Sample Letter #1 - Legal

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Date]

Nevada County Planning Commissioners
950 Maidu Avenue
Nevada City, CA 95959

Re: Opposition to Alpenglow Timber Use Permit, PLN23-0054; CUP23-0004; EIS24-0004

Dear Mr. Smith,

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed Alpenglow Sawmill and Glu-Lam factory project. As a concerned member of Friends of Prosser Truckee, I believe the Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) fails to meet the standards set by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and I urge you to reject the project in its current form and instead prepare a comprehensive Environmental Impact Report (EIR).

1. Non-Compliance with CEQA Requirements

CEQA mandates that public agencies evaluate whether a project may have a significant environmental impact. If there's any possibility of such an impact, an EIR is required. The current MND does not adequately address the potential environmental consequences of the Alpenglow project. Specifically, it overlooks significant impacts on aesthetics, land use, noise, and traffic safety. An EIR would provide the necessary detailed analysis and public scrutiny, ensuring informed decision-making and full transparency.

2. Fair Argument Standard

Under the fair argument standard, an EIR is mandatory whenever there is substantial evidence that a project may have significant environmental effects. In this case, there is considerable evidence indicating potential negative impacts:

  • Traffic Safety: The project will generate substantial truck traffic, with an estimated 61 trucks per day passing through residential areas every seven minutes. This poses serious safety risks to residents and road users.

  • Noise Pollution: The operation of sawmill machinery will introduce significant noise into quiet residential neighborhoods, disrupting the peace and quality of life for local residents.

  • Light Pollution: The project will contribute to light pollution, adversely affecting the area's natural dark skies and wildlife.

  • Land Use Conflicts: The industrial nature of the project is incompatible with the existing residential character of the surrounding areas, conflicting with the Truckee 2040 General Plan, particularly Goal LU-12, which emphasizes regional land use coordination to protect natural resources and maintain the area's character.

3. Inadequate Public Notice

The County's notice for public review and comment was inadequate. The Notice of Availability (NOA) was not posted in a timely manner, reducing the public's ability to review and comment on the project effectively. This failure to provide proper notice warrants a re-notice of the project to ensure adequate public participation.

4. Conclusion

Given the substantial evidence supporting a fair argument that the Alpenglow project may have significant environmental impacts, CEQA requires the preparation of a comprehensive EIR. Approving the project based on the current MND would be an abuse of discretion and contrary to the law. I respectfully request that you reject the MND and require a full EIR to thoroughly evaluate the potential impacts and explore feasible mitigation measures or alternatives.

Thank you for considering my comments. I urge you to protect our community and environment by ensuring a thorough and transparent review process for this significant project.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]