Understanding NEPA Environmental Assessments in Engineering Projects
Written By: Anna Beckman
Post Date: 12-29-2024
Understanding NEPA Environmental Assessments in
Engineering Projects
When initiating community infrastructure projects, especially those involving significant land use or infrastructure development, it’s crucial to consider the impacts the project may have on the environment. If a project has any federal involvement, such as funding or permitting, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires an environmental assessment for the project. Enacted in 1970, NEPA requires federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of their proposed actions prior to making land use or infrastructure development decisions.
Enacted in 1970, NEPA requires federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of their proposed actions prior to making land use or infrastructure development decisions.
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You might be surprised to know that a great deal of infrastructure or community improvement projects conducted throughout our communities have some type of federal involvement. Grants such as Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) or Clean Water Fund Program (CWFP) are issued using federal dollars, and any permitted wetland or waterway impacts are covered under the jurisdiction of the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Even state-administered road projects often have a federal funding component. Many states require similar environmental considerations of projects without federal funding. Often those considerations mirror NEPA components. Here is a closer look at how NEPA environmental assessments support engineering projects.
What is NEPA?
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is a cornerstone of environmental protection in the United States. Its primary goal is to ensure that all branches of government give proper consideration to the environment before undertaking any major federal action that significantly affects the environment.
Importance of NEPA in Engineering Projects
- Informed Decision-Making: NEPA environmental assessments provide a structured
process for evaluating environmental impacts, ensuring that
decision-makers are well-informed.
- Provides Evidence and Analysis: It includes evidence and analysis to determine
whether any potential environmental impact of a proposed action is
significant.
- Public Participation: The public is involved through public information
meetings and other public outreach methods during the planning and design
process. By involving the public, the NEPA process can help build community trust and address local concerns.
- Sustainable Development: Sustainability in this context involves identifying
potential environmental impacts and exploring alternatives that minimize
harm to promote sustainable development.
Steps in the NEPA EA Process
While each project, and each lead agency administering the
project, may have slightly different requirements, they all follow the same
general process:
- Define the Project Purpose and Need: The process begins when a community,
agency, or private entity proposes a project that has a federal component.
You’ll need to articulate why the proposed action is necessary (need) and
what it aims to achieve (purpose). For example, a community may propose to
construct a new bicycle/pedestrian trail. The purpose of the project may
be to provide multi-modal users with a safe method of transportation
through the community. The need of the project may be due to a lack of
existing off-road facilities or a history of incidents involving
pedestrians along the roadway.
- Scoping of Environmental Issues: This involves identifying the key issues and
concerns that should be addressed in the environmental assessment.
- Develop Potential Alternatives: Any number of alternatives may be developed
through this project which could be considered to meet the purpose and
need of the project.
- Describe the Affected Environment: This involves an assessment of what types of
environmental factors or resources could be affected by the proposed
action.
- Analyze Environmental Impacts: Assess the potential environmental impacts of
each alternative. This includes direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts.
This could include an evaluation of resources such as wetlands and
waterways, cultural resources, threatened or endangered resources,
hazardous materials. Notifications may also be required to agencies such
as USACE or Tribal entities.
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Potential impacts to resources like wetlands, waterways, cultural resources such as burial sites or historic properties, threatened or endangered resources and identification of hazardous materials are identified.
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- Mitigation Measures: This step will determine any measures that could be utilized
to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse environmental impacts.
- Public Involvement: Engage the public through notices, meetings, and comment
periods to gather input and address concerns.
- Prepare the Environmental Assessment: Compile the findings into a
comprehensive document that summarizes the above components.
- Final EA and Decision: After considering public comments and the assessment
completed above, a determination will be made regarding environmental
impacts of the project. Most often, the assessment will conclude that the
project will not have significant environmental impacts, and a Finding of
No Significant Impact (FONSI) is issued. If significant impacts are
identified, an EIS is required.
Conclusion
NEPA environmental assessments are a critical component of engineering projects, ensuring that environmental impacts are carefully considered and mitigated. By fostering informed decision-making and public participation, NEPA helps balance development needs with environmental protection, promoting sustainable and responsible engineering practices.
However, projects often involve complex environmental considerations that require thorough analysis. Effective collaboration between engineers and environmental specialists is crucial for the success of projects requiring NEPA environmental assessments.
Cedar Corporation’s engineers and environmental professionals can help guide you through the environmental review and assessment process to ensure compliance with NEPA. We have experience with environmental assessments for a variety of projects and clients including sanitary districts, road and bridge improvements, industrial expansion, and other community development projects.
Contact Us
If you want to learn more about potential NEPA requirements for your project, contact Anna Beckman, Professional Geologist at anna.beckman@cedarcorp.com or Dan O’Connell, Director of Environmental Services at dan.oconnell@cedarcorp.com.
