NEPA Environmental Assessments

The National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA, is a long-standing law that serves to protect the environment via a broad national framework. Environmental assessments are a key component of NEPA, ensuring that large-scale federal projects work to minimize their environmental impact. Federal agencies are required to submit these assessments before moving forward with a variety of large-scale projects. Read on to learn more about NEPA environmental assessments, and how EWI can help.

NEPA Environmental Assessments

What Is NEPA?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) writes that NEPA exists to “assure that all branches of government give proper consideration to the environment prior to undertaking any major federal action that significantly affects the environment.” In other words, NEPA ensures that environmental concerns are considered during major federal projects. These projects might include airport and highway construction, parkland purchases, and even military complex development. NEPA environmental assessments help agencies determine if their proposed project requires ongoing investigation; for example, the “Environmental Impact Statement” (EIS) discussed below. NEPA requires that all federal agencies deliver these assessments before proceeding with a large-scale project like the ones listed above.

What Are NEPA Environmental Assessments?

NEPA Environmental Assessments (EAs) are not to be confused with Environmental Impact Statements (EISs). Per the EPA website, an environmental assessment serves two important purposes:

• Determining a project’s potential environmental impact
• Delivering one of two results: a “Finding of No Significant Environmental Impact” (FONSI) or an “Environmental Impact Statement” (EIS). These reports will help agencies determine how their project should move forward.

Once the assessment is complete, public officials should have a robust understanding of the human and physical environmental consequences of the proposed project.

What Do NEPA Assessments Entail?

The assessment process begins when a federal agency develops a proposal to take a major action – for example, constructing a new highway. At that point, the agency must prepare an Environmental Assessment. Interestingly, each federal agency has its own unique NEPA procedures for the preparation of EAs. However, most EAs include a few common factors:

• The need for the proposed action
• Alternatives to the proposed action
• The environmental impacts of the proposed action and its alternatives
• A listing of agencies and experts consulted during the assessment phase

As mentioned above, the assessment will result in one of two outcomes: a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) or an Environmental Impact Statement (ESI). In a FONSI, the agency must outline the reasons that the proposed action involves no significant environmental impacts. However, if the EA finds significant potential environmental impact, the agency must prepare an Environmental Impact Statement. This statement details the potential impact of the project. Regardless of the outcome of the assessment, a federal agency should walk away knowing exactly how to proceed with their project.

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NEPA environmental assessments serve an important purpose: protecting the environment as federal agencies work toward progress and innovation. These assessments do, however, often require external support from an environmental consultant. EWI can help with that. Since 1992, a number of federal agencies have called on EWI for expert environmental consulting services. Our team is comprised of geologists, engineers, chemists, biologists, and regulatory experts – all under one roof. Our unparalleled knowledge and experience ensures that no stone will go unturned as your agency completes its environmental assessment process.

Are you working with a federal agency in need of a NEPA assessment? When you’re ready, you can contact EWI online or call 877-827-9500 for more information. We have in-house experts ready to help walk you through the specifics of your organization’s assessment needs. Our team can also work with you to develop an ongoing plan for your project to ensure continued environmental responsibility.