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Last Updated: Monday, December 1, 2008 9:59 AM

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Chapter 31 - Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI)

NOTE: IF YOU ARE PREPARING A JOINT CEQA/NEPA DOCUMENT - SEE CHAPTER 37

WHAT DOES THIS TOPIC INCLUDE?

This chapter discusses the preparation and processing of a NEPA Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) and may be most applicable to Local Assistance projects subject to NEPA but for which CEQA compliance is done separately. For guidance on joint CEQA/NEPA Documents refer to Chapter 37. For guidance on CEQA Initial Studies and Negative Declarations, refer to Chapter 35.

Environmental Assessment Decision Tree

LAWS, REGULATIONS AND GUIDANCE

- See Chapter 1- Federal Requirements for the complete list of Federal requirements

SAFETEA-LU EFFICIENT ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW PROCESS

SAFETEA-LU Section 6002 "Efficiency Environmental Reviews for Project Decisionmaking" procedures apply to EISs but, at the discretion of the Caltrans Deputy District Director for environmental, may be applied to EAs on a case-by-case basis. The Section 6002 procedures are described in Chapter 32and involve additional public and agency participation.

DEFINITION AND PURPOSE OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) NEPA regulations distinguishes three classes of actions which prescribe the level of documentation that is required in the NEPA process (23 CFR 771.115). Class I actions are actions that significantly affect the environment and normally require the preparation of an EIS (see Chapter 32). Class II actions are those that do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect and are categorically excluded from NEPA (see Chapter 30). Class III actions are those in which the significance of the environmental impacts is not clearly established. All actions in this class require the preparation of an Environmental Assessment (EA).

The purpose of an EA is to determine if a project will cause significant effects necessitating the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). If the assessment concludes that an EIS is required, the information contained in the EA facilitates its preparation. If an EIS is then initiated, refer to Chapter 32. If the EA concludes that no significant impacts will occur, a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) is prepared. The EA supports the Department’s conclusions when adopting a FONSI and documents NEPA compliance.

Under Section 6005, EAs have been divided into two categories: complex EAs and routine EAs. Complex EAs are defined as those EAs that include multiple location alternatives, debate related to purpose and need, strong public controversy, issues related to logical termini or independent utility, individual Section 4(f) determinations, complex Endangered Species Act issues, numerous cumulative impacts or high mitigation costs. Routine EAs are prepared, reviewed and approved entirely within the Caltrans district/region. Complex EAs undergo the a more stringent review process identical in virtually every way to the EIS review. The decision regarding whether the action call for a complex EA or a routine EA is made in consultation with the Department (Caltrans) as found in SER, Volume 1, Chapter 38, Determination of Class of Action. Obtaining the concurrence of the HQ District Environmental Coordinator can be done via an e-mail stating the project description, proposed class of action, and rationale.

STATE COMPLIANCE CONSIDERATIONS

The majority of Caltrans projects involve compliance with both NEPA and CEQA and other Federal and State environmental laws. When both NEPA and CEQA apply, it is generally preferable to prepare a joint NEPA/CEQA document that satisfies both requirements (See Chapter 37). Even when circumstances dictate the preparation of separate Federal and State environmental documents, it is good practice to take both processes into consideration when consulting with the relevant Federal and State agencies, providing for public participation and determining the need for special studies and permits. Planning and coordination that considers both Federal and State requirements avoids duplication of effort and unnecessary delay and cost.

EARLY CONSULTATION

There is no formal scoping requirement for an EA. However, the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations mandate that Federal agencies involve environmental agencies, applicants, and the public to the extent practicable in the EA process [40 CFR 1501.4(b)]. Informal consultation is important in defining purpose and need, environmental impacts, determining alternatives and mitigation, establishing permit requirements and anticipating issues or concerns to both State and Federal agencies which may affect the project design, cost and scheduling.

The identification of cooperating and jurisdictional agencies begins at the Programming Stage. Background research and preliminary site survey establishes potential environmental constraints and identifies various governmental agencies with interest or expertise relevant to the project. This information is included in the Preliminary Environmental Assessment Report (PEAR), or for local agencies, the Preliminary Environmental Study (PES) form. At the beginning of the environmental process, technical study requirements are refined and formal consultation with State and Federal agencies is undertaken.

To implement coordination at the start of the environmental process cooperating agencies are sent letters inviting them to participate in the development of the environmental document. Jurisdictional agencies, such as U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, are invited in writing to participate in early meetings to discuss issues and permits that may be involved in the project. When an action may affect Native American tribal lands or when an action may cause controversy with a Indian tribe, the Tribal Government should be involved in early coordination. Copies of early coordination letters are included in the appendices of the EA. Meetings and substantive contacts with agencies are also documented. For more information on coordination in the early project development phases see Chapter 5 "Preliminary Scoping". For projects off the State Highway System additional information on coordination with resource and regulatory agencies is discussed in the Local Assistance Procedures Manual (LAPM), Chapter 6. (Download a pdf version of LAPM Chapter 6.)

