General Information
An EIS is an environmental document prepared when a proposed major federal action has a reasonably foreseeable significant effect on the quality of the environment. EISs describe reasonably foreseeable environmental effects of the proposed agency action, any unavoidable reasonably foreseeable effects, a reasonable range of technically and economically feasible alternatives, the relationship between short-term uses of the environment and the maintenance and enhancement of long-term productivity, and any irreversible and irretrievable commitments of Federal resources involved in the proposed action (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C)).
Once BOEM determines that a proposal requires an EIS and is sufficiently developed for meaningful public comment, the first step is to announce to the public, by a Federal Register notice and press releases, that an EIS will be prepared and to ask for comments. This announcement that initiates the NEPA process is called a Notice of Intent (NOI). Comments are requested on several topics, including alternatives to the proposed action, effects of the proposed action, and any relevant information, studies, or analyses. We may also hold one or more public meetings in communities that might be affected by the federal action. The purpose of soliciting input is to identify relevant issues, alternatives, mitigation measures, and analytical tools so that they can be incorporated into the EIS.
Getting input from as many affected and interested parties as possible is an important part of preparing an EIS. These usually include:
- Citizens who live, work, or play in the area where OCS-related activity may occur.
- Public interest groups and Native communities that have concerns about possible impacts to environmental, social, or economic resources.
- Federal, state, and local government agencies that have responsibilities for managing public resources or services.
- Industry or industry support businesses or organizations that might be involved in activities related to the federal action.
- Scientists and other technical experts with knowledge of the area's natural resources and the possible impacts of oil and gas development.
An important objective of soliciting comments early in the NEPA process is to identify specific elements of the environment that might be affected if the proposal is carried out. If BOEM determines that there might be significant impacts associated with a concern that is raised, it is analyzed in detail in the EIS. For OCS activities, environmental concerns that commonly arise include:
- Ecological concerns, such as the possible impacts of BOEM-authorized OCS activities on marine mammals, birds, fish and shellfish, and the natural habitats that support these resources.
- Sociological concerns, such as changes in population or demands for public transportation, education, or health care services that could result from the federal action. Other social factors involved may include possible changes in the cultural, religious, or recreational traditions of affected communities.
- Economic concerns often center on marine-related employment, like commercial fishing and tourism.
Based on the information received during the NOI process and other information – such as the location of sensitive natural resources, estimates of oil and gas resources, or projected oil and gas activity – BOEM identifies alternatives to the proposal that might reduce possible impacts. In addition, any reasonable measures suggested to mitigate possible impacts are considered for analysis in the EIS.
Analytical Scenarios
After the alternatives to the proposal are determined, BOEM develops scenarios for the proposal and each alternative. Those are the basis for the possible impacts analyses.
The scenarios for programmatic EISs and lease sale EISs are largely hypothetical because actual operations are still undetermined at that time. These broad analyses estimate levels of activities based on the expected action and potential project design envelopes (e.g., number of wells that may be drilled, number of offshore wind turbines that may be installed).
However, the EIS scenarios for proposed development projects are more site-specific and are based on the actual plan submitted by a company for a particular development project.
Impact Analysis
The EIS analyzes the identified environmental concerns. A separate analysis is prepared for the proposal and each alternative. The objective of the analysis is to estimate the degree of effects that might occur and to compare the impacts of the proposal and alternatives. Estimating the degree of the effects includes considering the short- and long-term effects, beneficial and adverse effects, effects on public health and safety, economic effects, and effects on the quality of life of the American people. Numerous technical aids are used in making the assessment, including ecological and socioeconomic studies sponsored by BOEM and others, and computer models that simulate the movements of accidental oil spills or air emissions from operations.
Conclusion of the EIS Process
The EIS process concludes when BOEM makes the document publicly available and publishes a notice in the Federal Register. A concise decision document, typically a Record of Decision, outlines the final decision and which alternative(s) BOEM selected. The decision document also certifies that BOEM has considered all relevant information raised in the NEPA process and that the NEPA process has concluded.
