ESP syllabus twm 1 02-2013 final
- 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
- 8. Division/ite-land-use-codes-21309.aspx http://www.coolconnections.org/solutions/traffic- operations-for-ceqa/ http://www.coolconnections.org/solutions/travel- forecasting-for-ceqa/ http://www.ccag.ca.gov/pdf/documents/archive/c mp_2005_Appendix_B.pdf http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZKR1ZTehzs Air Quality/ Guest Lecture http://epa.gov/airquality/peg_caa/understand.html Feb GHG/ Climate Lecture 21 Change EIR Threshold http://www.arb.ca.gov/planning/sip/sip.htm Matrix Assignment http://www.arb.ca.gov/desig/adm/adm.htm DUE http://www.epa.gov/air/urbanair/ http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/swfacilities/Composta bles/Odor/OIMP/default.htm http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/swfacilities/Composta bles/Odor/default.htm http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/ab32/ab32.htm http://www.airquality.org/ceqa/ceqaguideupdate.sh tml http://www.airquality.org/ceqa/cequguideupdate/C h2EnvReviewThresholdsFINAL.pdf http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/3_90_024.html http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgNoUGbifEg Appendix G: AQ and GHG Questions http://www.fta.dot.gov/documents/FTA_Noise_and Feb Noise Guest Lecture _Vibration_Manual.pdf 26 Lecture http://www.i-ince.org/data/iince111.pdf http://www.hmmh.com/cmsdocuments/FTA_Ch_07 .pdf http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambient_noise_level http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/planning/aeronaut/landu se.html http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9Y8n0lBC7Q 8
- 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. 9