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Scoping and NEPA The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process requires an analysis to assess the potential environmental and socioeconomic impacts of proposed Federal actions before implementation. The analysis for potential significant impacts of the proposed action is published in a detailed written document called an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Explanations of the NEPA process can be found in two documents: Additional background information on the Army’s NEPA activities can be found at the United States Army Environmental Command (USAEC) website. The NEPA process, as depicted in the flowchart from The Citizen’s Guide to the NEPA Process, also requires periodic public involvement during the scoping phase (early in the analysis) and later during comment periods for several versions fo the EIS document. The Army is committed to facilitating and encouraging a continuous, two-way communication with the public and stakeholders before, during, and after this NEPA analysis. This communication will involve public notices in newspapers, outreach to public officials and special interest groups, public access websites, scoping meetings, public hearings, and printed information, such as fact sheets or newsletters. The scoping phase of the NEPA process helps determine the breadth or scope of the analysis. An informal scoping meeting will seek input on which issues of the proposed action and potential impacts to resources are most relevant and significant to the public. The public input will be used to identify alternatives to the proposed action and/or to modify existing alternatives. At the scoping meeting, participants will get information on the existing environment at the affected location, the proposed alternatives, and any previous NEPA documentation related to the potential impacts or activities. Any additional scoping issues or information will be presented in updates on the website and/or through progress report newsletters. The scoping meetings will consist of an open house format with several posters; technical representatives and subject matter experts will be available to answer questions. Concerns and contact information for followup will be recorded. Informational materials used in the scoping meetings will be available on this website. Three scoping meetings are planned for spring 2009. Details are available in the Events section of this website. Also, meeting notices will be published in local newspapers and in the Federal Register. A more formal public hearing is planned for the end of summer 2009; it will be announced in newspapers and on this website. At the hearing, findings of the Draft EIS document will be presented and additional public comments will be received. The public will have these opportunities to comment on the proposed action, alternatives, and potential impacts: At public comment meetings, Through this website, By electronic mail (e-mail), or United States (U.S. Postal) mail.
Comments may be submitted anonymously or by completing and submitting contact information. Comments and responses will be included in the draft version of the NEPA document. An opportunity to sign up to receive additional information in periodic newsletters through the U.S. mail or e-mail will be available at the scoping meeting and is available in the Contact Us section of this website.
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