org/cdd/gp/004-04-Housing.pdf

http://cityofdavis.org/target/deir/vol1/4-11_Public_Services_and_Facilities.pdf

http://www.water.ca.gov/urbanwatermanagement/SB610_SB221/

http://www.water.ca.gov/pubs/use/sb_610_sb_221_guidebook/guidebook.pdf

http://www.iso.com/Products/Public-Protection-Classification-Service/Fire-Suppression-Rating-Schedule-FSRS-manual-for-PPC-grading.html

http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/LEA/Advisories/45/

Sample EIR Section: http://cityofdavis.org/target/deir/vol1/4-11_Public_Services_and_Facilities.pdf

Watch: http://vimeo.com/24178518

http://vimeo.com/24173798

Feb 7

Cultural and Historic Resources

Guest Lecture: Ken Lord

Lecturehttp://www.ohp.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=21724

http://ceres.ca.gov/ceqa/more/tas/page3.html

http://www.achp.gov/docs/nhpa%202008-final.pdf

http://www.nps.gov/nr/national_register_fundamen

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tals.htm

http://ohp.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=21238

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6yO918-vTo

Appendix G: Cultural Resources questions.

Feb 9

Hazards and Hazardous Materials/ Aesthetics

Macenskihttp://www.calema.ca.gov/HazardMitigation/Documents/2010%20SHMP%20Executive%20Summary%20(10-5-11).pdf

http://www.fire.ca.gov/fire_prevention/fire_prevention_wildland_zones.php

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwK99X4JVRg

http://www.calepa.ca.gov/sitecleanup/corteselist/

Read “The Visual Impact Assessment Process” handout

Read: “Visual Impact Assessment for Highway Projects”

Feb 14

Mid-Term Macenski EIR ReviewAssignment Due

Feb 16

Biology Guest

Lecture: Angela McIntire

LectureResearch and review contents of a “Biological Resources Assessment” in California.

Review the following link: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/habcon/ceqa/

http://www.dfg.ca.gov/habcon/ceqa/external_revu.html

http://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/nongame/list.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3OOLJAoIvM&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02G7WMANEVI&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

Appendix G: Biology Questions

Feb 21

Traffic and Transportation

Guest Lecture: Kevin Fang

Review: http://ladpw.org/Traffic/Traffic%20Impact%20Analysis%20Guidelines.pdf

http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/tpp/offices/ocp/sp_files/Fact_Sheet_Trip_GenRates_Smart_Growth_Land_Use_july2011.pdf

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http://www.coj.net/Departments/Planning-and-Development/Docs/Development-Services-Division/ite-land-use-codes-21309.aspx

http://www.coolconnections.org/solutions/traffic-operations-for-ceqa/

http://www.coolconnections.org/solutions/travel-forecasting-for-ceqa/

http://www.ccag.ca.gov/pdf/documents/archive/cmp_2005_Appendix_B.pdf

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZKR1ZTehzs

Feb 23

Air Quality/ GHG/ Climate Change

Guest Lecture: Honey Walters

Lecture

EIR Threshold Matrix Assignment DUE

http://epa.gov/airquality/peg_caa/understand.html

http://www.arb.ca.gov/planning/sip/sip.htm

http://www.arb.ca.gov/desig/adm/adm.htm

http://www.epa.gov/air/urbanair/

http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/swfacilities/Compostables/Odor/OIMP/default.htm

http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/swfacilities/Compostables/Odor/default.htm

http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/ab32/ab32.htm

http://www.airquality.org/ceqa/ceqaguideupdate.shtml

http://www.airquality.org/ceqa/cequguideupdate/Ch2EnvReviewThresholdsFINAL.pdf

http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/3_90_024.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgNoUGbifEg

Appendix G: AQ and GHG Questions

Feb 28

Noise Guest Lecture: Michael Carr

Lecturehttp://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Noise_and_Vibration_Manual.pdf

http://www.i-ince.org/data/iince111.pdf

http://www.hmmh.com/cmsdocuments/FTA_Ch_07.pdf

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambient_noise_level

http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/planning/aeronaut/landuse.html

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9Y8n0lBC7Q

Mar 1

Common CEQA Mistakes& Advanced CEQA Concepts

Macenski

&

Guest

Lecturehttp://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=da8da6c4-8602-4689-934f-3e30a57385ff

http://blog.aklandlaw.com/2006/07/articles/ceqa/the-importance-of-the-mundane-in-ceqa-litigation-its-all-in-the-details/

Mar 6

Student Project Presentations

TBDPresentation Group A

Mar 8

Student Project Presentations

TBD Presentation Group B

Mar 13

Student Project Presentations

TBD Presentation Group C

Mar 15

Final Review Class

Macenski IS/MND Assignment DUE

Mar 19-23

Finals Week Macenski Final

Reading Material Class readings will come from two sources: selected parts of the CEQA Deskbook, 1999, by R. Bass, A. Herson and K. Bogdan (Solano Press Books) and selected articles, websites, readings, and videos from the class syllabus. There is a reprint of the required readings from the CEQA Deskbook in the bookstore; however, I suggest you purchase a copy of the text for future reference.

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