Tribal environmental review process: manual and permits directory

Technical Report · Wed Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1982

OSTI ID:5679505

This manual presents a model process for obtaining environmental permits for major energy projects on Indian lands. Environmental approvals for major energy and industrial projects are often characterized by controversy, prolonged and inefficient reviews, and lack of coordination among government agencies. The process described in this manual, called the ''tribal environmental review process,'' was designed to address these problems as well as the unique challenges posed by permitting on Indian lands. In addition, the manual can be used to manage environmental permitting of other major nonenergy projects. The recommended tribal environmental review process offers a flexible, innovative approach to environmental permitting. It is an intergovernmental process to coordinate federal and tribal environmental review procedures for energy projects. The process also promotes active participation by state and local agencies and the public. Four stages - initiation of the process, organization, preapplication coordination, and synchronization of permitting - comprise the process. It is based entirely on existing regulations and participation is voluntary. However, a formal management structure, written agreements, and commitments to a regulatory decision schedule help to ensure full agency participation in the process. A comprehensive analysis of the various federal permit requirements applicable to energy development on Indian lands is presented. Information regarding applicability, permitting application requirements and procedures, environmental standards and conditions, and time frames are described. In addition, a review of federal non-permit requirements that can reasonably be expected to impact energy development on Indian lands is also presented. State and local environmental authorities that should be considered in concert with any large-scale energy project on Indian lands are summarized.

• Research Organization: Council of Energy Resource Tribes, Englewood, CO (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: FG01-81EV10654
• OSTI ID: 5679505
• Report Number(s): CERT/TR-82-623; ON: DE85012012
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290300* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Environment
Health
& Safety
293000 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Policy
Legislation
& Regulation
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
AMERICAN INDIANS
DOCUMENT TYPES
ENERGY FACILITIES
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
HUMAN POPULATIONS
INDIAN RESERVATIONS
LICENSING
MANUALS
MINORITY GROUPS
PERMITS
POPULATIONS