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

NEPA encourages public participation. However, because there is no formal scoping requirement for an EA, the degree of public participation and the means of soliciting public input are determined on a case specific basis, taking into consideration the results of public participation efforts at the planning and programming stages and the degree of public interest or controversy [23 CFR 771.119(b)]. Where there is potential for public controversy informal environmental scoping may be of value in defining environmental impacts, alternatives, and issues of concern to the community. Executive Order 11990 section 2(b) specifically requires opportunity for early public review of an EA where the proposed action involves new construction in a wetland and Executive Order 11988 similarly requires public review of EAs for plans or actions in floodplains. Additionally, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act requires public participation in the identification and evaluation of historic resources, even if no historic properties are found within the Area of Potential Effect (APE). For additional information on public participation requirements of Section 106 and Caltrans' Section 106 Programmatic Agreement (PA) see the Environmental Handbook Vol. 2, Chapter 2, Section 2-4.6.

For further discussion of the public participation process under NEPA see Chapter 3. Guidance regarding public notice requirements and carrying out public involvement is found in Project Development Procedures Manual, Chapter 11. See also the joint FHWA/FTA publication Public Involvement Techniques for Transportation Decisionmaking (September 1996).

PREPARING AN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

The CEQ NEPA guidance encourages conciseness in EA documents ( Forty Most Asked Questions Concerning CEQ’s NEPA Regulations). An EA need only address those issues that Caltrans has determined have a potential for significant impact. Technical information and studies developed to analyze impacts are summarized in the document and/or incorporated by reference. Technical studies that support the EA are a part of the environmental compliance record and are public documents.

Caltrans has developed annotated outlines for joint CEQA/NEPA documents including joint IS/EAs and joint EIR/EAs and a NEPA-only EA annotated outline. The outlines are available on the SER Forms and Templates webpage. The format contained in these outlines is mandatory for Caltrans projects and for Local Assistance projects, use of the NEPA-only annotated outlines at minimum is mandated. Local agencies are strongly encouraged to use the joint NEPA/CEQA outlines whenever possible. Use of the annotated outlines ensures a document that meets FHWA and Caltrans standards, facilitates project review, and electronic publishing.

Detailed technical information and/or technical reports should be treated as appendices to the EA, but should be bound as separate documents and referenced in the EA. The appendices should include only analytical information that substantiates analysis that is important to the document (e.g., a biological assessment for threatened or endangered species). Separate Technical Reports need not be circulated during public review, however, they are public documents and must be available for public review at specified locations (see Circulation and Public Review below).

Section 4(f) Evaluation

If the EA includes a Section 4(f) evaluation, or if such an evaluation has been prepared separately, it must be circulated to the appropriate agencies. Requirements for coordination of Section 4(f) documents is provided in 23 CFR 771.135. Guidance on Section 4(f) is provided in Chapter 20.

INTERNAL REVIEW AND ADMINISTRATIVE APPROVAL PROCESSING

The Department's environmental quality control program has been revised in response to the Department's new role under the NEPA Pilot Program (Section 6005). Under Section 6005, EAs have been divided into two categories: complex EAs and routine EAs. Complex EAs are defined as those EAs that include multiple location alternatives, debate related to purpose and need, strong public controversy, issues related to logical termini or independent utility, individual Section 4(f) determinations, complex Endangered Species Act issues, numerous cumulative impacts or high mitigation costs. Routine EAs are prepared, reviewed and approved entirely within the Caltrans district/region. Complex EAs undergo a more stringent review process identical in virtually every way to the EIS review. The decision regarding whether the action call for a complex EA or a routine EA is made in consultation with the Department (Caltrans) as outlined above and as found in SER, Volume 1, Chapter 38, Determination of Class of Action. Obtaining the concurrence of the HQ District Environmental Coordinator can be done via an e-mail stating the project description, proposed class of action, and rationale.

The most important revision to the quality control program is the addition of a NEPA Quality Control Review. The purpose of this new review component is to ensure that the environmental document complies with FHWA policies and guidance and the requirements of all applicable federal laws, executive orders, and regulations. For additional information regarding, the quality control program, please see the policy memo on Environmental Document Quality Control Program under the NEPA Pilot Program. See SER, Volume 1, Chapter 38, Quality Control Program for full details.

The Complex EA review and approval procedures to comply with the NEPA Pilot Program (Section 6005) requirements must be followed before the document can be signed and approved. Please see Chapter 38 for detailed information regarding signature authority for EAs. For routine EAs, the quality control program must be followed and the Internal Quality Control Certification completed before the document can be signed and approved.

For additional information on the processing and internal review of EA documents for projects Off the State Highway System consult the Local Assistance Procedures Manual (LAPM), Chapter 6, Section 6.8.

