[ Frequently Asked Questions]
- Why is this an Environmental Impact Statements (EIS)?
- Why does the EIS Process take so long?
- What topics will the EIS include?
- Where and how will the Draft EIS be available for review?
- Are other Federal or DC agencies involved in the EIS process?
- What is a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS)?
- When will the FEIS be available to the public?
- What is a Record of Decision (ROD)?
- What will happen after the ROD is signed?
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. Why does the EIS Process take so long?
An EIS is a comprehensive process that involves federal, regional, and local municipal partnerships as well as an extensive public participation process and often takes several years to complete.
3. What topics will 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: wildlife, habitat and ecosystems; floodplains and wetlands; traffic impact analysis; air and noise quality; hazardous waste; water quality; socio-economic impacts; cultural and historical resources; aesthetics; and environmental justice.
4. Where and how will the Draft EIS be available for review?
The DEIS will be made available fore public review in summer 2007. The public hearing will be held 30 days following the distribution of the DEIS. Copies of the Draft EIS will be available via the project website, public libraries and/or in response to individual requests no later than the time the document is was filed with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. When will the FEIS be available to the public?
A final EIS will be available in Summer of 2008.
8. 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.
9. What will happen after the ROD is signed?
After the ROD is approved, the Smithsonian can proceed with programming, design, and construction.