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California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)

California‘s Legislature approved the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in 1970 to inform governmental decision-makers and the public about the potential environmental effects of government approval of a particular project or commitment to a particular course of action. CEQA also identifies ways to reduce adverse impacts if found, offers alternatives to a proposed action and discloses to the public why an action was approved.

DTSC will have its contractor prepare an Environmental Impact Report (EIR), prior to selection and implementation of a final remedy at SSFL, to assess any potential environmental impacts of the proposed cleanup action. The EIR evaluates potential impacts of proposed cleanup remedies to public health and the environment. The purpose of the EIR is to inform DTSC and the public about potential, significant environmental effects of proposed activities; identify how environmental damage can be avoided or significantly reduced; prevent significant, avoidable damage to the environment by requiring changes in projects through the use of alternatives for mitigation measures when feasible; and, if applicable, disclose to the public the reasons why DTSC would consider approving a project which had significant environmental effects.

DTSC may require mitigation measures to avoid or minimize any impacts that are identified in the EIR. At certain times in the process, stakeholders, including members of the public, will have an opportunity to review and comment on the scope of the EIR (prior to work begining), and on the Draft EIR itself.

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