What is a determination of significance?
Based on the information presented in the EAS, the lead agency decides if there will or will not be an effect on the environment. A negative declaration is prepared when the lead agency determines that there will not be a significant impact on the environment. A positive declaration is prepared when there is a potential significant impact on the environment. A positive declaration leads to the preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). In certain circumstances involving a private applicant, a conditional negative declaration is prepared when the applicant agrees to mitigate impacts as part of the project.
