When submitted in writing, your EIR Notice of Preparation (NOP) comments matter. Under CEQA, the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) is legally required to address any reasonable request for environmental impact analysis. This may require project developers to evaluate mitigation measures, project alternatives, or other ways to reduce significant impacts.

Steps to Submit Your NOP Response

Deadline: 5:00 p.m. on Monday, September 14

1. Email your NOP Response to:

Miroo Desai, AICP
Planning Manager, City of Emeryville
1333 Park Avenue
Emeryville, CA 94608
mdesai@emeryville.org

2. Subject line: Comments on the Scope of the EIR for the Sutter Emeryville Medical Center Project

3. Sample Introduction

Dear Ms. Desai:
I am submitting these comments regarding the scope of the EIR for Sutter Health’s proposed Emeryville Medical Center.  My response below [or attached] serves as a formal scoping request for the project’s Environmental Impact Report and for the project’s non-CEQA transportation analysis.

4. Generate the rest of your response

NOP responses can vary in format. However, to increase the likelihood that your requested studies are seriously considered, your comments should include specific impact concerns and reference the applicable CEQA Appendix G environmental categories.

You do not need to start from scratch. Feel free to use and adapt content from this sample NOP response.

You can also use AI to help generate a draft. For example: “Generate an EIR Notice of Preparation response addressing potential environmental impacts from increased traffic on 53rd Street between Aileen Street and San Pablo Avenue in Oakland. Include relevant CEQA Appendix G categories, such as Air Quality, Noise, and Transportation, and provide supporting citations.”

Regardless of the approach you use, be sure to:

• Customize the content. Add location-specific information (see the Neighbors United worksheet) and remove any sections that do not apply to your situation.
• Personalize your comments. For example: “As a resident of 53rd Street for 15 years, I have observed recurring congestion during peak hours and believe additional project-related traffic could worsen these conditions.”
• Avoid generalized or emotional language. Focus on specific, observable conditions and potential impacts instead of statements such as: “this project is bad”, “It will create too much traffic”,  “It will turn my block into a living hell.”
• Include a photo or video if possible. Use original images that illustrate your concerns, such as street design issues, existing congestion, pedestrian activity, or sensitive receptors (children, seniors, schools, parks, etc.). A screenshot from Google Maps or Street View may also be helpful if relevant.
• Optional: Including proposed mitigation measures or reasonable project alternatives is optional but can strengthen your comments.

5. Sign Your Submission: Full name, Street Address, Email address

More information:
City of Emeryville’s NOP Notice and Project Description