Nep A Guidance

Offiice of Consstruction and Facilities
Ma
anagementt (OOCFM)
W
Washington,
DC 20420
202
2-461-8009
www.ccfm.va.gov
NE
EPA
A
I erim Gu
Inte
Guida
anc
ce
f
for
P ojec
Pro
cts
PG--18-17 (re
ev.)
3 Septem
30
mber 2010
0
ExecutiveSummary
ThisdocumentpresentstherequirementsofhowtheNationalEnvironmentalPolicyAct
(NEPA)relatestoVAfacilityoperationandconstructionprojectsandispresentedforuse
asfunctionalinterimguidanceduringthisperiodofsignificantconstruction/renovation
activitywhiletheImplementingRegulationsarebeingrewritten.
Thefollowingprovidesa"CliffNotes"previewofNEPAasitappliestoprojectsfortheVA.
BackgroundNEPAisalongstanding(originally1970's)requirementforenvironmental
reviewoffederal"actions."
Thedefinitionoftheword"Action"isprettybroadandincludessubstantiallymorethan
construction,suchas:lease,sale,orpurchaseofland;providingfunding;orproviding
permitsforprivateactions.
UnderNEPAfederalagenciesarerequiredto"determineiftheirproposedactionshave
significantenvironmentaleffectsandtoconsidertheenvironmentalandrelatedsocialand
economiceffectsoftheirproposedactions."NotethatNEPAisadecisionmakingprocess,
integraltotheAction,ratherthanaseparateenvironmentalrequirement.
TheProcessTheNEPAprocessis"done"atthecompletionofoneofthreelevelsof
evaluation(seeattachedflowpathdiagram):
1.CategoricalExclusion(CATEX)
2.EnvironmentalAssessment(EA)withaFindingofNoSignificantImpact(FONSI)
3.EnvironmentalImpactStatement(EIS)withaRecordofDecision(ROD)
CATEXisacategoryofActionsthattheagencyhasdetermineddonotindividuallyor
cumulativelyhaveasignificanteffectonthequalityofthehumanenvironment.Ifthe
actiondoesnotclearlymeetanyofthesecriteria,orseeminglydoesbuthas"extraordinary
circumstances,"thenitmustbeevaluatedthroughcompletionofanEA.
ExampleCATEXsareroutineactionssuchas:facilityorgroundsmaintenance;minor
renovationorreplacementinkind;administrativeactions.ThelistofCATEXactionsare
agencyspecificandarespecifiedintheirimplementingregulations.
Atthefacilitylevelnumerically,mostoftheActionsgenerallyfallintothisCATEXcategory.
EAtakesabroadlookatthepotentialimpactsoftheActionontheenvironmentwhich
includesbothnaturalandhistoricalresources,aswellashumanimpactssuchassocio
economic,visual,andnoise.TheNEPAprocessalsorequiresanEAtoclearlystatethe
purposeandneedfortheproposedActionaswellasreviewallreasonablealternatives,
includingnoaction.Iftherearenosignificantimpacts(i.e.anypotentialissuesare
routinelyhandledthroughissuanceofpermits,consultations,modificationstodesign,or
otheragreements)aFONSIcanthenbeissuedfollowingapubliccommentperiod
concludingtheNEPAprocess.Iftherearesubstantialissuesand/orpubliccontroversy,the
processcontinuesonthroughcompletionofanEIS.
Part1,Page1of15
VANEPAInterimGuidanceProjects
30SEP10draft

Atanindividualfacility,basedupontheirsizeandscale,anEAismostcommonlythe
appropriatelevelofNEPAevaluationforMajor,anumberofNRMs,significantenergy,and
someMinorprojects.
EISisamoreextensiveprocesswithadditionalpublicinvolvementandspecific
requirementssuchaspublicationofNoticeofIntentandaformalScopingprocess.TheEIS
processalsorequiresinvolvementofEnvironmentalProtectionAgency(USEPA),
publicationsintheFederalRegister,andseveralmandatedtimelinesforpubliccomment,
review,andwaitperiods.Attheconclusionoftheprocess,theROD,reviewedbyUSEPA,is
alegallybindingdocument.
ThenumberofprojectsatafacilitywhichwouldrequireanEISlevelofeffortisquitesmall.
Sitingofanewfullsizedmedicalcenter,however,wouldlikelyrequireanEISbasedupon
potentialforimpacts.
ThisNEPAInterimGuidanceProjectsprovidesVApersonnelwiththetoolswithwhichto
achievecompliancewiththelaw,aswellaslikelymorecomprehensiveproject
developmentandexecution.
InadditiontothisVAdocument,therearemanyotherreferencedocuments.Forexample,
theCouncilonEnvironmentalQuality(CEQ),whichsetstheoverallNEPApolicy
requirements,haspublisheda55pagebooklet"ACitizensGuidetotheNEPA"whichcan
befoundat:http://ceq.hss.doe.gov/nepa/Citizens_Guide_Dec07.pdf
Part1,Page2of15
30SEP10draft
Acknowledgements
VANEPAImplementingRegulationsSteeringCommittee
ThomasW.Moran,P.E.EnvironmentalEngineer,CFMChairman
JackStaudt,P.E.EnvironmentalEngineer,VHA10N
JodyMcClarin,EnvironmentalEngineer,CEOSH
CathleenJohnson,ProgramSpecialist,OAEM
GeorgeSetlock,VISN19andVISN21EnvironmentalProgramManager
FrankDuncan,EnvironmentalEngineer,NCA
MichelleDeGrandi,Esq.,OGCEnvironmental
LisaMahoney,Esq.,EnvironmentalEngineer,TheClarkGroupLLC
Reviewers
WendyKady,VISN6IH/GEMSCoordinator
NelsonCancio,EnvironmentalEngineer,CFMWesternRegionalOffice
AnneMarieNaficy,VISN20CapitalAssetsManager
DaveHill,FacilitiesManager,CanandiaguaVAMedicalCenter
DanTherrien,ProjectManager,CFMCentralRegionalOffice
PamRussell,GEMS/IndustrialHygieneManager,MinneapolisVAHealthCareSystem
KathleenSchamel,VAHistoricPreservationOfficer
RobertYager,ChiefEngineering,OmahaVANebraskaWesternIowaHealthCareSystem
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DepartmentofVeteransAffairs
NEPAInterimGuidanceProjects
TableofContents
I. ExecutiveSummary
II. Acknowledgements
III. Section1
A. Introduction
B. Background:OverviewoftheNationalEnvironmentalPolicyAct(NEPA)
C. TheProcess:UnderstandingtheValueofNEPA
Chart:DecisionProcessandNEPAProcess
D. TheNEPAProcess
E. DepartmentofVeteransAffairsNEPARegulations
F. NEPAforVeteranAffairsPlanningandProjects
Chart:VAProject/NEPAProcess(smallprojects)
Chart:VAProject/NEPAProcess(largeprojects)
IV. Section2TheEnvironmentalPlanningandReviewProcess
A. Overview
B. Purpose
C. When
D. Who
E. Scoping
F. CategoricalExclusion(CATEX)
VACATEXList
ExtraordinaryCircumstances
SimpleCATEX
AdvancedCATEX
G. EnvironmentalAssessment(EA)
i. DraftEA
ii. PublicInvolvement
iii. Determination(FONSIorEIS)
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H. EnvironmentalImpactStatement(EIS)
i. NoticeofIntentandScoping
ii. PublicInvolvement/DraftEIS
iii. FinalEIS
iv. RecordofDecision(ROD)
I. SupplementalEAorEIS
J. ProgrammaticEAorEIS
K. InvolvingThirdParties
i. CooperatingAgencies
ii. PublicParticipation
L. CoordinationwithNHPA
M. CompliancePermitting/DueDiligence
V. Section3Reference
A. RegulatoryContext/LegalRequirements
B. Terminology
C. VAContacts
VI. Section4Appendix
A. ExampleCATEX
B. SampleEATableofContents
C. SampleEAScopeofWork
D. ExampleFindingofNoSignificantImpact(FONSI)
E. DraftNoticeofAvailabilityforanEnvironmentalAssessment
Part1,Page5of15
30SEP10draft
InterimNEPAGuidanceProjectsSectionOne
Introduction
ThepurposeofthisDepartmentofVeteransAffairsInterimNEPAGuidance(InterimGuidance)isto
explaintherequirementsforenvironmentalplanningandhowtheprocessintegrateswithproject
planningandagencydecisionmaking.Itisimportantforprojectmanagersanddecisionmakersto
haveaclearunderstandingoftherequirementsforevaluatingenvironmentalinformationwhile
engaginginagencyactivities.Byintegratingenvironmentalanalysisintotheprojectplanningand
decisionmakingprocess,projectmanagersanddecisionmakerscanmakemoreinformed
decisionsandbetteravoidunforeseencircumstances.
ThisInterimGuidancewillassistVAofficials,employees,andcontractorstoplanandimplement
projectsincompliancewiththefederallawsandregulationsdesignedtoprotecttheenvironment.
TheInterimGuidancecontainsabriefdescriptionoftheNationalEnvironmentalPolicyAct(NEPA),
explainshowVAcanusetheNEPAprocesstoimprovedecisionsandcomplywithenvironmental
laws,andprovidesguidanceonthetypesofenvironmentalanalysisanddocumentationnecessary
forVAprojects.ThisguideisprimarilyfocusedonVAfacilityandconstructionprojects,butNEPA
appliestoallVAactions(definedas:anydecision,policy,project,plan,program,etc.subjectto
DepartmentofVeteransAffairscontrolandresponsibilitywhichhasthepotentialforan
environmentalimpact).
EffortsarecurrentlyinprocesstorewritetheVA'sNEPAImplementingRegulations(38CFRPart
26),whichwillbeacombinationofcodifiedregulationsandVADirectiveand/orHandbook.The
timelineforfullcompletionofthisregulatoryprocessisquitelengthy.VAiscurrentlyundergoing
anunprecedentedrecapitalizationofexistingfacilitiesnationwide,aswellasconstructionofbrand
newmedicalcenters,cemeteries,andofficesupporttypefacilities.Theintentofthisdocumentisto
provideInterimGuidancetodecisionmakersandprojectmanagersforintegrationofprojectand
environmentalplanningtominimizeenvironmentalimpactsandensureNEPAcompliance.This
InterimGuidancedoesnotattempttocoverNEPAevaluationofallpossibleVAActions,rather
focusesnearlysolelythemostpressingsetofActions,namelyconstruction/renovationprojects.
Background:OverviewoftheNationalEnvironmentalPolicyAct(NEPA)
NEPArequiresfederalagenciestoconsidertheimpactsoftheiractionsonthehumanenvironment.
Itisalongstandinglaw,originallyenactedin1969,signedintolawin1970.NEPAistriggered
whenafederalagencyproposestoengageinanyactionthatmayhaveenvironmentaleffects.
AgencyactionssubjecttoNEPAencompassadiverserangeofactivities,suchas:construction;
lease,saleorpurchaseofproperty;grantsorpermitting;programsorpoliciesthatareunderthe
Agency'scontrolandhavethepotentialforenvironmentalimpact(s).Agenciesmustcomplywith
NEPAatallstagesofafederalaction,fromplanningtoimplementation.NEPAdoesnotreplace
Part1,Page6of15
30SEP10draft
otherenvironmentallawsandregulations.Instead,NEPAservesasadecisionmakingapproachto
identifyandassesspotentialenvironmentalimpactsasearlyinthedecisionmakingprocessas
possible.NEPAseekstoeducateagencydecisionmakersontheenvironmental,socioeconomic,
andculturaleffectsoffederalactions.CompliancewithNEPAprovidesadditionalinformationthat
canbeusedalongsideprojectfeasibilitystudiesandeconomicanalysestohelpprojectmanagers
andagencystaffmakegooddecisions.
NEPArequiresfederalagenciestocomplywithNEPAregulationspromulgatedbytheCouncilon
EnvironmentalQuality(CEQ).TheCEQoverseestheNEPAprocessandensuresfederalagencies
complywiththeAct.CEQNEPAregulationsguideagenciesthroughtheNEPAprocessby
establishingminimumrequirementsforNEPAreview.Theseminimumrequirementsincludethe
needforpublicinvolvementandanassessmentofreasonablealternatives.
AllfederalAgenciesmustcreatetheirownspecificNEPAprocedures,inconsultationwiththeCEQ,
toguideagencypractitioners,decisionmakersandthepublic.AnagencysNEPAproceduresadapt
theNEPAprocesstotheparticularagencysneedsandscopeofactivities.Theagencyandallofits
employeesmustfollowtheagencysNEPAprocedures,CEQNEPAregulations,andotherrelevant
regulations.
UNDERSTANDINGTHEVALUEOFNEPA
NEPAintegrateswiththeplanninganddesignprocessforanyproject.Throughthe
NEPAprocess,projectplannersanddecisionmakersavoidunnecessarydelaysin
projectdevelopmentandmakeinformeddecisionsamongalternativesbasedon
environmentalinformation.
InorderforanagencytocomplywithNEPA,decisionmakersmustreview
environmentaldocumentsatthesametimeasotherplanningdocuments.An
agencywideapproachtotheNEPAprocessimprovestheabilityofallprogram
officestorespondtoenvironmentalinformationandproceedwithproject
developmentincompliancewithenvironmentallawsandregulationswhileavoiding
unnecessarydelays.
NEPAisatoolfordecisionmaking.TheNEPAprocessisapartoftheproject
decisionprocessasillustratedinthediagram.NEPAisgoodprojectmanagement
becauseitallowsthebestdecisiontobemaderelativetopotentialimpactstothe
humanenvironmentwhileavoidingunforeseencircumstancesandavoiding
unnecessarydelay.
Part1,Page7of15
30SEP10draft
TheNE
EPAProce
ess
Thepurp
poseofNEPA
Aistoensurethatinformaationregardingpotentiallenvironmen
ntalimpactsof
anyfederral,orfederaallyfunded,aactionisavaillabletopublicofficialsan
ndcitizensbeeforedecisio
ons
aremadeeandbeforeaactionsaretaken.NEPAshouldbesttartedasearllyintheproccessaspossiible.
IntheNE
EPAcontext,""environmen
nt"includesn
naturalandh
historicalressources,asw
wellashuman
n
impactsssuchassocio
oeconomic,v
visual,andno
oise.
ThefirststepintheN
NEPAprocesssistoidentiffythepurposeandneed
dfortheprojjectanddefin
ne
theproposedaction.Thenextsttepistobegiinpreliminarryscopingofpotentialen
nvironmentaal
impactsaandpotentiallalternativesstotheprop
posedaction.
Complian
ncewithNEP
PAforagiven
nprojectord
decisionisacchievedinon
neofthreew
ways:
yingtheprojjectordecisiionasacateg
goricalexclu
usion(CATE
EX)andmak
king
1. byidentify
surethereearenoextraaordinarycirrcumstancessrequiringsp
pecialconsid
deration
2. byconducctinganenviironmentalassessmentt(EA)resultiinginafindiingofno
significan
ntimpact(F
FONSI)(ifapp
propriate)on
ntheprojecttordecision
mpactstatement(EIS),consideringthefindingsof
3. bypreparringanenvirronmentalim
thisstatem
mentindecid
dingwhetherrandhowto
oproceedwitththeprojecctordecision
n,and
issuingarecordofde
ecision(ROD)
NEPAProcesss
ProjecctDecisionProcess
SetOrgganizationalG
Goals&
Objectiives
Develo
opAlternativees
Compaare&Evaluatee
Alternaatives
Choose
eAmongAlteernatives
Implem
mentDecision
n
Command,Lead,&Manage
D
DeterminePu
urpose&Need
d
D
DevelopAlterrnatives
G
GatherData&
&AnalyzeImp
pacts
C
Compare&Evvaluate
ndMitigation
A
Alternativesa
n
P
PrepareDocuments
O
ObtainComm
ments
M
MakeDecision
n
O
ObtainComm
ments
M
Mitigate&Mo
onitor
Paart1,Page8of15
VANEPA
AInterimGuiidanceProjjects
30SEP10d
draft
CategoricalExclusions(CATEXs)areactionsthatafederalagencyhasdeterminedtobevery
unlikelytoindividuallyorcumulativelyhaveasignificantimpactontheenvironment.Ifafederal
agencyknowsaparticulartypeofactionwillnotgenerateasignificantenvironmentalimpact,
basedonagencyexperience,thentheagencymayelecttocategoricallyexcludetheactionfrom
furtherenvironmentalreview.Agenciesgenerateagencyspecificlistsofcategoricalexclusions
basedonexperienceandtheselistsareformalizedthroughtheregulatoryprocess.VAscurrent
CATEXlistcanbefoundin38CFRPart26.Iftheactiondoesnotclearlymeettheagencyspecific
criteria,orseeminglydoesbuthasextraordinarycircumstances,thentheactionmustbe
evaluatedthroughcompletionofanEA.
AnEnvironmentalAssessment(EA)looksattheeffectsofaproposedactionandreasonable
alternativestoachievetheagencysobjectives.TheEAisintendedtobeaconcisedocumentthat(1)
brieflyprovidessufficientevidenceandanalysisfordeterminingthesignificanceoftheactionand
whethertoprepareanEIS;(2)aidsanagencyscompliancewithNEPAwhennoenvironmental
impactstatementisnecessary;and(3)facilitatespreparationofanEnvironmentalImpact
Statementwhenoneisnecessary.Iftheanalysisfindstherearenosignificantimpacts,aFindingof
NoSignificantImpact(FONSI)canbeissuedconcludingtheNEPAprocess.TheFONSIisalegally
bindingdocument.Iftherearesubstantialissuesand/orpubliccontroversy,theNEPAprocess
continuesonthroughissuanceofaNoticeofIntent(NOI)completionofanEIS.
AnEnvironmentalImpactStatement(EIS)isamoreextensiveprocesswithadditionalpublic
involvementandspecificrequirementssuchasformalpublicationofnoticesandascopingprocess.
TheEISprocessalsorequiresinvolvementoftheEnvironmentalProtectionAgency(USEPA),
publicationsintheFederalRegister,andseveralmandatedtimelinesforpublicreviewand
commentperiods.Attheconclusionoftheprocess,aRecordofDecision(ROD)isissuedandthisis
alegallybindingdocument.
WhetherVApreparesaCATEX,EA,orEIS,eachoftheseprocessesshouldinvolvesomeformof
publicinvolvement.ThiscouldmeanpostingaCATEXonawebsite,invitingthepublicto
commentonanEA,conductingapublicmeeting,orpublishingaNoticeofAvailabilityforanEISin
theFederalRegister.NEPAmayalsorequireformalagencyconsultationiftheprojectorits
impactsoverlapthejurisdictionofanotherfederalagency.TheNEPAprocessincludingpublic
involvementandcoordinationiscoveredinmoredetailinSection2.
AsummaryofthewholeprocessisillustratedintheNEPAProcessDiagrambelow.
Part1,Page9of15
30SEP10draft
VeteransAffairsNE
EPAImpllementing
gRegulattions
DeparttmentofV
VAsNEP
PAimplemen
ntingregulationsarecodiifiedintheF
FederalRegissterat38CFR
RPart26.Laast
updatediin1989,thecurrentregu
ulationsnolo
ongermeetth
heneedsofttheAgency.V
VAiscurrenttly
developin
ngnewagencyNEPAregulationsand
dDirective/H
HandbooktoreflecttheAgencyscurrent
operation
ns,organizattion,andmission.Theneewregulation
nswillenableVAtobetteeraddress
currenteenvironmentaalchallengessoftheiractiionsandprov
videadaptab
bilityforthefuture.
kwillprovideeclarityonrolesandresp
ponsibilitiesfor
ThenewregulationsaandDirectivee/Handbook
environm
mentalplanniingwithinVA
Aandexplain
nhowenviro
onmentalplaanningrelateestoVA
programss,plans,andprojects.Th
heregulation
nswillalsoexxplaintherellationshipbeetweenVAan
nd
local,statte,regional,aandtribalagenciesintheeenvironmen
ntalplanninggprocess.Similaractionsswill
beanalyzzedthesameewayunderN
NEPAacrosssallVAprogrramoffices.V
VAwillgainefficiencyan
nd
efficacyfrromanagencywideNEP
PAapproachthatemphassizesaprogrammaticanaalysisof
environm
mentalplanniingandanaly
ysis.
Parrt1,Page10of15
VANEPA
AInterimGuiidanceProjjects
30SEP10d
draft
Specifically,thenewVANEPAregulationswillupdatethecurrentlistofVACATEXs.TheCATEXsas
writteninthecurrentregulationsaretoobroad,requiringtoomuchinterpretationtouseproperly.
ThenewregulationswillpresentaCATEXlisttailoredtoVAprojects.
Thenewregulationsareexpectedtobepromulgatedin2011.Inthemeantime,whileasafederal
agency,VAremainsresponsibleforcomplyingwithNEPAanalysisanddocumentation
requirementsonallactions,thisNEPAInterimGuidanceProjectsisintendedtoprovidedirection
toVAemployeesonenvironmentalplanningandNEPAforprojectsastheycurrentlyrepresentthe
largest,andmostpressing,setofNEPAactionsacrosstheAgency.
NEPAforVAPlanningandProjects
VAofficials,employees,andcontractorsmustcomplywithNEPAforfederalactionsundertakenby
theAgency.Forexample,NEPAisrequiredwhenVAacquireslandforhospitals,cemeteries,and
otherinstallationsorwhenVAproposestodoaMinorprojectatoneofitsfacilities.NEPAmustbe
startedearlyintheplanningprocessbeforeacquiringfederallands,acceptingdonations,or
contractingforthepurchaseoflandsorbeforefinalizingthedesignforanMinorproject.NEPA
promotesgoodprojectmanagementandavoidsunforeseencircumstancesfromcroppingupduring
implementationofafederalaction.
Decisionmakersneedtoidentifylikelyenvironmentalissuesasearlyaspossibleforplanningand
projectdevelopmentpurposes.NotethatinternalVAplanningeffortsarepartoftheNEPAprocess,
suchasVHAalternativesanalyses.MostVAprojectsoccuratexistingfacilities,eachwiththeirown
setofenvironmentalconsiderations.CommontypesofVAprojectsthatmaybesubjecttoNEPA
include:designandconstruction;contractbids;energyprojects;leasingforofficespace;site
selection;facilityoperationsandmaintenance;andconstructionandrenovation.
InordertoproperlycompleteaNEPAevaluation,ProjectManagerswillneedaccesstofacility
specificdata.VAprojectsmayrequireearlyevaluationofhistoricalstructures,archaeologicalsites,
asbestos,leadbasedpaint,andwetlandssurveys;environmentalsiteassessmentswith
correspondingfacilityrecordsforwastedisposal;andthereviewofexistingpermitswiththe
potentialtorestrictnewconstruction.
NEPAsometimesrequiresdecisionmakerstoconsiderafacilitysnonenvironmentalpermitsand
approvals,suchasstatehighwayapprovalforanewentranceramp,whichmayaffectthedirector
cumulativeimpactsofaproject.AlthoughtheNEPAprocessisinclusive,otherindividual
environmentallaws,regulations,andpermitsasapplicablebyfederal,state,andlocalagencies
mustbefollowed.NEPAevaluationshouldalsobecoordinatedwith,butisnotareplacementfor,
compliancewiththeNationalHistoricPreservationAct(NHPA).Examplesofotherenvironmental
permitsthatmustcontinuetobefollowedinclude:stormwaterdischarge;undergroundstorage
tanks;soilanderosioncontrolforconstruction;airemissions;andwetlandsdisturbance.Other
environmentalrequirementsincludeconsultationwiththeStateHistoricPreservationOfficer
(SHPO),"environmentalduediligence"effortsconductedinthecourseofacquiringanewproperty,
Part1,Page11of15
30SEP10draft
asbestosremovalplans,andspillpreventionplans.Theseenvironmentalrequirementsare
discussedinSectionTwooftheInterimGuidance.
VAhasenvironmentalpersonnelwhoareknowledgeableaboutthetypesofenvironmentalissues
thatareoftenassociatedwithdifferenttypesofprojects.Thisinstitutionalknowledgewillallowa
projectteamtodevelopalistofevaluations,surveys,orotherdatarequiredtoidentifyandassess
potentialenvironmentalimpacts.EnvironmentalsupportservicesforcompletionoftheNEPA
analysismaybecontractedouttononagencyprovidersormaybedoneinhousewhereexpertise
andtimescheduleallow.Multipleprovidersmayprovidespecialtyservicestoanalyzedifferent
potentialenvironmentalissuesassociatedwithaprojectinordertocompletetheNEPAprocess.
ProjectplanningandNEPAevaluationarepartofthesameprocess,infacttheyshouldcrossfeed
eachotherinordertodevelopaprojectwhichmeetstheneedsofVAwhileminimizingnegative
impactstotheenvironment.ThediagramsonthefollowingpagesillustratetheprojectandNEPA
processforatypicalVAO&Mprojectandatypicalconstructionproject.
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NEPA/VAPROJECTPROCESSINTEGRATION
O&MANDOTHERSMALLPROJECTS
POC/Coordination
ProjectProcess
IdentifyNeed
IdentifyProject
Field/MedicalCenter
FacilityEngineer
ProjectManager
InternalVAStakeholders
Forexample:
Planning
Safety
GEMS
Security
EnvironmentalServices
CAMS
NEPAProcess
<=Identifypurpose&need
<=Identifyproposedaction
Preliminary/SchematicDesign& <=InitiateNEPAScoping
CostEstimate
SecureFunding
ProjectDesign
FinalizeDesign
Construction/Implementation
DetermineCATEXorEA
Identify/EvaluateImpacts
<=CompleteDraftNEPA
Document(CATEXorEA)
<=PublicCommentPeriod
<=FinalizeNEPAdocument
<=IssueDecisionDocument
(CATEX,FONSI)
CompliancePermitting
Part1,Page13of15
30SEP10draft
NEPA/VAPROJECTPROCESSINTEGRATION
LARGECONSTRUCTIONPROJECTS
POC/Coordination
ProjectProcess
Field/MedicalCenter
FacilityEngineer
ProjectManager
InternalStakeholders
GEMS
Planning
Safety
Security
EnvironmentalServices
CAMS
ExternalStakeholders
Neighbors
CommunityLeaders
RegulatoryAgencies
HistoricalGroups
Tribal
ProjectManager
A/E
VISN,MSN,VHA,NCA,VBA
orCongress
VAOversight
A/E
Engineer/
Construction
Contractor
Contractor
NEPAProcess
IdentifyNeed
IdentifyProject
SCIP
ActionPlanApproval
BusinessCaseReview
BudgetEstimate
<=Identifypurpose&need
<=Identifyproposedaction
<=InitiateNEPAScoping
Identifyenvironmental/historic
baselineinformationneeds
Identifykeystakeholders
Developalternatives
ProjectApproval
Conductrequiredbaseline
environmental/historicstudies
A/EselectionandAward
ConceptualDesign
SchematicDesign(SDs)
DesignDevelopment(DDs)
BudgetApproval
DesignBidBuild
(orIDC)
DesignBuild
Construction
Documents(CDs)
CompleteDesign
Bid/Award
InitiateConstruction
Construction/Implementation
Evaluatealternatives
<=CompletionofDraft
NEPADocument
<=PublicCommentPeriod
<=FinalNEPAdocument
<=IssueDecisionDocument
(CATEX,FONSI,ROD)
Pointof"Irretrievable
Commitment
<=CompliancePermitting
ComplianceOversight
LargeProjectscertainlyincludeallMajorsandmayincludesignificantNRMs,Minors,orEnergyProjects.
Part1,Page14of15
30SEP10draft

