Purpose
The Environmental Impact Report (EIR) is a detailed, written analysis of all the effects that a land development or construction project would have on the local environment, such as on the air quality, noise levels, population, traffic impact, significant vegetation, parking, surrounding neighborhoods, historic resources, building density, property restrictions (deed restrictions and easements), groundwater impact, waterways, flood impact, visual impact, utilities, fire danger, endangered species, archaeological artifacts, and community beauty.
Responsibility & Timeframe
The Project Manager (PM) should determine the project impacts during the siting phase of design.
Process
A description of the site should identify the recommended site limits, current use, and significant features. Special attention should be placed on the current patterns of use of the site, which would be directly or indirectly affected by the project. Significant open spaces, views, trees, other vegetation, and architectural or historical elements should be identified. This will help to identify environmental concerns for appropriate action such as environmental impact statement or a declaration of non-significance.
A detailed Environmental Impact Report should be prepared by the Project Manager and/or design consultant which identifies all of the impacts of the proposed project. Additional measures to be taken should be identified which may include more detailed studies, the obtaining of permits, land-use actions, use-agreements, development agreements, mitigation measures, etc. This process could actually determine that the originally selected site is not appropriate for the proposed development.