Appendix E to Subpart E of Part 1980 - Environmental Assessment Guidelines
7:14.1.1.1.9.2.12.55.21 : Appendix E
Appendix E to Subpart E of Part 1980 - Environmental Assessment
Guidelines
In completing an assessment, it is important to understand the
comprehensive nature of the impacts which must be analyzed.
Consideration must be given to all potential impacts associated
with the construction of the project and its operation and
maintenance. The attainment of the project's major objectives often
induces or supports changes in population densities, land uses,
community services, transportation systems and resource
consumption. The impacts of these activities must also be
assessed.
The environmental reviewer should consult with appropriate
experts from Federal, State and local agencies, universities and
other organizations or groups whose views could be helpful in the
assessment of potential impacts. In so doing, each discussion which
is utilized in reaching a conclusion with respect to the degree of
an impact should be summarized in the assessment as accurately as
possible and include name, title, phone number, and organization of
the individual contacted, plus the date of contact. Related
correspondence should be attached to the assessment.
The Farmers Home Administration or its successor agency under
Public Law 103-354 assessment should be prepared in the following
format; it should address the listed items and questions and
contain as attachments the indicated descriptive materials, as well
as the environmental information submitted by the applicant.
These assessment guidelines have been designed to cover the wide
variety of impacts which may be encountered. Consequently, not
every issue or potential impact raised in these guildlines may be
relevant to each project. The purpose of the format is to give the
preparer an understanding of a standard range of impacts,
environmental factors and issues which may be encountered. In
preparing an assessment, each topic heading identified by a roman
numeral and each environmental factor listed under topic heading
IV, such as air quality for example, must be addressed.
The amount of analysis and material that must be provided will
depend upon the type and size of the project, the environment in
which it is located and the range and complexity of the potential
impacts. The amount of analysis and detail provided, therefore,
must be commensurate with the magnitude of the expected impact. The
analysis of each environmental factor (i.e., water quality) must be
taken to the point that a conclusion can be reached and supported
concerning the degree of the expected impact with respect to that
factor.
(I) Project description and need. Identify the name,
project number, location, and specific elements of the project
along with their sizes, and, when applicable, their design
capacities. Indicate the purpose of the project, Rural
Development's position regarding the need for it, and the extent or
area of land to be considered as the project site.
(II) Primary beneficiaries and related activities.
Identify any existing businesses or major developments that will
benefit from the project and those which will expand or locate in
the area because of the project. Specify by name, product, service,
and operations involved.
Identify any related activities which are defined as
interdependent parts of an Rural Development action. Such
undertakings are considered interdependent parts whenever they
either make possible or support the Rural Development action or are
themselves induced or supported by the Rural Development action or
another related activity. These activities may have been completed
in the very recent past and are now operational or they may
reasonably be expected to be accomplished in the near future.
Related activities may or may not be Federally permitted or
assisted. When they are, identify the involved Federal
agency(s).
In completing the remainder of the assessment, it must be
remembered that the impacts to be addressed are those which stem
from the project, the primary beneficiaries, and the related
activities.
(III) Description of project area. Describe the project
site and its present use. Describe the surrounding land uses;
indicate the directions and distances involved. The extent of the
surrounding land to be considered depends on the extent of the
impacts of the project, its related activities, and the primary
beneficiaries. Unique or sensitive areas must be pointed out. These
include residential, schools, hospitals, recreational, historical
sites, beaches, lakes, rivers, parks, floodplains, wetlands, dunes,
estuaries, barrier islands, natural landmarks, unstable soils,
steep slopes, aquifer recharge areas, important farmlands and
forestlands, prime rangelands, endangered species habitats, or
other delicate or rare ecosystems.
Attach adequate location maps of the project area, as well as
(1) a U.S. Geological Survey “15 minute” (“7 1/2 minute” if
available) topographic map which clearly delineates the area and
the location of the project elements, (2) the Department of Housing
and Urban Development's floodplain map(s) for the project area, (3)
site photos, (4) if completed, a standard soil survey for the
project and, (5) if available, an aerial photograph of the site.
When necessary for descriptive purposes or environmental analysis,
include land use maps or other graphic information. All graphic
materials shall be of high quality resolution.
(IV) Environmental impact. (1) Air Quality - Discuss, in
terms of the amounts and types of emissions to be produced, all
aspects of the project including beneficiaries' operations and
known indirect effects (such as increased motor vehicle traffic)
which will affect air quality. Indicate the existing air quality in
the area. Indicate if topographical or meteorological conditions
hinder or affect the dispersals of air emissions. Evaluate the
impact on air quality given the types and amounts of projected
emissions, the existing air quality and topographical and
meteorological conditions. Discuss the project's consistency with
the State's air quality implementation plan for the area, the
classification of the air quality control region within which the
project is located, and the status of compliance with air quality
standards within that region. Cite any contacts with appropriate
experts and agencies which must issue necessary permits.
