Making sure that a project has completed all the necessary environmental procedures is a challenge. Chapter 400 of the Environmental Procedures Manual (EPM) describes the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), and explain other environmental policy.

The information on this page is designed for a technical audience.

• CE Programmatic Agreement with FHWA (pdf 118 kb) (3/13/13)
• FTA adopts new rule defining CE/DCE projects - 23 CFR 771.117 replaced by 23 CFR 771.118.  The PowerPoint presentation describes changes. FTA CE Guidance webinar provides training regarding their new CEs, including an extensive Q&A session. (2/12/2013) 
• FHWA and FTA have issued a joint final rule to revise emergency CEs under 23 CFR 771.117 (c) (9).  FTA Emergency CEs (pdf 58 kb). (2/19/13)
• EIS process change:  MAP-21 Section 1319 interim guidance allows combining the ROD and the FEIS.(10/1/2012)
• The DEIS and FEIS must be submitted electronically to EPA for the NOA.  EPA's guidance for electronic filing (pdf 247 kb) includes strict formatting requirements.  Documents must be submitted through FHWA, contact Sharon Love. (10/1/2012)

Scope your Project

During the Project Scoping phase, WSDOT staff define projects by entering information into the WSDOT Project Summary Database. This process defines the purpose and need for the project, identifies and evaluates alternatives, and documents the overall scope and cost of the project. This information allows WSDOT and the legislature to prioritize projects for funding.

For scoping permits, go to the Federal, State, and Local Permits web pages. 

Documenting Environmental Impacts

Each category of NEPA and SEPA has its own compliance path.  The links below detail how to assess impacts, ensure document quality, and comply with procedural requirements.  

Process Guidance

• ECS/SEPA Checklist ShareDot database - This database allows WSDOT staff to complete SEPA documents and NEPA CEs and DCEs. This page is available to WSDOT employees only and can be accessed from the WSDOT Intranet Environment page.
• EA Process -- this web page gives step by step guidance for writing an EA form Project Initiation to FONSI.
• EIS Process -- this web page gives step by step guidance for writing an EIS from Project Initiation to ROD.
• SEPA Process -- this web page gives step by step guidance for state environmental documentation procedures.
• Environmental Document Distribution Table (pdf 31 kb)- table listing the required number and type of copies for distribution.

Assess Impacts

• Discipline Report Guidance - this web page provides guidance for determining when discipline reports are needed, how to write documents, templates, and checklists.
• Discipline Report Specialist List (pdf 60 kb) - lists contact names for the various disciplines.
• The Coordination Plan (pdf 586 kb) describes the NEPA process for scoping project impacts with agencies, tribes, and the public. 
• QA Framework (pdf 2.15 mb) -- design quality into your process.
• Comment Form Analysis (pdf 554 kb) - describes common comments we have received on agency NEPA documents.  An Executive Summary Text (pdf 207 kb) and Executive Summary Table (pdf 310 kb) are available. 
• FHWA Tip Sheet of Common Issues with NEPA Documents (pdf 27 kb) - Lists most repeated document issues.
• NEPA/SEPA Sample Documents Library- this database can be accessed from the WSDOT Intranet Environment page, and is available to WSDOT employees only.
• Reader Friendly Guidance - this web page provides guidance for creating quality documents.

Finalize and Approve

• Comment Form for document reviews (doc 95 kb) -- the standard form for commenting on WSDOT environmental documents.
• Environmental Document Distribution Table (pdf 115 kb) -- table listing the required number and type of copies for distribution.
• Legal considerations (pdf 90 kb) -- guidance for filing NEPA Statute of Limitations  and SEPA Notice of Action.
• Supporting the Administrative Record (pdf 73 kb) by creating and maintaining your project files.
• Document Re-evaluation (pdf 93 kb) - procedure for assessing environmental documents when projects change over time.

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