Describe the three forms of environmental impact analysis documentation.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

There are three forms of environmental impact analysis documentation: a
full environmental impact statement (EIS), a simpler environmental assessment
(EA), or a cursory checklist of requirements known as a categorical exclusion
(CE). A categorical exclusion is typically applicable for small-scale projects that
do not involve substantial new construction or environmental permits. In such
cases no additional analysis or documentation is required. At the other extreme,
an EIS is developed for large-scale projects for which it is apparent that
environmental impacts will occur and therefore need to be documented. On some
projects it may not be readily apparent whether significant environmental impacts
will occur, in which case an EA, simpler than an EIS is developed. The findings
of the EA will either indicate that a full EIS is warranted, or that there is no
significant impact, in which case, a FONSI is the final documentation.