PUBLIC REVIEW AND COMMENT DRAFT EA

Federal regulations do not require the circulation of the draft EA for public comment. However, in practice, Caltrans circulates the draft EA to other public agencies for comments. A Notice of Availability (NOA) and copies of the draft document should be sent to all cooperating, participating, and jurisdictional agencies. If the project requires an individual Section 404 permit, a copy of the Draft EA should be provided to the Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, EPA, and NOAA Fisheries. Copies should also be sent to any groups or individuals who have requested the document. The NOA is sent to the State Clearinghouse, Governor’s Office of Planning and Research. The Clearinghouse requires that 15 copies of the document be filed with their office for distribution.

The document and supporting studies also must be available for public inspection at the Caltrans District Office. Technical Studies are not distributed to the Clearinghouse.

When a public hearing is held as part of the application for Federal funds, the EA shall be available at the public hearing and for a minimum of 15 days in advance of the public hearing. The notice of the public hearing in local newspapers must announce the availability of the EA, where it may be obtained or reviewed, as well as information on how and where to submit comments. Comments must be submitted in writing within 30 days of the availability of the EA unless Caltrans determines, for good cause, that a different period is warranted. Public hearing requirements are described in 23 CFR Sec. 771.111 and Chapter 3. See the Project Development Procedures Manual (PDPM) Chapter 11 for additional information regarding types of public hearings and alternative meeting formats, such as open houses or map showings.

When a public hearing is not held, the District or the Local Agency must place a notice in a newspaper(s) similar to a public hearing notice and at a similar stage of development of the action, advising the public of the availability of the EA and where information concerning the action may be obtained. The notice invites comments from all interested parties. Comments must be submitted in writing within 30 days of the publication unless the Caltrans determines otherwise.

If the project will affect cultural resources, the public notices announcing scoping meetings or announcing the availability of the EA must include the following statement: “The proposed work may have an effect on historic properties eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Caltrans is evaluating alternatives to determine if the project can avoid adversely affecting the property(ies) or, if not, if adequate mitigation measures can be incorporated into the project plans.”

The filing of the notice and documents with the State Clearinghouse, the notification of cooperating and jurisdictional agencies, and the public notice published in the newspaper satisfy the requirements of Executive Order 12372 regarding intergovernmental review of Federal programs.

When the EA indicates that the project has the potential to result in a significant impact, an EIS must be prepared. An EA is not required when a decision has already been made to prepare an EIS. At the conclusion of the public availability period, the EA should be finalized by being revised or an attachment provided, as appropriate, to (a) reflect changes in the proposed action or mitigation measures resulting from comments received or from the public hearing, if one was held, and (b) include any necessary findings, agreements, or determinations required for the proposal. A copy of the comments and responses should be attached to the revised EA.

If no significant impacts are identified and the EA is routine, the FONSI is prepared and sent to the appropriate Caltrans authority for signature. If the document is a complex EA, the FONSI is prepared and sent to the HQ District Environmental Coordinator for concurrence and then to the appropriate district/region authority for signature (see SER, volume 1, Chapter 38, Complex EA Review Procedures for detailed instructions).

FINAL EA AND FONSI:

A FONSI is a public decision document that briefly describes why the project will not have any significant environmental effect and will not require the preparation of an EIS.

The FONSI must document the reasons for deciding that the action will not have a significant effect on the environment. If relevant it must show which factors were weighted most heavily in the determination. It should also incorporate by reference any other environmental documents used to support the assessment. The FONSI is usually a one-page document to which the EA is attached or referenced.

PUBLIC REVIEW FONSI AND FINAL EA

Formal distribution of a FONSI is not required. However, an EA, at a legal minimum, must be made available for public review upon request for at 30 days before making a final determination. FHWA regulations require that a Notice of Availability (NOA) of the FONSI be sent to the affected units of Federal, State and local government and to the State Clearinghouse in compliance with Executive Order 12372. Although the circulation requirements for a FONSI are very limited, it is good practice to send the Notice of Availability and a copy of the FONSI and Final EA to cooperating, participating, and jurisdictional agencies, agencies which commented on the EA or requested to be informed of the project decision.

STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS

SAFETEA-LU Section 6002 established a 180-day statute of limitations (SOL) on claims against USDOT and other Federal agencies for certain environmental and other approval actions if certain circumstances apply. The action must be related to a transportation project (as defined in SAFETEA-LU) and a Statute of Limitations Notice must be published in the Federal Register announcing that a Federal agency has taken an action on a transportation project that is final under the Federal law pursuant to which the action was taken. Note: Even under the NEPA Pilot Program (Section 6005), FHWA is still the entity that must publish the Federal Register notice. If a SOL notice is not published in the Federal Register, the normal 6-year period for claims applies. All Federal agency decisions, permits, and approvals must be final before the SOL notice can be published. The statute of limitations provision covers all levels of NEPA documentation, although FHWA anticipates that it will be used primarily for EISs and EA/FONSIs but rarely for CEs. FHWA will file the SOL notice in the same manner as it files Notices of Intent. (NOIs and SOL notices are not submitted to EPA for publication in the Federal Register.)

See the FHWA/FTA SAFETEA-LU Environmental Review Process Final Guidance Statute of Limitations and its Appendix E for questions and answers as well as formats to cover various situations.