Understand The CEQA process for lbusd pool reconstruction project
The Laguna Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) is moving forward with plans to reconstruct the pool at Laguna Beach High School (LBHS). As part of the approval process, the district must comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to evaluate potential environmental impacts and ensure the project is designed responsibly.
Following an Initial Study, the district determined that all potential environmental impacts—such as noise, lighting, and water use—can be fully mitigated, allowing them to prepare a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) rather than a full Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The public comment period for submitting written comments on the MND has now closed, and the district is holding a public hearing to decide whether to formally adopt the document and move the project forward.
What is the CEQA Process for This Project?
1. Initial Study
The district conducted an environmental review to analyze potential impacts related to traffic, air quality, noise, water use, and other factors. If significant environmental effects could not be mitigated, an EIR would have been required; however, because all issues were deemed manageable through mitigation, an MND was prepared instead.
2. Public Review and Written Comment Period (Now Closed)
The district made the MND available for public review for the legally required 20–30 days. During this time, agencies and the public had the opportunity to submit written comments.
3. Public Hearing for MND Adoption (Upcoming)
The LBUSD Board of Education will hold a public hearing to discuss the MND, mitigation measures, and any remaining concerns. Members of the public may provide oral comments at the hearing, but the formal written comment period has closed. The board will then decide whether to adopt the MND or request further modifications.
Who Makes the Decisions in This Process?
Laguna Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) Board of Education – As the lead agency, the school district is responsible for reviewing the MND and determining if it adequately addresses environmental impacts. The board will vote on whether to adopt the MND and allow the project to move forward.
What Can the Public Accomplish at the Hearing?
Although the written comment period is closed, community members may still attend the hearing and provide oral comments regarding the project. However, at this stage, the district’s decision will be based on whether:
The MND adequately mitigates potential impacts and meets CEQA requirements.
There is a reasonable basis to modify mitigation measures before adoption.
The project can proceed without further environmental review.
Any new concerns raised at the hearing that were not previously addressed in the MND could influence the mitigation measures if the board finds them valid. However, changes at this stage are generally minor adjustments, not broad project redesigns.
Next Steps After the Hearing
1. If the board adopts the MND, the district will file a Notice of Determination (NOD), and the project will move forward to the next phase.
2. If the board decides that additional modifications are needed, they may require further revisions before adopting the MND.
3. If new substantial environmental concerns arise, the district would have to determine whether more environmental review is necessary.
The LBHS pool reconstruction project has undergone extensive environmental review, and the district has worked to ensure that potential concerns are addressed through mitigation measures. The public hearing is the final step before the board makes a decision on whether to adopt the MND and allow the project to move forward.
