Environmental Impact Assessment Flashcards

Under NEPA, which document is required when a federal action may significantly affect the quality of the human environment?

Answer: Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

An EIS is required under NEPA when a proposed federal action may significantly affect the human environment.

Which hydrographic survey activity most commonly requires an EIA due to potential seabed disturbance?

Answer: Anchor placement for survey vessels

Anchor placement physically disturbs the seabed and benthic habitats, commonly triggering EIA requirements.

What is the primary purpose of a 'scoping' process in an EIA?

Answer: To identify significant issues and alternatives early in the process

Scoping identifies the range of actions, alternatives, and impacts to be analyzed in the EIS before detailed study begins.

When conducting hydrographic surveys in a designated Critical Habitat under the Endangered Species Act, which agency must be consulted?

Answer: NOAA Fisheries or USFWS

Section 7 of the ESA requires consultation with NOAA Fisheries (marine species) or USFWS (terrestrial/freshwater species) for actions in Critical Habitat.

Which parameter is most critical to assess when evaluating acoustic impacts of multibeam sonar on marine mammals?

Answer: Source level and frequency range of the sonar

Source level and frequency determine whether acoustic energy overlaps with marine mammal hearing ranges and exceeds injury thresholds.

A 'no-action alternative' in an EIS represents:

Answer: The baseline against which proposed action impacts are compared

The no-action alternative describes what would happen if the project is not implemented, serving as the environmental baseline.

Which type of impact is characterized by effects that occur away from the project site due to project activities?

Answer: Indirect impact

Indirect impacts are caused by the action but occur later in time or farther in distance from the project site.