Introduction to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Training in Oakland, California

The Northwest Environmental Training Center presents:

Introduction to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
Course ID: CAPOL-301 ( 2 days )
October 21-22, 2009, 9 A.M. to 4 P.M.
The Washington Inn
495 10th Street
Oakland, CA 94607

Instructor: Richard Grassetti, Principal GECo

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Description: This workshop provides an applied overview of the California Environmental Quality Act with an emphasis on the process and technical requirements for environmental impact assessment. Starting with a brief background of environmental impact assessment in the U.S. and a review of CEQA's regulatory context, the course will discuss the various approaches used in scoping and preparing environmental impact assessments under CEQA. The documents required under CEQA will be examined and the roles of key players explored. Emphasis will also be placed on determining the adequacy of CEQA documents in terms of environmental settings, impact assessment, mitigation development, significance thresholds, and data sources. The documents and process for projects regulated by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) will also be briefly explained and discussed.

Course Topics:

Review of CEQA Basics

History of CEQA
Walk-through of CEQA process
How/when NEPA fits in

CEQA Documents - hands-on examination and discussion

Initial study and environmental assessment
Negative Declarations, Mitigated Negative Declarations, and Findings of No Significant Impact
Draft Environmental Impact Reports
Final Environmental Impact Reports
The CEQA findings
Relevant NEPA documents

Overview of the Analytical Process for Environmental Impact Assessment

Identifying: setting, impacts, mitigations, alternatives

California Land Use Regulations and Other Common Permits - and their relationship to CEQA (and NEPA)

General plan
Zoning
Other entitlements

Common Environmental Impact Review Deficiencies

CEQA's Environmental Impact Assessment Process

Identifying the project under CEQA
Scoping
Determining significance
Screening
Public review of the draft EIR
Preparation of the final EIR
EIR certification, findings, and project approval under CEQA
Post-decision monitoring
CEQA time limits
Summary of major differences between CEQA & NEPA processes
Citizens' remedies

Key Players and their Roles in the CEQA Process

Public agencies
Environmental consultants and other experts
Political players
The public
Interacting with the players
Successful project management strategies

Critical Review of CEQA Documents

Reviewing documents for content and regulatory compliance
Identifying deficiencies in environmental impact documents
Lessons learned from CEQA case law

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

Understand and participate in CEQA evaluations
Integrate CEQA environmental review into project approval processes
Explain the environmental impact assessment requirements of CEQA
Effectively review and comment on CEQA documents
Identify and work with the various players in resolving CEQA issues

About the Instructor: Richard Grassetti is an environmental planner with over 23 years experience in environmental impact analysis and regulatory compliance. He is a recognized expert in the CEQA process, and has served as an expert witness on CEQA and planning issues in California. Through his firm, Grassetti Environmental Consulting (GECo), he manages the preparation of CEQA and NEPA documents, as well as the numerous local agency planning and permitting documents. In addition to his consulting practice, Mr. Grassetti serves as adjunct faculty in environmental studies at California State University, East Bay. He has presented numerous papers on environmental impact assessment at statewide and international conferences.

Intended Audience: This course is designed for professionals seeking a greater understanding of CEQA to achieve publicly acceptable and legally defensible results. Environmental professionals, planners, engineers, consultants, public officials, decision-makers, and others faced with the task of understanding and interpreting the adequacy of environmental impact reports and studies required under CEQA will benefit. Members of citizen's organizations who want to develop technical skills in the review of CEQA documents and gain an in-depth understanding of the CEQA process will also benefit from this workshop.

Prerequisites: Some experience working with CEQA documents or public process will be helpful, but is not required.

Education Level: Introductory/Review

Course Materials: Participants will receive course proceedings, tutorials, reference materials, and a copy of Understanding Environmental Impact Assessment - A Layperson's Guide to Environmental Impact Documents and Processes, a 147 page reference book by Richard Grassetti, 2003.

Continuing Education Units: 1.3

What to Bring: Pen or pencil, coffee mug, and a water bottle (to reduce waste). Please wear comfortable clothes appropriate for the prevailing weather. Lunch will be on your own. There are numerous restaurants within walking distance. Drinks and snacks will be provided each day.

Registration: $495 (*$395 reduced tuition is available for Native American tribes; government employees; nonprofits; students; and NAEP, NEBC, NWAEP members). You may register via the link below or by calling the Northwest Environmental Training Center at 206-762-1976.

Cancellation Policy: Registration fees are fully refundable up to 30 days prior to the event and 50 percent refundable (or 100% credit) thereafter up to the day prior to the event. Registration may occur up to the day prior to the event provided that space is available.