Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this an Environmental Impact Statements (EIS)?
Why does the EIS Process take so long?
What topics will the EIS include?
Where and how will the Draft EIS be available for review?
Are other Federal or DC agencies involved in the EIS process?
What is a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS)?
When will the FEIS be available to the public?
What is a Record of Decision (ROD)?
What will happen after the ROD is signed?
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1. What is an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)?
An EIS is a document required by the National Environmental Policy Act of Federal Agencies for major projects that are anticipated to significantly affect the environment.
2. Why does the EIS Process take so long?
An EIS is a comprehensive process that involves federal, regional, and local municipal partnerships as well as an extensive public participation process and often takes several years to complete.
3. What topics will the EIS include?
Topics in the EIS are those relating to the existing natural, built, social and environmental setting of the area affected. This includes but is not limited to: visual resources, cultural and historic resources, surface water and groundwater resources, land use, traffic impact and transportation, air and noise quality, socio-economic impacts, visitor use, and public health and security.
4. Where and how will the Draft EIS be available for review?
The DEIS was made available for public review in late 2009. Copies of the DEIS are available on the project website, public libraries and/or in response to individual requests (note - CDs were provided to individuals) no later than the time the document is filed with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
5. Are other Federal or DC agencies involved in the EIS process?
Yes. This EIS is being prepared by the National Park Service in accordance with Council of Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations, 40 C.F.R. 1500-1508 implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969. Because of its location in the National Capital Region, proposed National Park Service design and construction projects in the District of Columbia are subject to review and approval by the National Capital Planning Commission. This will ensure that this EIS is efficiently prepared to meet the needs of NCPC and the requirements of NEPA.
6. What is a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS)?
The final EIS incorporates the draft EIS (essentially in its entirety) with changes made as appropriate throughout the document to reflect the selection of an alternative, modifications to the project, updated information on the affected environment, changes in the assessment of impacts, the selection of mitigation measures, the results of coordination, comments received on the draft EIS and responses to these comments, etc.
7. When will the FEIS be available to the public?
A Final EIS is available.
8. What is a Record of Decision (ROD)?
The ROD closes the EIS process. The ROD presents the basis for the decision, summarizing any mitigation measures that are be incorporated in the project and document any required
section 4(f) approval.
9. What will happen after the ROD is signed?
After the ROD is approved, the National Park Service can proceed with design and construction subject to funding availability.