ConclusionandDocumentOverview
Donewell,NEPAcomplianceenablesbetterdecisionmakingandprojectmanagement.This
InterimGuidanceisintendedtohelpVAdecisionmakers,employees,andcontractorstoplanand
implementprojectsincompliancewiththefederallawsandregulationsdesignedtoprotectthe
environmentinawaythatenhancestheprojectplanningprocess.
Thispart,SectionOne,providedabriefdescriptionoftheNationalEnvironmentalPolicyAct
(NEPA),howVAcanusetheNEPAprocesstoimprovedecisionsandcomplywithenvironmental
laws,andprovidesguidanceonthetypesofenvironmentalanalysisnecessaryforVAprojects.
SectionTwocontainsspecificguidanceandformstoguideVApractitionersanddecisionmakers
throughtheenvironmentalplanningandreviewprocessincludingscopingandfeasibility,
CategoricalExclusions,EnvironmentalAssessments,EnvironmentalImpactStatements,public
involvement,andagencycoordination.
SectionThreeisthereferencesectionwhichincludeslegalandregulatorycontext,terminology,
andVAcontacts.
SectionFourisanappendixwithexamplesofcompleteNEPAanalyses,tableofcontents,
statementsofwork(SOW),andnoticeofavailability(NOA).
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VANEPAINTERIMGUIDANCEPROJECTS
PARTTWO:ENVIRONMENTALPLANNING
FORPROJECTMANAGERS
OverviewofPartTwo
This section is organized around the NEPA evaluation process
forprojects.Inthenextfewpages,youwillfindadiscussionof
NEPAandhowitrelatestoyourproject. Thissectionincludes
informationaboutwhentobegintheNEPAprocessandwhois
responsibleforaccomplishingNEPAwithinVA.
The majority of this section focuses on the steps required to
complete the NEPA process. This section will explain how to
conduct a categorical exclusion review (CATEX), environmental
assessment (EA), or environmental impact statement (EIS).
Samples of categorical exclusions are included as reference
materials.
Youalsowillfindinformationonhowtoinvolvethirdpartiesin
the NEPA process. There are opportunities to include
interested individuals, organizations, and agencies in the NEPA
process.Thirdpartiescanassistyouinthecompletionofyour
NEPAreview.
This section concludes with a reminder that you will need to
consider other environmental permitting requirements.
Referenceinformationaboutotherrelevantlegalrequirements
isprovidedinthenextsection.
WhatisthepurposeofNEPAforVAprojects?
The purpose of the NEPA process is to identify any potentially
significantimpactsontheenvironmentasaresultofproposed
VAactions,andintegrateconsiderationofthoseenvironmental
impacts along with economic, technical and other
considerations into VA decisionmaking. The environment, as
definedbyNEPA,includesnaturalresourcesaswellasimpacts
on socioeconomic, historic or cultural resources, and low
incomeorminoritypopulations.
EarlyProject
PlanningActivities
Goodprojectmanagement
isaprocessofevaluating
potentialissuesandfinding
solutions.Environmental,
historicandcultural
requirementsareallaspects
ofgoodprojectplanningno
differentthanbudget,
scopeorspaceplanningand
needtobetakeninto
accountindecisionmaking.
Theseprocessestaketime,
sometimesmonths,and
shouldbestartedearlyand
integratedintotheoverall
projectplanningand
developmentprocess.
Donecorrectly,NEPAcan
helptheprojectmanager
anddecisionmaker
anticipateandavoiddelays
byidentifyingalternatives
andsolutionsupfront.
Part2,Page1of20
30SEP10draft
VAprojectmanagerscanusetheNEPAprocesstogatherandanalyzeenvironmentalinformation.VA
projects may occur in sensitive environmental areas or adversely impact segments of the population.
Environmental permits may be required for VA projects as well. Through NEPA, VA project managers
integrate environmental planning requirements early in the project to avoid unnecessary delays and
makebetterdecisions.TheNEPAprocessgivesprojectmanagerstheabilitytochoosealternativesthat
upholdtheVAmissionwhileactingasaresponsiblestewardoftheenvironment.
DecidingWhentoBegintheNEPAProcess
NEPA requires that you begin early in the process of any planning activity. Early planning includes
activities such as initiation of a feasibility study, development of master plans, and development of
project budgets or funding requests. An early start will give you the widest range of options and
minimizedelays.
RuleofThumb: InitiateNEPAreviewwhenyouhaveageneralideaaboutwhatneedstobedone,but
whenyoustillhaveplentyoftimetoconsideralternativewaysofdoingit.
InitiationofNEPAreviewshouldbecoordinatedwiththebeginningofreviewundertheSection106of
theNationalHistoricPreservationAct(NHPA).
Remember:Nodemolition,constructionorearthmovingcanbegin(which
clearlydemonstrateafinaldecisionregardinganaction)beforeNEPAanalysis
anddecisionsarecompleted.Otherexampleprojectrelatedprohibitionspriorto
completionoftheNEPAanalysisincludepurchasingpropertyorawardingof
constructioncontracts.
WhoatVAisresponsibleforNEPA?
Every VA employee and contractor engaged in project planning and implementation (e.g., Project
Manager,CapitalAssetManager,FacilityEngineer)isresponsibleformakingsurethatactionstheyplan
orproposearereviewedfortheirimpactsontheenvironment.NotjustNEPA,butoveradozenfederal
laws and executive orders, and many more regulations, are directly relevant to managing impacts on
variouskindsofnaturalresources.SectionThreeoutlinestheselegalauthorities.
ResourcesforcompletingNEPAmaybefoundeitherinhouseorcontractedthroughaconsultant.In
houseresourcesincludeGEMS,CFM,VISN,NCA,VACO,andCEOSHstaff.AdditionalinformationonVA
contacts for environmental and culturalhistoric planning can be found in Section Three. A sample
StatementofWork(SOW)forcontractingNEPAservicescanbefoundinSectionFour.
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Scopingispartofthe
feasibilityprocessthe
beginningoftheNEPAand
projectplanningprocess.
Theseprocessesallowthe
projectmanagertoidentify
issuesearlyintheprojectand
avoidlastminuteproblems.
TheNEPAprocessand
feasibilityprocessarebasically
thesamefirstyouevaluate
theissues,andthenyoufind
solutions.
StartingtheNEPAProcess:Purposeand
Need,ProposedActionandPreliminary
Scoping
The NEPA process starts by defining the purpose and

need and the proposed action, and conducting
preliminary scoping. Once you have finished this
evaluation,thenyouarereadytodeterminethelevelof
NEPAreviewthatisneeded.
The purpose and need statement defines the problem
that VA is trying to fix. For example, the purpose and
needstatementforanewVAhospitalcouldbetheneed
to provide medical services to a growing population or
theneedtoreplaceaginginfrastructure.Agoodpurpose
and need statement should answer the question why.
For example, why is VA proposing to construct a new
hospital?
TheprojectisknowninNEPAtermsastheproposedaction.Itshouldbewelldefinedatthestartofthe
process,butflexibleenoughsothatchangestotheproject,suchasprojectdesign,locationorduration,
could be made based on environmental considerations. The proposed action should answer the
questionwhat:WhatisVAproposingtodotoaddresstheproblemorpurposeandneed?
CEQnotesthatagenciesshouldidentifyenvironmentaleffectsandvaluesinadequatedetailsotheycan
becomparedtoeconomicandtechnicalanalyses.Environmentaldocumentsandappropriateanalyses
shouldbecirculatedandreviewedatthesametimeasotherplanningdocuments.1
Onceyouhavedefinedtheproposedaction,youmustbeginanearlyandopenprocessfordetermining
the scope of issues to be addressed and for identifying the significant issues related to a proposed
action.Thisisknownaspreliminaryscoping.Scopingistheprocessofidentifyinganypotentialissues
with the project or implementation; specifically, any environmental, historic or cultural resources or
concerns with the project or the site. Preliminary scoping is key to finding any areas of potential
concernorconflictsothatyoucanthendeterminewhethertheprojectneedsfurtherNEPAreview.If
you proceed with an EA or EIS, then you will need to conduct more formal scoping, including public
involvementandcoordinationwithotheragenciesorinterestedparties(describedinmoredetaillater).
Inconductingpreliminaryscoping,reviewrelevantfilesontheprojectorsite,includinganypreviously
identifiedrequirementsforprojectsinthearea.Forexample,thesitemayhavehistoricresources,be
locatedinanenvironmentallysensitivearea,orhaveparticularforconcernssuchashazardouswaste.
Youwillalsowanttotalktoanypotentiallyinterestedparties,suchasregulatoryagenciesorevenlocal
CEQNEPARegulations,40C.F.R.1501.2.
Part2,Page3of20
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residentsthatmayhaveconcerns.Onceyouhave
gathered this information, you are ready to
determinetheappropriatelevelofanalysis.
The level of NEPA analysis depends on the
potential significance of the projects
environmental impacts. Significance as used in
NEPArequiresconsiderationsofbothcontextand
intensity. Context means that the significance of
an action must be analyzed in several contexts
suchassocietyasawhole(human,national),the
affected region, the affected interests, and the
locality. Intensity refers to the severity of the
impact,thecumulativeimpactsandthedegreeof
controversy surrounding the proposed action.
Significance varies with the setting of the
proposed action. Both short and longterm
effectsarerelevant.
COMMONMISCONCEPTIONS
VAcanuseCATEXlistsfromanyagencyNot
true.VAmustrelyonthelistthatiscurrentlyin
theVANEPAregulationsat38CFRPart26.*
ACATEXisanexemptionfromNEPANottrue.
ACATEXissimplythelowestlevelofNEPA
analysis.
APhaseIEnvironmentalSiteAssessment
satisfiesNEPANottrue.APhaseIESAisan
evaluationofpotentialforcontaminationdriven
byCERCLAliabilityconcerns("dirtydirt")rather
thananevaluationofanactionunderNEPA(i.e.a
project).
*currentlyunderrevision
CompliancewithNEPAonagivenprojectoractionisachievedbyevaluatingtheenvironmentalimpacts
oftheactioninoneofthreelevelsofanalysesandconclusion:
1. Byidentifyingtheprojectordecisionascategoricallyexcluded(CATEX)andmakingsure
therearenoextraordinarycircumstancesrequiringspecialconsideration.
2. Byconductinganenvironmental
assessment(EA)ontheproposedaction
andalternativesresultinginafindingofno
significantimpact(FONSI)ontheprojector
decision.
FORNEPAPROCESSQUESTIONS,SEEPOINTSOFCONTACTIN
SECTION3.
3. Bypreparinganenvironmentalimpactstatement(EIS)ontheproposedactionand
alternatives,consideringthefindingsofthisstatementindecidingwhetherandhowtoproceed
withtheprojectordecision,andissuingarecordofdecision(ROD).
CategoricalExclusions(CATEX)
Actions that are very unlikely to individually or cumulatively have a significant impact on the
environmentmaybeconsideredforaCategoricalExclusion.Inthissection,youwillfind:
StepstodetermineifaVACATEXapplies
ListofCategoricalExclusions
ListofExtraordinaryCircumstances
AsimpleCATEXform
AnadvancedCATEXform
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Followthesestepstodetermineifanactionqualifiesforacategoricalexclusion:
Step 1: Review the proposed action and understand why it is needed. Determine whether any
connected,cumulative,orsimilaractionsarepartoftheproposedaction.Inotherwords,ensurethe
wholeprojectisdefinedforevaluationandcarefullyconsiderwhetheritisapieceofalargeractionthat
shouldbeanalyzedfurther.
Step2:ReviewVA'sCategoricalExclusion(CATEX)ListfoundinChart1anddetermineiftheproposed
action is listed. In the vast majority of cases, the actions listed in Chart 1 have no potential for
environmental impact. However, additional factors (Extraordinary Factors) must still be considered
beforeconcludinganactioncanbeCategoricallyExcludedbaseduponlistinginChart1.[Pleasenote
thattheCATEXListinChart1willbesignificantlyrevisedintheupcomingVAregulations.]
IftheactionisnotontheCATEXlist,thenanEAoranEISlevelofanalysisisrequired.
IftheactionisontheCATEXlist,movetostep3.
Step3:ReviewtheExtraordinaryCircumstancesListfoundinChart2todetermineifitisappropriateto
useaCATEXforthisproposedaction.[PleasenotethattheExtraordinaryCircumstanceslistinChart2
willlikewisebesignificantlyrevisedintheupcomingVAregulations.]
Ifanyoftheextraordinarycircumstancesapply,theactioncannotbecategoricallyexcluded,and
anEAorEISisrequired.
Ifnoextraordinarycircumstancesapplytotheaction,continuetostep4.
Step4:If theproposedactionrequiresmorethansimple permitsorapprovalsunderotherfederalor

