What is an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)?
An EIS is a comprehensive document that is prepared to describe and evaluate the effects from a proposed action on the environment. The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) requires the Federal government to provide a detailed statement of impacts (known as an EIS) resulting from any major Federal action that has the potential to significantly affect the environment. A “Federal action” is an activity that is entirely or partly financed, assisted, conducted or approved by a Federal agency. The “environment” is defined as the natural and physical environment and the relationship of people with that environment. A change in consequence, resulting from the action(s) is considered an “impact”. Impacts can be positive or negative or both. An EIS describes all impacts to the affected environment, including effects to the land, water, air, living organisms, as well as social, cultural, and economic aspects. NEPA requires an analysis of alternatives. An EIS also evaluates impacts re
An EIS is a document that is prepared, as determined by the National Environmental Policy Act, for projects involving federal action or funding where there may be significant impacts to the environment. The EIS identifies the potential social, economic, transportation, and environmental impacts of the construction and operation of the “build” alternatives selected for evaluation in comparison to the No-Build Alternative and an enhanced bus alternative, referred to as the Transportation Systems Management (TSM) Alternative. The purpose of an EIS is to provide a full and open evaluation of environmental issues associated with project alternatives, as well as to inform decision-makers and the public of reasonable alternatives that could avoid or minimize adverse impacts and enhance the quality of the environment. It will also identify measures to mitigate any adverse effects identified. The evaluation of impacts is summarized in a Draft EIS document, which is circulated for public and age
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), is the principle environmental federal law governing federal decision-making, planning, and development activities. To ensure that all environmental impacts are considered before final decisions are made, NEPA requires a “detailed statement” in the form of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). An EIS is a full disclosure document that details the process through which a transportation project was developed, includes consideration of a range of reasonable alternatives, analyzes the potential impacts resulting from the alternatives, and demonstrates compliance with other applicable environmental laws and executive orders. The EIS process is completed in the following ordered steps: Notice of Intent (NOI), Draft EIS (DEIS), Final EIS (FEIS), and Record of Decision (ROD).
An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is a written report that documents the environmental conditions and any potential impacts a proposed project (in this case the proposed passenger rail line) may have on the nearby natural, cultural, historical, archaeological, developed, and social environments. Potential impacts investigated include those on the areas plant and animal life, water resources, historically and culturally sensitive areas or buildings, homes, businesses, people, communities, and the local economy. An EIS is often required by the federal government for major projects that use federal funds.
Related Questions
- Why are the Alternative Arrangements being used in NOMA instead of preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)?
- What is the difference between and EIR (Environmental Impact Report) and an EIS (Environmental Impact Statement)?
- WHO PREPARES THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (EIS) AND WHO OVERSEES THE EIS PROCESS?
