1. Agriculture and Forestry:
Agriculture and forestry activities can cause a variety of environmental impacts, including land degradation, air pollution, water contamination, soil erosion, biodiversity loss, and the spread of invasive species. To address these potential issues, CEQA requires that projects be evaluated and monitored to ensure that agricultural and forestry activities are conducted in a sustainable manner.
2. Cultural Resources:
Projects must be reviewed to determine if they will impact any historic or archaeological sites, artifacts, or other culturally significant resources. If so, project plans must include measures that mitigate any potential impacts on these resources. This could include avoiding development in sensitive areas or incorporating special protections for historically significant resources into a project’s design.
3. Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
Greenhouse gas emissions from projects can have a significant impact on climate change and public health. The CEQA checklist requires that all relevant greenhouse gas emission sources are identified and evaluated according to current standards and regulations. Mitigation measures may also need to be implemented in order to reduce the environmental impacts of a project.
4. Biological Resources:
Projects must be evaluated to determine if they will impact any special species, habitats, or ecological systems. If so, mitigation measures such as habitat restoration and conservation plans must be included in the project plan. Additionally, projects may need to be monitored for potential impacts on wildlife and other natural resources over time.
5. Air Quality:
Projects must comply with air quality standards set by state and local agencies in order to minimize their contribution to air pollution, smog, and other environmental hazards. The CEQA checklist requires that all relevant sources of air pollution are identified and evaluated according to current standards and regulations. Mitigation measures may also need to be implemented in order to reduce the environmental impacts of a project.
6. Noise:
Projects must comply with noise standards set by state and local agencies in order to minimize their contribution to noise pollution and other environmental hazards. The CEQA checklist requires that all relevant sources of noise are identified and evaluated according to current standards and regulations. Mitigation measures may also need to be implemented in order to reduce the environmental impacts of a project.
7. Land Use and Planning:
Projects must be reviewed for potential compliance with any applicable land use plans or zoning ordinances before they can move forward. This review is designed to ensure that projects will not negatively impact surrounding areas or conflict with existing land use plans.
8. Hazardous Materials:
Projects must be evaluated to determine if they will produce, store, transport, or use any hazardous materials. If so, special measures may need to be taken to ensure safe handling and disposal of these materials in order to minimize their environmental impact.
9. Toxic Contamination:
Projects must be evaluated for the potential release of any toxic materials into the environment. If there is a potential for contamination, mitigation measures such as monitoring and cleanup plans may need to be implemented in order to prevent harm to human health and the environment.
10. Water Quality and Supply:
Projects must comply with water quality standards set by state and local agencies in order to minimize their contribution to water pollution, depletion of scarce water resources, and other environmental hazards. The CEQA checklist requires that all relevant sources of water contamination are identified and evaluated according to current standards and regulations. Mitigation measures may also need to be implemented in order to reduce the environmental impacts of a project.