The Idaho-Maryland Mine EIR: Its Purpose, Use, and Public Involvement Steps

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The Idaho-Maryland Mine EIR: Its Purpose, Use, and Public Involvement Steps
Author: Tom Last, Planning Director, City of Grass Valley
Published on Nov 6, 2008 - 3:54:49 PM

Nov. 6, 2008 - On February 9, 2005, the City of Grass Valley received an application seeking to re-open the Idaho-Maryland Mine. The filing of this application prompted the City to analyze its impacts, gather public input and determine whether this project would be a good fit for the community. In light of the magnitude of the project and its potential for creating significant impacts, the City proceeded to prepare an Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The City has released the EIR for the proposed Idaho-Maryland Mine project and started a 45-day public review and comment period of this document extending from October 30 to December 15, 2008. This article highlights the purpose of an EIR, how it is used to make a decision on a land use project, and how the public can be involved. The focus of this article is on the EIR prepared for Idaho-Maryland Mine.

The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires an EIR be prepared for any project that could create potentially significant impacts on the environment. An EIR must be prepared and certified as adequate before the City takes a separate action to approve, deny, or modify a project. The primary purpose of an EIR is to inform the decision makers (in this case, the City), other public agencies, and the public of the potential significant environmental impacts that could be expected should the project be approved. It is also intended to identify ways to avoid or reduce environmental damage (mitigate the impacts).

Public participation plays a critical role in the EIR process. The 45-day review period provides an opportunity for the public to review and submit comments on the Draft EIR. Comments are to be focused on the adequacy of the Draft EIR. Specifically, does the Draft EIR adequately identify, analyze, and mitigate the potential environmental impacts? For the Idaho-Maryland Mine project, the Draft EIR was completed by a consultant team under contract with, and direction from, the City.

Once the public review period ends, the City will need to respond to all comments received on the adequacy of the Draft EIR. The City will then prepare the Final EIR, which includes the Draft EIR, responses to comments, and any required changes to the Draft EIR. Before the City decides whether or not to certify the EIR as being compliant with CEQA, the City makes the Final EIR available for public review. This review is a minimum of 10 days prior to the public hearing on the final decision on the EIR.

The City and its consultant team have been working for three years to get to this point in the EIR process. In early 2005, the City Council initiated an unprecedented environmental review and public outreach process for this complex project. The purpose of this approach was to ensure adequate review of the environmental issues and to engage the community very early in, and throughout, the process.

The City is now embarking on a number of key steps in the review of the EIR for the Idaho-Maryland Mine. The City Council and Planning Commission will hold a Joint Study Session on November 12, 2008, at 6:00 p.m. in the Grass Valley City Council Chambers. This study session is intended to be an informational meeting. The primary goal is to provide an overview of the project, the Draft EIR, and to summarize the key issues identified in the EIR.

On November 18th from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. at the L.O.V.E Building in Condon Park, City staff and the consultant team will be available to answer questions in an informal drop in workshop. This will allow members of the public to ask questions on specific topics of concern or interest.The Planning Commission will then hold a public meeting on November 18th at 7:00 p.m. at City Council Chambers for a more formal presentation. Comments and questions on the Draft EIR will be accepted at that time. Depending on the amount of public input, the Planning Commission may elect to hold an additional meeting or meetings on the Draft EIR beyond November 18th, but prior to December 15th.

If one wishes to obtain a paper or electronic copy of the Draft EIR, there are many options. Copies of the Draft EIR are available for public review at City Hall, the Grass Valley Public Library and Madelyn Helling County Library, or online at http://www.cityofgrassvalley.com. Paper copies can be purchased at the House of Print and Copy, 1501 E. Main Street, (530) 273-1000. CD's of the documents can be purchased from the Planning Department at City Hall, 125 E. Main Street.

The City is aware that the Idaho-Maryland Mine project is of great interest to the community for many reasons. Our staff is working to ensure that the public review process for the Draft EIR allows for full disclosure of the impacts of this project and the public has every opportunity to participate and offer their input. If you have any questions about the Draft EIR, please contact me at the City Planning Department at 530-274-4711.