Lesson 13 - Environmental Impact Analysis

Question 1

National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA)

Answer 1

resulted in the creation of the Council on Environmental Quality. The Act requires that the environmental impacts of a project be considered.

Question 2

Environmental Assessment

Answer 2

is required to determine whether there is a significant environmental impact.

Question 3

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

Answer 3

The act requires the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) where necessary. EIS are for federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the human environment. If the environmental assessment determines that there is a significant impact, then an environmental impact statement is required.

Question 4

Stages

Answer 4

In the early stages of preparing an EIS, scoping must take place. Scoping is often the first contact between proponents of a proposal and the public. A scoping meeting introduces both sides of an issue and engages interested parties. The purpose of scoping is to assist the preparers of the EIS to explain the project to the public and affected agencies. The participants respond with their own concerns about significant issues and suggestions of alternatives. As the EIS is prepared, it will include, from the beginning, a reflection or at least an acknowledgement of the cooperating agencies’ and the public’s concerns.

Question 5

EIS Sections

Answer 5

1. Introduction includes a statement of the Purpose and Need of the Proposed Action;
2. Description of the Affected Environment;
3. Range of Alternatives to the proposed action. Alternatives are considered the “heart” of the EIS;
4. Analysis of the environmental impacts of each of the possible alternatives.

Question 6

EIS addresses…

Answer 6

1. Probable impact of the proposed action;
2. Any adverse environmental effects that cannot be avoided;
3. Alternatives to the proposed action;
4. Relationship between local short-term uses of the environment and the maintenance and enhancement of long-term productivity of the land;
5. Any irreversible and irretrievable commitments of resources that would be involved in the proposed action.