(2) Water Quality - Discuss, in terms of amounts and types of
effluents all aspects of the project, including primary
beneficiaries' operations and known indirect effects which will
affect water quality. Indicate the existing water quality of
surface and/or underground water to be affected. Evaluate the
impacts of the project on this existing water quality. Indicate if
an aquifer recharge area is to be adversely affected. If the
project lies within or will affect a sole source aquifer recharge
area as designated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
contact the appropriate EPA regional office to determine if its
review is necessary. If it is, attach the results of its
review.
Indicate the source and available supply of raw water and the
extent to which the additional demand will affect the raw water
supply. Describe the wastewater treatment system(s) to be used and
indicate their capacity and their adequacy in terms of the degree
of treatment provided. Discuss the characteristics and uses of the
receiving waters for any sources of discharge. If the treatment
systems are or will be inadequate or overloaded, describe the steps
being taken for necessary improvements and their completion dates.
Compare such dates to the completion date of the Rural Development
project. Analyze the impacts on the receiving water during any
estimated period of inadequate treatment.
Discuss the project's consistency with the water quality
planning for the area, such as EPA's Section 208 areawide waste
treatment management plan. Describe how surface runoff is to be
handled and the effect of erosion on streams.
Evaluate the extent to which the project may create shortages
for or otherwise adversely affect the withdrawal capabilities of
other present users of the raw water supply, particularly in terms
of possible human health, safety, or welfare problems.
For projects utilizing a groundwater supply, evaluate the
potential for the project to exceed the safe pumping rate for the
aquifer to the extent that it would (1) adversely affect the
pumping capability of present users, (2) increase the likelihood of
brackish or saltwater intrusion, thereby decreasing water quality,
or (3) substantially increase surface subsidence risks.
For projects utilizing a surface water supply, evaluate the
potential for the project to (1) reduce flows below the minimum
required for the protection of fish and wildlife or (2) reduce
water quality standards below those established for the stream
classification at the point of withdrawal or the adjacent
downstream section.
Cite contacts with appropriate experts and agencies that must
issue necessary permits.
(3) Solid Waste Management - Indicate all aspects of the
project, including primary beneficiaries' operations, and known
indirect effects which will necessitate the disposal of solid
wastes. Indicate the kinds and expected quantities of solid wastes
involved and the disposal techniques to be used. Evaluate the
adequacy to these techniques especially in relationship to air and
water quality. Indicate if recycling or resource recovery programs
are or will be used. Cite any contacts with appropriate experts and
agencies that must issue necessary permits.
(4) Land Use - Given the description of land uses as previously
indicated, evaluate (a) the effect of changing the land use of the
project site and (b) how this change in land use will affect the
surrounding land uses and those within the project's area of
environmental impact. Particularly address the potential impacts to
the unique or sensitive areas discussed under Section III,
Description of Project Area. Also address any changes in land use
which may result from demand for feedstock for the plant's
operation. Describe the existing land use plan and zoning
restrictions for the project area. Evaluate the consistency of the
project and its impacts with these plans.
(5) Transportation - Describe available facilities such as
highways and rail. Discuss whether the project will result in an
increase in motor vehicle traffic and the existing roads' ability
to safely accommodate this increase. Indicate if additional traffic
control devices are to be installed. Describe new traffic patterns
which will arise because of the project. Discuss how these new
traffic patterns will affect the land uses described above,
especially residential, hospitals, schools, and recreational.
Describe the consistency of the project's transportation impacts
with the transportation plans for the area and any air quality
control plans. Cite any contact with appropriate experts.
(6) Natural Environment - Indicate all aspects of the project,
including construction, beneficiaries' operations, and known
indirect effects which will affect the natural environment
including wildlife, their habitats, and unique natural features.
Cite contacts with appropriate experts. If an area listed on the
National Registry of Natural Landmarks may be affected, consult
with the Department of Interior and document these consultations
and any agreements reached regarding avoidance or mitigation of
potential adverse impacts.
(7) Human Population - Indicate the number of people to be
relocated and arrangements being made for this relocation. Discuss
how impacts resulting from the project such as changes in land use,
transportation changes, air emissions, noise, odor, etc., will
effect nearby residents and their lifestyles or users of the
project area and surrounding areas. Cite contacts with appropriate
experts.
(8) Construction - Indicate the potential effects of
construction of the project on air quality, water quality noise
levels, solid waste disposal, soil erosion and siltation. Describe
the measures that will be employed to limit adverse effects. Give
particular consideration to erosion, stream siltation, and clearing
operations.
(9) Energy Impacts - Indicate the project's and its primary
beneficiaries' effects on the area's existing energy supplies. This
discussion should address not only the direct energy utilization,
but any major indirect utilization resulting from the siting of the
project. Describe the availability of these supplies to the project
site. Discuss whether the project will utilize a large share of the
remaining capacity of an energy supply or will create a shortage of
such supply. Discuss any steps to be taken to conserve energy.
