| Also in this section |
|
Park Management |
"To declare a national policy which will encourage productive and enjoyable harmony between man and his environment; to promote efforts which will prevent or eliminate damage to the environment and biosphere and stimulate the health and welfare of man; to enrich the understanding of the ecological systems and natural resources important to the Nation; and to establish a Council on Environmental Quality."
Each project with the potential of disturbing the environment is examined according to one of three analysis processes, depending on the probable effect to the environment:
Categorical Exclusion (CE or Cat Ex)Minor, routine projects are released from NEPA requirements for intensive analysis. In order to be categorically excluded, a project must fall into a group specifically listed as being excluded from NEPA requirements. Environmental Assessment (EA)
Projects that cannot be categorically excluded are analyzed for possible effects to the environment. The results of this analysis are documented as an Environmental Assessment report. This process may lead to a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). However, if the Environmental Assessment shows that a significant impact is likely, an Environmental Impact Statement is prepared. Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
If a project may cause significant environmental impacts, a detailed study is conducted of the potential effects of the project. The study includes an analysis of how impacts may be avoided or mitigated, and is documented as an Environmental Impact Statement. Approval of a completed EIS is given in the form of a signed Record of Decision (ROD). At Yosemite, the National Park Service Pacific West Regional Director and Yosemite’s Superintendent finalize Records of Decision. An EIS may go through several revisions before a ROD is issued. Park managers may create a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), or a Supplemental Environmental Statement (SEIS) to further clarify environmental concerns.
For more information on the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, please visit NEPANet, created by the Coucil on Enviornmental Quality.
For more information on how the National Environmental Policy Act is implemented by the National Park Service, please visit both Director's Order #2: Park Planning and Director's Order #12: Environmental Impact Analysis.
Yosemite National Park Home Page
http://www.nps.gov/ /archive/yose/planning/planning/nepawhat.htm
Last modified Wednesday, 22-Dec-2004 10:13:37 Eastern Standard Time
Yosemite National Park Web Manager
