Initial Studies and Mitigated Negative Declarations (ISMNDs) - Part 1 - What Are They?

Kevin Bolland
Jun 30
3 min read

Main Sections in ISMNDs

An Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (ISMNDs) is a comprehensive environmental document prepared under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to evaluate the potential impacts of a proposed project and identify ways to mitigate any significant effects. While the structure can vary slightly depending on the agency and project, the main sections typically included in an IS/MND are as follows:

1. Introduction and Purpose

Provides an overview of the document, its purpose, and the scope of the Initial Study(1,2).
Identifies the lead agency and summarizes the project’s objectives.

2. Project Description

Details the location, background, and components of the proposed project(1,2,3).
Includes maps, figures, and a description of project activities.

3. Environmental Setting and Regulatory Framework

Describes the existing environmental conditions at the project site and in the surrounding area(3).
Outlines relevant federal, state, and local regulations and policies that apply to the project.

4. Environmental Checklist and Impact Analysis

Uses the CEQA Environmental Checklist Form to systematically address a wide range of environmental topics (e.g., air quality, biological resources, cultural resources, noise, transportation)(3).
For each topic, provides:
- Setting and baseline conditions
- Analysis of potential impacts
- Identification of mitigation measures for any potentially significant impacts
  Field Study - Photo by Ron Lach : https://www.pexels.com/photo/search-party-for-missing-person-10365934/

5. Mitigation Measures

Lists all mitigation measures identified in the impact analysis to reduce impacts to less than significant levels(1,3).

6. Findings and Determination

Summarizes the findings regarding the significance of environmental impacts after mitigation(2).
States the agency’s determination that the project, as mitigated, will not result in significant environmental effects.

7. Public Review and Comments

Describes the process for public review, including the public comment period and how comments are addressed(2).
May include a summary of public comments and responses (especially in the Final IS/MND).

8. References and Preparers

Lists sources of information, technical studies, and the individuals or firms who prepared the document.

9. Appendices and Attachments

Includes supporting technical studies, notices, mitigation monitoring and reporting programs, and other relevant documentation(2).

Example Organization from Actual IS/MNDs

A typical IS/MND might be organized as follows(1,2,3):

Section Number	Section Title
1	Introduction and Purpose
2	Project Description
3	Environmental Setting and Regulatory Framework
4	Environmental Checklist and Impact Analysis
5	Mitigation Measures
6	Findings and Determination
7	Public Review and Comments
8	References and Preparers
9	Appendices and Attachments

This structure ensures that all required CEQA topics are addressed and that the document provides a clear, logical flow from project description to environmental analysis, mitigation, and public participation (1,2,3).

The actual contents of an IS/MND are primarily consolidated in the 4th section, where the Environmental Checklist is contained.

Therein, environmental topics are covered in detail and are addressed to answer specific questions that are included in Appendix G of the CEQA regulations, a format that is held to be generally consistent across the state of California.

In my next post, I will provide a table that discusses each of the major topics, and the questions that must be answered to effectively make a determination about impacts possibly made by a Proposed Project.