National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
Environmental Process
There are more than 40 federal and state environmental laws that affect transportation decisions. A unifying federal environmental law is the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), which provides a framework for addressing the various environmental statutes, regulation and policies. NEPA is a procedural statute (40 CFR sec 1500) for decision-making during federal projects to assure analysis of social, economic and ecological impacts. ITD is required to provide a NEPA document for projects that are federally funded through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
NEPA Requirements
- Study a reasonable range of alternatives based on “Purpose and Need”
- Use a systematic, interdisciplinary approach while evaluating environmental factors during the planning process
- Widespread interagency coordination, review, and consultation
- Documentation of the environmental analysis process in plain language
- Provide the public opportunity to participate and comment throughout the process
NEPA Training
Three Types of NEPA Documents
Environmental Evaluation (EE) – is an ITD document approved by the Idaho Division of FHWA for Categorical Exclusion (Cat. X) decision-making or auditing purposes.
- Examination of project concept and location regarding potential for socioeconomic or ecological impacts
- Determination of impact significance
Environmental Assessment (EA)
- Unsure if significant impacts
- Evaluation of key resources
- Finding Of No Significant Impact (FONSI)
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
- Significant Impacts
- More detailed evaluation
- Record Of Decision (ROD)
ITD
Environmental Process Flow Chart
Environmental
Process Manual
ITD-654 Form
Citizen’s Guide to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
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