What is an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW)?
Environmental review is an information-gathering process that answers the question whether there is the potential for significant environmental impact. Environmental review can be a one or two-step process – the shorter, less detailed Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) or the longer, more complex and detailed Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Two key components of environmental review are: 1) a multi-program analysis of a proposed project’s potential for significant environmental effects (including, but not limited to air emissions), and 2) a public comment process An AERA is not always required under environmental review and, sometimes, one may be completed without an EAW. The environmental review process operates according to the rules of the Environmental Quality Board (EQB) but is carried out by a local government unit or a state agency, which is identified as the “responsible governmental unit” or RGU. The MPCA is the RGU for the following kinds of projects that qualify
