Overview

The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires public agencies to consider environmental impacts of a project before making a decision on a discretionary action or project. CEQA is intended to inform decision makers and the public regarding the potential environmental impacts of a proposed activities and to prevent significant, avoidable environmental damage.

Environmental Impact Report (EIR)

If it is determined that a project or activity may have a significant effect on the environment, an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) must be prepared. An EIR is an informational document that will inform the decision makers and public of the significant environmental effects of a project, identify possible ways to minimize the significant impacts, and describe reasonable alternatives to the project. There are a variety of EIR types depending on the project or activity that is being evaluated. A Program EIR is prepared when a plan or program has multiple components that are related geographically, through applications of rules or regulations, or as logical parts of long-term plan. A Program EIR has been prepared for the Plan Orinda project to analyze the potential environmental impacts of the Downtown Precise Plan, Housing Element, and Safety Element.