state laws, in particular the National Historic Preservation Act or the Endangered Species Act, the
impacts may be regarded as extraordinary circumstances and trigger further NEPA review of an
otherwisecategoricallyexcludedaction.Forexample,significantimpactsonhistoricpropertiesmaybe
regarded as extraordinary circumstances. In addition to external granted permits (UST permit for
example),onemustalsoevaluateiftheproposedactionrequiresrevisionstofacilityspecificplanssuch
asEMSorSPCCplan.
EvenifaCATEXisappropriate,notethatactionsthatarecategoricallyexcludedfromNEPArevieware
notcategoricallyexcludedfromreviewundertheNationalHistoricPreservationAct(NHPA)andother
federalandstatelaws.
Step5:Ifthereisnopotentialformeasurableimpact,andallotherdeterminationsaremet,complete
thecategoricalexclusiondocumentation.Thecategoricalexclusionformrequiresabriefdescriptionof
the proposed action, notes of any conditions not to be exceeded, permits or other plans required,
identificationofthecategoryusedinexcludingtheactionfromfurtherNEPAanalysis,andasignature
block.NotethatyoumustdemonstratethereasonfortheCATEXinyourdocumentation.
ThisguidanceincludestwoCATEXformsonesimple,andoneadvanced.ThesimpleCATEXformisfor
facilitylevelprojectsthataretypicalofoperationsandmaintenancetypeactions.TheadvancedCATEX
formisformoreinvolvedprojectsthatrequiremorecarefulconsiderationofprojectimpactsbeforea
CATEXdeterminationcanbeapplied.
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Step6:Wheneverpossible,informthepublicabouttheCategoricalExclusion.Forexample,includea
noticeoftheCATEXonyourwebsite.CEQrecommendsengagingthepublic(suchasbynotificationand
disclosure) before using a CATEX.2 VA is moving towards publication of all CATEX notices on the
internet,whetheronanindividualfacilitywebsiteortheVANEPAwebsite.
Step7:Continuewithapplicationprocess(es)foranyrequiredenvironmentalorotherpermitting.More
detailsarefoundinSection3.
Chart1VACategoricalExclusionsList*
1.Repair,replacement,andnewinstallationofprimaryorsecondaryelectricaldistributionsystems;
2.Repair,replacement,andnewinstallationofcomponentssuchaswindows,doors,roofs;andsiteelements
suchassidewalks,patios,fences,retainingwalls,curbs,waterdistributionlines,andsewerlineswhichinvolve
worktotallywithinVApropertyboundaries;
3.RoutineVAgroundsandfacilitymaintenanceactivities;
4.Procurementactivitiesforgoodsandservicesforroutingfacilityoperationsmaintenanceandsupport;
5.Interiorconstructionorrenovation;
6.Newconstructionof75,000grosssquarefeetorless;
7.Developmentof20acresoflandorlesswithinanexistingcemetery,ordevelopmentonacquiredlandoffive
acresorless;
8.Actionswhichinvolvesupportorancillaryappurtenancesfornormaloperation;
9.Leases,licenses,permits,andeasements;
10.Reductioninforceresultingfromworkloadadjustments,reducedpersonnelorfundinglevels,skillimbalances
orothersimilarcauses;
11.VApolicies,actionsandstudieswhichdonotsignificantlyaffectthequalityofthehumanenvironment;
12.Preparationofregulations,directives,manualsorotherguidancethatimplement,butdonotsubstantially
change,theregulations,directives,manuals,orotherguidanceofhigherorganizationallevelsoranother
Federalagency;and
13.Actions,activities,orprogramsthatdonotrequireexpenditureofFederalfunds.
*38CFRPart26.6(b)(1)
CEQ.(2010,February18).EstablishingandApplyingCategoricalExclusionsUndertheNationalEnvironmental
PolicyAct.RetrievedJune2010,from
http://ceq.hss.doe.gov/nepa/regs/Categorical_Exclusion_Draft_NEPA_Guidance_FINAL_02182010.pdf
Part2,Page6of20
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Chart2ExtraordinaryCircumstances**
1.Greaterscopeorsizethannormallyexperiencedforaparticularcategoricalexclusion
2.Actionsinhighlypopulatedorcongestedareas
3.Potentialfordegradation,althoughslight,orexistingpoorenvironmentalconditions
4.Useofunproventechnology
5.Potentialpresenceofanendangeredspecies,archaeologicalremains,orotherprotectedresources
6.Potentialpresenceofhazardousortoxicsubstances
*38CFRPart26.6(b)(1)
ExamplesofVA'sExtraordinaryCircumstances
ThefollowingexamplesareillustrativeofExtraordinaryCircumstanceswhereanactionwouldtypically
requirefurtherNEPAevaluation(anEAorEIS).Thesearenotintendedtobecomprehensive,butthey
willhelpyoutoidentifyextraordinarycircumstanceswhentheyexist.
(i)Greaterscopeorsizethannormallyexperiencedforaparticularcategoricalexclusion
ForexampleCATEX(i)listsrepair,replacementandnewinstallationofelectricaldistributionsystems.
Thiswasintendedforroutineexamplesofthistypeofwork.Ifoneisbringinganewpowerlinefroma
majorutilitysubstationseveralmilesaway,acrossmultipleproperties(eachofwhichrequiresan
easement)toprovideamedicalcenterwithasecondfeed,thisCATEXwouldnotapplysinceitis
markedly"greaterinscopeorsizethannormallyexperienced."
(ii)Actionsinhighlypopulatedorcongestedareas
Theexactsameprojectbeingconsideredforacemeteryinarural,opensettingwillbeconsideredquite
differentlythanforacemeteryinanurbansettingthathasneighborsand/orhighwaystighttothe
propertylinesthatoverlooktheentirefacility.
(iii)Potentialfordegradation,althoughslight,orexistingpoorenvironmentalconditions
Forexample,thefacilitymaybeadjacenttoarecognizedwetlandareawhichhasbeenstressedbya
varietyoffactorsandrequiremorethansimplemeasurestobeemployedinordernottoencumber
additionaldevelopment.
(iv)Useofunproventechnology
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30SEP10draft
Examplesofwhenthisextraordinarycircumstancemaycomeintoplaywouldbeprojectsusing
technologiesthatarenotcommerciallyavailableandincommonuseelsewhere.
(v)Potentialpresenceofanendangeredspecies,archeologicalremains,orotherprotectedresources
CertainlyonecannotdeterminethataCATEXisappropriateifonedoesn'tunderstandwhetheritems
suchasthesearepresent.ACATEXmaybeapplicablefollowingappropriaterecordsresearchand/or
siteinvestigationsconcludethepresenceofthesepotentiallysignificantitemsisnegligible.
(vi)Potentialpresenceofhazardousortoxicsubstances
Similartoextraordinarycircumstance(v)above,ifitisknown,orhighlylikely,therearehazardousor
toxicsubstanceswhichneedtoberemediated,removed,orotherwisedealtwithinordertoaccomplish
theproposedaction,onecannotsimplydetermineaCATEXisappropriate.
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ExampleSimpleCATEXForm
Location:
Project:
Date:
Project Num.
Type of Project:
Project Description:
Operation and Maintenance Activities

Repairs/ Renovation Project
New Construction Project
Lease
Other
Level of NEPA Analysis:
Other Environmental Permits/Analysis Needed:
Categorical Exclusion
Environmental Assessment Needed
Environmental Impact Statement Needed
DETERMINATION
I find the proposed project qualifies as a CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION with no extraordinary

circumstances. Specify which CATEX: _______________
I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment; therefore, an
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT will be prepared.
EIS
Recommended by: __________________________Project Mgt Date: ____________
Approved by:
__________________________ GEMS
Date: ____________
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ExampleAdvancedCATEXform
Location:
Project:
Date:
Project Num.
Type of Project:
Project Description:
Operation and Maintenance Activities

Repairs/ Renovation Project
New Construction Project
Lease
Other
Level of NEPA Analysis:
Other Environmental Permits/Analysis Needed:
Categorical Exclusion
Environmental Assessment Needed
Environmental Impact Statement Needed
PROJECT IMPACTS
Would the proposed activity involve or generate any of the following?
SOURCE
YES
NO
SOURCE
YES
Air Emissions
Liquid
including GHGs
Effluent
Asbestos
Petroleum
Storage
Excess Noise
Solid Waste
Utility
Modification
Soil Disturbance
Water Treatment
Water Flow
Modification
DETERMINATION
Hazardous
Waste
Biological
Resources
Radioactive
Waste
Mixed Waste
NO
SOURCE
RCRA or
CERCLA Sites
Wetlands
YES
Permit
Modification
Chemical
Use/Storage
Aesthetics
Water/Well Use
Other:
I find the proposed project qualifies as a CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION with no extraordinary

