Frequently Asked Questions

• What is NEPA?
  • The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) requires federal agencies to examine the individual and cumulative, or additive, environmental effects of proposed activities on federal land and the U.S. Territorial seas.
  • Before a federal agency can proceed with a major action, they must consider the potential effect the proposed activities may have on the human, natural and cultural environment.
  • This requirement allows for more informed decision making.
• What is an EIS?
  • An Environmental Impact Statement is a detailed public document providing an assessment of the potential effects a major federal action may have on the human, natural and cultural environment.
  • An EIS is required by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) which directs federal agencies to examine the individual and cumulative, or additive, environmental effects of proposed activities on federal land and the U.S. territorial seas.
• What is an SEIS?
  • A Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS), amends the findings of an existing EIS.
  • An SEIS is prepared when federal agencies determine that:
  • Substantial changes have been made to the proposed action that are beyond the scope of the original environmental planning document.
  • Significant new circumstances occur or information becomes available that could affect the proposed action and its potential environmental impacts.
• When and how is the public involved?
  • Once the Notice of Intent is published, the public may visit the website and become familiar with the project and review available materials.
  • Attend scoping meetings which are a series of open house style meetings held in the Study Area to provide more information and solicit input to help identify the scope of the analysis, potential environmental effects, and any additional community concerns.
  • Review and comment on the draft SEIS. Once the document is completed and made available to the public, there is an opportunity to evaluate and provide comments through the website or U.S. mail, or at the draft SEIS public open house meetings. Please visit the Project Schedule page for more information on the project timeline.
  • Review the final SEIS for Navy responses to comments received on the draft SEIS.
• What am I commenting on?
  • The Navy is asking stakeholders to help identify areas or issues of concern for the evaluation.
  • Your input is important to us and helps provide decision makers with valuable local knowledge and community insights.
  • This is your opportunity to provide input on what will be studied and considered before the analysis begins.
• What will you do with the comments?
  • After the close of the scoping comment period the Navy will consider all comments received during the public scoping period.
  • The comments will help determine the resource areas that will be evaluated in the Draft SEIS as well as the range of alternatives.
• How will I know my comments have been addressed?
  • All public comments are considered during the development of the content of the Draft SEIS.
  • Scoping comments will be considered, characterized and will help shape the draft SEIS.
  • The Draft SEIS will be the next opportunity for comment and will be released for a public review and comment period.
• What’s a useful/legitimate comment? Or a substantial comment?
  • To be most helpful, comments should be as specific as possible.
  • A substantive comment provides new information about the alternatives or the analysis; identifies a different way to meet the same need; suggests alternative methodologies and the reasons for their use; makes factual corrections; identifies a different source of credible research that could result in different effects.
• How long do I have to comment?
  • A 45-day public comment period will be available from 9 June 2023 to 24 July 2023.
• Who makes the decision?
  • The Secretary of the Navy or his/her designee.
• Why is this an EIS and not an EA?
  • Federal agencies prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) if a proposed major federal action is determined to have potentially significant effects on the quality of the human, natural and cultural environment. An EIS requires public involvement.
  • The Navy is preparing an SEIS to update the previous analysis.
  • An Environmental Assessment or EA determines whether or not a federal action has the potential to cause significant environmental effects. The federal action is typically completed when the action is less complicated.
• Does the Navy have alternatives?
  • Alternatives are currently under development.
  • We are seeking your input to assist in the development of alternatives.
• How can I support the Navy?
  • Participate in the public process.
  • Visit the project website and familiarize yourself with the project.
  • Attend the public meeting in your area.