What Is an Environmental Impact Statement?

When you think of a company with a significant environmental impact, you might picture a massive operation in the energy or manufacturing sector. However, the truth is that even the smallest project can have a lasting impact on the environment. With that in mind, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains a database of Environmental Impact Statements. But what is an Environmental Impact Statement? Read on to find out more, especially as it pertains to your business.

What Is an Environmental Impact Statement?

What Is an Environmental Impact Statement?

An Environmental Impact Statement, or EIS, is a document prepared with the purpose of outlining a proposed project’s impact on the environment. While an EIS project may not completely prevent environmental harm, the EIS is meant to mitigate unnecessary environmental impact in a number of scenarios. For example, if a proposed building development could release pollutants into a nearby waterway, the EIS preparer should include environmental research to find ways to minimize that pollution. Additionally, the EIS should include reasonable alternatives to potentially harmful actions.

Examples of small-scale EIS projects include building developments and infrastructure projects. However, the EIS mandate also extends to major federal developments. One example is the U.S. Bureau of Land Management’s 1970 EIS for the Trans-Alaska Pipeline project, which outlined the pipeline’s potential impact on the land, water, air, and other environmental values at the proposed site.

Who Regulates Environmental Impact Statements?

A number of local, state, and federal bodies work together to regulate Environmental Impact Statements. The concept of an EIS was first mandated by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) to assess proposed actions with the potential to “significantly [affect] the quality of the human environment.” Now, the EPA’s Office of Federal Activities (OFA) coordinates the EPA’s review of all federal statements prepared by other agencies under NEPA. The EPA also maintains the Environmental Impact Database. This free, publicly accessible database includes records of all statements filed since the year 1987. The database also contains PDF copies of all statements filed since 2012, which could be helpful for first-time EIS preparers.

When Is an EIS Required?

EPA guidelines currently state that an EIS is required if an environmental evaluation reveals that a project could have “individually insignificant but cumulatively significant environmental impacts.” In other words, a project that could have detrimental effects on the environment will likely need an EIS before the project can move forward. Additionally, any development projects that constitute “major federal action” are required to include an EIS in the development proposal. This includes projects using federal land, projects funded via federal tax dollars, or any projects that are under federal agency jurisdiction. Ultimately, if an environmental evaluator finds that a proposed project has the potential for environmental harm, an EIS will need to be drafted.

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So, what is an Environmental Impact Statement? These federally-regulated documents outline the potential environmental impact of major projects including pipelines, highways, and other infrastructure developments. If your business is coordinating with one of these projects, you may need to familiarize yourself with EIS procedures to ensure that any proposals meet EPA planning standards.

Are you in need of further information on environmental impact statements? 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 operation’s environmental impact planning. Our team can work with you to develop a plan to ensure ongoing environmental responsibility and compliance, whether you’re planning a small-scale building development or partnering with government officials for a major pipeline project. With proper planning, the EIS drafting process can be efficient and helpful for all involved.