Understanding the Process Timeline
APPROVAL / DENIAL PROCESS TIMELINE
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires the Nevada County to produce an independently written Environmental Impact Report (EIR) to inform the decision-making process about whether or not to re-open the Idaho-Maryland Mine. The approval process for the mine is regulated by CEQA, making the whole effort a marathon, not a sprint.
Here are the highlights:
Notice of Preparation - July 2020 - Complete
Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) Comments & Public Hearing - Apr 2022 - Complete
Bonus Step - Economic Impact Report Released by County - Dec 2022 - Complete (This report was ordered separately by the County and is not a CEQA requirement)
Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) Comments & Public Hearing - May 2023 - Complete
Planning Commission Votes - May 2023 - Complete (It was a unanimous "no" vote)
Board of Supervisors Votes - Estimated early fall 2023
Nevada County's detailed project timeline chart can be found here. https://www.mynevadacounty.com/3195/Idaho-Maryland-Mine---Rise-Grass-Valley
Economic Impact report information can be found here
https://www.nevadacountyca.gov/3646/Economic-Impact-Report-of-the-Proposed-I
UNDERSTANDING THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
Listen to retired Capital Planner, Paul Schwartz, explain the timeline, process, and decision points for the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR). The County is required to produce an environmental report per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
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