What are NEPA categorical exclusions?
A categorical exclusion (CE) is a class of actions that a Federal agency has determined, after review by CEQ, do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment and for which, therefore, neither an environmental assessment nor an environmental impact statement is normally required.
What are the 3 categories of NEPA documents?
There are three types of NEPA documents: an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), Environmental Assessment (EA), and a Categorical Exclusion (CX) Determination.
What does categorically excluded mean?
Categorical exclusions (CEs) are categories of actions that have been determined not to have a significant effect on the human environment either individually or cumulatively.
What is NEPA documentation?
A concise public document that records a Federal agency’s decision(s) concerning a proposed action for which the agency has prepared an environmental impact statement (See CEQ and DOE NEPA regulations at 40 CFR 1505.2 and 10 CFR 1021.315, respectively).
What is a categorical exclusion Forest Service?
Categorical exclusions are a list of activities which agencies have determined from analysis and experience to not have significant environmental impacts and therefore do not require more detailed environmental analysis.
How is a catex documented?
Simple Documentation: A simple written record is sufficient for CATEXs that have been determined by the LOB/SO to have little or no potential to trigger extraordinary circumstances, including those designated with an asterisk (*) in FAA Order 1050.1F, para. 5-6.
What are the 3 different levels of analysis in NEPA review process?
The environmental review under NEPA can involve three different levels of analysis: Categorical Exclusion determination (CATEX) Environmental Assessment/Finding of No Significant Impact (EA/FONSI) Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
How do I write a NEPA document?
NEPA documents “shall be concise, clear and to the point,” and “written in plain language…so that decisionmakers and public can readily understand them.” “Agencies should employ writers of clear prose or editors to write, review or edit” their EISs and EAs.
What triggers NEPA review?
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process begins when a federal agency develops a proposal to take a major federal action. These actions are defined at 40 CFR 1508.1Exit Exit EPA website.
Who approves NEPA documentation?
FHWA is the federal lead agency in the NEPA process for highway projects requiring FHWA approval. FTA fulfills that role for transit projects. A cooperating agency (40 CFR 1508.5) is an agency with jurisdiction by law or special expertise on any environmental issues that the EIS discusses.
What is fire borrowing?
Fire borrowing occurs when the cost for a federal agency to fight wildfires is larger than the amount of funds they have been allocated. The shortfall requires an agency to transfer funds from other program accounts to wildfire accounts.
What is a catex?
A categorical exclusion (CATEX) is defined in 40 CFR 1508.4 as a category of actions which do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment and, for which in the absence of extraordinary circumstances or sensitive resources, neither an EA nor an EIS is required.
What are environmental documents?
Environmental document includes an environmental assessment, an environmental impact statement, a finding of no significant impact, an environmental report and any supplements to or comments upon those documents, and a notice of intent.
What actions are subject to NEPA?
Thus, NEPA applies to a very wide range of federal actions that include, but are not limited to, federal construction projects, plans to manage and develop federally owned lands, and federal approvals of non-federal activities such as grants, licenses, and permits.
How long is a NEPA document valid?
A Reevaluation is required if a Final EIS has not been submitted within three years of Draft EIS circulation, or if major steps to advance the action have not occurred within three years of approval of the FEIS.
How much do wildfires cost annually?
Average cost of a wildfire Since 1985 the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Forest Service have spent $1.1 billion per year on fighting wildfires — a total of $41 billion. This amounts to $15,498 for every fire. The average cost of fighting wildfires has gone up substantially since 1985.
What is the difference between EA and EIS?
An EA will either result in a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) or if significant environmental impacts appear likely, an EIS. The FONSI determination is made without consideration of any cumulative impacts or geographic context. An EIS is a much more comprehensive document.
What is an environmental mitigation plan?
2. An EMMP is an action plan that clearly defines: 1. Mitigation measures. Actions that reduce or eliminate potential negative environmental impacts resulting directly or indirectly from a particular project or activity, including environmental limiting factors that constrain development.
What is a categorical exclusion under NEPA?
The reason for the exclusion is generally detailed in NEPA procedures adopted by each federal agency. A federal agency can determine that a Categorical Exclusion (CATEX) does not apply to a proposed action. The federal agency may then prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA).
What is the online version of ODOT NEPA assignment categorical exclusion guidance?
Welcome to the online version of ODOT NEPA Assignment Categorical Exclusion Guidance. This is the official and most up-to-date version of documentation that accompanies the Categorical Exclusion (CE) process. This online version supersedes any printed documentation to date. Significant and important updates to the manual will be posted here.
What is a categorical exclusion from environmental assessment?
A categorical exclusion (CE) is a class of actions that a Federal agency has determined, after review by CEQ, do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment and for which, therefore, neither an environmental assessment nor an environmental impact statement is normally required.
What is a categorical exclusion CEQ?
Home / Categorical Exclusions A categorical exclusion (CE) is a class of actions that a Federal agency has determined, after review by CEQ, do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment and for which, therefore, neither an environmental assessment nor an environmental impact statement is normally required.