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i 0 u (a) Basic Purposes of CEQA. The basic purposes of CEQA are to: (1) Inform governmental decision-makers and the public about the potential significant environmental effects of proposed activities. (2) Identify the ways that environmental damage can be avoided or significantly reduced. (3) Prevent significant, avoidable damage to the environment by requiring changes in projects through the use of alternatives or mitigation measures when the governmental agency finds the changes to be feasible. (4) Disclose to the public the reasons why a govefnmental agency approved the project in the manner the agency chose if significant environmental effects are involved. (b) Governmental Action. CEQA applies to governmental action. This action may involve: (1) Activities directly undertaken by a governmental agency, or (2) Activities financed in whole or in part by a governmental agency, or (3) Private activities which require approval from a governmental agency. (c) Private Action. Private action is not subject to CEQA unless the action involves governmental participation, financing, or approval. (d) Project. A "project" is an activity subject to CEQA. The term "project" has been interpreted to mean far more than the ordinary dictionary definition of the term. (See Section 15378) (e) Time for Compliance. A governmental agency is required to comply with CEQA procedures when the agency proposed to carry out or approve the activity. (See Section 15004) , (f) Environmental Impact Reports and Negative Declarations. An Environmental Impact Report (EIR) is the public document used by the governmental agency to analyze the significant environmental effects of a proposed project, to identify alternatives, and to disclose possible ways to reduce or avoid the possible environmental damage.