Environmental Assessment
ES/RP 444/544

Assignment #4, Review of Environmental Impact Statement

Purpose: to gain familiarity in evaluating and preparing environmental impact statements; reviewing them for compliance with NEPA; and evaluating whether the alternatives were based on a consideration of sound decision-making.

Assignment:

1. Review environmental documents on an EIS of your choice.  A DEIS or FEIS is best but any EIS will work (SEIS, LEIS, PEIS, etc,)
    
2. Consult the relevant associated law such as the Endangered Species Act where appropriate.
   
3. Make a checklist of the CEQ required items using the EIS checklist discussed in class. Include brief remarks where appropriate.
    
4. Write an 3-5 page critique of the paper discussing your interpretation of the compliance of the document to the regulations. Evaluate the following aspects of the statement:

1. Completeness -- presence of all sections required by the CEQ.
2. Comprehensiveness -- adequacy of scope as reflected in list of attributes. 
3. Organization -- format consistency, effectiveness, appearance, and overall impression of document.
4. Logic and substantiation -- substance and robustness of reasoning , in the final analysis are the conclusions which lead to discrimination among the alternatives well supported?
5. Environmental Justice -- did the document comply with CEQ requirements

Due date: Thursday, April 29,  in class

Example EISs:

• Snake River Salmon Migration

• Pelican Butte Ski Area Development

• Yosemite Valley Plan

• Columbia River Dredging Project

• Yellowstone Snowmobile Plan

• California MLPA MPA EIR