Environmental Impact Assessment Flashcards

Which federal permit is typically required before conducting hydrographic surveys that involve discharge of any pollutant into US waters?

Answer: NPDES permit

The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit under the Clean Water Act governs discharges of pollutants into US waters.

Cumulative impact analysis in an EIA examines:

Answer: The combined effects of the proposed action with other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable actions

Cumulative impacts assess how the proposed action combines with other activities to affect the environment over time and space.

A hydrographer discovers unexploded ordnance (UXO) on the seafloor during an EIA baseline survey. The first priority action should be to:

Answer: Immediately notify authorities and halt survey operations in the area

UXO discovery requires immediate notification of relevant authorities and cessation of operations in the area for safety and legal compliance.

Which baseline data type is most relevant for assessing hydrographic survey impacts on submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV)?

Answer: Light attenuation and water clarity measurements

SAV growth depends on light availability; turbidity and light attenuation data establish baseline conditions and predict survey-related impacts.

The Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) defines 'harassment' in the context of acoustic surveys as causing:

Answer: A significant disruption of normal behavioral patterns

Level B harassment under the MMPA includes acts that have the potential to disturb a marine mammal by disrupting its normal behavioral patterns.

When assessing turbidity impacts from survey vessel operations in estuaries, which tidal condition typically produces the highest sediment resuspension risk?

Answer: Maximum ebb or flood tidal current

Maximum tidal current velocities during peak ebb or flood create the greatest bottom shear stress, increasing sediment resuspension.

Which EIA document tier follows an EA when significant impacts ARE identified?

Answer: Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

If an EA reveals potentially significant impacts, a full Environmental Impact Statement must be prepared instead of issuing a FONSI.