circumstances. Specify which CATEX: __________________
I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment; therefore, an
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT will be prepared.
EIS
Recommended by: _________________________ Project Mgr
Date: _________________
Approved by: _____________________________ GEMS
Date: _________________
Part2,Page10of20
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NO
EnvironmentalAssessments
The purpose of an EA is to determine the significance of
the environmental effects of the proposed action and to
look at alternative means to achieve the VAs objectives.
The EA is intended to be a concise document that (1)
briefly provides sufficient evidence and analysis for
determining whether to prepare an EIS; (2) aids an
agencys compliance with NEPA when no environmental
impact statement is necessary; and (3) facilitates
preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement when
oneisnecessary.3
COMMONMISCONCEPTION
APhaseIEnvironmentalSiteAssessment
satisfiesNEPA.Nottrue.Thoughsimilarly
namedaPhaseIESAisnotthesamething
asanEnvironmentalAssessmentunder
NEPA.
DraftEA
One key aspect of a draft EA is the statement of the purpose and need.4 The purpose and need
statementdescribeswhatVAistryingtoachievebyproposinganaction.Thepurposeandneedisnot
simply the project (build a new hospital wing), but the reason for the project (provide more
emergency room capacity). The purpose and need statement
servesasthebasisforidentifyingreasonablealternativesthatmeet
thepurposeandneed.Alternativesmustincludediscussionofano
KeyConcepts
actionalternative,whichmeansnotdoingtheproposedactionand
representstheenvironmentalbaseline.
Cumulativeimpactisthe
AdraftEAshouldincludebriefdiscussionsof:
thepurposeandneedfortheproposedaction,
reasonablealternativestotheproposedaction,
theenvironmentalimpactsoftheproposedactionand
alternatives,
andproposedmitigationormonitoringmeasures,
alistingofagenciesandpersonsconsulted.5
BecausetheEAservestoevaluatethesignificanceofaproposalfor
agencyactions,itshouldfocusonthecontextandintensityofeffects
that may significantly affect the quality of the human
environment.6 Often the EA will identify ways in which the agency
canrevisetheactiontominimizeenvironmentaleffects.
PublicInvolvement
PublicinvolvementforanEAmayincludepublicengagementduring
scoping,drafting,andfinalizingtheEAthroughpublicationofnotices
impactontheenvironment
whichresultsfromthe
incrementalimpactofthe
actionwhenaddedtoother
past,present,andreasonably
foreseeablefutureactions
regardlessofwhatagencyor
personundertakessuchother
actions.(CEQNEPA
Regulations40C.F.R.
1508.7)
Significantmeansthecontext
andintensityofaproposed
actionwouldhaveanimpact
ontheenvironment.
5
CEQNEPARegulations,40C.F.R.1508.9(b).
6
CEQNEPARegulations40C.F.R.1508.27.
4
Part2,Page11of20
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orpublicmeetings.TheEAprocessmustincludeatleasta30daypubliccommentperiodonthedraft
EA, which starts with the publication of a Notice of Availability (NOA). The NOA should include
informationabouttheprojectanditslocation,howtofindtheEA(eitherinprintorelectronically),how
tosubmitcomments,andanindicationofhowVAintendstoproceedwiththeNEPAprocess.Thereare
various outlets for publishing an NOA. Common examples include: local paper Legal section, facility
specific web site, posters in medical center lobby, etc. Facility PAOs may provide other outlets for
getting this information out. An example NOA can be found in Section Four. If the agency does not
receiveanycommentsornonerequiringadditionaldatagatheringoranalysis,thenthecommentperiod
is considered complete. Those comments, along with responses, can then be documented in an
appendix to the Final EA. The agency may also submit a draft EA or agency letter to potentially
interested agencies for comment concurrent with the public comment period. For more information,
seethesectionsfollowingonInvolvingOtherConsultingPartiesandinvolvingthePublic.
Determination
TheEAprocessconcludeswitheitheraFindingofNoSignificantImpact
(FONSI) or a determination of need to prepare an EIS. A FONSI is a
documentthatpresentsthereasonswhytheagencyhasconcludedthat
therearenosignificantenvironmentalimpactsprojectedtooccurupon
implementationoftheproposedaction.7Forexample,aFONSImightbe
issued if any potential impacts are minimal and are routinely handled
through issuance of permits, consultations, modifications to design, or
other agreements. The EA is either summarized in the FONSI or
attachedtoit.AnexampleFONSImaybefoundinSectionFour.
Intwocircumstances,theCEQregulationsrequireagenciestoalsomake
theproposedFONSIavailableforpublicreviewfor30days.Those
situationsare:
ifthetypeofproposedactionhasntbeendonebeforebythe
particularagency,or
iftheactionissomethingthattypicallywouldrequireanEIS
undertheagencyNEPAprocedures.8
Tofinalizetheprocess,theFONSIrequiresthecosignatureoftheVHA
MedicalCenterDirectororMSNDirector(NCA)andtheProjectSponsor
or other technical representative. This is required because NEPA is a
decisionmakingprocess,andthesedecisionmakersmustindicatetheir
involvementandunderstandingoftheoutcomeoftheNEPAprocess.
KeyNEPAEAProcess
Steps
baselineinfogathering
evaluationofproposed
action&alternatives
InternalVAdraftdocument
forreview
DraftEA
NOAtopublicofDraftEA
30daypubliccomment
period
review/respondto
substantivecomments
includeinFinalEA
InternalVAdraftFONSIfor
review
FONSI
NOAtopublicofFinalEA/
FONSI
7
8
GovernmentPrintingOfficeElectronicInformationEnhancementActof1993,44U.S.C.41014104.
42U.S.C.4332(C).
Part2,Page12of20
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IFYOUTHINKANEISISAPPROPRIATE,CONTACTTHECFMNEPA
CONTACT.SEESECTION3FORCONTACTDETAILS.
EnvironmentalImpactStatements(EIS)
AFederalagencymustprepareanEISifitisproposingamajorfederalactionsignificantlyaffectingthe
qualityofthehumanenvironment.9 TheregulatoryrequirementsforanEISaremoredetailedthanthe
requirementsforanEAoracategoricalexclusion.
NoticeofIntentandScoping
TheEISprocessbeginswithpublicationofaNoticeofIntent(NOI),statingVAsintenttoprepareanEIS
foraparticularproposedaction.TheNOIispublishedintheFederalRegister,andprovidessomebasic
information in preparation for the scoping process.10 The NOI provides a brief description of the
proposed action and possible alternatives. It also describes the agencys proposed scoping process,
includinganymeetingsandhowthepubliccangetinvolved.TheNOIwillalsocontainanagencypointof
contactwhocananswerquestionsabouttheproposedactionandtheNEPAprocess.
PublicInvolvement
The next required major public involvement step in the EIS process is to submit a draft EIS for public
comment.TheEnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA)publishesaNoticeofAvailabilityintheFederal
Register informing members of the public that the draft is available for comment. Websites, local
papers, or other means of public notice may also be used. The formal public comment period begins
whentheNoticeofAvailability(NOA)isfirstpublishedandextendsfor45days.
Note that these are the minimum requirements for public involvement. VA may conduct public
meetings or hearings or other information dissemination (newsletters, newspaper articles, websites,
etc.) at any point in the process as a way to inform and solicit comments. VA will also request
comments (as well as initiate permitting or approval activities) from other Federal, State, Tribal, and
localagenciesthatmayhavejurisdictionorinterestinthematter.
FinalEIS
When the public comment period is finished, the agency analyzes comments, responds to comments,
conductsfurtheranalysisasnecessary,andpreparesthefinalEIS.InthefinalEIS,VAmustrespondto
thesubstantivecommentsreceivedfromothergovernmentagenciesandmembersofthepublic.11
RecordofDecision(ROD)
The ROD is the final step in the EIS process. The ROD is a document that states what the decision is;
identifiesthealternativesconsidered,includingtheenvironmentallypreferredalternative;anddiscusses
mitigationplans,includinganyenforcementandmonitoringcommitments.12IntheROD,VAdiscussesall
efactors,includinganyconsiderationsofnationalpolicy,whichwerecontemplatedwhenitreachedits
decision.
Publichearingsareruninaformalmanner,witharecordingorminutestakenofspeakerscomments.Publicmeetingsmay
beheldinavarietyofformats,andmaybemuchmoreinformalthanhearings.
11
12
10
Part2,Page13of20
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SupplementalEnvironmentalAssessment(SEA)andSupplemental
EnvironmentalImpactStatements(SEIS)
NEPAimposesacontinuingdutyonFederalagenciestoevaluateandgathernewinformationrelevant
to the environmental impacts of their actions. When important new information becomes available
afteranEAorEISisprepared,anagencymaysatisfyitsdutyunderNEPAwithasupplementalanalysis.
Reasons for performing a supplemental analysis include a change in the project, a change to the
environmentwheretheFederalactionislocated,ortheNEPAanalysiscompletedfortheprojectismore
thanfiveyearsoldandtheproposedactionhasnotyetbeenimplemented.Forexample,theapproval
ofaprogrammaticEISmaytakeyearstocomplete.AnagencymayneedtosupplementtheEISdueto
changesintheenvironmentduringthetimebetweenprojectproposalandagencyapproval.
Anagency mustprepare asupplementalEAorEIS when theagency makessubstantialchangesin the
proposed action that are relevant to environmental concerns or if there are significant new
circumstancesorinformationrelevanttoenvironmentalconcernsandbearontheproposedactionorits
impacts.13 The supplement focuses on only those actions / elements or potentially affected
environmentthataredifferentorhavechangedfromwhatwasunderstoodatthetimetheoriginalEA
or EIS was prepared. An agency does not need to analyze what is already covered in the previous
analysis.
An agency may supplement a draft or final EA or EIS. An agency must prepare, circulate, and file a
supplement in the same manner as a draft and final statement unless CEQ approves alternative
procedures.
PublicInvolvement
TheminimumcommentperiodforasupplementalEAis15days.AsupplementalEISisfiledthesame
wayasaregularEIS.ThecommentperiodforasupplementalEISis45days.Aswiththeoriginal
analyses,VAmayelecttoprovideinformationandsolicitcommentsfromotheragenciesand/orthe
publicatvariousstagesoftheNEPAprocess.
ProgrammaticEnvironmentalAssessmentorEnvironmentalImpact
Statement
TherearecaseswhereaProgrammaticNEPAevaluationofaproposedactionorseriesofactionsis
moreappropriate.Themostcommonexampleiswhenanactionisproposedtooccurataseriesof
facilities.
TheProgrammaticNEPAdocumentshoulddemonstratesufficientevaluationoftheconceptwide
potentialissuesaswellasthosecommontoalltheproposedindividualactions/facilities.
UponcompletionoftheNEPAevaluation(EAorEIS),includingpubliccommentperiodand
issuanceofaFONSIorROD,onemustconductanevaluationforeachindividualactiontoensure
thattheconclusionreachedattheProgrammaticlevelappliestoeachindividualsite.Thismaybe
13
40CFR1502.9(c).
Part2,Page14of20
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donethroughtheuseofachecklistorevaluationform(RecordofEnvironmentalConditionsREC)
developedforthespecificscoveringthepotentialconcernswhichmayarisefromconstructionor
operationofthatproposedaction.Ifitisdeterminedthatallthepotentialissueswereadequately
evaluatedintheProgrammaticevaluation,thentheprocessiscompleteandthischecklist
documentationisaddedtothefiletodemonstratesame.
If,however,therearesitespecificconcernswhicharedeterminedtobebeyondthoseevaluatedin
theProgrammaticdocument,onemustcontinueonwithaSupplementalNEPAevaluation,butthe
effortsmaybelimitedtoonlythosenotalreadyadequatelyaddressed.
WhileuseofaProgrammaticapproachtoNEPAcertainlyprovidestheopportunitytosavetimeand
effortforeachindividualaction/facility,itwillrequireadditional"upfront"timeandeffort.
Potentialdifficultiesinclude:
needtoensurepotentialconcernsforallactions/facilitiesareadequatelyaddressed
administrative/practicalaspectsofpubliccommentperiodtasksfora(likely)
nationwideaudience
TimingforCompletionofNEPAAnalysis
TheNEPAanalysisandconcludingdocumentation(signedCATEX,FONSIorROD)must,bylaw,be
completedpriortocontractawardforconstruction.
ForlargeprojectssuchasMajorswhichfollowatraditionalDesignBidBuildprocess,theinitialdesign
phases(planning,SDs,DDs)aregenerallyfundedwithAdvancePlanningFunds(APF).TheNEPAprocess
mustbecompletepriortoexpenditureofprojectfunds,i.e.CDs.
Forsmallerprojectswithlesscomplexdesignprocess,theNEPAprocessmustbecompletepriorto
constructioncontractaward.
DesignBuildprojectsmaypresentauniquechallengewithrespecttoNEPAprocesscompletionvs.
projectscheduledependinguponhowmuchprojectspecificinformation(i.e.preliminaryorschematic
designs)isavailablepriortoawardofDesignBuildcontract.Therearetwocaseswithrespectto
adequacyofprojectspecificinformationpriortoaward:
1.Ifthereisenoughprojectspecificinformationthennodilemmaispresented,andtheNEPAanalysisis
seenthroughtocompletionpriortoaward.
2.Ifthereisnotenoughprojectspecificinformation(i.e.thepreliminarydesigneffortsbytheawarded
contractorarerequiredtoproperlycompletetheprocess),thentheawardcanbemadeaslongasthe
followingprevisionsaremade:
a.Thedesignbuildcontractmustincludeappropriateprovisionspreventingthedesignbuilder
fromproceedingwithfinaldesignactivitiesandphysicalconstructionpriortothecompletionof
theNEPAprocess
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b.Thedesignbuildcontractmustincludeappropriateprovisionsensuringthatall
environmentalandmitigationmeasuresidentifiedintheNEPAdocumentwillbeimplemented
c.ThedesignbuildermustnotpreparetheNEPAdocumentorhaveanydecisionmaking
responsibilitywithrespecttotheNEPAprocess
d.AnyconsultantswhopreparetheNEPAdocumentmustbeselectedbyandsubjecttothe
exclusivedirectionandcontrolofVA
e.Thedesignbuildermayberequestedtoprovideinformationabouttheprojectandpossible
mitigationactions,anditsworkproductmaybeconsideredintheNEPAanalysisandincludedin
therecord
f.Thedesignbuildcontractmustincludeterminationprovisionsintheeventthatthenobuild
alternativeisselected
InvolvingThirdParties
CooperatingAgencies
Acooperatingagencyisonewhich,throughexecutionofanagreement(suchasaMOU)is
requestedtobepartoftheteamperformingtheNEPAanalysesoftheproposedaction.Itmaybe
appropriateincaseswheretherearemultipleagenciesinvolvedwithanaction,theinformationto
beevaluatediscomplexandrequiresspecializedexpertise,orthereareconflictingpoliciesamong
thevariousagencieswhichrequireresolutiontohaveaneffective,productiveevaluation.
A Federal agency with special expertise regarding an environmental issue or jurisdiction by law
should be invited to participate as a cooperating agency. Examples of potential cooperating
agenciesforVAmightincludeUSArmyCorpsofEngineers,DepartmentofDefense,oraparticular
Tribewithlocalties.Theleadagencymustrequestparticipationofthecooperatingagencyatthe
earliest possible time. The lead agency can use the environmental analysis and proposals of
cooperatingagencieswithjurisdictionbylaworspecialexpertise.IfaFederalagencyrequeststo
becomeacooperatingagencywithVA,VAmustmeetwiththeagencyandallowthemtoparticipate
fullyinVAsNEPAprocess.CEQRegulations40CFR1501.6explainstheserequirements.VAmay
alsorequestcooperatingagencystatusfromotherfederalagenciesiftheotheragencyispreparing
aNEPAanalysisthataffectsVAsmission.
PublicParticipation
NEPA was the first federal statute to require that agencies include the public in federal decision
makingandpublicinvolvementremainsoneofthekeycomponentsofNEPA.Becausethepublic,in
allitsdiversity,hasvestedinterestsintheenvironmentandtheirlocalcommunities,itisvitalthat
VAprovideeveryopportunityforthepublictoparticipateinitsNEPAreviews,includingmeetings,
reviewofdocuments,anddevelopmentofreasonablealternatives.Inorganizingandcarryingout
reviewactivities,besureto:
1. Informthepublicofwhatisplannedearlyinthedecisionmakingprocess;
2. ProvidepublicnoticeofNEPArelatedhearings,publicmeetings,andtheavailabilityof
environmentaldocuments;
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3. Solicitfromthepublicanyconcernstheymayhaveabouttheprojectsimpactsonthe
environmentandnaturalresourcesincludingplacestheyvaluethatVAmaynotknow
about;
4. Solicitpubliccommentsonthedraftenvironmentalanalysisandrespondtopublic
commentsinthefinalenvironmentalanalysiswhenappropriate.
Ifyouarecarryingoutscopingand/orpublicparticipationunderNEPA,thisshouldbecoordinated
withidentifyingandcontactinginterestedstakeholders.MakesurethatNEPApublicnotices,press
releases,andotherdevicesusedtoelicitpubliccommentsorpublicinvolvementinviteinterested
parties to participate in consultation. Any group or individual may offer public comment, but
typically, interested parties include property owners, local civic groups, nongovernmental
organizations,andacademicinstitutions.
In whatever media you use to notify the public of the proposed project (newspaper articles,
websites,etc.),youshouldinvitepeopletoexpresstheirconcernsaboutenvironmentalimpactsand
becomeinvolvedintheenvironmentalreview.Trytoputyourselfintheplaceofamemberofthe
publicwhoisconcernedaboutsomethingheorshethinksisapartoftheirenvironment,andthink
abouthowyouwouldwantthefederalgovernmenttocommunicatewithyou.Thentrytoshowthe
sameconsiderationtowhoevermaybeconcernedaboutyourproject.
If there are lowincome groups or minorities who may be affected by the project, make special
effortstoinvolvethemasrequiredbyExecutiveOrder12898forEnvironmentalJustice.Thismay
involve adjusting meeting schedules, translating documents, having interpreters on hand during
meetings,andmakingotheradjustmentstoovercomecultural,linguistic,andeconomicbarriersto
theirparticipation.
Makesureyoukeeparecordofwhatyoudotoinvolvethepublic.
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CoordinationwithNHPA
FORQUESTIONSABOUTHISTORICORCULTURALRESOURCES,
CONTACTTHE VAF EDERAL P RESERVATION OFFICER.SEE SECTION
3FORCONTACTDETAILS.
VA projects and other actions must be consistent

with the policies established by Congress in the
National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). Because of the many historic VA resources, it is critical to
considerNHPAcompliancewhenevaluatingaproposedaction.Keepinmindthatabuildingdoesnot
needtobelisted,ratheronlyeligible,ontheNationalRegisterofHistoricPlaces(NationalRegister)tobe
considered historic or to trigger requirements. Remember that in addition to buildings, historic
resources can also be things like a monument, a parade ground, an archeological site, or an entire
historicdistrict.
WhyisNHPAanimportantpartoftheprocess:
NEPA and Section 106 of NHPA are totally
separatelaws,howeverduetothenatureofVA's
VAisresponsiblefornearly5,500buildingsacross
facilities, is important to coordinate compliance
theUnitedStates.
betweenthetwobothforthesakeofefficiency
o About2/3ofthesebuildingsareover50
andtoensureVAcarriesouttherequirementsof
yearsold
both.
o Nearlyofthesebuildingshavebeen
evaluatedanddeterminedtobeeligibleas
Compliance with Section 106 should be
historicstructures
coordinated with review under NEPA, regardless
About75orofVAmajormedicalfacilitiesinclude
of which level of NEPA review is carried out.
oneormorehistoricdistricts.
Generally, try to coordinate NEPA and Section
106reviewasfollows:
Gettingstarted:InitiatereviewunderbothSection106andNEPAatthesametime,earlyinplanning;
thatis:
Whenyoufirstidentifyaproposedaction.
When you begin a review of a categorically excluded action for extraordinary circumstances.
Impacts on historic properties may be such a circumstance, but even if it is not, Section 106
mustbecompliedwith.
WhenyoubegintodeterminethescopeofanEA.
WhenyoudeterminethepurposeofandneedforaprojectthatwillbethesubjectofanEIS,
andstartconsideringthescopeoftheEIS.
Identifyhistoricpropertiesthatmaybeaffected
Duringthefeasibilitystudy.
Duringreviewofacategoricallyexcludedactionforextraordinarycircumstances.
Duringresearch,analysis,andpreparationofadraftEA.
Duringresearch,analysis,andpreparationofadraftEIS.
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Assesseffectsonhistoricproperties
During review of a categorically excluded

