§ 6.108 - Criteria for initiating an EIS.

The responsible official shall assure that an EIS will be prepared and issued for actions under subparts E, G, H, and I when it is determined that any of the following conditions exist:

(a) The Federal action may significantly affect the pattern and type of land use (industrial, commercial, agricultural, recreational, residential) or growth and distribution of population;

(b) The effects resulting from any structure or facility constructed or operated under the proposed action may conflict with local, regional or State land use plans or policies;

(c) The proposed action may have significant adverse effects on wetlands, including indirect and cumulative effects, or any major part of a structure or facility constructed or operated under the proposed action may be located in wetlands;

(d) The proposed action may significantly affect threatened and endangered species or their habitats identified in the Department of the Interior's list, in accordance with § 6.302, or a State's list, or a structure or a facility constructed or operated under the proposed action may be located in the habitat;

(e) Implementation of the proposed action or plan may directly cause or induce changes that significantly:

(1) Displace population;

(2) Alter the character of existing residential areas;

(3) Adversely affect a floodplain; or

(4) Adversely affect significant amounts of important farmlands as defined in requirements in § 6.302(c), or agricultural operations on this land.

(f) The proposed action may, directly, indirectly or cumulatively have significant adverse effect on parklands, preserves, other public lands or areas of recognized scenic, recreational, archaeological, or historic value; or

(g) The Federal action may directly or through induced development have a significant adverse effect upon local ambient air quality, local ambient noise levels, surface water or groundwater quality or quantity, water supply, fish, shellfish, wildlife, and their natural habitats.