Numerous requests for more time to dig through the copious layers of information to make comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Report  has prompted the California Department of Fish and Game and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District to extend the public review period to August 25.

The agencies agreed to extend the review period after hearing from citizens via written comments/requests and at a public hearing in Valencia on June 11. The public review period for the document, which began April 27, was to end June 26.  The extension means the agencies will accept written public comments on the report until August 25.

“We heard from the people and understand the reason for their request for an extension,” said Aaron Allen, regulatory project manager for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District.  “The document is detailed and comprehensive, and the extension will help facilitate meaningful review of the proposed project and the related permit applications.”

“The document is very large,” said Jay Field, public information officer for the Corps of Engineers. “Some of the people who wanted to provide comment have full-time jobs and requested more time to make a meaningful comment.”

The agencies prepared the Draft EIS/EIR to consider Newhall Land and Farming Company’s request for federal and state permits, agreements and authorizations to implement the Newhall Ranch RMDP and SCP.  The plans are for the proposed management of sensitive biological resources and would be used to make permit decisions before the company implements infrastructure improvements and maintenance activities.

“We encourage public input during this extended review period,” said Ed Pert, South Coast Regional Manager for Fish and Game. “The public can and should play an important role in the decision-making process.”

Written comments can be sent to:

California Department of Fish and Game        U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Newhall Ranch EIS/EIR Project Comments       Ventura Field Office

c/o Dennis Bedford                                        Attn: Aaron Allen

4949 Viewridge Ave.                                       2151 Alessandro Dr., Ste. 110

San Diego, CA 92123                                       Ventura, CA 93001

Fax: (858) 467-4203                                        Fax: (805) 585-2154

E-mail: newhallranch@dfg.ca.gov E-mail: aaron.o.allen@usace.army.mil

Copies of the Draft EIS/EIR are available for public review at the following locations:

Valencia Library, 23743 W. Valencia Blvd., Santa Clarita, CA 91355

Sylmar Library, 14561 Polk St., Sylmar, CA 91342

Ventura H.P. Wright Library, 57 Day Rd., Ventura, CA 93003

Castaic Library, 27971 Sloan Canyon Rd., Castaic, CA 91384

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and DFG are the lead agencies under the National Environmental Policy Act and the California Environmental Quality Act, respectively.