action for extraordinary circumstances.
CrossreferenceSection106determinations
ofnohistoricpropertiessubjecttoeffect,
no adverse effect, and adverse effect
and documentation of NEPA extraordinary
circumstancereview.
DuringpreparationofadraftEA,andrefine
during finalization. Consider effects on
historic properties and other cultural
resources in deciding whether to issue a
FONSIorprepareanEIS.CrossreferenceEA
with Section 106 determinations of no
historic properties subject to effect, no
adverse effect, and adverse effect.
Reflect the terms of any conditional no
adverseeffectdeterminationintheFONSIif
oneisissued.
DuringpreparationofadraftEIS,andrefine
duringfinalization.
Amorecomprehensivemethod....
Duetotheageand/orsignificanceofmanyVA
facilities,itismoreefficienttohaveanoverall
facilityassessmentofNationalRegisterEligibility.
Thiswouldenableonetorefertoalistofalready
SHPOconcurreddeterminationssothatyoudonot
haveto"startfromscratch"foreachindividual
project.
Forafacilitywithcomplexeligibilitywhichmay
includehistoricresources(ex.buildings,
monuments,vistas),resourcesfromvarioustime
periods(ex:1920's,CivilWar,andNative
American),orincombinationwithArcheological
resources,itmaybeworthwhiletocontinueontoa
ProgrammaticAgreement(PA)oranIntegrated
CulturalResourcesManagementPlan(ICRMP).
Resolve adverse effects on historic properties through further consultation and establishment of
memorandaofagreement(MOA)
When deciding whether a normally categorically excluded action under NEPA requires more
review.
When finalizing an EA and deciding whether a FONSI is appropriate. Reflect the terms of any
MOAintheFONSI,ifoneisissued.
Finalize any MOA or conditional no adverse effect determination through consultation during
publiccommenton,andwhilefinalizing,anEIS.ReflectthetermsofanyMOAintheROD.
Implementthetermsofanyconditionalnoadverseeffectdeterminationand/oranyMOAoncethe
decisionhasbeenmadetoproceedwiththeproposedactionoranalternativetoit.
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FORQUESTIONSABOUTENVIRONMENTALCOMPLIANCEOR
PERMITTINGISSUES,CONTACTYOURFACILITYGEMS.
CompliancePermitting/DueDiligence
DoingNEPA"doesnottaketheplaceofcompliancewithspecificenvironmentalorotherregulations.
Rather, the NEPA process is a broadbrush approach that looks at "everything" for the purpose of
decisionmaking.NEPAistypicallyreferredtoasanumbrellastatutebecauseitrequiresagenciesto
discuss all other environmental requirements in one analysis. The NEPA analysis should reference
environmentalandnonenvironmentalpermitsorapprovals,butitdoesnottaketheplaceofapplying
forandreceivingthenecessarypermitsandauthorities.Thepermittingprocessmaybeginduringthe
NEPAprocessbutmayalsocontinueafterwardintoprojectimplementation.
ItisimportanttoalsonotethatNEPAevaluation(whichlooksatthepotentialimpact(s)ofaproposed
action)isnotthesameas,butisinterrelatedto,"environmentalduediligence"effortssuchasaPhaseI
Environmental Site Assessment (which looks for existing contamination of a site) conducted in the
courseofacquiringproperty.
The majority of projects are conducted at existing facilities, therefore none of these permits or other
environmental requirement efforts for a particular project can be conducted in a void. Project
Managers need to be able to access the data and resources at their facility to ensure the efforts
conducted for a particular project are in concert with existing projects, permits and requirements,
remembering that upon issuance most of them will have requirements for the operational life of the
facility.
EXAMPLESOFENVIRONMENTALANDOTHERCOMPLIANCEPERMITSORPROCESSES
Environmental permits could include: boilers or other air emission sources; underground
storage tanks (USTs); stormwater or wastewater discharges; soil & erosion control for
construction;wetlandsdisturbance,orotherpermits.
These permit processes or issuances are administered by the pertinent federal agency (e.g.
Army Corps, Fish & Wildlife); state agency (e.g. DEC, DNR, DEQ, DEQE); or local agency or
board(e.g.WaterControlBoard,CriticalAreaCommission).
"Nonpermit,"yetpotentiallynecessary,environmentalrequirementscouldincludeprocesses
suchas:coordinationwithNHPAandconsultationwiththeSHPO;revisionofaSpillPrevention,
ControlandCountermeasurePlan(SPCC);orapprovalofanasbestosremovalplan.
Nonenvironmentalpermitsorapprovalscouldincludepermitsorapprovalssuchasstate
highwayapprovalforanewentranceoraconnectionpermitfromthemunicipalsewage
authority.
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VANEPAINTERIMGUIDANCE
PARTTHREE:REFERENCES
CompliancewithEnvironmentalRequirements
Introduction
VAemployeesandcontractorscanusethislistofauthoritiesasareferencetooltodeterminetheenvironmental
legal requirements for a project or other activity. This list includes VAs most commonly encountered
environmentalrequirements.Otherlegalrequirementsmayapply,andVAisresponsibleforcomplyingwithall
applicableenvironmentalrequirements.Thissectionisorganizedintothreeparts,withthemostpertinentlegal
authorities listed first. These are followed by other authorities that may apply to a VA project, and finally by
NEPA terms and acronyms. All three lists are presented alphabetically and linked internally. Click on words
highlightedinredtoreachinternallinkstotrackthehighlightedtopicorsection,orclickonwordshighlightedin
bluetoviewoutsideinternetmaterials.
PartI:PertinentLegalAuthorities
CouncilonEnvironmentalQuality(CEQ)
TheCEQisadivisionoftheExecutiveOfficeoftheWhiteHousethatcoordinatesFederalenvironmentalpolicy
byworkingcloselywithagenciesandotherExecutiveoffices.TheChairofCEQactsasthetopenvironmental
policy advisor to the President of the United States. Congress established CEQ through the National
EnvironmentalPolicyActof1969(NEPA)toensureFederalagenciesmeettheirobligationsundertheAct.
CEQmanagestheNEPAprocessbyissuingguidancedocumentsandCEQRegulations.Federalagenciesconsult
withCEQtopromulgatetheirNEPAregulationsandtoresolvequestionsregardingtheNEPAprocess.
ExecutiveOrders(EO)
AstheheadoftheExecutiveBranch,thePresidentoftheUnitedStateshasthesoleauthoritytoissueexecutive
orders. Executive orders are documents that allow the President to manage the operations of the Federal
government. Executive orders are legally binding and typically direct Federal agencies on the means to
implementFederallawsandpolicies.VAmustfollowexecutiveorderstothemaximumextentpracticable.
ExecutiveOrder12898EnvironmentalJustice
Enacted in 1994, EO 12898 directs each Federal agency to make environmental justice part of its mission. A
Federalagencywillidentifyandaddressthehuman healthorenvironmental effectsofitsactionsonminority
andlowincomepopulationsthroughthisEO.Agenciescandeterminewhentheymustcomplywiththisorder
by1)addressingthequestionearlyintheplanningprocess,and2)answeringthefollowingquestions:
Part3,Page1of15
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Isourprojectlikelytochangeanyaspectoftheenvironment(air,water,land,buildings,naturalresources)?
If the answer is no, then the project will have no environmental impacts relevant to a low income or
minoritygrouporanyoneelse,andenvironmentaljusticeisnotanissue.
Iftheanswerisyes,thenask:
Do any lowincome or minority groups live or work in or near, use, or otherwise value the potentially
affectedenvironment?(SeeGuidelines).
Iftheanswertothisquestionisno,thenenvironmentaljusticeshouldnotbeaconcern.
Iftheanswertothisquestionisyes,thenyoushouldascertainwhatgroupsarelikelytobeconcernedand
involve them in project review under NEPA and, as applicable, Section 106 of NHPA and other legal
requirements.
ExecutiveOrder13423StrengtheningFederalEnvironmental,Energy,and
TransportationManagement
Signedin2007,itinstructsFederalagenciestoconducttheirenvironmental,transportation,andenergyrelated
activitiesunderthelawinsupportoftheirrespectivemissionsinanenvironmentally,economicallyandfiscally
sound,integrated,continuouslyimproving,efficient,andsustainablemanner.TheOrdersetsgoalsinthe
followingareas:
energyefficiency
acquisition
renewableenergy
toxicchemicalreduction
recycling
sustainablebuildings
electronicsstewardship
fleets
waterconservation
ExecutiveOrder13514FederalLeadershipinEnvironmental,Energy,and
EconomicPerformance
Enacted October 8th 2009, the Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy and Economic Performance order
sets a national policy of creating a clean energy economy to promote energy security and the health of the
environment. Each Federal agency must submit a plan to the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) that
showshowtheAgencywillmeetenergy,water,andwastereductiontargets.Thesetargetsareasfollows:
greenhousegasemissionsreductionby2020;
30%reductioninvehiclefleetpetroleumuseby2020;
26%improvementinwaterefficiencyby2020;
50%recyclingandwastediversionby2015;
95%ofallapplicablecontractswillmeetsustainabilityrequirements;
Implementationofthe2030netzeroenergybuildingrequirement;
Implementation of the stormwater provisions of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007,
section438;and
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Development of guidance for sustainable Federal building locations in alignment with the Livability
Principles put forward by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of
Transportation,andtheEnvironmentalProtectionAgency.
ExecutiveOrder11988FloodplainManagement
Executive Order 11988 requires Federal agencies to avoid Federal actions that adversely impact floodplains
where there are practicable alternatives; and to minimize environmental harm. Each Federal agency must
evaluate the potential effects of an action in a floodplain and ensure planning programs and budget requests
consider flood hazards and floodplain management. To comply with EO 11988, each Agency must ask the
followingquestions:
1. WilltheFederalactionoccurinafloodplain?ThedeterminationwillbemadeaccordingtoaHUD(vs
FEMA???)floodplainmap. Iftheanswerisyes,consideralternativestoavoidadverse effectsinthe
floodplains.
2. Istheonlypracticablealternativetositeinafloodplain?Ifso,theagencywillminimizepotentialharm
andprepareandcirculateanoticeexplainingwhytheactionisproposedtobelocatedinafloodplain.
EO11988containsotherrequirementsofwhichanAgencyshouldbeaware.SeetheNationalFloodInsurance
Actof1968andtheFloodDisasterProtectionActof1973forotherrequirements.
ExecutiveOrder11990ProtectionofWetlands
EO 11990 requires each Federal agency to take action to minimize the destruction, loss or degradation of
wetlandsandpreserveandenhancethevaluesofwetlandsincarryingoutAgencyresponsibilities.Anagency
must follow this EO when acquiring, managing, and disposing of Federal lands and facilities; financing,
constructing, or assisting in construction and improvements; and conducting Federal activities and programs
affecting land use. The EO does not apply to permits, licenses, or other activities involving wetlands on non
Federalproperty.
Eachagency mustallow thepublicto reviewplans orproposalsfornewconstructioninwetlandsearlyinthe
planning process. See EO 11990 for other requirements if you are proposing an action in wetlands. CEQ
guidance for the Implementation of Executive Order 11988 on Floodplain Management and Executive Order
11990onProtectionofWetlandsprovidesadditionalinformation.Ifanagencyundertakesanactionthatmay
affectwetlandsandfloodplains,EO11988onFloodplainManagementcontrols.
NationalEnvironmentalPolicyAct(NEPA)
NEPA requires Federal agencies to consider the potential impacts of projects, policies, programs, funding
decisionsandotheragencyactionsontheenvironment.NEPAintegratesenvironmentalplanningrequirements
intoagencydecisionmaking.SeeSection2forguidanceonhowtocomplywithNEPAforVAprojectsandother
activities.
BesuretocoordinateNEPAcomplianceandcompliancewithSection106ofNHPA,executiveorders,andother
legalrequirementsasapplicable.
Furtherinformationcanbefoundat:
NEPAHomepagehttp://ceq.hss.doe.gov/
NEPARegulationshttp://ceq.hss.doe.gov/nepa/regs/ceq/toc_ceq.htm
NEPACitizensGuidehttp://ceq.hss.doe.gov/nepa/Citizens_Guide_Dec07.pdf
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NationalHistoricPreservationAct(NHPA)
CongressenactedNHPAtopreservetheculturalandhistoricresourcesoftheUnitedStates.NHPAaccomplishes
thisgoalbyestablishingaNationalRegister.ThisNationalRegisterlistofhistoricpropertiesisoverseenbythe
NationalParkService.TheNationalRegisterdoesnotnecessarilyprotectsuchproperties,althoughthelisting
doesqualifythesepropertiesforcertaingrants,loans,andtaxincentives.
EssentialtoNHPAisSection106review,whichrequiresFederalagenciestoevaluatetheimpactsofFederally
fundedorpermittedprojectsonhistoricproperties.AgenciescomplywithSection106byfollowingregulations
issued by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) (36 CFR 800) as well as their own internal
guidelines.
WhenunsureaboutNHPArequirements,seekadvicefromtheHistoricPreservationOffice,CFM.
Be sure to coordinate Section 106 compliance and compliance with NEPA and other legal requirements as
applicable.
PartII:OtherEnvironmentalPlanningLegalRequirements
TheAmericanIndianReligiousFreedomAct(AIRFA)
AIRFA protects the rights of American Indians to believe, express, and exercise the traditional religions of the
American Indian, Eskimo, Aleut, and Native Hawaiians. These rights include, but are not limited to access to
sacredsites,freedomtoworship,andtheuseandpossessionsacredobjects.TheActrequiresFederalagencies
to evaluate their policies and procedures and consult with American Indians to protect the religious cultural
rightsandpracticesandNativeAmericans.AnagencymustfollowAIRFAifaproposedactionmayimpactthe
rightsofNativeAmericans.AIRFArequirementsshouldbeintegratedintotheNEPAprocessifapplicable.
CleanAirAct(CAA)
Through the CAA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates air pollutants from mobile sources
(automobiles,dieseltrucksandbusses,nonroadvehicles,etc.)andstationarysources(powerplants,factories,
smokestacks,etc.).EPAsetslimitsonairpollutionthroughtheNationalAmbientAirQualityStandards(NAAQS).
EPA is mandated to establish NAAQS for each criteria pollutant. The criteria pollutants are particle pollution
(oftenreferredtoasparticulatematter),groundlevelozone,carbonmonoxide,sulfuroxides,nitrogenoxides,
and lead. The maximum ambient levels and the permissible emission levels of these pollutants are health
and/or environmentally based (scientifically based). If an area does not meet NAAQS standards, the area is
consideredanonattainmentarea.
The environmental impacts of a proposed action will vary depending on air quality. A Federal agency must
considertheCAAduringtheNEPAprocessifitsproposedactionisinanareawithpoorairquality.
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SafeDrinkingWaterAct(SDWA)
The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is the main federal law that ensures the quality of Americans' drinking
water.UnderSDWA,EPAsetsstandardsfordrinkingwaterqualityandoverseesthestates,localities,andwater
supplierswhoimplementthosestandards.
SDWAwasoriginallypassedbyCongressin1974toprotectpublichealthbyregulatingthenation'spublic
drinkingwatersupply.Thelawwasamendedin1986and1996andrequiresmanyactionstoprotectdrinking
wateranditssources:rivers,lakes,reservoirs,springs,andgroundwaterwells.
CleanWaterAct(CWA)
TheCWAprotectthesurfacewatersoftheUnitedStatesthroughtheNationalPollutantDischargeElimination
System(NPDES).Nopointsource(pipe,facility,etc.)candischargeintowatersoftheUnitedStateswithoutan
NPDESpermit.
TheEPAhasauthorizedmostStatestoadministertheNPDESpermitsprogram.NPDESpermitsforpointsources
aretechnologybased,whichmeansthatpipes,valves,etc.thatfacilitatetheactualpollutingintowatersmust
meetEPAstandards.
Section319ofCWAregulatesnonpointsourcepollution(NPS).NPSincludesanypollutionnotincludedinthe
definition of point source as defined in section 502(14) of CWA. NPS comes from diffuse sources such as
runofffromrainfallthatpicksupnaturalorunnaturalpollutantsandcarriesthemintothewatersoftheUnited
States. Examples of NPS include fertilizer, oil, sediment, and bacteria. Stormwater management is critical to
effectivemanagementofNPS.EPAlikewiseallowsmostStatestomanageNPS.
EPA (through the States) establishes water quality standards for particular bodies of water and a total daily
maximum load (TMDL) for each pollutant. The CWA covers the regulation of individual pollutants and
watershedbasedplans.Waterbodiesarecategorizedbyuses,suchasfishable,swimmable,drinkable,etc.
EPApermitsfordischargeofdredgeorfillmaterialsintowatersoftheUnitedStatesareknownasSection404
permits.EPA,inconsultationwiththeArmyCorps,mayprohibitanareafrombeingusedasadisposalsiteifthe
dischargematerialswillhaveanunacceptableadverseeffectonmunicipalwatersupplies,fisheries,wildlife,or
recreational areas. Certain dredge and fill materials are not regulated under Section 404, including the
maintenance or emergency reconstruction of serviceable structures, construction or maintenance of farm or
stockponds,andthemaintenanceofdrainageditches.SeeCWASection404(f)foracompletelist.
IfafederalactionmaydischargeintooroccurnearthewatersoftheUnitedStates,aFederalagencymayneed
toconsidertheCWAduringtheNEPAprocess.
CoastalZoneManagementAct(CZMA)
CZMA is a Federal law that encourages states, tribes, and local authorities to implement coastal zone
management plans (CMPs). CMPs contain policies to preserve, protect, develop, and where possible, to
restore or enhance, the resources of the Nations coastal zone for this and succeeding generations (Section
1452).
CZMAcontainsaFederalconsistencyprovisionunderwhichFederalagenciesactionswithcoastaleffectsmust
beconsistentwithfederallyapprovedStateCMPstothe maximumextentpracticable. ApplicantsforFederal
authorizationsandfundingalsomustremainconsistentwithStateCMPs.
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Early consultation between Federal agencies and State CMPs avoids problems that would be expensive to fix
and helps Federal agencies gain State and public support. The consultation and Federal consistency
requirementbetweenFederalagenciesandStateCMPsshouldbeintegratedintotheNEPAevaluationprocess.
NotethatCZMAhasadifferenteffectstestthanNEPAforanalyzingenvironmentalimpacts.
EndangeredSpeciesAct(ESA)
Administeredbyboththe UnitedStatesFishandWildlifeService (FWS)andNationalMarineFisheriesService
(NMFS),theESAprohibitsactionsthatendangerthecriticalhabitatorspeciesoffish,wildlifeorplantthatisin
danger of extinction. The ESA also forbids the taking (i.e. killing, harming, harassing) of any such species.
Threatened and endangered species are placed on the Endangered Species List, and certain rules and
regulationsrestrictactionsthatwilladverselyaffectsuchspeciesandtheirhabitats.
UnderSection7,FederalagenciesmustconsultwiththeFWSwhenanyactionauthorized,fundedorcarriedout
by the agency may affect a listed endangered or threatened species. This process is known as informal
consultation.TheFederalagencyapproachesFWSwitharequestforinformalconsultation.TheFederalagency
andFWSdiscussthetypesoflistedspeciesthatmayexistintheproposedactionareaandthepotentialimpacts
oftheagencysactiononthosespecies.Iftheagencysactionmayaffectalistedspecies,theFederalagency
must prepare a biological assessment. The biological assessment helps the agency determine whether the
proposed action is likely to have an adverse effect on the listed species. See ESA for formal consultation
requirements when a biological assessment or other review demonstrates the proposed action is likely to
adverselyaffectalistedspecies.
Consider ESA during the NEPA process for any Federal action that may impact a threatened or endangered
species.
ExecutiveOrder13175IndianTribes
President Clinton enacted EO 13175 to establish regular and meaningful consultation and collaboration with
tribal officials in the development of Federal policies with tribal implications. The EO applies to policies or
actions that have substantial direct effects on one or more tribes, the relationship between the Federal
Governmentandtribes,orthedistributionofpowerandresponsibilitiesbetweentheFederalGovernmentand
Indiantribes.
EO 13175 establishes a consultation provision by which no agency can promulgate a regulation with tribal
implicationsthatpreemptstriballawunlesstheagencyfirstconsultswithtribalofficials,providesOMBwitha
tribalsummaryimpactstatement,anddiscloseswrittencommunicationsbetweentheagencyandtribetoOMB.
The EO requires agencies to respect Indian tribal selfgovernment, grant Indian tribal governments the
maximum administrative discretion in administering Federal statutes and regulations, and encourage Indian
tribes to develop their own policies. Agencies are to consult with Indian tribes before establishing Federal
standardsoranyalternativesthatmightpreserveIndianauthorityandlimitthescopeofFederalstandards.
FarmlandProtectionPolicyAct(FPPA)
FPPAattemptstolimitfederalactionsthatdiminish,reduceorconvertfarmlandfromagriculturalusetonon
agricultural use. Federal programs must attempt to protect farmland. For the purpose of FPPA, farmland
includesprimefarmland,uniquefarmland,andlandofstatewideorlocalimportance.FarmlandsubjecttoFPPA
requirements does not have to be currently used for cropland. The land can be forestland, pastureland,
cropland,orotherland,butwaterandurbanbuiltuplandisnotprotectedbyFPPA.
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HazardousWastes(3Statutes):CERCLA(pastactions)/RCRA(ongoingactions)and
theEmergencyPlanningandRighttoKnowAct(disclosure)
TheComprehensiveEnvironmentalResponse,Compensation,andLiabilityAct
(CERCLA)(pastactions)
CERCLA,alsoknownastheSuperfund,isaFederallawdesignedtocleanupabandonedhazardouswastesites.
CERCLA focuses on past actions of hazardous waste disposal in which the adverse environmental situation
alreadyexists.ThelawauthorizestheEPAtoidentifypartiesresponsible(PRPs)forcreatinghazardouswaste
sites and force them to clean the site. The superfund is a trust fund devoted to cleaning up contaminated
hazardouswastesiteswhereresponsiblepartiescannotbeidentified.Petroleumandchemicalindustriespay
taxesthatcontributetothesuperfund.
EPA has the authority to hold four different potentially responsible parties liable for the cleanup of a
hazardous waste site: the current owner or operator, the owner or operator at the time of the disposal, the
personwhoarrangedfordisposal,andthetransporterofthehazardoussubstance.Thetransporteralsomust
have selected the site for disposal to be held liable. In certain circumstances, current operators who have
purchasedahazardoussiteafteritscontaminationcanbeheldliable,soinvestigationintothehistoryofaparcel
of land is important before purchase. Also, parties generating hazardous waste must know where hazardous
wastesaregoingandwhoisshippingthem,assuchpartiescanbeheldliableforchoosingacompanyoroverall
disposalprocessthatdoesnotarrangefortheproperdisposalofhazardouswaste.
Anenvironmentalsiteassessmentisthemethodofinvestigationusedtodeterminewhetherasiteorfacilityhas
anyhazardouswasteissuesthatwouldneedtobeaddressedunderCERCLA.Aphaseoneenvironmentalsite
assessment identifies a sites environmental conditions from past actions without considering the potential
impacts from a planned or future action. The NEPA process should incorporate the results of a phase one
environmental site assessment, but goes far beyond what is required for CERCLA by evaluating the action vs.
simply the existing site conditions. Therefore, VA cannot use a phase one environmental site assessment to
satisfyitsNEPAresponsibilities.
ResourceConservationandRecoveryAct(RCRA)(ongoingoperations)
RCRAgivestheEPAauthoritytoregulatehazardouswastesthroughacradletogravetrackingprocess,which
can focus on every aspect within the lifecycle of hazardous waste, including generation, transportation,
treatment,storage,anddisposalofhazardouswaste.Inthissense,RCRAisforwardlooking.RCRAattemptsto
reduceandeliminatehazardouswastesbeforeenvironmentalproblemsarise.
SubtitleCofRCRAgrantsEPAauthoritytoregulategeneratorsandtransportsofhazardouswaste,alongwith
facilities that treat, store or dispose of hazardous waste. Generators are responsible for determining if their
wastesarehazardous.ThecollectionofnonhazardoussolidwastesremainsafunctionofState,regionaland
localagencies.AnyfederalactioninvolvinghazardouswasteshouldconsiderRCRArequirementsforhandling,
storage,anddisposalduringtheNEPAprocess.
EmergencyPlanningandRighttoKnowAct(EPCRA)
EPCRA is an act that provides state and local governments, along with the general public, information
concerningpotentialchemicalhazardsintheirregionsandlocalities.TheActrequiresownersandoperatorsof
facilities to prepare material safety data sheets (MSDSs) and to submit them along with an emergency and
hazardouschemicalinventoryformtothelocalemergencyplanningcommittee,thestateemergencyresponse
Part3,Page7of15
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commission,andthelocalfiredepartment.(4211021and11022)Plus,certainfacilitiesmustcompleteatoxic
chemical release form (TRI), which reports the quantities of releases of a number of different substances. (
11023)TheseformsmustbesubmittedtotheEPAandStateauthoritiesbyJuly1ofeachyear.Withholding
information,eventradesecrets,isnotpermitted.(11042)
MarineMammalProtectionAct(MMPA)
Administered by both the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA), MMPA protects all marine mammals, and prohibits, with certain exceptions, both the
"take"ofmarinemammalsinU.S.watersandbyU.S.citizensonthehighseasandtheimportationofmarine
mammals and marine mammal products. Exceptions can be granted for specific reasons such as scientific
research, public display, and the importation/exportation, and these permits are granted by the FWS after a
reviewprocess.
MigratoryBirdTreatyAct(MBTA)
Originally established in 1918, the MBTA was an international treaty between the United States and Great
Brittan to protect migratory birds, and is now a statute found at United States Code Title 16, Chapter 7,
Subchapter II. At the time of MBTA enactment, it was difficult for the Federal government to mandate laws
governingthetakingofmigratorybirdswithintheindividualStates,andthepoweroftheinternationaltreaty
gave the government this constitutional right. Similar migratory bird treaties were subsequently signed
betweentheUntiedStatesandothercountries,allofwhichhavebeenincorporatedintotheMBTA.
TheMBTAmakesitillegalforpeopleto"take"migratorybirdsortheirpartseggs,feathersornestsalthough
inextremecasespermitsfromtheFederalgovernmentcanbeobtained.Thecriteriaforobtainingsuchapermit
canbefoundatTitle50,CodeofFederalRegulations,21.27,SpecialPurposePermits.
NativeAmericanGravesProtectionandRepatriationAct(NAGPRA)
Enacted in 1990, NAGPRA addresses the rights of lineal descendants, Indian tribes, and Native Hawaiian
organizationstoNativeAmericanhumanremains,funeraryobjects,sacredobjects,andculturalitemsexcavated
ordiscoveredonFederalortriballands.FederalagenciesarerequiredtoreturnNativeAmericanculturalitems
andhumanremainstotheirrespectivepeoples.
NoiseControlAct(NCA)
Originallypassedin1972,NCAgaveEPAtheauthoritytoregulatenoisepollutionandminimizetheannoyance
ofnoiseaffectingthegeneralpublic.In1981,theAdministrationdecidedthatnoisepollutionisbestregulated
on a local level, and Federal funding for the NCA ceased thus stagnating the law. Many states and local
municipalitiesregulatenoise,though,especiallyforbuildingprojectsforstructuressuchashospitalsandoffice
buildings. Noise impacts should be considered in VAs NEPA analyses for both construction and long term
operationsaspectsoftheproposedaction.
OilPollutionAct(OPA)
Enactedin1990,OPAprovidestheauthorityfortheFederalgovernmenttoprevent,mitigateandrespondtooil
spillsoffthecoastsoftheUnitedStates.OPAalsocreatedtheOilSpillLiabilityTrustFund,whichprovidesupto
1 billion dollars to be spent in the case of an oil spill. The act does not preempt State law and States may
enforce extra liability, including unlimited liability (1018(a)). The National Oil and Hazardous Substances
PollutionContingencyPlan(NCP)requiresFederal,Stateandlocalplanstobeestablishedfortheeventofaspill.
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SpillPrevention,ControlandCountermeasurePlans(SPCC)
TheCleanWaterActof1972andtheOilPollutionActof1990providetheauthorityforEPAtoregulateoilspill
preventionmeasures.TheEPAenactedtheSPCCrulein1973toimplementCWAspillpreventionrequirements.
Later,OPAexpandedthesespillpreventionrequirements.Unlikespillcontingencyplans,whichrespondtooil
spillsafterthefact,SPCCsrequirecertainfacilitiestoestablishcontainmentandotherpreventionmeasuresin
anSPCCtoensureoilstoredatthefacilitywillnotspillintooruponnavigablewatersoftheUnitedStatesor
adjoiningshorelines.
TheEPASPCCrulerequiresaformalplanwhich,justasthetitlestates,demonstratesthatgoodengineeringand
operatingpracticeshavebeenincorporatedintotheequipmentandhandlingofpotentiallyhazardousliquids.
OriginallythisActonlyregulatedoils,butitsscopehasgrowntoincludehazardoussubstancesandhazardous
wastethateitherareoiloraremixedwithoilandhavethepotentialtoreleaseintowatersoftheUnitedStates.
Facilitiesandmaterialscommonlycoveredinclude:underandabovegroundstoragetanks,flamesafecabinets,
gasoline and oils, lubricants, transformer fluids, and solvents. The plan needs to be compiled by a PE, and
updated at least every three years, or each time a significant change in equipment, materials, or practices
occurs.
InorderforafacilitytoberegulatedbytheEPASPCCrule,thefacilitymustbenontransportationrelated,must
have an aggregate aboveground storage capacity of greater than 1,320 gallons or completely buried storage
capacitygreaterthan42,000gallons,andtheremustbeareasonableexpectationofadischargeintoorupon
navigable waters of the United States or adjoining shorelines (40 CFR 112). See the SPCC rule for further
explanationofwhomustpreparetheSPCCandthetypeoffacilityandstoragespecificationsnecessaryforthe
Ruletoapply.
Pesticides:FourStatutes(FIFRA)(FEPCA)(FQPA)(FFDCA)
FederalInsecticide,Fungicide,andRodenticideAct(FIFRA)
Administered by the EPA, FIFRA regulates the sale, distribution and use of pesticides in order to protect the
personapplyingthepesticides,consumersandtheenvironment.UnderFIFRAallpesticidesmustberegistered,
andlabeledforproperusage.Allinstructionsmustbefollowed,ortheusercanbefoundliable.Mostpesticides
arenotavailabletothegeneralpublic,andarerestrictedforonlyspecificuses.
FederalEnvironmentalPesticideAct(FEPCA)
FEPCAamendedFIFRAwithnewmethodsandstandardsofcontrol.FEPCAestablishedaprogramforcontrolling
thesale,distribution,andapplicationofpesticidesthroughanadministrativeregistrationprocess.TheActalso
categorizedpesticidesintotwocategories,forgeneralorrestricteduse.Theamendmentsincludedprovisions
for experimental use permits and an administrative review process. FEPCA marks a shift towards minimizing
toxicityandenvironmentaldegradation.
FoodQualityProtectionAct(FQPA)
TheFQPAamendedtheFIFRAandtheFederalFoodDrug,andCosmeticActwithstrictersafetystandardsanda
review of allexisting pesticide tolerance levels. FQPA changed the way that the United States Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) evaluates and regulates pesticides. FQPA sets stronger standards for pesticides and
createsuniformstandardsforFIFRAandFFDCA.
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FederalFood,DrugandCosmeticAct(FFDCA)
ThroughtheFFDCA,EPAsetsmaximumresiduelevels,ortolerances,forpesticidesusedinoronfoodsoranimal
feed.TheFDAandUSDAmonitorpesticideresidueinfoodandtolerancelevels.
SafeDrinkingWaterAct(SDWA)
AdministeredbytheEPA,SDWAprotectsthesupplyofdrinkingwaterintheUnitedStates.SDWAappliesto
everypublicwatersourceintheUnitedStates,includingrivers,lakes,reservoirs,springsandgroundwaterwells.
The act also sets standards for leadfree piping that delivers water. Along with providing safe drinking water
from the tap, SDWA also targets source water protection, operator training, funding for water system
improvements,andpublicinformation.Thisapproachensuresthequalityofdrinkingwaterbyprotectingitfrom
sourcetotap.TheEPAestablisheshealthbasedstandardstoprotectagainstcontaminantsandoverseesstate
andlocalsuppliers.
SDWA established two programs for groundwater protection. The Source Water Assessment and Protection
Program protects sources of drinking water. The Underground Injection Control Program (UIC) regulates the
disposal of hazardous and nonhazardous fluids down wells. The UIC classifies wells according to the type of
wastewhichcanbedisposed.
ToxicSubstancesControlAct(TSCA)
AdministeredbytheEPA,TSCAregulatesnewandoldchemicalsubstances.Itdoesnotbreaksubstancesdown
by toxic and nontoxic, but rather prohibits manufacturing or importing chemical not listed on the TSCA
inventory. (Section 8) Section 4 requires testing of chemicals by manufacturers, importers, and processors
whererisksofexposuresorconcernarefound.Section5requirespremanufacturenotificationofnewchemical
substances.
WildandScenicRiversAct
IntheAct,CongressdeclaredthatitisthepolicyoftheUnitedStatesthatcertainselectedriversoftheNation
which,withtheirimmediateenvironments,possessoutstandinglyremarkablescenic,recreational,geologic,fish
andwildlife,historic,cultural,orothersimilarvalues,shallbepreservedinfreeflowingcondition,andthatthey
and their immediate environments shall be protected for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future
generations. (Section 1b) Rivers are classified as wild, scenic or recreational, and hunting and fishing are
permittedunderapplicableFederalandStatelaws.Asof2008,theNationalSystemprotectsmorethan11,000
milesof166riversin38statesandtheCommonwealthofPuertoRico,whichismorethanonequarterofone
percentofthenation'srivers.
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PartIII:NEPATermsandAcronyms
Actions
NEPAappliestomajorFederalactions.AFederalactionisanydiscretionaryactorfailuretoactbyaFederal
agency. A Federal action can be a funding decision; program; activity; plan; project; or policy. NEPA reviews
major Federal actions to determine if the proposed action has the potential to significantly impact the
environment. CEQ defines major Federal actions as actions with effects that may be major and which are
potentiallysubjecttoFederalcontrolandresponsibility(40CFR1508.18).
TheNEPAregulations(at40CFR1508.25)definethreetypesofactionsas:
ConnectedActions
Connectedactionsarecloselyrelatedandthereforeshouldbediscussedinthesameimpactstatement.
Actionsareconnectedifthey:
(i)Automaticallytriggerotheractionswhichmayrequireenvironmentalimpactstatements,
(ii)Cannotorwillnotproceedunlessotheractionsaretakenpreviouslyorsimultaneously,or
(iii)Areinterdependentpartsofalargeractionanddependonthelargeractionfortheirjustification.
CumulativeActions
Cumulative actions are actions which, when viewed with other proposed actions, have cumulatively
significantimpactsandshouldthereforebediscussedinthesameimpactstatement.
SimilarActions
Similar actions are actions with similarities that provide a basis for evaluating their environmental
consequences together, such as common timing or geography. An agency may wish to analyze these
actionsinthesameimpactstatementtoconserveagencyresources.
CategoricalExclusion(CATEX)
Under NEPA, VA can exclude specified categories of action from detailed environmental impact assessment,
provided no extraordinary circumstances exist that require further review. Such actions are referred to as
categorical exclusions. VA categorical exclusions are listed at 38 CFR 26.6(b). A project that is categorically
excluded under NEPA is NOT automatically excluded from review under Section 106 of the NHPA or other
environmental laws; it still must be reviewed, in the same way as a project requiring an environmental
assessment (EA) or environmental impact statement (EIS). Impacts on historic properties may or may not be
extraordinary circumstances requiring preparation of an EA or EIS, depending on the significance of the
propertyandthecharacteroftheimpact.
CumulativeEffects
TheCEQregulations(at40CFR1508.7)defineacumulativeeffectorimpactas:
Theimpactontheenvironmentwhichresultsfromtheincrementalimpactoftheactionwhenaddedto
other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions regardless of what agency (Federal or
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nonFederal) or person undertakes such other actions. Cumulative impacts can result from individually
minorbutcollectivelysignificantactionstakingplaceoveraperiodoftime.
EnvironmentalAssessment(EA)
UnderNEPA,anenvironmentalassessment(EA)isperformedtodeterminewhetheraproposedactionislikely
to have significant impacts on the quality of the human environment. An EA must analyze the impacts of
reasonablealternativestotheproposedaction.IfVAdiscoversthatsignificantimpactsarelikely,thenVAmust
prepareanenvironmentalimpactstatement(EIS).IftheEAshowsthatsignificantimpactswillnotoccur,VAcan
issueafindingofnosignificantimpact(FONSI)andproceedwithitsprojectorotheraction.AnEAshouldbea
brief but thorough analysis of the environmental impacts of the action and alternatives to it, and should be
reviewedbyappropriateexpertsandthepublic.
EnvironmentalImpactStatement(EIS)
UnderNEPA,anenvironmentalimpactstatement(EIS)ispreparedtodocumentandanalyzetheenvironmental
impacts of federal actions that are likely to have significant impacts. An EIS must also analyze the impacts of
alternative ways of achieving the actions purposes. The results of the EIS are considered by VA in deciding
whetherandhowtocarryouttheprojectoranalternative.Theresultsofdecisionmakingaredocumentedina
recordofdecision(ROD).
ExtraordinaryCircumstances
UnderNEPA,projectsthatarecategoricallyexcludedfromdetailedreviewmustbebrieflyexaminedorscreened
tomakesurethatnoextraordinarycircumstancesexisttorequirefurtherreview.Extraordinarycircumstances
areunusualsituationsthatmakeanormallybenignactivityposesomekindofthreattotheenvironment.For
example,routinegroundskeepingisordinarilycategoricallyexcludedfromNEPAreview,butifagivengrounds
keepingaction(e.g.,replacingturfinacemetery)mightthreatenanendangeredspecies(e.g.,awormthatlives
intheturf)ordisturbanhistoricproperty(e.g.,anarchaeologicalsitelyingundertheturf),thenfurtherreview
usually an environmental assessment may be necessary. So, it is necessary to consider each categorically
excludedactiontomakesurethatnosuchextraordinarycircumstancesexist.
FindingofNoSignificantImpact(FONSI)
UnderNEPA,aFONSIdocumentsthatanenvironmentalassessment(EA)hasbeenperformedandVAs
conclusionthataproposedactionwillnothavesignificantimpactsonthequalityofthehumanenvironment.
TheFONSImustidentifyanymitigationormonitoringthatwillbeimplementedaspartoftheproject.Impact
ForNEPA,animpactisanyeffectontheenvironment.
AlmostallFederalactionswillhavesomeeffectonthenaturalenvironment.NEPArequiresanalysisofboth
beneficialandadverseimpacts.
NoticeofIntent
VApublishesanoticeofintent(NOI)beforeconductinganEIS.TheNOIprovidesnoticetothepublicofVAs
proposed action, alternatives to the action, and details of the scoping process. The NOI also includes
notificationofopportunitiesforpublicinvolvement,suchasscopingmeetings,andprovidesanagencycontact
thatwillrespondtoquestions.
RecordofDecision(ROD)
Under NEPA, a ROD documents whether VA has decided to proceed with a proposed action or with an
alternative. It also documents that the environmental impacts of the action have been considered through
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preparation of an environmental impact statement (EIS), how these impacts have been considered, the
environmentally preferable alternative, and the rationale for choosing the alternative that will be carried out.
The ROD also identifies measures to be carried out to mitigate impacts, and discusses whether all feasible
measureshavebeenadopted(andifnot,whynot).
Significantly
TheNEPAregulations(at40CFR1508.27)definesignificantlyintermsofcontextandintensity.Contextrefersto
thesurroundingcircumstances,suchassociety,theaffectedregionorlocality,andaffectedinterests.Intensity
referstotheseverityoftheimpact,consideringbeneficialandadverseeffects;theaffectonpublichealthand
safety;uncertaintyofrisk;cumulativeimpacts;threattoendangeredspecies;uniquecircumstancesinthearea;
andproximitytoculturalandhistoricresources.Todeterminesignificance,bothshortandlongtermeffectsare
relevant.SeetheNEPAregulationsforacompletelistofintensityfactors.
UnresolvedConflicts
WhenpreparinganEAorEIS,theagencymustdiscussanyunresolvedconflictsconcerningalternativeusesof
availableresources.UnresolvedconflictsarethebasisforanalyzingalternativesinNEPA.Whenalternativeuses
of a resource unavoidably conflict, there is an unresolved conflict. VA must analyze alternatives in light of
projectneeds,environmentalimpacts,andthevalueofalternativeusesofresources.
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PartIII:VANEPA/Environmental/GEMScontacts
VHAContacts
MedicalCenter
GEMSpersonnel
FacilityPlanner
ChiefEngineer
VISN
GEMS
CAMS
VHA"Corporate"
JodyMcClarinNationalGEMSProgramManager
CenterforEngineering&OccupationalSafetyandHealth(138F/JB)(CEOSH)
1JeffersonBarracks
Bldg.65,Room118
St.Louis,MO63125
314.894.6100Ext.66063
Email:Jody.McClarin@va.gov
JohnG.(Jack)Staudt,Jr.,P.E.VHAVACOEnvironmentalEngineer
DepartmentofVeteransAffairs(10N)
810VermontAve,NW
Washington,DC20420
Phone:2024614602
Email:jack.staudt@va.gov
NCAContact
FrankDuncanEnvironmentalEngineer
DepartmentofVeteransAffairs(41F)
811VermontAve,NW
Washington,DC20420
Phone:2024610567
Email:frank.duncan@va.gov
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OAEMContact
CatherineJohnsonProgramSpecialist
DepartmentofVeteransAffairs(044C)
810VermontAve,NW
Washington,DC20420
Phone:2024617775
Email:Catherine.johnson7@va.gov
ofVeteransAffairs(044C)
CFMNEPAContact
ThomasW.Moran,P.E.EnvironmentalEngineer
OfficeofConstruction&FacilitiesManagement(00CFM1)
811VermontAve,NW
Washington,DC20420
Phone:2024618442
Email:thomas.moran2@va.gov
VAFederalPreservationOfficer(FPO)
Ms.KathleenSchamelFederalPreservationOfficer
OfficeofConstruction&FacilitiesManagement(00CFM1)
811VermontAvenue,NW
Washington,DC20005
Phone:202.4618254
Email:kathleen.schamel2@va.gov
OGCEnvironmentalAttorney
MichelleDeGrandiGeneralAttorney
810VermontAve,NW
Washington,DC20420
Phone:9134002106
Email:michelle.degrandi@va.gov
CouncilonEnvironmentalQuality
Seehttp://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/ceq/
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VANEPAINTERIMGUIDANCE
PARTFOUR:EXAMPLEDOCUMENTS
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ExampleSimpleCATEXDocumentation
NationalEnvironmentalPolicyActProjectReview
Project:VermontAveCrosswalk
Location:810811VermontAve,Washington,DC
Date:17May2010
DescriptionofAction:Installationofawheelchairaccessrampandcrosswalkappurtenancesfor
pedestriantranslationacrossmidblockVermontAvenue.
Background:TheDepartmentofVeteransAffairsoccupiestheentire810VermontAvebuildingand
sevenfloorsof811Vermontacrossthestreet.Whetherformeetings,presentations,bankingor
sustenance(VA'sCanteenandcreditunionareinthebasementofthemainbuilding),aconsiderable
amountofpedestrianscrossVermontthroughouttheday.Additionally,asadirectconsequenceof
VA'smission,asignificantnumberofthesepedestriansarehandicapped.
Action:VAisenteringintoanagreementtoreimbursetheDistrictofColumbiatoconstructa
wheelchairrampsidewalkcurbcut,andinstallvariouscrosswalkroadwaymarkingsand
accompanyingsignagebothintheroadandcurbside.Twopotentialversionsofthisproposed
Actionwerepresentedforreview:Alternate1(w/streetcenterlinemedianmarkings)andAlternate
2(samew/ocenterlinemarkings).
NEPAEvaluation:InaccordanceVANEPAImplementingRegulations(38CFRPart26),thisActioncan
beclassifiedasaCategoricalExclusion(CATEX)basedupontheinformationpresentedforreview,
specifically:(ii) Repair, replacement, and new installation of components such as windows, doors, roofs; and
site elements such as sidewalks, patios, fences, retaining walls, curbs, water distribution lines, and sewer lines
which involve work totally within VA property boundaries;
Reference:DCDepartmentofTransportation,InfrastructureProjectManagementAdministration,
ProposedMidBlockPedestrianCrossing,drawingsdated15Dec2009(twosheets).
OtherPotentialEnvironmental/PermitConcerns:1.NationalCapitalPlanningCommissionshould
beconsultedtoensurethisprojectmeetstheExceptions,Section2adefinition.2.NationalPark
ServicesshouldbeconsultedastheLafayetteBuilding(811VermontAve)isaNationalHistoric
LandmarkaswellasappearstobeadjacenttotheLafayetteSquareHistoricDistrict.3.Ensurethat
thenewcurbcutrampontheLafayetteBuildingsideofVermontAveisplacedfarenoughsouthof
theexistingmatureoaktreesoastonotimpingeuponitsrootsystem.
Signatures:
VACFMEnvironmental:
____________________________
Thomas W. Moran, P.E.
VAProjectManager:
____________________________
Acting DAS for Administration (03)
EnvironmentalEngineer
StrategicPlanning00CFM1
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ExampleMoreComplexCATEXDocumentation(p1/3)
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AppendixB:SampleForms
SampleNEPAEATOCAnnotated
TABLEOFCONTENTS
EXECUTIVESUMMARY
1.0
INTRODUCTION
1.1
ProjectBackground
1.2
PurposeandNeed
2.0
ALTERNATIVES
2.1
DevelopmentofAlternatives
2.2
AlternativesRetainedForDetailedAnalysis
3.0
AFFECTEDENVIRONMENTANDENVIRONMENTALCONSEQUENCESOFTHE
ALTERNATIVES
3.1
Aesthetics
3.2
AirQuality
3.3
CulturalResources
3.4
GeologyandSoils
3.5
HydrologyandWaterQuality
3.6
WildlifeandHabitat
3.7
Noise
3.8
LandUse
3.9
Floodplains,Wetlands,andCoastalZoneManagement
3.10 Socioeconomics
3.11 CommunityServices
3.12 SolidandHazardousMaterials
3.13 TransportationandParking
3.14 Utilities
3.15 EnvironmentalJustice
3.16 CumulativeImpacts
3.17 PotentialforGeneratingSubstantialControversy
4.0
PUBLICINVOLVEMENT
5.0
MITIGATION
6.0
CONCLUSIONS
7.0
LISTOFPREPARERS
8.0
REFERENCESCITED
9.0
LISTOFACRONYMSANDABBREVIATIONS
AppendixA
NativeAmericanTribesCorrespondence
AppendixB
AgencyCorrespondence
AppendixC ListOfEnvironmentalPermits/ModificationsRequired
LISTOFFIGURES
Figure1ProjectLocationMap
Figure2PreferredAlternatives
Figure3AlternativeParkingGarageLocations
Figure4100YearFloodplains
Figure5ExistingLandUse
Figure6SanitarySewerNetworkAreas
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EXECUTIVESUMMARYkeepitshortandtothepoint
1.0
INTRODUCTION
1.1
ProjectBackgroundGeneraldescriptionoffacility,history,setting,andproposed
project.
1.2
PurposeandNeedjustwhatthetitlesays,reasonfortheproposedproject.
2.0
ALTERNATIVES
2.1
DevelopmentofAlternativesListtherequiredcriteriatoaccomplishtheProposed
Action,ex.size,location,access,etc.HowwereAlternativesdeveloped?LooktoOMB300for"big
picture"alternatives.Don'tforget"null"alternative.
2.2
AlternativesRetainedForDetailedAnalysisWhichspecificalternativesremainfor
detailedanalysesaftereliminatingthosewhichdidnotfitrequiredcriteria.
3.0
AFFECTEDENVIRONMENTANDENVIRONMENTALCONSEQUENCESOFTHE
ALTERNATIVES
Thissectionmaybedoneinoneofseveraldifferentmethods:
1.descriptionofexisting,followedbyPreferredAction,thenotherAction(s)withineach
section
2.essentiallygothroughthislistofpotentialissuestwice,onceascurrentlyexists,thena
secondtimefocusingontheconsequencesoftheAlternatives.
Thisdecisionshouldbebaseduponeaseofpresentation.
Theorderoftheseitemsissuggested.
Donotforgetthatevaluationofeachoneofthesepotentialissuesislikewisebrokenintotwophases:
1.duringconstruction;and2.duringnormaloperationsfortheremaininglifeofthefacility.
Referencespecificenvironmentalandotherregulatoryrequirementstobefollowedduringdesign
and/orconstruction,and/oroperation.Notestatusofpermitapplication/modificationefforts.
3.1
Aesthetics
Existing:describevisualsetting,historic,contemporary,industrial,open,cityurban,etc.
Proposed:howwouldtheseproposedActionsfitintothesetting?
3.2
LandUse
Existing:describelandusebothonsiteandimmediatevicinity,generalsetting;landownership
Proposed:howwouldtheseActionsfitintothisgeneralconcept?
RememberthatVAisgenerallynotsubjecttolocalzoningrequirements,butuseasreference.
PresumablyVA'spresenceandoperationsfallintothegeneralpreferredzoninganyway.
3.3
AirQuality
Existing:nonattainmentarea?Forwhatcontaminants?Whatairemissionpermitsarecurrently
held,generalconditions?Centralboilerplant?Incinerator?Fuelstoragetankvents?
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Proposed:howwouldtheseproposedActionsimpactext'gpermitrequirements?Necessitate
modificationstopermit(s)?Requirenewpermit(s)?Dustcontrolplanforconstructionactivities?
3.4
CulturalResources
Existing:isfacilityonNationalRegistry?HistoricDistrict?Eligible?existingProgrammaticAgreements
orMOAsalreadyineffect?
Proposed:havetheseproposedactionsbeenreviewedbySHPO,ingeneral?,inspecific?Are
modifications/renovationsofhistoricstructureproposed?Doesnewconstruction/renovation(of
nonhistoric)haveimpactonnearbyhistoric(physicalorvisual)?Subsurfaceworkrequired?
Archeologyissues?Tribalconcerns?
3.5
GeologyandSoils
Existing:describegeologyasappropriate,describesurficialandnearsurficialsoilsasappropriate.
Contaminationprsent?
Proposed:howmaytheseActionsimpact?Stockpilinganticipated?Borrowpits/significantfill
areas?Whatsoil&erosioncontrols?Pmtreq'd?
3.6
Existing:describeext'gconditions.Shalloworcontaminatedgroundwater?Existingpump&treat
systemsforpriorreleases?NearbywaterbodieswhichcouldbeimpactedbyAction(eitherduring
constructionoroperations.Ext'gstormwaterrunoff/retentionregime.Stormwaterdischarge
permit?SWPPP?BMPs?
Proposed:Groundwaterpumpingrequiredtoaccomplishsubsurfacework?Wherewouldwatergo?
ModificationstoSWpmtsreq'd?ProperSWcontrols,retention,infiltrationimbeddedindesign?
Groundswateringsetuptominimize(oreliminate)needforpotablewater?
3.7
WildlifeandHabitat
Existing:Describeext'gflaurasetting,residentortransientwildlife.Adjacencytosensitiveareasof
others?
Proposed:HowwouldtheseActionsimpacttheseresources?Wouldhabitatbedegradedor
improved?constructionimpactsvs.operationalimpacts.
3.8
Noise
Existing:describeext'gnoisesetting(urban,rural,airportflightpath)
Proposed:constructionnoisehoursofoperation,daysofweek,typesofequipment(w/rnoise),
specialactivities(ex.piledriving,waterblasting)?Operationalnoisevents,boilerblowdowns
3.9
Existing:Wetlandsdelineationdone?USACOEbuyin?CZMAapplicable?
Proposed:impactstowetlands?Stormwaterponds/wetlands?specialprovisionsw/rfloodplain
area?dredge/filloperations?Permits?Constructionvs.operations
3.10 Socioeconomics
Existing:describesocioeconomicsettingforsite.
Proposed:howmightconstructionoroperationsimpactsocioeconomics?Oftentherealityinlarger
populationcentersisconstructionsomewhat,operationsnotverymuch.Thatmaybequite
differentifVAisthebiggameinasmalltown.
Part4,Page8of22
30SEP10draft

