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Photo courtesy US Fish and Wildlife |
If you are preparing an environmental document for WSDOT, you are familiar with the term "cumulative effects". You also know there is a lack of agreement on how and when to evaluate such effects.
Our guidance is available to help you:
What kind of assistance can I find here?
WSDOT, FHWA-Washington Division and EPA Region 10 have agreed on an approach that will help you prepare an adequate analysis tailored to your specific project. This new guidance lays out a framework that is comprehensive and flexible. This guidance should be used in concert with the Environmental Procedures Manual. Chapter 412 gives additional information on both indirect and cumulative effects as well as reference to applicable laws, policy and technical guidance.
We suggest also referring to CEQ's "Considering Cumulative Effects Under the National Environmental Policy Act" and their 2005 memo entitled "Guidance on the Consideration of Past Actions in Cumulative Effects Analysis". Our guidance is aligned with the CEQ guidance.
Why the focus on cumulative effects?
Cumulative effects analysis is the most misunderstood part of the environmental review process. Without clear guidance, we have experienced conflict with reviewing agencies that has delayed our projects. Indirect effects are also challenging, however they have a closer tie to the proposed project. If you need guidance on indirect effects, please check Chapter 412 of the Environmental Procedures manual.
What if the guidance doesn't answer all my questions?
Cumulative effects is a complicated subject. We realized when we issued the guidance that we could not answer everyone's questions. So we created some frequently asked questions to help. Please let us know if you have other questions you would like addressed.