NEW! Draft Environmental Impact Statement Files Released

What is an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)?

An EIS is a document that describes the impacts on the environment as a result of a proposed action — in this case, the Eddy Gulch LSR Project. "Environment," is defined as the natural and physical environment and the relationship of people with that environment. This means that the "environment" considered in an EIS includes land, water, air, structures, living organisms, environmental values at the site as well as the social, cultural and economic concerns.

Federal laws, specifically detailed in the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), require the federal government evaluate the effects of its actions on the environment prior to project initiation to consider alternative courses of action.

regulations require federal agencies include discussion of a proposed action and the range of reasonable alternatives in an EIS. Sufficient information must be included in the EIS for reviewers to evaluate the relative merits of each alternative. Council for Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations provide the recommended format and content of Environmental Impact Statements.

The EIS Steps for the Eddy Gulch LSR Project include:

• Publication of the Notice of Intent to Prepare an EIS
• Input from state officials, tribal officials, local residents and landowners
• Analysis of regional socio-economic conditions
• Meetings with stakeholders
• Tribal consultation
• Development of a statement of Purpose and Need
• Determination of reasonable alternatives for further detailed environmental evaluation
• Agency and public scoping