3.11 CommunityServices
Existing:describefire,water,sewage,stormwater,police,schoolsmutualaidarrangements,VA
policevstowncops,ww/rtosettingasappropriate
Proposed:ProposedActionimposeanyadditionalrequirementsontheseCommunityservices?
Again,oftendependsuponrelativescaleofVAw/rtocommunity.
3.12 SolidandHazardousMaterials
Existing:asbestosPbpaintinbuildingsslatedfordemo?Surveyscompleted?Otherhazmatindemo
area?HWgeneratorstatusoffacility.Processes,andproceduresinplaceforoperationalwastesas
appropriate.
Proposed:Oftensignificantdifferencesindiscussionofpotentialimpactsofconstructionvsoperation
ofcompletedproposedAction.Constructionabatementplans/activities,wastehandlingplan,
segregationofdemomaterials,dispositionofgeneratedwastes,handlingofhazardousconstruction
materials(ex.fuelstorage.Operationschangesinwastegenerationrates/types;changein:HW
status,HW/medicalwastestorage/treatment;
3.13 TransportationandParking
Existing:ext'gsettingforaccess/egressofsite,adjacentpublicroadways,publictransportation
systems,trafficfloww/instation;trafficstudies?
Proposed:howtheseActionswouldimpactabove,improveordegrade?Needforchangesinpublic
roadways,transportation?Effortstoinitiatethesechanges?Proposedactionrequirenewentrances
/curbcuts?Interactionw/local,state,federalDOT?Permitsreq'd?
3.14 Utilities
Existing:Describeext'gserviceconnections(gas,water,sewer,electric,coms)andsuppliersas
appropriate.Layoutofsuchonsiteasappropriate.
Proposed:howtheproposedActionswouldimpactorrequiremodificationofabove.Often,atthe
veryleast,modificationofonsiteutilityservicesarerequiredtoservicesnew/renovatedfacilities.
Environmentalimpactstrenching/dewateringoperations?Significantchangeisservicelevels?New
ormodificationstopermits(ex.wastewater,water)req'd?
3.15 EnvironmentalJustice
Existing:relatestosocioeconomicsetting
Proposed:generallyrelatesmorecommonlytolandacquisitionactions,howevercanbeimpactedby
placementof"lessdesirable"elementsoffacilitysupportw/insite(i.e.noise,visual)
3.16 CumulativeImpacts
Existing:drivencommonlybygeneralsettingdescription
Proposed:HowwouldthisproposedAction(s)interactw/otherknownproposed(orunderway)
actionselsewhereonsiteorevenoffsite.Oftenrelatetotraffic,visual,etcimpacts.
3.17 PotentialforGeneratingSubstantialControversy
Existing:describegeneralsetting
Proposed:Generalknowledgeoflocalarea.Inputfrompublicingeneral,newspapers,public
meetings,focusgroups,professionalsocieties,localgovernment,etc.Often,donewell,VAprojects
areawelcomeaddition.Dependsentirelyonsetting,Actionitself,howpresented,howitwillbe
constructed,cumulativeimpacts,etc.
Part4,Page9of22
30SEP10draft
4.0
PUBLICINVOLVEMENT
Descriptionof(listasappropriate)ofpublicagenciescontactedaspartofthisevaluationeffort.
Descriptionofgeneralpublicinvolvement(meetings,publications,newspaperarticles,website
presentation)todate,andproposedyettooccur.
5.0
MITIGATION
6.0
CONCLUSIONS
7.0
LISTOFPREPARERS
8.0
REFERENCESCITED
9.0
LISTOFACRONYMSANDABBREVIATIONS
AppendixA
NativeAmericanTribesCorrespondence
AppendixB
AgencyCorrespondence
AppendixC ListOfEnvironmentalPermits/ModificationsRequired
LISTOFFIGURES
Figure1ProjectLocationMap
Figure2PreferredAlternatives
Figure3AlternativeParkingGarageLocations
Figure4100YearFloodplains
Figure5ExistingLandUse
Figure6SanitarySewerNetworkAreas
Part4,Page10of22
30SEP10draft
SampleNoticeofAvailability
NOTICEOFAVAILABILITY
DRAFTENVIRONMENTALASSESSMENT
U.S.DEPARTMENTOFVETERANSAFFAIRS
Polytrauma / Blind Rehabilitation Center / Parking Garage

