The purpose of an Environmental Assessment (EA) or Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), is to incorporate environmental values into decision making by weighing the environmental impacts of proposed actions and considering alternatives to those actions.   An EIS includes a statement of purpose and need, a description of the affected environment, a range of alternatives, and an analysis of the impacts imposed by a project.  Once the EIS is finalized, a Record of Decision (ROD) is issued and recorded with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

For more information on NEPA and Environmental Impact Statements, please visit the NEPA website at the following address:http://www.epa.gov/compliance/nepa/

For more information on projects that have been assessed for environmental impacts under NEPA, including categorically excluded actions (CATEX), please contact the Planning and Environmental Stewardship Department at 215-937-6062.