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NOP will identify the issues to be addressed in the EIR and will <br />provide sufficient information to document why any topical <br />issues do not require detailed analysis in the EIR. The potential <br />benefits of preparing an Initial Study should be discussed prior <br />to finalization of a scope of work If directed, Kimley-Horn <br />would prepare an Initial Study that provides a preliminary <br />assessment of environmental topics, referring the reader to the <br />forthcoming EIR for in-depth analysis and mitigation measures. <br />The NOP will also include information about a Seeping <br />Meeting, if applicable. A Notice of Completion (NOC) would be <br />prepared if required and submitted to the State Clearinghouse, <br />Scoping Meeting Facilitation <br />Ms. Privitt and our key staff are experienced in participating in <br />and facilitating public scolding meetings to inform responsible <br />agencies and community stakeholders about a project's <br />purpose, the CECA process and environmental topics to be <br />analyzed. The purpose of a Scribing Meeting is to solicit <br />feedback from meeting attendees in such a way that Informs <br />the scope and content of the EIR. Kimley-Horn believes that <br />Scolding Meeting participation is something to be welcomed <br />and encouraged, as it can provide an early indication of any <br />controversies or concerns that should be pro -actively <br />addressed In the EIR. <br />Kimley-Horn will coordinate and facilitate the EIR seeping <br />meeting, as directed City staff. If desired, Kimley-Horn will <br />prepare presentation materials as well as Sign -In Sheets and <br />Comment Cards. Graphic presentation materials/poster boards <br />can also be prepared by Kimley-Horn. Following the Scoping <br />meeting, we will prepare a Memorandum that summarizes the <br />issues raised during the Scoping period which is summarized <br />and included within the EIR. <br />Screencheck/Draft Environmental Document <br />The Kimley-Horn team has the expertise on the full range of <br />technical evaluations required to support the environmental <br />document preparation. Existing baseline conditions will be <br />described in narrative, numerical, and graphic form, as <br />appropriate to a particular issue. Potential impacts will be <br />identified on an individual and cumulative basis. Mitigation <br />Programs including Project Design Features (PDFs), Standard <br />Conditions, and Mitigation Measures will be proposed to <br />reduce impacts to less than significant levels to the extent <br />feasible. PDFs can be called out within environmental <br />documents to highlight the efforts that an applicant or the City <br />has made to proactively design an environmentally sensitive <br />project. Therefore, these efforts are recognized in the <br />environmental document as self -mitigating design features. <br />When mitigation is required, Kimley-Horn will propose <br />pragmatic and effective recommendations to reduce or <br />Kimley>>)Horn <br />City of Santa Ana Environmental and Planning Services <br />eliminate environmental Impacts from the construction and <br />operation of the project, Focused and strategic interaction with <br />staff and other project team members will ensure that the <br />environmental documentation and technical reports <br />comprehensively address the potential impacts that might <br />result from project implementation. <br />Project Description. The Project Description is a critical <br />component of a CEDA document because it is the basis for the <br />entire environmental analysis Therefore, we believe that the <br />draft Project Description should be an initial deliverable. <br />Kimley-Horn works closely with the project team to prepare a <br />project description that articulates the characteristics of the <br />various components of the project and the project objectives. <br />This is the basis for all analyses in the EIR, therefore, the <br />project description must be clear and comprehensive. Early <br />preparation of the draft Project Description is advisable <br />because It will allow the project team an opportunity to vet and <br />confirm all assumptions that will be used throughout the EIR. <br />Environmental SettlngUsting Conditions, Kimley-Horn <br />prepares a description of the existing environmental setting at <br />the project site and in surrounding areas. This section is based <br />on information obtained during site visits; aerial photographs; <br />information provided by technical team members, and relevant <br />information available from existing documentation. The CEDA <br />Guidelines require that the environmental setting typically <br />reflect the conditions that exist at the time that the NOP is <br />issued. This section includes a summary discussion of the <br />regional and local surroundings and land uses; available public <br />services and utilities; existing natural resources (e.g., biological <br />resources, drainage/ hydrology, topography) and man-made <br />resources (e g., cultural resources, transportation network) that <br />surround and inhabit the project site. This section also <br />provides an overview of the regulatory framework applicable to <br />the project, including land use plans, regional plans, and <br />policies. Further details are provided in each of the topical <br />areas contained in each section of the EIR. <br />Cumulative Projects. Kimley-Horn clearly states the cumulative <br />analysis methodology, which is based on information gathered <br />from several sources. We often recommend using both <br />methods set forth in Section 15130(b) of the CEDA Guidelines <br />which allows the use of a list of past, present, and reasonably <br />anticipated future projects that could produce cumulative <br />impacts, or a summary of projections contained within an <br />adopted general plan or related planning document that <br />considers regional conditions. If agreed by the City, each <br />section of the EIR will include its own cumulative impact <br />analysis. This is our preferred format because each topical <br />area will have its own applicable cumulative area for <br />consideration. For instance, for air quality, the applicable <br />cumulative area under consideration is the South Coast Air <br />