CES Environmental Impact Assessment 2

Question 1

What is the purpose of a 'scoping' process in EIS preparation?

Accepted Answer

To identify the significant issues and range of alternatives to be addressed in the EIS

Answer

Scoping is an early, open process that identifies the significant environmental issues, defines the scope of analysis, and determines which alternatives and impacts the EIS should address, often involving public input.

Question 2

What is a Record of Decision (ROD) in the NEPA process?

Accepted Answer

The final document stating the agency's decision, the alternatives considered, and the mitigation measures adopted

Answer

The ROD is issued after the final EIS and documents the agency's decision: which alternative was selected, why, what mitigation measures will be adopted, and how the agency addressed environmental concerns.

Question 3

What is environmental mitigation in the context of impact assessment?

Accepted Answer

Measures taken to avoid, minimize, rectify, reduce, or compensate for adverse environmental impacts

Answer

Mitigation encompasses a hierarchy of approaches: avoiding impacts, minimizing them, rectifying damage, reducing impacts over time, and compensating for unavoidable impacts through replacement or substitution.

Question 4

What is a 'baseline study' in environmental impact assessment?

Accepted Answer

An inventory of existing environmental conditions before a proposed project begins

Answer

A baseline study documents existing environmental conditions (air quality, water quality, wildlife, noise levels, etc.) in the project area before any action begins, providing the reference point against which impacts are measured.

Question 5

Under NEPA, what triggers the requirement to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement?

Accepted Answer

A proposed major federal action that may significantly affect the quality of the human environment

Answer

NEPA requires an EIS for major federal actions significantly affecting the human environment. 'Federal action' includes projects requiring federal permits, funding, or approval, not just projects directly undertaken by federal agencies.

(CES) Certified Environmental Scientist Practice Test

(CES) Certified Environmental Scientist Practice Test

CES Environmental Impact Assessment 2