[ Frequently Asked Questions]
- Why is this an Environmental Impact Statements (EIS)?
- What topics will the EIS include?
- Are other Federal or DC agencies involved in the EIS process?
- What is a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS)?
- What is a Record of Decision (ROD)?
- What happens now that a ROD has been signed?
- What is a Tiered EIS and how will it work?
1. What is an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)?
An EIS is a document required by the National Environmental Policy Act of Federal Agencies for major projects that are anticipated to significantly affect the environment.
2. What topics does the EIS include?
Topics in the EIS are those relating to the existing natural, built, social and environmental setting of the area affected. This includes but is not limited to: visual resources, cultural and historic resources, surface water and groundwater resources, land use, traffic impact and transportation, air and noise quality, socio-economic impacts, visitor use, and public health and security.
3. Are other Federal or DC agencies involved in the EIS process?
Yes. This EIS is being prepared by the Smithsonian Institution and the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) as Joint Lead agencies in accordance with Council of Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations, 40 C.F.R. 1500-1508 implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969. Because of its location in the National Capital Region, proposed Smithsonian design and construction projects in the District of Columbia are subject to NCPC review and approval. Operating Joint Leads will ensure that this EIS is efficiently prepared to meet the needs of both the Smithsonian and NCPC and the requirements of NEPA.
The National Park Service is a Cooperating Agency within this EIS process.
4. What is a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS)?
The final EIS incorporates the draft EIS (essentially in its entirety) with changes made as appropriate throughout the document to reflect the selection of an alternative, modifications to the project, updated information on the affected environment, changes in the assessment of impacts, the selection of mitigation measures, the results of coordination, comments received on the draft EIS and responses to these comments, etc.
5. What is a Record of Decision (ROD)?
The ROD closes the EIS process. The ROD presents the basis for the decision, summarizing any mitigation measures that are be incorporated in the project and document any required section 4(f) approval. To download a copy of the Tier I ROD, click here.
6. What happens now that a ROD has been signed?
The NMAAHC Section 106 Process will continue into the Tier II NEPA process and the design phase of the NMAAHC. For a Road Map of next steps, click here.