Lecture 1: Introduction to EIS - overview, measurement, prediction, evaluation of impacts, requirements Flashcards
What is NEPA? list key phrases (5), key directives (1),
National Environmental Policy Act (1970, amd ‘75 ‘82). declare a national policy which encourages a productive/enjoyable harmony btw man and env
responsible for future generations, preserve and enhance, cultural historical material resources, no degradation, enhance quality of renewable resources
Environment
Physical, social, cultural and economic factors which affect individuals+communities, and determine their relationship, the survival of one or the other (Section 102 of NEPA)
Define “Environmental Impacts”
any alteration of environmental conditions or creation of new set of env conditions
What is the (broad) way in which we can reduce adverse health outcomes (under the NEPA context)?
establish linkages btw environmental contaminants and health outcomes
What are 6 categories of Environmental Impacts?
pollution (noise, air, water etc), vegetation (habitats, behavior,) , energy supply (non renewable resources), natural hazards/effects (run-off), land use (recreation, water resources), social environment (employment, community character)
How do we measure environmental impacts?
environmental indicators, which are measures to track env conditions over time.
can measure emissions, toxics conc, injury caused. can be qualitative or quantitative. selected based on relevance and practicality
What are some common issues with environmental indicators? (6)
diversity of measures, communicating results, how certain and variable?, how to compare?, universal recognition, what boundary is appropriate (within a global, regional, and local context)?
The boundary question is really important!
How does the EPA classify environmental indicators?
there is a hierarchy - level 1 (permits) to level 6 (changings in human health or condition) - depending on the level of impact
Briefly describe the EIA process (5)
ideally EIA starts before project is initiated (Notice of Intent).Are federal funds involved? any permitting?
After the initial EIA, either they proceed with EIA draft, or they have a FONSI.
The EIA draft is sent to all interested groups, published for public review and comment period.
Then the final EIA document is prepared, along with a record of decision and mitigation plan.
If accepted, Project then proceeds, with monitoring and follow-up
Describe the main elements of an EIA (9)
Scoping, purpose and need, identify technical and interested parties, identify alternatives, compile data, describe environmental setting, identify mitigation approaches, asses impacts from alternatives, select preferred alternative.
Describe 2 differences between the US and other countries wrt EIAs
- some countries do not require alternatives to be published, just final
- in the US the formal review of the draft EIA is done by a 3rd party
Describe the 5 primary types of mitigation strategy. Which is most preferred?
avoidance / prevention (do this one), minimization, reduction or elimination, correction, compensation.
In an EIS, how is “significance” of an effect determined (3)? What does NEPA say?
Significance is determined by experts, comparison with legally defined threshold values, common practices
According to NEPA, this standard of significance applies to both beneficial and adverse effects.
Keystone XL: What are the major differences between the 2011 and 2014 EIS (2)?
1) Avoidance of the NDEQ- identified Sand Hills region (and other similar regions based on soil type and topography) in Nebraska,
2) Termination of the Project in
Keystone XL: Comment on the the assumption that is made in the EJ portion, stating that risk of spill is constant along pipe
SB disagrees, because of seismology, topography, variable corrosion
