Public Comment Period

Environmental Impacts of

Cannabis Cultivation in Nevada County

*** Participate in a strong turnout for public comment ***

What? The Nevada County Planning Department is in the process of receiving community wide input on the environmental impacts of cannabis cultivation.  The County is seeking input from stakeholders, including the cannabis community, on specific environmental practices and impacts.

By the end of the public comment period, we want decision-makers to better understand cannabis standards, best management practices and environmental protections under existing state and local regulations.

Call to Action:

ATTEND:  August 22, 2018 Public Scoping Meetings

• 1:30 – 3pm, The Foothills Event Center (400 Idaho Maryland Rd GV)
• 6 – 7:30pm, Bear River HS, Multi Purpose Rm (11130 Magnolia Rd, GV)

Provide clear, specific and succinct comments. Read our Public Speaking Tips & Tricks

EMAIL/WRITE:

Comment Period:  Aug 10, 2018 – Sep 10, 2018 (by 5pm)

Email: planning@co.nevada.ca.us  

Written: Planning Dept, 950 Maidu Ave, Nevada City CA 95959

Notes:

• Subject of correspondence: “Nevada County Commercial Cannabis Cultivation Ordinance NOP Scoping Comments”
• Please send your comments early!

Please email info@nccannabisalliance.org if you plan to speak or write a letter and are seeking assistance. Listed below are talking points.

Background

For background information, read the Notice of Preparation which is available on the County’s Cannabis Conversation website.

• This public comment period will provide an opportunity for the cannabis industry to provide input and education on the environmental impacts of cannabis cultivation.
• This is a critical opportunity to educate the county on the specific practices of the cannabis industry as well as the required environmental regulations.
• By the end of the public comment period, we want decision-makers to better understand cannabis standards, best management practices and environmental protections under existing state and local regulations. 

Suggested Topics for Comments

• Provide industry expertise on specific growing practices related to the 18 topics listed below that demonstrate how each environmental effect is addressed (give examples).
• Discuss how specific State and/or County regulations will mitigate any adverse effects (give examples and use resources below)
  • State Water Resources Control Board
  • California Dept of Fish & Wildlife
    • Lake and Streambed Alteration Program
  • CalCannabis Proposed Permanent Regulations
  • Nevada County General Plan
• Provide education to County Staff on the areas within the draft ordinance that are inconsistent with cultivation practices.
  • Proposed Draft Cultivation Ordinance

Pursuant to CEQA, the areas below will be studied within the environmental impact report:

• Aesthetics
  • Potential impacts may include:
    • Scenic vistas and public views
    • Existing visual character
    • Potential impacts from light and glare.
• Agriculture & Forestry Resources
  • Potential impacts may include:
    • Existing crop and timber land
    • Impacts on forested land
• Hydrology and Water Quality
  • Potential impacts may include:
    • Water quality standards
    • Drainage patterns
    • Groundwater resources
    • Estimation of current water use
• Air Quality
  • Potential impacts may include:
    • Possible odor
• Biological Resources
  • Potential impacts may include:
    • Direct loss of habitats due to grading or vegetation removal
    • Interference with wildlife from cultivation activities
    • Management of pesticides or rodenticide
    • Riparian habitats from aquifer drawdown
• Geology and Soils
  • Potential impacts may include:
    • Grading and erosion control
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions
  • Potential impacts may include:
    • Energy demands from cultivation practices
• Hazards and Hazardous Materials
  • Potential impacts may include:
    • Use of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, rodenticides
    • Storing, handling and application of materials
• Land Use and Planning
  • Potential impacts may include:
    • Consistency with local policy and regulations
    • Nearby residential land use (noise, odor, dust, security, traffic)
    • Quality of life and neighborhood character
    • Neighborhood compatibility
• Utilities and Service Systems
  • Potential impacts on various agencies:
    • PG&E
    • Waste Management
    • NID
• Noise
  • Potential impacts may include:
    • Noise from cultivation practices
• Public Services
  • Potential impacts on various agencies:
    • CalFire
    • Law Enforcement
• Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources
• Mineral Resources
• Population and Housing
• Recreation
• Transportation and Traffic
• Energy Conservation