What are NEPA and CEQA and how do they apply to the restoration project?
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) are federal and state laws, respectively, that require federal, state and/or local agencies to identify the significant environmental impacts of a project and, if feasible, to avoid or mitigate those impacts. The environmental review mandated by NEPA/CEQA imposes both procedural and substantive requirements, including identification of all project impacts, evaluation of alternatives and public notice. The environmental review and permitting process is anticipated to take approximately 18 to 24 months, beginning in 2010. Under NEPA and CEQA, the Ballona Wetlands Restoration project is required to prepare a rigorous Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Environmental Impact Report (EIR) to thoroughly evaluate all short-term and long-term environmental impacts and benefits of the project and alternatives so that a successful and comprehensive project can be implemented.
