|
 |
| NEPA Process Flow Chart - click image to enlarge. |
An Environmental Assessment (EA) is prepared when the impact of a proposed project on the environment is not clearly understood. The EA describes the extent and level of environmental impact. The document will either support a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) or indicate that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is warranted.
The information on this page is designed for a technical audience.
Chapter 400 of the Environmental Procedures Manual (EPM) describes policies that must be considered when completing an EA.
Pre-Scoping
Document Impacts
Document Review and Inviting Comments
Adopting NEPA Documents Under SEPA Rules
As a matter of practice, Project Teams should complete the NEPA and SEPA environmental review process simultaneously in a single document. When a NEPA document is completed without considering SEPA, that NEPA EA/EIS can be adopted using the form found in WAC 197-11-965 . The form/determination notice is signed according to agency SEPA delegations: the ESO Director signs an EIS/EA, the Region/Mode Environmental Manager signs a DNS.
Document Basics
EA Resources