All about NEPA
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), signed into law on January 1, 1970, established a national policy requiring government agencies to identify the potential environmental effects of proposed projects.
NEPA contains procedures for agencies to assess the potential environmental consequences of their proposed actions, and to take steps to mitigate those impacts. The Act requires the consideration of reasonable project alternatives that diminish environmental impacts. It also requires the federal agencies to document the assessment and make the findings available to the public for comment prior to implementation of the proposed action in an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). An EIS is required for all major federal actions that could have significant impacts on the environment and that involve federal funds. It presents information regarding the proposed project, including studies of elements such as air quality, noise, water quality, floodplain encroachment, cultural resources, parks and recreation, business and residential relocations, environmental justice, land use, traffic and bicycle/pedestrian circulation, and aesthetics.
The Record of Decision (ROD) was released in fall 2010. Read the Notice of Limitations from the Federal Register.
Download your copy of the Record of Decision. Copies of the ROD are also available at many local libraries.
