Determining the significance of environmental issues under the National Environmental Policy Act

Journal Article · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1984 · J. Environ. Manage.; (United States)

OSTI ID:7029034

Haug, P T; Burwell, R W; Stein, A; Bandurski, B L

A fundamental problem facing those trying to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) centers around the word ''significantly''. Although the NEPA regulations discuss the term, they provide no clear definition of ''significance'' that can be applied objectively and uniformly to environmental issues and the consequences of man's activities. A major problem in trying to analyze environmental issues is caused by poor communication. The authors suggest common ''language'' for environmental analysis to organize and communicate information about environmental issues and impacts. An environmental issue is defined as an unresolved question or concern about an environmental consequence. Issues are analyzed using a simple worksheet that identifies who is concerned, what specific elements of the environment they are concerned about, and why they are concerned. The ''significance'' of a particular issue is determined by a threshold of concern, a priority of that concern, and a probability that a potential environmental impact will, in fact, cross the threshold of concern. An approach is suggested for combining these three elements of ''significance'' in a relatively objective evaluation system that links priorities and probabilities with impact thresholds. The worksheet also provides a record of how issues were handled by the agency and how they changed over time, if they did. 3 references, 3 tables.

• Research Organization: Dept. of the Interior, Washington, DC
• OSTI ID: 7029034
• Journal Information: J. Environ. Manage.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Environ. Manage.; (United States) Vol. 18:1; ISSN JEVMA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290300* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Environment
Health
& Safety
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
COMMUNICATIONS
DOCUMENT TYPES
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENTS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
IMPLEMENTATION
LAWS
NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT
PROBABILITY
RISK ASSESSMENT