A systematic interdisciplinary approach to NEPA compliance programs

Conference · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1993 · Environmental Professional; (United States)

OSTI ID:6107844

March, F ^[1]

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1. Los Alamos Technical Associates, NM (United States)

NEPA calls for a systematic interdisciplinary approach'', but no substantive guidance is provided by the law or the regulations on how to implement such an approach. A review of the literature on the impact assessment methods (most of which were written in the 1970s) reveals a variety of valid approaches, but is largely useful within a specific program context. This paper presents and illustrates a more general theory for a systematic interdisciplinary approach. The logic for this approach is rigorously grounded on statements in NEPA itself and in CEQ's regulations. The results have provided a part of the theoretical framework for a NEPA expert system and have proven useful in training project managers in implementing NEPA. The paper first summarizes NEPA and CEQ's specific statements relating to a systematic interdisciplinary approach. It distinguishes between the procedural vs substantive aspects of an approach. The procedural approach is first presented in the form of a logic diagram cross-referenced in detail to requirements or guidance in the CEQ regulations. This provides the framework for an expert system approach to procedural compliance, and for a NEPA program management plan.

• OSTI ID: 6107844
• Report Number(s): CONF-930523--
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Environmental Professional; (United States) Journal Volume: Supplement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290300* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Environment
Health
& Safety
COMPLIANCE
IMPLEMENTATION
LAWS
MANAGEMENT
POLLUTION REGULATIONS
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
REGULATIONS
US NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT