The CEQA analysis relies upon independent judgement to decide whether a project may have the potential to cause substantial environmental harm. The CEQA process also evaluates local circumstances not considered by the state when developing its impact list. Sometimes, significant impacts are identified which can be eliminated or significantly reduced using various strategies. If significant impacts are expected, an EIR will be required. During that process, damage will be assessed and quantified so that scientifically based findings of significant impact can be accurately reported.
Cumulative impacts represent the sum of many smaller impacts from many different project proposals.
For example, a project site might be located in an area which has poor drainage. An agency may know that every time it approves a construction project site, runoff will increase downstream flood potential to some degree. The project's impacts become significant when added to those caused by many others in the project area. Examples of cumulative impacts include air and water pollution, traffic problems, and farmland loss. You can discuss the issue with the County's Environmental Coordinator.