Environmental Impact Assessment Flashcards
6 cards from real DEQ practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Environmental Impact Assessment flashcards as text
What is the 'Record of Decision' (ROD) in the NEPA process?
Answer: A public document in which a federal agency states what decision was made, the alternatives considered, and what mitigation will be implemented
The ROD is the final NEPA decision document that identifies the selected alternative, explains the agency's rationale, and commits to specific mitigation measures, making the decision publicly accountable.
What is 'environmental justice' (EJ) and how does it factor into DEQ environmental review processes?
Answer: The principle that no group of people should bear a disproportionate share of negative environmental consequences, requiring DEQ to consider impacts on low-income and minority communities
Environmental justice requires that DEQ consider whether a proposed project would disproportionately burden low-income, minority, or tribal communities already facing elevated environmental and health risks.
Under NEPA, what is a 'programmatic EIS' and when is it used?
Answer: A broad environmental review of a program, plan, or policy that establishes the framework for future site-specific decisions
A programmatic EIS analyzes the broad environmental consequences of a program or policy, with tiered site-specific reviews conducted later that can rely on and reference the programmatic analysis.
What is 'Section 7 consultation' under the Endangered Species Act and how does it intersect with environmental impact assessment?
Answer: A requirement for federal agencies to consult with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or NOAA Fisheries to ensure their actions do not jeopardize listed species or destroy critical habitat
Section 7 requires federal agencies to consult with USFWS or NMFS for any federal action that may affect listed species, often conducted concurrently with NEPA review to identify potential conflicts early.
What is the 'hard look' doctrine in the context of judicial review of environmental impact assessments?
Answer: A judicial standard requiring courts to take a hard look at the agency's environmental analysis to ensure it was reasonable and not arbitrary or capricious
The 'hard look' doctrine requires courts to carefully examine whether an agency's environmental analysis under NEPA was thorough, rational, and considered all relevant factors before reaching its conclusion.
What triggers the requirement for a Clean Water Act Section 404 permit from the Army Corps of Engineers?
Answer: The discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States, including wetlands
Section 404 permits are required for discharging dredged or fill material into waters of the United States, including wetlands, and are a key environmental review requirement for projects affecting aquatic resources.