130.5 NEPA Considerations

Given the potential for impacts to resources outside the NEPA study area or changes to previously approved designs, the environmental and historic preservation sections will have a stake in most VE studies; however, decisions and/or agreements from environmental studies and public hearings can be questioned. Members from one or both sections can provide the team with needed information to help in the process.

When VE studies are conducted post-NEPA, the Environmental Section shall be contacted to ensure VE decisions do not contradict any commitments that are made in a standing, approved NEPA document. This would also apply to assumptions made for post-NEPA approvals, such as Section 404 permits, approvals from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as well as others. Although VE decisions may negatively impact environmental or public hearing agreements, these decisions may be made provided the time, cost and effort for the supplemental studies or hearings should be considered. All valid suggestions should be included in the study report for management’s consideration.