Does formal consultation have to be completed before an EA or EIS is written?
Biological assessments may be completed prior to the release of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) or the Environmental Assessment (EA). Formal consultation should be initiated prior to or at the time of release of the DEIS or EA. At the time the Final EIS is issued, section 7 consultation should be completed. The Record of Decision for an EIS should address the results of section 7 consultation. The action agency should initiate informal consultation prior to public scoping required for major construction activities as defined by the National Environmental Policy Act.