(10) Discuss any of the following areas which may be relevant:
noise, vibrations, safety, seismic conditions, fire prone
locations, radiation, and aesthetic considerations. Cite any
discussions with appropriate experts.
(V) Coastal Zone Management Act. Indicate if the project
is within or will impact a coastal area defined as such by the
state's approved Coastal Zone Management Program. If so, consult
with the State agency responsible for the Program to determine the
project's consistency with it. The results of this coordination
shall be included in the assessment and considered in completing
the environmental impact determination and environmental
findings,
(VI) Compliance with Advisory Council on Historic
Preservation's regulations. In this section, the environmental
reviewer shall detail the steps taken to comply with the above
regulations as specified in Subpart F of Part 1901 of this Chapter.
First, indicate that the National Register of Historic Places,
including its monthly supplements, has been reviewed and whether
there are any listed properties located within the area to be
affected by the project. Second, indicate the steps taken such as
historical/archeological surveys to determine if there are any
properties eligible for listing located within the affected area.
Summarize the results of the consultation with the State Historic
Preservation Officer (SHPO) and attach appropriate documentation of
the SHPO's views. Discuss the views of any other experts contacted.
Based upon the above review process and the views of the SHPO,
state whether or not an eligible or listed property will be
affected.
If there will be an effect, discuss all of the steps and
protective measures taken to complete the Advisory Council's
regulations. Describe the affected property and the nature of the
effect. Attach to the asessment the results of the coordination
process with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.
(VII) Compliance with the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.
Indicate whether the project will affect a river or portion of it
which is either included in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers
System or designated for potential addition to the System. This
analysis shall be conducted through discussions with the
appropriate regional office of the National Park Service or the
Forest Service when its lands are involved, as well as the
appropriate State agencies having implementation authorities. A
summary of discussions held or any required formal coordination
shall be included in the assessment.
(VIII) Compliance with the Endangered Species Act.
Indicate whether the project will either (1) affect a listed
endangered or threatened species or critical habitat or (2)
adversely affect a proposed critical habitat for an endangered or
threatened species or jeopardize the continued existence of a
proposed endangered or threatened species. This analysis shall be
conducted in consultation with the Fish and Wildlife Service and
the National Marine Fisheries Service, when appropriate.
The results of any required coordination shall be included in
the assessment along with any completed biological opinion and
mitigation measures to be required for the project. These factors
shall be considered in completing the environmental impact
determination.
(IX) Compliance with Executive Order 11988, Floodplain
Management, and Executive Order 11990, Protection of Wetlands.
Indicate whether the project is either located within a 100-year
floodplain (500-year floodplain for a critical action) or a wetland
or will impact a floodplain or wetland. If so, determine if there
is a practicable alternative project or location. If there is no
such alternative, determine whether all practicable mitigation
measures are included in the project and document as an attachment
these determinations and the steps taken to inform the public,
locate alternatives, and mitigate potential adverse impacts. See
the U.S. Water Resource Council's Floodplain Management
Guidelines for more specific guidance.
(X) State Environmental Policy Act. Indicate if the
proposed project is subject to a State environmental policy act or
similar regulation. Summarize the results of compliance with these
requirements and attach available documentation.
(XI) Consultation requirements. Attach the comments of
any State or local agency received through the implementation of
Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal
Programs.
(XII) Environmental analysis of participating Federal
agency. Indicate if another federal agency is participating in
the project either through the provision of additional funds, a
companion project, or a permit review authority. Summarize the
results of the involved agency's environmental impact analysis and
attach available documentation.
(XIII) Reaction to project. Discuss any negative comments
or public views raised about the project and the consideration
given to these comments. Indicate whether a public hearing or
public information meeting has been held either by the applicant or
Rural Development to include a summary of the results and any
objections raised. Indicate any other examples of the community's
awareness of the project, such as newspaper articles or public
notifications.
(XIV) Cumulative impacts. Summarize the cumulative
impacts of this project and the related activities. Give particular
attention to land use changes and air and water quality impacts.
Summarize the results of the environmental impact analysis done for
any of these related activities and/or your discussion with the
sponsoring agencies. Attach available documentation of the
analysis.
(XV) Adverse impact. Summarize the potential adverse
impacts of the proposal as pointed out in the above analysis.
(XVI) Alternatives. Discuss the feasibility of
alternatives to the project and their environmental impacts. These
alternatives should include (a) alternative location, (b)
alternative designs, (c) alternative projects having similar
benefits, and (d) no project.
(XVII) Mitigation measures. Describe any measures which
will be taken or required by Rural Development to avoid or mitigate
the identified adverse impacts. Such measures shall be included as
special requirements or provisions to the offer of financial
assistance.