NEPA FY 2005

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• CX=Categorical Exclusion-The project falls into one of several categories of minor, routine projects excluded from needing more analysis. Each time a specific categorical exclusion is used, the required review must be prepared.
• EA=Environmental Assessment-An EA must be prepared for proposed actions that (1) are not exempt from NEPA, (2) have not been categorically excluded, (3) have not been covered in an existing Resource Management Plan EIS or other environmental analysis, or (4) do not normally or obviously required an EIS. An EA may be prepared for any action at any time to assist in planning and decision making. A Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) is prepared if the criteria are met.
• EIS=Environmental Impact Statement-When a proposed action, including a proposed policy or legislative recommendation, is projected to have a signficant impact on the quality of the human environment, an EIS must be prepared. An EIS is intended to provide decision makers and the public with a complete and objective evaluation of significant environmental impacts, both beneficial and adverse, resulting from a proposed action and all reasonable alternatives. An EIS is a major vehicle for fulfilling the substantive environmental goals set forth in NEPA.Comment/Appeal Period
  
  The Field Office Manager has the discretion to determine whether or not the EA and FONSI should be made available for public review prior to making a final decision, as defined in the CEQ regulations (40 CFR 1501.4(e)(2)). Program-specific guidance should also be consulted to determine if the EA and FONSI must be reviewed by the public prior to a decision. The manager must notify the public, including affected State and local governments and Indian tribes, of the review period (40 CFR 1506.6). The comment period for an EA is generally 30 days. If a public review is determined unnecessary, the affected and interested public must be notified of the availability of the EA and the FONSI (40 CFR 1501.4(e)(1) and 1506.6). The manager responsible for authorizing the action determines the appropriate means for notifying the public and ensuring availability based on the extent of concern and interest in the action. Any person who is adversely affected by the decision has the right to appeal within 30 days of the signing of the Decision Record (DR) (43CFR 4.410(a) and 43 CRF 4.411(a)).