What is an EIS and what legislation created the need for this?

In the United States at the federal level, an EIS is a report mandated by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), to assess the potential impact of actions “significantly affecting the quality of the human environment.” This requirement under NEPA does not prohibit harm to the environment, but rather …

Who prepares an environmental impact statement?

Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) Federal agencies prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) if a proposed major federal action is determined to significantly affect the quality of the human environment. The regulatory requirements for an EIS are more detailed and rigorous than the requirements for an EA.

What is the purpose of the National Environmental Policy Act?

NEPA’s basic policy is to assure that all branches of government give proper consideration to the environment prior to undertaking any major federal action that significantly affects the environment.

What triggers an EIS?

EIS triggers. the relative magnitude (scale and risk) of impacts (e.g. impacts on matters of state environmental significance, water quality and resources, environmentally sensitive areas (Category A, B and/or C), air, noise) the public interest. uncertainty about possible impacts.

What requires an EIS?

(1) A program EIS is required if the environmental evaluation reveals that actions carried out under the program have individually insignificant but cumulatively significant environmental impacts.

What role does the US Environmental Protection Agency play in protecting our environment?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for the protection of human health and the environment. EPA: Provides technical assistance for long-term cleanup to minimize public health threats, including environmental sampling and monitoring, site assessment, decontamination, and disposal.

Who files EIS?

EPA
Pursuant to 40 CFR 1506.10 and 1506.11, EPA is responsible for administering the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) filing process.

When must an agency prepare an EIS?

Participating agencies must be identified no later than 45 days after the date of publication of an NOI to prepare an EIS (23 USC 139).

What are the 3 things that the environmental protection Act does?

EPA works to ensure that:

Americans have clean air, land and water;
National efforts to reduce environmental risks are based on the best available scientific information;
Federal laws protecting human health and the environment are administered and enforced fairly, effectively and as Congress intended;

When should an EIS be prepared?

How do you conduct an environmental assessment?

Conducting an Effective Environmental Assessment: Key Points to Remember

Keep environmental assessment in perspective.
Keep the assessment simple and concentrate on pertinent factors and data.
Focus time and effort on the most relevant matters.
Don’t invest too much, nor too little, time on an assessment.