Environmental Assessment (EA) / Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Review Process:

• Categorical Exclusion (CATEX) - A federal action may be "categorically excluded" from a detailed environmental analysis when the federal action normally does not have a significant effect on the human environment (40 CFR 1508.1(d)). The reason for the exclusion is generally detailed in NEPA procedures adopted by each federal agency.

• Environmental Assessment (EA) - The EA is a concise review document that determines whether or not the action has the potential to cause significant environmental effects. 

  • EA includes a brief discussion of:

    • The purpose and need for the proposed action

    • Alternatives (as required by section 102(2)(E) of NEPA)

    • The environmental impacts of the proposed action and alternatives

    • A listing of agencies and persons consulted.

  • Based on the EA, the following actions can occur:

    • If the agency determines that the action will not have significant environmental impacts, the agency will issue a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). A FONSI is a document that presents the reasons why the agency has concluded that there are no significant environmental impacts projected to occur upon implementation of the action.

    • If the EA determines that the environmental impacts of a proposed Federal action will be significant, an Environmental Impact Statement is prepared.

• Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) - The EIS is prepared if a proposed action is determined to significantly affect the quality of the human environment. The regulatory requirements for an EIS are more detailed and rigorous than the requirements for an EA.

EA Exemption Link

Use of Prior Exemption, QEQC Rules

OEQC Guidance, 2012

Hawaii Environmental Review Process - Flowchart