1. Environmental Science and Policy 179
Environmental Impact Assessment
Winter Quarter 2013
Lecture: Tuesday and Thursday 3:10-4:30pm
Roessler Hall Room # 55
Discussion: Friday Section Times Vary
Class Website: http://www.facebook.com/pages/UC-Davis-ESP-179-Winter-
2013/304185409602566
Instructor: Trevor Macenski
Adjunct Faculty in Environmental Science and Policy
Email: twmacenski@ucdavis,edu
Or
tmacenski@brandman.com
Phone: 916-508-4170
Campus Office: TBD
Office Hours: TBD
Teaching Assistant; Kevin Fang
Email: kfang@ucdavis.edu
Campus office: 2143 Wickson
Office Hours: TBD
Course Overview and Objectives
This 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
1
2. decision-making such as alternatives evaluation, mitigation measures, and
thresholds of significance.
(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
2
3. participation; (most important is your level of participation in the lectures and discussions-
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”.
Grading
The 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 Schedule
The 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 2013
Quarter Begins Friday, January 4
Instruction Begins Monday, January 7
Instruction Ends Monday, March 18
Final Exams Tuesday-Saturday, March 19-23
3
4. Date Topic Lecturer Assignment Reading
Lecture
Jan Introduction Macenski EIA Wiki Material
8 concepts and Into to CEQA Handout
class
objectives
Jan Introduction Macenski Lecture CEQA DskBk: Chp-1 & Chp-2 up to page 34
10 to CEQA and EIA Methodology Handout
EIA EIR Review
Assignment
Discussed
Jan IS, ND, MNDs Macenski Lecture CEQA DskBk: Chp-2 pages 35-52
15
Jan EIR’s Macenski Lecture CEQA DskBk: Chp- 4 &5 pages 69-122
17
IS/MND
Assignment
Discussed
Jan Hydrology Macenski Lecture http://www.coastal.ca.gov/nps/watercyclefacts.pdf
22 Water
Quality/ http://www.blm.gov/nstc/WaterLaws/pdf/California
Water Supply 2.pdf
http://www.mofo.com/news/updates/files/9040.ht
ml
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/nfipk
eywords/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.sh
tm
Appendix G: Hydrology and Water Quality questions.
4
5. Geology and http://www.consrv.ca.gov/cgs/rghm/ap/Pages/inde
Jan Soils Macenski Lecture x.aspx
24
http://www.consrv.ca.gov/cgs/rghm/ap/Pages/mai
n.aspx
http://www.consrv.ca.gov/cgs/shzp/Pages/Index.as
px
http://geomaps.wr.usgs.gov/sfgeo/liquefaction/abo
utliq.html
http://www.consrv.ca.gov/cgs/shzp/Documents/SH
Z_FactSheet.pdf
http://www.consrv.ca.gov/cgs/geologic_hazards/la
ndslides/Pages/Index.aspx
http://web.mst.edu/~rogersda/expansive_soils/Vari
ous%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 Land Use Macenski Lecture http://ceres.ca.gov/planning/plans/city_genplan.ht
29 /Agriculture/ ml
Recreation
http://www.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/fmmp/Pages/I
ndex.aspx
http://redirect.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/fmmp/prod
uct_page.asp
Review: LESA Model Guidance:
http://www.consrv.ca.gov/dlrp/Pages/qh_lesa.aspx
http://www.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/lca/basic_con
tract_provisions/Pages/Index.aspx
http://www.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/lca/farmland_
security_zones/Pages/index.aspx
http://www.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/fmmp/overvie
w/Pages/prime_farmland_fmmp.aspx
http://frap.cdf.ca.gov/publications/timberland_conv
ersion.pdf
http://www.sbcouncil.org/Timberland-Protection-
Zone-(TPZ)-Rules
5
6. Appendix G: Land Use, Ag, and Rec. questions.
Population
Jan and Housing Macenski Lecture http://www.dof.ca.gov/research/demographic/repo
31 Public rts/estimates/e-5/2011-20/view.php
Services and EIR Threshold
Utilities Matrix http://www.dof.ca.gov/research/demographic/repo
Assignment rts/view.php
Discussed
http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06000.ht
ml
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_22
1_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 Cultural and Guest http://www.ohp.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=21724
5 Historic Lecture Lecture
Resources 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
tals.htm
6
7. http://ohp.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=21238
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6yO918-vTo
Appendix G: Cultural Resources questions.
http://www.calema.ca.gov/HazardMitigation/Docu
Feb Hazards and Macenski ments/2010%20SHMP%20Executive%20Summary
7 Hazardous %20(10-5-11).pdf
Materials/
Aesthetics http://www.fire.ca.gov/fire_prevention/fire_preventi
on_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 Mid-Term Macenski EIR Review
12 Assignment
Due
Research and review contents of a “Biological
Feb Biology Guest Lecture Resources Assessment” in California.
14 Lecture
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 Traffic and Guest Review: http://ladpw.org/Traffic/Traffic%20Impact
19 Transportatio Lecture %20Analysis%20Guidelines.pdf
n
http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/tpp/offices/ocp/sp_files/
Fact_Sheet_Trip_GenRates_Smart_Growth_Land_U
se_july2011.pdf
http://www.coj.net/Departments/Planning-and-
Development/Docs/Development-Services-
7
9. Common http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?
Feb CEQA Macenski Lecture g=da8da6c4-8602-4689-934f-3e30a57385ff
28 Mistakes
& & http://blog.aklandlaw.com/2006/07/articles/ceqa/
Advanced the-importance-of-the-mundane-in-ceqa-litigation-its-
CEQA Guest all-in-the-details/
Concepts
Mar Student TBD
5 Presentations Presentation
Student
Mar Presentations TBD Presentation
7
Mar Student TBD Presentation
12 Presentations
Mar Student TBD Presentations/
14 Presentations Final Review
/ Final
Review
Mar Finals Week Macenski Final
19-
23
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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