DEQ Environmental Impact Assessment

Question 1

Under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), what document is prepared for federal actions with potentially significant environmental impacts?

Accepted Answer

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

Answer

Environmental Site Assessment (ESA)

Answer

Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC)

Answer

Programmatic Environmental Review (PER)

Question 2

What is an Environmental Assessment (EA) under NEPA and how does it differ from an EIS?

Accepted Answer

An EA is a shorter, preliminary document used to determine whether an EIS is required, while an EIS is a full analysis of significant impacts

Answer

An EA is required for all federal actions, while an EIS is only required for private projects

Answer

An EA takes longer to complete than an EIS because it involves more public participation

Answer

An EA is prepared by the project applicant, while an EIS is always prepared by the lead federal agency

Question 3

What is a 'categorical exclusion' (CE) under NEPA?

Accepted Answer

A category of actions that a federal agency has determined typically have no significant environmental impact and therefore do not require an EA or EIS

Answer

An exemption from all environmental review for projects located on federal lands

Answer

A special permit allowing federal agencies to waive environmental review during declared national emergencies

Answer

A provision allowing states to exclude certain project types from their state environmental review processes

Question 4

What is the 'scoping' process in NEPA environmental review?

Accepted Answer

An early public process used to identify the range of issues, alternatives, and impacts to be analyzed in the EIS

Answer

The final step in the EIS process where the agency selects its preferred alternative

Answer

The internal agency review of the EIS before it is released for public comment

Answer

The scientific assessment of baseline environmental conditions at a project site

Question 5

What does NEPA require agencies to analyze regarding 'alternatives' to a proposed action?

Accepted Answer

A reasonable range of alternatives including the no-action alternative, the preferred alternative, and other feasible alternatives

Answer

Only the proposed action and a no-action alternative are required

Answer

All theoretically possible alternatives regardless of feasibility or practicality

Answer

Only alternatives that would result in zero environmental impact

Question 6

What is the public comment period for a Draft EIS under NEPA regulations?

Accepted Answer

45 days

Answer

15 days

Answer

30 days

Answer

60 days