U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers
New Orleans District
P.O. Box 60267
New Orleans, LA 70160

For more information, contact:

Ricky Boyett
(504) 862-1524
ricky.d.boyett@usace.army.mil

What is the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)?


The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) requires all federal agencies to analyze the environmental effects associated with all major federal actions. NEPA assures that environmental factors are considered equally with the technical and engineering components of a decision. NEPA requires federal agencies to identify all potential environmental effects and to specifically point out any adverse effects that cannot be avoided and to evaluate alternatives to the proposed action.

NEPA is a "full disclosure" law with provisions for public access to and full participation in the federal decision-making process. The Act's intent is to protect, restore, or enhance the environment through well-informed federal decisions.

There will be two major NEPA compliance documents associated with this action:

  • An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) analyzes significant environmental and socioeconomic impacts.
  • A Record of Decision (ROD) documents the final decision on the proposed action and specifies any needed mitigation measures and monitoring programs based on the information presented in the EIS.

What is an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)?

An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is a summary of a detailed analysis of the environmental effects of a proposed action and its alternatives. It also includes an extensive public involvement process. The potential for significant environmental effects or high public interest associated with a proposed action is usually the basis for preparing an EIS.

An EIS analyzes the effects of the proposed action not only on natural resources, such as water, air, and wildlife, but also on cultural resources, land use, recreation, aesthetics, and the socioeconomic environment. It describes the baseline conditions of the affected environment against which effects are evaluated and then identifies potential consequences and appropriate mitigation (methods to lessen negative impacts).

The public is given formal opportunity to comment on the Draft EIS and to review the Final EIS. Following completion of an EIS, a decision on the proposed action is documented with a Record of Decision (ROD).

 

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