Palo Alto Health Care System
VA Medical Center, Palo Alto, CA
TheDepartmentofVeteransAffairs(VA)announcesthepreparationandavailabilityofaDraft
EnvironmentalAssessment(DEA)fortheproposedconstructionassociatedwiththePolytrauma/
BlindRehabilitationCenterand600CarParkingGarage,locatedattheVAMedicalCenter,Palo
Alto,California.ThisprojectwilldemolishexistingBuildings48,4,23,54,andCWingofBldg.2;
constructanew165,000GSFPolytrauma/BlindRehabilitationCenter,anew600CarParking
Garage,andinstallnecessarysupportingutilitysystems.TheDEAhasbeenpreparedinaccordance
withtheregulationsforimplementingtheproceduralprovisionsoftheNationalEnvironmental
PolicyAct(NEPA),(PublicLaw91190,42USC43214347January1,1970),amendments,andVA's
ImplementingRegulations(38CFRPart26).VAintendstoissueaFindingofNoSignificant
Impact(FONSI)followingathirtydaycommentperiodinaccordancewiththeCouncilon
EnvironmentalQualityRegulationsforImplementingNEPA,Section1508.13providingthereareno
substantivecommentswhichwarrantfurtherevaluation.
Forfurtherinformationand/oracopyoftheDEApleasecontacttheDirector,DepartmentofVeterans
AffairsMedicalCenteratthefollowing:
DirectorElizabethJoyceFreeman
VAMedicalCenter,PaloAlto,CA
3801MirandaAve.
PaloAlto,California94304
Phone:(650)4935000
Part4,Page11of22
30SEP10draft
SampleFONSI
FINDINGOFNOSIGNIFICANTIMPACT
(FONSI)
JamesA.HaleyVeteransHospital
PolytraumaExpansion&BedTowerUpgrades
VA679900
Tampa,Florida
January2010
OfficeofConstructionandFacilities
Management,EasternRegionalDirector
Date
Director,VeteransAdministration Date
MedicalCenter,Tampa
Part4,Page12of22
30SEP10draft
BACKGROUND
The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposes several upgrades to the James A. Haley Veterans
Hospital (JAHVH), located in Tampa, Florida. The JAHVH facility suffers from a substantial deficiency
of space for its current functions. It is estimated that it currently has a shortfall of 770,550 gross square ft.
In addition, the VA recognizes that it must provide specialized care for military service members and
veterans who have sustained multiple and severe injuries.
To meet the project need as described above, the Polytrauma Expansion & Bed Tower Upgrade project
was developed and includes four phases: Phase 1 includes a new 1500-space parking garage; Phase 2
includes an expansion of the Polytrauma facility; Phase 3 includes a new therapy pool building; and
Phase 4 includes upgrades to the Bed Tower (Figure 1). An Environmental Assessment (EA) was
prepared and advertised for purposes of soliciting public input. The EA is provided here as part of this
combined EA/FONSI.
SUMMARYOFTHEPROPOSEDACTION
The locations of the preferred alternative for each phase are shown on Figure 1. The following describes
key elements and benefits of these preferred alternatives.
Phase 1 Parking Garage
This phase of the project includes a structured parking garage that would provide up to 1500 parking
spaces for patients, family, visitors, and staff. The garage would be built on a parcel 3.0 acres in size, the
majority of which is an existing stormwater pond, on the southwest corner of the JAHVH campus.
Phase 2 Polytrauma Addition
The Polytrauma Addition would be a new 56-bed, 156,000 square feet (sqf) hospital addition with two
proposed floors built onto an existing one-story 102-bed Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Center that was
designed in the late 1990s and built earlier this decade. The existing building would be occupied and fully
operational during construction on a 24/7 basis.
The Polytrauma Addition would be primarily for returning war veterans with serious physical and mental
injuries, many of which may have been suffered during bomb blasts, and for VA patients who are
undergoing physical rehabilitation treatment.
The exterior walls and structure of the existing one-story building are not planned to receive any
upgrades. The exterior enclosure walls of the new addition would be designed for hurricane impact
protection to a 120-mph base wind speed. These walls would have primarily 9-inch (in.) thick precast
panels around the patient room core areas and metal panel systems around the architectural feature areas.
Building areas proposed to have glass include the larger scaled window-walls of the public areas, and the
smaller windows of patient, office, and exam rooms.
Phase 3 Therapy Pool Building
The Therapy Pool building is an attached one-story structure that would be adjacent to both the SCI
Center and the Polytrauma Addition. It would provide expanded and enhanced therapy to veterans.
Part4,Page13of22
30SEP10draft
Phases 2 and 3 may be combined during construction as they are related spatially and functionally, as well
as through potential funding mechanisms.
Part4,Page14of22
30SEP10draft
SampleScopeofWork
SCOPEOFWORK
NEPAEnvironmentalAssessment
Project:
Location:
Contract#:
DeliveryOrder#:
Date:
VAProjectManagerNotes(deletefromSOWwhenaccomplished):
1.Sectionsinbolditalicsneedtobetailoredtothespecificproject.
2.Suggestedprojectspecificitemsareprovided.
3.Projecttimelineissuggested,butgenerallyrealistic.Reviseasappropriate.
4.Revisethemixofhardcopy/electronicfilesasappropriate.Suggestedmixisappropriate
formostcommonprojects.
5.Thepresumptionismadethat(forCFMProjects)CFMEnvironmentalManagerandVA's
HistoricPreservationOfficerhavealreadyhadthechancetodiscusssalientpointsofprojectand
presumptiveNEPA/environmentalconcernspriortocontractingforaNEPAEA.
6.Basedon#4above,itispresumedthatrequiredindividual,specificenvironmentalor
historicalstudies(ex.wetlandsdelineation,historicpreservationcompliance)areeithercompletedor
areunderwayconcurrently.
7.ThisDraftdocumentforuseprovidestechnicalSOWmaterialonly.Addappropriate
contractinglanguageorincorporatethisrevisedSOWintoa"mother"RFP.
I.GENERALSOWDESCRIPTION
ThepurposeofthisprojectistoprepareanNEPAEnvironmentalAssessmentoftheproposed
actiontoensuretheUSDepartmentofVeteransAffairs(VA)compliancewiththeregulationsset
forthbytheCouncilonEnvironmentalQualityprovisionsoftheNationalEnvironmentalPolicyAct
(NEPA),Title40CFRParts15001508;andVAImplementingRegulations,EnvironmentalEffectsof
VAActions,Title38CFR,Part26(51FR37182,Oct.20,1986).Particularattentionshouldbe
directedtotheenvironmentalassessmentdefinition..."aconcisepublicdocumentthatservesto:
brieflyprovidesufficientevidenceandanalysisfordeterminingwhethertopreparean
environmentalimpactstatementorafindingofnosignificantimpact"(NEPAPart1508.9).
If,duringfeeproposalpreparation,thecontractorfeelsthatthereisahighprobabilitythatidentified
investigationswillyieldinadequatedataorwillfailtomeetknownregulatoryrequirementstosupport
theproposedprojectschedule,arequestforscopeclarificationshouldbeinitiated.Ifthescope
Part4,Page15of22
30SEP10draft
clarificationdiscussiondoesnoteliminatetheseconcerns,unresolvedissuesshouldbeidentifiedbothin
thefeeproposalsubmissionandtothecontractingofficer.
II.PROJECTDESCRIPTIONFORENVIRONMENTALASSESSMENTDEVELOPMENT
A.GENERALBACKGROUND
Insertshort(severalsentences)descriptionofsite/facility/history.
Example:TheFt.RuckusVAfacilityconsistsofa120bed,800,000sqfthospitalwithattendant
supportingstructures/servicesprovidingafullrangeofacutemedical,surgical,cardiac,maternity,
neurological,rehabilitativeandpsychiatricinpatientcare,aswellasa48bedCommunityLiving
Center(CLC)withtheprimaryfocusonrestorativeservices.TheCenteremploysapproximately650
personnel..Itislocatedona22acrecampusinWestPodunk,SD.Thesiteisapproximately45%
developed.TheareasurroundingthecampusresidentialtotheNandE,StateHwy36totheW,and
downtownWestPodunktotheS.
B.PROPOSEDACTION
Insertshort(severalsentences)descriptionoftheProposedAction.
Example:TheVAisintendingtoconstructa90,000sqftbuildingforaMentalHealthRecoveryCenter
(MHRC)anda300car,3levelparkinggarage.
C.ALTERNATIVES
ThecontractorshallpayparticularattentiontohowalternativesarepresentedintheEA.Thecontractor
shallrefertotheexistingConceptPaperforthisproposedprojectwhenconsidering/evaluating
alternativesfortheEA.(Acopyofthisdocumentwillbeincludedwiththerequestforproposal.)
AlternativesnotconsistentwiththeproposedactionwillbeidentifiedintheEAandsufficientdiscussion
willbeprovidedastowhythesealternativesdonotmeettheestablishedcriteriaandarenotviable.
D.ALREADYIDENTIFIEDPOTENTIALCONCERNS
BasedupontheVA'scurrentandpriorexperiencewiththissite,itisanticipatedthatthefollowingareas
presentthepotentialforconcernw/rtoenvironmental,historical,orpublicinterest:
Insertabulletlist/shortdescriptionofpotentialconcernsspecifictothisproject/site.
Examples:
VAhasknowledgethat,asaUSArmyfacility,thisiswheretheUSColoredTroopstrainedafterthe
CivilWar;duringtheCW,itwasaUnioninductioncenter.
wetlandsaboundacrossthesouthernportionofthesite
Part4,Page16of22
30SEP10draft
severalofthesupportingfacilitystructuresare50+yearsold
III.SERVICESREQUIRED
A.GENERAL
ThiscontractisforthepreparationofanEnvironmentalAssessment(EA)documentinaccordancewith
Section102(2)(c)oftheNationalEnvironmentalPolicyActof1969,theCouncilonEnvironmental
Quality(CEQ)"RegulationforImplementingtheProceduralProvisionsoftheNationalEnvironmental
Act"40CFRPart1500andVARegulations,EnvironmentalEffectsofVAActions,Title38CFR,Part26(51
FR37182,Oct.20,1986).
Contractorsubmittedproductsshallbereviewedforgovernmentrequirementsandcriteriacompliance.
TheContractoratnoadditionalcosttothegovernmentshallcorrecterrorsand/ordeficienciesresulting
fromtheContractor'sperformance.
If,duringthecourseofcompilingtheNEPAEA,itbecomesapparentthatspecialtyinvestigation,
sampling,orotherstudyeffortsarerequiredtoprovideadequateinputintotheevaluationordesign
process,thecontractorshallbringthesetotheattentionoftheProjectManagerasearlyaspossible.
Executionofanyoftheseadditionaleffortsmaybeaccomplishedthroughrevisionstothiscontract,or
byothermeansbyothers.
If,duringthecourseofcompilingthisNEPAEA,itbecomesapparentthatissuingaFONSIisnotthe
appropriateconclusiontotheseefforts,continuationintoanEnvironmentalImpactStatement(EIS)will
berequired.ExecutionofanyoftheseadditionalEISeffortsmaybeaccomplishedthroughrevisionsto
thiscontract,orbyothermeans.
Task1PREPAREENVIRONMENTALASSESSMENT:ThecontractorwillberequiredtoprepareanEAfor
theproposedproject.Thecontractorwillberequiredtoidentify/discussalternativesotherthantheNo
ActionandPreferredAlternative.AspartoftheEAdevelopment,thecontractorshallprovidemitigation
andbestmanagementpracticesrecommendationsforeachalternative.TheEAshallbeaconcise
analyticaldocument.Relevantandsignificantissuesshallserveasthebasisforalternativecomparison
andevaluation.Tosharpentheissuesandprovideabasisforchoice,thepresentationofdatainmatrix
formatisdesired.Datamatrixesshouldcomplimenttextdiscussions.Ataminimum,amatrixofeach
alternativesenvironmentalimpactsshouldbepresentedintheEAexecutivesummaryandalternatives
section.Issuesoflittleornorelevanceshouldbeconciselystatedassuch;issuesthatareofimportance
willrequirediscussionuptothelevelnecessarytoprovideabaselineforimpactanalysisinthe
environmentalconsequencessectionandcumulativeimpactssection.Itisassumedthatthereview,
draft,andfinalsubmittalswillbeprofessionallyeditedandthatallinformationpresentedinlayman's
languagewithlimitedtechnicalterminology.Statisticalorscientificterminologyshouldnotbeused
withoutprovidingexplanatoryinformation.Aglossaryoftermsorexplanationsmustbeprovided.
Task2ENVIRONMENTALPERMITTINGIDENTIFICATION:Thecontractoristoidentifyallrequired
environmentalpermitsorotheragreementswhichwouldneedtobeobtainedinordertocompletethe
proposedactionatthefederal,state,andlocallevel.Exampleenvironmentalpermitmediumstobe
consideredinclude,butarenotlimitedto:airemission,wastewater,stormwater,UST,AST,CZMA,
Part4,Page17of22
30SEP10draft
asbestosand/orLBPremoval,hazardouswaste,C&Dwaste,historicstructures,archeology.Whilethe
contractorisnotbeingrequestedtoobtainsuchidentifiedpermitsunderthisSOW,theymustbelisted
inanappendixw/intheEA.Thislisting,intabularform,shallalsoidentifykeyrequirementsandstatus
ofeachpermit,forbothconstructionandoperation(ifdifferent).Thislistingshallalsoidentifyexisting
facilityenvironmentalpermitswhichwillrequiremodificationtoincorporatetheproposedaction.
Task3PUBLICINFORMATION/PARTICIPATION
NEPArequirespublicinformationandsolicitationofinputintotheprocess.Thecontractorshallprovide
VAwiththefollowing:
Task3aThecontractorshallprepareaNoticeofAvailabilityoftheDraftEnvironmentalAssessment.
Thecontractorwillprepareadraftandfinalversionofthisnotice.Onceapproved,thecontractorwill
publishthisnoticeintheappropriatelocalnewspaper(s)indicatedbelow.Thecontractorshallarrange
forthenoticetorunforthreeconsecutivedaysoneofwhichshallbeaSunday.Thespecificnewspapers
shallbeapprovedbytheProjectManager.
InsertSpecificNewspapersHere
Task3bThecontractorwillberequiredtoprovidesupportforthepotentialPublicInformation
Meeting.Thecontractorwillprepareapublicinformationbulletin(asingle,maximumtwosided81/2x
11sheet)fortheVAtodistributetointerestedparties,eitherasrequestedindividuallyoratapublic
meeting.Thecontractorwillprepareadraftandfinalversionofthisbulletin.
Task3cIntheeventofsufficientpublicinterest,thiscontractwillbemodifiedtorequirethecontractor
toprovidepublicinformationmeetingsupport.
Task4FINDINGOFNOSIGNIFICANTIMPACT(FONSI):Thecontractorshallprepareandsubmitadraft
FONSIfortheproposedactiontotheVAaccordingtotheprojectschedule.TheFONSIshallbriefly
summarizetheVAsaction,considerationsofthealternatives,decisionforimplementingtheproposed
actionincludinganymitigationthatwillberequired.PresumingminorornocommentstoDraftEA,this
FONSIshallbeincorporatedintotheFinalEAalongwiththecommentsandresponses(asanadditional
Appendix).
B.FIELDWORKANDCOORDINATION
1.Inaccordancewiththeaboveprovisions,thecontractorshallconductgeneralsiteinvestigationsand
assessmentsforeachviablealternativeandissueofconcern.TheVAwillprovideallavailable
appropriatedataforthepreparationoftheEA.AlthoughtheVAbelievesthereisagreatdealofexisting
informationavailablefromtheVA,otherpublicresources,orInternet,itisstronglyrecommendedthat
thecontractorevaluateavailableexistinginformationpriortofeesubmittal.Anyproposedstudyplans
insupportoftheNEPAEAshouldbecoordinatedwith,andunderstood,bytheProjectManager,Facility
POC,CFMEnvironmental,andContractingOfficerpriortocontractnegotiation.Thecontractorshall
advisetheProjectManagerofanyadditionalrequiredregulatoryagencycoordinationor
correspondenceandshallsummarizethisinformationwithintheEA.Thecontractorshouldanticipatea
minimumofthree(3)sitevisitsoverthedurationoftheproject.
Part4,Page18of22
30SEP10draft
2.ItwilllikelybenecessarytocontactadditionalVApersonnelandcontractors,alongwiththe
appropriatefederal,stateandlocalagenciesororganizationstocollectrelevantdata.Thesecontacts
shallbecoordinatedwiththeProjectManager.ContactsshalloccurearlyintheEA'sdevelopmentto
identifylocalorregionalmanagementplansandconcerns,applicableregulationsorpermitting
requirements,andexistingdatabases/studies.WithintheEA,alistingofagenciesand/orpersons
contactedshallbeincluded.
C.GOVERNMENTFURNISHEDINFORMATION
ForpurposesofEApreparation,thefollowinginformation/documentswillbemadeavailable.
HardcopydocumentsshallbereturnedtotheGovernmentuponprojectcompletionunlesstheywere
identifiedascopiesnottobereturned.
INSERTLISTINGOFKNOWNAVAILABLEDATA,ENVIRONMENTALANDPROJECT
Examplesinclude:
ConceptPaper
SchematicDesigns
PhaseIArcheologySurveyReport
Proposedprojectsiteplan
HistoricSiteplan(s)
FacilityEMS,existingpermits
D.DELIVERABLEFORMATS
Alldocuments,mapsandillustrationsmustbeofhighqualityandeasilyreproducibleonstandardor
colorcopiers..Hardcopydraftdocumentswillbesinglesidedandthefinaldocumentswillbetwo
sided,singlespaced,on81/2"by11"paperinmanuscriptformat,withstandardoutlinespacing.Maps
identifyingthelocationoftheprojectwillbeincludedwithinthedocumentandmaybeusedalongwith
tables,figuresandillustrationsthroughoutthedocumenttomoreefficientlydisplayprojectrelated
information.Foldoutpagesshouldbeavoided.Ifthesearenecessary,theywillbenolargerthan11"
by17"andhavethesamedesignasthe81/2"by11"graphpagesandwillbeapprovedbythe
governmentbeforedocumentpreparation.Allpagesofthedocumentswillbeappropriatelynumbered
andinsertedintoa3ringbinder.
Alldeliverabledocumentsandmaps,charts,etc.willalsobedeliveredinelectronicformat,Microsoft
OfficeWordandinjpegformats.Filesmustbedeliveredinelectronicformatsthatcanberevisedor
updatedbythegovernment.DocumentsdestinedforwiderdistributionshallalsobedeliveredinAdobe
Acrobatformat.
E.EATEXTPREPARATION
ThegeneralformatfortheEAdocumentshallbeasfollows:
ExecutiveSummary
TOC
Part4,Page19of22
30SEP10draft

