|
[Main Tabs]
[Table of Contents - 5000]
[Index]
[Previous Page]
[Next Page]
[Search]
5000 - Statements of Policy
{{12-31-98 p.5185}}
NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT PROCEDURES RELATING TO FILINGS
MADE WITH THE FDIC
This Statement of Policy addresses the FDIC's compliance with the
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969,
42 U.S.C. 4331, et
seq. (NEPA), with respect to applications, notices, and requests
(filings) submitted to the FDIC in accordance with governing
regulations at 12 CFR part
303. The procedures in this Statement of Policy primarily
affect applications for deposit insurance for de novo institutions,
establishment of a domestic branch, and relocation of a domestic branch
or main office. There may be extraordinary circumstances where these
NEPA procedures also impact other filings submitted pursuant to part
303.
A. Responsibility of the FDIC
The NEPA sets forth a national policy to promote preservation of the
environment. Section 102(2)(C)
of the NEPA requires, in part, that all agencies of the Federal
Government include in every recommendation or report on major Federal
actions significantly affecting the quality of the human environment a
detailed statement that addresses the environmental impact of the
proposal. The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) has adopted
regulations that implement section 102(2)(C) of the NEPA. 40 CFR part
1500.
The FDIC believes that its decisions on part 303 filings will rarely
have a significant effect on the human environment. Nevertheless, it is
the policy of the FDIC to evaluate fully its regulatory actions, as
necessary, in accordance with the requirements of the NEPA. This
Statement of Policy supplements, and shall be used by the FDIC in
conjunction with, the CEQ regulations.
B. Background
NEPA and the implementing CEQ regulations require a Federal agency
to prepare an "environmental impact statement" (EIS) to analyze
the effects of, and discuss alternatives for, any proposed major
Federal action (including approval of a filing) significantly affecting
the quality of the human environment. Often, to determine whether an
EIS must be prepared, an agency will prepare an "environmental
assessment" (EA). The EA will result in either a finding that an EIS
must be prepared, or a finding of no significant impact (FONSI).
C. Definitions
As used in this statement of policy:
• Major federal action includes actions with
effects that may be major and which are potentially subject to Federal
control and responsibility.
• Environmental impact statement (EIS) means a
detailed written statement as required by section 102(2)(C) of the NEPA
which analyzes the environmental impact of the FDIC's approval of a
filing.
• Environmental assessment (EA) means a
concise document that sets forth sufficient information for the FDIC to
determine whether to prepare an EIS.
• Finding of no significant impact (FONSI)
means a determination that approval of the filing will not have a
significant effect on the quality of the human environment and
therefore no further NEPA analysis is required.
• Categorical exclusion means a category of
filings that do not individually or cumulatively have a significant
effect on the human environment, and which require no NEPA
analysis.
D. Categorical Exclusions
The CEQ regulations require Federal agencies to develop categorical
exclusions as part of the agencies' NEPA procedures. 40 CFR
1507.3(b)(2)(ii). Accordingly, the FDIC is establishing categorical
exclusions for all filings made by depository institutions pursuant to
part 303 with the exception of applications for:
{{12-31-98 p.5186}}
(1) Deposit insurance for de novo institutions.
(2) Establishment of a domestic branch, or relocation of a
domestic branch or main office.
All other part 303 filings are subject to categorical exclusions
and, therefore, require no further NEPA action. Consistent with the CEQ
regulations, however, the FDIC may request additional information from
applicants if extraordinary circumstances indicate that a normally
categorically excluded action may have a significant environmental
effect. Such extraordinary circumstances may exist, for example, where
filings involve real property where endangered or threatened species,
wetlands or floodplains may be present, where the applicant's proposed
activity impacts cultural or historic sites, or where construction is
proposed.
E. FDIC Procedure
In reviewing a part 303 filing, the FDIC will determine whether the
filing falls within the categorical exclusions established by this
statement of policy. If the filing falls within the categorical
exclusions, the FDIC will determine whether the proposal involves any
extraordinary circumstances that require NEPA analysis. If necessary,
the FDIC may request additional information from an applicant to aid in
this determination.
1. Environmental Assessment
The FDIC must prepare an EA before approving a filing for (1)
deposit insurance for a de novo institution, or (2) establishment of a
domestic branch, or relocation of a domestic branch or main office. The
applicant must provide sufficient information for the FDIC to determine
whether the application may affect the quality of the human
environment.
The applicant shall provide information on compliance with local
zoning laws and regulations, and effects on traffic patterns
(including, for example, adequacy of roads and parking places, increase
or decrease of traffic hazards and congestion, and favorable impacts
such as potential decrease in pollution or fuel consumption). The FDIC
may request additional information, as warranted, on other matters.
Based on its evaluation of this information, the FDIC will prepare the
EA.
2. Finding of No Significant Impact
If the EA indicates that approval of the filing will not
significantly affect the quality of the human environment, the NEPA
process will conclude with a FONSI to document the FDIC's
determination of no significant effect on the human environment.
3. Environmental Impact Statement
If the EA indicates that approval of the filing may significantly
affect the quality of the human environment, the FDIC will prepare an
EIS in accordance with the CEQ regulations.
F. Public Involvement
Pursuant to the CEQ regulations, the FDIC will make diligent efforts
to involve the public in its NEPA compliance activities. In addition to
the public notice requirements set forth in part 303, the FDIC will
apprise the public of the availability of any environmental impact
statements it prepares and will provide opportunity for public comment
prior to the finalization of those documents.
G. Summary and Conclusion
Most of the filings made by depository institutions pursuant to part
303 will fall within the categorical exclusions established by this
Statement of Policy. For those filings not falling within the
categorical exclusions, or involving extraordinary circumstances, the
FDIC will analyze relevant information with respect to environmental
factors and incorporate it into the FDIC's environmental assessment.
Filings that require the FDIC's preparation of an environmental impact
statement are expected to be extremely rare. When those
instances
{{6-30-08 p.5187}}arise, the FDIC will comply with the
requirements of the CEQ regulations regarding the preparation and
processing of environmental impact statements.
H. Information Requests
Inquiries regarding specific filings and requests for documents and
information should be directed to the appropriate regional director of
the FDIC's Division of Supervision.
By order of the Board of Directors, October 27, 1998
[Source: 63
Fed. Reg. 63475, November 13, 1998, effective December 14,
1998]
[The page following this is 5197.]
[Main Tabs]
[Table of Contents - 5000]
[Index]
[Previous Page]
[Next Page]
[Search]
|
