§ 1794.34 - Proposals normally requiring an Environmental Assessment with scoping.

(a) There are certain actions which require the use of a scoping procedure in the development of an EA. After the scoping process is completed and an acceptable Environmental Analysis has been submitted by the Borrower, RUS will determine whether to prepare an EIS or finding of no significant impact (FONSI). The types of proposals falling within this category are:

(1) The construction of electric power lines and related facilities designed for or capable of operation at a nominal voltage of 230 kV or more (low side) where:

(i) More than 40 kilometers (24.85 miles) of power line are involved; or

(ii) Substations and switching stations require new physical disturbance or fencing involving a total of more than 2 hectares (4.94 acres) at any single site or more than 8 hectares (19.77 acres) for all sites.

(2) Construction of combustion turbines and diesel generators of 40 MW (nameplate rating) or more; and the construction of any other type of electric generating facilities of 5 or more MW but less than 40 MW (nameplate rating). All new associated facilities and electric power lines related to the subject generating project shall be covered in any EA or EIS prepared.

(b) Proposals of this type are subject to the requirements of §§ 1794.70 to 1794.73.