Introductionwhichincludes:descriptionofexistingfacility/siteandthePurposeandNeedfor
theAction
ProposedActionandAlternatives
AffectedEnvironmentandEnvironmentalConsequencesoftheAlternatives
MitigativeMeasures
Conclusions
ListofPreparers
Publiccommentandresponses
Agenciesconsulted,dataresources
Listing/descriptionofrequiredpermitstocompleteaction
TheEAmustaddressthefollowingpotentiallyaffectedenvironmentaltopics:
Aesthetics
AirQuality
CulturalResources
GeologyandSoils
WildlifeandHabitat
Noise
LandUse
Socioeconomics
CommunityServices
SolidandHazardousMaterials
TransportationandParking
Utilities
EnvironmentalJustice
CumulativeImpacts
PotentialforGeneratingSubstantialControversy
CumulativeImpacts
Thetextshallbeprofessionallyeditedforgrammar,spellingandpunctuation.Itwillbeimportanttoall
interestedpartiesthatthedocumentpresentsplainandstraightforwarddiscussionsunderstandablein
layman'sterms.
IV.KEYMEETINGSANDSUBMISSIONS
A.KICKOFFMEETING:ThecontractorshallattendaKickOffmeetingtobeheldatXXXXXXXXwithin
15daysfollowingcontractaward,orasdirectedbyProjectManager.Theintentofthemeetingshallbe
tointroducekeyVAandcontractpersonnel,initiateaprojectdistributionlistandclarifyanyother
projectrelateditemsorconcerns.ThecontractorwillberequiredtoprovideawrittenEATOCand
outlineatthismeetingthatwillserveasthetemplateforthedocumentproduction.
B.SUBMITTALINTERNALREVIEWENVIRONMENTALASSESSMENT:Thecontractorshallpreparean
internalreviewEAthatisclear,concise,andtothepoint.Thecontractorisencouragedtoforward
Part4,Page20of22
30SEP10draft
selectedsectionsoftheEAasitprogressesforreviewandcommentifthereispotentialcausefor
concernorconfusionwithrespecttomethodofpresentation,dataaccuracy,orcontroversy.
TheGovernmentreviewoftheinternalreviewenvironmentalassessmentsubmittalwillfocuson
ensuringthatthedocumentmeetsVArequirements.Thecontractormayberequiredto:modifyand/or
considernewalternativeswithintheparametersoftheproposedaction;conductminorinvestigations
toadequatelyaddressissuesand/oralternativesoverlooked;supplement,improveormodifyprevious
analysestoconsiderimpactofchanges;ormakefactualcorrections.OncetheVAhasreviewedand
commentedonthissubmission,thecontractorshallrevisetheEAtoreflectthesecomments.
C.SUBMITTALDRAFTENVIRONMENTALASSESSMENT:BasedonthecommentsontheInternal
ReviewEA,thecontractorshallpreparetheDraftEAforVAfinalreview.ThepurposeofthisDraftEAis
tofacilitateexternalreview.PresumingnofinalcommentsbyVA,itisreadyforpublicreleasefor
reviewandcomment.
D.SUBMITTALDRAFTFONSI:ThecontractorshallprepareadraftFONSIforreviewbyVA.
E.SUBMITTALDRAFTNOTICEOFAVAILABILITY:ThecontractorshallprepareadraftNoticeof
AvailabilityofthedraftEAtopublishinthelocalnewspapersspecified.
F.SUBMITTALNOTICEOFAVAILABILITY:ThecontractorshallrevisetheNOAandarrangefor
publicationoftheNoticeofAvailabilityofthedraftEAinthenewspapersindicatedbelow.TheNOA
shallbeadvertisedfor3consecutivedays.Thecontractorshallprovide(anoriginal)proofofpublication
fromthespecifiednewspapers.Acopyofthenewspaperisnotconsideredproofofpublication.
Insertappropriatelocalnewspaper(s)here
G.SUBMITTALFINALEA:Thecontractorshallpreparewrittenresponsestoanypubliccomments
receivedandforwardtoVAforreviewandapproval.Presumingthesecomments/responsesareminor
innature,theyshallbeincorporatedintotheDraftEA,alongwiththeVAapprovedFONSIandpublished
astheFinalEA.
H.PROGRESSREPORTSREQUIRED:ThecontractorwillsubmittoXXXprogressreportseverytwo
weeks.Progressreportscanbesubmittedviaemail.Theformatofthereportislefttothediscretionof
thecontractor.However,eachreportshallincludethefollowing:
Meetingminutes
PhoneContactSummaries
Schedulemilestonestoincludeananticipatedslippage
Percentcompleteonvarioustasks
Problemstoberesolved
AdditionalVAinputrequested/desiredandresponsibleindividualbyname
Otherpointsofinterest.
Part4,Page21of22
30SEP10draft
VI.EADOCUMENTDISTRIBUTION
DOCUMENT
NUMBERPUBLICATION DISTRIBUTION

(asnecessary)
InternalReviewEA
2paper
No
A,B
Electronicfile
A,B,C
DraftEA(forpubliccomment)
2paper No
A,B
ElectronicFile
A,B,C
FinalEA
4paper
No
A(2),B(2)
5*cds
A(2),B(2),C(1)
Correspondence
*ElectroniccopyfilesonCD/DVDmediashallbeinAdobeAcrobatfileformatsthatcannotbealtered
Distributionnotes:
A=ProjectManager
B=FacilityPOC
C=CFMEnvironmental
D=LocalNewspaper
Part4,Page22of22
30SEP10draft

Nep A Guidance

Diunggah oleh

Informasi Dokumen

Judul Asli

Hak Cipta

Format Tersedia

Bagikan dokumen Ini

Bagikan atau Tanam Dokumen

Opsi Berbagi

Apakah menurut Anda dokumen ini bermanfaat?

Apakah konten ini tidak pantas?

Hak Cipta:

Format Tersedia

Nep A Guidance

Diunggah oleh

Hak Cipta:

Format Tersedia

Offiice of Consstruction and Facilities

The NEPA process starts by defining the purpose and

Step4:If theproposedactionrequiresmorethansimple permitsorapprovalsunderotherfederalor

Operation and Maintenance Activities

Level of NEPA Analysis:

Other Environmental Permits/Analysis Needed:

I find the proposed project qualifies as a CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION with no extraordinary

Operation and Maintenance Activities

Level of NEPA Analysis:

Other Environmental Permits/Analysis Needed:

I find the proposed project qualifies as a CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION with no extraordinary

Approved by: _____________________________ GEMS

VA projects and other actions must be consistent

During review of a categorically excluded

Thomas W. Moran, P.E.

Polytrauma / Blind Rehabilitation Center / Parking Garage

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