NEPA 2000

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The following is a list of ongoing and completed projects for the Alturas Field Office. The
level of analysis are:

• 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 significant 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)).