ABSTRACT
The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), implemented by 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1500-1508, requires that federal agencies consider the potential significant environmental impacts of each major federal action before commencing the action. The NEPA process should be integrated with other planning activities at the earliest possible time to ensure that decisions reflect environmental values and avoid potential conflicts. The Environmental Assessment (EA) is a document that addresses the need for the project, alternatives to the proposed project that were considered, the existing environment, potential impacts on the existing environment, and mitigation measures that can and cannot be implemented to neutralize adverse impacts. The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is a document that addresses topics similar to those in an EA, but is more extensive in its presentation and may include data generated during the impact study. An EIS is required if a significant environmental impact is expected.
