ABSTRACT
Environmental impact assessment requires a systematic interdisciplinary analysis of the physical, chemical, biological, cultural, and socioeconomic impacts of a proposed project or activity. Public officials are frequently involved in developing and reviewing environmental impact statements, especially when planning for public services and protecting valuable resource areas. The need to incorporate environmental services and amenities in public decision-making processes has long been recognized. The chapter discusses environmental impact analysis which focuses mainly on the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the regulations for impact statement (EIS) preparation issued by the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ). The new CEQ regulations were designed to streamline and standardize the EIS process. The new CEQ regulations require that a number of documents be prepared during the EIS development process. The draft EIS is a detailed written statement and analysis of project impacts required by the NEPA and the CEQ.
